A Nest of Sparrows [Paperback]

Deborah Raney (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 22, 2004

His Fiancée Was the One Woman He’d Loved.
Her Children Are All He Has Left.

Reserved contractor Wade Sullivan never expected to fall in love with Starr Parnell or to love her three small kids as if they were his own. But that’s exactly what happened. As their wedding draws near, however, tragedy strikes–and Wade must put aside his own grief in order to help Starr’s children cope.

As Wade focuses his efforts on caring for the children, he discovers that their tender, young lives give tremendous meaning to his own broken one. Then Starr’s abusive ex-husband shows up to claim the offspring who barely remember him–and Wade prepares for the fight of his life.

Will Anyone Believe His Claim to Love the Children More than Their Father Loves Them?

A powerful novel of loss and discovery, courage and grace, A Nest of Sparrows masterfully illustrates one man’s struggle to know when to fight, when to let go, and when to simply wait.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this thoughtful novel by Raney (Beneath a Southern Sky), multifaceted characters and a fresh story line keep the pages turning. Wade Sullivan, an appealing contractor, is anticipating his wedding to the love of his life, the divorced Starr Parnell. Starr's three delightful young children will give Wade an instant family, and he's already "dad" in the kids' minds. When Starr dies unexpectedly, her abusive ex-husband, Darrin Parnell, shows up to collect the kids-and the insurance money. Wade discovers that his own claim on the children is tenuous. Worried about his abilities as a parent, he reflects that perhaps it is time to let go. As the story progresses, Raney intertwines poignant moments with genuine humor and refuses to make her characters one-dimensional: although Darrin is a character readers might love to hate, Raney shows that he does have glimmers of love for his estranged children. Raney also doesn't sugarcoat Wade's abilities as a stepfather, letting him make ignorant mistakes that would cause a seasoned parent to cringe. Although the novel is sound, some of the few missteps are a conversion scene (which, while poignant, is oh-too-expected in an evangelical Christian novel) and the rushed romance at the conclusion of the story. This is one of Raney's best novels, however, and an excellent read for lovers of CBA fiction.
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Review

“Deborah Raney is a skillful novelist who weaves a powerful story that stays with you. A Nest of Sparrows is heart-touching, authentic and credible, with characters you care about, who live and breathe inside you. Once you start, this story won’t let you go. You’ll be sorry when the book’s done, but take heart–there are other great Deb Raney books waiting for you!”
–Randy Alcorn, author of Deadline and Safely Home

“Deborah Raney’s A Nest of Sparrows is a moving testament to the power of love. If you are looking for a story about family, about restoration, about home–as well as a story that’s just plain engaging–this is it.”
–Ann Tatlock, award-winning author of All the Way Home

“What a tender and moving novel! A Nest of Sparrows is cute, funny, tragic and moving. Ultimately, it’s a story of love on all levels; the love between parents and children, the love between a man and a woman, and foremost between God and his children. I was drawn into the story of this book and left with the message.”
–Linda Hall, award-winning author of Steal Away and Chat Room

“We often read stories about a mother’s heart. Deborah Raney paints a vivid picture of a dad’s heart, better than any definition I’ve ever read. A Nest of Sparrows is a gripping portrayal of what family should be. An expertly crafted story with all the ingredients that make us laugh and cry——let go and let God.”
–Yvonne Lehman, author of 40 novels, including Coffee Rings

“This is a heartfelt story of one man’s struggle to keep the children he loves, and the faith that keeps him strong. Deborah Raney’s writing is always full of warmth and hope, and A Nest of Sparrows is no exception.”
–james scott bell, Christy Award winning author of Breach of Promise

“Wow–what an amazing, tender, touching story!  A Nest of Sparrows grabs your heart from the get-go, delivering wonderful characters and an emotionally gripping story you’ll love.  By far Raney’s best.  Highly recommended!  Do not miss this marvelous book.”
–Gayle Roper, author of Winter Winds, Autumn Dreams, Summer Shadows and Spring Rain

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (June 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578565782
• ISBN-13: 978-1578565788
• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 0.9 x 8.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,323,187 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I went from full-time stay-at-home mom for 20 years to pretty much full-time author. My passion is my family-my husband and I have been married for 37 years and have four kids, and four darling grandkids! But since, if a mom does her job right, she eventually puts herself OUT of a job, I'm delighted to have the privilege of working as a novelist. I absolutely love the writing life.

I've had a couple of non-fiction books published and contributed to some anthologies, as well as writing magazine articles. But my first love is fiction. I am at work on my 22nd novel, and just finished the third book in a new series for Howard/Simon & Schuster. A typical writing day begins early-often before 6 a.m.-with the business side of things: answering e-mail and reader mail, updating my Web site, reading for research. We're new empty-nesters so our routine is much quieter than it was when we had four kids at home. When my writing time begins, I have a routine that sets the stage, starting with lighting scented candles, choosing mood music on Pandora, and brewing a pot of coffee. Lately I've been enjoying coffee our son sent me from Germany. I have a cozy office that looks out over our front yard where I can watch for the UPS man and the mailman. But since I write on a laptop, I often take my computer to the kitchen counter or a chair by the fireplace, or, if the weather is nice, out on the deck where my feline friend keeps me company. I try to wrap up the day's words (usually 1000-1500 a day) by dinnertime.

Believe it or not, my first choice of activities for the evening is READING-a great novel, of course! As much as I enjoy the actual process of writing, I am an extrovert by nature, and doubt I'd last long in this business were it not for the company of several wonderful online writers' groups, the joy of connecting with other authors at retreats and conventions, and meeting aspiring writers when I teach at conferences around the country.

Probably the most exciting event in my writing life so far was when my first novel was made into a film by World Wide Pictures. Certainly a dream come true! I believe writing is a calling from God on my life-one I've felt since I was a twelve-year-old girl-and I feel blessed beyond words to have answered that call.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Hopeful Read, August 29, 2004

By 

Gayla Collins (Sheridan, WYOMING USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Nest of Sparrows (Paperback)

Deb Raney's books do not disappoint! Having read several, I dove into "Nest of Sparrows" without trepidation. I was wise as this is a very enjoyable, balanced, tale of Wade, a young man left with three children of his departed fiance's. Gladly he accepts them, though life is harried and crazed at the beginning. Just when they are all settling in a surprise visitor comes knocking.....the children's biological father! What ensues takes the reader through gambits of emotions as conversations, similes, adjectives, adverbs are so well written the pursuer cannot help but be affected. The infusion of Hope is paramount, making this read uplifting even though the premise is very deep. "Nest of Sparrows" combines all that is good about storytelling; reading this book is an experience you don't want to miss.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nest of Sparrows - Raney delivers again!, June 23, 2004

By 

Tamera Alexander "Tamera" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Nest of Sparrows (Paperback)

Deborah Raney has delivered again! Nest of Sparrows is a riveting yet tender read that explores an issue that is so prevalent today. From page one she captures your heart and takes you on a wonderful, memorable journey through the struggle of one man for the children that he loves. Raney's writing is flawless and she deals with sensitive issues in an authentic and credible way.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A story you won't be able to put down!, March 17, 2005

By 

R. Bayne "romance author" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A Nest of Sparrows (Paperback)

Just finished reading this one and wanted to post before I forgot -- all I can say is "Wow." What a heart warming story!! I highly recommend it--but bring a box of tissues. The story will suck you in and keep you turning the pages. Great job!!