A Time to Gather (Safe Harbor Series #2) [Paperback]

Sally John (Author), Gary Smalley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 7, 2008

Never before has a family so desperately needed to gather.

Just months ago they were on the brink of marital disaster, now Max and Claire Beaumont are blissfully planning their re-wedding ceremony. But gathering the support of their children has been tough. Instead, Max and Claire are watching their children suffer hidden heartache. One is missing her soldier husband, another is drinking way too much, and another steadfastly hides her pain away.

Claire has no choice but to fall to her knees in prayer.

She daily reminds herself that "God is good," something her beloved mother-in-law taught her to do. And starting fresh at the Hacienda Hideaway is perfect--there Claire and Max fortify their strength to rebuild the family.

Then, in the midst of this deeply personal journey, two strangers enter their world unexpectedly, changing all they knew and trusted about each other. Whether they embrace or reject these women will impact their family bond forever.

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1595544291
• ISBN-13: 978-1595544292
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,823 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Sally John is the best-selling author of more than fifteen novels, including the Safe Harbor series (coauthored with Gary Smalley), The Other Way Home series, The Beach House series, and In a Heartbeat series. A three-time finalist for the Christy Award, Sally writes contemporary stories that offer hope to readers in their own relational and faith journeys. She enjoys teaching writing workshops and spending time with her husband, adult children, and grandchildren. An Illinois native, Sally and her husband, Tim, live in southern California. Visit her Web site at www.sally-john.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Likestoread, October 12, 2008

By 

Aunt Rosie "happybooker" (dover, delaware) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Time to Gather (Safe Harbor Series #2) (Paperback)

This book begins where "A time to Mend" ends. Once again poor Max is held responsible for putting his job first instead of his family. Thankfully his realitionship with his wife Claire is healed and they plan the wedding they never had. This story will focus on Erik the egomanic newscaster and his mousy sister Lexi. I imagine the other two adult children will be featured in the next book. Erik is the most damaged of the four children as he self distructs. His life begins to unravel and his parents must use tough love to get him back on his feet. Max asks for forgiveness from all of his beloved children. Erik and Lexi are the least receptive in this book to Max. This book is really about Erik and Lexi and their abandmonent issues from Max. The book wants the reader to know how much a father's presence is valued and putting work before the family will cause damage in adulthood such as Erik and Lexi experienced. Erik is abandoned by his g/friend for another man and Lexi by a man she loves but does not want her. She falls for an unvailable man (dad was unvailable.) God sends someone different for Erik and Lexi. Also a surprise event that I expected. BTW, Max was abandoned as a child by his parents for his Saintly brother as well as Claire abandoned by both parents for being in their way. The beat goes on with abandonment issues.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read., January 6, 2012

By 

Jackie in MV, WA (U.S.A. May God Bless Our Nation Forever!) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Time to Gather (Safe Harbor Series #2) (Paperback)

The Safe Harbor Series did not disappoint. Sally John is an excellent author. Her collaboration with Gary Smalley brought to the forefront real-life issues weaved into this novel series. I loved #1 and #2 and am ordering Books #3 and #4 this week!

5.0 out of 5 stars Different from Kingsbury, but excellent!, January 18, 2010

By 

Natalinaa Lopez "Natalinaa" (South Jersey) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: A Time to Gather (Safe Harbor Series #2) (Paperback)

I am a huge Karen Kingsbury fan. I have pretty much read all of her books and was looking for a new Christian series to get into. Most Christian fiction books are set back in the day and I'm not really into that. I was browsing around amazon and came across this book. I saw that Gary Smalley also co-wrote this book and I absolutely LOVED the redemptions series.

Anyway, I found this book to be a really great read. I fell in love with the Beaumonts and really enjoyed the second part of the series. I like the fact that the focus was on Lexi this time, because she was definitely the most mysterious one. I think a lot of people can relate to her character. I also liked how the Beaumont family faced real problems - addiction, loneliness, etc. It's not a typical "everything goes right" story. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a good Christian read.