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After separating herself from the oppressive cult where she was raised, Mackenzie Soeurs has two dreams: to give her son Riley a better life than she had, and to live in peace, as far from the harsh God of her past as she can get. At least that was the plan until her son got hauled to jail for theft and she lost the mother she never truly understood. In the darkest moments of her life, Mac finds herself surrounded by a group of Christian women she can’t understand and a handsome man, willing to take her son under his wing.
Dane Cooper, Garfield’s former bad boy and groom left at the altar, can’t deny his initial attraction to Mackenzie. Neither can he resist the urge from God to mentor her delinquent son. How can he guard his battered heart and still give Riley the same second chance he was given?
When Jesse, Charley, Randy, and Alex signed up for Mac’s first fitness class, they were looking for someone to whip them into physical shape. What they found was a woman bound by a cruel history, suffering through a tragic present, and in desperate need of a friend…or four.
Dane Cooper, Garfield’s former bad boy and groom left at the altar, can’t deny his initial attraction to Mackenzie. Neither can he resist the urge from God to mentor her delinquent son. How can he guard his battered heart and still give Riley the same second chance he was given?
When Jesse, Charley, Randy, and Alex signed up for Mac’s first fitness class, they were looking for someone to whip them into physical shape. What they found was a woman bound by a cruel history, suffering through a tragic present, and in desperate need of a friend…or four.
Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2023
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About the author
Sharon Srock
44 books299 followersSmall-town Oklahoma and the friendships they produce are embedded in Sharon Srock’s heart. After spending her first fifteen years on the move, living in fourteen homes and attending thirteen schools, she landed in a tiny central Oklahoma community and made it her own. As someone who’s been blessed to be a part of the same hometown church for more than five decades, Sharon writes stories of hope built from her own unique perspective—stories that demonstrate a sisterhood formed not by blood but by heart, where ordinary women are able to do extraordinary things thanks to the friends who surround them and the faith that pulls them through. Sharon still lives in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, with her husband and three very large dogs. When she isn’t writing, she loves to read, cook, and travel. One of these days, she’s going to figure out how to do all three at the same time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 30, 2017
Honest review: I loved this book! My only problem with it was the name Mac! I kept thinking it was a guy. Mac comes out of a cult “the body” after her husband dies. The body teaches that men are dominant over women. The women have no rights and are subservient to their husbands. Mac gets out of this cult and opens her own spa. She meets the “crazy, fun, Christ-loving crew” and doesn’t know what to do with them. She is immediately accepted and loved by this group of Christian friends and they work on her trying to reach her with the gospel. Meanwhile her son and mother are causing problems. Her mom doesn’t want to live with her. She wants to be back with the people in the body. Her son-use to being the dominant starts having issues-stealing, getting in trouble. Mac doesn’t know what to do. In walks Dane. He is convicted that God wants him to mentor Riley-Macs son. Read more to see what happens...Great book! Thanks you Sharon for sharing this great book with me! Honest review. Clean reading!
April 25, 2019
Having read some of the Valley View series by the same author, I had high hopes for this one. Sadly too high.
What I liked: the story about someone who escapes from a cult and the adjustment back to 'normal' life and of the one who just can't. Not in depth analysis but enough revealed to realise it was a very manipulative and controlling environment. I likes that some of the other characters in Garfield from VV series are mentioned or 'seen' in passing (Callie, Karla, Steve and Terri) as I enjoyed those books so much. I liked that the people are genuinely Christian, not just on Sundays but in their daily lives-e.g. I love how they stop to pray, to ask God for wisdom and direction.
What I disliked: the book's timespan was less than a fortnight! That's a lot of incidents, drama and trauma to happen one after another (not counting leaving the cult)! It might have been better to have it spaced out til the school started back (about 4 months) to give space for the events to happen, relationships to form as trust builds, that Mac can see how her new friends live out their Christian faith over the days and weeks. And through sharing their lives and faith with her more naturally, THAT leads Mac to search out a God who is so far removed from what she had been led to believe. I kept wanting to slow down the action, to pace it out!
The scene where Mac leans across and kisses Dane - really can't see that happening from someone who has her background - a widow from an arranged marriage when she was 18, that had never dated another guy ever?
And Zane really hasn't moved on from his failed relationship for FIFTEEN years? Not even dated anyone in that time? I find that highly unrealistic.
Really, really didn't like how the women resorted to deception to 'get the guy' - what a terrible example to anyone, much less a new believer!
I might read Jessica's story because I am curious about her failed marriage but I haven't connected with the others, so feel no curiosity about them and unlikely to read the rest.
What I liked: the story about someone who escapes from a cult and the adjustment back to 'normal' life and of the one who just can't. Not in depth analysis but enough revealed to realise it was a very manipulative and controlling environment. I likes that some of the other characters in Garfield from VV series are mentioned or 'seen' in passing (Callie, Karla, Steve and Terri) as I enjoyed those books so much. I liked that the people are genuinely Christian, not just on Sundays but in their daily lives-e.g. I love how they stop to pray, to ask God for wisdom and direction.
What I disliked: the book's timespan was less than a fortnight! That's a lot of incidents, drama and trauma to happen one after another (not counting leaving the cult)! It might have been better to have it spaced out til the school started back (about 4 months) to give space for the events to happen, relationships to form as trust builds, that Mac can see how her new friends live out their Christian faith over the days and weeks. And through sharing their lives and faith with her more naturally, THAT leads Mac to search out a God who is so far removed from what she had been led to believe. I kept wanting to slow down the action, to pace it out!
The scene where Mac leans across and kisses Dane - really can't see that happening from someone who has her background - a widow from an arranged marriage when she was 18, that had never dated another guy ever?
And Zane really hasn't moved on from his failed relationship for FIFTEEN years? Not even dated anyone in that time? I find that highly unrealistic.
Really, really didn't like how the women resorted to deception to 'get the guy' - what a terrible example to anyone, much less a new believer!
I might read Jessica's story because I am curious about her failed marriage but I haven't connected with the others, so feel no curiosity about them and unlikely to read the rest.
June 22, 2019
3.5 stars for this novel about "sister friends" with a very strong gospel message. The book was well written and I enjoyed the dialogue and banter between the characters. While I struggled with the realistic-ness of both friendships and romantic relationships moving so quickly, I understood that it was for the betterment of the story. I would recommend to readers who enjoy a good faith-based book that includes new relationships.
October 29, 2023
New friends
Mac escaped from a cult several years earlier. There, she was brought up to believe that men were supposed to be treated as gods and women as trash. Her son was just as confused with their new world as she was. When he got in trouble with the law, one of the community men offered to take him under his wing. Dane's sister, Jesse, and her friends jumped in to offer their friendship. They introduced to her to Christ. At first, she was afraid of anything to do with religion. They showed her what love was by their example. Dane also taught her that women should be treated with respect.
Mac escaped from a cult several years earlier. There, she was brought up to believe that men were supposed to be treated as gods and women as trash. Her son was just as confused with their new world as she was. When he got in trouble with the law, one of the community men offered to take him under his wing. Dane's sister, Jesse, and her friends jumped in to offer their friendship. They introduced to her to Christ. At first, she was afraid of anything to do with religion. They showed her what love was by their example. Dane also taught her that women should be treated with respect.
November 3, 2016
Mac is the first installment fro the Sisters by Design series. MacKenzie had so much growing to do as a person and I enjoyed getting to know her and others of the town. The story is believable and full of faith and inspiration. Highly recommended.
5 plus stars.
5 plus stars.
October 29, 2016
MAC, written by Sharon Srock, is the first book of her Sisters by Design series.
What a read! Just loved how Srock weaves together this group of ladies from Garfield, OK...MAC is short for MacKenzie and she's come to Garfield just after leaving a cult. This cult was keen on men "lording" over women, women having no say in anything--not even having friendships, a very confining unbiblical way of life. MAC decides she wants to make something of her life by opening a spa for her future and the future of her son, Riley and her mother.
I loved how Srock built on this fictitious town in OK...even bringing in some of the Women of Valley View series ladies as cameos through this book...old friends from her other series. Srock introduces us to a group of "Sisters by Design" that go to church together, pray together, encourage each other and yes...they exercise in MAC's spa together...and readily gang up on MAC to be her friend. This group of young ladies makes you wish you could join up and have those ever ready friends in your neighborhood!
Besides showing this great friendship of these Christian young ladies, this book thoroughly and without question has the plan of salvation clearly explained throughout its pages and the joy of watching a character turn from a warped view of God and His Word to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. What a beautiful picture of salvation Srock has painted within these pages!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other books in this series!
I was given an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
What a read! Just loved how Srock weaves together this group of ladies from Garfield, OK...MAC is short for MacKenzie and she's come to Garfield just after leaving a cult. This cult was keen on men "lording" over women, women having no say in anything--not even having friendships, a very confining unbiblical way of life. MAC decides she wants to make something of her life by opening a spa for her future and the future of her son, Riley and her mother.
I loved how Srock built on this fictitious town in OK...even bringing in some of the Women of Valley View series ladies as cameos through this book...old friends from her other series. Srock introduces us to a group of "Sisters by Design" that go to church together, pray together, encourage each other and yes...they exercise in MAC's spa together...and readily gang up on MAC to be her friend. This group of young ladies makes you wish you could join up and have those ever ready friends in your neighborhood!
Besides showing this great friendship of these Christian young ladies, this book thoroughly and without question has the plan of salvation clearly explained throughout its pages and the joy of watching a character turn from a warped view of God and His Word to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. What a beautiful picture of salvation Srock has painted within these pages!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the other books in this series!
I was given an Advance Readers Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
April 6, 2020
My review today is on the Christian Romance, Mac. This is book one in the Sisters by Design Series; Ordinary Women ...Extraordinary Faith. I really liked this story. I found faith to be a large part of this book. It is well written and will touch your heart. Her characters are very believable.
Mackenzie Soeurs is a single mother. Her husband died three years ago. She had grown up in a cult; after her husband's death she goes to school, and takes her mother and son and leaves the body. She is now living in a small town, she owns a spa, and is trying to make it on her own. Her mother fights her in every way, her son is in and out of trouble, and she has no where to turn. In the body, women are considered property without rights, only saved by marriage. Religion is a real problem for her. She hires a handy man to clean her fish tank and then her adventures begin.
Dane Cooper, a strong Christian, is a handy man, a jack of all trades. He makes a good living and loves his life. He meets a beautiful woman but her son is in trouble. Can he help? A man stepped in and helped him as a teen, now he feels God is telling him to help the kid. The mother obviously needs help too but he will leave that to his sister and her friends. He doesn't want or need a relationship.
A journey of deprogramming Mac and her son and teaching them the truth. God has a plan for these three; a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life today.
Mackenzie Soeurs is a single mother. Her husband died three years ago. She had grown up in a cult; after her husband's death she goes to school, and takes her mother and son and leaves the body. She is now living in a small town, she owns a spa, and is trying to make it on her own. Her mother fights her in every way, her son is in and out of trouble, and she has no where to turn. In the body, women are considered property without rights, only saved by marriage. Religion is a real problem for her. She hires a handy man to clean her fish tank and then her adventures begin.
Dane Cooper, a strong Christian, is a handy man, a jack of all trades. He makes a good living and loves his life. He meets a beautiful woman but her son is in trouble. Can he help? A man stepped in and helped him as a teen, now he feels God is telling him to help the kid. The mother obviously needs help too but he will leave that to his sister and her friends. He doesn't want or need a relationship.
A journey of deprogramming Mac and her son and teaching them the truth. God has a plan for these three; a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him move in your life today.
July 31, 2017
Having read five of Sharon Srock's Christian fiction novels, I was thrilled when the author offered me a chance to review the audio book of Mac. I really enjoyed this story! Mac, recently widowed, grew up in a cult community, where she learned a false version of the Christian faith, and now she finds herself surrounded by true Christian women. They help her deal with some serious issues she's encountered. Dane, a former bad boy, comes to her aid when her son needs male guidance. Mac finds herself attracted to Dane, who is a strong Christian.
I've not read a story like this before, where the character has left a cult and is trying to understand true Christianity. It opened my eyes to the reality of false teachings and the sad fact people are misguided, unbeknownst to them. The women in this story are wonderful examples, who take Mac into their circle, rather than judge her. Mac's journey to faith is full of hope and promise. The sparks between her and Dane made my heart skip a beat! Ms. Srock doesn't leave out humor, either, in spite of the serious subject matter.
If you like Christian women's fiction series, check out Sharon Srock's series! I promise you'll get attached to these women!
I've not read a story like this before, where the character has left a cult and is trying to understand true Christianity. It opened my eyes to the reality of false teachings and the sad fact people are misguided, unbeknownst to them. The women in this story are wonderful examples, who take Mac into their circle, rather than judge her. Mac's journey to faith is full of hope and promise. The sparks between her and Dane made my heart skip a beat! Ms. Srock doesn't leave out humor, either, in spite of the serious subject matter.
If you like Christian women's fiction series, check out Sharon Srock's series! I promise you'll get attached to these women!
March 23, 2020
Uplifting witness to Christian friendships
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. A young widow drags her son and her mother out of a cult that is teaching ungodly principles masked as godly. Her mother, who is ill, is so indoctrinated that she refuses to even talk to her daughter, and her son treats his mother as tnough she was his personal slave. Although Mackenzie, better known as Mac, knows she has done the right thing for her fami!y, it is hard going in a new town with a new job and no one to help. She is discouraged, but GOD has plans...boy, does He have plans!
I got tnis book in a mass giveaway. I am so thankful I picked it up. Ms Srock has nailed the joy of GOO's Word to these pages. Looking from the prospective of Mac, who was also in that cult, it is no wonder she distrusted what she heard and saw from her new protegees in her fitness salon. How could she trust anything after what she'd been indoctrinated into? Thank you for a fantastic book, Ms Srock. You have an excellent mastery of telling of His love through your writing. And now I see this is the first of six in the series! Guess what is in my shopping cart?
If I could give this book 10 stars, I would. A young widow drags her son and her mother out of a cult that is teaching ungodly principles masked as godly. Her mother, who is ill, is so indoctrinated that she refuses to even talk to her daughter, and her son treats his mother as tnough she was his personal slave. Although Mackenzie, better known as Mac, knows she has done the right thing for her fami!y, it is hard going in a new town with a new job and no one to help. She is discouraged, but GOD has plans...boy, does He have plans!
I got tnis book in a mass giveaway. I am so thankful I picked it up. Ms Srock has nailed the joy of GOO's Word to these pages. Looking from the prospective of Mac, who was also in that cult, it is no wonder she distrusted what she heard and saw from her new protegees in her fitness salon. How could she trust anything after what she'd been indoctrinated into? Thank you for a fantastic book, Ms Srock. You have an excellent mastery of telling of His love through your writing. And now I see this is the first of six in the series! Guess what is in my shopping cart?
November 21, 2017
Mac by Sharon Srock
Mackenzie Soeurs, Mac to her friends, is adjusting to life in a new town. She is far from the life in the religious community where she grew up. She will do anything to help her mother and son, Riley, find happiness in their new environment. Anything except embrace a new religion that could be as confining and restrictive as the one she left behind. Can the new students in her exercise class and the local handyman help her find the freedom she craves? But what about her mom and Riley? Can they find peace and acceptance as well?
Sharon Srock has written another totally engrossing tale of characters looking for a better life, and the challenges they face as they do so. This story is full of love and friendship that shows just what life can hold when people work together for the good of all involved.
(I received a free copy of the book from the author.)
November 23, 2018
I really enjoyed the beginning of this story and loved that Mackenzie (Mac) and Riley got away from 'The Body' that was strangling them with such ridiculous beliefs in the name of religion. Mac's son, Riley, is an interesting teenager and the problems he got himself into were certainly typical of a teenage boy forced into a new town, a new school and new environment, having to face the unknown. The best part of the story was really the parts that involved Riley and how the overall community, and especially Dane, rallied to help him get on his feet and turn his life around. I sympathized with Mac as she tried to make a new living for herself with an angry, arrogant mother and a rebellious son; however, I found 'the sister group' rather unbelievable and I didn't like how the story ended. The ending just didn't strike me as something that mature, adult women would do, and overall I found the plan and the wording rather corny.
I read the story 'Callie' by this author and loved it, and I do look forward to reading more by this author, Sharon Srock.
I read the story 'Callie' by this author and loved it, and I do look forward to reading more by this author, Sharon Srock.
October 8, 2021
I enjoyed this sweet love story about a widowed mother of a teenage son who leaves the cult community where she was raised when her husband dies and sets out to make a new life for herself and her son in mainstream America.
It's well written and engaging, dealing with the kinds of challenges that plague so many American families. The hero is a strong, sensitive type and a convincing mentor for the troubled teenage son. The heroine is strong and smart but badly lacking in confidence after a lifetime in a chauvinistic and repressive religious community, and watching her grow as she finds her way in her new life is heartwarming.
This IS a Christian story and the characters relationship with their faith is a critical part of the story, and that's fine, but I did find the talking God element a bit over the top. On the other hand, in a world of literature where the devil wears designer clothes and the old gods regularly come down from Valhalla and Olympus to meddle in the love of ordinary mortals, a Christian God who actually talks to people really isn't all that strange.
It's well written and engaging, dealing with the kinds of challenges that plague so many American families. The hero is a strong, sensitive type and a convincing mentor for the troubled teenage son. The heroine is strong and smart but badly lacking in confidence after a lifetime in a chauvinistic and repressive religious community, and watching her grow as she finds her way in her new life is heartwarming.
This IS a Christian story and the characters relationship with their faith is a critical part of the story, and that's fine, but I did find the talking God element a bit over the top. On the other hand, in a world of literature where the devil wears designer clothes and the old gods regularly come down from Valhalla and Olympus to meddle in the love of ordinary mortals, a Christian God who actually talks to people really isn't all that strange.
July 31, 2017
I loved this story!! Mac, short for Mackenzie, has escaped the cult group known as The Body. She is now an independent business owner responsible for her son and mother. However acclimating to the outside world is a challenge. Her son Riley appears to be in trouble at every turn. Her mother is extremely unhappy and has no hesitation letting Mac know. What Mac needs is friends and a new understanding of Christ's love. In this wonderful story of forgiveness, faith and understanding Sharon's Srock has again helped me gain a closer walk with Christ. Friendship, family and church is what this book is about. I love how Srock uses scriptures to help someone understand a situation. I wish I had her ability to apply scriptures to everyday life. It seems so simple. Srock's stories are almost as good as a devotional! Again I did not enjoy the narrator. Her reading has a strange lilt that sounds automatic and robotic.I received a free audible version of this book for an honest review.
November 9, 2019
I downloaded this for my wife because she finished Women of Valley View and of course, I picked it up when she was finished so Goodreads says I've read it twice. Yes, my wife is on my Kindle account. We both enjoyed the book and the introduction of a new cadre of sisters (same town, different church but the stories seem to continue). What I said about the last series continues to be true: Well written, well-developed characters and situations. I just got material my next Daily Service post on my blog. I also love that the author is clear when God is talking. I also notice the reality check that we don't always listen, even when the still small voice becomes strident. Thank you Sharon for another great story and a kickoff for another great series. Yes, I'm heading for Amazon next to buy the next book.
March 15, 2025
I thoroughly loved this book with the group of friends like sisters and them embracing Mac into their group. It is great reminder of the beauty of women friendships, especially those that are like family. It highlights how we are meant to do life together and the beauty of instead of judging, leaning in to understand where others are coming from and to encourage them. I also liked the books theme of freedom coming through Gods Word and how important it is to read the Bible for ourselves instead of letting others tell us what God says. In this story it’s important because of brainwashing from a cult. And then what’s not to love adding in a little romance too. Highly recommend
June 30, 2017
I enjoyed the other books by this author and was excited to pick this one up when I saw the subject matter. I felt it was cut a little short and while she did capture some of the essence of cult living, which I was totally grateful for, I was left wanting a little more.
I think it could have been experienced a bit more by the readers than told so much to them. I appreciated the subject matter and am thrilled to see someone tackle such a hard topic as leaving cults and coming back to church as well as male dominance.
I think it could have been experienced a bit more by the readers than told so much to them. I appreciated the subject matter and am thrilled to see someone tackle such a hard topic as leaving cults and coming back to church as well as male dominance.
January 16, 2018
Sharon Srock always writes touching stories and has done so again! Mac is one of my favorites by her! Mackenzie is a strong, well-written leading female character. Dane is a strong male protagonist! Mac is a widow who has escaped from a controlling religious cult with her teenage son and mother. Mac has never been allowed to have a female friend and expects to be treated like a slave by males. When group of Christian ladies adopt Mac, she doesn't know what to think. You will enjoy this contemporary story. I received my e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
August 19, 2018
"I just wanted to have a friend". There is no sadder or lonelier phrase for children or adults alike. Such is the desire of Mac and her teen-aged son, Riley.
Mac and Riley have left a religious order called The Body. After the restrictive environment they lived in, they are taken by surprise by the genuine friendship offered them.
I really like how Sharon Srock weaves the gospel message into this story.
I was given an e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. The views expressed are my own
Mac and Riley have left a religious order called The Body. After the restrictive environment they lived in, they are taken by surprise by the genuine friendship offered them.
I really like how Sharon Srock weaves the gospel message into this story.
I was given an e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. The views expressed are my own
September 3, 2021
What is in the Bible?
Mac grew up in a cult and women were were only good for cooking and taking care of the home. Her parents picked out her husband and she married at the age of eighteen. She had a son, Riley. When her husband died, Mac took Riley and her mother and left town. In her new town things were so different from what she had learned in that cult. She made friends with four ladies and learned she had been lied to about what the Bible said. Will she be able to trust these ladies or will what she had always been told was the truth?
Mac grew up in a cult and women were were only good for cooking and taking care of the home. Her parents picked out her husband and she married at the age of eighteen. She had a son, Riley. When her husband died, Mac took Riley and her mother and left town. In her new town things were so different from what she had learned in that cult. She made friends with four ladies and learned she had been lied to about what the Bible said. Will she be able to trust these ladies or will what she had always been told was the truth?
November 29, 2017
I really enjoyed the basic story in this book. I really appreciated and was challenged by the way the four women in the story showed God's love to Mac as she tried to learn what friendship and true love were, although she was fighting against God all the way. However, I didn't appreciate the coupling of cultic extremism with women wearing long dresses. I am looking forward, however, to reading more books in this series!
June 8, 2019
Mac is very busy trying to build a new life for her & her son. Love how they are accepted & pulled into friendship with others who can help them learn & grow. This is the beginning of a new series & I want to get to know each of these friends better. I was quickly pulled into the story & wanted to just keep reading. We get to know the characters well as each doesn't just talk about their faith but live it as well.
June 18, 2019
Good reading
Like all this writer's books, this is more than a simple love story. It looks deeper into womanhood, the problems, needs and longings of every woman. Place her in unusual sircumstances and give her unusual challenges and see how she finds her way through. Handled by this writer is a very satisfactory way.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes books about the multidimensional worlds of womanhood.
Like all this writer's books, this is more than a simple love story. It looks deeper into womanhood, the problems, needs and longings of every woman. Place her in unusual sircumstances and give her unusual challenges and see how she finds her way through. Handled by this writer is a very satisfactory way.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes books about the multidimensional worlds of womanhood.
March 16, 2023
Quick read, wonderful story
Mac came out of a cult and landed in Garfield with a teen-age son and her mom. Teen gets in trouble and Mac meets 4 friends at her exercise class. Dane, the new handy man for the fitness club, comes by to clean the fish tank, and the story continues. Friendships, faith and love follow! Mac and her son grow in the their relationship during the book and friendships abound. This book went quickly, but I really enjoyed it!!
Mac came out of a cult and landed in Garfield with a teen-age son and her mom. Teen gets in trouble and Mac meets 4 friends at her exercise class. Dane, the new handy man for the fitness club, comes by to clean the fish tank, and the story continues. Friendships, faith and love follow! Mac and her son grow in the their relationship during the book and friendships abound. This book went quickly, but I really enjoyed it!!
March 17, 2023
Mac came out of a cult and landed in Garfield with a teen-age son and her mom. Teen gets in trouble and Mac meets 4 friends at her exercise class. Dane, the new handy man for the fitness club, comes by to clean the fish tank, and the story continues. Friendships, faith and love follow! Mac and her son grow in the their relationship during the book and friendships abound. This book went quickly, but I really enjoyed it!!
August 21, 2023
This story is of a mother (mac) and son (Riley) who have left a occult type, calle "The Body",
along with Mac's mother (who moved in protest).
Mac is trying to start over and to be free from the rules of The Body.
Mac meets four ladies that want to be her friend.
Riley gets into some trouble when is gets involved with Race and his hoodlums. They
blackmail Riley with pictures and want money.
Mac intercedes and mentors Riley.
What does the future hold for Mac and Riley?
along with Mac's mother (who moved in protest).
Mac is trying to start over and to be free from the rules of The Body.
Mac meets four ladies that want to be her friend.
Riley gets into some trouble when is gets involved with Race and his hoodlums. They
blackmail Riley with pictures and want money.
Mac intercedes and mentors Riley.
What does the future hold for Mac and Riley?
November 19, 2017
This is a good look at how what we believe can be seen by someone raised differently. Mac was raised in a very different culture, even though it was in the United States.
She has issues to overcome, and a teenager that is causing. This book shows how to speak to someone and be gentle with how they believe.
She has issues to overcome, and a teenager that is causing. This book shows how to speak to someone and be gentle with how they believe.
March 26, 2018
Well worth reading
This was one of those rare books with interesting "ordinary" characters--no billionaires, no foreign princes(ses), no CEOs-- in everyday situations where no one does anything remarkable or remarkably stupid, but you (or at leaat I) was totally caught up in the story, liked the characters, and was sorry when itvwas finished.
This was one of those rare books with interesting "ordinary" characters--no billionaires, no foreign princes(ses), no CEOs-- in everyday situations where no one does anything remarkable or remarkably stupid, but you (or at leaat I) was totally caught up in the story, liked the characters, and was sorry when itvwas finished.
June 9, 2018
Brainwashed into believing the false, her life an exercise in despair yet she is clawing her way out of the pit! Despite the overwhelming odds she takes every new step into the unknown with the understanding that she has to save herself, her mother and her son.
Then through God's infinite mercy, some one reaches out to her in compassion ....and life changes!!
Then through God's infinite mercy, some one reaches out to her in compassion ....and life changes!!
July 19, 2018
Quick read
I understand ex cult brainwashing. I understand her new friends wanting her to find a meaningful relationship with Jesus. It seemed like her new non cult friends were pushing both the Bible and Jesus on her a little too hard and quick considering her whole background. I don't think I am going to read the rest of the series.
I understand ex cult brainwashing. I understand her new friends wanting her to find a meaningful relationship with Jesus. It seemed like her new non cult friends were pushing both the Bible and Jesus on her a little too hard and quick considering her whole background. I don't think I am going to read the rest of the series.
March 3, 2019
Love the story of Mac, and how God put Jesse, Randy, Alex, Charley and Dane in her life to help her realize that God is a loving God. And that you have to read the bible for yourself and that prayer works. Ask God for understanding and He will open your eyes.
Can't wait to read Randy's story next.
Can't wait to read Randy's story next.
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