Every Good and Perfect Gift

by Sharon K. Souza

In the classic tradition of movies such as Beaches and Steel Magnolias, Every Good and Perfect Gift shares a heartwarming story of friendship that overcomes all odds. Filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between, Gabby and DeeDee’s journey will strike a chord with female readers of all ages.

Genres: Christian Fiction

375 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2007

About the author

I love writing contemporary women's fiction. I incorporate vital subjects (infertility, catastrophic illness, infidelity, extreme loss, etc) with enough humor to keep the story from becoming too heavy, as I believe the first job of fiction is to entertain. But I also want to make the reading of the story worthwhile. My novels always incorporate strong friendships -- the kind we all desire -- and explore the wonderful but complex relations between mothers and daughters.

Reviews

[Rebecca Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like stepping into my past (literally). The christian author, a very close friend of mine, sets the story in Lodi. IT is based on a true story or I should say I know waht experience motivated the author to write the book. An event that that I was witness too,
so it was even more moving to me. GOod book and it will make you cry, very moving.

[Debbie Stanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! This is the first book in a very long time that made me emotional when the story ended. It is definitely a story that gives you all the feels!

[Janna Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to get to read this book, it is what I would categorize as women's fiction and is Sharon's debut novel. Based on this book I am anxious to see what she will accomplish for her 2nd novel. "Every Good & Perfect Gift" is a great book that draws on real life experiences and deals with some heavy issues such as infertility, illness, friendship and faith. Sharon manages to take these heavy issues and infuse them with humor and feeling. It is not a usual thing for me to find a book that grabs me from the first paragraph and doesn't let me go until the last page (as I'm bawling). This book does that, and its not a mystery or a suspense - usually I think of women's fiction as being a slowly developing work in character development and a continuously, unraveling plot line - Sharon's book breaks that mold in the manner of jumping right in with both feet. You will meet Gabby and DeeDee and follow their path with them as they show that true friendship breaks all conventional stereotypes and is truly a blessing from God.

[Mylinda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well that was two hours I'll never get back. Poorly written and just stupid. The main two characters drop out of college and get married at 20. They are whiny, self-centered, and apparantly rich, since they don't have to work. Oh, and very very religious.

Then at 38 one decides to have kids. But she has trouble getting pregnant and goes to the one doctor in California who has never heard of infertility treatment. So after a couple of years of Robitussin (no I am not making this up) she gets pregnant. Then when the baby is 5 months old they take it to the ER because it is teething. (still not making this up) All of these crises require both friends and both spouses to drop everything and take part.

Then the woman gets early onset Alzheimers. So they ignore it for a couple of years and let her take care of the baby, even though she can't drive, remember peoples names or read. Other than that, nothing. Oh but they pray. A lot. Personally I would go for some Aricept.

Just a waste of paper and ink...

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book written about a David-and-Jonathan friendship between two women. Friendships are one of my favorite topics, but when I first started this book I wasn't sure I would like it, as one of the friends has an extremely strong personality and the other one seems to follow her like a puppy in some of the early flashbacks. But it is through the initiative of the headstrong DeeDee that God works in Gabby's life, too. This tackles two very hard issues - and knowing them in advance would only take away from the beauty of this story - so I will only say that I recommend this book for all women who have a special best friend. She is truly a gift from God to you!

[Myra Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of friendship between two women with shared interests but very different personalities made me long for such a close and lasting friendship of my own. Souza's way of blending the present story action with vignettes from the past helps paint a full, rich portrait of how these women's lives have intertwined. It's obvious by midway through the book that something isn't quite right with the more outgoing and headstrong DeeDee. But her friend Gabby never waivers in her support, even as DeeDee's devastating diagnosis is revealed. This touching story will keep you turning pages and hoping for the best, because even when it appears all hope is lost, faith and love prevail.

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sharon Souza is a great story teller! I don't normally ready womens fiction, I am usually more into the romantic suspense or just plain suspense, but I had a chance to review this book and I must admit that I really like it. Souza took a couple of hard topics and put them both in one book and made it seems as if she tackled it with ease. It's a great story of loving husbands, true friendship, heartaches and Sharon Souza did a great job.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Dee Dee and Gabby goes beyond friendship, beyond sisterhood, and beyond commitment. Everyone has a choice to love and go beyond love. When asked if you would give your life for your friend, death would be easy, but truly living for your friend takes on a whole new meaning. This story takes you on a journey of Dee Dee and Gabby from children into adulthood. What a magical friendship they share. If only we could all experience a Dee Dee or Gabby in our lives.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept hoping for something interesting to happen which never did. It really stretched the imagination that whatever, even the seemingly impossible, happened just because Dee Dee said it was going to be - even her announcement that she and Gabby would marry two particular young men.

I didn't like the way Gabby let Dee Dee just about run her life and plan things out for her as though Gabby didn't have a mind of her own.

I found myself skimming through parts.

[Tyra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I normally don't read Christian fiction but I didn't realize that this is what the book was when I picked it out of the library. The story intrigued me enough to keep reading. I know the book was supposed to be inspirational and draw on faith and it did that very well, but I personally would have liked a more nuanced story

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The back cover suggests that this book is about two friends, and one of them receives a devastating diagnosis. This didn't happen until the last 1/4 of the book. I became so attached to the characters, though, that I didn't even care. This book was fun, tragic, and (surprisingly) spiritual all at the same time. I haven't stopped thinking about it for days. I loved it.

[Jodi J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was humbled by this tale of true friendship. The core issues explored by this book are very intimidating, and potentially gloomy, but the author was somehow able to bring joy and inspiration into the story using the medium of love. WOW.

[Jana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another account of a young woman stricken with Alzheimer's disease. Not as gripping as Still Alice, but still an engaging read. Every Good and Perfect Gift chronicles the friendship of two Christian women from their pre-teens into their 40's.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author's writing style was a little tough on me, but i enjoyed the book. It was strange reading about places in Lodi in the book. What a great friendship

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorites! What a ending!

[Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story of sacrificial friendship and the onslaught of Alzheimer's. Nice humor interwoven into the story.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christian Fiction - if you don't have a child yet, it really helps you understand what your life is missing.

[Theletter12 · Rating 2 out of 5]

infertility - religion - sudden pregnant at 40 - early altztihmers

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming story of two best friends and the experiences they encounter together along the way. Not really a spoiler but it does have a very sad ending

[Rachel M · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me awhile to get into this one, but I am really glad that I stayed with it.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!!!! I love stories about friendships!!!!!

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice story about 2 best friends.
a lake read

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing story of friendship and faith in our God!