Sarah's Choice

by Rebecca St. James, Nancy N. Rue

Only one thing stands in the way of Sarah's success . . . her unborn baby.

Sarah Collins is about to receive a promotion that will give her everything she's ever wanted: a huge pay increase, a new car, a fabulous apartment, and first-class travel.

But then she discovers she's pregnant. And while she "thinks "she loves her boyfriend, Matt, she isn't sure he's mature enough to be a responsible father. And the job she's pursuing is open only because the previous employee is out on maternity leave. She'd never be able to handle the travel as a single mom.

Torn between advice from her coworkers, the adamant insistence of her mother and sister that she keep the baby, her insecurity about her relationship with Matt, and the void where her father should be, Sarah has no idea how to make this decision.

A Christmas card from a mysterious old woman is the catalyst for three visions of her future--and may just be the miracle she needs. But can she trust the visions? Are they the yearnings of a conflicted heart? Or are they true visions from the God she thought had turned his back on her?

For every woman who has made painful decisions, "Sarah's Choice "offers comfort, wisdom, and hope.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2014

About the author

Rebecca St. James, an Australian-born Christian recording artist, is both a Grammy Award winner and a multiple Dove Award recipient. She is also the bestselling author of Wait for Me, SHE Teen, and What is He Thinking. In addition, St. James has appeared in the film Sarah's Choice and lent her voice to VeggieTales' An Easter Story. www.rsjames.com

Reviews

[Isabelle | Nine Tale Vixen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ew. Completely contradictory messages: "It's your choice/responsibility"; "God loves you no matter what"; "ABORTION IS WRONG." The only redeeming point was Audrey's character - I want a friend like her.

[Corey · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was awful.

Have you ever said to yourself "what if A Christmas Carol was anti-choice fundamentalist propaganda"? No? Too bad! That's what this book is. Waste of time and every character is insufferable

[Rachel Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not yet seen this movie. I've been wanting to for years, just never have. I've heard it really isn't the best movie ever (or, honestly, that good) but let's face it. Inspirational movies always get the short end of the stick when it comes to quality movies. So when I saw that they made a book adaptation of it, I decided to pick it up. (Although, 5 years later? What?)

Story-wise, this book wasn't bad, necessarily. It bordered a bit on boring, though. I know that books that are made off movies are usually more true to script (at least, than book-to-movies are). This seemed like it might have been word-for-word based off the script, and honestly, I could only see how this would play out on screen. I do think the movie might be a little better. At least, not as boring, since it was made for that.

The writing didn't suck me in. Although Sarah, our MC, does grow or change a lot, I just didn't feel it. I don't know if I was supposed to feel any emotional ties to any of our characters, but I couldn't really connect to them. I did like Sarah, and admire her strength. Sure, I got frustrated with her a lot, but you could see where she was coming from, and you could see her growth, both spiritually and emotionally. I loved Matt, and how he developed as a character. Although I will admit, some of that growth seemed to come out of nowhere, and wasn't really explained.

The plot was enough to keep me interested, but not enough that I couldn't tear my eyes away. And the spiritual aspect, while there, just really didn't pack a punch. This should have been a message that really resonated with readers, but I found that I just didn't really feel anything.

All in all, this probably made a better movie. I would still like to see it, to see how it compares, if they changed anything, how this book holds up to the movie. But, I didn't feel like this made a great book adaptation. The things that would have been great in movie format are not the same things that work great in book format, and I think this is one that should just have been left alone.

I received an eARC from the publisher, this did not affect my honest opinion.
This review first appears on The NerdHerd Reads

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sure, choosing to have a baby is good. But abortion can be good for someone else. This was just anti-choice religious propoganda. 95% of people who have abortions do not regret them. And that is fine. It is equally fine as having a baby.

[Lizzi Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Very well written with relatable characters. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a quick, somewhat relatable read.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story! It took me a little while to get into it but once I did I couldn’t put it down. It’s well written and the characters were very likable. A little predictable at times but still kept my interest. I wish more women would read this book. Such a hot topic right now but would give some perspective that might open eyes to the reality of the choices they’re facing.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book's overall theme was prolife, of course, but the more powerful part was the culture in Sarah's workplace. It was so punishing towards women, especially those balancing work and family, that I was waiting for someone to ride in on a white horse and deal with that. Nope, I was disappointed.

[Joy Horsman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept checking how much was left in the book on my reader bc I didn't want it to end!

[Pink Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking book, which made me appreciate all the more the wonderful blessings God have me.

[Tanya · Rating 1 out of 5]

This whole book is religious pro-life propaganda. I would rate this book 0 if I could.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book!

[Elsie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH my Christian God loving heart! This book is so refreshing! I love books about coming to God or coming back to God.

[Kareh Wiser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah’s Choice by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue is not only an entertaining novel, but moves beyond mere fictional enjoyment into the sensitive subject of a woman’s ability to chose life or death for her unborn child.

Sarah’s Choice by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue is a thought provoking and compassionate look at one woman’s journey through the emotions of an unplanned pregnancy. As the world of the main character, Sarah is unveiled; the reader gets a peek into her life both past, present and future. She is a hardworking executive with lots of plans for corporate ladder advancement, all of which would be ruined in her mind if she is to become an unwed mother. Her perspective on life and love are formulated by those in her immediate surroundings and she is beyond confusion as to what path she should take.

The book does an excellent job of placing the reader within Sarah’s mind and experiencing the anguish of a decision with such enormous implications. If she chooses to keep the child, her ability to meet the goals she has established for her career will certainly be in jeopardy, not to mention the inability to pay off many mounting debts. There is also an underlying fear that Sarah will not be a fit mother to the child due to her inexperience as a caretaker. And, of course, there is also the father to consider. Will he want the child and if so, what will his role be in all of it? If Sarah chooses to have an abortion, she is uncertain that she will be able to live with that decision knowing that she has killed her unborn child.

Ultimately, the conclusion of this book provides empowerment and a plan of action that will not only guide this particular decision, but will steer the course of a life forever. After reading this novel, I have a much greater level of compassion for anyone facing the dilemma of an unplanned pregnancy, as well as a deeper level of understanding of the possible daily grief that one lives with if they have already chosen to abort their child.

The character development in this book is phenomenal! There is humor, suspense, drama, and many extra surprises along the way. This was an excellent book! It is well worth your time to read it and to contemplate the staggering statistics on the rate of abortion in this country. This novel truly sheds light on the sanctity of life.

Thank you to BookLook Bloggers and Thomas Nelson Publishing for this complimentary review copy of Sarah’s Choice by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue. I was not required to give a favorable review. The opinions within this review are my own.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw a novel called Sarah’s Choice on Netgalley, I was intrigued! I thought it sounded like a fascinating novel and I liked the idea of the whole three different scenario parts – and I wondered how the authors Rebecca and Nancy would make it work. It sort of reminded me of If You’re Not The One by Jemma Forte where you could see an alternate universe (or alternate life, if you will). I downloaded it to my kindle and was quite excited to read it, although I did have a bit of a moment when I spotted some religious bits at the front. I started it anyway, hoping I had mis seen.

Sarah’s Choice was an interesting novel. I wanted to really really like it, as the narrative voice was strong and I liked Sarah as a character – she was forthright from the start and I could understand her confusion and hesitation when she finds out she’s pregnant and realises it will mess with her promotion plans. I could tell the decision over whether to keep her baby or not was a tough one and for the most part, I enjoyed her journey, but there was a bit but for me. A big red flag.

See, I’m not religious in the slightest. I don’t know how I feel about god, it isn’t something I think about, it isn’t something I generally believe in, although I am able to accept that people do believe in and talk to god and that is cool – for them. It’s their prerogative, but it’s not something I want to read about. And, sadly, despite not knowing better, Sarah’s Choice is filled with religion. It’s wasn’t overly religious, and it wasn’t so bad I stopped reading, it just wasn’t my cup of tea and if I had known before hand I’ll hold my hands up and say I wouldn’t have read the book. Because it just isn’t for me, it’s that simple.

But, I did enjoy the novel. Yes, I found Sarah’s mother Agnes rather overbearing with her over reliance on god, and I did wish religion didn’t have to come into a matter about whether or not to keep a baby, but I can appreciate that that’s how it was for Sarah and her family. I’m not swayed or anything, but I enjoyed the book for what it’s worth. The ending was a tad much for me – because I’m not a believer really, but apart from that it wasn’t so bad. The writing was great, and I very much enjoyed Sarah’s friendship with the lovely Audrey. It was definitely an interesting read, but do be aware that religion is featured if it’s not your thing – although, it isn’t my thing and I actually liked the novel, so who knows? It’s good to know I can appreciate a novel that I wouldn’t normally consider, period.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah is next in line for a promotion that will end all her financial woes. She will finally have the money to pay her father’s medical bills, back rent and buy a much needed car…since Buzz seems to be operating on his last cylinder. There is only one major problem…..she is pregnant, not married and definitely not sure if she can be a mother and travel for her job….IF she gets the promotion. Sarah is faced with tough decisions and conflicting advice from her coworkers and her mother. On top of all that she is not sure her boyfriend Matt loves her, or is even mature enough to deal with being a husband, much less a father. When she goes to the clinic she is approached by an elderly lady who gives her a Christmas card who tells her she will have three dreams about her future. She throws the card away, but finds it showing up again, she tears in pieces only to find it whole on her car seat…the dreams begin, but since her father’s death she is not having anything to do with God and isn’t sure where to turn. Will Sarah be able to make the right decision for herself and the baby and not let people influence her to do otherwise? That is the question that will be answered as you turn the pages of “Sarah’s Choice”.

I wasn’t sure what I expected when I chose to read this book, however from the get-go it was a book well worth reading. I felt Sarah’s struggle in trying to please everyone in her life, yet not knowing if she was making the right decision. This book is filled with struggle, hope and forgiveness. If anyone is dealing with or has had to deal with the decision of having an abortion, giving a child up for adoption or keeping your child, not knowing if you can afford the proper support this is a book that will give you hope and hopefully enable you to restore your faith in God and find forgiveness.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this Book by the publisher, Thomas Nelson, through Book Look Blogger program for review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Bèbè ✦ RANT ✦ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ohh Sarah Collins! Beautiful & on her way to a huge promotion, she is finally getting that break that she needs to get out of the financial hole that she's in. But then she starts getting sick and finds out that she's now pregnant and everything that she worked for so hard has to disappear. Unless she makes a choice whether to have this baby or have an abortion.

Sarah's boyfriend Matt still acts as if he was fifteen years old and never had a plan for the future. But Sarah's pregnancy is like a huge reality check & while she's making a choice, Matt has to go his own emotions and fears to finally understand that he needs to do the right thing.

When Sarah gets a weird Christmas card from a strange lady, she doesn't give it much thought but after her first vision, she knows that it's God speaking to her, to guide her towards the right direction. Three visions that will show her what her life might be with her unborn baby and what life will be if she ends human's life. Throughout the book we see Sarah's growth and her relationships with other people. Having family on her side & still feeling the loss of her father is very raw and emotional and makes the reader feel it as well.

I loved Sarah's Choice. Period. Although I thought it was a little slow in the beginning and everything was about babies, story had an amazing plot & I loved all the characters. Sarah's and Audrey's conversations were definitely my favorite. Sarah opened up and told stories about her father which made me bond to her more. This was very emotional story for me and definitely made me cry few times. Absolutely amazing writing! Loved it!



I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program in exchange for an honest review. This did not influence my opinion in any way.

[Bethany Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really good but I think I liked the Merciful Scar, these 2 authors other book that I have read, just a little bit better but this one was a great book as well.

This book is about a woman named Sarah who is working hard to get this one promotion in her job, she works at an advertisement business, she has had help from one person in a higher position than her to be able to get this promotion. That is until she finds out that she is pregnant. Now she has to decide what she is going to so about it. It doesnt help when you have your co-workers telling you to do one thing and your family and boyfriend telling you another but ultimately she is the one who has to make a choice.

I really liked how she really had a difficult choice and it was a hard thing to do because she had to figure out what she was going to do with her job, her pregnancy and her faith in a God that she thought to have left her.

The co-workers choice for her was wrong in the way that their thinking was horrible and wanted her to think only of the promotion. While her family and boyfriend are wanting her to think about the child. The pressure of the decision is hard but she has to make the right one even though she may disappoint a group of people.

Sarahs boyfriend really grows as a character, going from silly not caring much that he could lose his job because of his antics to becoming more responsible for the child that Sarah is carrying. He realizes at that point that he has to find a way to be able to support them as a family and help Sarah in her choice with the child.

It was a great read overall and I love these authors stories they are heart warming and just amazing reads.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah's Choice by Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue is a modern day story about something that many young women have to face: an unexpected pregnancy and falling away from God when He doesn't do what we want. While it is a fiction book it is interesting reading from the woman's point of view her thoughts and feelings as she thinks about abortion or keeping the baby.

Even with the deep subject matter it was an easy read and I finished it in just one weekend. One thing I didn't like about the book was the "Ebenezer Scrooge" aspect of the book...Sarah has three visions in the book and while the first two seemed somewhat realistic the third left me wondering why the book had to turn so far-fetched. It tuned the story upside down and made things less realistic. I think it makes a young girl/woman in this exact situation not relate so much to the book anymore. The mother of Sarah also came across as weak and preachy and not very likeable. I'm not sure if that was the intent of the authors or not.

Regardless of that, it was a book that brings up a tough subject in a not-too-deep type of way. The fact that she contemplates abortion in a Christian book brings the subject to light and it also brings to light women who have had abortions without being too judgmental. I feel this book was written with love for any woman facing an unplanned pregnancy.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written for the reader to walk to the painful decision making process that a young woman might go through in facing an unplanned pregnancy. Sarah had everything to lose in getting pregnant. The authors do a unique job of intwining a sort of Christmas Carol like event with three visions, of the future with Sarah’s choices before her. I thought it was a very different way to tell the story, and in searching out Sarah’s choice, you may do some of your own soul searching too. You might see yourself in Sarah’s mom…the woman that struggled with her daughter going away from church, not visiting and now telling you her struggles, maybe you don’t respond well.

I would be able to see many Christian mothers relating to a different person, other than Sarah, while some younger women may find themselves relating to someone else.

This book was a very touching story, heart wrenching in parts, but overall, it will leave you thinking and wondering what you can do to support someone you might know, that could be in that situation.

Since this book does contain the topic of abortion, it might be one that you would want to pre-read before your teens read it, but it is a topic that you would want to read and discuss with them.

This book was given to me for review by BookLook Bloggers. The opinions contained herein are my own.

[ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not an unusual story I suspect. This can happen to anyone in real life.

You have money worries, your rent is in arrears, you hide bills because you can't afford to pay them. The she gets a job.

The person she is filling in for is out on Maternity leave.

She finds she's in the running for a step up the lady, but how ironic! She has now found herself pregnant. Unmarried, has a boyfriend of course, but he's not mature. Is he Father material? she doubts it.

One day at the clinic she is given a card from an old lady, she rips it up, only for the card to keep reappearing in the most unlikely places. What is its message.

Should she keep the baby? Can she manage travelling with the baby and her job?

In amongst all of this her Father gets taken ill and passes.

I found this a very gripping read. It had me turning page after page.


I received my copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via Net Galley. That in no way persuades me to write favourable reviews, this is my honest account of how I felt about the book I have just read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca St. James and Nancy Rue are two people I really wouldn't mind meeting one day. These two women writing together has created two wonderful books, this being the second. I really loved this book for so many reasons. I had really high expectations and I would say they were met. The characters are likeable and easy to relate with. The humor is evident, even though the overall storyline is a deep thinker. I liked how God is not written as a horrible man who judges, but that it's the people who think they know better that judge. I enjoyed how realistic the story was with Sarah's thoughts and reaction to finding herself pregnant. I admit the parts with her mother were more challenging for me to read.

This book has a great flow to it and takes a normal life experience and brings Christ right to the center of things.

This book talks about abortion, pregnancy, and other personal and sometimes difficult/controversial topics. This is not a light read and I could not put it down!

"I received this book from BookLook for free in exchange for an honest review."

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I read widely, this book is outside of the type of book I normally read. It's good to read something different, expand reading horizons, never know what may pop up. It ended up with a pile of books from last year's library conference haul. Still, I was going to skip this one, because I thought I knew what it would be about. I was right. The book is highly predictable. There was never any true conflict even though the story was all about a decision. That decision was never doubted by this reader. There were a few good parts in the story, like Sarah's father that passed away recently. He was portrayed quite saintly and his one "mistake" was not one that would tarnish that image. So that was also unrealistic, but added a little depth to the overall story.

Overall it reminded me of a Hallmark Channel movie. (this actually was made into a movie.) Not great, barely watchable, but somehow you end up watching the whole thing even though you keep saying next break I'm going to turn it off.

Book Rating: 2.5 stars

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah Collins’ precariously balanced but moving-in-the-right-direction life is thrown off track by an unplanned pregnancy. As Christmas closes in, everything she’s worked for boils down to one black and white decision. Sarah’s boyfriend Matt is both endearingly goofy and roll-your-eyes immature. He’s the kind of guy you’ll find in many a workplace and church today. Their respective family relationships and workplace friendships/dynamics were relatable and understandable. The whole situation and story felt very real to life, not unlike what many couples/partners today have to deal with when living on the edge of responsibility.

Favorite quotes: “I know God. And when I’m not sure I know, I do what I believe. And when I’m having a hard time believing, I just pray.” – Audrey

“Most people give up before they get to the good stuff. And the good stuff isn’t good. It’s great. You could have the great stuff, but you can only get it by going through the hard stuff. Because that’s where the great stuff is.” – Uncle Clay

[Karen Korb · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Thoughts On The Book: I love books that draw you in from the first page and although this book does not do that it does eventually make you sit down and listen to Sarah's story. The story of choices, questions, and God really comes together. Abortion is an ugly word to many and the books handing of pro-life verses abortion can really strike a nerve with the reader. Sarah's friendship with Audrey was my favorite part of the whole story as one pregnant woman helps another one make the most important decision of her life. This is a good read and if you get the chance be sure and see the movie. It follows the story line pretty close. I am delighted that I had the chance to review this book.
Disclaimer: This book was given to me to review as part of Thomas Nelson Publishing Company's BookLook Blogging Program in exchange for an honest review. The thoughts are entirely my own.

[Jennifer Harshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at the Christian book store on clearance. I have been on my healing journey from my abortion wounded heart for about 3 years now. I made that choice when I was 16. I could really relate to Sarah and the pains she had from her father's death. My abortion is connected to my father as well as I had it on his birthday and the fact that I did not go to my father with my crisis when I believe he would have helped me make the right choice. I think our fathers have a great deal of influence in this matter. That is something to ponder and go deeper into. This is a great book for all women. Moms and the silent moms. God forgave me and I am healed. I will see my daughter Tilly Ann soon. Mama is just on a business trip doing her father's work. ;-) To the mothers and fathers struggling with your abortion wounded heart, you are loved and can be whole again. ❤️

[Shayna Varadeaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so moved and able to relate to this book more than I thought I would be. No, I have never been in that situation. But so much about her story with a death driving her away from God, that totally happened in my life.

I loved the dual perspective that we got from Sarah and from Matt. I liked we got to see the effect that it all had on the people around as well. I loved all the characters and especially the internal battle that Sarah went through, it felt authentic and genuine.

This was most definitely an overall good read. Good plot, great substance and characters that I love! I grew up listening to Rebecca St. James and was pretty surprised to find she was a writer and not an average writer but a great one.

I think that she and Nancy Rue have a home run in chic lit!!

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book free to review from Netgalley. The beginning of the book was very hard to get into and I was going to quit reading it because I just did not like or care about the main character at all, but I looked at the reviews and they were good ones and one of them mentioned that the book is hard to get into, but gets better, so I kept on reading. The book really does get better after a rather uninteresting beginning. Basically, Sarah is pregnant and it was unplanned and she deals with the issue of deciding whether to keep it or have an abortion and deals with her anger with God that she has held onto since her father's death several years before. It is a very Christian book with the Christian viewpoint on those issues.

[Sarah Carper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of Sarah's Choice rom Thomas Nelson via BookLook Bloggers. This is one of those books that you can't put down. The emotions and connections between the characters are so real, that it's hard to not want to read on and see what happens between them. With a storyline that is relatable to so many women today, this story is one that I think all women should read. I really enjoyed reading about Sarah and Matt's relationship and watching them go through struggles and ultimately grow as a couple. This was a great story that talks about a tough issue, in a not so tough way.

[Donna Kimpel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book on choices especially the choice to "choose life"

I'm always love to read books like this one which has to do with unexpected pregnancies. however I think this book on a deeper level anyone can relate to and deals with are things a sign from God or coincidence when we are trying to make important decisions. many times God uses friends,strangers,books,ads,dreams ,and everyday things to speak to us if we listen. Will definitely read more books by these authors.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read! A compelling story of a choice-life or not? This book was very difficult to put down and I think it's an excellent read for anyone who has found themselves struggling with this same issue.