Ordinary Angels

by Sharon Stevens Evans

THE AMAZING TRUE STORY-NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTUREA first-hand account by the hairdresser who inspired a city to save the life of a little girl, the miracle that played out in front of millions around the world. The obstacles that showed up that wintery morning were nothing compared to the lifetime of mountains Sharon Stevens had to climb to get to that point.

Within the narrative, the lives of two little girls intertwine, each marked by unspeakable tragedies, insurmountable challenges, and breathtaking rescues. Both would grow up to touch the world in ways they never planned, could not imagine, and would not wish upon anyone.

In a script seemingly written by heavenly hands, these two girls from two different generations would one day end up rescuing each other-in an almost unbelievable way.

Starring HILARY SWANK and ALAN RITCHSONA true story full of drama, love, insurmountable odds, and miraculous triumph experienced by ordinary people who rose up to answer the call to help an innocent child, about one woman in particular who looked beyond her own limitations to say yes to the impossible.

Sharon Stevens, twice divorced, barely making enough to support herself, would never claim to be an angel. In fact, her life was full of chaos and risk from the moment she was born. Early in life, perilous situations were thrust upon her. As an adult, she gravitated toward adventure and spur-of-the-moment decisions that often put her on the precipice of disaster and kept her in the pathway of people who would take advantage of her. If your aim is to find fault with her, she would be an easy target, but look again.

This diminutive hair stylist was not the person you would have chosen for such a monumental task with a life hanging in the balance-but God chose her, nonetheless. And where you or I would probably have done whatever was the very least we could do, Sharon said "yes" to the impossible. She might never have stepped up and risked everything she had to help a complete stranger, but for the events that unfolded that unusually cool Kentucky August morning.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Inspirational

228 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2023

Reviews

[Erica Valenti · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s childhood, and teen years were tormenting, yet she overcame the adversities in her life to become a solid parent to her own children and focus on helping others through a ministry that she came to in her church. This true story saddened me but gave me hope! God works in mysterious ways……

[Heather Gardner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this read. I cannot fathom how any one family could navigate so many medical and financial challenges.
I appreciated the number of people who came to help over the years.
The bond between sisters was a shared bond of pain and fear and the unknown.
It is also a story of redemption and being called to a service for others.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be one of the most inspiring books that I’ve ever read and I can’t wait to see the movie in a couple of months! The way God’s hand was in everything to make this miracle happen was amazing.

[Melissa McNiven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow-- I think my tears are all out after that.😭

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

inspiring

After meeting the author at a local book event, I felt compelled to learn more. Although I live in Louisville now, I did not live here during the years that Sharon and her team of Angels worked on behalf of Michelle. What an incredible, inspiring book, I look forward to seeing the adaptation.

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw the movie today and I was all tears! It was so moving and softened my heart so much

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

True story of Michelle Schmitt from Louisville, the “snow baby.”

[Jane Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw the movie previews and discovered it was based on a true story, I was prompted to read this book. The author, Sharon Stevens Evans, was the hairdresser instrumental in leading the valiant efforts to save the life of little Michelle Schmitt, who needed a liver transplant. Under her leadership, the entire city of Louisville, Kentucky, rallied their support behind a small child desperately in need of a miracle. People worked together and donated their time, skills and money. When the call finally came that a liver was available, they had six hours to execute the plan. Unfortunately the entire city was on shutdown due to a snow storm. This part of the story definitely pulled on my heartstrings and brought me to tears as the very best of humanity was displayed.

Most of the book focused on Sharon Stevens Evans' dysfunctional life marked by challenges and abuse. Evans recalled the angels who rescued her years ago. After reading about the Schmitt's struggles, she felt compelled to become involved. She believed God used everything in her past to equip her for this task. While her story commanded attention and evoked compassion, I would have enjoyed more focus on the Schmitt's. I felt the shift between the two narratives did not flow as smoothly and was often disjointed.

I especially enjoyed the epilogue which included pictures and brought the reader up to date on the lives of the characters.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Near death experience caused her to think of the world beyond herself/loved ones. Floated above, pain was gone and a kind, soothing voice asked if she was ready to come. She wasn't afraid but had a young son. They understood and then she felt herself lowering down back into her body. Exposed the reality of the hereafter. Forgiveness would be the key to pushing forward - to self and others

Proverbs 16:9 The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Matthew 18:20 For where two or three have gathered in My name, I am there in their midst. Whether you believe or not, he is the spark kindled in all of us when we respond to the needy.

Matthew 25:40 Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Pastor Dave with daughter Savannah to help shovel snow from parking lot. "We got to help someone!" Not one of those people was a professional snow remover - just made themselves available and did what was needed in that moment. Just because you can't do everything doesn't mean you can't do something.

[Emily Blasik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Evans’ story is undeniably powerful and inspiring, with so much potential to make a riveting memoir—but sadly, the hairdresser’s writing leaves much to be desired. It reads more like a series of informal blog posts rather than a cohesive book: For example, certain chapters in the beginning about the author’s childhood dragged on while what seemed to be more relevant parts toward the end felt brushed over and rushed through, as if Evans was in a hurry to wrap it up. As remarkable as her life story was, I believe it deserved a talented ghostwriter, or at least a more thorough editor, to creatively package a gripping and consistent narrative true to this ordinary angel’s account of events.

[Rebecca Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a touching story! It is a wonderful reminder of how we should be the hands and feet of Christ, asking how to serve rather than wait to be served. This story is about two baby sisters, Ashley and Michelle, who are both born with severe liver disease and must have transplants to survive, and how ordinary people around them turned into "angels" with their willingness to do everything possible to make the transplants happen, specifically Michelle's. A stranger, Sharon, heads up the whole initiative through the creation of nonprofit Angels, Inc.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did it backwards: I saw the movie then, realizing the movie was a book, I ordered it that evening. The book gives more information, adaptation, then the movie and its it is simply an amazing story! I loved it as much as the movie. A must read by all, especially if you are going or went to the movie. Kudos to Sharon Steven’s Evans for being the ordinary Angel, making the her’s and the Schmitt family story known and Hollywood for picking it up.

[Tracey Moretto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional story for so many characters - except they are real people. Im not usually a fan of back and forth between present and past but the author did a good job.

Knowing what the author went through and how she persevered was a miracle in itself.

6 months ago my mom passed away and i found parts of the book really difficult but healing too.

If you are struggling with faith this is a very helpful read.

[Ramsee Howe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very heartwarming

I saw the movie trailer and then looked for the book. The trials people go through while growing up are horrible. Sharon managed to find her own way while she was so young and decided to help someone else.

At page 51, I almost cried. I love the care and community this book shows. There are a lot of religious conversations which take place in this book. I am not religious but I was still very much able to enjoy the story of these peoples lives.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My words here are inadequate

This book was recommended to me thru my kindle unlimited subscription. I needed a change of pace in my reading due to all that's going in the world so I took a chance on this book. It touched me deeply and moved me spiritually. I had never heard this story before, but no doubt it is evidence of God at work within us and around us. Thank you, Sharon, for sharing this story about the power of God and how much He loves us.

[Christy Thedorf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book and fantastic story. I saw the movie first so I was completely shocked that 2/3 of this book is so different and a lot of the book is based on Sharon. I do not recommend the audio version. It was painful.

The movie made me cry, but the book did not. Sharon had a very difficult life growing up and I can only fathom than what they did to her.

She did wonderful things and helped many people with her selflessness. The world needs more people like her.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story!

Saw the movie and wanted to read the true story behind it….the way that God orchestrated lifetimes of events is truly awe-inspiring. Ms. Evans had many struggles but kept her faith…I had tears as I read through her traumas as well as when reading about the miracles of Michelle and Ashley….wonderful reading!

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than expected! Loved the Bible verses interspersed here and there. Loved the realness. Appreciated the book provided additional resources for readers dealing with certain traumas. I hear the movie took some artistic liberties that are quite different than the book so I would recommend it even if you saw the movie. I would recommend it to anyone, really.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is inspirational. Forget the movie as it appears they took a great deal of dramatic license. This book reminds you what can happen when you listen to that small inner voice and put your faith in action. It also shows that communities can work for good and not be a melting pot of hate.

[Sheila Dailie · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read and a worthy story, yet somehow it seemed to be more about Sharon than about the family she was called to help. Though I haven't seen the movie, it might be a case where the movie is better than the book.

[Claudine Cable · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great story. Tedious reading.

[Kimberlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story that makes you believe in the good of humanity. A story that deserves so much praise.

[Kristi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feel good subject matter. Easy, basic read.

[Cindy Huff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true story. Saw the movie first, also loved the book. At the end of the book it explains that the differences between the book and the movie were done with the blessing of Sharon.

[Barbara Selman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book!

[Lorna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was just ok. Yes, amazing perseverance for the Schmitt family - and yes, Sharon Stevens Evans was a women with wings, but found the story repetitive.

[Tricia McKenna]

Beautiful story. Quick read

[Courtney Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick emotional read
I love true stories and love stories that have a movie or show ❤️
Highly recommend, do check trigger warnings

[Catherine D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book, I watched the film first on Netflix so it probably spoiled it a bit for me. But still a good read either way a bit more factual info