New Creations

by Sarah Hanks

Floyd Douglas is a blundering barber who faces retirement wondering if the past sixty years of his life have been a waste. When he's presented with the opportunity to go on a mission trip, it seems like the answer to his prayers and a way to finally make his life count for something. Now with a series of obstacles standing in the way of his newfound dream, he must decide whether to push through or find contentment in being the faithful family man he's always been.

Emira has always looked up to her grandpa, especially since her parents’ marriage fractured and left her foundations shaken. Now, she scrambles to assure the man who taught her how to love what a deeply meaningful life he’s lived.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Historical Fiction

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 16, 2024

About the author

Sarah Hanks is a multi-award-winning author of split-time Christian fiction. Her background in teaching and children’s ministry prepared her for exercising her creativity as a writer, now her full -time job. She and her husband have ten children, a couple of whom seem to have inherited their mother’s love for playing with words and crafting stories. Though Sarah dreams of a cabin by the beach, the family lives jammed together in beautiful chaos near St. Louis, Missouri. She buys earplugs in bulk.
You can follow her on Facebook or Instagram @authorsarahhanks. Check out the freebie page of her website at www.sarah-hanks.com.

Reviews

[Sarah Hanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a bit different than my others. It's characters driven, for one. (If you prefer plot-driven stories, give Braving Strange Waters or Awakened to Life a try.) It's full of stories based on real-life experiences, for another. It's a tribute to my grandpa, and I hope it honors him well. This one will always hold a special place in my heart. I hope you enjoy it.

[Carolyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Hanks skillfully combines fact and fiction in this captivating story of family and faith set in three different time periods—the 1960s, the 1990s, and 2010. The narrative switches back and forth from one time period to another as the adventures of Floyd Douglas and his granddaughter Emira unfold. The story is very relatable. Some parts made me laugh out loud (the funniest involving painting and caulking) and some made me teary-eyed. Floyd’s journey to discovering the true meaning of “making a difference” is poignant. Vividly drawn, memorable characters, many based on real life people, are easy to connect with emotionally. I greatly appreciate the strong, inspiring faith thread woven throughout the story. All in all this is an enjoyable, entertaining read worth your time.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

"New Creations" is a tribute to author Sarah Hanks' grandpa. The book is written in three different eras: the 1960s, when Floyd is in his 20s; the 1990s, when he's in his 50s, or 2010, when he's about 70.

As a child, Floyd decides he wants to be a priest in order to make his mom happy. She deals with a lot from his dad. But, seminary doesn't go too well for Floyd and he flounders, eventually becoming a barber. He enjoys this, but feels he really isn't doing much with his life. But throughout the book, he has run-ins with famous folk and encourages many ordinary people in extraordinary ways.

Sarah, known as "Emira" in this story, loves her grandparents and has great memories of spending lots of time at their barber shop "New Creations" (her grandma cut ladies' hair), often tap-dancing for customers. It was fun to hear about the songs she would dance to: "Put on a Happy Face," "I'm Going to Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair," and "Let Me Entertain You" brought back good memories to me.

As Floyd matures, he teaches Emira many important life lessons: "One of the most important things you can learn in life is that people are important. They're important to God, and they should be the most important thing to us too. More important than anything else but God Himself." Floyd's customers learned from him too: "Those who'd sat in his chair throughout the years had lost more weight in worries than they ever had in hair."

Floyd becomes somewhat of a surrogate father for Emira as her parents struggle and divorce. As she gets more mature, she realizes that "perhaps life and love were far more complicated than she could conceive of as a child. Her dad did love her. He always had. Just not in the way she'd wanted." I think many of us have come to this realization at some point in life.

In addition to being a nice story to read, "New Creations" is a great tribute to Sarah's grandpa, who I am assuming is still around to read it. Give it a read; I think you'll enjoy watching Emira grow up, and watching Floyd have a "Christmas Carol" moment in which he realizes all the lives he's touched. It's a feel-good read that will remind you that "you never know the difference you might make in someone's life." The cover, with its barber themes, is pretty cute too.

[Sherry Bendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was like a personal journey for me. There were things that touched my heart in the most intimate way. It felt like a walk down memory lane, having recently walked a similar journey with my mom, reminiscing stories told from one generation to another. There were parts that made me laugh out loud and others that had me in tears. It gave me a lot to think about regarding my own life too.

It has split timelines taking place in the 1960's, 1990's & 2000's. While this may seem disjointed at times, I appreciated how Sarah put them together to keep moving the story forward. She has an amazing way of developing her characters that makes me feel like I am part of the family and even present in Floyd & Susan's chairs.

Floyd was the epitome of a gentleman, in my opinion. He was quick to help, but also wanted to try to do things himself, often with disastrous and humorous results. It was easy to sense the love that he had for his family and the relationship between himself and his grand-daughter, Emira. He took the time to get to know his customers at New Creations. He really listened to their hearts. One thing that kept coming to my mind as I read the story was how much Floyd lived out loud. Often without words, just actions. He cared for them by changing their outward appearance in the barber chair, but also spiritually & emotionally. People mattered to him and that he made a difference and an impact on their lives, and he didn't even realize he was doing it.

What kind of impact am I making on those around me? I highly recommend this book. Thanks to the author/publisher for the complimentary kindle edition. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Heather Wood]

New Creations is the heartwarming story of Floyd Douglas, growing up in the 1960s, as a barber in the 1990s, and upon retirement in the 2010s. Based on the true story of the author's grandfather, there are laugh out loud moments, stories that will make you gasp in surprise, and wonderful life lessons. But my favorite by far is the true story of how Floyd and his wife came to know the Lord. You can't help but be blessed by this book!

I'm so grateful to the author for providing an ebook that I could read and write an honest review. I was not compensated in any way and all opinions are my own.

[Christina S · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Creations was just what I didn't know I needed, I love when stories speak right to your heart. Many of the characters struggle with not feeling good enough, like they haven't made enough of a difference in life, that they haven't changed enough. Things that I think we all struggle with at times. The writer really gets into the heads of the characters and allows them to express their deepest desires and their deepest fears. There is an amazing theme of just living your day to day life excellently by Loving God and Loving People. This is an easy read because you won't want to put it down. I had to make sure to put it down because I wanted to savor the storylines and what was happening in the story.
You will come out of reading this book encouraged and desiring to honor God in your daily walk as you love the people He puts in your path.

[Pamela Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

From laugh-out-loud funny, to somber and poignant, New Creations is a tribute to what the world considers an average life but God makes abundant and meaningful. Hanks celebrates the beauty of those small actions we don’t realize God is using. A fun read about the true purpose in every believer’s life.

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you read any of Sarah Hanks' books yet? She writes beautiful dual-timeline books with so much meaning. This one, about her grandfather, had me in both tears and laughter multiple times. I'm kind of not sure what to say about it, to be honest. I was moved. Even when you think your life has not affected another human being, it only takes a spark. You never know how your words and life impact another person.

What a beautiful tribute to a life well lived.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an extraordinary book! I laughed, and I cried. I enjoyed how Sarah Hanks combined serious situations along with some comedy. The overall theme is how a person's life affects others. You just never know how your words and actions can impact someone's life.

Floyd resembles so many people in my life. His faith, compassion, and love for his family are evident. He experienced a lot of pain and disappointment. He makes a decision to surrender his life to Jesus, and soon, he does great things for God. Emira really touched my heart. Her father disappoints her a lot, but she soon finds out that she can trust her heavenly father.

Floyd and Susan's marriage story is realistic. It's full of love, failures, triumphs, and commitment. The author's note includes several wonderful pictures!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from the author via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is full of interesting, loveable characters and great messages. It even had a little bit of mystery. The story focuses on a man and his granddaughter over a span of about fifty years, and at times, the events felt disjointed or far-fetched. Overall, it was still a great read! Floyd's story reminded me a bit of It's a Wonderful Life - if George Bailey had been less upstanding in his youth, but had just as much heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free eARC. This review contains my honest opinions.

[Becka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Floyd Douglas is a blundering barber who faces retirement wondering if the past sixty years of his life have been a waste. When he's presented with the opportunity to go on a mission trip, it seems like the answer to his prayers and a way to finally make his life count for something. Now with a series of obstacles standing in the way of his newfound dream, he must decide whether to push through or find contentment in being the faithful family man he's always been.
Emira has always looked up to her grandpa, especially since her parents’ marriage fractured and left her foundations shaken. Now, she scrambles to assure the man who taught her how to love what a deeply meaningful life he’s lived.

4.5 ⭐️Don’t you love it when a book comes along and touches an area of your life where you’ve been struggling? That’s exactly what New Creations did for me. Now that I’ve read it once for the story, I can’t wait to do a reread to spend more time on personal application for my own life. I love the way that the author handles serious topics with a touch of humor. If you enjoy Christian fiction with an authentic message, realistic (imperfect) characters and wonder about what kind of difference you’re making in the world, then pick this one up. You won’t regret it!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read a novel by this author and I really enjoyed it. The relationships between the characters was easy to follow. It was funny & heartwarming. It was fun to find out the author was actually writing about her grandfather’s desire to be used by God.
Definitely a must read.

Thank you NetGalley, Sarah Hanks & SonFlower Books for allowing me read this eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

While considerably different from her other books, I found this semi-biographical fictionalized retelling of Sarah Hank’s grandfather’s life to be equally poignant. There are sections where I literally laughed out loud, to the point I nearly had to leave the room where my daughter was sleeping, but also moments of such thought provoking depth that I know I’ll continue to ponder them long after I walk away from the book. The multiple timelines might be a bit confusing to some (although they are all clearly marked with dates) but by showing these different perspectives the novel was given more depth and really showcased the complexity of life and how our choices can have a lasting impact far beyond our ability to comprehend. Very well done.

I received a free advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you have.”

Have you ever looked back and thought that life just passed you by? Like what could I have done differently? Floyd Douglas has just retired and he feels like what he’s done really hasn’t mattered. So he decides late in life to go on a mission trip to Haiti to fulfill a dream to show that’s he’s made a difference in helping others. But trying to get there he meets many obstacles.

You see Floyd has been a barber for sixty years. He’s seen many people walk through his place of business. He’s developed many relationships with these people even the homeless that have come by to get their haircut. He’s got such a huge heart for others including his family. His granddaughter, Emira, admired him so much. Since her parents divorced, she’s spent many days in the barbershop observing everything that goes on and enjoys it. Why don’t you go on that journey to get to know Floyd and his family?

I enjoyed reading the settings from the 60’s, 90’s, and 2010. The author used humor as well as poignant moments to keep the reader engaged in reading some true stories from her past which also included some fictional elements as well. I really enjoyed it! I couldn’t put it down because I was so vested in this story that focused a lot on Floyd and Emira’s relationship. Bonus the story was set in my city and I enjoyed reading about places I recognized.

I received an advanced copy from the author. I was under no obligation to leave a positive review. All opinions stated here are my own.

[Kay Nield · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I loved this book is a gross understatement. It stirred up wonderful memories for me of my own beloved Pa. Through laughter and tears we read how the love of Jesus spills over into the everyday, sometimes mundane, moments in life. What Floyd did in those moments, what we do in those moments, in those chance encounters with people, is where our faith is born out. I will be reading this book over and over again, it’s a warm welcoming hug just waiting for you to enter in and rest.

[Jennifer Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Floyd is a hoot. Many different times I was holding my sides laughing at him. Grab a copy and laugh at him with me. You will not regret it.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow…. How many peoples lives can one man affect?? And how does a young tap dancing girl bring joy and happiness to her grandparents and the clients at the barber shop? So many different stories going on in this time wrap book! I really enjoyed it!!

[Hosanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a good book. Liked the humor and the fact that most of the things in the book were true. Was funny and serious. Finished it in two days. Would definitely recommend to realistic fiction lovers.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I love the mix of true family stories with some fiction mixed in. The characters feel real and like people I’d like to spend time with. It is incredible to see how God uses our mistakes, the seemingly insignificant ways we connect with others that we may think is no big deal, but means more to them than we can ever imagine & the real & raw family relationships that can sometimes be mended in unexpected ways. I couldn’t stop reading it, but was also sad when I was finished because it I was saying goodbye to ‘friends.’ I will definitely be rereading this book in the future.

[Cindy Pye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this story! I loved getting to know the characters and getting to know each one. I will definitely read this one again. The characters were very realistic and their lives drew me into their joys, disappointments, hurts, lessons learned, laughs, and journeys. It was awesome to see some of their salvation experiences and how God used them to bring others into the Kingdom. I highly recommend this book.

[Jennifer Penrose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I really enjoyed the combination of fact and fiction. I was literally crying when Floyd found that he really had impacted all those lives and did not even know it. We never know the impact we can leave on someone's life, good or bad. Sometimes only God sees the results of those seeds we plant. It is our job to just keep planting them, one day at a time. Thank you, Sarah, for this message.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

New Creations was a wonderful, touching story. Different than the previous books I have read by the author, but just as good.
I loved that this book was based on true events and was in honor of her grandfather, or Papa.
Like the other books I have read of hers, there are multiple timelines. This time there are three timelines. Young Floyd's story takes place in the years ranging from 1954 to 1970, though the majority of that time line takes place in the 1960s. Then there is the 1990s time line, which is where we see Floyd's granddaughter Emira as a child. Emira is based on the author's life. And then there is the timeline from 2010 when Floyd is an older man and Emira is an adult.
Elderly Floyd is retiring and despairs that his life has not been what he set out for it to be. He feels like he hasn't done anything important in life as all he ended up doing was running a barber shop. So, he makes an impulsive decision to sign up for a mission trip, a mission trip that he may not get to go on because of all the obstacles that keep popping up. However, as we read the past timelines, we see all that Floyd has accomplished, all the lives he has impacted.
I love the way the author intertwines the stories. We'll see Floyd dealing with things in 2010, yet then we see things that happened when he was a young man, and then see those events being referrenced in one of the later timelines.
I felt for Floyd as I watched him struggle in each timeline, trying to find the path that God wanted him to be on, trying to do his best, yet seeming to fail or always make mistakes.
So many emotions were stirred in this story. I found myself laughing a lot, but there were also times I found myself in tears. I cared for these character and loved reading this story.
Here's one of the quotes that stuck with me, "Floyd shook his head. He hadn't done anything noteworthy. God had radically intercepted his life. Changed its trajectory. All he did was bask in the love God had lavishyed on him and point other people in that direction. It hadn't been hard. It was an overflow of what God had done in his heart."
Definitely a book I recommend.
I received an e-copy of this book as a member of the launch team, and was not required to write a favorable review. These are my own honest thoughts.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a boy with a religious mother and a father he has no respect for, Floyd decided he wanted his life to make a difference - and to do so by becoming a priest. But after first being expelled from 'priest school' and then falling in love, he abandoned the idea of making a difference and just did his best, with growing success, to support his family. Now newly retired, he faces the fact that he's never done anything big to make a difference, and feels like a failure. News of a mission trip to Haiti seems his last chance to succeed, and he jumps at the chance. But even that might not be possible. Can those around him show him what really matters, and convince him of the true worth of the life he's lived?

An inspiring and thought-provoking book, not my typical type of story (or like what I've read by the author before), but well worth the read. The narration focuses on Floyd and his granddaughter Emira, and intertwines three different sections of his life in a way that could be confusing but I found worked surprisingly well. A few things about the family and their respective home lives didn't thrill me (a couple of absent to unpleasant dads, in particular), but I do recognise that as a realistic part of life for far too many people now. I guess as a book largely about family relationships, it stood out more than in a romance? But the quiet, unassuming way the author presents the good Floyd has made of his life, even if he can't see it, were a great reminder of the difference we can make to others in the small things. I also appreciated the humour that kept things lighter at times - like the house painting scene. Overall, I liked Floyd as a character and enjoyed the story, as well as finding it inspiring. Recommended.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

[Shaen Layle · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Creations is my favorite yet of Sarah Hanks' split-time novels. Hanks seamlessly intertwines the stories of a grandfather, Floyd Douglas, and his adoring granddaughter, Emira. Though Emira views her grandfather as a larger-than-life figure who has always been a safe harbor, Floyd battles his own worries over how his life has turned out. As a boy, he'd had aspirations for priesthood, yet he spent his working years cutting hair in a barber shop. Has he wasted the time, or has his life counted for more than he could imagine?

Hanks' story spans decades of love, faith, and family legacy, striking a perfect balance between humor, nostalgia, and sentimentality. The story is both a joy to read and deeply moving. Hanks excels in creating complex and nuanced characters who feel authentic and relatable, and her skill at storytelling yields a rich and satisfying narrative that highlights the enduring impact of family and faith. New Creations will resonate with anyone who cherishes the family bonds that tie generations together.

[N.Y. Dunlap · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Creations by Sarah Hanks is a heartwarming and captivating read that stirred up all my emotions. And oh boy, Don’t let Floyd—who is a barber by the way—near a pair of scissors. He is a crack up! Despite his harmless intentions, the guy poses a danger with sharp objects and even therapeutic items like paint. Floyd’s past influenced his character, making him a husband who adored his wife and a grandfather who demonstrated the essence of a father figure. With seamless transitions, the story effortlessly moves between past and present, immersing readers in nostalgia and displaying Hanks’ adeptness at crafting authentic characters. New Creations is so inspiring, I’ll keep it in my re-read pile!

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an "all right" read for me. Hanks is a new-to-me author, and I did generally enjoy the read. It had a few literal LOL moments, and the characters were interesting.

I personally struggled with the multiple POVs, especially as they crossed multiple decades, as well; it took a while to remember the storyline in each, and I didn't feel that did many favors to the book as a whole. The book is also more character driven rather than plot driven--which is fine! It just took me a long time to get into, and my interest also fizzled before the end (though I did finish).

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

“New Creations” by Sarah Hanks is a tribute to her grandfather, Floyd. The book is told in three, interwoven timelines (1960s, 1990s, and 2010). The stories shared are very vivid and made me laugh, cry, etc. The journey is for Floyd to realize how he has made a difference in his life.

The reflection on one’s accomplishments, mission, and difference in others’ lives is very relatable to individuals approaching retirement. Love God and live others is a great guiding principle and way of life.

I recommend this book to others who like clean stories with a great message.

I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway. Thank you to the author and publisher.

[Ann Leatherman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book a 3.5. It is a good story with a lot of detail, but I often seemed to get lost with the back and forth of the time when Floyd was young, as he was growing up, and as he was an old man. He really accomplished a lot in his life, and made a difference for a lot of people, but he did not see that for himself. The story was good and solid, but I had a lot of trouble following it. I would still recommend it. Try it, you might have less trouble with it than I did. I received this as an ARC and this is my honest opinion.

[Danielle Dyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! I have read several of Sarah Hank's books and this is one of her best!

If you are looking for a sweet Christian fiction book that includes a complex multi-timeline with themes of redemption, then this is the book for you!

This book weaves together three separate timelines as it tells the "mostly true" love story of Sarah Hank's grandparents. There is so much to like about this book and I think a wide variety of readers will enjoy it!

Thanks to Sarah Hanks for the review copy.

[Novel Crush · Rating 5 out of 5]

New Creations is a touching, heartwarming story that beautifully explores faith, purpose, and legacy. Sarah Hanks crafts a deeply human tale through Floyd Douglas a humble barber facing the twilight of his life and questioning whether his years have truly mattered. His granddaughter Emira’s devotion adds emotional depth, reminding readers how small acts of love and faith can shape generations.

It’s a gentle yet powerful reminder that every life has meaning. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an uplifting, faith-filled read about second chances and the quiet heroes among us.