Through Every Storm

by Sharlene MacLaren

Struggling through the tragic loss of their child, Maddie and Jeff Bowman experience the immense pain and grief caused by a broken heart and a marriage so severely strained that a divorce seems imminent. Will life ever be normal again? While still overwhelmed with feelings of complete hopelessness and loneliness, they are additionally faced with having to care for a precocious little boy. Maddie and Jeff must learn how to overcome their problems. But together they may find a joy and happiness that they had never known before.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction

768 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2006

About the author

After 31 years of teaching second and fourth grades, Shar decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!" and it's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, and inspiring adventure. One thing she knows for certain—God dropped a seed of passion for writing in her heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. She signed on with Whitaker House Publishers in early 2006 and in December of that same year released Through Every Storm, a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year. Another general fiction title, Long Journey Home, hit shelves in 2008. (It is her pleasure to announce that both of these titles are also available in SPANISH.)

Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!

Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book touched me deeply. The journey to redemption that happens in Jeff and Maddie's lives and marriage is sweet and powerful.

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Husband and wife estranged after the death of baby daughter. Conversion seemed kind of fake.

[LAS LECTURAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitivamente debo decir que es el segundo libro que leo de la autora y Definitivamente he amado ambas historias; quiero seguir leyendo su pluma.

Esta historia fue de sentimientos encontrados, es tan imprescindible y eso hace que te mantenga enganchada.

Lo recomiendo si o si.

[Edidiong Benjamin Umoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't say I enjoyed every bit of this 😂
Because, at some point... the main characters in this book annoyed me terribly.
like... what do you two even want?

But in the end... beautiful
I felt EVERYTHING

I love that every chapter starts with a Bible verse
I even meditated on some of them.

[KRIS BROWN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good one when you are struggling reminding you god will get you through every storm

[Carolyn Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tugged at my heart strings.

[Cheri Swalwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege to read Through Every Storm by Sharlene MacLaren. What a great book! I finished it about three weeks ago and still am thinking about the characters, wanting to read more about this couple.

I could sympathize with both Maddie and Jeff Bowman. I loved how Ms. MacLaren interwove both points of view so vividly, showing how the breakdown of a marriage usually involves two imperfect people instead of one being the villain and the other the victim. Just as it takes two to create a rift, it usually takes the willingness of both to begin to heal the brokenness that sometimes comes from the world we live in. Ms. MacLaren does a great job showing how only with God’s intervention can a union between a husband and wife ultimately be fulfilling.

I was pulled into the story immediately and as I mentioned, am still thinking about Maddie and Jeff long after the pages are finished. Ms. MacLaren did a great job introducing secondary characters that lightened the mood and brought comic relief at just the right moments. From a cookie-eating pregnant friend to a precocious elementary school boy, this story kept me turning the pages.

I would highly recommend Through Every Storm to people who enjoy a beautiful romance interlaced with spiritual elements. The book did not preach spiritual truths, but instead showed characters who lived it out in a natural, free-flowing style. I can’t wait to read more of Ms. MacLaren’s books. She is definitely an author I’ll choose to read again.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeff and Maddie Bowman have lost the one thing they loved the most and held dear in this mortal life - their child. It seems as if all is lost to them; their life, their marriage, and their hope. Estranged from the guilt they harbor over Emma's death, and punishing themselves for the past, they are headed to a divorce faster than a crashing airplane. When it seems as everything is lost, a precocious boy enters their life. Will Jeff and Maddie be able to restore what is lost to them? Or did Emma's death forever cripple their ability to love again?

I was quite sad that I read this book so quickly. The characters became endearing even in so short a time, and little Timmy was definitely my favorite. The crisis this couple went through wasn't easy, and even though I hoped it would work out in the end, I couldn't help but hold my breath as the story unfolded. There were moments of tension, of joy, of pain, of tenderness, of sorrow, and so many emotions all rolled into one. A highly recommended book even if you cannot personally relate to the subject matter. I promise you're going to love it.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A marriage troubled by the tragic death of their young daughter a few years ago is about to fall apart especially when Maddie thinks her husband Jeff might be having an affair. Beautiful flirtatious Tracey is trying to put her hooks in him and coming on strong.

Maddie's friend's precocious 7-year old son comes to live with them for awhile while she (Rose) undergoes chemo treatment and he sure is outspoken, not afraid to ask why they're fighting and simply expects that he'll be going to church with this non-church-going couple.

Maddie hears of Rose needing care at home and the opportunity might be just what is needed at this time. A time to get away from heartache.

***Spoiler here***

Someone's conversion makes them seem like they have all the answers overnight along with the "God-speak."

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I loved meditating on the scripture at the beginning of each chapter and I love how real these characters are to me. I could relate so well to both of them and their coping mechanisms used to bury their pain. The only criticism I have is the last chapter was fairly lame and not really necessary. I can't wait to read more of her books.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent book!! Read it one day!! Little Timothy was constantly making me laugh with what came out of a seven years old mouth (even if he was a genius).

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a heartwarming story about a couple who has lost a child.. Timmy comes into their lives and through his ingenius ways, draws them back as a family.

[Maria Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be a great read. It is uplifting, anyone who is having problems in a marriage or relationship this book gives hope.

[Kathy Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. Such a warm, and touching story with true meaning about two can come back together after a heartbreaking loss.

[Lynnea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book! I had a hard time putting it down. Great reminders of how easily we can let our pride get in the way of our relationships (marriage).

[Rylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three little words ... It was amazing!