Sandpebbles

by Patricia Hickman

The tale of a broken heart's awakening to hope. A moving, richly told story set in a small fishing village in coastal North Carolina, Patricia Hickman's novel portrays a witty, recently widowed herione who must learn to let go of the past--and discover God's surprising, renewing provision for her future.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Contemporary

336 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2002

About the author

“Hickman gamely unpacks the lies families tell each other, the cost of family secrets to ourselves and others, the bonds between sisters and the walls between husbands and wives. Her sparkling talent is evident in this engrossing story.” ~ Publishers Weekly

Best-selling novelist Patricia Hickman has written 18 books for major publishers like Random House and Hachette Books.

A note from me, the author: Hey! My latest teen fiction title is TINY DANCER, a coming of age story for sophisticated readers of young adult fiction—maybe you!

I love good food, taking road trips, hiking, and biking, but most of all writing you new stories you'll fall in love with. You can visit me here at Goodreads, through my official FB author page, or my website at patriciahickman.com.

Reviews

[Robin]

I enjoyed the first half more than the second half largely because I'm not a fan of romance novels and this one got way too saccharine for my tastes. The story is loaded with God though and I enjoyed that. The writing is a bit too English Creative Writing for me but then that's also a style that you either like or don't. If you like romance novels and descriptive prose you'll like this more than I did!

[Anna Kroyer]

I’ve been moving too fast to leave many reviews, but after reading reviews here, I don’t want anyone to miss out on this lovely experience. I found a beat up copy of Sandpebbles to be a treasure in a stack we picked up at the library book sale. I grew up in the areas that Hickman uses for the setting and so enjoyed the main character’s travels. The story line felt like a Jan Karon book where I slowed down my roll to process the pace of life from years ago and I’m in my early 40s. I found the story a rewarding read in self exploration and one that will stay with me like an old friend as I could easily assimilate with characters. The story of loss and healing was beautifully written. What I most enjoyed was the hidden wisdom and details she used. I imagined the great care Hickman must have taken in crafting Sandpebbles and I’m so very glad she did.

[Janie Holley]

This was the first book I have read by this author. I did not enjoy the story in fact I did not even finish.

[Cindy]

It is so hard to find Christian authors who can write without making things too sappy, “Hallmarky.” Unfortunately, this book had those issues for me. Preachy, conversations that never would have occurred during “life or death” situations, and then my least favorite...a quick ending where everything is neatly resolved! Life just isn’t like that! I guess I’ll keep looking for a Christian author who has depth and “keeps it real.”

[Alegra Hope]

Sandpebbles is a very emotional story without the emotion.. I did cry at the end, but with all the grief, there wasn’t a whole lot of emotion from the main character. Portraying the main character as “emotionless” per say was not my cup of tea. But i am an emotional person and it’s harder for me to understand personalities that push their emotions away.

[Tina]

Slow reading and I didn't feel the intimacy between Colin and March. There was not enough written in how they grew together as a couple. I wasn't crazy about March. There were some funny moments but overall she was a bit of a downer and annoying.

[Shelley Shrader]

Very slow-moving. This book failed to keep my interest.

[Pam Mitchel]

This book is about grieving and the way two people processed it. Loss and the changes it brings affect everyone differently. This book did a good job showing that.

[Lorna R]

Dealing with death and loss, Christian fiction

[Jean]

A sweet " Happily ever after story " with a heavy dose of faith.....
Sometimes that's just what the doctor ordered.

[Donna Covell]

Not my kind of book - had a hard time sticking with it.

[Shelby]

I thought this book to be lovely. I could relate to this book in ways. By the end of the book it left me in good spirits.

[Lois Wiebe]

Didn’t finish. Too slow going.

[Lyndi]

strange how the last two books I have read the two main characters have both lost their spouse and the grief that goes along with it. I thought the author did a great job of portraying the pain without it being the main focus of the book. his is my first book by this author and i wil read more. my version of this book was three books in one, the pearl by angela hunt and stranded in paradise by lori copeland.

[Gayle]

Patricia Hickman has a gift at turning phrases. She uses metaphors that capture your imagination. Unfortunately, they're used to excess and I found myself feeling as if I was drowning in them. This story of a widow who has a ten-year old son fell short of the Women of Faith's series standards, in my opinion. It is an interesting story and has some very worthwhile spiritual applications but left me disappointed overall.

[Sheri]

I will have to read another book by this author as I was not real thrilled about this one.
It's the story of a woman who loses her husband and she's not sure if it was an accident or if he took his own life. She has a 10 yr. old son and a father who is a minister on the way to retiring. There is a love interest and I just didn't feel like the story ever jelled.

[Lynnea]

This had the potential to be a very good book - good ideas but very scattered. It seemed like it was still in the editing stages - even numerous typos throughout.

[Judie]

For me, this book was only okay. It took a long time to get into the story, and then I didn't ever really grab hold of it.

[Micki]

I almost quit this book half way though. The ending picked up a little, but I would not recommend as a good read.

[Adriana]

Sandpebbles is described as "women of faith fiction." It's a book about love and life after loss. I really enjoyed going through a journey of self-discovery with several of the characters. :)

[Rhonda]

Great story on dealing with grief, but not in a preachy manner. Rather how the characters worked through their own unique grief, with a good story to go with it.

[Rachel]

Ok read...took me foyer ever to get through.

[Linda Schmelzer]

Really enjoyed this one even though it was a bit predictable

[Helen]

Very Slow.

[Susan]

This a beautiful book about loss and love, small-town life, and second chances. I highly recommend it to those who have not yet read it (2001).