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The Barn Church #1
The Spindle Chair
Laurie Crane is happily married. And she is usually able to overlook her husband’s moments of quiet sadness. If only God would give them a child …
Pierce wants a child as badly as Laurie and has spent years praying alongside her. But he has no idea that a "yes" from God will unearth long-buried memories and bring their marriage to the brink of catastrophe.
In The Barn Church trilogy's first novel, The Spindle Chair, Shellie Arnold explores what happens when "happily ever after" becomes more than one couple can handle.
Pierce wants a child as badly as Laurie and has spent years praying alongside her. But he has no idea that a "yes" from God will unearth long-buried memories and bring their marriage to the brink of catastrophe.
In The Barn Church trilogy's first novel, The Spindle Chair, Shellie Arnold explores what happens when "happily ever after" becomes more than one couple can handle.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 20, 2015
245 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
About the author
Shellie Arnold
10 books13 followersShellie Arnold is a writer and speaker on marriage and family. She truly believes—despite baggage, neglect, or mistakes—if a husband and wife listen to God, they can live happily even after. Her passion is sharing how God is helping her do exactly that. She maintains a blog at www.shelliearnold.com and is the founder of YOUR MARRIAGE resources. Shellie is a mother of three and has home schooled for over twenty years. She lives in Ohio with her husband of thirty-one years
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 31, 2019
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This was a Christian tale that contained way too much gloom and doom for my personal preference. I could not identify with the extreme emotional conflicts the H/H suffered through. There was lots of inner dialogue based on doubts and fears. There were some compelling moments, but more so than not the H/H fixated on things outside of their control; which caused conflicts inside their marriage.
Laurie Crane is happily married, yet she aches to have a child. During her husband’s moments of quiet sadness, she senses a void she believes only a child can fill. Pierce wants a child, too and has spent years praying alongside his wife. But he has no idea that a "yes" from God will unearth long-buried memories and bring their marriage to the brink of catastrophe. What happens when "happily-ever-after" becomes more than you can bear?
The basis of the story is drawn from different perspectives and points of view. The trauma, distress, and anguish seem to go on and on throughout the book and then it comes to an abrupt conclusion, leaving this reader perplexed. So, I liked parts of it and disliked other parts of it.
Written for the General Market (G) (I): Contains little or no; sexual dialogue or situations, violence, or strong language. May also contain some content of an inspirational/religious nature. Similar women’s fiction novels in this genre may be categorized as: women’s fiction, inspirational women’s fiction, Christian fiction, and clean, wholesome women’s fiction.
This story just ended without a satisfactory conclusion in my eyes and there was NO epilogue, which left many unanswered questions. Consequently, there was a lack of warm and fuzzy feelings for me. It is clean, but it does have some detailed references to the marital acts between the husband and wife, which may offend some readers. It's a part of marriage and it was a major part of this couple's life.
This is a stand-alone novel that provides the reader with a great reminder of God’s power to heal if we let him.
..
February 14, 2016
The Spindle Chair is a debut novel that is filled with difficulty, recovering from the past and hope in God's plan and provision.
There were some twists in the story and the plot was different than I initially believed in the first few chapter. The characters were raw and realistic. While we may not go though the same challenges as Pierce and Laurie, we can all relate to difficulties along life's journey. Pierce's story was heart breaking. The author had me turning pages to know more about his past as well as turning pages to see how things would turn out for Pierce and Laurie.
A favorite quote from the novel: "Pierce couldn't have made it happen if he had sent letters, made announcements, and passed out instructions at the door. God didn't need his help, only his participation."
Reading the Spindle Chair by Shellie Arnold caused me to reflect on two other novels: Feast of Thieves by Marcus Brotherton and To Know You by Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel. Shellie and Marcus share in common that they have written non-Fiction and then wrote one well done novel. Shellie and Shannon share that they have a background in helping others with their marriages. I highly recommend both Feast of Thieves and To Know You.
It was a lovely debut and I look forward to more novels from this author. I recommend The Spindle Chair for fans of Katie Ganshert.
There were some twists in the story and the plot was different than I initially believed in the first few chapter. The characters were raw and realistic. While we may not go though the same challenges as Pierce and Laurie, we can all relate to difficulties along life's journey. Pierce's story was heart breaking. The author had me turning pages to know more about his past as well as turning pages to see how things would turn out for Pierce and Laurie.
A favorite quote from the novel: "Pierce couldn't have made it happen if he had sent letters, made announcements, and passed out instructions at the door. God didn't need his help, only his participation."
Reading the Spindle Chair by Shellie Arnold caused me to reflect on two other novels: Feast of Thieves by Marcus Brotherton and To Know You by Shannon Ethridge and Kathryn Mackel. Shellie and Marcus share in common that they have written non-Fiction and then wrote one well done novel. Shellie and Shannon share that they have a background in helping others with their marriages. I highly recommend both Feast of Thieves and To Know You.
It was a lovely debut and I look forward to more novels from this author. I recommend The Spindle Chair for fans of Katie Ganshert.
April 22, 2018
The Spindle Chair by Shellie Arnold is a sweet, poignant and intimate story about infertility, miscarriage, and the impact of pregnancy and childhood memories on a marriage. Pierce and Laurie have tried for eight years to have a child together, yet when Laurie miscarries and then becomes pregnant again, the thought of the pregnancy conjures up dreams and memories Pierce doesn’t want to face. His initial refusal to face his past threatens to destroy this special time in their married life and ultimately their marriage. This is such a tender romance! The author did such a splendid job of looking at the issues from both the male and female perspective. Be forewarned, the love scenes are a tad graphic for a book that also focuses so heavily on the spiritual relationship, but it’s within the context of marriage and each scene is handled delicately and respectfully. I highly recommend this book. It’s a book I think both men and women in a marriage relationship would enjoy.
January 1, 2018
Awful and torturous to get through. I though I was almost through only to see I was at 29% on my Kindle. I disliked the main characters and I honestly would not recommend this book to anyone.
April 12, 2017
Syrupy
Thunders a super sweet story but I found it incredibly frustrating. I wanted to yell at Pierce for being so wimpy. All the emotional work was tedious.
Thunders a super sweet story but I found it incredibly frustrating. I wanted to yell at Pierce for being so wimpy. All the emotional work was tedious.
December 6, 2015
The Spindle Chair held me captive
Pierce Crane’s childhood trauma was buried deep until he becomes pastor of the church he grew up in and his wife becomes pregnant. Now he struggles with irrational fears that place his wife at more than arm’s length. Laurie lost her parents years ago she can’t lose her husband.
This premise of childhood trauma shapes every scenario in this novel. I love these characters. I rooted for them as they came to terms with the trauma and unrealistic expectations. Shellie Arnold has crafted a story of hope and healing that is realistic and empowering.
Shellie handled the couple’s intimacy and marriage struggles with subtle power. As Pierce’s trauma unravels and truths are revealed this reader found herself entranced by the journey. So many unexpected turns reminds the reader that recovery from these things takes time, prayer and often counseling. As he faces the truth behind each memory Pierce heals. The Spindle Chair is a great reminder of God’s power to heal if we let him.
The only thing I objected to was the formatting. For some reason the Epilogue in the e-book version was placed after a series of discussion questions for book clubs. I tend not to read those. If I wasn’t one to look for what info might be left at the end of the book I would have missed this lovely tie things up chapter.
Pierce Crane’s childhood trauma was buried deep until he becomes pastor of the church he grew up in and his wife becomes pregnant. Now he struggles with irrational fears that place his wife at more than arm’s length. Laurie lost her parents years ago she can’t lose her husband.
This premise of childhood trauma shapes every scenario in this novel. I love these characters. I rooted for them as they came to terms with the trauma and unrealistic expectations. Shellie Arnold has crafted a story of hope and healing that is realistic and empowering.
Shellie handled the couple’s intimacy and marriage struggles with subtle power. As Pierce’s trauma unravels and truths are revealed this reader found herself entranced by the journey. So many unexpected turns reminds the reader that recovery from these things takes time, prayer and often counseling. As he faces the truth behind each memory Pierce heals. The Spindle Chair is a great reminder of God’s power to heal if we let him.
The only thing I objected to was the formatting. For some reason the Epilogue in the e-book version was placed after a series of discussion questions for book clubs. I tend not to read those. If I wasn’t one to look for what info might be left at the end of the book I would have missed this lovely tie things up chapter.
June 19, 2019
Fantastic book! It's not only a book that grabs you and won't let you go, with characters you can relate to, and enjoy; it also shows us that God can and will heal us from traumatic events in our past. It doesn't matter whether we were saved when the trauma happened, once we are saved, God will guide circumstances and other people as well as ourselves, to bring us to a place where healing can begin. Of course, He won't force us, but He certainly desires to heal us. This book shows one of the ways He brings healing to us. And it shows some ways we can refuse Him. It also shows how fear can damage or even destroy us. (Which is why it's one of Satan's favorite tools.) I wouldn't be at all surprised if some readers see themselves in these pages and recognize times and circumstances where God was trying to bring healing to them. Others may read the book and be inspired to pray and ask the Lord for healing. I strongly recommend this book. If nothing else you'll enjoy a great story, or maybe it will give you the courage to let the Lord change you.
I re-read this book so I'd better enjoy the next book in the series. First read during the first week of January, 2018.
I re-read this book so I'd better enjoy the next book in the series. First read during the first week of January, 2018.
November 21, 2015
Not just a story
I must admit that the title didn't say much to me. In the beginning I picked the book based solely on supporting another author friend on my Facebook. What I discovered was an expertly crafted message of hope and healing that tugged on my memories and stirring my emotions. The depth of character and realism of the struggles Pierce went through takes this book out of the realm of women's fiction. My favorite line came from his Laurie explaining the emotional separation she sensed coming between them. Likening it to a heavy vault door instead of a wall, Laurie said she could almost hear the tumblers drop. I felt I had experienced the same thing without being able to explain it so perfectly. And such connections continued through to the end. I rarely have this type of experience in a read. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
I must admit that the title didn't say much to me. In the beginning I picked the book based solely on supporting another author friend on my Facebook. What I discovered was an expertly crafted message of hope and healing that tugged on my memories and stirring my emotions. The depth of character and realism of the struggles Pierce went through takes this book out of the realm of women's fiction. My favorite line came from his Laurie explaining the emotional separation she sensed coming between them. Likening it to a heavy vault door instead of a wall, Laurie said she could almost hear the tumblers drop. I felt I had experienced the same thing without being able to explain it so perfectly. And such connections continued through to the end. I rarely have this type of experience in a read. I would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
October 25, 2015
I purchased The Spindle Chair when I was leaving on vacation, thinking it might provide some light entertainment for the week, but I got so much more than I had expected! Shellie Arnold's novelThe Spindle Chair is captivating from the first page, and I finished it in two days because I couldn't stop reading! The characters are well-developed and engaging, and the issues they deal with are real and hard-hitting. If you are looking for a great read, this is it!
October 20, 2015
Take a happily married couple, a miscarriage, a second pregnancy and add the distancing of the husband from the wife and you get much angst between the couple, such that may split them apart. I could not see why the book was titled The Spindle Chair until toward the end of the book, which then made total sense. I received this book in exchange for an honest review, which meant I had no idea whether it was a book I could enjoy. Needless to say, I did enjoy the book.
October 23, 2015
Shellie Arnold is a new author for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed The Spindle Chair. Her writing style captured my interest from the first page, and I found myself totally engrossed in the lives of Pierce and Laurie Crane, my emotions riding the wave with theirs. I love to read a book that causes me to examine my own motives and thoughts and teaches me some new facets of my own life, and that is what happened as I read The Spindle Chair. Definitely will be reading this book again.
December 30, 2015
The Spindle Chair, tough and tender
The Spindle Chair is unique. The story of a young pastor and his wife during her pregnancy is filled with poignant, even sad moments, but then again, so is life. Things are not always how we hoped they would be. Things are not always as we thought they were. Pierce and Laurie Crane's journey is well-written, well-crafted, and filled with tender, beautiful illustrations of true, sacrificial love and fragile, growing faith. A powerful story.
The Spindle Chair is unique. The story of a young pastor and his wife during her pregnancy is filled with poignant, even sad moments, but then again, so is life. Things are not always how we hoped they would be. Things are not always as we thought they were. Pierce and Laurie Crane's journey is well-written, well-crafted, and filled with tender, beautiful illustrations of true, sacrificial love and fragile, growing faith. A powerful story.
February 14, 2016
I love this story. A young couple struggling with marriage and fertility. Believable characters facing challenges and life-changing decisions. Excellent dialogue and story line that held my interest right from the start to the end. I read this book straight through in one day, it was that interesting. I look forward to the next books in the series.
July 30, 2016
This is a 'Walk With Me Lord' book. I enjoyed it.
September 25, 2017
Amazing book for healing of your soul.
From the moment I started reading this book, I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down until I was finished. This book can heal your soul from the hurts you have experienced in the past. It reaches deep down into your soul and shows you the things that God wants you to change in your life. Whether its deep hurts, lingering pain or unchanging lifestyles that keep you from reaching your goals, God can heal those things and change your life. You must be willing to want those changes and reach out to Him. For that's when your healing will begin. Thank you for writing this book. It has changed my life!
From the moment I started reading this book, I knew I wouldn't be able to put it down until I was finished. This book can heal your soul from the hurts you have experienced in the past. It reaches deep down into your soul and shows you the things that God wants you to change in your life. Whether its deep hurts, lingering pain or unchanging lifestyles that keep you from reaching your goals, God can heal those things and change your life. You must be willing to want those changes and reach out to Him. For that's when your healing will begin. Thank you for writing this book. It has changed my life!
October 23, 2017
A NEW AUTHOR TO ME!!!!
I enjoyed Ms Arnold's book very much !!! Pierce and Laurie started out with a very loving and strong marriage. Laurie had a miscarriage and it caused them both extreme pain and sadness. They were learning to live through it when they found out that she was once again pregnant !! Laurie was thrilled beyond words!!! Their long time dream was coming true!!! Pierce, not so happy!! He was extremely scared that something would happen to Laurie. We learned his mother died giving birth to his brother and then he, Pierce was given away!!! Learn how they got through the pain and let God heal their pain!!!! Enjoy!!!!!
I enjoyed Ms Arnold's book very much !!! Pierce and Laurie started out with a very loving and strong marriage. Laurie had a miscarriage and it caused them both extreme pain and sadness. They were learning to live through it when they found out that she was once again pregnant !! Laurie was thrilled beyond words!!! Their long time dream was coming true!!! Pierce, not so happy!! He was extremely scared that something would happen to Laurie. We learned his mother died giving birth to his brother and then he, Pierce was given away!!! Learn how they got through the pain and let God heal their pain!!!! Enjoy!!!!!
July 17, 2018
A story of God's redemptive power and love. I don't remember the last time a story touched my heart so profoundly. Laurie and Pierce's story will stay with me for a long time, I'm sure. It is a heart-wrenching, and heart-warming, tale of the power of God's love, and how He can work miracles when we trust Him with our broken lives. You'll want to savor this story slowly, and fully. Shellie's writing makes it hard to put down, so be prepared to put things on hold while you read it - it's that good.
August 26, 2017
Remembering things from the past
When things from the distant past begin to return to mess up the present, life can get sticky. When a memory from his 5 year old past begins to make a man doubt his marriage, his coming child, and his chosen profession, a man only has 2 choices. Run or face it like the adult he is. This is a complicated book with lots of soul searching, love, and family care. Read on!
When things from the distant past begin to return to mess up the present, life can get sticky. When a memory from his 5 year old past begins to make a man doubt his marriage, his coming child, and his chosen profession, a man only has 2 choices. Run or face it like the adult he is. This is a complicated book with lots of soul searching, love, and family care. Read on!
April 13, 2021
Good Book
I enjoyed reading this book. Beautiful Christian novel, covering the ups & downs of marriage, the fragility of our humanity and the power of God to help us overcome it all.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that I did find it slightly mushy romantically and I think it took too long for Laurie to realize her selfishness.
I would still recommend this book - it is one of the best Christian novels I have read & has given me lots to think about
I enjoyed reading this book. Beautiful Christian novel, covering the ups & downs of marriage, the fragility of our humanity and the power of God to help us overcome it all.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that I did find it slightly mushy romantically and I think it took too long for Laurie to realize her selfishness.
I would still recommend this book - it is one of the best Christian novels I have read & has given me lots to think about
September 9, 2017
Just ok
I read the second book in this series and liked it much better than this one. They are definitely stand alone books, I was hoping to get some back story but there wasn't any. I had a hard time understanding the tension in their relationship and her pregnancy fixation...her focus was on the pregnancy not the baby
I read the second book in this series and liked it much better than this one. They are definitely stand alone books, I was hoping to get some back story but there wasn't any. I had a hard time understanding the tension in their relationship and her pregnancy fixation...her focus was on the pregnancy not the baby
May 14, 2020
This was a good book, with some pretty intense scenes. At one point I had to put the book down and walk away. This book shows how you need to deal with issues in your past before you can move forward in life. The characters were very real and relatable. I had never read this author before and I enjoyed her writing style.
March 10, 2022
Did not want to put this book down. I loved the characters, could feel their pain and insecurities. A page turner. Refreshing to see a Christian based book based on a couple who have been married happily for years, then suddenly having problems, and how to eventually turned to God and let His will be done.
March 19, 2022
I really cared about this young couple and rooted for them. I especially appreciated that the author did not treat their experiences like a Christian cliche, You know, like they prayed and then God fixed all their problems - most times, that is not the path God chooses. But rather shows how most times there is a process we have to go through.
June 15, 2017
I was not aware it is under "christian" genre and even trying to read through it felt too much religious attitude involved,at places where I had to smile, the dialogues didn't seem real, thus I could not read till the end and gave up.
July 18, 2017
Excellent read
This book is about opening your heart to God's healing in your life and the closeness a couple can have in marriage when Christ is center to their lives. I loved this book!
This book is about opening your heart to God's healing in your life and the closeness a couple can have in marriage when Christ is center to their lives. I loved this book!
September 20, 2017
I don't have words...
This book was absolutely amazing!! I felt the anguish and the joy they experienced. We are all human. Flawed. But human. Pastors, preachers, men, and women. All alike. God bless us everyone...
This book was absolutely amazing!! I felt the anguish and the joy they experienced. We are all human. Flawed. But human. Pastors, preachers, men, and women. All alike. God bless us everyone...
November 6, 2017
This book was good on so many levels and yet it drug on and on as well. The author writes compelling characters that make you want to know more. However, it was slow going for a while. I'm not sure I would read more of this author.
February 15, 2018
Review: The Spindle Chair
This book was very good. It does deal with some heavy subjects though, mainly miscarriage, grief, and forgiveness. It does show how God takes the bad things in our lives, and does work them out for good.
This book was very good. It does deal with some heavy subjects though, mainly miscarriage, grief, and forgiveness. It does show how God takes the bad things in our lives, and does work them out for good.
February 27, 2018
The Spindle Chair
This was an amazing story with its many twists and turns. I had a difficult time putting it down and read it late into the night. Kept me suspended right up to the end.
This was an amazing story with its many twists and turns. I had a difficult time putting it down and read it late into the night. Kept me suspended right up to the end.
May 7, 2020
HOPE, FAITH, AND TRUST
This is absolutely a GREAT READ. An absolutely charismatic story,which is inspiring and very enjoyable and easy to read. A realistic Christian story. GREAT JOB!!
This is absolutely a GREAT READ. An absolutely charismatic story,which is inspiring and very enjoyable and easy to read. A realistic Christian story. GREAT JOB!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews