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The Sanctum
On a November day in 1946, Neeley McPherson turned five years old and accidentally killed her parents. Thrown into the care of her scheming and alcoholic grandfather, she survives by her quick wit, and the watchful eye of an elderly black man, Gideon. In 1959, as equal rights heats up the South, authorities accuse Gideon of stealing a watch and using a Whites Only restroom. Neeley, now thirteen, determines to break him out of jail.
The infamous Catfish Cole, Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon of the Carolinas, pursues Neeley and Gideon in their courageous escape to the frozen Blue Ridge Mountains. After Gideon's truck hits ice and careens down a steep slope, they travel on foot through a blizzard, and arrive at a farm of sorts—a wolf sanctuary, where Neeley crosses the bridge between the real and the supernatural. On this cascading landscape she discovers her grandfather’s deception, confronts the Klan, finds her faith in God, and uncovers the shocking secrets of the family who befriends her.
Set in a volatile time in America when the winds of change begin to blow, The Sanctum bestows sanctuary, invokes the healing power of second chances, and leads Neeley to tragedy once again but in doing so, grants the desire of her heart.
The infamous Catfish Cole, Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon of the Carolinas, pursues Neeley and Gideon in their courageous escape to the frozen Blue Ridge Mountains. After Gideon's truck hits ice and careens down a steep slope, they travel on foot through a blizzard, and arrive at a farm of sorts—a wolf sanctuary, where Neeley crosses the bridge between the real and the supernatural. On this cascading landscape she discovers her grandfather’s deception, confronts the Klan, finds her faith in God, and uncovers the shocking secrets of the family who befriends her.
Set in a volatile time in America when the winds of change begin to blow, The Sanctum bestows sanctuary, invokes the healing power of second chances, and leads Neeley to tragedy once again but in doing so, grants the desire of her heart.
332 pages, Paperback
Published May 23, 2016
141 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Pamela King Cable
11 books54 followersBorn a coal miner’s granddaughter and raised by a tribe of wild Pentecostals and storytellers, Pamela King Cable grew up in Ohio where she caught lady bugs and fireflies, ran barefoot, and practiced cheers in her driveway. Today, she is still fascinated with lady bugs and fireflies, sometimes wears shoes, and talks about the day she traded in her pom-poms for a beat-up typewriter. Pam and her husband reside in Southern Alabama.
Pamela is a multi-published author whose novel, Televenge, attracted national attention from Fox News, CBS Atlanta, as well as book bloggers and media outlets worldwide. Writing fiction steeped in Bible-belt mystery and paranormal suspense, Pamela has gained a reputation for piercing the hearts of her readers. She has taught at writing conferences, and speaks to book clubs, women’s groups, national and local civic organizations, and at churches across the country.
To learn more about Pamela and her novels, please visit her website at www.pamelakingcable.com
Pamela is a multi-published author whose novel, Televenge, attracted national attention from Fox News, CBS Atlanta, as well as book bloggers and media outlets worldwide. Writing fiction steeped in Bible-belt mystery and paranormal suspense, Pamela has gained a reputation for piercing the hearts of her readers. She has taught at writing conferences, and speaks to book clubs, women’s groups, national and local civic organizations, and at churches across the country.
To learn more about Pamela and her novels, please visit her website at www.pamelakingcable.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 30, 2016
Pamela King Cable is a new author to me, but I will be following this impressive author in the future. Topics pivotal to this intense novel include physical and verbal abuse, alcoholism, racism, family and love. A young teen, Neeley suffered severe beatings from a grandfather who was a drunk and an abuser. Neeley was left to suffer her pain alone except for the compassion of Gideon, an elderly Black man. Gideon filled the role of caregiver since Neeley's parents died in a car accident. With the Ku Klux Klan alive and anxious to hang a Black man "just because," Gideon's life was in danger.
There are characters in The Sanctum who wrapped themselves around my heart. Others made me ill with disgust. This novel affected me so profoundly that I can't think of reading another book just yet. I'm still absorbing the powerful character development, scenic imagery and haunting themes that awakened my senses to the unchanging characteristics that label us as humans. We haven't changed, and possibly never will.
Composed with perception and artistry, I was swept into this painful yet magnificent portrayal of life in the south during the 1950s. The depth of Ms. Cable's creativity evoked emotions that reached deep within my soul. I highly recommend this compelling and powerful book!
There are characters in The Sanctum who wrapped themselves around my heart. Others made me ill with disgust. This novel affected me so profoundly that I can't think of reading another book just yet. I'm still absorbing the powerful character development, scenic imagery and haunting themes that awakened my senses to the unchanging characteristics that label us as humans. We haven't changed, and possibly never will.
Composed with perception and artistry, I was swept into this painful yet magnificent portrayal of life in the south during the 1950s. The depth of Ms. Cable's creativity evoked emotions that reached deep within my soul. I highly recommend this compelling and powerful book!
November 16, 2018
Child abuse, racism/segregation/Ku Klux Klan, wolves, Christianity, American Indian lore, dysfunctional and loving families, a special relationship between a young white girl and the old Negro man who raised her, 1950s culture, and more. As disparate and unrelated as these elements seem to be, they are woven together seamlessly into a story that evokes emotions and tears. The prose is lyrical, and the contrast of good and evil stark.
The story is written in first person; the narrator is Neeley, who is thirteen at the end of the book. Her observations are so wise that I thought she must be reflecting back on the events many, many years later as an adult, but that was not the case.
Highly recommended.
The story is written in first person; the narrator is Neeley, who is thirteen at the end of the book. Her observations are so wise that I thought she must be reflecting back on the events many, many years later as an adult, but that was not the case.
Highly recommended.
May 16, 2019
This was a really good book. Based in the Blue Ridge mountains during a time of extreme racism and segregation. There is the KKK, abuse, violence and a lot of hatred. There is also the message of love and forgiveness. I really enjoyed the Indian lore, the mountains, the wolves. I felt for the characters and what they had to go through.
The book will leave you heartbroken for what the Indians and blacks had to go through during that time in history.
The book will leave you heartbroken for what the Indians and blacks had to go through during that time in history.
May 31, 2016
“With Comparisons to The Secret Life of Bees and To Kill a Mockingbird”
Not what I expected. I knew Pamela Cable’s novel would embody elements of childhood abuse, cult-like environments, and redemption. But I wasn’t ready for the wealth of cultural richness revealed through the Native American history she weaves beautifully throughout the story and the spiritual environment in which she sets the second half of The Sanctum.
Jim Crow and totem poles in one story? Cable’s brave young protagonist Neeley calls to mind Harper’s Lee’s Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. Set two decades later—in the 1950s and 60s—not much has changed in the racially oppressed South. Neeley’s African American hero Gideon Jackson is embraced by readers as much or more than Scout’s Tom Robinson.
Neeley also reminds the reader of Sue Monk Kidd’s 14-year-old Lily from The Secret Life of Bees, born around the same time as Neeley—in 1950—in South Carolina. All three heroines, Scout, Lily, and Neeley, share wisdom and courage and a thirst for justice and understanding beyond their years.
Not what I expected. I knew Pamela Cable’s novel would embody elements of childhood abuse, cult-like environments, and redemption. But I wasn’t ready for the wealth of cultural richness revealed through the Native American history she weaves beautifully throughout the story and the spiritual environment in which she sets the second half of The Sanctum.
Jim Crow and totem poles in one story? Cable’s brave young protagonist Neeley calls to mind Harper’s Lee’s Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird. Set two decades later—in the 1950s and 60s—not much has changed in the racially oppressed South. Neeley’s African American hero Gideon Jackson is embraced by readers as much or more than Scout’s Tom Robinson.
Neeley also reminds the reader of Sue Monk Kidd’s 14-year-old Lily from The Secret Life of Bees, born around the same time as Neeley—in 1950—in South Carolina. All three heroines, Scout, Lily, and Neeley, share wisdom and courage and a thirst for justice and understanding beyond their years.
November 23, 2018
11/13/1951, Neeley Rae Morrigan’s (5) dad Martin Morrigan (husband, US Army) had come home from the Korean War with a bum leg.
Grandfather Pudge McPherson was not pleased & was yelling at Lizzie Morrigan (wife/mom).
A horrible car wreck & Neeley ended up in some barb wire.
Snow was falling & it was cold.
Neeley was in the hospital.
Sunset View Cemetery. A military burial/service for Martin. Lizzie was buried alongside him.
Summerfield, NC. (Guilford County). Gideon Jackson (farmhand, mulatto, rheumatism), Grandfather Bainbridge “Pudge” McPherson, & Neeley Rae McPherson (13) had relocated.
Court House. Sheriff Henry Troyer was very proud & flew the confederate flag every day.
When tobacco wasn’t bringing Pudge any money in, he founded McPherson Horse Farm was.
Mrs. Irene Troyer (wife) was going to teach Neeley housekeeping skills.
Neeley McPherson (Morrigan) also volunteered for various Wayside Baptist Church functions.
Fellowship hall. The KKK were having a meeting.
Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon Catfish Cole (Pastor, Carolinas) let Neely know about Gideon.
12/1959, What will happen to Neely & Gideon?
Barn Church congregation. Baylor led the sermon. Gideon & Miz Sidabee MacLennan (Irish, wife/mother, 4 miscarriages) sang a duet.
Hotah (husband/father) preached some more gospel.
Much later, what were Bainbridge McPherson & Catfish Cole doing at the Sanctum?
No such thing as a .22 shot gun (Loc 2089). 22/410 (shotgun) over/under rifle
Ovaltine, wow do they still make that junk. Yuk.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive
or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Southern down-home movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; LPC books; Firefly Southern Fiction; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Grandfather Pudge McPherson was not pleased & was yelling at Lizzie Morrigan (wife/mom).
A horrible car wreck & Neeley ended up in some barb wire.
Snow was falling & it was cold.
Neeley was in the hospital.
Sunset View Cemetery. A military burial/service for Martin. Lizzie was buried alongside him.
Summerfield, NC. (Guilford County). Gideon Jackson (farmhand, mulatto, rheumatism), Grandfather Bainbridge “Pudge” McPherson, & Neeley Rae McPherson (13) had relocated.
Court House. Sheriff Henry Troyer was very proud & flew the confederate flag every day.
When tobacco wasn’t bringing Pudge any money in, he founded McPherson Horse Farm was.
Mrs. Irene Troyer (wife) was going to teach Neeley housekeeping skills.
Neeley McPherson (Morrigan) also volunteered for various Wayside Baptist Church functions.
Fellowship hall. The KKK were having a meeting.
Ku Klux Klan Grand Dragon Catfish Cole (Pastor, Carolinas) let Neely know about Gideon.
12/1959, What will happen to Neely & Gideon?
Barn Church congregation. Baylor led the sermon. Gideon & Miz Sidabee MacLennan (Irish, wife/mother, 4 miscarriages) sang a duet.
Hotah (husband/father) preached some more gospel.
Much later, what were Bainbridge McPherson & Catfish Cole doing at the Sanctum?
No such thing as a .22 shot gun (Loc 2089). 22/410 (shotgun) over/under rifle
Ovaltine, wow do they still make that junk. Yuk.
Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive
or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written historical fiction book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Southern down-home movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; LPC books; Firefly Southern Fiction; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
December 22, 2017
I really liked this book a lot. Some religion, segregation things , wolves and a bit of Native American Indian things. Neeley was being raised by her "grandpa" Her grandma was supposably dead. Everyone though he killed her. Neely lost her parents in a car accident. When Neely disobeyed she was to get Gramps bible with the belt around it and hold the bible while he whipped her with the belt. A black man named Gideon was a farm hand but he took good care of Neely like a daughter. But in the town blacks weren't allowed at the whites restaurants or in their bathroom. It got worse for Neely and Gideon so they ran away. Down the line they come to the Sanctum. Wolves were there. What and who was in the buildings there. A real tear jerker at time. If you have read The Help - you will love this book so much better. Best I read in a long time. You wont be disappointed
September 22, 2019
"When God gives us chances, we best latch on, not push His hand away 'cause we may not get another."
A young Southern woman is trying to navigate through her teens in 1950s North Carolina. Her mother passed when she was 5 and she is left with a horribly abusive father who has connections to the KKK. Her protector/best friend? An older AA gentleman who is a hired hand on her father's farm. He teaches her to push on and trust God. Together they escape the terror of their ignorant town and reach the hills. They find a Christian family who run a wolf sanctuary and are taken in by them. They both discover that there is no such things as a coincidence; God orchestrated their escape and sanctum in order to heal from past hurts. Absolutely beautiful, gripping story.
A young Southern woman is trying to navigate through her teens in 1950s North Carolina. Her mother passed when she was 5 and she is left with a horribly abusive father who has connections to the KKK. Her protector/best friend? An older AA gentleman who is a hired hand on her father's farm. He teaches her to push on and trust God. Together they escape the terror of their ignorant town and reach the hills. They find a Christian family who run a wolf sanctuary and are taken in by them. They both discover that there is no such things as a coincidence; God orchestrated their escape and sanctum in order to heal from past hurts. Absolutely beautiful, gripping story.
May 12, 2020
Loved this book!
Oh my! What a story! I was pulled into
it from the beginning with Neeley. What a life she had - initially full of such pain and grief and horror and then eventually peace and joy. I loved how the pure agape live was portrayed between Gideon and Neeley. And how the Native American culture and wolves was interwoven throughout. Such truth and holiness in them. Sadly the awful truth of hatred and racism and the awful struggle of that African Americans endured, right along with native Americans. I felt much sadness reading this story. But best of all , much joy and hope. God is present through it all and yes - love perseveres and light replaces darkness.
Oh my! What a story! I was pulled into
it from the beginning with Neeley. What a life she had - initially full of such pain and grief and horror and then eventually peace and joy. I loved how the pure agape live was portrayed between Gideon and Neeley. And how the Native American culture and wolves was interwoven throughout. Such truth and holiness in them. Sadly the awful truth of hatred and racism and the awful struggle of that African Americans endured, right along with native Americans. I felt much sadness reading this story. But best of all , much joy and hope. God is present through it all and yes - love perseveres and light replaces darkness.
April 12, 2020
Sanctum, a true sanctuary
After reading her book Televangelist, I was unable to begin this book but had to leave it sit and waited a while before beginning it. I so loved it greatly. A true page turner. Each chapter held secrets that came out at a proper time. Neely went thru a great deal and came out the stronger and more loving. Thank you Pamela K Cable. I'm left with words said that made me stop an ponder; There is no life lived without regret! Isn't that the truth ..... Yes it is so.
After reading her book Televangelist, I was unable to begin this book but had to leave it sit and waited a while before beginning it. I so loved it greatly. A true page turner. Each chapter held secrets that came out at a proper time. Neely went thru a great deal and came out the stronger and more loving. Thank you Pamela K Cable. I'm left with words said that made me stop an ponder; There is no life lived without regret! Isn't that the truth ..... Yes it is so.
November 8, 2017
Gripping!
Set in the Appalachian blue ridge mountains, this tender, griping and poignant story kept me rooting for those fighting the evil of racial discrimination of early 60's. Loved the lovable characters and hated the unlovable. Cheered at the tender, merciful gift of forgiveness offered from the least likely and solid transformation for those who found hope and unconditional love in Jesus. Great story!
Set in the Appalachian blue ridge mountains, this tender, griping and poignant story kept me rooting for those fighting the evil of racial discrimination of early 60's. Loved the lovable characters and hated the unlovable. Cheered at the tender, merciful gift of forgiveness offered from the least likely and solid transformation for those who found hope and unconditional love in Jesus. Great story!
November 18, 2018
One of the best novels I've ever read written from the perspective of a teenager. I didn't want the novel to end!
The Sanctum is a novel of intrigue. Suffering. Sorrow. Hatred. Love. Bigotry. Acceptance. Life and Death. This novel explores the depths of human and spiritual emotion. Cable writes with intensity and honesty. She shares a historical narrative of racial hatred and bigotry against Native Americans and African Americans in the 60s.
The Sanctum is a novel of intrigue. Suffering. Sorrow. Hatred. Love. Bigotry. Acceptance. Life and Death. This novel explores the depths of human and spiritual emotion. Cable writes with intensity and honesty. She shares a historical narrative of racial hatred and bigotry against Native Americans and African Americans in the 60s.
June 13, 2019
Wow! On my favorites list
This book is at the top of my favorites list and will stick with me for a long time! I can already tell it's one I will want to read more than once. The story is fantastic and so well written with characters you want to sit around the bon fire with. I'm a wolf spirit with Scots-Irish and Cherokee heritage so was drawn to this book. It's such a blessing to see it written from a Christian perspective like I was taught from my grandmother!
This book is at the top of my favorites list and will stick with me for a long time! I can already tell it's one I will want to read more than once. The story is fantastic and so well written with characters you want to sit around the bon fire with. I'm a wolf spirit with Scots-Irish and Cherokee heritage so was drawn to this book. It's such a blessing to see it written from a Christian perspective like I was taught from my grandmother!
October 2, 2019
When Neely accidentally kills her parents, she finds herself in the care of Gideon, a nice old black man and Pudge, the grandfather who beats her with a belt for her transgressions. Neely and Gideon form an attachment at a time when it was not allowed for a black man to be caring for a white girl. Racial tensions, physical abuse, native Americans and the KKK all play a role in Neely life. What do the wolves she hears at night have to do with her future?
April 13, 2020
The Life of a Girl Without Love
Neely lost her parents when she was five years old. She lived in the deep South with a grandfather who beat her regularly.with his"bible belt". The only real family she had was Gideon, the old black farm worker who was the only parent she had. This was the days of the KKK and they did not like to see a little white girl always with an older black man. Finally it became necessary for them to leave. This is where Neely's life begins.
Neely lost her parents when she was five years old. She lived in the deep South with a grandfather who beat her regularly.with his"bible belt". The only real family she had was Gideon, the old black farm worker who was the only parent she had. This was the days of the KKK and they did not like to see a little white girl always with an older black man. Finally it became necessary for them to leave. This is where Neely's life begins.
March 20, 2021
The Sanctum is a tale of prejudice and racism through the eyes of thirteen-year-old Neeley in 1959 Summerfield, North Carolina, I found this book not easy to read yet hard to put down. I hurt for Neeley and those she loves as they face the self-righteous anger and violence of the Klan and Neeley's abusive grandfather. If you love wolves, you'll love the wolf sanctuary where Neeley and her caregiver find refuge. Includes Christian faith and Native American mysticism.
December 4, 2018
The Sanctum
This is the most amazing book I have ever read. The storyline and characters are so real I lived the experiences with them, I felt what they were feeling and I shed some tears on the way. I can normally guess the outcome but not this time the story just kept giving and giving right up to the end
This is the most amazing book I have ever read. The storyline and characters are so real I lived the experiences with them, I felt what they were feeling and I shed some tears on the way. I can normally guess the outcome but not this time the story just kept giving and giving right up to the end
January 15, 2020
Such a good book!
This book moved me. The writing is so vivid and crisp. You can feel what the characters are feeling and see their world through their eyes. It does have a serious religious thread and I am not a religious person but the story was so captivating that the religious component seemed right. A great read!!
This book moved me. The writing is so vivid and crisp. You can feel what the characters are feeling and see their world through their eyes. It does have a serious religious thread and I am not a religious person but the story was so captivating that the religious component seemed right. A great read!!
April 10, 2020
Well-told Story
This was an interesting story and it had me wondering where it was going for a good bit of the book. I enjoyed it and found myself wanting to finish it rather than do things I should have been doing around the house. I think this is a good young adult book, but I enjoyed it even though I’m old :)
This was an interesting story and it had me wondering where it was going for a good bit of the book. I enjoyed it and found myself wanting to finish it rather than do things I should have been doing around the house. I think this is a good young adult book, but I enjoyed it even though I’m old :)
August 10, 2017
WOW,this book is beautifully written. I can almost feel the love between the characters and the hatred of one processed of the devil.
This book is written without the prejudice that is still with us but it shows the evil some men carry,
This book is written without the prejudice that is still with us but it shows the evil some men carry,
November 10, 2018
A very good book l loved it I had never read anything by this author but will be own the lookout for more of her work
Yes I would recommend it I don't usually do that but would definitely do it for this book it's that good
Yes I would recommend it I don't usually do that but would definitely do it for this book it's that good
October 3, 2019
Excellent read
Neely have lived with her hateful Grandfather since her parents died. But it was Gideon the black laborer who cared for her. A story of love, hate and prejudices during a time when Negro’s did not have the same rights and privileges of a white person.
Neely have lived with her hateful Grandfather since her parents died. But it was Gideon the black laborer who cared for her. A story of love, hate and prejudices during a time when Negro’s did not have the same rights and privileges of a white person.
April 8, 2020
Couldn't put it down!
Loved the vivid descriptions of characters! Emotions were so raw and real. Loved how the relationships were so intertwined and the love of Jesus was shown in so many lives. Great read!!
Loved the vivid descriptions of characters! Emotions were so raw and real. Loved how the relationships were so intertwined and the love of Jesus was shown in so many lives. Great read!!
April 5, 2021
Marvelous
Characters to love and admire. The story winds through devastation and redemption. It is beautifully told and so completely satisfying. The love and spirits abound once the main characters reach their slice of heaven.
Characters to love and admire. The story winds through devastation and redemption. It is beautifully told and so completely satisfying. The love and spirits abound once the main characters reach their slice of heaven.
May 9, 2017
My heart needed this
I identified with Neely especially at 13 yrs. All the characters are so vivid, woven into a violent and loving life during painful times. I was 13 then to.
I identified with Neely especially at 13 yrs. All the characters are so vivid, woven into a violent and loving life during painful times. I was 13 then to.
May 11, 2017
Good book
This was a very sad and moving story with a great ending for a little girl that finds love and family in the end.
This was a very sad and moving story with a great ending for a little girl that finds love and family in the end.
July 30, 2017
Amazing book!
November 3, 2019
Among the best I have read. Sanctum takes readers places not sought but provides them a read in which the heart and soul come together for a good, make that an excellent read. 5 stars
February 12, 2020
One of the best books i have read!
This story hit on every emotion. Very detailed story and characters with a little bit of spiritual mystery mixed in. Loved this book
This story hit on every emotion. Very detailed story and characters with a little bit of spiritual mystery mixed in. Loved this book
June 24, 2020
Faith
I thought it was a great story. About a journey of life filled with trials and tribulations. Love of God will set you free.
I thought it was a great story. About a journey of life filled with trials and tribulations. Love of God will set you free.
February 3, 2021
Great
Lovely, mystic , spiritual coming of age story. Writing is wonderful, but loses a little of the colloquialness as the story goes on. Unsure if that had intentionality.
Lovely, mystic , spiritual coming of age story. Writing is wonderful, but loses a little of the colloquialness as the story goes on. Unsure if that had intentionality.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews