What do you think?
Rate this book
St. Ninian's Sanctuary #1
Beneath the Broom Tree
The reality was right here, trembling beneath her a beautiful man brought to his knees, looking for God but finding haunting instead…
On a remote island retreat center, shattered journalist Ione Stavros seeks refuge from the haunting memories of her last story. St. Ninian’s Sanctuary promises space for healing and restoration, which better be true, because this is her last hope.
While there she encounters Callen McGill, a search and rescue paramedic tormented by a fatal failure. Although she tries to keep her distance, their paths constantly cross, drawing them into unexpected connection—and danger—as they both seek to hear God’s voice.
Together they dig into the island’s mysterious secrets and explore its beauty, finding solace in shared adventures and conversation. But as Ione begins to heal, Callen retreats further into his painful past, drifting ever away from her. Only when crisis strikes—one demanding Callen’s unique skills—does he begin to understand God’s plans for him, for Ione, and for this island both of them have grown to love.
Book one of the St. Ninian’s Sanctuary series, contemporary Christian romance where faith, healing, and second chances converge on a mysterious island at the bottom of the world.
On a remote island retreat center, shattered journalist Ione Stavros seeks refuge from the haunting memories of her last story. St. Ninian’s Sanctuary promises space for healing and restoration, which better be true, because this is her last hope.
While there she encounters Callen McGill, a search and rescue paramedic tormented by a fatal failure. Although she tries to keep her distance, their paths constantly cross, drawing them into unexpected connection—and danger—as they both seek to hear God’s voice.
Together they dig into the island’s mysterious secrets and explore its beauty, finding solace in shared adventures and conversation. But as Ione begins to heal, Callen retreats further into his painful past, drifting ever away from her. Only when crisis strikes—one demanding Callen’s unique skills—does he begin to understand God’s plans for him, for Ione, and for this island both of them have grown to love.
Book one of the St. Ninian’s Sanctuary series, contemporary Christian romance where faith, healing, and second chances converge on a mysterious island at the bottom of the world.
558 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 28, 2016
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 4, 2025
Both Ione and Callen are wonderfully developed characters, with a cast of secondary characters I want to know everything about! This isn’t just some light Christian reading; the things that have happened to Ione and Callen are the stuff of nightmares; their experiences have broken them. They’ve lost their way and their struggle to keep holding onto God and their faith is raw and real (Callen’s in particular). It is not perfect; they don’t receive immediate answers; they doubt God’s messages; they question why God seems to be testing them MORE instead of less. And yet, God put them in each others’ lives for healing and purpose. Ione begins to find it first; for Callen it takes longer… for both acceptance and healing as well as to realize that he’s enough, not just for God but for Ione. And though the love between them is understated, it’s no less powerful. Beautifully written.
December 15, 2023
Excellent
I loved this book. Having gone through my own terrors in my long life I understand the healing needed. I never had a wonderful island to go to but God provided the people and places necessary to my healing. For awhile I thought the book dragged out too long but the reality is t8me is necessary for healing. Generally it doesn’t come in one tidy, Ernest package. Like it was quoted somewhere, “Time doesn’t heal. Love does.” Love has to grow along with trust, and that takes time and relationship. All this came over the course of the book. It was done beautifully.
I loved this book. Having gone through my own terrors in my long life I understand the healing needed. I never had a wonderful island to go to but God provided the people and places necessary to my healing. For awhile I thought the book dragged out too long but the reality is t8me is necessary for healing. Generally it doesn’t come in one tidy, Ernest package. Like it was quoted somewhere, “Time doesn’t heal. Love does.” Love has to grow along with trust, and that takes time and relationship. All this came over the course of the book. It was done beautifully.
April 9, 2026
Such a wonderful book! Deeply touching for Christian hearts!!!
This is a fantastic stand alone book and yet in a series. The author has done a marvelous job of interweaving the story lines with deeply touching and deep thinking scriptures to align.
This is a book that I"ll gladly gift or suggest to family and friends!
It is a true blessing to read and makes you cherish the Bible even more because he Word is the greatest literary treasure beyond compare!!!
Dear author, Thank you for using your God-given writing talent to write Christian fiction novels. You have brought this older Christian lady very great joy and she will be getting more of your books to enjoy, along with a renewed desire to read over again certain scriptures and to delve deeper into their meanings for her growth of understanding more about her God and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
This is a fantastic stand alone book and yet in a series. The author has done a marvelous job of interweaving the story lines with deeply touching and deep thinking scriptures to align.
This is a book that I"ll gladly gift or suggest to family and friends!
It is a true blessing to read and makes you cherish the Bible even more because he Word is the greatest literary treasure beyond compare!!!
Dear author, Thank you for using your God-given writing talent to write Christian fiction novels. You have brought this older Christian lady very great joy and she will be getting more of your books to enjoy, along with a renewed desire to read over again certain scriptures and to delve deeper into their meanings for her growth of understanding more about her God and her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
September 12, 2025
This is the first book in the St. Ninian Sanctuary Christian Small-Town Romance series by Jill Penrod. Ione Stavros is a journalist, and Callen McGill is a former paramedic burdened by a tragic accident. Ione and Callen arrive at St, Ninian Sanctuary located south in Antartica, seeking healing and solitude, but instead find each other and a deeper spiritual journey. As Ione and Callen navigate their pain and the island’s secrets, danger forces them to confront their pasts and their purpose. This is a beautifully written contemporary Christian romance that draws an unexpected bond between two wounded souls, exploring themes of redemption, faith, and healing amid the haunting mysteries of a secluded island sanctuary.
September 24, 2025
This is the first book in the St. Ninian Sanctuary Christian Small-Town Romance series by Jill Penrod. Ione Stavros is a journalist, and Callen McGill is a former paramedic burdened by a tragic accident. Ione and Callen arrive at St, Ninian Sanctuary located south in Antartica, seeking healing and solitude, but instead find each other and a deeper spiritual journey. As Ione and Callen navigate their pain and the island’s secrets, danger forces them to confront their pasts and their purpose. This is a beautifully written contemporary Christian romance that draws an unexpected bond between two wounded souls, exploring themes of redemption, faith, and healing amid the haunting mysteries of a secluded island sanctuary.
May 16, 2024
Great story!
I was hesitant to read this book when I saw the word romance. However, this story is so much more than a romance. It is about two people coming together in an ideal island Christian compound set up for people needing God's grace and peace. Every person on the island has a story and is looking for something to soothe their soul and reconnect with God.
There is also a little mystery surrounding the spot where the compound is. At one time it was a monastery. The monastery was destroyed, but artifacts of another culture keep popping up. The couple with the aid of others start unraveling the story.
I could not put the book down.
I was hesitant to read this book when I saw the word romance. However, this story is so much more than a romance. It is about two people coming together in an ideal island Christian compound set up for people needing God's grace and peace. Every person on the island has a story and is looking for something to soothe their soul and reconnect with God.
There is also a little mystery surrounding the spot where the compound is. At one time it was a monastery. The monastery was destroyed, but artifacts of another culture keep popping up. The couple with the aid of others start unraveling the story.
I could not put the book down.
April 17, 2022
Am jealous
Interesting reading the first book in a series when you have read later ones. This story has got a sense of 'history' to it. Lots of mysteries to unravel. Some known (from layer books), some uncovered in this story. Love how Jill always wraps up the story so well at the end. Left me jealous. Would be nice to have life work out so good at the end. Want to read all the other books in the series. Seems telling your story helps heal, if this story is true. A really good read, as always.
Interesting reading the first book in a series when you have read later ones. This story has got a sense of 'history' to it. Lots of mysteries to unravel. Some known (from layer books), some uncovered in this story. Love how Jill always wraps up the story so well at the end. Left me jealous. Would be nice to have life work out so good at the end. Want to read all the other books in the series. Seems telling your story helps heal, if this story is true. A really good read, as always.
August 25, 2025
Spiritual novel with a mysterious twist as two lost souls travel to St. Ninian's Island to heal from traumatic losses. Ione, a journalist, who witnessed a massacre and Callen who was involved in a failed rescue meet and connect through grief. Joining Ione's desire to explore the island's history, Callen rescues her and others from unexpected calamities, eventually working through their issues together. One of the few novels that details the vast emotions involved with grieving and PTSD that others can relate to during their pain or loss.
January 13, 2026
Wow what a great story. Could not put it down until the last page was read. Full of God’s love for each person as they need His healing and restoration. The words He gave - Hope, power, refuge, valued, remember, precision, fortress, weakness, dwell, and peace are all words that we can relate to as we navigate through hard issues. Romance was also in the mix. Only God can restore hearts as we spend time in His Word and respond to His leading. Thank you for this amazing reminder of who God is in all situations.
September 10, 2026
Wow! One of the best fiction books I have ever read! This is the first book I’ve ever read by Jill Penrod and it most certainly will not be my last!! Jill writes beautifully flawed characters searching for God’s direction to make sense of tragic events that affected them. Callen and Ione’s stories will draw you in and help you decipher God’s own plan for your life as well. Scripture adorns every chapter and God’s Spirit speaks through all the characters in this book even the mysteries of St. Ninian’s island. A must read for any fans of Christian romance and mystery!
March 28, 2024
This is a special book in the St Ninian’s Sanctuary series, where many things are not sweetness and light. Brian and Rebel are hiding things, and so is Serenity, who doesn’t always live up to her name! However, the way the small community interacts to help each other and move forward together is so moving, with their faith and skills underpinning everything. A lovely read.
I received an ARC from the author, but this review is my honest opinion and left voluntarily.
I received an ARC from the author, but this review is my honest opinion and left voluntarily.
January 20, 2026
Well worth reading.
This was a very different kind of story and you can't help rooting for all the people on the island. I love the Elijah analogy in their healing journey. Imperfect people who serve a perfect God, who loves each one and is invested in His children's well-being. I highly recommend this book. It is well written and well edited with an interesting ending that really does make me want to read the next book. (Which I hope goes on special soon). Enjoy!
This was a very different kind of story and you can't help rooting for all the people on the island. I love the Elijah analogy in their healing journey. Imperfect people who serve a perfect God, who loves each one and is invested in His children's well-being. I highly recommend this book. It is well written and well edited with an interesting ending that really does make me want to read the next book. (Which I hope goes on special soon). Enjoy!
December 21, 2023
Outstanding Lessons
The characters will take your heart for a ride. They are real and all suffering from loss, hardship and pain. All where they need to be for our Mighty God to do His finest work in them.
You will want to read this all in one sitting but I advise you too take your time. It is worth every minute.
Lorraine
The characters will take your heart for a ride. They are real and all suffering from loss, hardship and pain. All where they need to be for our Mighty God to do His finest work in them.
You will want to read this all in one sitting but I advise you too take your time. It is worth every minute.
Lorraine
February 7, 2025
This book is helpful when dealing with grief, trauma, and loss of direction. It is a Christian perspective on the healing and peace that we can find. Getting to that place takes trusting God along the way of a sometimes painful journey. Along this journey two broken people fall in love and together find direction and peace.
March 20, 2025
God speaks healing words
Callen and Ione are both struggling to heal from their past and hear God for their future. And God makes a way where there seems no way.
Jill Penrod tells the story from their hearts and I couldn't put it down. The scriptures she quoted now mean so much more to me. I was blessed by this book.
Callen and Ione are both struggling to heal from their past and hear God for their future. And God makes a way where there seems no way.
Jill Penrod tells the story from their hearts and I couldn't put it down. The scriptures she quoted now mean so much more to me. I was blessed by this book.
November 20, 2025
Wonderful Reading
Right from the first page this story grabbed me. I don’t really know why but the place they went to sounds wonderfully peaceful. Okay no phones, Internet, etc. But I continued to read caught up in the main characters story. I had to continue because one reveal was almost at the end.
Right from the first page this story grabbed me. I don’t really know why but the place they went to sounds wonderfully peaceful. Okay no phones, Internet, etc. But I continued to read caught up in the main characters story. I had to continue because one reveal was almost at the end.
October 24, 2026
Gave me dwell on the Word
I love how the scriptures weave through this book's content. It inspired me to see how God equipped each character with exactly the words they needed at precisely the right moment. God emerges as the true hero—drawing hurting souls back to Him and restoring their lives to the purpose He'd planned for them all along.
I love how the scriptures weave through this book's content. It inspired me to see how God equipped each character with exactly the words they needed at precisely the right moment. God emerges as the true hero—drawing hurting souls back to Him and restoring their lives to the purpose He'd planned for them all along.
February 29, 2024
Excellent
Had such a great reading time with this one. Intriguing setting, well defined characters and a good plot with some mystery and romance intertwined with their struggle to come to grips with trauma, devastation and personal interpretation.
Had such a great reading time with this one. Intriguing setting, well defined characters and a good plot with some mystery and romance intertwined with their struggle to come to grips with trauma, devastation and personal interpretation.
March 6, 2024
Facing Tragedies
A truly wonderful story about the hardest of tragedies and our struggles with guilt , shame, fear and forgiveness. A story of two souls who come to this sanctuary to find answers and God’s plan for them.
A truly wonderful story about the hardest of tragedies and our struggles with guilt , shame, fear and forgiveness. A story of two souls who come to this sanctuary to find answers and God’s plan for them.
March 23, 2024
God at Work
Beautiful story of how God can take the ugly in our lives and redeem it into something beautiful. Beauty from ashes! We all need times of retreat to regroup, rest and /or heal. Then God tells us it is time to get back to work! And He shows the Way!
Beautiful story of how God can take the ugly in our lives and redeem it into something beautiful. Beauty from ashes! We all need times of retreat to regroup, rest and /or heal. Then God tells us it is time to get back to work! And He shows the Way!
November 5, 2024
Not what I expected.
This story was so different from what I thought it would be. But Jill had God in every circumstance in the book. It was an uplifting story, it wasn’t all sunshine but you felt God working in their lives.
This story was so different from what I thought it would be. But Jill had God in every circumstance in the book. It was an uplifting story, it wasn’t all sunshine but you felt God working in their lives.
March 23, 2025
My first book to read by this author-OH MY GOODNESS. More please. The weaving of various character stories together through its entirety is breath taking. I cried and I laughed with characters of such depth. Thanks for taking me on this incredible journey of faith in God.
June 4, 2025
This is one of the best books I have read this year, and I plan on continuing the series. This story is right up my alley, and I would love to find a place like this to visit. I love how faith plays an integral part of the theme, and the entire premise revolves around living your life for the Lord.
July 8, 2025
Wonderful novel!
Jill Penrod did a great on this book. Ione Stavros and Callen McGill are the main characters. This is a marvelous book. Each one came to get closer to God, each one had stories. A Broom Tree is a real tree. Jeanette Stracner
Jill Penrod did a great on this book. Ione Stavros and Callen McGill are the main characters. This is a marvelous book. Each one came to get closer to God, each one had stories. A Broom Tree is a real tree. Jeanette Stracner
December 16, 2025
Such a beautiful book!
The characters were wonderfully created as real people. The story and leading of God in everything was beautiful and inspiring. I didn't want it to end but anxious for the next chapter. The theology is spot on and encouraging. Please right more!!
The characters were wonderfully created as real people. The story and leading of God in everything was beautiful and inspiring. I didn't want it to end but anxious for the next chapter. The theology is spot on and encouraging. Please right more!!
August 17, 2026
healing
I loved the way this book walked through the healing process—slowly and in its own time but gently directed by God. I thought this was a beautiful story and I’m definitely going to keep reading Jill Penrod!
I loved the way this book walked through the healing process—slowly and in its own time but gently directed by God. I thought this was a beautiful story and I’m definitely going to keep reading Jill Penrod!
March 12, 2024
Excellent
Mystery, romance, adventure...all wrapped up in seeking, finding, and accepting God's love and grace! Excellent read for all, could hardly put it down.
Mystery, romance, adventure...all wrapped up in seeking, finding, and accepting God's love and grace! Excellent read for all, could hardly put it down.
March 6, 2025
A place for people who have lost themselves.
July 7, 2025
Love this author!!!
Fresh story, great characters and insights into the mysteries of Gods love. Can't go wrong with that combination. Thanks, Jill
Fresh story, great characters and insights into the mysteries of Gods love. Can't go wrong with that combination. Thanks, Jill
August 1, 2025
Recommend
Beneath the Broom Tree by Jill Penrod ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great book I highly recommend. Inspirational feel good book. Island living at its finest
Beneath the Broom Tree by Jill Penrod ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great book I highly recommend. Inspirational feel good book. Island living at its finest
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews