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The Barn Church #2

Sticks and Stones

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Since childhood, Julie Matthews has felt closest to God when singing. Mere days away from realizing her lifelong dream of singing professionally, she awakens in a hospital room unable to speak. Suddenly her dreams and God seem distant. 



Rick Matthews supports his ambitious wife, but has no solution for the constant tension between them. During Julie's recovery, Rick becomes Julie's caregiver and their marriage undergoes a wonderful change--they rediscover each other.
 
But as Julie's voice grows stronger, unseen wounds surface and years of unhealthy habits begin again to pull them apart. Faced with losing their newly rekindled love, Julie and Rick are forced to evaluate the state of their marriage and how their dysfunction has affected their marriage and their children. 



Sticks and stones may break bones, but words can crush the spirit.

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 women’s fiction, inspirational women’s fiction, christian fiction, and clean, wholesome women’s fiction.

343 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2016

83 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

Shellie Arnold

10 books13 followers
Shellie 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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5 stars
79 (59%)
4 stars
38 (28%)
3 stars
14 (10%)
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1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for Debbie DiFiore.
2,742 reviews317 followers
November 7, 2019
Julie was not your typical heroine

She was mean, nasty, selfish, and did I mention mean? What a thoroughly unlikable character. She treated her husband and children so badly it was hard to read. I was almost rooting for him to fall in love with Angelina. I am glad he didn't though.

This is a story of a very bad marriage. And I would say most of it was the heroines fault. She was just so unhappy and she took it out on everyone. She had a terrible accident and she starts seeing what she had done during her recovery. Her youngest son turns off his hearing aid so he doesn't have to hear her, her daughter is being bullied but when the h reads her journal, she finds that the biggest bully her daughter faces is her. There's a beautiful want to be other woman who sees that Rick is a very good man and Julie is very jealous. I do think he was enchanted by her but he really loved his wife. I wasn't sure if was going to be an HEA either. They both start praying and work together to reconcile. It was a good book. I enjoyed it and will read more of this authors stuff.
Profile Image for Cindy Huff.
Author 11 books55 followers
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November 30, 2016
I thought Spindle Chair the first book in the Barn Church series had a powerful message. Well, Sticks and Stones is more of the same. Words spoken to us in our childhood often haunt us throughout life. Author Shelley Arnold has woven a believable, heart capturing story of Julie and Daniel’s unraveling marriage and the journey to its restoration. She created characters whose pain bleeds on the pages right into the reader’s heart. Loved this story. Loved the reminder of who is ultimately in control of our lives. Put this on your must-read list.
Profile Image for Crystal.
259 reviews3 followers
February 19, 2018
I have to admit, this book was difficult for me to read but I'm glad that I did. I honestly did not like Julie's character and felt the full force of Proverbs 25:24's admonition that "it's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home" finding that my sympathies went to Rick. However, as the story progressed after Julie regained her voice and tensions began to arise again, Arnold did a marvelous job at having both Julie and Rick discover their own faults and contributions to the demise of their marriage. The author also did a fantastic job at bringing to surface within the reader the unease that any woman would feel at the presence of Angelina within the conflict. Julie and Rick's story was a subtle (or maybe not so subtle) reminder that bad habits and selfish tendencies can creep into a marriage acting as a caustic agent if not promptly dealt with. Another reminder jumping from the pages is that if you want a relationship to change, you have to choose to make the changes necessary to see healing- it's not going to just happen on its on. Tough love and solid reminders of what makes a strong marriage.

This review contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work. I have not been compensated by the publisher or author in any way.
Profile Image for Charles.
111 reviews
May 12, 2017
Shellie has again written a very winning story. The characters are honest, their emotions vivid, even their uglies are ugly. Through it all, they reach out from the pages and connect with experiences we share in common.

We are introduced to Rick and Julie in a most idyllic setting. We sense the love they have and are reminded of our youthful love. That sets us up to experience the pain the family has years later following the birth and care of a boy with special needs. We know their love in the past is all that holds them together—that and sheer determination. We also see the roiling turbulence in the wake of their burdens and what it is costing this family.

When a freak accident seems to bring restoration of the love and hope, each family member fears it is only temporary. And it would have been if Rick, Julie and their three children had not gotten that healthy dose of love and hope to see them through.

Sticks and Stones is a fast read but so very enjoyable and deep at the same time. It’s a great story. It carries the message of hope in Christ without preaching in any measure and not contrived. It flows through the loving support given within their community.
Profile Image for Carolyn Wylie-mcelroy.
85 reviews
October 29, 2017
WHAT A BLESSING!!!!

This touched my soul and brought to light some issues in my life!! Thank u, God for Christian books that speak to you and draw us closer to u and our family!!! Rick and Julie each had dreams for their lives. Ricks was fulfilled, but Julie's kept getting put on hold. She had always wanted to be a professional singer, and finally, it looked as though it were going to happen!!! Then, a terrible accident while they were horseback riding put it on hold again!!! This time maybe for good!!! What a bitter disappointment!!! During her recovery time, their marriage went thru a renewal and both were thrilled!!!! It was a short lived blessing. Discover how and if they were able to make it permanent and what their family went through. This is a real blessing to read and take to heart!!!! Shellie Arnold's books are wonderfully God inspired!!!! Don't miss!!!!
Profile Image for Nancy Dillow.
197 reviews
July 2, 2017
Wow, do I understand this family. I was the only girl (second child) and was expected to be the person they wanted me to be (depending on who was there). So, I drifted for years. I wish it had never happened.

I find that I am talking to God more often these days. More and more of the books I read are "sweet" instead of specifics - you know what I mean. Cussing in books and in the family make me cringe these days, but they just keep on.

However, back to this book. It is a good one, and the family works at restoring relationships.
500 reviews11 followers
July 30, 2018
Wow! Just wow!

Every once in a while, you come across a book that has not just a beautiful story, but a mind, heart, and life-changing message. What I love about Shellie's books are that they are full of real, honest, gritty, messy life. Her characters struggle with that messy life and come out on the other side a changed person. And we as readers do, too. If you like stories that don't pull punches, that paint a picture of life in all its good and bad, and that show real people struggling with real issues, then you will love Shellie's books. I know I do.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
23 reviews2 followers
November 1, 2017
Sticks & Stones is an incredible story of hurt and healing, redemption and reconciliation. This story went so much deeper than I expected it to. Shellie shines a light into the dark places of marriage and parenting, of coming face-to-face with our own brokenness and how it affects our relationships. She shows us what happens when we let God break us down, and then trust Him to put us back together better than we were before.
90 reviews
May 10, 2020
Relationships, not Romance

First off, you should know that this is the second book in a series. While it read just fine on its own, there may have been some spoilers regarding the first book.

I really liked that this was not a formulaic romance novel. The books in this series seem to be more about the marriage relationship and threats to it from issues of both husband and wife. I highly recommend it, and will be reading this author again!
Profile Image for Lillie.
Author 21 books44 followers
August 21, 2017
This is a story about how we can let disappointments, bitterness, frustrations, worry, and other negative emotions lead us to act in ways that are hurtful to those we love. We focus on how something affects us and ignore how that same situation affects those around us. The story is about restoration of faith and family relationships.
242 reviews1 follower
September 9, 2017
Liked this

I enjoyed this story much better than the first in the series. I read them out of order,but they are clearly stated alone. I was hoping to get more background on her friendships but those were not previously developed. Some of the medicine I doubted but the relationship development was well done
7,768 reviews50 followers
December 3, 2017
Tender love story of dreams, for Julie, after two children she can now concentrate on her singing. Denied by her mother with a full scholarship when younger. An accident, where Rick is a caregiver to her, and the birth of a special need child. Showing how a loving family became dysfunctional and the children can become lost. The ending was well done, and hopefully will continue in the next book.
219 reviews7 followers
March 4, 2018
Review of Sticks and Stones

This book was definitely worth the five star rating i gave it. I loved the message of repentance and forgiveness between Julie and the family. The message i took away from this book was definitely to let go of our own will and except the Lord's for our life. The adage of giving God the pencil with a big eraser applies here. Very well written!
2,237 reviews3 followers
April 14, 2018
Ebook

They are married, thinking they are done with babies and she is ready to start her singing career. A surprise baby, born with some birth defects sidelines her dream but disrails their marriage too. A freak horse accident forces them to face their marriage and personal problems.
Profile Image for Staci.
2,308 reviews672 followers
November 23, 2018
While I didn't enjoy this second book of The Barn Church series as much as the first, it definitely has a good message. Words can be toxic and damage relationships. I had a difficult time warming up to main character Julie.

I look forward to the final book in the series which will focus on Angelina and her husband Nicolas. Angelina had a role in Sticks and Stones.
405 reviews
March 14, 2019
Incredible

I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.

I think that many of us who read this book will feel the same as Julie and her mother, react as Julie and her husband, feel the slight & anger over a parent's words. No one is perfect, but with God, we can be better. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Cindy .
704 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2019
Loved it! Someday I'll have to read the series in order, they're all great! This one shows many of the patterns we tend to take on in stressful times or just when we're feeling down on ourselves. Best of all it shows some of the ways God gives us to allow Him to help us change our ways permanently. Definitely recommend this!
Profile Image for Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner.
1,527 reviews92 followers
May 16, 2020
I love that the people are real with real problems. Unfortunately I saw a little too much of myself in Julie, reminding myself that just like her, I can make some changes. This book brings out the things that really matter, family and our relationship with Jesus. We won't always get it right, but admitting our problems is definitely the first step.
40 reviews
July 25, 2024
An amazing book! This went from a sweet family romance to an insightful Christian guide on handling marital speed-bumps and enriching communications. Characters were real, memorable and the situations were beliveable. You don't have to live on a horse ranch to identify with with this slice of reality.
488 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2017
Wow!

Who would have thought that you could write a book where the main character spent most of the time not being able to speak? This author did just that! I definitely recommend this book. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,289 reviews18 followers
June 17, 2017
Oh my goodness, what a look at marriage. Strong characters with lots of true to life problems. Leaning on God for direction but not as closely as they once had, Rich and Julie are forced to work through and find the deeply hidden reasons for the problems they are having. Super intense but oh so very good. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
23 reviews1 follower
May 10, 2018
Good read.

Loved the way she brought her characters back together. Each character proved to be a good example.....especially for those struggling.
163 reviews
May 11, 2018
A must read

What an amazing story. It is shows that everyone has struggles and God’s grace is always there. I definitely recommend this book.
542 reviews3 followers
June 16, 2019
Well done. So realistic to how miscommunications happen and continue.
I loved the application of scripture.
Recommend!
Profile Image for Joleen.
2,670 reviews1,225 followers
November 1, 2016
Sticks and stones can hurt, but words cause damage that may not always be evident.
This book was such a great surprise. Had me intrigued from the start and it just got better. It may not have been full of action, but that's okay. The writing was great, well thought out and quite intelligent. You will be able to tell the author did some research on throat and jaw damage as well as orthopedic knowledge. Plus the intricacies of how the toxic person can devastate others with words, was well developed and so well done.
Julie is married to Rick, and they have a loving relationship. He supports her dreams and she supports his job with horses. Then something (or someone) comes along which changes the whole dynamic of the home. This causes a huge change in the marriage and especially how Julie relates to every member of the family. Suddenly she seems to demean and degrade the family members, not by foul words, but by blame, suspicion, over-sensitivity, unhappiness. The only time she's happy is when she's singing.
An accident causes things to change. Her voice is damaged and can't speak for over 6 weeks. Surprisingly, her family does well during her healing, and Julie begins to act better toward her family. But all good things come to an end, and so does her good humor when she learns her daughter and husband have a secret.
She turns into the old Julie: accusing, blaming, unhappy and can't seem to see anything good. She turns into someone I soooooo didn't like. But, in this case, it was good to see the difference in what she could be and what she reverts to. There are reasons for it and the author does an amazing job of bringing out the details, and the loving yet firm way her husband knows he has to deal with it. A number of things are brought out by all family members that make them all realize lots of things.
One character in the book you really will not like is her mother. What an awful woman. But I loved reading her parts. She took offense at anything and blamed Julie for everything, plus had the most insidious way of bringing up Julie's weight and appearance. She was simply dreadful. When this was brought to her attention she would hear none of it, and stormed off. It was great. Reminded me so much of my mom. Julie and Rick were way too patient with her.
But anyway, loved the book and recommend it.
Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
November 18, 2016
Alabama. Julie Matthews (wife/mother, nee Pitts) & Rick Matthews (husband/father) now had 3 children: Rachel Matthews (14, daughter), Sean Matthews (son) & Ben Matthews (7, son, medical needs).

Thaddeus Bartell (Nashville record producer) wanted to offer Julie a country music career.
Rick took care of & trained horses for PPL on their property Matthew’s Stables.
Julie was laying seriously hurt in the stables when Rick got back with the horses.
The ambulance came & took her to ER.
Dr. Nathaniel Jordan (OB/ GYN) was attending to her.
Dr. Chang (Asian) took over set her broken arm & Dr. Wyman (oral surgeon) set her broken jaw.
Stella (nurse) & Faye (nurse) took care of Julie’s other needs.
Rachel & Sean were taking care of the horses.
After Julie was released with all kinds of therapy will she ever sing again?

Mrs. Angelina Rousseau had brought a horse; Godiva for Rick to take care of.
Godiva had twin colts: Zeus & Apollo.

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. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written religious oriented Western 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 great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great family oriented movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.

Thank you for the free Goodreads; Making Connections; Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas;
Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Author 1 book69 followers
November 29, 2016
The Book
Julie Matthews loves to sing, but due to an accident, she loses her voice.

Rick Matthews doesn’t know the solution for the tension in his marriage until the accident rekindles their love.

Faced with losing that new-found love for each other, Rick and Julie are forced to face the dysfunction that originally created the tension in their marriage.

My Thoughts
I love a book that raises questions and causes evaluation. Sticks and Stones was that type of book. Right from the start, I was drawn into the book. And from the beginning I began asking questions, waiting for the answers.

Everyone deals with some sort of dysfunction in relationships. After all, we’re imperfect human beings.

Those dysfunctions are brought into a marriage and into a family. Throughout Sticks and Stones, we were able to view the mistakes, lies, and hurts. Then learn how to maneuver past those imperfections.

I highly recommend this book for all married couples. It’s a great book for healing of relationships, not only marriage but also parenting children.

And it’s an exciting read.
Profile Image for Deb.
160 reviews9 followers
November 6, 2016
Not what I expected. This is a true-to-life heart-wrenching story of how love & relationships can so easily go astray. A reminder to hold fast to a relationship with God so that you learn to know His voice & can better navigate life's hurts and trials. Life & love are tough and this book does a great job of honestly portraying what happens when we drift away from God and allow our own pain to take over. Many good points & lessons to glean from this tale - a job well done.
Profile Image for Teresa Kartheiser.
136 reviews
November 27, 2016
Loved

I loved this book. It was very convicting forme personally. The cover threw me off and really did not match the character in the book. I am definitely going to read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews

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