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Waiting for Butterflies
A mother's love never ends--not even when her life does.
Longing for her family after her sudden death, Maggie becomes a lingering spirit and returns home where she helplessly witnesses her family's downward spiral in the aftermath of her passing.
Her husband is haunted by past mistakes and struggles to redeem himself. Her teenage daughter silently drowns in her own guilt, secretly believing she caused her mother's death. Only her five-year-old, full of innocence, can sense her presence.
Although limited by her family's grief and lack of faith, Maggie is determined to keep a sacred promise and save her family before her second chance runs out.
A tender portrait of a mother whose love reaches beyond possible, WAITING FOR BUTTERFLIES will embrace your heart and not let go.
Longing for her family after her sudden death, Maggie becomes a lingering spirit and returns home where she helplessly witnesses her family's downward spiral in the aftermath of her passing.
Her husband is haunted by past mistakes and struggles to redeem himself. Her teenage daughter silently drowns in her own guilt, secretly believing she caused her mother's death. Only her five-year-old, full of innocence, can sense her presence.
Although limited by her family's grief and lack of faith, Maggie is determined to keep a sacred promise and save her family before her second chance runs out.
A tender portrait of a mother whose love reaches beyond possible, WAITING FOR BUTTERFLIES will embrace your heart and not let go.
296 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2017
15 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Karen Sargent
5 books124 followersKaren Sargent enjoys books that are emotionally charged, induce tears and laughter, raise important questions, and leave the reader with something to think about after the last page is turned. A few of her favorite authors include Liane Moriarty, Delia Owens, Frederik Backman, Celeste Ng, Kristin Hannah, and the list goes on. A retired high school and college English instructor, she fills her days with reading and writing and encouraging aspiring writers on their journey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 6, 2017
Oh my!! If you want to read a book that grabs your heart and won't let it go, you HAVE to read this book! Very well written, with lots of emotionally charged moments and real-to-life struggles that will keep you turning pages. And despite the tragedy that the story is based on, there is plenty of hope, healing, and miracles as the family learns to lean on each other and God to get them through.
I wasn't sure what to expect from a Christian "ghost" story but I was hooked from the beginning. After all, this is fiction and I read it with that viewpoint in mind. And I've read and seen plenty of other fiction that includes beings that have not "passed over" and I can't think of any that included a Christian theme. So this was actually a refreshing change.
This book was full of real life issues that include the tragic death of a young mom and how her family deals with their grief and feelings of guilt. You have the father who is suddenly thrust into the role of a single parent and has to make some life choices in order to do what is best for his family. You have the oldest daughter's downward grief spiral that will tear your heart out. And then you have the bright spot in the story - the youngest daughter who can still hear her mom's "lingering spirit" and tries to get the others to believe too.
With real life issues such as infidelity, grief, guilt, drugs, cutting, and the danger of online predators, as well as the hope of family, healing, miracles, love and faith, you'll be hooked to the end!
*Thanks to SLBTours for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
I wasn't sure what to expect from a Christian "ghost" story but I was hooked from the beginning. After all, this is fiction and I read it with that viewpoint in mind. And I've read and seen plenty of other fiction that includes beings that have not "passed over" and I can't think of any that included a Christian theme. So this was actually a refreshing change.
This book was full of real life issues that include the tragic death of a young mom and how her family deals with their grief and feelings of guilt. You have the father who is suddenly thrust into the role of a single parent and has to make some life choices in order to do what is best for his family. You have the oldest daughter's downward grief spiral that will tear your heart out. And then you have the bright spot in the story - the youngest daughter who can still hear her mom's "lingering spirit" and tries to get the others to believe too.
With real life issues such as infidelity, grief, guilt, drugs, cutting, and the danger of online predators, as well as the hope of family, healing, miracles, love and faith, you'll be hooked to the end!
*Thanks to SLBTours for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not paid or required to write a positive review and all opinions stated are my own.*
March 29, 2017
Waiting For Butterflies by Karen Sargent is a most beautiful contemporary Christian novel about a love that never dies. It is a study of grief so beautifully written that the words will penetrate your very soul.
Waiting For Butterflies is a work of fiction showing death is not the end. You cannot kill love. Everyone handles grief differently and needs to work through their grief to find a new type of 'normal.' The family in the novel was "trying to find our way back to normal." There was anger and emptiness to work through as best as one could. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. There is only immense pain.
Guilt is a normal part of grieving, There is always something left unsaid or something we wish we'd done differently. Regrets figure too and the pain of never having chance to say goodbye.
The novel has the difficult topic of self harm and a path of self destruction. Karen Sargent has written this with so much sensitivity that I, as the reader could 'feel' the pain and the relief as the blood flowed. The physical pain dulled the mental anguish to give a few minutes of something else to focus on. Karen Sargent captured the mood and the pain perfectly.
Faith and trust in God may help to navigate ones way through grief. There may be anger but God wants us to give Him our anger. What God doesn't want is withdrawal. He wants to help us in our pain. We need to continue to pray but sometimes all we can do is ask why. "While you are praying, do me a favour, ask God why." Prayer may be hard but it is "just talking to God." He wants us to continue to communicate with Him.
Wading through grief is hard. It can be "a blanket of sorrow suffocating him." Karen Sargent has portrayed the mood sympathetically. The reader 'feels' the anguish, the pain, the despair.
There is also the subject of sin. "We've all sinned, but we're blessed that's not how the story ends." God provides grace to cover all our sins.
God has promised to never leave us. Sometimes the pain is so deep that we cannot feel or see God. It is only when we look back that we see His hands at work in our lives.
The novel shows that our mission field is right where we are. "I just try to do the next right thing." God can use you exactly where He has placed you. You do not need to travel abroad to spread the Good News.
There is the theme of healing - physically, mentally and spiritually. Our lives may be healed in ways we never thought possible as God sends people to cross our paths.
God is the God of restoration. The old house can be seen as a motif for our lives. It needs fixing up and as it is mended bit by bit, so one day the house will be restored and whole again.
Families are important. Families need to pull together. Sometimes tragedies can blow them apart instead of uniting them in their grief.
Waiting For Butterflies was a most unusual but beautiful novel. The scenes 'spoke' to my soul. The love radiated out from the pages. The pain pierced my hear. The whole novel was beautifully written and left me feeling calm, peaceful and loved. I cannot urge you strongly enough to buy a copy and experience the beauty for yourself.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Waiting For Butterflies is a work of fiction showing death is not the end. You cannot kill love. Everyone handles grief differently and needs to work through their grief to find a new type of 'normal.' The family in the novel was "trying to find our way back to normal." There was anger and emptiness to work through as best as one could. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. There is only immense pain.
Guilt is a normal part of grieving, There is always something left unsaid or something we wish we'd done differently. Regrets figure too and the pain of never having chance to say goodbye.
The novel has the difficult topic of self harm and a path of self destruction. Karen Sargent has written this with so much sensitivity that I, as the reader could 'feel' the pain and the relief as the blood flowed. The physical pain dulled the mental anguish to give a few minutes of something else to focus on. Karen Sargent captured the mood and the pain perfectly.
Faith and trust in God may help to navigate ones way through grief. There may be anger but God wants us to give Him our anger. What God doesn't want is withdrawal. He wants to help us in our pain. We need to continue to pray but sometimes all we can do is ask why. "While you are praying, do me a favour, ask God why." Prayer may be hard but it is "just talking to God." He wants us to continue to communicate with Him.
Wading through grief is hard. It can be "a blanket of sorrow suffocating him." Karen Sargent has portrayed the mood sympathetically. The reader 'feels' the anguish, the pain, the despair.
There is also the subject of sin. "We've all sinned, but we're blessed that's not how the story ends." God provides grace to cover all our sins.
God has promised to never leave us. Sometimes the pain is so deep that we cannot feel or see God. It is only when we look back that we see His hands at work in our lives.
The novel shows that our mission field is right where we are. "I just try to do the next right thing." God can use you exactly where He has placed you. You do not need to travel abroad to spread the Good News.
There is the theme of healing - physically, mentally and spiritually. Our lives may be healed in ways we never thought possible as God sends people to cross our paths.
God is the God of restoration. The old house can be seen as a motif for our lives. It needs fixing up and as it is mended bit by bit, so one day the house will be restored and whole again.
Families are important. Families need to pull together. Sometimes tragedies can blow them apart instead of uniting them in their grief.
Waiting For Butterflies was a most unusual but beautiful novel. The scenes 'spoke' to my soul. The love radiated out from the pages. The pain pierced my hear. The whole novel was beautifully written and left me feeling calm, peaceful and loved. I cannot urge you strongly enough to buy a copy and experience the beauty for yourself.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
January 10, 2017
Waiting for Butterflies was a phenomenal book. Once I started reading, I could not put it down. Karen Sargent does an amazing job at developing each character and providing the readers with a storyline that tugs at your heart strings. This story about Maggie and her husband Sam and their two daughters Olivia and Rachel and how they overcome a difficult situation drew out so many emotions in me. Through this book, she tells a story about a father's love that is incredibly deep and how the family deals with a circumstance through the help of a very important person. Throughout the book I was pulled to tears because of how relatable Waiting for Butterflies was. I related to the oldest daughter, Rachel in the book because she had to deal with and overcome many problems after a very sad event happened to her and that too has happened in my life. The more I read the more could relate to Rachel which made the book so real to me. This was one of the many reasons I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I can not wait to read this book again because of all of the incredible and heart-wrenching emotions it brought out in me.
April 13, 2017
Waiting for Butterflies by Karen Sargent is beautifully written and will most certainly hit you in all the feels. A family trying to pick up the pieces and survive in a new normal after a young mother’s tragic death: a newly-single dad struggling to work past his own grief in order to take care of his girls, a teen in crisis, and an adorable five year old with the sweet faith of a child. And in a twist you don’t see often in Christian fiction, a mother whose spirit lingers with her battered family – unsure why she’s still there but determined to do what she can to save them from the destructive nature of their grief.
I’m not sure it’s entirely scripturally accurate, but as the author points out it’s not necessarily scripturally inaccurate. After all, what about the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ that are watching us run this race? Do we know the ins and outs and hows of this truth? I don’t, for sure. This novel is more of a “what if” … if God wanted to allow a spirit to linger, could He? Well, certainly. Because He’s God. I don’t know that I think He actually does but a delightful part of fiction is exploring the ‘what-if’ in life (and death), right?
Of all the characters, sweet little Olivia is my favorite. Her innocent – and confident – acceptance that her mother is still there, despite everyone else’s understandable skepticism, is adorable and poignant all at once. Rachel, her older sibling, is heartbreaking in all of her devastation – and the ways she chooses to manifest her grief. And Sam … oh be still my gets-too-involved-in-characters-emotions heart. As he tries to balance work (as a detective) with his new and grief-filled role as a single dad, guilt from past mistakes threatens to choke out every last bit of faith he possesses. This is a family on the edge of destruction, and Maggie at first can only watch helplessly along with the reader. I loved watching Maggie figure out how to communicate, a need made even more urgent as her family starts to fall apart.
Bottom Line: Fair warning – make sure you have a box or ten of tissues nearby when you start reading Waiting for Butterflies. It’s heartwrenching in parts, bittersweet in others. And while there are plenty of moments that lift your heart, you will also find yourself smothering ugly cries into the pillow in hopes that no one else will notice how much this book has undone you. The author exquisitely captures the raw emotions of all involved – including the reader – and creates a beautiful picture of enduring love and the kind of forgiveness only God can bring.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
I’m not sure it’s entirely scripturally accurate, but as the author points out it’s not necessarily scripturally inaccurate. After all, what about the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ that are watching us run this race? Do we know the ins and outs and hows of this truth? I don’t, for sure. This novel is more of a “what if” … if God wanted to allow a spirit to linger, could He? Well, certainly. Because He’s God. I don’t know that I think He actually does but a delightful part of fiction is exploring the ‘what-if’ in life (and death), right?
Of all the characters, sweet little Olivia is my favorite. Her innocent – and confident – acceptance that her mother is still there, despite everyone else’s understandable skepticism, is adorable and poignant all at once. Rachel, her older sibling, is heartbreaking in all of her devastation – and the ways she chooses to manifest her grief. And Sam … oh be still my gets-too-involved-in-characters-emotions heart. As he tries to balance work (as a detective) with his new and grief-filled role as a single dad, guilt from past mistakes threatens to choke out every last bit of faith he possesses. This is a family on the edge of destruction, and Maggie at first can only watch helplessly along with the reader. I loved watching Maggie figure out how to communicate, a need made even more urgent as her family starts to fall apart.
Bottom Line: Fair warning – make sure you have a box or ten of tissues nearby when you start reading Waiting for Butterflies. It’s heartwrenching in parts, bittersweet in others. And while there are plenty of moments that lift your heart, you will also find yourself smothering ugly cries into the pillow in hopes that no one else will notice how much this book has undone you. The author exquisitely captures the raw emotions of all involved – including the reader – and creates a beautiful picture of enduring love and the kind of forgiveness only God can bring.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower
December 11, 2016
This book deals with lots of tough subjects such as grief and forgiveness in a way that draws you in emotionally. The characters connect with you and I started seeing different personalities from my own family in some of them. I found myself thinking about the characters and the story at different times during the day and couldn't wait to get back to them and see how they were. I was very happy with this story and I would read more from this author.
March 5, 2017
What an amazing book! It drew me in from the very beginning. I loved the story line and the fact that it was about an ordinary family. I somehow felt connected to this family. Mrs. Sargent did an excellent job of making this story so believable. I would definitely read another book by this author.
December 16, 2016
I loved the book. Well written. Keeps you guessing. Loved the Christian aspect. Cared about the characters, and really hope there's another book coming so I can find out what happens next in all their lives.
September 21, 2017
Sargent has crafted a very moving novel that centers on the mystery surrounding the intersection of the physical and spiritual worlds. It deals with the issue of how the remaining family members continue on after the loss of a loved one. The novel is very well written with well developed characters and a good plot line. You might want to have a tissue handy near the end.
The premise of the book is firmly founded on the possibility that Christians who have died can observe the remaining family members and can, at least a little, interact with physical things. Sargent includes, as part of the plot, a website that references “lingering spirits.” I think this aspect of the book is on very thin theological ice. While it made for a touching story, I found the idea of a lingering spirit disconcerting and not supported biblically.
Questionable theology aside, this is a very well written and touching novel. It certainly made me think about loving family members and making sure they know it.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The premise of the book is firmly founded on the possibility that Christians who have died can observe the remaining family members and can, at least a little, interact with physical things. Sargent includes, as part of the plot, a website that references “lingering spirits.” I think this aspect of the book is on very thin theological ice. While it made for a touching story, I found the idea of a lingering spirit disconcerting and not supported biblically.
Questionable theology aside, this is a very well written and touching novel. It certainly made me think about loving family members and making sure they know it.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 6, 2017
Author Karen Sargent has written a stunning and emotionally engaging novel in Waiting for Butterflies. This story deals with raw emotions, dealing with grief, pain, loss, sorrow, healing, love, joy, and family bonds. The family dynamics in this story are absolutely beautiful. Readers will immediately fall in love with the family. And the children characters are fantastic. Bringing a whole new dynamic to this amazing story. Sargent brings to life real-to-life feelings that readers will easily understand and relate to. This is a powerful and inspiring novel that readers are not going to want to miss.
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian, ghost story
Publisher: Walrus Publishing
Publication date: April 4, 2017
Number of pages: 296
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by the author via SLB Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: contemporary, romance, Christian, ghost story
Publisher: Walrus Publishing
Publication date: April 4, 2017
Number of pages: 296
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars
A review copy of this book was provided by the author via SLB Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
July 31, 2017
This is a very sweet story that had me reading 'just a few more pages' when I should have been working! I think it's every mother's worst nightmare - dying while your kids are still little. But the mother in this story, Maggie, has a chance to observe and help her family before she goes to heaven. To enjoy this story you have to disengage the theological part of your brain (I read an interview with Karen before I read this book and it was helpful for me to see that she knows this isn't exactly orthodox Christian thinking!) and accept it for what it is - a beautiful fictional story of loss, grief, choices, faith, forgiveness and healing. Have the tissues nearby!
September 29, 2017
Waiting for Butterflies was a book, at least for me, that was somewhat difficult to read. Not so much for the “controversy” itself, though that did have me wondering. I think it was really the time of year, I lost someone very precious 5 years ago at around this time, so this story was a bit more emotional for me.
The positives: the author writes well and even with a difficult subject drew me into the characters, all of them, and had me feeling their emotions. Each family member was suffering in a certain way and that made me want to hug each of them. I felt Maggie’s death was senseless and so the actions that led up to her early demise upset me. It happens too much in real life. I felt for Maggie as I am a mother as well and I can’t even imagine how she felt when she wanted to comfort her kids or her husband and she could not. She was watching her family from the outside and could not
communicate with them as she had when she was alive. I didn’t like her not belonging somewhere; she was just in a no man’s land of sorts.
As far as the story goes, there is resolution at the end. It is not for everyone; especially in light of what belief you may have concerning what happens to people’s souls when they pass away. This is author Sargent’s ‘what if’ and I do so appreciate authors’ imaginations, hence why I read fiction. To sum up my review: this story is unique and asks questions that most of us have had at some point in our lives and proceeds to answer those questions in a heartfelt and heartbreaking story.
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
The positives: the author writes well and even with a difficult subject drew me into the characters, all of them, and had me feeling their emotions. Each family member was suffering in a certain way and that made me want to hug each of them. I felt Maggie’s death was senseless and so the actions that led up to her early demise upset me. It happens too much in real life. I felt for Maggie as I am a mother as well and I can’t even imagine how she felt when she wanted to comfort her kids or her husband and she could not. She was watching her family from the outside and could not
communicate with them as she had when she was alive. I didn’t like her not belonging somewhere; she was just in a no man’s land of sorts.
As far as the story goes, there is resolution at the end. It is not for everyone; especially in light of what belief you may have concerning what happens to people’s souls when they pass away. This is author Sargent’s ‘what if’ and I do so appreciate authors’ imaginations, hence why I read fiction. To sum up my review: this story is unique and asks questions that most of us have had at some point in our lives and proceeds to answer those questions in a heartfelt and heartbreaking story.
I received a copy of this book for free. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
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September 30, 2017What a beautiful story! I can't begin to tell you how this book touched me. I just put it down but it's message will stay with me forever.
It appears that Sam and Maggie have it all. But one accident changed everything. Can life ever be the same again? What needs to happen so the family can heal? With forgiveness comes healing.....
What an appropriate title- WAITING FOR BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies represent new life-rebirth. This is the journey that Sam, Rachel and Olivia must take to navigate their "new" normal without Maggie. Maggie can not be set free as a butterfly until she knows her family will be ok.
The characters in this book became so real to me. This shows how well Karen Sargent wrote this book.
So thankful that I was given this to read for free for a review. Very emotional and touching story.
It appears that Sam and Maggie have it all. But one accident changed everything. Can life ever be the same again? What needs to happen so the family can heal? With forgiveness comes healing.....
What an appropriate title- WAITING FOR BUTTERFLIES
Butterflies represent new life-rebirth. This is the journey that Sam, Rachel and Olivia must take to navigate their "new" normal without Maggie. Maggie can not be set free as a butterfly until she knows her family will be ok.
The characters in this book became so real to me. This shows how well Karen Sargent wrote this book.
So thankful that I was given this to read for free for a review. Very emotional and touching story.
March 8, 2022
Read Karen Sargent’s book, Waiting for Butterflies, not as a theological concept, but as purely a work of fiction. Her creativity is amazing, and she is a master storyteller. After moving beyond the possibility of a “lingering” spirit, I settled in to the author’s weaving of a fictional tale involving regret, hope, love, and forgiveness. You will experience heartache and heartbreak, both laughter and tears. But you will also be swept into a myriad of other emotions. And even though you are an outsider as a reader, you may find yourself prayerfully involved with a real family struggling to find themselves—and faith—after the death of a beloved wife and mother. For her debut novel, Karen’s book is a magical, well-written, moving story.
September 22, 2017
Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2xze2Be
Wow! Anything I say will fall short and be woefully inadequate in describing this beautiful story that touches every emotion possible. Karen Sargent knows how to tell an evocative story and has an incredible writing ability. She writes in a character-driven, lyrical style that is not often found in Christian fiction, a style that I long for. I could hardly put it down, even knowing that I would shed tears of emotion occasionally. I hope this is just the first of many stories that readers can anticipate.
If you’ve read the description above, you might be hesitant about trying Waiting for Butterflies for a couple of reasons. First, it deals with an unpleasant topic, the death of a young mother; and secondly, the spirit of that mother “lingers” for a period of time in her family home before going to heaven. But while the topics and emotions are raw and heartbreaking, this is a redemptive, uplifting story overall. And it’s not meant to be a ghost story or a reflection of theology, but rather a moving “what if” story of a family’s loss, guilt, grief, and healing.
Maggie’s husband Sam, teenage daughter Rachel, and five-year-old Olivia handle unimaginable tragedy and guilt in different ways, as any of us would – pulled apart by that which should unite them. Sam always found excuses not to attend church with his family, so he has no faith to draw upon. Rachel’s downward spiral is hard to watch … “She didn’t want to think about her mom. That story was over, and she refused to rewrite it for anyone.” Adorable Olivia, the only one who can sense her mother’s presence, simply stole my heart.
Waiting for Butterflies has a huge spiritual impact. In the same way that God places ordinary people in our lives for a purpose, secondary characters impact Sam. Pastor Rob longs to witness to Sam, yet feels that God is telling him to wait. Roxy speaks of God always being at work to Sam … “We can’t see it because we don’t know what to look for. But one day you’ll look back, just like I do, and you’ll wonder how you missed it.”
The restoration of an old house is a beautiful picture of spiritual rebirth, and I loved Gary’s words to Sam … “A gallon of paint can cover a multitude of flaws, but it takes something mightier to cover a man’s sin ...We’ve all sinned, but we’re blessed that’s not how the story ends.”
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the characters and message of Waiting for Butterflies. “Best of the best” for me. Very highly recommended.
I was provided a free e-copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Wow! Anything I say will fall short and be woefully inadequate in describing this beautiful story that touches every emotion possible. Karen Sargent knows how to tell an evocative story and has an incredible writing ability. She writes in a character-driven, lyrical style that is not often found in Christian fiction, a style that I long for. I could hardly put it down, even knowing that I would shed tears of emotion occasionally. I hope this is just the first of many stories that readers can anticipate.
If you’ve read the description above, you might be hesitant about trying Waiting for Butterflies for a couple of reasons. First, it deals with an unpleasant topic, the death of a young mother; and secondly, the spirit of that mother “lingers” for a period of time in her family home before going to heaven. But while the topics and emotions are raw and heartbreaking, this is a redemptive, uplifting story overall. And it’s not meant to be a ghost story or a reflection of theology, but rather a moving “what if” story of a family’s loss, guilt, grief, and healing.
Maggie’s husband Sam, teenage daughter Rachel, and five-year-old Olivia handle unimaginable tragedy and guilt in different ways, as any of us would – pulled apart by that which should unite them. Sam always found excuses not to attend church with his family, so he has no faith to draw upon. Rachel’s downward spiral is hard to watch … “She didn’t want to think about her mom. That story was over, and she refused to rewrite it for anyone.” Adorable Olivia, the only one who can sense her mother’s presence, simply stole my heart.
Waiting for Butterflies has a huge spiritual impact. In the same way that God places ordinary people in our lives for a purpose, secondary characters impact Sam. Pastor Rob longs to witness to Sam, yet feels that God is telling him to wait. Roxy speaks of God always being at work to Sam … “We can’t see it because we don’t know what to look for. But one day you’ll look back, just like I do, and you’ll wonder how you missed it.”
The restoration of an old house is a beautiful picture of spiritual rebirth, and I loved Gary’s words to Sam … “A gallon of paint can cover a multitude of flaws, but it takes something mightier to cover a man’s sin ...We’ve all sinned, but we’re blessed that’s not how the story ends.”
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the characters and message of Waiting for Butterflies. “Best of the best” for me. Very highly recommended.
I was provided a free e-copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
September 24, 2017
Before I begin with my review, I want to make a disclaimer so to speak. I read for fun. I read because I enjoy it. I understand that not everything in a fiction book is factual, which by the way is why some people look at reading as entertainment. This book has a controversial topic in it - life after death. Yes, Maggie is kind of lingering around the family after her death. But I want to point out something. In the book, the author wrote a conversation between Maggie's husband and the pastor about the possibility of this. No where in this conversation, or any portion of the book, does she write that it is a biblical fact. So, while I do not believe this is possible, I am not scrutinizing a fiction story for biblical accuracy. If that were the case, I wouldn't read some of the fantasy or science fiction books that I read. Instead, I chose to accept this as a touching story that really spoke to my heart as a mother.
And that's where my review begins. This really is a touching and heartfelt story. Maggie was so worried about losing one of her children that she never considered the possibility of something happening to her instead. As a mother I can totally connect with this. While probably not to Maggie's extent, I can certainly sympathize with the daily worries of a child. And yes I will admit, while I was reading this I thought it would be really neat if God allowed us to look after our children when we pass. I know I would want to look after my child when I am gone! To be honest, the way the author wrote this made it seem kind of possible. That's the goal for fiction authors - to make nonbelievable things seem real.
In addition to the touching story was the sweet cast of characters. While I am sure a lot of readers will gravitate towards Olivia, and rightly so (she is super sweet), I must admit that I kind of like Rachel. Why? Because she seemed authentic. The typical teenager with realistic reactions. Everyone deals with death differently, and although there were some scary parts with Rachel, I could see them happening in real life. This made me want to jump into the book and just put my arms around her and hold her tight. Then I remembered this was just a book, I couldn't even talk to her! But that is how beautifully the author wrote the story. I felt like I was living it, or at least a fly on the wall while it was happening.
Aside from your beliefs, I encourage you to give this book a try. Read it for fun. Read it for hope. Read it just because. I think you'll find a story worth reading inside! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 10, 2017
Make sure you have a tissue box handy when you pick this book up—you’ll find yourself reaching for it on more than one occasion as you progress through the story. Karen Sargent has written a heartbreaking, but ultimately healing journey for her characters as they come to terms with the death of Maggie, beloved wife and mother. It’s one I couldn’t help but be drawn into, and I found myself willing these characters to find their way and to reach out to one another—and God—in the process.
Before her death, Maggie kept a journal that had the following inscription on the front: If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. For her, the butterfly became a visual reminder for those times when she began to fear the unknown, that good things—even beauty—can come from change. But for her husband, Sam, faith like Maggie’s is incomprehensible in the face of her death. He has no idea how to balance his dual roles as a senior detective and a father now that Maggie is no longer here, and his grief is deep, both for his loss and his past and present failings.
For their eldest daughter Rachel, a sense of guilt over her mother’s death causes her to make unwise choices, such as isolating herself from her best friend and those who love her. Her story becomes quite suspenseful toward the end, and leads to one of the most poignant moments in the novel: the moment Maggie understands the good that has been wrought through the last few months of agony her family has endured without her.
When I first read the description for this book, the fact that it described Maggie as a ‘lingering spirit’ gave me some pause. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this aspect of the book. However, as the author herself has stated, this is not a ‘ghost’ story, nor is it meant to suggest that people’s spirits can linger in the way that Maggie’s does. In many ways, Maggie’s presence in the novel is a metaphor for the way in which a mother’s love and influence continues to linger even when her physical body is no longer here. But fiction also gives us the ability to explore ‘what if’, and this novel does that in a respectful way—one that beautifully illustrates that good can come from even the most devastating changes.
This is a poignant debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review.
Before her death, Maggie kept a journal that had the following inscription on the front: If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. For her, the butterfly became a visual reminder for those times when she began to fear the unknown, that good things—even beauty—can come from change. But for her husband, Sam, faith like Maggie’s is incomprehensible in the face of her death. He has no idea how to balance his dual roles as a senior detective and a father now that Maggie is no longer here, and his grief is deep, both for his loss and his past and present failings.
For their eldest daughter Rachel, a sense of guilt over her mother’s death causes her to make unwise choices, such as isolating herself from her best friend and those who love her. Her story becomes quite suspenseful toward the end, and leads to one of the most poignant moments in the novel: the moment Maggie understands the good that has been wrought through the last few months of agony her family has endured without her.
When I first read the description for this book, the fact that it described Maggie as a ‘lingering spirit’ gave me some pause. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this aspect of the book. However, as the author herself has stated, this is not a ‘ghost’ story, nor is it meant to suggest that people’s spirits can linger in the way that Maggie’s does. In many ways, Maggie’s presence in the novel is a metaphor for the way in which a mother’s love and influence continues to linger even when her physical body is no longer here. But fiction also gives us the ability to explore ‘what if’, and this novel does that in a respectful way—one that beautifully illustrates that good can come from even the most devastating changes.
This is a poignant debut novel, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. This has not influenced the content of my review.
February 7, 2017
Considering all of the emotional turmoil happening in politics and the news right now, I thought I could use an uplifting story that promises grace and redemption. I appreciate stories that take into account the spiritual life of the characters. Faith is sometimes overlooked in contemporary fiction. Yet characters who have been through tragedy and had their beliefs tested can be compelling to read about.
The story description gives away the fact that Maggie Blake, the mother in this story, dies unexpectedly. Her family (husband and two daughters) must deal with the aftermath. The mother’s spirit senses that it will be hard for her family to heal, and so she cannot let go—yet. She lingers to try and influence events.
I worried alongside Maggie as I read about the difficulty her husband Sam has coping as a single father, and the bad choices her teenage daughter Rachel makes as she cannot reconcile the circumstances of her mother’s death. The story is sweet and sentimental at times, yet also raw and real in the depiction of mistakes made by family members both in the past and present.
If you are a parent, you will find yourself nodding along with Maggie at the times she can only watch and worry about her loved ones. Whether or not you believe in the idea of benevolent angels (or ghosts), I think most readers will have no problem suspending disbelief to imagine Maggie amongst her loved ones, praying for their redemption. I think any parent will be able to relate and find hope in the Blake family story.
The story description gives away the fact that Maggie Blake, the mother in this story, dies unexpectedly. Her family (husband and two daughters) must deal with the aftermath. The mother’s spirit senses that it will be hard for her family to heal, and so she cannot let go—yet. She lingers to try and influence events.
I worried alongside Maggie as I read about the difficulty her husband Sam has coping as a single father, and the bad choices her teenage daughter Rachel makes as she cannot reconcile the circumstances of her mother’s death. The story is sweet and sentimental at times, yet also raw and real in the depiction of mistakes made by family members both in the past and present.
If you are a parent, you will find yourself nodding along with Maggie at the times she can only watch and worry about her loved ones. Whether or not you believe in the idea of benevolent angels (or ghosts), I think most readers will have no problem suspending disbelief to imagine Maggie amongst her loved ones, praying for their redemption. I think any parent will be able to relate and find hope in the Blake family story.
September 13, 2017
A heart-rending portrayal of the grieving process for one family, Waiting for Butterflies will squeeze your heart with sympathy for Sam, Rachel, Olivia, and even Maggie.
Each of the characters grieves in a different way. Sam struggles to be both a father and a detective. Rachel blames herself for her mother’s death. Little Olivia is okay with it because she can sense her mother with them. And Maggie watches her beloved family unravel.
In the end, a mother’s love lasts beyond death. Through grief and sorrow, through poor choices and good ones, it’s always there. In the memories. In the quiet moments. In the family that she anchored.
Sargent weaves together a future for this hurting family with hope, healing, and heart to finish a beautiful picture with the reminder it’s the true Creator that knows the end result long before we do.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Each of the characters grieves in a different way. Sam struggles to be both a father and a detective. Rachel blames herself for her mother’s death. Little Olivia is okay with it because she can sense her mother with them. And Maggie watches her beloved family unravel.
In the end, a mother’s love lasts beyond death. Through grief and sorrow, through poor choices and good ones, it’s always there. In the memories. In the quiet moments. In the family that she anchored.
Sargent weaves together a future for this hurting family with hope, healing, and heart to finish a beautiful picture with the reminder it’s the true Creator that knows the end result long before we do.
***I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
September 26, 2017
This was a fantastic book. Make sure to have Kleenex ready because you will need lots of them. I did not want to put this book down because I had to know how this family was going to cope with the tragedy that struck them. Each member of this family needed to learn to cope in their own way. This explains many aspects of a tragedy with beautiful words. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
February 22, 2022
Waiting for Butterflies by Karen Sargent is captivating! I was immediately sucked into Maggie's world and consumed with the lives of her precious family as they learned how to find their way and live without her. Grab some tissue! This one will pull on your heartstrings.
Karen Sargent is very talented. This is a book you won't want to put down but also one you're not ready to let go of. Her story is one that could be our own.
Karen Sargent is very talented. This is a book you won't want to put down but also one you're not ready to let go of. Her story is one that could be our own.
October 2, 2017
My Penny’s worth
Immediately the Blake family consisting of Sam, the father, Rachel and Olivia, his daughters, became real as I turned the pages. The sudden death of Maggie traumatises the family, and four-year-old Olivia starts to hear her mum’s voice in all the turmoil. With Maggie becoming a lingering spirit the story takes on the form of a beautiful script. I had no problem with this imagery as God plants thoughts into our mind when we are open to His murmurings that can lead us to health and healing.
What I liked
Each character is robust and believable. Sam tries to cope with the death of his wife, but it is tough. His grief immobilises him and takes him out of his comfort zone. He knows how to be a cop, but a dad trying to take on both roles? Sam makes mistakes not surprising in his state of bereavement.
Rachel, the oldest daughter, deals with her loss with messy choices and I get her angle especially as she has a secret that eats away at her heart. I just wanted to wrap my arms around her.
Dear Olivia the wisest of all, young but dealing with her loss in the way she knows how. She holds the key to the struggles. The insights she has, come from Maggie, although I suspect an intuitive young person capable of such words are entirely plausible having worked with young children and heard their remarkable sayings.
What I disliked
There appeared to be no reason why Sam disliked the pastor, or perhaps I missed it. Maybe someone can fill me in on this point.
Would I recommend Waiting for Butterflies?
Karen Sargent paints a realistic portrait of grief and spins a beautiful story around the Blake family. Her characters have to find their new normal, as they work through their grief. This book was a page-turner for me, and the crushing truth is that it takes courage and time to adapt when you lose a loved member of the family, especially when you have not been able to say “goodbye”. This family certainly depicted the struggling of life after death. The verdict – yes I would recommend Waiting for Butterflies.
Thank you, Karen Sargent, for writing such a poignant book.
*I received this book for free. No compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.*
Immediately the Blake family consisting of Sam, the father, Rachel and Olivia, his daughters, became real as I turned the pages. The sudden death of Maggie traumatises the family, and four-year-old Olivia starts to hear her mum’s voice in all the turmoil. With Maggie becoming a lingering spirit the story takes on the form of a beautiful script. I had no problem with this imagery as God plants thoughts into our mind when we are open to His murmurings that can lead us to health and healing.
What I liked
Each character is robust and believable. Sam tries to cope with the death of his wife, but it is tough. His grief immobilises him and takes him out of his comfort zone. He knows how to be a cop, but a dad trying to take on both roles? Sam makes mistakes not surprising in his state of bereavement.
Rachel, the oldest daughter, deals with her loss with messy choices and I get her angle especially as she has a secret that eats away at her heart. I just wanted to wrap my arms around her.
Dear Olivia the wisest of all, young but dealing with her loss in the way she knows how. She holds the key to the struggles. The insights she has, come from Maggie, although I suspect an intuitive young person capable of such words are entirely plausible having worked with young children and heard their remarkable sayings.
What I disliked
There appeared to be no reason why Sam disliked the pastor, or perhaps I missed it. Maybe someone can fill me in on this point.
Would I recommend Waiting for Butterflies?
Karen Sargent paints a realistic portrait of grief and spins a beautiful story around the Blake family. Her characters have to find their new normal, as they work through their grief. This book was a page-turner for me, and the crushing truth is that it takes courage and time to adapt when you lose a loved member of the family, especially when you have not been able to say “goodbye”. This family certainly depicted the struggling of life after death. The verdict – yes I would recommend Waiting for Butterflies.
Thank you, Karen Sargent, for writing such a poignant book.
*I received this book for free. No compensation was received, and all opinions are my own.*
October 1, 2017
Where to begin? I just finished this book at the last stretch of the last minute because … life. You know that is such a valid excus-reason for everything that goes sideways when you have a perfectly planned out blog schedule. If it helps at all I am super disappointed in myself. This book was so very amazing that I wish there was more time to savor it. I mean, I own the book so that’s totally a thing that can happen, but I wanted to languish through the pages and just absorb the emotions and feelings and experiences of this family.
I wasn’t overly sure what I was thinking when I signed up to review this book. Don’t get me wrong the premise intrigued me. The cover image was breathtaking, even it if was purple. I just wasn’t 100% sold but I knew that not reading the book was not optional. I’m gonna be honest. I started the book with a sinking feeling since I knew what was going to happen. I savored each little tell, each morsel up to the moment I knew was coming. Please, you’ve read the synopsis you know it happens! From that moment I was invested. There was no turning back. I was all in. My heart was tied to this family.
For the love of gravy I am struggling with this review. I want to tell you so many important things. But those things will possibly spoil this book for you. That can’t happen. Set in a foundation of faith with a heap of love on one side and a toss of grief on the other this book carries you through with this family as they lose their anchor (mom/wife) and discover each other. While also showing what it might be like on the other side, gone and watching your family flounder through. I’ve never read this author before but I have to say I’m impressed and I’m on board with reading more by her. This is definitely one that I could recommend for basically everyone. Grief is not one size fits all. Faith isn’t either. This book gives you a different look at both.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/waitin....
I wasn’t overly sure what I was thinking when I signed up to review this book. Don’t get me wrong the premise intrigued me. The cover image was breathtaking, even it if was purple. I just wasn’t 100% sold but I knew that not reading the book was not optional. I’m gonna be honest. I started the book with a sinking feeling since I knew what was going to happen. I savored each little tell, each morsel up to the moment I knew was coming. Please, you’ve read the synopsis you know it happens! From that moment I was invested. There was no turning back. I was all in. My heart was tied to this family.
For the love of gravy I am struggling with this review. I want to tell you so many important things. But those things will possibly spoil this book for you. That can’t happen. Set in a foundation of faith with a heap of love on one side and a toss of grief on the other this book carries you through with this family as they lose their anchor (mom/wife) and discover each other. While also showing what it might be like on the other side, gone and watching your family flounder through. I’ve never read this author before but I have to say I’m impressed and I’m on board with reading more by her. This is definitely one that I could recommend for basically everyone. Grief is not one size fits all. Faith isn’t either. This book gives you a different look at both.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Originally published at https://fizzypopcollection.com/waitin....
September 8, 2017
"Waiting for Butterflies" by Karen Sargent
A beautiful emotional read about a family trying to find a "new normal" after the death of a parent. Two young girls, ages 5 and 14, are suddenly encountering a life they never expected: the death of their mother. How the two girls and their father address their grief is quite individualistic.
Maggie has been given the chance to help her family heal as a lingering spirit. Only her five year old can hear her, although her husband often knows she is present but never can hear what she has to say. Her oldest daughter is not coping. She is floundering the most. She cannot hear her mother and doesn't feel her presence. She thinks the whole idea that her father allows and then encourages his younger daughter to pass on what Maggie has told her to tell them. It certainly isn't helping her grieve. But neither are the other ways she is leading her life.
An incredible novel from beginning to end. It is engaging, mesmerizing, heartbreaking but heartwarming at its core. It is realistic and honest. It addresses faith, spirituality, and ones beliefs and how they are determined and practiced; but in such a minor way it really isn't noticeable. In fact, any novel would be remiss not to have that aspect within.
Her characters are deep, feeling, true people. They are flawed. They are reacting and growing and slowly moving forward from an event that changed their lives forever. They are written so well age wise and situationally wise, the reader feels like present at all times.
Some aspects of this novel will test you and make you question, "what if that happened to me"? Some will question the issue of lingering spirits. Some will root for the main characters, some you will agree with and there will be times you want to shake one of the characters and tell them to get a clue. But then Maggie is able to do that, to some degree.
An enchanting novel that will hook you emotionally from the start and will keep you thinking long after you have hit the end of the novel.
Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
** I received a paperback copy via Celebrate Lit
A beautiful emotional read about a family trying to find a "new normal" after the death of a parent. Two young girls, ages 5 and 14, are suddenly encountering a life they never expected: the death of their mother. How the two girls and their father address their grief is quite individualistic.
Maggie has been given the chance to help her family heal as a lingering spirit. Only her five year old can hear her, although her husband often knows she is present but never can hear what she has to say. Her oldest daughter is not coping. She is floundering the most. She cannot hear her mother and doesn't feel her presence. She thinks the whole idea that her father allows and then encourages his younger daughter to pass on what Maggie has told her to tell them. It certainly isn't helping her grieve. But neither are the other ways she is leading her life.
An incredible novel from beginning to end. It is engaging, mesmerizing, heartbreaking but heartwarming at its core. It is realistic and honest. It addresses faith, spirituality, and ones beliefs and how they are determined and practiced; but in such a minor way it really isn't noticeable. In fact, any novel would be remiss not to have that aspect within.
Her characters are deep, feeling, true people. They are flawed. They are reacting and growing and slowly moving forward from an event that changed their lives forever. They are written so well age wise and situationally wise, the reader feels like present at all times.
Some aspects of this novel will test you and make you question, "what if that happened to me"? Some will question the issue of lingering spirits. Some will root for the main characters, some you will agree with and there will be times you want to shake one of the characters and tell them to get a clue. But then Maggie is able to do that, to some degree.
An enchanting novel that will hook you emotionally from the start and will keep you thinking long after you have hit the end of the novel.
Rating: 4.8
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
** I received a paperback copy via Celebrate Lit
October 3, 2017
A mother's love is something that can't be explained in words and is something we all relish in the here or now or miss if our mother has passed away no matter our age. No one loves like mom. The grief I felt for this family was real and raw- it hurt me to read and I really did tear up especially because I'm a mama. The family's response was one we see in real life and reality in that respect was not sugarcoated at all- we spiral into guilt, emptiness, depression, and sometimes even self destructive patterns. We all have experienced the grief of a beloved family member and grief really touches a family- it can separate, or it can strengthen. Maggie wants to see her family made whole again and thriving again so they can live and accomplish what they were created to do. What mother wouldn't want that if they had to have left their family so unexpectedly? I was inspired by the reality that a mother's love is like no other, that grief is real, and that there is hope beyond all grief and while we will always miss our loved ones, we can look forward to for sure seeing them again in Heaven if we know the Lord. That my friends is a reminder of hope! Full disclosure here- I was a little wary when I started reading and realized that Maggie was a "lingering spirit." I knew that Biblically, the evidence wasn't there- but hey, we've all enjoyed Touched by An Angel before too and can we really say that everything within it was 100% Biblically accurate as well? We're talking about a fiction book here after all. Either way, this book will grab your heart and really just remind you that no matter what, there is always hope in Christ.
I received this book for free and all opinions given are my own.
I received this book for free and all opinions given are my own.
September 23, 2017
Waiting for Butterflies by Karen Sargent is a poignant story of a family's journey through grief. Maggie and Sam had a reasonably happy life together with their two girls, dealing with the typical issues with work and family life. Then one night a head-on collision changed it all. With an interesting twist to a story of grief, readers find Maggie's spirit lingering in the home, helplessly watching her family fall apart. Sam is a police detective who struggles with faith in Maggie's God. Will this world-shifting loss break him? Rachel, 14, is devasted and has a terrible secret that is eating her up, causing her to make sad and desperate choices. Will she be able to work through her grief without destroying herself? Their world has changed but as Maggie had reminded them 'if nothing changed, there'd be no butterflies.' The characters are strong, compelling, and evocative...the reader is quickly pulled into their feelings and actions. There is a richness to the story that captivates and resonates within the reader. With this debut novel, the author has done an expert job with dialogue, tension, action, and with satisfying surprises at the end of the story. I am looking forward to more from Ms. Sargent.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
September 25, 2017
Here is a book that I was able to sink into and read almost breathlessly! As a photographer who really her misses her darkroom, I instantly connected to Maggie and Rachel in those areas. With Maggie's sudden passing, I felt for her family. I've known so many families to go through such tragic events. Sargent then adds in that Maggie is still allowed to be present, angelic like, but not an angel, spirit is fully intact. Maggie is working to help her family heal from her loss in the physical realm. This very well written book never lets up on faith in God. Never drops praying or anything else important. I throughly loved the take that I have considered myself at times with what some call "ghosts", only Maggie isn't a ghost. She just has some things to do before going where God calls her next. If this book challenges your theology, then I'm glad. Why? Because as the Bible says, "We know in part, and we see in part" and there are things that we can't explain, and our God is so big that there isn't a "box" you can put Him into and say, God can't do this. This book covers one of those areas and covers it incredibly well. It's superb on handling grief, loss, heartache and following God, forgiveness and healing. Defiantly a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟(5 star) read that leaves you uplifted and inspired.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My thoughts and options are my own, left of my own free choosing.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit. My thoughts and options are my own, left of my own free choosing.
May 25, 2017
What a fantastic book from debut author Karen Sargent. Honestly I couldn't believe how well written this book was and that is was the authors first book.
U was a little apprehensive and wondering how the subject of life after death and being a lingering spirit or ghost like would be handled in the book.
The Blake family is trying to come to grips with the tragic death of wife and mom Maggie Blake. She leaves behind her husband Detective Sam, teenage daughter Rachel and sweet five year old daughter Olivia.
The story is raw and gripping with many emotionally charged moments. Readers come on the journey as Maggie observes her family dealing with the grief and loss caused by her death.
Sam feels hopeless, helpless and questions if he can raise his daughters by himself. Rachel resorts to may dangerous activities to cope with her moms death. She gives up the things she loves, her friends and is ready is also give up her faith.
Only sweet Olivia seems hear her mom's quiet voice. She is comforted to know her mom talks to her.
This story tugs at your heart and speaks to your heart. Get the tissues ready!! This emotionally charged read that will speak to your heart in a fresh way. I am looking forward to the authors next book.
U was a little apprehensive and wondering how the subject of life after death and being a lingering spirit or ghost like would be handled in the book.
The Blake family is trying to come to grips with the tragic death of wife and mom Maggie Blake. She leaves behind her husband Detective Sam, teenage daughter Rachel and sweet five year old daughter Olivia.
The story is raw and gripping with many emotionally charged moments. Readers come on the journey as Maggie observes her family dealing with the grief and loss caused by her death.
Sam feels hopeless, helpless and questions if he can raise his daughters by himself. Rachel resorts to may dangerous activities to cope with her moms death. She gives up the things she loves, her friends and is ready is also give up her faith.
Only sweet Olivia seems hear her mom's quiet voice. She is comforted to know her mom talks to her.
This story tugs at your heart and speaks to your heart. Get the tissues ready!! This emotionally charged read that will speak to your heart in a fresh way. I am looking forward to the authors next book.
September 23, 2017
This is a sweet story with an interesting and thought-provoking premise. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into when the story started but it did grab my heart and kept me reading as I became more emotionally attached to the story. Waiting for Butterflies is a novel abounding with emotional highs and lows, and reveals a great deal of understanding of the individuality of the grieving process.
Karen Sargent does a fine job of stating spiritual and life truths beautifully. As one pivotal character shares with another, “Compared to a man remaking himself, this is simple. A gallon pf paint can cover a multitude of flaws, but it takes something mightier to cover a man’s sin.”
The quote “If nothing ever changed there’d be no butterflies.” explains part of the rationale for the title. You will be glad you’ve read this heart-warming tale in which the butterfly theme remains significant and leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
A solid and sure five-stars for this new book by Karen Sargent! I look forward to more from this fine author!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
Karen Sargent does a fine job of stating spiritual and life truths beautifully. As one pivotal character shares with another, “Compared to a man remaking himself, this is simple. A gallon pf paint can cover a multitude of flaws, but it takes something mightier to cover a man’s sin.”
The quote “If nothing ever changed there’d be no butterflies.” explains part of the rationale for the title. You will be glad you’ve read this heart-warming tale in which the butterfly theme remains significant and leaves you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page.
A solid and sure five-stars for this new book by Karen Sargent! I look forward to more from this fine author!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book. A favorable review was not required, no compensation was received, and all views expressed are my own.
April 25, 2018
An emotionally powerful book!
Waiting for Butterflies is a soul touching story. With the exploration of some difficult situations, this story draws from many emotional depths. As the bits and pieces of the story unfolded, I was connected with all the sympathetic characters. I especially identified with Maggie as she is desperate to help her struggling husband and daughters. The writing is so engaging, each page tugging you into the lives of this family. In the end, the various pieces are expertly crafted together to create a deeply comforting conclusion, like being surrounded by a warm quilt of love and faith.
Not wanting to give away too much, I will say the expressions of the beliefs in this book are impactful, giving me a sense of wonder about eternal life. Karen Sargent’s words bring light to the world as you experience flawed people finding strength. The awards this book is receiving are well-deserved. I believe you will be blessed as you read Waiting for Butterflies.
*I won a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts.
Waiting for Butterflies is a soul touching story. With the exploration of some difficult situations, this story draws from many emotional depths. As the bits and pieces of the story unfolded, I was connected with all the sympathetic characters. I especially identified with Maggie as she is desperate to help her struggling husband and daughters. The writing is so engaging, each page tugging you into the lives of this family. In the end, the various pieces are expertly crafted together to create a deeply comforting conclusion, like being surrounded by a warm quilt of love and faith.
Not wanting to give away too much, I will say the expressions of the beliefs in this book are impactful, giving me a sense of wonder about eternal life. Karen Sargent’s words bring light to the world as you experience flawed people finding strength. The awards this book is receiving are well-deserved. I believe you will be blessed as you read Waiting for Butterflies.
*I won a copy of this book with no requirement to write a review. The opinions expressed are my honest thoughts.
July 25, 2017
Waiting for Butterflies is a unique and intriguing story about what appears to be an average family in many ways, but it also covers some areas of family life that many of us have never experienced yet. What happens when we lose one of the very important members of our household through death and what happens when the person we lose happens to also be the person who "keeps the household running" like a smooth machine?
I enjoyed the story. It is light and easy reading in some ways and yet it explores the "unknown" and ideas that we would love to be true, but yet could they be? As an imaginative person, I have often wondered if my spirit could come back after I leave this world. What Maggie was able to do would have been very interesting, although overall I find it a bit far-fetched. Gary's experience was even more far-fetched. It takes a great imagination to write a story like this. Thanks Karen Sargent for a good and unusual read.
I enjoyed the story. It is light and easy reading in some ways and yet it explores the "unknown" and ideas that we would love to be true, but yet could they be? As an imaginative person, I have often wondered if my spirit could come back after I leave this world. What Maggie was able to do would have been very interesting, although overall I find it a bit far-fetched. Gary's experience was even more far-fetched. It takes a great imagination to write a story like this. Thanks Karen Sargent for a good and unusual read.
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