A Nest of Sparrows

by Deborah Raney

A Nest of Sparrows

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Christian, Novels, Audiobook

336 pages, Hardcover

First published June 22, 2004

About the author

DEBORAH RANEY's first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched Deb’s writing career. Twenty-five years, forty-plus books, and numerous awards later, she's still creating stories that touch hearts and lives. Her novels have won RWA's RITA Award, the ACFW Carol Award, the National Readers Choice Award, and the HOLT Medallion. She is also a three-time Christy Award finalist. Deb is a recent Missouri transplant, having moved with her husband, Ken Raney, from their native Kansas to be closer to kids and grandkids. They love road trips, Friday garage sale dates, and breakfast on the screened porch overlooking their wooded backyard. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

This story looked very interesting and different from any of my previous reads.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to finish it, quit reading at 26%, due to its slow pace and many time-consuming scenes.

[Jayna Baas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, this was a sweet story. I was intrigued by the premise of a man fighting to protect a woman’s children outside of the typical romance storyline. Yes, there was some romance, but it was gentle and woven into the story in a way that didn’t take central stage. Wade was a strong character trying to do the right thing and yet still sometimes questioning if it really was the right thing. I loved seeing him with Starr’s kids and how they all related to each other.

Because of the cover synopsis, I knew things could not go on as happily as they began. The tragedy was definitely a tragedy in so many ways—for everyone except Starr, although death scenes in the POV of the character who is dying always have the potential to be a bit strange, so be aware of that if you’re a highly sensitive reader. Wade’s struggle to help the children cope while just trying to make it through each day was very well written and so heartrending to read, especially when all his hard work seemed so much in vain. I loved that he leaned on the Lord through those times even though he questioned what was happening and if he could bear it.

Unfortunately, the ending fell rather flat for me. I was definitely happy with the outcome, don’t get me wrong, but the way it came about struck me as very anticlimactic and not what I was hoping for at all. I wanted to see Wade in a more active hero role at the climax, especially for all the buildup that came before it. There was also some confusion over the actions and role of a supporting character, although I was glad to see a real salvation arc rather than just a vague acknowledgement of a higher power. Despite a few ethical quandaries and a lack of characters actually turning to God’s Word for guidance and comfort, the Christian element of this story was strong.

My heart goes out to real-life children who are caught in the midst of situations like this. I am so thankful that God is a “father to the fatherless” and that, as this book reminds us, he sees every one of his little “sparrows.” Recommended to readers who like clean stories of faith and family with a bit of legal tension thrown in for good measure.

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[Dorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great. I also found a new author! I like the way Deborah Raney writes. I felt Wade's pain and happiness. Again, don't take everything for granted!

[Angie Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was so much better than a three star book in so many ways. I loved Wade and the kids, and I was rooting for them and hurting with them through the whole story. I had tears running down my cheeks in more than one scene--and that's from someone who rarely cries at books and even more rarely actually likes a book that makes her cry. The pain and struggle felt so real, but there was always a glimmer of hope and faith shining through, and I couldn't wait to get to the end where everything would finally come right.

And then I got to the end and was totally confused. Not that they didn't get their happy ending, but the way they got it left me feeling flat. The best analogy I can come up with is that it felt like climbing a huge, impossible cliff to try to rescue a stranded child, falling again and again, getting banged-up and bruised, but persevering through everything. Then just as you reach the ledge, the child loses her grip and falls over the side--and lands safely on the ground thanks to the parachute that was apparently there all along. Major spoilers on the way... I still can't figure out why the guy who's portrayed as an arrogant, conniving autocrat at best and an out-of-control abuser at worst would suddenly decide to pack the kids up and bring them back because his fiancee told him to and moved out. It doesn't fit with anything I remember seeing in his behavior at any other point in the story. Maybe there's some logic to it that I can't find, but I still can't make sense of it.

The other part of the ending that I really didn't like was Wade's sneaky way of keeping in contact with Dee by driving over to her house with the kids during the months that they weren't officially allowed to have a relationship. His excuse that she couldn't be blamed because he didn't tell her they were coming was worse than flimsy and showed a blatant disregard for the code of ethics she was supposed to be following. And as much as she loved him, Dee should have put a stop to it. She was a lot weaker on that point than she should have been and probably deserved discipline--not for accidentally falling in love but for letting the off-the-record communication continue once she realized they'd crossed professional boundaries.

My only gripe with the story before the ending was the subplot involving Sophie, which also left me confused on several points. First, was the only hold Darren had on her the "unforgiveable" sin she later confessed to Wade? Because all his threats about jail, etc. don't seem to ring true if that was all he could accuse her of. Second, I was never clear on what exactly he was bullying her to do. Just stay away so Wade couldn't claim her as a female influence for the kids? That seems like a bit of a long shot considering the amount of pressure he put on her and the guilt she felt every time she saw them. Honestly, I was waiting for her to have to lie in court or call in a false tip to social services or something of that magnitude. Again, it felt like a lot of buildup for very little payoff. Finally, I could not figure out why Sophie, after becoming a Christian, did not tell the judge or Wade or anyone about the fact that she had been beaten recently by Darren, which would have completely changed the lay of the land in the custody battle. It was really strange to see her peaceful and happy and talking about how the Lord would provide while holding back a piece of information that could have saved a lot of people a lot of hurt.

Honestly, if the ending had been different (not a different result, but brought about in a different way), I would have loved it. As it is, I feel like I had a great sail, but the wind died just as I was coming into harbor.

[Jill Derrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story a must read

Loved this book and the characters and story line. So very real in how the foster system favors the biological parents even if they are not fit to parent. A story of faith in God and how HE can work a miracle in ones life through prayer.

[Zan Marie Steadham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is a long, winding journey toward home and Wade Sullivan's is one of the most rewarding. Raney has crafted a story of heart, love, and concern. Good read

[Rebecca Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another tug-at-the-heart novel by one of my favorite authors. Deborah Raney's book, A Nest of Sparrows, drew me in from the first page. She deals realistically with loss, heartache, and harder issues, but blends them redemptively into this unusual story/struggle of a man and his love for the three children of his deceased fiance. You may shed a few tears along the way, but Deborah will take you on a journey you won't forget.

[Gloria Short · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a moving and thought provoking novel. I liked that it was Christian. Even when the legal system seemed to do everything wrong, the emphasis was on depending on God and working with the law, not against it. Sometimes I wanted to tell the hero to just pick them all up and run, but I knew that would only make the problem worse. It was also a love story that tells the value of waiting for something worthwhile.

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the plot! It was unusual with great twists and turns.

I'm not a big fan, though, of so much dialogue. I prefer more introspection and more descriptions and narrative and less dialogue to keep the story moving. I also didn't really feel the secondary romance. That storyline wasn't fully fleshed out in my opinion, but then again, it was not central to the main plot.

[Jean Volk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an excellent book, I did not want to put it down! I've heard of Deborah Raney from Facebook but had not read any of her books until I bought this one at a thrift store.

If you purchase or check one out at your local library, you will not be disappointed in her writing!

[Vina Lull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book

This was a wonderful story of love and faith, and a reminder that God is always in control. You will fall in love with the main character! We need more Wade's in the world.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Nest of Sparrows, by Deborah Raney.
Things have been tough for Wade Sullivan. Marriage is on the horizon to a wonderful woman who has three kids who he has learned to love. But only a month before the wedding, Starr is found dead in the bedroom they were to have shared, as she was putting the finishing touches on the decor. Wade and the children are thrown together in their grief, putting one foot in front of the other, learning how to get along without Starr. And just as they are finally beginning to work it out, the children's biological father comes crashing into the picture, claiming that the children are his and he wants them. Never mind that Starr took the children from him and ran to escape his abuse. Now the case will have to go through the courts; the children will be remanded to foster care, and Wade wonders where is God in all this? A book of learning to watch for God's loving care, to know that He sees and loves the little sparrows, even when circumstances seem totally against it.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it! You did it again, Deborah. I read 'Above All Things' last year and named it as my book of the year in the clean category and now just on the verge of us going into the last month of 2019, I finished reading 'A Nest of Sparrows' and I think it has, so far, been my favourite book of 2019. There was just the right amount of suspense in the book to keep me guessing. I loved Beau, Lacy and Dani and thought their personalities were very realistic.

Here is one of my favourite quotes in the book: "As he sought the Scriptures early each morning, one truth had begun to sink deep into his spirit: This life was only a whisper of a breath to eternity. God was far more interested in making him ready for the life to come than he was in seeing that Wade was happy on this finite planet." Raney, Deborah. A Nest of Sparrows (p. 397). Raney Day Press. Kindle Edition.

It made me stop and think. Is this true? Is it not true? I am not saying it is true because it is in the book - just that it was true for Wade at the moment, and it made me really stop and think about it. There were lots of other things that made me contemplate what is right, what should happen, what will happen, could this really happen, would this really happen? All things that make a great story in my mind.

Thanks Deborah Raney for a great read!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad, but uplifting story of a man and the children of his heart! I listened to this audio version and thoroughly enjoyed it. The theme of the story reminds us that all families are not born together, but many of the best and most loving are molded from circumstance and love. Great listen!!

[Alicia Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very welcome read

Heartbreaking yet heartwarming too. Wade was by far my favorite character other than the kids. The author made you feel the love he had, through the words on the pages

[Deb Shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting read

Uplifting read. Once started it was very hard to put down. The twists and turns, I rooted for the good guys to win.

[D.J. WAITE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have a box of tissues

A beautiful journey of faith, love, and sorrow with characters I instantly fell in love with. I cried with them in their sorrow, as well as the special bond the kids had with the adults who loved them so deeply. (I had to put the book down after crying through the first couple of hours, but couldn't wait to come back and finish it.)

The faith it took for Wade to ensure all of his heartache was evident in his daily prayers, and the prayers he shared with the children.

"A Nest of Sparrows" is one of the best books that I have read in a long time!

[Jama · Rating 1 out of 5]

Corny, predictable, unrealistic, melodramatic. Actually kind of wondering why I ever put this book on my to-read list.

And as a licensed social worker, Dee's behavior irked me. It irked me quite a bit. Plus, the judge is a narrow-minded idiot, but that's my personal opinion of his character and has nothing to do with my review of this book. In real life, some people are just idiots.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this tender story of loss and love about a fiance's unwavering fight to keep the three children of Starr, his fiance, who died suddenly. A beautiful portrait of sacrificial love with characters who are flawed and real. Raney keeps the tension high right until the end.

[Deena Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this story! As an advocate for foster children in my local juvenile court system, the storyline drew me in and held me throughout. Deborah Raney handles a tough topic well and her excellent writing kept me turning the pages. Highly recommend.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was one of those stories that once you get past the first page, you are hooked. It's hard to put it down and get a good night's sleep....yep, one of those.

[Coffeebreakwhatever · Rating 2 out of 5]

The title definitely didn't fit. The story was okay. Nothing really different or special about it. I did find a few odd events that I just thought could have been done better. The first, as the summary says, the mother died and Wade had to take care of the 3 kids. I thought it odd that it took 3 months to get the autopsy back. Now maybe it does, it just seems that after the body is buried - all there is left to do is type up the notes and maybe wait a few weeks for a test to come back, but 3 months? And when the autopsy determined what killed her, it didn't make sense that that could have been the cause. I won't give any spoilers, but one dose? I don't think so. I think there could have been a better reason. While reading until they found out, I was thinking it would be caused by trauma to the head from the abuse from her first husband. That could have played well with the rest of the story. But then, nothing more was said about the cause. Like it was just an "oh, by the way, just thought I'd mention...." moment. Why bother if that is all it was going to be? Why not use the results as part of the story? Another odd thing was, in the end, 2 days after a call between Wade and the bio-father, that basically said nothing, the children's bio father, just brings the kids back. No explanation, no conversation, no notice, no nothing... just drops the kids off at Wade's door, hands Wade pre-drawn up paperwork, and drives away. The reader is left going , "Wait. What?" Again, so much could have been said about why he did it since he fought so hard to get them in the first place. After finishing the book, I thought later, "okay maybe this happened or that is why", but I don't care to have to create my own ending to an author's story. So, I generally wasn't very impressed with the story.

[Jennifer Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Nest of Sparrows by Deborah Raney is the story of Wade Sullivan who finds himself in a fight for those he loves after the tragic and sudden death of his fiancée. In less than two years, Wade found himself going from bachelor to family man as he fell in love with Starr Parnell and her three children: Beau, Lacey, and Danica. Starr came to Coyote, Kansas after leaving an abusive marriage in Minneapolis. When Starr dies suddenly, Wade takes over the care of her children. As he and the children find a rhythm of work, school and life, Darrin Parnell, the children’s estranged father shows up. As the battle for custody begins, the children are placed in foster care and their case is assigned to social worker, Dee Thackery. Will Wade be able to gain custody of the children? Will he be able to give them the life he promised to them and their mother? Or will he have to watch as the children leave with their father?
A Nest of Sparrows is a great emotional story with intense drama. Wade is a man who thought his future was bright with Starr and their ready-made family. It is a story about what truly makes a family. Is it blood and biology? Or is it love and a common bond? The characters, their situations and their reactions are very realistic and relatable. I feel for Wade who seems to lose everything he loves and must fight to keep what is left. I feel for Dee who has the difficult decision to recommend either the children stay with Wade or return to the father. I highly recommend A Nest of Sparrows.

A Nest of Sparrows
Is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

[SK · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book Jerks Even Whisks the Reader into the Heart of a Family in Crisis.

I knew when I purchased this book the general summary and slant it would take. Because of that, I kept “delaying” the reading of A Nest of Sparrows. What a mistake. This book did not feel like 400 plus pages, the story grips the reader and the chapters fly by. When Starr died, in the midst of painting the bedroom she and Wade would share, the grief the characters experience becomes your grief. This book would not let you be an objective observer, oh no; you learned life-lessons right along with Wade, Starr’s sister, the children, and even Dee.

Many times, authors use artificial plot strategies as an apparent gimmick to delay resolution to story situations, prolonging tension, and story, but to me, they seem so false. With A Nest of Sparrows, I was praying with Wade as he struggled with the child custody process. I was frustrated when Starr’s sister refused to step forward with the truth she knew. I was flabbergasted when the judge awarded custody to Darrin. But even with all the troubles, it was remarkable to see How God Worked in all lives. This book packed a bushel basketful of lessons for the story characters, but also lessons for all God’s children who read the book. This is what I love about good, educative fiction. Life lessons can be learned from good fiction and not just non-fiction writing. Thanks Deborah Raney.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

E-Reader. Romance Novel / Fiction

Wade Sullivan fell in love Starr Parnell.  They got engaged.  She two young daughters & one slightly, older brother & special dog.

Wade & partner rebuilt an older house.  Starr loved this house.

She painted each room a different color.  She painted special words in bedroom.  Starr was very talented painter.

Wade received a call that Starr was  not answering her cell phone calls.  Wade drove as fast as he could to their house.  He found Starr in master bedroom & she was dead.

Wade had her children living with in same for 3 years.  Until father of the children showed up at the front door, he wanted get custody his children.  


Some one called SRS & all children put in foster home.  He could see once a week, with person who oversees what they talking about. Or how the children feel about Wade.  She had Wade take her through every room in this house. And kitchen sink was full dirty plates, spoons & knifes.


Wade had hire an attorney to trying get custody of the children.


Too many characters to list in book.  I hope you read this book to the end.

I hope will enjoy this book as much as I did!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

free ebook

she had a abusive husband who beat her. after the 3rd baby she divorced him and moved to the town where her sister lived

she met a nice man, who loved her kids. they were going to get married and move into his house, but she died

he wanted to raise the 3 kids, but their father wanted them to get her insurance money

he contacted a lawyer, the kids were put in a foster home

the bio dad beat the kids aunt badly but she wouldnt tell anyone he did it

the kids were able to visit once a week with a court appointed person watching. she had feeling for him and the kids but wasnt allowed to act on it for 24 months after the case was closed

the court ordered the natural father custody and they moved far away. he wasnt allowed contact

the boy called when his dad was beating his girlfriend. the man called the police but by the time they got there everyone was gone and couldnt be found

they later showed up at his house with papers giving him guardianship. the father got the insurance money and didnt want them anymore

he waited the 24 months and went to see the lady and she still loved him and wanted a life with them too

it was a really good christian book

[Sherrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Father's Love

Confirmed bachelor Wade Sullivan is smitten with Starr Parnell when her four-year-old daughter tosses his Kansas City Chiefs onto his plate at the diner. As Starr is putting the finishing touches on Wade's farmhouse a few months before their wedding, tragedy strikes. Wade finds himself struggling to hold the family together after Starr's sudden death, doing his best to love and protect three children who need him desperately. When the kids' biological father appears on the front porch demanding his children, Wade must roll the dice with Children's Services and the court system to fight for his kids in a system that seems determined to work against him.

This beautiful story touches the heart in so many ways. The family interactions are genuine, the obstacles seemingly insurmountable, and the love of God constant throughout. Ms. Raney does a splendid job of reminding us that God answers prayer in His time and in His way.

[Joleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one took me by surprise. It was too perfect in the beginning, I just knew it wouldn’t last. Yep, tragedy struck.

Wade is so in love with his fiancé, Starr, someone he could finally marry after his many years of bachelorhood. He’s equally in love with her children. But, oh my, I’m not sure how much to give away here.

Let’s just say, Wade began the laborious and heartbreaking task of getting custody of these children who considered him “Dad” already. But the birth father came into the picture and everything became so much more heartbreaking.

I wasn’t sure I could take this book at first. Watching this man go through all he did, and the expense leaving him in such debt was at times hard. But watching him rely on the Lord, growing closer to Him in the process and believing God will be in charge of it, no matter the outcome was a delight to read.

Such a good book. Endure to the end to see a lovely story unfold!!

[Linda Galella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

A story of heartbreak, love and learning to trust God. A thirty-something couple w/3 kids are planning a wedding. Shortly before the wedding, she dies and the children are left with him. The kids birth-father shows up after 4 years of zero contract and the struggle ensues. Who really is Dad to these children? As the sordid history unfolds and is whitewashed, the reader is privileged to witness faith in action as a Wade lives his life and fights to become the permanent father of his beloved, deceased fiancées 3 children, one prayer at a time.

Fast paced dialogue and lots of quick, active scenes keep this 400+ page tome moving along at a rapid pace. Even tho’ it was lengthy, I found myself wanting more at the end. The characters were endearing and I’d love to visit with them again and play a game of spoons!

[Shebb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart-rending, emotive tale of love, loss and the difficulties of life.

What a beautifully-written yet difficult story this was. Wade's heartbreak, and that of the children, sliced through my heart. The injustice of the parental rights battle Wade waged, the other striking details related to the loss of Starr, and the familial troubles with Sophie and Darrin about tore my heart to shreds for this 30-something man just wanting to keep his kids. His faith in God, which was tenuous at times under the pressure of life's hardships, also spoke to me. Because, sometimes we forget how we feel when we're backed into a corner, smothered in grief, and then guilt because we doubted God. I'm certain God has compassion on us despite our misgivings. It's about His love for us, not our love for Him.

A tumultuous story, but well worth the grief to reach the end.