Sanctuary

Murrells Inlet Miracles #1

by Laurie Larsen

A brand new series of inspirational romance ... Murrells Inlet MiraclesBy the author of the Pawleys Island Paradise series ... same beachy setting, same heartwarming read.Hardworking, successful lawyer Nora Ramsey, was at the height of her career. Now, she's questioning everything in Murrell's Inlet, South Carolina.

When she accepts her aunt's dilapidated estate as her inheritance, Nora is plagued with misgivings and doubt. When a mysterious black stallion appears at her ranch, she needs help and receives it in the form of veterinarian Shaw Flynn.

Dedicated and rugged, he assists Nora through a trying time. In Shaw, she sees someone gentle, caring and deeply devoted to God. The more she’s with him, the more he inspires her to embrace her own faith. And as their relationship blossoms into a something real and beautiful, like the coastal sunsets of Murrell’s Inlet, Nora stumbles upon Shaw’s deepest secret. Her trust is destroyed and the wisdom of her life-changing decision shaken as the future she envisioned is threatened.

As the truth becomes clear, can she find forgiveness within the sanctuary of her heart or will his betrayal destroy her faith in him once and for all?



The Murrells Inlet Miracles 1: SanctuaryBook 2: RestorationBook 3: CrescendoBook 4: Capsized˃˃˃ Heartwarming, life-changing Christian fictionIt'll make you laugh. It'll make you cry. But most of all, it'll make you feel good.

˃˃˃ From EPIC Award winning author of the Best Spiritual Romance of 2010, Laurie LarsenIf you liked Pawleys Island, you're gonna love Murrells Inlet. Get your copy today.

Genres: Romance, Christian, Contemporary Romance, Christian Fiction, Contemporary, Fiction, Inspirational

239 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2017

About the author

Beachy, heartwarming and inspirational, Laurie Larsen's love stories contain a bit of faith in addition to the Happily Ever After. Her beloved Pawleys Island Paradise series gained fans, not only because of the stories and unforgettable characters, but the "arrogantly shabby" real-life island setting.

A multi-award winning author, she's won the EPIC Award for Best Spiritual Romance, the Illumination Book Award for Inspirational Romance Fiction and the eLit Award for Religious Fiction.

Laurie began her writing career back when she was juggling a challenging day job in Information Technology Management. Bewildered as to how an English major who loved to read discovered herself in a highly technical career path, writing became her creative release. Because "all good things come to those that wait," her reward finally arrived: retiring from the day job, moving to the beautiful South Carolina Lowcountry and writing novels full-time; at least, in between lathering on the sunscreen, walking the beach, and entertaining her feisty rescue pup, Weezer.

A member of Romance Writers of America for fifteen years, now, she's the President of an American Christian Fiction Writers chapter. She's lived her own Happily Ever After for over thirty years.

Want to stay in touch with Laurie?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlaurie...
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Website: https://www.authorlaurielarsen.com/
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Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Laurie-Larsen/...?

Reviews

[Jane Rayburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, inspirational book. I loved the characters, I got caught up in their lives. Hard to put the book down. Very clean, christian reading.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

this book is one that lets you see how a being successful in your career doesn't always make you happy

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sweet clean story! I enjoyed getting to know Shaw and Nora. I did skim through some of it, I'm not sure if I just lost interest or just wanted to hurry up and get through it. End the end it was as expected though and that's always nice.

Rating: G
Language: no profanity whatsoever! Love it!
Recommend: Yes

[Gwessie Tee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received as arc I volunteer an honest review, beautiful clean read so no naughtiness

Very charming and heartwarming book and sure to be the first of many that I read, I was swept into the story and found it difficult to put down. I never give spoilers I will say though that their HEA was very much deserved and well earned.

Thank you Laurie I am very eager to read more so will more than likely be collecting the others 😊

[C. Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters immensely. I felt like the Romance was well balanced because of their respective personalities.

I liked that Laurie Larsen does not shy away from real topics. She takes the issues head on and brings them to life for the reader.

This is an emotional novel. There are ups and downs for these characters individually and as a couple. You will find yourself right in the rollercoaster of emotions with them.

[Joan]

I knew this was 'inspirational' when I downloaded it. I usually try to steer clear of Christian romances because the author tends to cram God down the reader's throat/ The premise for this looked very interesting - an older couple instead of the usual successful 'early-thirties' so often encountered.

I found some parts of the story confusing.

1.
Nora visits Henry in prison - he is brought in to see her with his hands handcuffed behind his back????

then Nora and her sister go to the house that Nora has inherited - they are clearly familiar with the building and the surrounding area: ' childhood memories during the times she and Patty had visited Aunt Edie together

BUT the estate agent proceeds to tell them all about the house and they react as if they have never been inside before. It's clumsy writing and had me re-reading several times to check whether they had seen the house before. even now I have to check - but yes - Patty says "it holds a lot of family memories."

That was clumsy and had me doubting the writing.

2.
Nora and her sister invite the local vet (as in veterinary surgeon) to have lunch with them and when they sit down the vet (Shaw) - remember he is a guest - says "Mind if I say grace?"

How RUDE!!! How insolent, how thoughtless, how condescending! How dare a stranger assume that his hosts are religious!!! I am appalled that anyone would think it is acceptable to foist their beliefs on someone who has invited them into their house for a meal!!!

3.
Nora is with the vet when he is treating a pregnant mare. Shaw inserts a thermometer and Nora (wait for it.....) looked away to give the expectant mother an ounce of privacy.

ROTFL!!! Seriously??? Giving a HORSE 'privacy' - get real.

4.
The horse takes 'sips' of water!! Yes, I know horses suck water when they drink, but 'sips' is just the wrong word.

5.
Nora puts the farm and house on the market. This is a beachside property with the potential for developing into hotels etc - and several weeks later there has been no interest in it?? Nah.


The idea was good but the writing was clumsy and there were too many ???!!! moments that had me either re-reading or shaking my head at the clunkiness.

My other niggle with this is part of the 'inspirational' aspect. Nora found it very hard to 'forgive' Shaw, and yet she purports to be a Christian. A true Christian would have forgiven him No questions asked. He had not done anything wrong, he had not committed any venal or mortal sin.

I lost a lot of sympathy for Nora at that point.

I'm not rating this book. I think it needs serious editing to remove the clunkier aspects and maybe some edits to the religious sections, some of which seemed at odds to the christian preaching of forgiveness.

[Gina Stamper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel was different than I expected. It really walks the line between a few different genre’s but I really liked that factor. I loved the ultimate lesson we learn by reading this novel. It is an emotional journey and I believe that we learn things about the characters and ourselves along the way. I am a huge fan of Laurie Larsen and her writing style. The way she weaves her tales is really inspiring. You’re not just reading to escape, you’re reading to feel!

[Bev Haynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story. Character driven.

So happy to find an inspirational romance that shares biblical insights that fit the story. This is not one of those quick reads that force the reader to buy another book only to be left hanging once again. This is a full satisfying read.

I'm not going into the details of the story. You can get that from the author's blurb, but I'm posting this to give you courage to download this book as you won't be disappointed.

Bev Haynes

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific

This is a wonderful story about how with the power of prayer can help you make decisions easier. Nora inherits her aunt farm in Murrells Inlet and has to decide if she is going to keep it. She is a lawyer in Philadelphia, but the ranch makes her think about slowing down. Shaw in the local vet and use to help her aunt with her animals.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nora is a junior partner in a law firm in Philadelphia. Her Aunt dies in South Carolina and leaves her estate to Nora. Nora goes to the home she spent lots of time at when she was younger and memories of her good times with the horses and the beach overwhelm her. Patty, her sister, tells Nora to accept the inheritance and move to South Carolina and restore the mansion and open up the barn and land to rescue animals. Then a black horse named Thunder appears in the corral. Shaw, the veterinarian, helps Nora treat Thunder and finds his owners. While she stables Thunder for a few days, Shaw comes over every day to look after Thunder. Romance blossoms between Shaw and Nora. Nora is in a dilemma about whether she should return to her law firm or move to South Carolina. Shaw is helpful in getting Nora to pray again to God and shows her a bible verse that talks about giving back to others. Nora is already to accept the inheritance and then she finds out a secret Shaw has kept from her. Her trust in him is shattered and she returns to the law firm. (The law firm had placed her on leave because one of the partners was doing illegal things and they had to check out Nora before she was cleared she had nothing to do with that partner.) Back in Philadelphia, she isn't happy. She is mugged one night while coming home from the grocery store. When she is promoted to senior partner, she cries instead of being happy because this is what she has worked all her life for. So she changes her mind and moves back to South Carolina to open a Dress for Success affiliate and help women to get their dream job by helping with resumes, preparing them for interviews, and offering them clothes to dress for success. Shaw does not know that Nora has returned. After three months, Shaw's daughter comes to see Nora and tells her Shaw has not been happy since she left and to please give him another chance. All's well that ends well because it has a "happily ever after" ending with Shaw and Nora finding love again.

Very interesting during her struggle to decide what she wants to do with her life. On one hand is her successful law career but she works long hours and doesn't take care of herself (eating frozen meals every night for dinner). Then this exciting inheritance lands in her lap but does she have the courage to give up her dream job and start afresh? Shaw's help with praying and reading the scripture definitely give Nora things to think about. Interesting how God worked in Nora's life to have events happen that helped her to see what path she should take. All of us could learn a lesson in trusting God and seeking his will for us.

[R.K. Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story really grabs the readers attention from the get-go. Laurie Larsen does a great job being descriptive and allowing the reader to feel like they are immersed in the story.

I was surprised at how fresh and how many surprises there were in this story. What a wonderful job of keeping the reader invested in the story and its characters!

Characterization is key in any novel and I felt like Nora was a great main character with real problems that the reader can relate to. She was easy to get behind and root for through the novel.I loved the way that she opened up and accepted her faith throughout the novel, I also really loved Shaw's part in it.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a beautiful book about choices you make in life with
God's help.
I loved the book, the characters, and the storyline.
I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Jackie Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The adventures, the emotions, the didn’t-see-that-comings. Way to go, Ms. Larsen. Sanctuary is the perfect title for a truly lovely book.

[Sandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first read by Author, Laurie Larsen, and to be honest, I fell in love with the picture of the house on the cover because I love old, antique, character type of houses. I had mixed feelings about the story itself. Yes, I did enjoy reading it and it gave me a lot to think about and I like stories that make me think. I struggled with the decisions Nora had to make with relation to her inheritance and her employment - I would also find that to be very difficult, and I admired the various avenues she chose to help her make the decision. I couldn't even imagine a family situation where there were only two nieces left in a family for an aunt to will her inheritance to. My mother died this year at 99 year old and she still had 12 living children who would be in line first, and then hundreds of grandchildren, great, and great-great grandchildren living before the many, many, many nieces and nephews would be considered. Well, yes, our family is HUGE.

I had difficulty with the fact that Patty and Nora immediately attempted to ensnare Shaw into a relationship with Nora after they saw that he was not wearing a ring. Surely Nora should have had some responsibility to ask the question, find out if there was a wife, children or other commitments which could 'put a wrench' into a relationship before making him such a high priority in her life. They certainly had plenty of time to talk it over before she started thinking of him as a good catch. Was Shaw wrong and unfaithful? Of course. And yes, I am well aware that the 'sin of omission' is still a sin, but for her to become so bitter about it that it would affect her decision on whether to accept her inheritance or go back to her employment seemed a bit 'overkill' to me. The various techniques she was using to help her in her decision were good, but THEN - wham!! I was also shocked at the end of the story that, in a small community like Murrells Inlet, they couldn't have waited for a respectable time before starting anew regardless of the circumstances of his past life. I would rate the book at about 3 1/2. I really liked the story but I found discrepancies in plot and character.

I will definitely read more by Laurie Larsen.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sanctuary is the first book in the Murrells Inlet series by author Laurie Larsen. Tagged as contemporary Christian romance, this would be a book I would only pick up when I'm in just the right mood. To be honest, it was reading about the author that made me more interested in reading this. An IT professional by day and romance novelist by night, Mrs. Larsen is proving a woman can wear two different suits and excel in both. It's fascinating to me and gives me an automatic respect for her.

Now onto the story; It's a sweet book. Not sticky sweet but very nearly. The pace is brisk and easy and the reader is saved from long winded descriptions of scenery and house layouts, which I appreciate greatly. I really loved the horse angle, I think it added a dimension to the story that helped shine a light on the human characters. Larsen's talent for writing an engaging story is unquestioned by this reader.

There is a but here... I thought the big 'betrayal' was very much not a betrayal and I was irritated at Nora for painting herself such a martyr over it. I'm sorry but Shaw was a martyr, Sadie was a martyr, even Melanie was more a martyr in the story than Nora. I think I have come to the same type of conclusion about the female characters in Christian romances before and I believe it's why I shy away from the genre. Life isn't black and white, people aren't all good or all bad, and love is rarely painless. It seems like when God and faith is a focus of a story, the characters are far less forgiving from their perch on their high horse. It is something I've witnessed in real life with great disgust and I am aware that my preconceived notions affect the way I relate to characters in those type of books. None of this is the author's fault, it's just the way I feel.

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. I didn’t really go into it with high expectations; I just thought it was going just going to be a book full of religious mumbo jumbo - I was wrong. It did have a strong religious influence in it (duh, it is Christian Fiction) however, it wasn’t overwhelmingly so. As someone who isn’t religious, all of those aspects didn’t bother me. In fact, it gave me an insight into the mind of a Christian which was interesting.

Now, onto the actual book. I liked the premise; I thought that all of Nora’s inner struggles were written well. I also liked Shaw’s character, he seemed like a down to earth guy that had went through a lot. Though, knowing his background, I would’ve liked for his character to have been presented slightly differently when taking those things into account.

I also felt that some thing went too fast, and others too slow. It felt like the beginning/ the background information was dragged out too long (though I didn’t mind too much) and the end felt a bit rushed (everything was only resolved in the very last chapter).

The “twist” felt quite predictable, though, that didn’t really take away from the experience too much. I also felt that the way Shaw/Nora’s “problem” was dealt with was kind of cheap. I would have liked something a bit more thought out.

Despite these things, overall, I found this book quite enjoyable. It’s the first of its kind that I’ve read and I’ve got to say, I’m impressed. It wasn’t anything particularly spectacular, however, I had a good time and ultimately, that’s what matters.

[Emeline Zindo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting story we should all read.
Nora Ramsey a successful , hardworking lawyer who had been on top of her career at the law firm in Philadelphia . Waking up one morning to the saddened death of her favourite aunt who had died a month ago leaving her an inheritance at Murrells Inlet where she met Shaw Flynn a local veterinarian who had helped her with a horse who had gotten lost whom she found interest in him being a God fearing man and she fall over heel over in love with him and him confessing his love to her too. Shaw being a God fearing man who had helped her get closer to God than ever before and she trusted him so much whom turned to be the biggest liar ever where she discovered his darkest secret of him being a married man which broke her heart which made her leave behind the dream she had of transferring the inheritance to a great place and staying with Shaw by her side. This made her to go back to Philadelphia at her law firm career where she was a partner of Gibson Monroe and Ramsey . The promotion at her law firm from the position of a junior partner to the senior partner made her realised that she wasn't as happier as she was at Murrells Inlet in South Carolina. Then she made a decision of coming back to take back her inheritance and persued her dreams without Shaw in it though she would wish he him to be part of it if he wasn't married. After hearing about his wife's death Melanie gave her a hope that her and him were destined for each other then she forgave him when he apologised to her and accepted to be a couple.

[Anna B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A man’s challenged faith as he struggles with loneliness, guilt, unexpected love, and a secret that could destroy things before they can really begin.
A woman who must choose between a successful career and a surprise inheritance. Success isn’t always fulfilling when measured with a life that touches others and yourself in deeper ways.
Laurie Larsen has written a story that pulls at the heartstrings and draws you into the budding relationship between Shaw and Nora. It shares the struggles that are faced and decisions that are made step by step and day by day in the life of a Christian who doesn’t always get it right.
He intrigues her with his kindness, swoon-worthy looks and quiet faith. She values his friendship, but begins to want more. He seems to want it too but at the same time there’s a hesitancy on his part. If she pushes will it ruin her chances?
He is drawn to Nora and finds himself wanting more than the friendship he’s offered her. The problem is, he shouldn’t want it. He has obligations and he knows if he crosses the line, the secret he’s carrying could remove her from his life for good.
I would have liked to have seen more of his viewpoint as he struggles with his convictions and tries to navigate this unexpected occurrence in his life.
This is a book book that makes you think about what you might do in the situations the protagonists are placed in. A good read.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written with the perfect blend of love, faith, hope and destiny! It's the first I've read from Laurie Larsen, and I honestly wasn't sure what to think because the book cover was too "romance novel" for me. But I absolutely loved, loved it and I snuggled in the recliner and blew right through it during my scheduled work hours. So, it's a quick read, too, which was the only downside. I was hoping Book 2 was a continuation of these 3 characters? Yes, I counted Patty as a main character, too, because she's an amazing sister. I thought there would be a disconnect because of their aunt's will, but it was the complete opposite. We should all have someone like that in our corner.

The relationship between Shaw and Nora was a big (and important) part of the story, and I was rooting for them. For me, though, this couldn't have been suggested to me at a more perfect time. I teared up many times because it touched a part of me that KNOWS I'm here for a bigger purpose. I was so inspired by Nora's plan and how she carried that out. Everyone should be able to use the skills they have to carry out their dreams and do what they love. Right?! So, this book is a winner and very inspiring!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK this was an amazing read that had me knee deep in my own "Come to Jesus moment". An inheritance that changes everything. I do mean everything. Finding out God has a plan that means saying goodbye to one lifestyle and hello to another. There are so many things about this book that rang true in my life that I couldn't help but love this story and feel every drop of anxiety that went with the process. I love the sight from the others in Nora's life and the whole thing with Shaw. I love that her characters had flaws and made bad decisions but also sought God to make things right. For me it was an emotional read that touched me in a special way and that's why I easily gave it 5 stars.

This is my first read by this author and I will absolutely unequivocally be reading more. I love to clear my mind with these clean reads that while entertaining also speak to your soul in a different way. This is one of those authors, one that entertains and makes you dig deep in the process. Loved it can't wait to read the next standalone read in this series.

[Josephine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

The author did a great job on an entertaining story and teaching, through the character, how easy it is to turn to God and ask him for guidance in issues. I’ll admit though, I started and quit awhile ago because it was different and harder to read about an older romance...not as interesting to me, and especially because the main character was the epitome of what I didn’t like...a career driven woman with no concern for any other purpose. I finally picked it up and restarted though. She changed, and it was sweet to watch her change. It also dealt with a complicated issue in the heart, morality, what is right, the battle to do right, and I love those deeper thoughts. Don’t worry about that if that’s not for you, it’s all a flowing, entertaining story. She writes as God meant for writing talents to be used. The reader is uplifted before they know it happened.

[Paula Shreckhise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanctuary by Laurie Larsen is the first in the series Murrells Inlet Miracles, about life in a beach town in South Carolina.

I enjoyed this book about a lawyer, Nora Ramsey, who inherits her aunt’s Victorian house and beachfront property. She has a decision to make: stay or sell? This book dealt with the real struggles Nora had to face. Keep her high powered job in Philadelphia or opt for a slower pace and something worthwhile in South Carolina? She had the help if her sister, Patty, and a new friend, veterinarian, Shaw Flynn. Her faith grows as she tries to weigh her options. But then she is dealt a blow. Will she be able to overcome this obstacle? Will she be able to follow God’s leading!

Well written story with a definite Mr. Rochester character.

I look forward to other stories from Murrells Inlet Miracles.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first I thought this was just another romance story to enjoy reading one afternoon. But it turned into so much more covering topics like God, trust, and forgiveness on a deeper level. Not just side topics grazed over like so many other novels.

The beginning of the story between Nora and Shaw is so sweet and romantic. Personally found the coming together of these two a bit unrealistic. But it is a romance novel and real couples meet cute are...well...less cute. As the story continues and the characters develop more is revealed that are more reflective of real life. Complex individuals with histories and secrets, flawed but still trying.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good inspirational romance

I was very interested in this story from the beginning. I liked that Nora was forced to slow down and take a long look at her life and what she really wanted to do. I appreciated Shaw and the position he was in, wanting to go slow and wrestling with himself. I was a little annoyed that Nora put so much emphasis on Shaw lying to her when It was a lie of omission for heart-breaking reasons. Time apart did its work and they ended up together in the end. I would have liked a little glimpse of their future but will have to use my imagination. The faith elements blended well in the story and I appreciated that as well.

[Anne Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because there are times in my life that I really wish I had a way to escape the hurry-hurry, fission-pressure workdays, I related to this book. I think it's worthy of five stars, don't you?

Nora is an attorney for a law office, one with a big problem--a bad problem that one of the partners isn't too sure she didn't have a hand in. The other partner--her mentor--is in jail, apparently for good reason. She's put on leave. Permanently?

Sometimes God has to literally shove us out of one place to another, and Sanctuary showcases God's hand in that process. Way to go, Laurie Larsen.

The ebook is currently available for free at both Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

[lisa butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Post vacation read

Living close to Philadelphia and just coming back from a vacation in Pawleys Island, this was such a fun book to read! While on vacation, I visited Murrells Inlet, the Marsh Walk, drove on route 17, saw alligators, and walked the beach. It was fun to revisit the area after my return. I also ride and care for horses and spend lots of time at a farm in the country. I enjoyed this Christian book immensely not only because of it's location and subject but also for it's positive impact on me!

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the book Sanctuary by Laurie Larsen, as a challenge book to help read some of my downloaded e-books that have been hanging out on my kindle for over six months that I have never read. I loved getting to know Shawn and Nora, this book was a clean and inspirational read, Nora had a high power job when she receives a unexpected inheritance. She faces some hard decisions, and unexpected turn in the weeks following this inheritance. The author weaves a truly inspiring story, and would certainly read more books from this author.

[Medenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend - I was deeply drawn into this story


As an older woman, I could strongly relate to Nora. Chasing a title, a career which consumes your entire life, leaving you empty and abandoned. Been there. I love the way her life shifts and the conclusion of the book. Laurie, you have become a favorite author. This is the first book of yours I have read and I look forward to more!

[Dorothy Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sanctuary

Enjoyed reading this book. Interesting characters and enough happening to hold my interest. Nora and Party were sisters, but with completely different personalities. Shaw was an honorable man caught in a very unfortunate situation. Luckily God step in to help Nora make the decission to leave the law firm and follow her dreams. He also led her to forgive Shaw. I am sure they had a happy ending. Definitely have it 5 stars.

[Sue Ferryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book very much!

Author Laurie Larson wrote an entertaining storyline about a young woman, an attorney, who was a Junior Law Partner in a prestigious law firm. One of the Senior Partners was unethical and went to prison. The young junior partner was being investigated and Her or not she had helped the Senior partner and was forced to take a leave of absence while being investigated. Many twists and turns in this book. Worthwhile read!