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Refresh Station Church #1
Running from Monday
Delaney Anderson is a confident, successful digital media executive living the dream in the heart of Manhattan. She has everything a modern woman could want -husband, home, wealth, connections, and a killer corner office overlooking the city. She's on track to make vice president in another few years. But Delaney is also a woman with a story, one that's been locked inside her for most of her life. When that story starts banging to get out, life begins to unravel. A perfunctory marriage leads to an affair with a coworker. A painful and expensive divorce leaves her suddenly uncertain and adrift. When the death of a family member forces her to return home after many years, she gears up for a fight with the ghosts of her past. But she runs head first into the grace of God -in the form of an old family friend, an unexpected church, and a disconcertingly kind man. She receives revelation from an unusual source and finds the courage to speak her truth and drop her chains. Through Delaney, we learn that we all have a story and that letting God redeem that narrative is the only path to a life of purpose.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2018
19 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 13, 2018
Fiction that reads as a testimony of transformation
I just finished this book and I don’t even know where to begin to describe what an incredible treasure this book is.
Okay so maybe first, there probably should be a trigger warning for women who have dealt with sexual abuse. That being said, please do not let that keep you from reading it. In fact, please read it anyway. This author has treated a terrible subject with such incredible grace, love, restoration, hope, healing, and freedom, that I feel quite strongly the Lord will use it to inspire you to face those past traumas and pain and set your eyes on Him who wants to make you whole again in freedom.
Delaney’s story is beyond moving, it is transforming. We journey along side her through every dark place as she struggles to come into the light. She is thoroughly human, and author Lea Simms does not whitewash her poor choices or minimize the depths of her pain and selfish responses to it.
And can I just say, I really want to find this church in my own city? It’s exactly the church my spirit has longed to find for years. I won’t even detail the wonderful side characters that populate this book. I will simply say they are real, true-to-life, and lovely each in their own way.
The one criticism I foresee some readers having is that she “head hops” from one character to the next with no separation. This is a difficult literary device (third person omniscient) for most writers to pull off outside of juvenile fiction. It is well-used here, and I actually enjoyed the changing perspectives because it helped evoke emotional responses and create connections with minor characters and let us view how Delaney impacted them in different ways on a more personal level.
From start to finish, this book pulls at the Spirit within us and readers will immediately connect to Delaney and her story. She becomes like a dear friend, but you will also find yourself in her-even if you’ve never personally endured anything like she has. The writing inspires empathy and Delaney’s questions and searching and distrust of God are so fundamentally human that you can’t help but feel every little thing with her throughout.
I can not recommend this book enough. While reading it this week I’ve felt the pull of the Holy Spirit to reconnect and draw more closely than I have in a long time. The author’s own testimony is beautiful and her heart for ministering to other women through fiction is clearer than clear. Watch out for this one, she’s going places.
I read this book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription and all opinions are my own. I only gush like this when it’s genuine.
I just finished this book and I don’t even know where to begin to describe what an incredible treasure this book is.
Okay so maybe first, there probably should be a trigger warning for women who have dealt with sexual abuse. That being said, please do not let that keep you from reading it. In fact, please read it anyway. This author has treated a terrible subject with such incredible grace, love, restoration, hope, healing, and freedom, that I feel quite strongly the Lord will use it to inspire you to face those past traumas and pain and set your eyes on Him who wants to make you whole again in freedom.
Delaney’s story is beyond moving, it is transforming. We journey along side her through every dark place as she struggles to come into the light. She is thoroughly human, and author Lea Simms does not whitewash her poor choices or minimize the depths of her pain and selfish responses to it.
And can I just say, I really want to find this church in my own city? It’s exactly the church my spirit has longed to find for years. I won’t even detail the wonderful side characters that populate this book. I will simply say they are real, true-to-life, and lovely each in their own way.
The one criticism I foresee some readers having is that she “head hops” from one character to the next with no separation. This is a difficult literary device (third person omniscient) for most writers to pull off outside of juvenile fiction. It is well-used here, and I actually enjoyed the changing perspectives because it helped evoke emotional responses and create connections with minor characters and let us view how Delaney impacted them in different ways on a more personal level.
From start to finish, this book pulls at the Spirit within us and readers will immediately connect to Delaney and her story. She becomes like a dear friend, but you will also find yourself in her-even if you’ve never personally endured anything like she has. The writing inspires empathy and Delaney’s questions and searching and distrust of God are so fundamentally human that you can’t help but feel every little thing with her throughout.
I can not recommend this book enough. While reading it this week I’ve felt the pull of the Holy Spirit to reconnect and draw more closely than I have in a long time. The author’s own testimony is beautiful and her heart for ministering to other women through fiction is clearer than clear. Watch out for this one, she’s going places.
I read this book through my Kindle Unlimited subscription and all opinions are my own. I only gush like this when it’s genuine.
July 1, 2018
Running from Monday is an emotionally intense and poignantly hopeful story about fleeing from God and finding God. It could make you cry, will probably make you laugh, but will almost certainly make you think.
Delaney is a successful, ambitious Manhattan career woman with everything going for her...or so it seems. She’s also walking away from a marriage that never quite was and questioning her lack of emotional engagement in life. But the sudden death of her only family forces her back home to Georgia to face a past that she barely survived and the possibility of a future she would never have imagined. God issues a complex invitation in the midst of all this, but she has to be willing to take the journey.
There is little to no sugar coating in Delaney’s narrative. Themes of abuse, sexuality, and emotional brokenness are all handled with an honesty and frankness that is refreshing even by today’s contemporary Christian Fiction standards. Running from Monday addresses these real world struggles and redeems them with a message of undeniable hope and love. God’s call appears in true to life encounters, relationships, and internal conversations and not in tired platitudes. As a result, the plot and characters are genuine, relatable, and encouraging.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind or even longs to wrestle with deep and candid questions about God’s role in pain and healing.
Delaney is a successful, ambitious Manhattan career woman with everything going for her...or so it seems. She’s also walking away from a marriage that never quite was and questioning her lack of emotional engagement in life. But the sudden death of her only family forces her back home to Georgia to face a past that she barely survived and the possibility of a future she would never have imagined. God issues a complex invitation in the midst of all this, but she has to be willing to take the journey.
There is little to no sugar coating in Delaney’s narrative. Themes of abuse, sexuality, and emotional brokenness are all handled with an honesty and frankness that is refreshing even by today’s contemporary Christian Fiction standards. Running from Monday addresses these real world struggles and redeems them with a message of undeniable hope and love. God’s call appears in true to life encounters, relationships, and internal conversations and not in tired platitudes. As a result, the plot and characters are genuine, relatable, and encouraging.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind or even longs to wrestle with deep and candid questions about God’s role in pain and healing.
April 24, 2018
My beloved friend Lea allowed me the honor to receive an advanced reader copy of this incredible book and it exceeded every expectation I had. I am NOT a reader by choice. I hated reading UNTIL this book was born. This was an experience and a journey. I loved every word on every page. It came alive in my mind and my heart. I knew the book was going to be great because it was birthed from the mind, soul and spirit of one of the most incredible, wise and redeemed women walking on the face of this planet but I had no idea what I was really about to consume. I found myself taking this book with me everywhere!!!! I couldn't read fast enough yet I didn't want it to end. It is filled with raw, real, authentic life experiences that grip your heart, fill your mind with revelation and make you fall in love with every single characters. I am not leaving this review simply because this women is my friend nor because I was paid or bribed to do so but because this is hands down the very best fiction book I have ever read, EVER! YOUR GOING TO LOVE IT!!!!
April 26, 2018
I had the honor to read an advanced copy of this book and it has become my favorite book of all time. I was completely blown away by every word in this book. Anything written from this author is intentional, brings life and captives you in ways you never thought possible. This story is so well written that from the opening scene, you are drawn in and connecting to the main characters. I could not put this book down and never want the story to end. You will immediately fall in love with these characters and be reminded of them long after you read this book. I am very anxious for the next one in the series.
April 24, 2018
This book will become one of your all time favorite reads! I read a wide variety of books, and I could not put this one down, even with a very busy season of life and 2 kids. It is THAT good. I still think of the characters often. You will fall in love with each and every one of them, and even be able to relate to each of them in some way. I do not share the same personal experiences as the main character, Delaney, yet I am grateful for being able to see that life through her eyes as I know it is sadly a very common experience. This book was eye opening and encouraging, and a story I will never forget. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I am so thankful there will be more!
April 24, 2018
I had the honor to read an advance copy of this book and in no way was I paid or incentivized to write a review of this book. The author's detail and descriptive writing made the pages of this book come to life. This was more than a book to read, but an experience that you will remember. Running from Monday is the first in a series and I am looking forward to reading, or should I say, experiencing the rest of them. I love how the writer, Lea Sims, used part of her testimony in this book. Her relatability added heart to this story, a heart that jumps off the pages. (less)
May 1, 2018
Having been an avid reader of Christian fiction for many years as well as being a friend of the author, I received an ARC for review prior to publishing.
Christian fiction can run the full gamut from a light, clean read to a powerful redemptive story that weaves God's grace into the narrative. Running from Monday lands beautifully in the latter end of the spectrum. Everyone has a story, and often when the early chapters are written in pain, we tend to close that portion of the book and go on with our lives as if they had been recorded with invisible ink. When inevitably the question arises, "How did I get here?" we have trouble connecting dots that we cannot see.
Delaney Anderson is a successful career woman with an office in the heart of Manhattan—a woman who has it all to anyone looking at her. But when she looks at herself, she knows something is missing. An unexpected phone call starts her on a path that she never saw coming. And as the hidden dots come into view, she finally finds her missing peace.
Sims is an incredibly gifted writer, able to set such stunningly descriptive scenes, it is easy to step into the story. Which is good, because Delaney’s story is our story. We live in a broken world. Evil happens. And Delaney’s questions are our questions: Does God even exist? Does he care? Why didn’t he stop it?
These are hard questions, and the author addresses them through the wisdom of beautifully written characters to whom you are immediately drawn. Complex issues are unpacked through powerful dialogue interspersed with humor, such that you may find yourself—like Delaney—shifting your perspective.
As you turn the final page, you know that the end is really just the beginning for Delaney. Her story not only reveals the goodness of God, it parallels it. You just want more. Thankfully, Sims has introduced this as the first of a series. I for one cannot wait to see what is in store for Delaney and her friends at Refresh Station Church.
Christian fiction can run the full gamut from a light, clean read to a powerful redemptive story that weaves God's grace into the narrative. Running from Monday lands beautifully in the latter end of the spectrum. Everyone has a story, and often when the early chapters are written in pain, we tend to close that portion of the book and go on with our lives as if they had been recorded with invisible ink. When inevitably the question arises, "How did I get here?" we have trouble connecting dots that we cannot see.
Delaney Anderson is a successful career woman with an office in the heart of Manhattan—a woman who has it all to anyone looking at her. But when she looks at herself, she knows something is missing. An unexpected phone call starts her on a path that she never saw coming. And as the hidden dots come into view, she finally finds her missing peace.
Sims is an incredibly gifted writer, able to set such stunningly descriptive scenes, it is easy to step into the story. Which is good, because Delaney’s story is our story. We live in a broken world. Evil happens. And Delaney’s questions are our questions: Does God even exist? Does he care? Why didn’t he stop it?
These are hard questions, and the author addresses them through the wisdom of beautifully written characters to whom you are immediately drawn. Complex issues are unpacked through powerful dialogue interspersed with humor, such that you may find yourself—like Delaney—shifting your perspective.
As you turn the final page, you know that the end is really just the beginning for Delaney. Her story not only reveals the goodness of God, it parallels it. You just want more. Thankfully, Sims has introduced this as the first of a series. I for one cannot wait to see what is in store for Delaney and her friends at Refresh Station Church.
May 23, 2018
This story finds a home in your heart. From the moment you meet Delaney, you want to scoop her up and hold her, rescue her. It’s hard to watch her stumble through life when you can see what she needs.... but each page brings her closer to her rescuer! This book is filled with delightful tidbits to keep you wanting more...and dogs! Don’t forget the dogs... and maybe even a fox...🤗
January 3, 2019
While this is quite the redemption story, I am surprised that none of the reviews I skimmed mentioned the heavy storyline of sexual abuse, opening with a scene with a 6-year old. There is a lot of healing and grace within the pages, but readers should be aware that the main character's memories are not glossed over.
May 31, 2018
I really tried to love this book. The title was intriguing to me and I was gifted a copy so it went to the top of my reading list. The first introduction we have to the main character, Delaney, was a flashback to her childhood, in which she went through a lot of abuse. Which is, unfortunately, a reality for many; however the description of her abuse was WAY too detailed. It made me feel very uncomfortable to read, not like a "this puts me out of my comfort zone but makes me a better person" type uncomfortable, but more of a "what in the world am I reading?!" kind of uncomfortable. Allusion to the abuse would have been sufficient enough to set up the backstory.
I continued onward, though, so that I could have a full view of the book before making my final decision. Most of the rest of the book is present day Delaney, who is in her early thirties. There were around three or four other flashback type scenes interspersed throughout. Maybe it was because I didn't have much in common with Delaney or that I'm just in a different place in my life than her or even that I don't really read Christian romance novels anymore, but I had a hard time connecting with the character that was being described.
It seemed as if we kept jumping around whose perspective we were seeing the scene from. Sometimes it would be Delaney's perspective, sometimes it would be Claire's, sometimes Drew's. That led to having a lot of dialogue where some inner monologue would have been better. It felt like a lot of people talking about Delaney and at Delaney, but it didn't draw me in to understand Delaney and her motivations. It very much felt like someone was telling Delaney's story for her rather than the reader entering into Delaney's story to understand her.
Which brings me to another point: people saying, "This is her story to tell" and then going on and telling someone some detail of Delaney's life that she didn't give permission to share! The supposed "decent guy" eavesdrops in on a very private matter rather than walking away from the open window the moment he realized that he could hear a conversation he wasn't a part of, and then talks about it with Claire who was the only one who was supposed to hear about it. For a book that stresses that gossip is something that turns people away from religion, there was a lot of gossip happening! And the way there was so much dialogue it made it feel very much like Claire and Drew were emotionally manipulating Delaney to "make the right choice" to come back to God. (Not that choosing to seek God is a bad thing, but the manner that it is done read very coercive to me.) The way it is written into the story they are very concerned for her and it sounds a lot like it is *their* will and desire that she start believing in God and seeking him again. Without inner monologue I couldn't see how Delaney really was the one who was seeking to grow more spiritually, it felt like she was pressured to know more about God from those around her.
One last thing that didn't really make the story be readable for many is the particular references throughout that were of a religious nature. There was references to Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore and something called "Breaking Free" and a snide comment how the "other church" members were upset because they became "non denom". It didn't really help you draw into the story if you don't follow the teachings of Joyce Meyer or Beth Moore or you aren't in a non-denominational evangelical church.
There were a couple of things that I liked about the book. First, the writing flowed well. It was very readable in that sense. Also, it was a substantial book. There was a lot to the story and it gave detailed descriptions of things so you could imagine them well. The other thing I really liked was the quotes that were subheadings for each chapter. I have recently read another book that did that and I am really liking that style of drawing the reader's attention to the "theme" of the chapter. I even highlighted one of the quotes to find out more about it. It wasn't so bad of a book that I couldn't finish it (I'm looking at you Twilight) but it didn't resonate with me like I thought it would and the character development was not done well. It was just an OK book and I would probably still read the next one just to see if it was the character I had a hard time relating with or if it was the style of writing that was the reason.
I continued onward, though, so that I could have a full view of the book before making my final decision. Most of the rest of the book is present day Delaney, who is in her early thirties. There were around three or four other flashback type scenes interspersed throughout. Maybe it was because I didn't have much in common with Delaney or that I'm just in a different place in my life than her or even that I don't really read Christian romance novels anymore, but I had a hard time connecting with the character that was being described.
It seemed as if we kept jumping around whose perspective we were seeing the scene from. Sometimes it would be Delaney's perspective, sometimes it would be Claire's, sometimes Drew's. That led to having a lot of dialogue where some inner monologue would have been better. It felt like a lot of people talking about Delaney and at Delaney, but it didn't draw me in to understand Delaney and her motivations. It very much felt like someone was telling Delaney's story for her rather than the reader entering into Delaney's story to understand her.
Which brings me to another point: people saying, "This is her story to tell" and then going on and telling someone some detail of Delaney's life that she didn't give permission to share! The supposed "decent guy" eavesdrops in on a very private matter rather than walking away from the open window the moment he realized that he could hear a conversation he wasn't a part of, and then talks about it with Claire who was the only one who was supposed to hear about it. For a book that stresses that gossip is something that turns people away from religion, there was a lot of gossip happening! And the way there was so much dialogue it made it feel very much like Claire and Drew were emotionally manipulating Delaney to "make the right choice" to come back to God. (Not that choosing to seek God is a bad thing, but the manner that it is done read very coercive to me.) The way it is written into the story they are very concerned for her and it sounds a lot like it is *their* will and desire that she start believing in God and seeking him again. Without inner monologue I couldn't see how Delaney really was the one who was seeking to grow more spiritually, it felt like she was pressured to know more about God from those around her.
One last thing that didn't really make the story be readable for many is the particular references throughout that were of a religious nature. There was references to Joyce Meyer and Beth Moore and something called "Breaking Free" and a snide comment how the "other church" members were upset because they became "non denom". It didn't really help you draw into the story if you don't follow the teachings of Joyce Meyer or Beth Moore or you aren't in a non-denominational evangelical church.
There were a couple of things that I liked about the book. First, the writing flowed well. It was very readable in that sense. Also, it was a substantial book. There was a lot to the story and it gave detailed descriptions of things so you could imagine them well. The other thing I really liked was the quotes that were subheadings for each chapter. I have recently read another book that did that and I am really liking that style of drawing the reader's attention to the "theme" of the chapter. I even highlighted one of the quotes to find out more about it. It wasn't so bad of a book that I couldn't finish it (I'm looking at you Twilight) but it didn't resonate with me like I thought it would and the character development was not done well. It was just an OK book and I would probably still read the next one just to see if it was the character I had a hard time relating with or if it was the style of writing that was the reason.
June 16, 2018
"God, I hope she can sing!" ~ P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman
Barnum had decided to take a big risk and introduce Jenny Lind (considered to be the best singer in Europe) to America. He staked his questionable reputation on the hope that she would live up to her glowing reviews. With what trepidation he awaited the first notes of her first song in her debut appearance on an American stage! In this (fictitious) case, his risk paid off.
When it comes to Running from Monday, this scenario hit somewhat close to home for me. I was familiar with Lea Sims as a blogger and writer of study guides, so I knew she could write. Running from Monday, however, is her debut novel. Based on my opinion of what I'd read beforehand, I promoted this book via social media, assuring my friends that they wouldn't be disappointed.
Then I started to reconsider my haste. I'm a major fan of fiction and know firsthand that there's writing, and there's storytelling. Not everyone who writes well (whether it's expository, editorial, or blogging) can tell a good story. So I began to wonder if maybe I'd been premature; what if this novel didn't live up to the hype I'd initiated?!
Within the first few pages, my concerns were put to rest. Delaney's story not only piqued my interest; it sustained it. She was believable, and I wanted to know how she worked through her issues and what happened to her. Reading about her history caused some soul searching and self-examination on my part. And that's not something I've experienced often reading a novel.
I'm eagerly anticipating the next sojourn at Refresh Station.
Barnum had decided to take a big risk and introduce Jenny Lind (considered to be the best singer in Europe) to America. He staked his questionable reputation on the hope that she would live up to her glowing reviews. With what trepidation he awaited the first notes of her first song in her debut appearance on an American stage! In this (fictitious) case, his risk paid off.
When it comes to Running from Monday, this scenario hit somewhat close to home for me. I was familiar with Lea Sims as a blogger and writer of study guides, so I knew she could write. Running from Monday, however, is her debut novel. Based on my opinion of what I'd read beforehand, I promoted this book via social media, assuring my friends that they wouldn't be disappointed.
Then I started to reconsider my haste. I'm a major fan of fiction and know firsthand that there's writing, and there's storytelling. Not everyone who writes well (whether it's expository, editorial, or blogging) can tell a good story. So I began to wonder if maybe I'd been premature; what if this novel didn't live up to the hype I'd initiated?!
Within the first few pages, my concerns were put to rest. Delaney's story not only piqued my interest; it sustained it. She was believable, and I wanted to know how she worked through her issues and what happened to her. Reading about her history caused some soul searching and self-examination on my part. And that's not something I've experienced often reading a novel.
I'm eagerly anticipating the next sojourn at Refresh Station.
August 3, 2018
I love books, which anyone who’s been in my house can tell. There are bookshelves everywhere I can get away with putting one, including the one I had built into the the wall of the hallway in the stairwell. I’ll read just about anything. Sometimes the books are good, sometimes not so much. What makes me put a book in my “good” list? Characters that pull me in and make me truly care about them. Lea’s writing made me care about the majority of her characters, not just her main characters.
Yes, I was intrigued to find out more of Delaney’s back story. As that story unfolded, back stories of other characters blended in. Some stories stirred anger in me, others made me frustration, while others made me proud of their integrity and loyalty. I cared a great deal for Rogue as well, which won’t surprise my family or friends since Rogue’s a dog & I’m a huge animal lover. The bottom line is that, Lea created realistic characters that I cared about. I cared so much that I was crying “ugly tears” on an international flight at a couple points, and I didn’t care. That’s when I know a book is going onto my “good” list, when I’m so involved with the characters they stir all my emotions.
I fully intend to acquire the Bible study for this book, get a few more copies of this book as gifts for friends of various ages. It’s an excellent read for teens and above as it contains something for everyone to think about, and get some good conversations going.
I’m looking forward to Lea’s next book!!
Yes, I was intrigued to find out more of Delaney’s back story. As that story unfolded, back stories of other characters blended in. Some stories stirred anger in me, others made me frustration, while others made me proud of their integrity and loyalty. I cared a great deal for Rogue as well, which won’t surprise my family or friends since Rogue’s a dog & I’m a huge animal lover. The bottom line is that, Lea created realistic characters that I cared about. I cared so much that I was crying “ugly tears” on an international flight at a couple points, and I didn’t care. That’s when I know a book is going onto my “good” list, when I’m so involved with the characters they stir all my emotions.
I fully intend to acquire the Bible study for this book, get a few more copies of this book as gifts for friends of various ages. It’s an excellent read for teens and above as it contains something for everyone to think about, and get some good conversations going.
I’m looking forward to Lea’s next book!!
June 12, 2018
I read "Running From Monday" by Lea Childers Sims last night, while I was without sleep from having to deal with business issues without the internet. It was amazing. I will tell you, if you have not added this book to your wish list, TBR pile, and move it up on the list, you will be sorry. You want a real story that moves you? This is one. It does discuss some hard trauma topics, but I loved how it was done, in such a well written story.
I am not someone that is drawn to churches, especially in a story. However, in this one, the church with how it was set up, made me wish that churches patterned their ministry more after this one. Even though I related more to the older characters in the book as far as music taste, I really loved how even that was told in the story.
The characters were flawed, which makes this a tougher read, but so real and you could relate to them. I found myself tearing up a couple of times.
I am not someone that is drawn to churches, especially in a story. However, in this one, the church with how it was set up, made me wish that churches patterned their ministry more after this one. Even though I related more to the older characters in the book as far as music taste, I really loved how even that was told in the story.
The characters were flawed, which makes this a tougher read, but so real and you could relate to them. I found myself tearing up a couple of times.
July 19, 2019
Well written book that addresses sexual abuse and trauma realistically
This book is well written and I really appreciate that the author tackles sexual abuse. This is an area that few Christians are willing to even attempt to confront. So I appreciate it and I think it’s a realistic portrayal of healing, it’s not something that just happens over night and it’s hard. I was given pause by the authors decision to name Joyce Meyers, Hillsong, and Beth Moore throughout the book. I have theological concerns with all of them.. so much so that I hesitated to even finish the book. I am glad I finished it and didn’t find much theology that I had problems with.
This book is well written and I really appreciate that the author tackles sexual abuse. This is an area that few Christians are willing to even attempt to confront. So I appreciate it and I think it’s a realistic portrayal of healing, it’s not something that just happens over night and it’s hard. I was given pause by the authors decision to name Joyce Meyers, Hillsong, and Beth Moore throughout the book. I have theological concerns with all of them.. so much so that I hesitated to even finish the book. I am glad I finished it and didn’t find much theology that I had problems with.
April 7, 2022
Wow! This book, as well as the next in the series, Waiting on Tuesday, stunned me! Hard topics are deeply delved into, with a theme of God always loving us and showing that through healing. I normally don't like that much sermon/teaching material in a novel, but the material was used to move the story forward, showing how the characters are changing and receiving healing. It reminds me of Sharon Garlough Brown's Sensible Shoes Series, in the depth of the characters and the process of spiritual healing/transformation. I highly recommend this book and the series.
One thing to be aware of-child sexual abuse is depicted in a fair amount of detail. It was appropriate for the story, but it was hard to read.
One thing to be aware of-child sexual abuse is depicted in a fair amount of detail. It was appropriate for the story, but it was hard to read.
April 23, 2020
When a person gets wounded in life, sometimes in order to heal the wound needs to be reopened. This book is a healing tool. Parts of it are not easy to read at all. The story, although fiction, is all too real in so many lives. There is beauty in this story as it points you to our Heavenly Father who is with us no matter what we go through. He never leaves us!! He can redeem any situation, taking what is broken and wounded, turning it into something beautiful and whole, although scar covered.
May 20, 2018
Wow! This book should come with a warning!!!! :). You aren’t going to be able to get any rest until you finish it!!!
A story of overcoming past neglect, abuse, etc. How to conquer and overcome and then to rebuild build a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
This is a FANTASTIC read and I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to not get any rest until you finish it.
Lea Sims on on my list of favorite authors and I am looking forward to reading her future books.
A story of overcoming past neglect, abuse, etc. How to conquer and overcome and then to rebuild build a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
This is a FANTASTIC read and I highly recommend it. Just be prepared to not get any rest until you finish it.
Lea Sims on on my list of favorite authors and I am looking forward to reading her future books.
June 21, 2018
I became deeply invested in Delaney's story when I realized that many aspects of it aligned with my life. I couldn't put the book down - I even lost sleep wanting to know what was next for Delaney. The story is real to me as there are still parts of my past to release the grip on so that I too can move forward. I believe that this powerful story of redemption, hope, and healing is one that every woman can relate to, no matter what season of life she's living. It's a must read!
May 12, 2018
Let's just say I can't wait for the next book in the series! Lea Sims definitely has a way with words, bringing the characters to life and allowing the reader to experience what is happening. Running from Monday has made me really think of my own past experiences and how they have affected me and made me who I am today. This is a definite read!
May 25, 2018
What an awesome love story—on so many levels. I bawled my eyes out several times while reading this book. I loved it, however, it was not easy to read. I almost stopped after the first few pages, but as difficult as it was to continue, it was well worth it. It’s full of beautiful characters, both human and canine. I’m looking forward to book two!
May 19, 2018
I can’t put this book down. I love the attention to detail. Some parts are heartbreaking, but I know what breaking free looks and feels like, so i read with joyful anticipation for Delaney!! So Impressed - this is a must read!
May 27, 2018
WOW Powerful Emotional Read
Thank you Lea Sims for such an indoors book of healing. I am emotionally wrung out and a better person for having read this novel. Not so patiently waiting for the next one!!
Thank you Lea Sims for such an indoors book of healing. I am emotionally wrung out and a better person for having read this novel. Not so patiently waiting for the next one!!
September 8, 2022
This is a very powerful story. It was painful yet hopeful. My only problem is the somewhat-graphic descriptions of child abuse and sexual abuse. But, I understand how it was necessary to show the protagonists suffering to truly understand her struggles and her healing.
January 15, 2021
Beauty for Ashes
I've wept endlessly over the past 12 hours as I devoured the pages of this book. Beautifully and heartbreakingly written.
I've wept endlessly over the past 12 hours as I devoured the pages of this book. Beautifully and heartbreakingly written.
July 11, 2018
reading for my third time. this book totally set me free!!! I couldn't put it down. read it in one day the first and second time
May 13, 2018
As a disclaimer, first let me say I am a friend of Lea’s. I think it is also important to note that I really did NOT want to read her book. I don’t have a lot of free time and I was afraid that if I didn’t like it that I would hurt my friend. But when so many of our mutual friends were texting me about how good it was, I had to check it out. Lea captivated my attention immediately. The character of Delaney was so relatable. I fell in love with her instantly. Her story is the story of many women. It’s my story. You’ll experience the emotions as the characters experience them. Your heart will break in one chapter, but you’ll be leaping for joy, fist pumping the air in the next. Her vivid description of the characters and the settings allow you to fall deeply in love with them (you’ll never look at an Edison bulb the same). You’ll find yourself reading it every free moment you have, because you won’t want to put it down. When you’re done, you’ll be begging the author to write more! Don’t leave this page without purchasing it, I promise you won’t regret it.
March 5, 2020
One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Even if you can’t totally relate to Delaney’s abusive past, you can relate to parts of her life. We all carry around something. We all feel like a prodigal son or daughter at some point in our lives. We all need healing from something.
It was inspiring to read her transformation. You could feel her healing leap right off the page.
It was inspiring to read her transformation. You could feel her healing leap right off the page.
January 5, 2023
Read via Kindle. 4.5 stars
This was a tough book for me in some respects. Though I’m not a survivor of sexual abuse, I have people close to me that are. The opening of the book was too raw for me, yet it represented the sheer rawness and horror of sexual abuse.
There were a few words and things in the book that I could have done without. The mentioning of, “F-off” was one. While I know that is reality, I would prefer not to see it or hear it in that crass manner. Perhaps it’s because that’s all we currently hear off the mainstream news these days - rioters dropping F-bombs like confetti. I would prefer to know that the character cursed or used profanity rather than having it laid out. For these reasons, I can’t quite give it five stars.
The references to some charismatic music and artists, etc. was also personally tough for me, having gone through a couple of awful experiences as a young adult that visited a charismatic church a couple of times with friends. I had to put it aside and carry on with the book because I felt that I had to.
However, that all being said..... this book pushed in ways that I needed to be pushed. Things we experienced as children, teens, or at any point in our lives, tend to resurface or be like burs under a saddle. It also helped me to be that much more cognizant of the pain and struggle of others. I found myself in tears toward the end of the book, just as I found myself challenged. I have a lot of growing to do and I think this book helped clear some things for me and to realize that sharing pain with others shouldn’t be something we strive for. We need to bring people in rather than shut them out. We also need to give our entire life to God, and not just our heart, that includes all of the past hurts and painful memories.
This was a tough book for me in some respects. Though I’m not a survivor of sexual abuse, I have people close to me that are. The opening of the book was too raw for me, yet it represented the sheer rawness and horror of sexual abuse.
There were a few words and things in the book that I could have done without. The mentioning of, “F-off” was one. While I know that is reality, I would prefer not to see it or hear it in that crass manner. Perhaps it’s because that’s all we currently hear off the mainstream news these days - rioters dropping F-bombs like confetti. I would prefer to know that the character cursed or used profanity rather than having it laid out. For these reasons, I can’t quite give it five stars.
The references to some charismatic music and artists, etc. was also personally tough for me, having gone through a couple of awful experiences as a young adult that visited a charismatic church a couple of times with friends. I had to put it aside and carry on with the book because I felt that I had to.
However, that all being said..... this book pushed in ways that I needed to be pushed. Things we experienced as children, teens, or at any point in our lives, tend to resurface or be like burs under a saddle. It also helped me to be that much more cognizant of the pain and struggle of others. I found myself in tears toward the end of the book, just as I found myself challenged. I have a lot of growing to do and I think this book helped clear some things for me and to realize that sharing pain with others shouldn’t be something we strive for. We need to bring people in rather than shut them out. We also need to give our entire life to God, and not just our heart, that includes all of the past hurts and painful memories.
January 28, 2019
This book helped me draw even closer to Christ.
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