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A Sparrow for Job
Sparrow James, recent high school graduate, is destitute, homeless, and completely alone…until an eccentric elderly woman named Etta White offers her a job as a live-in helper. The two quickly form a bond of friendship that goes far beyond employer/employee. When Sparrow meets Etta’s son, a soldier home on leave, the pair begin corresponding via letter, neither realizing the missives are exactly what they both need to heal their broken lives. But Job’s letters stop, and Sparrow fears the worst. If that’s not bad enough, Sparrow finds out Etta is battling cancer, and the woman’s time may be short. Sparrow’s world begins to crumble around her and the only one that can stop the destruction is a soldier missing on the other side of the world. Job and Etta…soldier and mother. Sparrow’s only lifelines in a cold, cruel world. What will Sparrow do when those two abruptly snap?
- GenresNew Adult
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 29, 2019
12 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 1, 2020
I understand what this book wanted to achieve
I only wish I was more into it...
light with romance & heavy with some issues like abuse, cancer, and death of a parent
I only wish I was more into it...
light with romance & heavy with some issues like abuse, cancer, and death of a parent
December 26, 2019
I received a digital copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.
Maybe I shouldn’t begin this review in such an emotional state I’m in right now but it’s all related to this book and it’s entirely the author’s fault that I’m all teary-eyed and my thoughts are all over the place, so I might as well go with it.
It was amazing! I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this book! I’m the type of reader who just skips large paragraphs of text and heads straight to the next dialog if the boredom starts creeping in, but here – I didn’t feel the need to do that even once. On the contrary – I enjoyed every page, every line, every word and I’m STUNNED because this has never happened before! I was so invested in the story, so engrossed in this world and so excited to be in Sparrow’s mind and discover her bizarre thought process, wild imagination and pure heart! There was simply no place for boredom!
I love how much care and feeling the author has put in creating each of the characters – the story unfolds slowly because we’re getting to know them and the circumstances that have shaped them into the people they are now. It made me that much excited to see what happens next, when they finally meet! None of the characters is perfect, every single one of them has flaws and scars that are just parts of who they are and it’s portrayed in such a natural way, I can’t help but admire it.
Sparrow’s life before she’s found Etta had been beyond awful and it, too, is entwined in the story with a purpose. It’s still a huge factor in her life, which I have to point out because so many books just use the main character’s traumatic past to explain the present situation at the very beginning of the book and then it’s just forgotten and as the story unfolds, there’s no longer any trace of it, any scar left, like they magically healed from whatever they’ve suffered through – and it simply doesn’t work like that.
Here though – past circumstances still affect the characters so realistically, shape them so realistically, it just made me fall for them even more – because they felt REAL.
I simply adore Sparrow’s way of thinking! How she jumps from one thought to another and then another, related in any way to the previous one, and suddenly she’s made her way though various different topic to end with something completely random! And I can’t hold any of this against her because it somehow still makes sense and adds something to the story! Even the salmonella knife thing – I’d find it irritating but even she herself pointed out how riddiculous she is about it and then somehow it turned into a joke that made me fond of her instead of causing me to roll my eyes at this, like I normally would!
Job… Now, this man has some serious problems. And I’m really SO glad that he took care of them – or, well, he was basically forced to, but still – instead of just living his life the way he used to, endlessly escaping from himself and his feelings. It, too, was shown perfectly! I only wish it would’ve happened BEFORE. He definitely needed that years ago. Though I suspect he simply refused to do that back then and I can’t really blame him for that either…
The way he exchanged letters with Sparrow and the way he thinks about her… My heart grows warm even just remembering it! But, dang it, that man’s so freaking stubborn! He wouldn’t admit even to himself that he actually NEEDS her. That man is all about denial!
Etta – even though I kind of expected that turn of events, I still hoped it wouldn’t come to that. She’s such a wonderful person and an amazing mother to his son as well as a wonderful mother figure to Sparrow. I simply adore that woman with all her quirks and love for confusing words! I love the role she played in Sparrows life and how she made her discover herself and grow day by day. The way Etta and Job accepted Sparrow into her family so warmly and without hesitation brought the tears into my eyes.
Speaking of tears – goodness gracious, I’ve cried so much while reading this book! Both happy tears and sad tears – and if it’s not an indicator of a truly good book, I don’t know what is! It made me feel all kinds of things and if I won’t shut up about it now, I’m afraid I won’t be able to and this review would just bring me to tears AGAIN.
Maybe I shouldn’t begin this review in such an emotional state I’m in right now but it’s all related to this book and it’s entirely the author’s fault that I’m all teary-eyed and my thoughts are all over the place, so I might as well go with it.
It was amazing! I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this book! I’m the type of reader who just skips large paragraphs of text and heads straight to the next dialog if the boredom starts creeping in, but here – I didn’t feel the need to do that even once. On the contrary – I enjoyed every page, every line, every word and I’m STUNNED because this has never happened before! I was so invested in the story, so engrossed in this world and so excited to be in Sparrow’s mind and discover her bizarre thought process, wild imagination and pure heart! There was simply no place for boredom!
I love how much care and feeling the author has put in creating each of the characters – the story unfolds slowly because we’re getting to know them and the circumstances that have shaped them into the people they are now. It made me that much excited to see what happens next, when they finally meet! None of the characters is perfect, every single one of them has flaws and scars that are just parts of who they are and it’s portrayed in such a natural way, I can’t help but admire it.
Sparrow’s life before she’s found Etta had been beyond awful and it, too, is entwined in the story with a purpose. It’s still a huge factor in her life, which I have to point out because so many books just use the main character’s traumatic past to explain the present situation at the very beginning of the book and then it’s just forgotten and as the story unfolds, there’s no longer any trace of it, any scar left, like they magically healed from whatever they’ve suffered through – and it simply doesn’t work like that.
Here though – past circumstances still affect the characters so realistically, shape them so realistically, it just made me fall for them even more – because they felt REAL.
I simply adore Sparrow’s way of thinking! How she jumps from one thought to another and then another, related in any way to the previous one, and suddenly she’s made her way though various different topic to end with something completely random! And I can’t hold any of this against her because it somehow still makes sense and adds something to the story! Even the salmonella knife thing – I’d find it irritating but even she herself pointed out how riddiculous she is about it and then somehow it turned into a joke that made me fond of her instead of causing me to roll my eyes at this, like I normally would!
Job… Now, this man has some serious problems. And I’m really SO glad that he took care of them – or, well, he was basically forced to, but still – instead of just living his life the way he used to, endlessly escaping from himself and his feelings. It, too, was shown perfectly! I only wish it would’ve happened BEFORE. He definitely needed that years ago. Though I suspect he simply refused to do that back then and I can’t really blame him for that either…
The way he exchanged letters with Sparrow and the way he thinks about her… My heart grows warm even just remembering it! But, dang it, that man’s so freaking stubborn! He wouldn’t admit even to himself that he actually NEEDS her. That man is all about denial!
Etta – even though I kind of expected that turn of events, I still hoped it wouldn’t come to that. She’s such a wonderful person and an amazing mother to his son as well as a wonderful mother figure to Sparrow. I simply adore that woman with all her quirks and love for confusing words! I love the role she played in Sparrows life and how she made her discover herself and grow day by day. The way Etta and Job accepted Sparrow into her family so warmly and without hesitation brought the tears into my eyes.
Speaking of tears – goodness gracious, I’ve cried so much while reading this book! Both happy tears and sad tears – and if it’s not an indicator of a truly good book, I don’t know what is! It made me feel all kinds of things and if I won’t shut up about it now, I’m afraid I won’t be able to and this review would just bring me to tears AGAIN.
November 8, 2019
A Sweet, Poignant Christian Romance
The authors tell great, HEA love stories. While I normally prefer the YA paranormal romance that her other persona writes, I thoroughly was captivated by A Sparrow for Job. Weaving a message of pain and loss with God's higher purpose leading to love and restoration, The Alyson Drake team provides a good read. I wanted to know what happened to the Sparrow and to Job. Alyson Drake did not disappoint. Like life, all of my questions were not answered and there were too many bad things that happened to good people. Yet, somehow a beautiful , fractured light still showed the possibilities in us -- God's creation. This is a love story. It is a Christian love story. It includes villains and heroes. All are flawed. Not all were saved...yet. I think there is more to come or at least I hope so. Etta James White's story needs to be told. In her story, the subject of skin color, generational wounds, family legacies and the healing power of God can be told. Yes, dear Alyson Drake a.k.a. Quinn and Bo, I am now speaking directly to you. Tell EJW's story! And back to the reader, if you enjoy humorous dialogue, a roller coaster ride with a few tears, HEA endings, a few cuss words, and a clear message that reminds you of God's love and God's word, then you will enjoy A Sparrow for Job. I did.
The authors tell great, HEA love stories. While I normally prefer the YA paranormal romance that her other persona writes, I thoroughly was captivated by A Sparrow for Job. Weaving a message of pain and loss with God's higher purpose leading to love and restoration, The Alyson Drake team provides a good read. I wanted to know what happened to the Sparrow and to Job. Alyson Drake did not disappoint. Like life, all of my questions were not answered and there were too many bad things that happened to good people. Yet, somehow a beautiful , fractured light still showed the possibilities in us -- God's creation. This is a love story. It is a Christian love story. It includes villains and heroes. All are flawed. Not all were saved...yet. I think there is more to come or at least I hope so. Etta James White's story needs to be told. In her story, the subject of skin color, generational wounds, family legacies and the healing power of God can be told. Yes, dear Alyson Drake a.k.a. Quinn and Bo, I am now speaking directly to you. Tell EJW's story! And back to the reader, if you enjoy humorous dialogue, a roller coaster ride with a few tears, HEA endings, a few cuss words, and a clear message that reminds you of God's love and God's word, then you will enjoy A Sparrow for Job. I did.
November 23, 2020
This was a beautifully written and heartwarming book to read. I loved Sparrow after escaping an abusive home life and graduated high school comes across Etta White a very kind and elderly woman with a wicked sense of humour who has a gorgeous son in the military Job. I loved this book because the characters were kind and helped heal eachother from emotional wounds. Even though Etta and Sparrow were crazy as hell I absolutely loved them especially when I read Etta talking about food, underwear and sex, seriously wasn't expecting that and ended up Spitting my drink because I was laughing so hard. I loved the kind nurse Suzy. I loved reading the letters that Sparrow and Job wrote to eachother. I loved the character growth between Sparrow and Job, Sparrow finding herself and figuring out what she wants to do with her life, Job finally became able to heal and move on from his past emotional traumas and be willing to love again. This book was amazing it made me laugh, it made me cry a truly heartfelt book to read a definite must read with beautifully written life messages and religious thought provoking moments. I will definitely be re-reading this book in the future and highly recommend this book to my friends and fellow book lovers out there. Alyson Drake aka Quinn Loftis is a very talented writer and you should definitely check out her amazing books.
October 26, 2019
A Sparrow for Job
Never wanted, unloved, eighteen year old Sparrow James survives a brutal attack. Her luck finally changes when she meets Etta White, a feisty, elderly lady who takes Sparrow under her wing (groan, sorry, 😝)and introduces the teen to friendship, kindness, faith and trust. After an unexpected Xmas visit from Etta’s son on leave from the services, Etta encourages Sparrow to write to Job. Never experienced before, Sparrows life is now enriched with love and friendship, offering Sparrow hope for a brighter future. Unfortunately not all goes to plan. I highly recommend A Sparrow for Job and advise all readers to stock up on snacks and tissues before settling down to enjoy this wondrous book, brimming with so many emotions, it almost bursts its seams. This phenomenal story should be declared book of 2019, a must read from Alyson Drake.
Never wanted, unloved, eighteen year old Sparrow James survives a brutal attack. Her luck finally changes when she meets Etta White, a feisty, elderly lady who takes Sparrow under her wing (groan, sorry, 😝)and introduces the teen to friendship, kindness, faith and trust. After an unexpected Xmas visit from Etta’s son on leave from the services, Etta encourages Sparrow to write to Job. Never experienced before, Sparrows life is now enriched with love and friendship, offering Sparrow hope for a brighter future. Unfortunately not all goes to plan. I highly recommend A Sparrow for Job and advise all readers to stock up on snacks and tissues before settling down to enjoy this wondrous book, brimming with so many emotions, it almost bursts its seams. This phenomenal story should be declared book of 2019, a must read from Alyson Drake.
November 12, 2019
Sparrow and Job have had a rough life. Each in their own way. This book shows how you can love someone unconditionally and how your love can change a person's life for the better. Mrs. White was my favorite character in this because of her witty, wise comments. She loves so unconditionally. It made me reflect on how we can love poeple better as a society. Instead of judging, we could give a hand to those in need and show them, love.
November 5, 2019
Amazing
This book was amazing. Just like like the other Alyson Drake books I've read, I laughed, alot. Cried, alot. And had every feeling in between. I am a forever fan and look foward to her next book.
This book was amazing. Just like like the other Alyson Drake books I've read, I laughed, alot. Cried, alot. And had every feeling in between. I am a forever fan and look foward to her next book.
March 12, 2023
This story is full of emotions. I loved how it makes you feel for Sparrow and Job and what they were going through. It showed no matter what your going through love can get you through the rough times.
August 26, 2024
I haven't read this in a very long time. There were a lot of things that I remembered, especially Etta!!!. There was a lot of the story that I didn't remember. I'm so glad that I re-read this. I laughed and I cried and I just could imagine this story as a real story.
October 31, 2019
Absolutely amazingly written.
I couldn’t stop reading.
Such an emotional roller coster.
Recommend to all.
I couldn’t stop reading.
Such an emotional roller coster.
Recommend to all.
November 10, 2019
Inspiring
On my goodness. What a great book. I was hesitant at first. But I am so glad I bought this book. It is a true inspiration.
On my goodness. What a great book. I was hesitant at first. But I am so glad I bought this book. It is a true inspiration.
January 5, 2020
Such a touching story. Loved the development of the characters. I laughed I swooned I cried . It has everything you want in a book and has such a satisfying ending! Loved it
April 29, 2020
Read in KU
I had this on my TBR for ages, finally got around to it and enjoyed immensely. Recommend.
I had this on my TBR for ages, finally got around to it and enjoyed immensely. Recommend.
June 9, 2021
Oh my gosh this book had me laughing out loud, such a great read with valuable lessons interspersed in the story line!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews