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Gathering up the Stones
FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON...
He needs a family to want him. One family wants him but can’t have him.
Emmaline Holcomb has waited years for God to grant her a child of her own. In the wake of miscarriages and a failed adoption, she resigns herself to believe a child will never come. When her husband prompts entering the world of foster care, it’s not long before Ollie arrives in the Holcomb household and their resolve is tested once more. In Emmaline’s eyes, he is a stone, cast away, and she can’t wait to gather him up. But she must let him go--another season she must endure.
Seven years pass.
When a discovery that could alter the trajectory of both their lives emerges, Emmaline must race to unveil the truth if she hopes to ever gather up her stone.
Told through the eyes of a lost boy, a struggling mother, and a woman who hopes to be one someday is a tale that personifies the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:5.
TARYN OAKLEY hopes to bring the joy of Jesus’ life-changing power to her readers through her stories. When she is not composing works of fiction, she teaches elementary school in her hometown and enjoys time with her family.
He needs a family to want him. One family wants him but can’t have him.
Emmaline Holcomb has waited years for God to grant her a child of her own. In the wake of miscarriages and a failed adoption, she resigns herself to believe a child will never come. When her husband prompts entering the world of foster care, it’s not long before Ollie arrives in the Holcomb household and their resolve is tested once more. In Emmaline’s eyes, he is a stone, cast away, and she can’t wait to gather him up. But she must let him go--another season she must endure.
Seven years pass.
When a discovery that could alter the trajectory of both their lives emerges, Emmaline must race to unveil the truth if she hopes to ever gather up her stone.
Told through the eyes of a lost boy, a struggling mother, and a woman who hopes to be one someday is a tale that personifies the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:5.
TARYN OAKLEY hopes to bring the joy of Jesus’ life-changing power to her readers through her stories. When she is not composing works of fiction, she teaches elementary school in her hometown and enjoys time with her family.
266 pages, Paperback
Published November 10, 2020
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Taryn Oakley
3 books32 followersTaryn Oakley was born and raised in Kansas. She has dreamed of writing her own novel since elementary school. Now, she is an elementary school teacher near her hometown, where she lives with her husband and children. Through her stories, she hopes to bring the joy of Jesus' life-changing power to her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 1, 2020
In Gathering up the Stones, Taryn Oakley has told a difficult story with skill and grace. Since she used three points of view for the story, Emmaline, the foster mother, Ollie, the little boy who needs a safe home, and Millie, Ollie's mom, who knows she can't keep him, we were able to get a fuller picture of all the people involved and the lives affected. The author did a fine job of creating a balance between the pain of a childless mother longing for a child of her own, but also the pain of a mother who knew the right thing to do for her son was give him up. It is a bittersweet story, but also one full of hope and the possibility of redemption.
I received a free copy of Gathering Up the Stones in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of Gathering Up the Stones in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2024
A good Christian faith based story about domestic abuse and child adoption. Received a copy of this work in exchange for a review.
June 23, 2024
I read it in one sitting!!! It was so good!
As I read the first couple of chapters I said to my husband "I don't think I should read this book." I said "if I read it we may have to start respite foster care."
I loved the changes in perspectives from different characters and seeing first hand both the challenges and the necessity and joy of foster care. The amazing impact safe and loving families can have whether it be for a short or long time.
I have friends looking after children in foster care and this story is very relatable to the challenges they face. They couldn't do it without knowing how much God loves these kids and that he goes with them even when they can't. God loves these children and has a plan for them, so beautiful ❤️
The book has inspired me to think more about foster care, whether that's something my husband and I can do or how we can support and love those that do it already.
As I read the first couple of chapters I said to my husband "I don't think I should read this book." I said "if I read it we may have to start respite foster care."
I loved the changes in perspectives from different characters and seeing first hand both the challenges and the necessity and joy of foster care. The amazing impact safe and loving families can have whether it be for a short or long time.
I have friends looking after children in foster care and this story is very relatable to the challenges they face. They couldn't do it without knowing how much God loves these kids and that he goes with them even when they can't. God loves these children and has a plan for them, so beautiful ❤️
The book has inspired me to think more about foster care, whether that's something my husband and I can do or how we can support and love those that do it already.
January 1, 2021
Two thumbs up for Gathering Up the Stones! Taryn Oakley's newest novel is such an amazing story of God's redemption, salvation, and unfailing love!
Told through three different points-of-view, you will read several heart-breaking, yet all too common, stories. A woman who wants so badly to be a mother, but can't. A mother who can't seem to break the chain of abusive relationships she continues to find herself in. A little boy who, above all else, just wants to love and be loved.
Watch these stories unfold and just feel the power of God at work, even when it seems He has forgotten His children.
One of the best-written, most emotional stories I have read in a while!!
A big thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Told through three different points-of-view, you will read several heart-breaking, yet all too common, stories. A woman who wants so badly to be a mother, but can't. A mother who can't seem to break the chain of abusive relationships she continues to find herself in. A little boy who, above all else, just wants to love and be loved.
Watch these stories unfold and just feel the power of God at work, even when it seems He has forgotten His children.
One of the best-written, most emotional stories I have read in a while!!
A big thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
January 17, 2024
Tender and innocent, yet deeply disturbing, Gathering up the Stones is an intimate illustration of how, during times of suffering and impossible circumstance, the Lord has ordained all things...for a Season...
Within the first few pages, I found myself emotionally invested in the characters and knew this would be a book I would read straight through in one sitting, hungry for the type of satisfaction closure brings.
So many books within the Christian Fiction genre come off as insipid and superficial, lacking in true inspirational depth, but author Taryn Oakley's Gathering up the Stones is not such a book.
The vivid emotional depth of the protagonists gives them life and makes their relationships to God and the experience of their faith feel like a shared journey.
This is a story of all hope, seemingly lost, and the Hand of the Father turning all the mechanisms of the enemy to good for His Name's sake and His neverending faithfulness.
Within the first few pages, I found myself emotionally invested in the characters and knew this would be a book I would read straight through in one sitting, hungry for the type of satisfaction closure brings.
So many books within the Christian Fiction genre come off as insipid and superficial, lacking in true inspirational depth, but author Taryn Oakley's Gathering up the Stones is not such a book.
The vivid emotional depth of the protagonists gives them life and makes their relationships to God and the experience of their faith feel like a shared journey.
This is a story of all hope, seemingly lost, and the Hand of the Father turning all the mechanisms of the enemy to good for His Name's sake and His neverending faithfulness.
January 2, 2021
Author Taryn Oakley captures the beautiful and tragic reality of foster children, their birth parents, and their foster parents. Gathering Up The Stones conveys heartache, turmoil, and hope through three perspectives, that of the child, his mother, and foster mom. As their lives evolve and circumstances change, foster mom Emmaline holds onto her faith and handles her challenges with a refreshing Christian outlook. Can things possibly work out for everyone involved? Yes! As a former foster mom, I could relate easily to Emmaline’s bittersweet journey. Great story. Quick read.
February 16, 2021
Riveting, and suspenseful, the novel is a narration of three characters - Millie, Oliver, and Emmaline - who tell the events from their point-of-view.
Through the narrated events in the novel, and the three main characters, the author has touched on sensitive issues that many of us have experienced. The author welcomes the readers into the lives of Emmaline (and her husband, Jesse) as they come with the terms they can't have children of their own; Oliver, whose young mother is unable to take average care of her, and has to be swapped between foster parents; and Millie, who struggles with drugs, taking care of her son, and the unending cycle of falling in the wrong hands of whom she thought would be her longtime partner.
The heartaches, uncertainties, betrayal, and what appears has of God had abandoned them; the characters through the challenges they undergo provide act as a reminder despite all the trials we face in life, we shouldn't lose our hope, and faith in God.
The three characters are well-formed, and the events are believable enabling a reader to make a truthful connection.
You'll sympathize and empathize with the characters. It's an emotional story, which makes it a good read.
Through the narrated events in the novel, and the three main characters, the author has touched on sensitive issues that many of us have experienced. The author welcomes the readers into the lives of Emmaline (and her husband, Jesse) as they come with the terms they can't have children of their own; Oliver, whose young mother is unable to take average care of her, and has to be swapped between foster parents; and Millie, who struggles with drugs, taking care of her son, and the unending cycle of falling in the wrong hands of whom she thought would be her longtime partner.
The heartaches, uncertainties, betrayal, and what appears has of God had abandoned them; the characters through the challenges they undergo provide act as a reminder despite all the trials we face in life, we shouldn't lose our hope, and faith in God.
The three characters are well-formed, and the events are believable enabling a reader to make a truthful connection.
You'll sympathize and empathize with the characters. It's an emotional story, which makes it a good read.
December 29, 2020
You have to read this!
Wow what a wonderful read. I believe I experienced so many emotions in this book. Anger, fear, happiness, thrill and pity. I cried and shook my head in frustration. I laughed and shout hurray. Oakley, the author does such a good job of drawing the reader in. Each chapter is from a different characters point of view, but story evolves smoothly. I felt that the foster system was reflected well and true to reality. Although one may figure out the "twist" as I did, it was still very much worth reading every word. Christianity certainly was not a side note for this author. The characters relationship with Jesus comes to life in the hands of Taryn Oakley. Such a great story.
Wow what a wonderful read. I believe I experienced so many emotions in this book. Anger, fear, happiness, thrill and pity. I cried and shook my head in frustration. I laughed and shout hurray. Oakley, the author does such a good job of drawing the reader in. Each chapter is from a different characters point of view, but story evolves smoothly. I felt that the foster system was reflected well and true to reality. Although one may figure out the "twist" as I did, it was still very much worth reading every word. Christianity certainly was not a side note for this author. The characters relationship with Jesus comes to life in the hands of Taryn Oakley. Such a great story.
January 13, 2021
A lovely story that reminds us of God's unfailing love and desire to work all things for good for those who love Him. My only complaint is that it wasn't very long. I felt that it could have been fleshed out a little more, to allow me to draw closer to the characters and empathise with them a little better. Because it jumped between characters, it was difficult to do this (although I am a huge fan of getting different points of view). Each character's point of view could have been explored a little more. But on the whole, a beautiful story which moved me greatly. :-)
January 14, 2021
I absolutely couldn’t put this book down! Oakley deals with some really heavy topics that hit close to home for our family—miscarriage and desire to provide foster care. I immediately connected with Ollie and Emmy—the foster son and mother. This book brought me to tears multiple times and was so encouraging and moving. It is inspiring me to begin praying about foster-adoption again. I highly recommend this book to anyone praying about foster-adopt to be reminded that God has a plan for and deeply loves all those in the foster care system.
January 11, 2021
Fast-paced. Engaging. Taryn Oakley knows her characters very well, their thoughts, their fears, their joys, their language. Set against some social issues, the story unfolds like a suspense thriller that you would not notice that it has you hooked already. Great for personal reading. Would also be very useful for classroom purposes such as for social work, child psychology, guidance and counselling, and similar classes. Keep on writing, Taryn.
March 9, 2021
What a wonderful story of God's redemption! For any woman who has ever suffered domestic abuse, a miscarriage or the desire for a child, this book will bring healing in places that you did not realize were still hurting. I also recommend this book for any family considering fostering a child. The characters are immensely believable and real, and the writing is full of heart and undeniable skill. Having the story told by the 3 main characters individually, brings a different perspective and ties the ending in a beautiful bow, with a twist that is both God inspired and amazing, and will leave you wondering if it could be true...
January 24, 2021
This is a powerful and moving story about foster care, infertility and hope. Written from multiple perspectives, the reader can travel through the drama through the eyes of a young boy (Ollie), his mother (Millie) and another young woman devastated by her own inability to have children (Emmaline). The narrative flows smoothly, the characters and situations are believable, and the story is engaging.
The book also shares a spiritual story about the role of God and how we can fit into His plan. Although fictional, there are plenty of elements that most readers can probably identify with here, and it could help them also reflect on their lives and faith. Stories that help people think are always good!
Just as another touch, I do like how Taryn Oakley included phone numbers and Web addresses at the back of the book for adoptions, pregnancy and domestic violence. All these issues are touched on in "Gathering up the Stones," and will be fresh on the minds of the readers at the end of the book. Making these resources available is a wonderful touch on Oakley's part!
I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary fiction, Christian fiction, or those simply looking for a touching read. I look forward to seeing what else Taryn Oakley will create!
The book also shares a spiritual story about the role of God and how we can fit into His plan. Although fictional, there are plenty of elements that most readers can probably identify with here, and it could help them also reflect on their lives and faith. Stories that help people think are always good!
Just as another touch, I do like how Taryn Oakley included phone numbers and Web addresses at the back of the book for adoptions, pregnancy and domestic violence. All these issues are touched on in "Gathering up the Stones," and will be fresh on the minds of the readers at the end of the book. Making these resources available is a wonderful touch on Oakley's part!
I would highly recommend this book to those who enjoy contemporary fiction, Christian fiction, or those simply looking for a touching read. I look forward to seeing what else Taryn Oakley will create!
November 6, 2020
This is a book that will touch your heart. It's well written and hooks you on the first page. It has just the right amount of drama to keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This book is full of God's love, forgiveness and grace. I can't put into words how I felt while reading this book, it touched me deeply. It was an emotional read for me; it made me cry, laugh and feel every emotion in between. This is a book you don't want to miss.
March 14, 2021
Such a beautiful story that handled difficult topics with grace and skill. I loved how everything came full circle, serving as a powerful reminder that God sees our desires, and has a special, God-sized plan for all of our dreams - even if that plan doesn't look like the one we had in our head. This story was so touching and perfect for any reader wanting to feel a story deeply.
Thank you to Taryn for providing me with a free copy of her book to read and give my honest thoughts!
Thank you to Taryn for providing me with a free copy of her book to read and give my honest thoughts!
May 22, 2025
I received a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own. I am not required to give a positive review.
What an amazing book!!! Very well written and such an enjoyable read yet hard because the emotions are strong. It is drama and it is hard stuff about adoption, abuse, drugs etc. but it’s real! I was impressed how God was incorporated into the book without being super cheesy. I think I need to reread the rock idea, but I think it’s a cool image.
The characters were well formed. There weren’t too many details to bore me. I really didn’t want to stop reading.
Great book!
What an amazing book!!! Very well written and such an enjoyable read yet hard because the emotions are strong. It is drama and it is hard stuff about adoption, abuse, drugs etc. but it’s real! I was impressed how God was incorporated into the book without being super cheesy. I think I need to reread the rock idea, but I think it’s a cool image.
The characters were well formed. There weren’t too many details to bore me. I really didn’t want to stop reading.
Great book!
March 7, 2021
Taryn Oakley writes beautifully and clearly about the perspectives of those engaged in protecting and caring for the most vulnerable among us -neglected and abused children. Oakley skillfully navigates the perspective of the child in the process as well as the caretakers involved, and by doing so, provided me with a better appreciation for the complexities of these situations. Your heart will be torn as you read the details of what it means to love without condition, or hope of reciprocation, and your head will be engaged as you think through the challenges presented by our system in loving others. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to love more fully and forgive more completely. It is also an entertaining and well written book for any occasion, and I know many would enjoy receiving it as a gift. I look forward to reading more from this author.
January 2, 2022
A great pro life story.
A heart warming story about foster care and adoption with a Christian perspective. I think it would make an inspiring movie.
A heart warming story about foster care and adoption with a Christian perspective. I think it would make an inspiring movie.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews