Not a Sparrow Falls

Second Chances Collection #1

by Linda Nichols

Fleeing the men who have led her away from the practices of her faith, Mary Bridget Washburn finds herself in Alexandria, where she hopes to bring happiness to a troubled widowed pastor and his three children. Simultaneous.

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

352 pages, Paperback

First published September 29, 2002

About the author

Linda Nichols is an American writer known for her contemporary romance and inspirational fiction novels. Initially gaining recognition with Handyman (2000), a romantic comedy that satirizes pop psychology, she later shifted toward faith-based fiction following a personal renewal of her religious beliefs. Her subsequent works, including Not a Sparrow Falls (2002), If I Gained the World (2003), and At the Scent of Water (2002), explore themes of faith, redemption, and personal growth. Nichols, who has also contributed articles to parenting magazines, is praised for her skill in crafting compelling characters and engaging narratives.

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looks and feels like a chick book. But, as a guy I think a lot of guys are gonna miss a great story if they think too narrowly about this genre. I'm becoming a fan of modern Christian fiction. I never thought that would happen as I am most often disappointed with "Christian" story telling especially in film... (which isn't to say that their aren't great Christian films). In this book there is the usual predictability, but it is engaging to see how things work out. Plus the element of faith and scripture are worked in tastefully, without it feeling like it was slapped on so as to qualify for a Christian audience. I think I will read more Linda Nichols.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Gram passed away in 2019- I found a book where she recorded her “goodreads” spanning 10 years of reading. She recorded all the books she read and had her own rating system. She made special note of the ones my Grandpa liked (she would read aloud to him daily as he progressively started to go blind. Gram inspired my love for reading when I was in middle school- and lately I have ached to be in her company. I have decided to read through her “goodreads” list in efforts to connect and feel close to her.


This was the first book on her list. She rated it “V.G.” for very good and I would have to agree!

I’m excited to read the next two in the series.

[Anne (In Search of Wonder) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

This book is packed thematically - mental health and suicide, drug use, church drama, and more- but in my opinion, Nichols balances it all very well and nothing feels shortchanged.

What keeps this one from being a five-star for me is that some of the circumstances felt unrealistic and/or far-fetched for a story that is meant to be taken seriously.

But the characters are pretty well drawn and the story pulls you in. It's easy to get engrossed in what is happening and your emotions invested.

[Sharon Huether · Rating 4 out of 5]

Birdie is running from her past. She meets a family in need of help because of sickness and heavy hearts.
Her idea of helping a teenager goes misunderstood. Her past is catching up with her and she is afraid she will end up in prison.
Through her love and tender care the pastor and his children are now well and Birdie has found great joy with the family.

[Kelly Hager · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are two main storylines here--Mary Bridget is on the run from her old life (she purchased supplies to make meth; she didn't actually make the meth herself--that was Jonah, her scary boyfriend) and eager to start over; she gives herself the name Bridie (after Bridget--her mom's name and her middle name). And Alisdair is at loose ends with his three children (teenage Samantha and twin toddlers Bonnie and Cameron) after his wife and their mother died two years ago, shortly after the twins' birth. He's a pastor and his church isn't happy with him because he's focusing more on his radio show than on leading the congregation. And the children are largely being neglected--until a nanny is found. Guess who? :)

This is Christian fiction (this novel was actually a Christy award finalist) and there is God talk. But it's also just a fantastic, heartwarming story. Bridie is a fantastic character and I fell in love with pretty much every character in here. (Except, of course for Jonah, the scary, meth-making ex-boyfriend.)

I hope to read more of her books.

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t come across many novels where the subject is not heavily covered in today’s Christian market, but the author does it with such strength and ability to craft a memorable story. Not only was this story captivating, it left me with memorable characters and a story line that will resound with me for time to come.
NOT A SPARROW FALLS is not a fast read. It requires a willingness to really delve into it, but once I entered the story world, I couldn’t leave. The situations the heroine found herself in were heartbreaking and anxious. I loved the love story. It wasn’t overt or edgy, but it was sweet and captivating. How I longed to see it resolved in the end. There were so many different threads that made up the tapestry of this story. From a family suffering from the loss of their mother, to a young woman running from a wealth of bad decisions, to a drug ravaged young man and the old woman who prays for them all.
I would give this book five stars, but I am giving it four because there was a theology issue, I do not agree with, namely once save always saved.
But aside from that, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It resounded and connected with me. I will not soon forget these characters or their story.
I want to thank Jim at Bethany House for my copy of this book to review.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found the first part rather disjointed and haphazard as the author introduced the characters in about the first 1/4 of the book. The last 3/4 of the book which focused on the story line was well done. The characters had depth and faced current issues that aren't the run of the mill topics in Christian fiction. The thread of second chances and grace that were woven throughout the storyline were well done.

[Elizabeth "Eli" Olmedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am happy to add Not a Sparrow Falls to my library. A fun and easy read, I finished it in a day. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Mary Bridget and Alasdair are loveable characters that despite their mistakes the reader can’t help rooting for them. Everyone makes bad choices in their lives. Stories like Not a Sparrow Falls give us the hope that second chances exist.

While the reader knows who will end up with whom; the predictability by no means detracts from the story. I really enjoyed the relationship between Mary and Alasdair’s oldest daughter, Samantha. However, the end feels a bit rushed. I found this disappointing because I enjoyed the rest of the book so much. I wished Nichols had fleshed out the resolution a little more. Still, I highly recommend this novel to romance lovers as well as readers who enjoy stories of second chances.

Review copy provided by Bethany House.

[alina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Slow at first, then picks up the pace. I was invested in each character and liked the resolution… to a degree.

I took one star off because the author made it seem as if suicide is not a sin and that suicide will bring us to heaven. Putting aside my own opinions about the matter, the Bible does not answer this question and I do not think it’s appropriate to make conclusions on our own. If suicide got me to heaven, I would’ve been in heaven a long time ago. That’s the only reason I took a star off my rating. Otherwise, I think the book could’ve been wonderful without the random romance at the end? That was so weird, in my opinion. I think their age gap is far too wide and the fact that he just proposed and she said yes was just too random for me.

Otherwise, GREAT book. I loved all the references to Scripture and how invested I became in subjects I had zero knowledge of!

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Young woman fleeing from a life with an abusive drug dealing boyfriend ends up on the run after turning him in. She assumes a new identity as "Bridgie" and manages to get a job as a checkout girl at a supermarket. An encounter in a church and at the market ends up with her losing her job and working for the family of a local minister. It turns out the ministers family is in dire straights--after his wife died his overbearing sisters took over and his teenage daughter is on the verge of rebellion. Bridgie, despiter spiritual doubts of her own, feels that she has been called to help this family, especially the daughter out. Predictably, she is able to turn the situation around and also develops a romance with the widowed minister. [return]The characters in this nover were engaging and it has a message about God not overlooking any of his sparrows. I'd say it's a cut above the typical romance.

[Jeni Enjaian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am surprised that I have not reviewed this book yet.
When I picked up the book I must admit that I did so with a bit of wariness. I have read some of Nichols' more recent work and have been disappointed. I wondered if my glasses had had a bit of a rose tint to them when I reread this book three years ago.
Turns out, my glasses were quite clear. This is a beautiful book. Nichols' language sparkles in the narrative, creating characters that pop off the page. Her imagery paints beautiful pictures free from clichés that often mar Christian fiction. While the ending ties everything up a little too neatly for my realist tending to pessimist point of view, everything about this book is what well-written fiction should be.
This book stays in my collection.

[Gail Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book was a little slow to get into at the beginning, it quickly picked up my interest and then I could not put it down! Loved how the author weaves in God's care and sovereignty and the Scripture, " He who has begun a good work in you will complete it." came to fruition. Highly recommend it.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A girl escapes a life of crime and reinvents herself as the nanny to a widowed pastor, until the past comes back to haunt her. Sweet, touching story.

[Angie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started off a little slow but then really picked up!
An enjoyable read about God's mercy and grace and Second Chances!

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just okay; it didn't do very much for me.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

All in all, this was a very encouraging and good Christian fiction novel. Mary Bridget's journey back to faith and the McPherson family's journey to healing interested me most. I love how Mary Bridget (Bridie) came in and helped them change things for the better. Her relationship with Samantha was sweet. I also liked several of the side characters very much, including Lorna and Carmen and Newlee.

The romance was underwhelming, not only because there was so little of it, but because when there was any "romance" it was just kind of annoying. :P But thankfully the romance WASN'T the main focus, which helped make this book as impactful as it was. This story was about facing the past and accepting God's grace and forgiveness. And it was beautiful. <3

PS. One thing that really annoyed, me though: Can someone please tell the author that when writing from the 13 year old girl's POV, using "like", "really," "lame" etc. in the narration about a billion times is.....like, really lame. :P

[Sandy]

Part off a readers digest series

[Corlene Dorrington · Rating 3 out of 5]

My summary:

Mary Bridget Washburn and Alasdair Robert McPherson's lives and circumstances cannot be more contrastive - she in her most desolate, dark night and he in a sweat-and-blood struggle to keep the light shining as bright as possible. Yet, inevitably, they both reach that place where it is either jump now or go over the edge.

"Two desperate people - one with all the answers... one with none" (from the back of the book's cover)

Intro:

The story beautifully illustrates how God works in all of our lives all of the time. How He expertly uses people in each other's lives to accomplish His will and answer their prayers.

'For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 'And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.'

What I liked:

The author switches between the perspectives of various characters involved, but NOT unnecessarily (it serves a specific purpose) or confusingly.

It is and stays exciting! From the cover I expected a regular 'sweet read', but was pleasantly surprised that it kept me wondering what is going to happen next and key questions kept me intrigued. With regards to the end as well! You know how you want it to end, but you are never absolutely sure exactly how it will end.

The characters were authentic. When I was finished I felt like I really got to know these people. This applies to what happens (plot) as well - it was credible.

The epilogue seamlessly ties into the story-line even ties into the end, which creates a very satisfactory circle.

What I didn't like:

Maybe I just don't know enough about the American justice system for the following suggestion to be realistic, but I think that it would have pushed most of the characters' development and the climax to an even higher level if Mary did go to jail for a while. Like I said, maybe I am talking in ignorance.

Now that I know how it all flows and turns out I would not likely read it again soon. Almost like I walked that road, immensely enjoyed the journey, and completed it, but would not walk it again soon. Nor did I wish that the journey could go on for longer. I was satisfied.

In conclusion:

The read was very insightful as to how the verses I quoted in the beginning, would look like in practice. It thought me something about how God works in our lives. I also enjoyed relating to the characters and their individual stories. In a nut - satisfying yet suspenseful.

Note: Next to the name "Second Chances Collection, #1" can be confusing. This story is complete and stands alone; it doesn't relate to the next story in this collection, In Search of Eden, as far as I can tell.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone has their own secrets and those secrets can often be the
cause of emotional, physical, or spiritual damage. In Not a Sparrow
Falls,author Linda Nichols explores what the dangers of well-kept
secrets.

Mary Bridget Washburn is on the run from an angry ex-boyfriend and The Law.

Reverend Alasdair Robert MacPherson is on the run from his own past.

Both are skilled at hiding their emotions from everyone around them.

Mary Bridget used to go to church every Sunday with her grandma, mama,
brother and sisters. That was until her mama died, her life after that
became a down ward spiral and she ends up assisting her boyfriend in
running a meth lab. Then one day she gets up the courage to run away.
Now on the run she becomes Bridget “Bridie” Collins, who has
nothing. But the funny thing is that when you have nothing, God is
already there to provide for you. Even though Birdie feels as if she
no longer deserves God’s grace, God is there for her, providing her
with a home, job, and friends.

Alasdair hasn’t felt any of God’s guidance in his life since his wife,
Anna had died two years previously. When Anna died, Alasdair became a
workaholic. He is a well-renowned reverend with his own church, radio
show, and magazine. But he is neglecting his thirteen-year-old
daughter, Samantha, and two-year-old twins. His two older, overbearing
sisters are trying their best to make sure his household runs smoothly
and his timid sister, Lorna feels helpless as to how to help her
brother and his family.

When Birdie becomes the housekeeper for the MacPherson family, she
changes their lives and helps release their secrets so their whole
family can begin to heal. But can Birdie finally release her own
burdens and once again become one of God’s followers?

Linda Nichols weaves an emotional and thought provoking story that
will make you angry, laugh and cry.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: NOT A SPARROW FALLS
Author: Linda Nichols
Publisher: Bethany House
2002, reissued February 2010
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0747-3
Genre: Inspirational/contemporary women’s fiction

Mary Bridget Washburn is tired of living life as a druggie’s woman. Her boyfriend spends all his time out in the back shop making “candy” and another man has been eyeing her. Mary knows its just a matter of time before this other man makes his move.
But neither man trusts Mary with money. Maybe they know if she has any she’ll run away. They just give her enough to buy supplies to make meth and no more.

Finally Mary knows the time as come. She hunts around the rusting trailer until she finds the stash of cash from the drug deals, and then runs away, stealing their pick up truck. She abandons the truck in town, and takes a bus to Alexandria, Virginia, where she takes on her mother’s identity and finds sanctuary in the shadow of a decades-old church.

But then a little girl needs Mary’s help, and Mary hopes to help them. Can her past stay hidden long enough for her to give the hope she longs to give?

NOT A SPARROW FALLS was originally published back in 2002, and I’m fairly positive that I read it then, but if I did I didn’t write a review. The book seems very familiar to me. Mary is a desperate woman, tired of living a life on the wrong side of the law, and yet knowing she is too far gone to return to her roots and the innocence she once knew.

The story is very well told, and not so dark as other stories I’ve read. There is an undercurrent of hope in this story, even in the darkness of the beginning, so you know that somehow Mary will be able to dig herself out of the pit she’s in. If you missed this story the first time, you won’t want to skip it now. Pick up your copy of NOT A SPARROW FALLS for an uplifting story of hope. $14.99. 350 pages.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first began reading this book, I was a bit hesitant about reading it because it does not fall into the categories of books that I prefer to read. What propelled me to keep reading was my curiousity about the grandmother of the main character, as well as how the plot seemed to sort of verge to the right of what I tried to predict would happen next as I read. I enjoy reading books that are not completely predictable, but not so unpredictable that the events are absurd. This would definitely fall under that heading.
With this book, I got a peak into a lifestyle (of drugs) that I have blessedly never experienced first hand, and it opened my eyes to the desperation and hopelessness that accompanies it. I also got a look into the polar opposite of that lifestyle - that of a pastor and the politics within a specific denomination. Along with these two heavy topics, Nichols also seamlessly weaves the equally heavy topics of depression and suicide beautifully, albeit bittersweetly. I found myself shedding tears over the book, not once, but twice. The wisdom addressing these topics was right on target and fit very naturally into the plot without the book coming across as "preachy." Each of the characters, no matter how small his or her part in the plot, was well-defined and unique, and I appreciated each one. All of the "loose ends" were accounted for and tied up, and every character seemed to reach a place of redemption in their own way.
This book was very satisfying and I am glad I decided to read it.

[Sherri Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book that once I started, and got into the gist of it, all I wanted was to find out the rest of the story and finish it. To be honest, the first chapter almost made me totally skip reading it, but fortunately, I went past it and delved into the next few chapters. From there, I was hooked. At the end of the book, I understood then the purpose of the first chapter. But at the time, it distracted me from reading.

Essentially the story is of Bridie, also known as Mary. She’s been drawn into the meth business, but finds that she wants out. Eventually she makes her break, and over a series of experiences, finds herself working as a nanny in the home of a pastor who is having difficulties with his church. It goes on to talk about the struggles he is facing, along with the death of his wife and problematic children. There were some areas that made me wonder, such as Bridie given full rein to basically redo the house, but I opted to ignore that, knowing it was for the best of the children.

The story of Bridie captivated me. And then how she was slowly able to draw in Samantha. It wasn’t your typical religious fiction book, it was better. It had depth.

The only part that threw me off was the Presbyterian talk. I’m not affiliated with the faith, so it almost felt as though I was reading a denominational book fiction book for their members. However, despite that, I was able to get around it and thoroughly enjoy the book.

I’d recommend giving it a try. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[Yiya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridie is a young woman that has been part of a drug dealing group and, although she has not used the drugs herself, her reputation has been tainted; her old days living in a godly way are gone. Fearing for her life, she runs away and assumes her late mother's identity, ending up in Adelia, where she becomes the nanny for the three children of the widowed Presbyterian reverend. It all began when she went to the church and tried to find some answers, but sees Samantha, the reverend's oldest daughter, asking for help in prayer. She makes up her mind to do so; little does she know that in the process her life will also be renewed. However, her life catches up with her, and she must face the truth, even if that means deceiving those that she has come to love as her own. As difficult as this might be, she knows what to do; growing up with a grandmother that trusts God and taught her to do so, proves to be the anchor of her life, and her main motivation to straighten things up.
This book is a reminder that God is always ready to forgive and that He stays with us all the time, even when we go away from Him. Another good lesson is that we must never depend on knowledge, but on prayer for guidance and direction.
Highly recommendable; it would be a very good read for someone who is going through trials.
Bethany House Publishers gave me a complimentary copy of this book; this did not bias my opinion on the book or the author.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Believing she is escaping from an abusive father, Mary runs off with her boyfriend Jonah. Unfortunately she ends up involved with manufacturing meth, and Jonah is psychotic under the influence. She carefully plans her escape, steals Jonah's money and tips off the police. She flees to Alexandria and assumes her mother's identity and takes the name Bridie. When circumstances lead her to a job as a nanny to the children of a widowed pastor, she only plans to stay for a short time. What she didn't plan was to fall in love with the children and to find a friend in Lorna, the children's aunt. The house is full of secrets and anything unpleasant is swept under the rug. The children are hungry for love and attention. Bridie is drawn to Samantha, the unruly teenager, and together then learn of the path that lead to her mother's death. She nutures the toddlers and makes the home a welcome place for them to play. Bridie also touches the sullen heart of the lonely pastor and when secrets are revealed, the recognize the need they have for each other. Together they reunite with Bridie's beloved grandmother and find for each of them a new beginning in life.

[Tiffany Dixon · Rating 1 out of 5]

My rating system is for me and others- if you understand my rating system.

1 star- book was so bad I couldn’t even get into it (because why would anyone actually finish a one star or 2 star book? Life is too short)

2 stars- Book was good enough I made it to the halfway point but then lost interest

3 stars- I finished the book, but only because I wanted to find out what happened and was not necessarily enjoying the ride.

4 stars- I finished and enjoyed the book.

5 stars- I finished the book and really felt something. The book impacted my life in some real way, or changed my perspective and/or motivated me to do or change something in my life.


Beginning was good, got really boring fast for me. I’m sure it will get better I just don’t have the patience with a slow and boring start and too many characters I can’t keep straight who is who and not building connections with them fast enough.

Got boring when the whole book shifted to what felt like another book that I didn’t care about. Got confusing too with the later and all kinds of new characters I didn’t like.

[Wendy Holley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about redemption. The story of a young woman whose life was marred by tragedy and wrong choices. But she finds the courage to change. The conflict in the opening chapters sets the stage and kept me turning the page.
Each character was well rounded with their own issues, conflict, and personality flaws that blended together perfectly. I enjoyed seeing each character's story wrapped up in the end and there were no hanging threads.
Mary's life is mirrored in the young girl, Samantha's. Who else is better to help a grieving lost girl than someone who has experienced similar circumstances? Isn't that like God to take our pain and suffering to help another and in the end both find healing? Linda did a superb job of blending all of that together. With a few twist and turns that left me both tearing up and smiling, I found this book both enjoyable and thought provoking.
I look forward to reading more of Linda Nichols books.

[Barbara Brink · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever felt at the end of your rope, hopeless, lost, alone, that God could never forgive you for what you've done or become, this is the book for you. Or if you just like books with real depth and well-rounded characters. This is a great read.
Linda Nichols always manages to take us into the true hearts of people; behind their facades, the walls they put up, and the faces they show the world. "Not a Sparrow Falls" is the journey of a young woman running from the law and her meth-abusing boyfriend, wishing she could turn back time to the girl she once was. With nothing left to lose but her life, she finds that God isn't through with her yet. She begins working as housekeeper and nanny to a widowed Pastor and his children and find that she's not the only one with secrets or a heart crying out for God's forgiveness and peace.

[TheReadingKnitter/ Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out kind of slow but still interesting. By about a quarter ways in it completely sucked me in and I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. I loved all the characters and how they progressed through the book. This was the first book by Linda Nichols that I've read, but it will not be the last!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Shows how awesome our God is.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was not exactly what I thought it was going to be about however I still really liked it and I will definitely be looking for other books by this author.