Sweet Sanctuary by Shelia Walsh

Back of the Book


Wren has tried to shelter her only son from the tumult of the world. Now she's about to find sanctuary . . . in the last place she ever expected.


In tiny Cottage Cover, on the coast of Maine, Wren Evans is raising her gifted son, Charlie. A single mom, she's fought hard to give Charlie a stable, secure home life. When a prestigious music academy in Boston expresses interest in Charlie's talent, Wren is willing to move them again to make his dreams come true.

But Wren doesn't know that Charlie has been praying for her. And the answer to her son's prayers will change both of their lives. As Wren plans their move to Boston, life in Maine begins to fall apart. Her job is threatened with budget cuts, and Wren's grandmother, Ruth, arrives unannounced, with an outlandish request.

Ruth wants the family gathered together one last time, at the summer home where, years before, an accident shattered Wren's peaceful childhood. In the tumult, Wren finds a friend in a handsome, kind-hearted local, Paul Callahan.

When the family gathers in Cottage Cover, old wounds will be healed, new love will blossom, and the innocent prayers of a child will be answered in a most unexpected way.


My Review


This novel was a step away from my typical genre of historical fiction. While I often read faith inspired fictions, I rarely read those set in contemporary times. For once I'm glad I stepped away from my norm.


I found the author to be a wonderful, descriptive writer who's characters easily captured my heart. Oftentimes I find characters fall flat, especially in Christian novels, and are one sided. Either they are inherently, unwaveringly good or they are the epitome of evil. Ms. Walsh's characters, especially the one of Wren Evans came to life, flaws and all. 


The story itself was a bit predictable, unfortunately, and therefore I did not give it a full 5 stars. Also, I found the big reveal to be a let down, the suspense aspect of the plot was not my favorite and it did not wrap up in as 'big' of a way as I would have liked, but all in all was a worthy read. I would recommend this novel to a friend, but more likely insist they borrow my copy rather than run out and buy one for themselves.


I was graciously given a copy of this book for free from BookSneeze® for this review, but was in no way compelled to write a positive review.