Product Description

His Fiancée Was the One Woman He’d Loved.
Her Children Are All He Has Left.

Reserved contractor Wade Sullivan never expected to fall in love with Starr Parnell or to love her three small kids as if they were his own. But that’s exactly what happened. As their wedding draws near, however, tragedy strikes–and Wade must put aside his own grief in order to help Starr’s children cope.

As Wade focuses his efforts on caring for the children, he discovers that their tender, young lives give tremendous meaning to his own broken one. Then Starr’s abusive ex-husband shows up to claim the offspring who barely remember him–and Wade prepares for the fight of his life.

Will Anyone Believe His Claim to Love the Children More than Their Father Loves Them?

A powerful novel of loss and discovery, courage and grace, A Nest of Sparrows masterfully illustrates one man’s struggle to know when to fight, when to let go, and when to simply wait.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #141227 in Books
• Released on: 2004-06-22
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In this thoughtful novel by Raney (Beneath a Southern Sky), multifaceted characters and a fresh story line keep the pages turning. Wade Sullivan, an appealing contractor, is anticipating his wedding to the love of his life, the divorced Starr Parnell. Starr's three delightful young children will give Wade an instant family, and he's already "dad" in the kids' minds. When Starr dies unexpectedly, her abusive ex-husband, Darrin Parnell, shows up to collect the kids-and the insurance money. Wade discovers that his own claim on the children is tenuous. Worried about his abilities as a parent, he reflects that perhaps it is time to let go. As the story progresses, Raney intertwines poignant moments with genuine humor and refuses to make her characters one-dimensional: although Darrin is a character readers might love to hate, Raney shows that he does have glimmers of love for his estranged children. Raney also doesn't sugarcoat Wade's abilities as a stepfather, letting him make ignorant mistakes that would cause a seasoned parent to cringe. Although the novel is sound, some of the few missteps are a conversion scene (which, while poignant, is oh-too-expected in an evangelical Christian novel) and the rushed romance at the conclusion of the story. This is one of Raney's best novels, however, and an excellent read for lovers of CBA fiction.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review
“Deborah Raney is a skillful novelist who weaves a powerful story that stays with you. A Nest of Sparrows is heart-touching, authentic and credible, with characters you care about, who live and breathe inside you. Once you start, this story won’t let you go. You’ll be sorry when the book’s done, but take heart–there are other great Deb Raney books waiting for you!”
–Randy Alcorn, author of Deadline and Safely Home

“Deborah Raney’s A Nest of Sparrows is a moving testament to the power of love. If you are looking for a story about family, about restoration, about home–as well as a story that’s just plain engaging–this is it.”
–Ann Tatlock, award-winning author of All the Way Home

“What a tender and moving novel! A Nest of Sparrows is cute, funny, tragic and moving. Ultimately, it’s a story of love on all levels; the love between parents and children, the love between a man and a woman, and foremost between God and his children. I was drawn into the story of this book and left with the message.”
–Linda Hall, award-winning author of Steal Away and Chat Room

“We often read stories about a mother’s heart. Deborah Raney paints a vivid picture of a dad’s heart, better than any definition I’ve ever read. A Nest of Sparrows is a gripping portrayal of what family should be. An expertly crafted story with all the ingredients that make us laugh and cry——let go and let God.”
–Yvonne Lehman, author of 40 novels, including Coffee Rings

“This is a heartfelt story of one man’s struggle to keep the children he loves, and the faith that keeps him strong. Deborah Raney’s writing is always full of warmth and hope, and A Nest of Sparrows is no exception.”
–james scott bell, Christy Award winning author of Breach of Promise

“Wow–what an amazing, tender, touching story!  A Nest of Sparrows grabs your heart from the get-go, delivering wonderful characters and an emotionally gripping story you’ll love.  By far Raney’s best.  Highly recommended!  Do not miss this marvelous book.”
–Gayle Roper, author of Winter Winds, Autumn Dreams, Summer Shadows and Spring Rain

From the Back Cover
“Deborah Raney is a skillful novelist who weaves a powerful story that stays with you. A Nest of Sparrows is heart-touching, authentic and credible, with characters you care about, who live and breathe inside you. Once you start, this story won’t let you go. You’ll be sorry when the book’s done, but take heart–there are other great Deb Raney books waiting for you!”
–Randy Alcorn, author of Deadline and Safely Home

“Deborah Raney’s A Nest of Sparrows is a moving testament to the power of love. If you are looking for a story about family, about restoration, about home–as well as a story that’s just plain engaging–this is it.”
–Ann Tatlock, award-winning author of All the Way Home

“What a tender and moving novel! A Nest of Sparrows is cute, funny, tragic and moving. Ultimately, it’s a story of love on all levels; the love between parents and children, the love between a man and a woman, and foremost between God and his children. I was drawn into the story of this book and left with the message.”
–Linda Hall, award-winning author of Steal Away and Chat Room

“We often read stories about a mother’s heart. Deborah Raney paints a vivid picture of a dad’s heart, better than any definition I’ve ever read. A Nest of Sparrows is a gripping portrayal of what family should be. An expertly crafted story with all the ingredients that make us laugh and cry——let go and let God.”
–Yvonne Lehman, author of 40 novels, including Coffee Rings

“This is a heartfelt story of one man’s struggle to keep the children he loves, and the faith that keeps him strong. Deborah Raney’s writing is always full of warmth and hope, and A Nest of Sparrows is no exception.”
–james scott bell, Christy Award winning author of Breach of Promise

“Wow–what an amazing, tender, touching story!  A Nest of Sparrows grabs your heart from the get-go, delivering wonderful characters and an emotionally gripping story you’ll love.  By far Raney’s best.  Highly recommended!  Do not miss this marvelous book.”
–Gayle Roper, author of Winter Winds, Autumn Dreams, Summer Shadows and Spring Rain

Customer Reviews

Emotional threads
Deb Raney has once again given us a well-written tale which holds the reader page by page. Emotional turmoil faced by Wade Sullivan as he tries to keep custody of his fiancee's children will enthrall the reader. Highly recommended!!

Nest of Sparrows - Raney delivers again!
Deborah Raney has delivered again! Nest of Sparrows is a riveting yet tender read that explores an issue that is so prevalent today. From page one she captures your heart and takes you on a wonderful, memorable journey through the struggle of one man for the children that he loves. Raney's writing is flawless and she deals with sensitive issues in an authentic and credible way.