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When Sparrows Fall
When Sparrows Fall
Author: Meg Moseley
Freedom. Safety. Love. Miranda vows to reclaim them -- for herself, and for her children. — A widow and mother of six, Miranda Hanford leads a quiet, private life. When the pastor of her close-knit church announces his plans to move the entire congregation to another state, Miranda jumps at the opportunity to dissolve ties with Mason Chand...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9781601423559
ISBN-10: 1601423551
Publication Date: 5/3/2011
Pages: 352
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 14

3.9 stars, based on 14 ratings
Publisher: Multnomah Books
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

myersjewels avatar reviewed When Sparrows Fall on + 58 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
There is no doubt that Meg Moseley is a gifted writer and I am sure we will see more of her work. Her first novel, When Sparrows Fall, is an intriguing page turner about a widow whose life has been full of controlling men. Beginning with her tyrannical husband, who expected complete obedience and submission; and ending with a pastor who required a cult-like loyalty from his congregation; Miranda Hanford finds herself and her six children in a situation that she cannot escape from. Then she has an accident and her estranged brother-in-law comes to help out. Both of them have secrets from the past to work through as they try to do what is best for her family. The result is a story that keeps you turning the pages to the very end of the book to see how it all works out.

There were many things to like about this book. Clear, descriptive writing, well developed characters, and an interesting plot that keeps you reading to find out the dreadful secret that Miranda kept so very well for so long. The story gives a glimpse into how good, well meaning people can get themselves caught up into a religious cult without ever realizing what they are doing. I have no doubt that most people will find this book to be a great read and give it wonderful reviews.

Having said all that, I must admit that my personal reaction to the book is really one of anger. I am disappointed with the brother-in-law who is supposed to be a Christian but cusses, drinks and smokes, while being so concerned about his nieces and nephews not being normal. While I understand that many religious cults use homeschooling to indoctrinate the children in their midst, I was surprised to learn that a former home school mom wrote this book and would choose to exaggerate the negative side of home education. As a retired home school mom, I am very aware of the public opinion of home schoolers and it is usually not good. I am tired of the Christian market producing book after book that portrays the home school loonies of society while being careful to give lip service to those who do it right. Its high time we had some books that portray the thousands of home schooling families who do it right every year and manage to let their children still be normal. Might I suggest that Christian parents can also succumb to the peer pressure of the public school agenda and be brainwashed by that just as easily as by a fanatical cult? I will not recommend this book to anyone.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
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reviewed When Sparrows Fall on + 60 more book reviews
I just finished Meg's book. I really enjoyed the story. A good mix of romance and mystery with a bunch of lovable kids thrown in the mix. A very good christian novel. I will look for more from Meg.
reviewed When Sparrows Fall on + 61 more book reviews
When Sparrows Fall is the debut novel by Meg Moseley. The story a gripping tale of family dynamics and a mothers love.

Miranda and her 6 children are part of a religious community that holds to very severe and ultra conservative rules. Carl, her late husband, had chosen to be a part of the sect when he inherited the land upon his mothers death. From outward appearances the families were living in community and Biblically. But when Miranda is injured in a fall, her brother-in-law, Jack comes to help out with the kids and begins to question this community.

Jack is a professor of writing at the university in Chattanooga, but drops everything when he receives a call from his nephew. Never having had children of his own, Jack is a bit unnerved by having to care for 6 youngsters, but he quickly finds his way.

Miranda slowly recovers from the physical injuries, but Jack wanders about the church and its members. Over the weeks, Jack and Miranda become friends and Jack slowly learns the truth of the situation in Mirandas home. Jack also begins to deal with his own issues from his growing up years.

This story shows how people can control others with words and lies. And how religious leaders are often very hungry for power and abuse those who trust them. Miranda lacked a Biblical foundation to stand up to her husband or religious leader at the beginning of the novel. But after years of isolation and submission, she is strengthened by her mothers love for her children to take a stand on their behalf.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Waterbrook Press as a member of their Blogging for Books program. All opinions are my own.


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