Two Steps Forward by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

This book is the second in the Sensible Shoes (Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review ) by author Sharon Garlough Brown.  It continues the spiritual journeys of four friends who meet on a retreat — Hannah (single pastor on a long sabbatical), Charissa (perfectionist graduate student), Mara (mother of three boys in a difficult marriage) and Meg (widow and empty-nester).

As before, most people will find someone with a story that resonates with their own experiences.  These women fight common spiritual battles with anxiety, a desire to control, grief, difficulties in relationships, envy, and all the normal stresses and changes of daily life.

 

I had reserved this book from the local library, and it took quite a while for it to come in.  I told my reunion group sister that I was sure it would arrive at “the right time” and it did.  The plot takes place around the Christmas season and one of the themes is “making room for Jesus” in the mess and chaos of our lives.  Right before I read this book, I wrote a post on this very idea! ( see Make Room for Jesus).

If you’re in a book club or small group this would be a great read to study together.  There is a companion guide for prayer and conversation at the back.  It would be suitable to do either alone or with others.

VERDICT:  5 STARS.  It was hard to put down!  However, I would recommend reading the books in order, so start with Sensible Shoes.  

For reviews of other works of Christian Fiction see:

Jack by Marilynne Robinson– Book Review

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry — Book Review

white picket fences by Susan Meissner–Book Review

 

 

Sensible Shoes by Sharon Garlough Brown — Book Review

I’m not often a fan of Christian fiction, but this book was just delightful.  It’s an easy read, and you’ll soon be caught up in the story of four women:  Hannah, a pastor on sabbatical;  Meg, a widow and empty nester;  Mara, caught in an unhappy marriage, and Charissa, an ambitious and high-achieving graduate student.  They meet during a weekly spiritual retreat and find themselves becoming friends. You’ll probably see a bit of yourself and your own spiritual struggles in each one.

You’ll also learn something about spiritual disciplines, as the author discusses walking the labyrinth, the daily examen, lectio divina, reading the Scripture with imagination, having a rule of life and spiritual direction.  Since I’ve done most of these things in the past, it was a good refresher course.  It brought back many good memories from my own spiritual journey and encouraged me to think deeply about the disciplines I’m currently practicing and what changes I might make.

Each character develops and changes through their interaction with one another and with God.  You’ll find yourself drawn into their lives, and pondering the landmarks of your personal faith journey.  There are discussion questions at the end, making it a good pick for a book club.

VERDICT:  5 Stars.  I’ve already requested the second book in the series from the local library!

For more book reviews of Christian fiction see these posts:

The Beloved Daughter by Alana Terry — Book Review

a long time comin’ by Robin W. Pearson — Book Review

white picket fences by Susan Meissner–Book Review