A Nest of Sparrows
Deborah Raney
Novel
Waterbrook Press

Bachelor Wade Sullivan never imagined being married, much less being a father. That vision changed when he fell in love with Starr Parnell and her three children. Their future as a family looked promising as they planned for the wedding and worked on the house that would become their home.

Then tragedy strikes and Wade is left with the responsibility to nurture Starr’s children through their grief while dealing with his own. Wade questions his faith and ability to handle the situation he's been thrust into. He must rely on God's grace for the strength he needs to do what he knows is best for Starr's children.

As Wade grows in his faith and begins to cherish the children as his, they begin to heal in the safety of his love. Just as they settle as a family, Starr’s abusive ex-husband appears on the scene to take possession of the children who barely remember him. Wade is once again called upon to trust God's will and perfect timing. He struggles with letting go and trusting that God will work for the good of all who believe in Him. As Wade begins to realize he is losing control of the situation, he's brought to his knees and prays with newfound direction.

Enters Dee Thackery a Social Services worker sent to assess the situation. What she thinks will be a simple case proves to be more complex than she imagined. She soon realizes her heart is more entangled with this case than any other she has worked on. She is also required to trust that God will guide her in the painful decision she must make. One she knows will influence the lives of all involved. Dee's temptation to manipulate the outcome is strong, causing her to examine her faith and motives. Can she deliver the truth in her findings even though she knows this could lead to Wade losing the children? She is called to rely on her faith for guidance now more than ever.

Can Wade’s love and dedication to the children outweigh the ex-husband’s genetic claim to them? Can an abusive ex-husband, with the help of prayer, have a change of heart and provide what is best for his children?

Readers will relate to these vividly drawn characters as they struggle to follow God's will and turn to His guidance and grace in situations that bring them to their knees. In Mathew 10:29 the NKJV states "Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will." This heartwarming story's interwoven message of relying upon God's will and trusting His timing shows us how peace can be present in even the most heart-breaking circumstances.