But the message is arguably most urgent for the elderly. After all, while no one knows exactly when he will die, this life's denouement is drawing near for the very aged.
That’s the premise undergirding my novel The Song of Sadie Sparrow (FaithHappenings Publishers). It’s the story of three women whose lives intersect in a five-star nursing home called The Hickories—three women of different generations, backgrounds, sorrows, hopes and worldviews:
- Sadie Sparrow is a slightly befuddled 86-year-old who has been abandoned here by her oh-so-busy daughter. But she is settling in just fine, thanks to new friends, a loving staff, a heart full of favorite hymns, and a young Bible teacher who is determined to usher her through the narrow gate to eternal life.
- Meg Vogel is a 58-year-old widow, freelance copywriter and committed atheist who has been hired to write resident biographies. She loves her job, except for all the dreary and offensive God-talk—precisely the nonsense that ruined the last months of what had been her perfect marriage.
- Elise Chapelle, a single 32-year old and devout Christian, quit her teaching job to care for her beloved grandfather. But in spite of her efforts, his failing health has landed him in The Hickories. Not a likely place for Elise to find the ideal husband, but the Lord has been known to work in mysterious ways.
Editor Keely Boeving described the novel this way: “A beautifully written story of friendship set against the backdrop of life’s twilight years, The Song of Sadie Sparrow explores contrasting views of purpose and pardon, life and afterlife—and faith’s role in shaping those views, now and forevermore.”
And here's a sampling of what other readers have said since its release.
It’s available in both ebook and paperback formats. I hope you'll order The Song of Sadie Sparrow today!