I have to admit that I was a little concerned when I read the email from the publicist in which she told me that she was sending me a book that was popular with homeschool moms. I'm not exactly a traditional homeschool mom (notice I didn't say "typical" - there is no such thing as a "typical" homeschool mom), so I started wondering exactly what was in this book.

No need to worry. This book represents most homeschoolers in a positive light. Miranda's late husband has kept his family tightly under his control, and he in turn was kept in line by the leader of their church (read "cult"). The children were allowed no outside influences. This is not a healthy reason to homeschool and this author recognizes that and throughout the book, Jack slowly pulls Miranda and the children out into the world, without ever telling her she should put the kids in school. (Although I think there was one argument in which he told her she was doing her kids a great disservice by not teaching them certain subjects.)

As for the story, it's at turns heartbreaking and heartwarming. Because of a past tragedy and circumstances beyond her control, Miranda lives under a cloud of fear and guilt. This is part of what allows the church leader to control her even after her husband is gone. Jack comes into their life, and even as the children warm to him and Miranda gets to see more and more of the God of grace and mercy that Jack serves, she still can't completely let go. This book isn't about homeschooling. It's loving and trusting God and others and letting them love you.

My biggest issue with the book is a bit of a spoiler, and I usually don't put spoilers in my reviews, but it's something that really bothered me. As Jack and Miranda build a relationship, they become more affectionate to each other in front of the children. Obviously, they're not doing anything inappropriate, but after reading through the book that for the past 14 years, she's lived a very strict, pious life, and kept her kids in a bubble in which they were not even allowed to read fiction, I find it hard to believe that she would suddenly feel comfortable kissing a man in front of her children. It just felt out of character.

Over all, though, I did like the story... And I think other homeschool moms will, too. (Sorry. I couldn't resist.)

I received this book for free from Multnomah Books in exchange for an honest review. ( )

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I liked this story and the way the author dealt with the subject matter. It played with my emotions, making me sad sometimes and at other times mad and then laughing out loud. It kept my attention all the way through.

Miranda is a widow and mother of six children and lives a quiet private life. The pastor, Mason Chandler, of her VERY close-knit church announces his plan to move the entire congregation to another state and Miranda doesn't want to move. She then falls from a cliff behind their home and the kids have to call Jack, an uncle no one remembers ever meeting before, to come and be their guardian until their Mom gets out of the hospital. While with the family Jack will do his best to challenge Miranda and her kids to seek freedom, safety and love outside of the church they are wrapped up in.

There is so much more to this story than this brief description. My eyes were opened to how people can slowly have their freedom's taken from them, all in the disguise of a false religion. I fell in love with the children and the loving way Jack opened their eyes to so many delightful things in the world. This truly was a delightful yet sad story all rolled into one. I would definitely read more by this author. ( )

Miranda is a widowed mother of 6, and a member of a very strict Christian sect. When her minister says that God has told him the entire congregation must move, Miranda begins to have second thoughts about his ability to communicate with the heavens. However, her minister Mason holds a secret over Miranda's head that threatens everything she holds dear. After Miranda has an accident, her brother-in-law Jack finds out that he was named guardian of the children. Jack becomes determined to bring Miranda and her children into a more modern way of living, but he finds himself at odds with Miranda herself. Miranda will do whatever it takes to save her family, and she'll need all the support that she can get.

I found myself totally drawn into this book from the beginning. Being fairly familiar with some of the very conservative Christian sects in this country, I recognized some of the things that Miranda's group believed in. Miranda is a woman who feels smothered by the mere memory of her husband. He found a vulnerable young girl and made her feel important and wanted. Unfortunately this also meant taking part in very restrictive lifestyle. Miranda is slowly starting to realize that this may not be the exact lifestyle she wants her children growing up in. Of course, there's also the matter of a secret that Miranda has been harboring, and it's a doozy. Miranda forces herself to find strength beyond herself to be able to deal with all this.

Then there is Jack Hanford. He's thrown into this situation as guardian of six very sheltered children with no advance warning. Jack is forced to confront his prejudices and his past when dealing with this family. This book does an amazing job of walking the line and showing the difference between extremism and just different beliefs. The author makes a very definite point in the differences between bad homeschooling and good homeschooling or the good and bad religion can do. This book was so interesting, and you get pulled into the story. Miranda is working toward finding the truth that works for her, and that's why this book is so fascinating.

Book provided for review. ( )

When Sparrows Fall by Meg Moseley was a pleasant surprise. With the religious overtones, I was of course concerned about where the book would go. It was a simple but charming story. I really enjoyed the author's writing style and pace. She kept the storyline moving and interesting. There was a few moments when I became confused about the era the characters were living in. Perhaps the author was trying to make a point about the isolation of the family from modern society. This did not distract me from the plot. Overall, it was a good read. ( )