katherina_lei's review against another edition
4.0
I was super wary of this book at first. The first few chapters are just downright depressing. But, there is hope! Actually, this book has a lot of hope, and it was so good. There is so much about forgiveness and making the best of a bad situation, and so much hope! I loved how real it was, how it didn't gloss over the hard parts of life. It was really about the hard parts of life, but trusting God to help you through those hard parts. Despite my initial reservations, I ended up loving this book a lot. For some reason I forgot it was Christian Fiction and was a bit surprised at first by all the talk about God. It was also a bit over the top sometimes, and felt a bit flowery occasionally, but it was still a great story with good themes.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
marlo_c's review against another edition
3.0
This book hit me on an emotional level that I wasn’t expecting, considering I’ve never had personal experience with either adoption or abortion. However, I can identify with the question of what it means to be a good mother and what does it mean to fail? I appreciated the exploration of those questions and the handling of a single mother’s pregnancy within a small community and within a community of faith, along with the tough topics of poverty and the opioid epidemic. My complaint with the book is that it felt a little rushed. I wish the characters and been developed a bit more, and I felt that because of that, some of it felt a bit implausible.
bcbartuska's review against another edition
4.0
“I love you.
But I’m a mess, Lord.
I’m your strength.
But I don’t know what to do, Lord.
Be still and know.
But I’m scared, Lord.
I am with you always.
Help me, Lord.
Trust me.”
“Sometimes God shows his faithfulness not by what he brings to our life, but by what he takes out of it; not by what he gives us, but by the joy we receive from what we let go of and give to him.”
Before I Saw You tells the story of Jaycee, a girl who grew up face-to-face with the reality of the opioid epidemic all around her. Tragedy strikes her family, and in the aftermath she finds herself grasping to fill the hole inside of her. Soon, she has an impossible choice to make that will not only change her life but the life of her unborn baby.
I love the heart that the author put into portraying what a birth mother must go through as she chooses to give her child a life that she cannot give him/her. It’s not done out of a lack of love, but out of the greatest love—laying aside our desires and even our lives for the sake of another.
This novel deals with hard issues, but it is packed with hope and characters you’d love to spend more time with. I especially liked Sudie and Gabe, as well as how the theme of nature served to showcase how God takes care of his children. So while it tackles tough topics, it is an easy read.
For fans of Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers (think The Atonement Child), this novel will fill you with compassion for the hurting and thankfulness for a God that can turn even the worst of situations into something beautiful.
But I’m a mess, Lord.
I’m your strength.
But I don’t know what to do, Lord.
Be still and know.
But I’m scared, Lord.
I am with you always.
Help me, Lord.
Trust me.”
“Sometimes God shows his faithfulness not by what he brings to our life, but by what he takes out of it; not by what he gives us, but by the joy we receive from what we let go of and give to him.”
Before I Saw You tells the story of Jaycee, a girl who grew up face-to-face with the reality of the opioid epidemic all around her. Tragedy strikes her family, and in the aftermath she finds herself grasping to fill the hole inside of her. Soon, she has an impossible choice to make that will not only change her life but the life of her unborn baby.
I love the heart that the author put into portraying what a birth mother must go through as she chooses to give her child a life that she cannot give him/her. It’s not done out of a lack of love, but out of the greatest love—laying aside our desires and even our lives for the sake of another.
This novel deals with hard issues, but it is packed with hope and characters you’d love to spend more time with. I especially liked Sudie and Gabe, as well as how the theme of nature served to showcase how God takes care of his children. So while it tackles tough topics, it is an easy read.
For fans of Karen Kingsbury and Francine Rivers (think The Atonement Child), this novel will fill you with compassion for the hurting and thankfulness for a God that can turn even the worst of situations into something beautiful.
pmg227's review against another edition
4.0
Check out my review from my blog:
http://pmgilmer.com/2018/08/02/before-i-saw-you-by-amy-k-sorrells-a-book-review/
http://pmgilmer.com/2018/08/02/before-i-saw-you-by-amy-k-sorrells-a-book-review/
simply_kelly05's review against another edition
5.0
Received a Kindle copy from Goodreads, finally got a chance to read it. This is my first book by this author. As an adoptee, I wasn't sure how I'd take the adoption aspect and the journey Jaycee took. I think that it was presented very well, and could tell the author had done her research on birth mothers. I enjoyed this whole story and felt that the scripture and faith tie in was just right, not overly Christian based. Overall, a great story and lots of emotions, did not expect to be hit with the amount of tears, but so worth it.
kelly_lyn_yt's review against another edition
3.0
the first half was good and couldn't put it down. The second half was repetitive every single chapter and the insta love was not good.
kristi518's review against another edition
5.0
I had never heard of Amy K. Sorrells before reading this book. However, this is an author and a book I won't soon forget. An emotional read that brought tears to my eyes by page thirty-three and by page fifty-nine had me considering calling into work the next day so I could stay home and read.
There is a lot going on in this book but it all ties together in a storyline that makes you sad, angry, and hopeful. The book shows a fictional although more realistic view than we would like to imagine of a life that is impacted by drug addiction. This story tells us how drug addiction not only affects the addict but also the people in their lives. We see this through Jaycee, the main character in the book. She is alone and pregnant after her drug-addicted mother goes to prison. With the support of her neighbor, Sudie, her boss and co-workers at the diner, and her church family, Jaycee moves forward with her life.
I was pulled into the story from the very beginning. The story is so good though and the author does such a great job of telling Jaycee's story that I soon forgot I was reading about fictional characters. There are a lot of references to the Bible and a lot of passages but it all fits the story. The characters in the book have deep roots in the church and so all the references and passages felt genuine and not at all like the author was trying to preach a sermon or was trying to see how much of the Bible she could include. Also, the author is a nurse so the hospital scenes she includes have enough detail to add to the story without being too much. She does a great job of balancing everything in the story.
This is a book I won't soon forgot and one that I definitely recommend. Set time aside though because once you start reading this book you will find it impossible to put down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
There is a lot going on in this book but it all ties together in a storyline that makes you sad, angry, and hopeful. The book shows a fictional although more realistic view than we would like to imagine of a life that is impacted by drug addiction. This story tells us how drug addiction not only affects the addict but also the people in their lives. We see this through Jaycee, the main character in the book. She is alone and pregnant after her drug-addicted mother goes to prison. With the support of her neighbor, Sudie, her boss and co-workers at the diner, and her church family, Jaycee moves forward with her life.
I was pulled into the story from the very beginning. The story is so good though and the author does such a great job of telling Jaycee's story that I soon forgot I was reading about fictional characters. There are a lot of references to the Bible and a lot of passages but it all fits the story. The characters in the book have deep roots in the church and so all the references and passages felt genuine and not at all like the author was trying to preach a sermon or was trying to see how much of the Bible she could include. Also, the author is a nurse so the hospital scenes she includes have enough detail to add to the story without being too much. She does a great job of balancing everything in the story.
This is a book I won't soon forgot and one that I definitely recommend. Set time aside though because once you start reading this book you will find it impossible to put down!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions are mine.
pageturnersandsweettea's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This is my first ever Amy K. Sorrells novel and it most definitely will not be my last one. This book, it's setting, it's characters, it's messages......all of it absolutely gripped me and took me on an emotional roller coaster ride. I was up, down, sideways, in and out while reading this novel, and it left me with a feeling I haven't had with a book in a long, long time.
As a former street drug abuser, I related with this book on so many levels, with it's work of opioid abuse weaved into the story line. It's a very real thing now a days, and so many people are dying from the use of it. Thankfully, with God's love and kind forgiveness, I was saved and have been drug free for more than 15 years now, and this novel brought with the flood of emotions. Watching Jaycee struggle with certain decisions, watching her and her faith grow stronger through the novel, really made me see myself in her.
Throughout these pages, Ms. Sorrells has woven a message of the utmost importance from our God.......true love. I love my children more than life itself, but my truest love of all comes from, and for, our God. I could feel that message unweaving with each page turn, felt it envelope me and keep me hooked to the story.
This is more than a 5 star book. This is one that I highly recommend to everyone. This book is emotional, gripping, and may not be an easy read for some, but it's one that will forever be on my shelf and one that I will turn to when I need a reminder that sometimes struggles are what are needed to over come the mountains that God puts in my life. Faith,hope, love and more make up this novel and I can't wait to dive into another amazingly chiseled creation from this talented author! Well done, Ms. Sorrell!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
As a former street drug abuser, I related with this book on so many levels, with it's work of opioid abuse weaved into the story line. It's a very real thing now a days, and so many people are dying from the use of it. Thankfully, with God's love and kind forgiveness, I was saved and have been drug free for more than 15 years now, and this novel brought with the flood of emotions. Watching Jaycee struggle with certain decisions, watching her and her faith grow stronger through the novel, really made me see myself in her.
Throughout these pages, Ms. Sorrells has woven a message of the utmost importance from our God.......true love. I love my children more than life itself, but my truest love of all comes from, and for, our God. I could feel that message unweaving with each page turn, felt it envelope me and keep me hooked to the story.
This is more than a 5 star book. This is one that I highly recommend to everyone. This book is emotional, gripping, and may not be an easy read for some, but it's one that will forever be on my shelf and one that I will turn to when I need a reminder that sometimes struggles are what are needed to over come the mountains that God puts in my life. Faith,hope, love and more make up this novel and I can't wait to dive into another amazingly chiseled creation from this talented author! Well done, Ms. Sorrell!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
shelfesteem's review against another edition
5.0
Sometimes when I read a really impactful story, I make a note of the author and keep an eye out for any future publications. Amy K. Sorrells was added to this short list after I read her novel, Lead Me Home. Sorrells has a unique voice and I appreciate how she takes believers to task without getting preachy. This new story, Before I Saw You, takes place in a small town in Southern Indiana caught up in the hope-crushing, life-shattering grip of the opioid crisis. While grieving over the destruction of her family, Jaycee becomes pregnant and questions whether adoption would provide the best chance for her baby’s future.
Sorrells attends to every detail of this story. She draws upon her experience as a nurse to add credibility and gravity to scenes, adds interesting details about Sudie’s hobby of animal rehabilitation, gives each secondary character a purpose, and carefully balances her main character’s head voice (thoughts and prayers) with her interpersonal dialogue. By far, however, my favorite detail is the growth and maturity of Jaycee’s faith. This comes by a variety of means—the Word preached, personal prayer, and godly counsel.
The other aspect of the story I thoroughly enjoyed was what I believe to be a call to action (much like I saw in the author’s previous book). Through Jaycee’s story, readers get a glimpse of how the church can have a positive impact on our communities. As a body, we should be extending grace to repentant sinners and welcoming them into or back into the fold. Additionally, we are reminded to heed the Great Commission and “go” out to rescue the lost instead of retreating into the safety and comfort of our Christian communities. As individuals, committing to disciple and encourage one, two, or many people. While the congregation in this story seems to be on the right track, these principles were best lived out through Jaycee’s neighbor, Sudie. It was this older woman to whom Jaycee could speak about her mother’s addiction, how her boyfriend mistreated her, and the new life growing inside her. This story tugged at my heart and stirred me to action. It’s impossible to read it and walk away unmoved.
Sorrells attends to every detail of this story. She draws upon her experience as a nurse to add credibility and gravity to scenes, adds interesting details about Sudie’s hobby of animal rehabilitation, gives each secondary character a purpose, and carefully balances her main character’s head voice (thoughts and prayers) with her interpersonal dialogue. By far, however, my favorite detail is the growth and maturity of Jaycee’s faith. This comes by a variety of means—the Word preached, personal prayer, and godly counsel.
The other aspect of the story I thoroughly enjoyed was what I believe to be a call to action (much like I saw in the author’s previous book). Through Jaycee’s story, readers get a glimpse of how the church can have a positive impact on our communities. As a body, we should be extending grace to repentant sinners and welcoming them into or back into the fold. Additionally, we are reminded to heed the Great Commission and “go” out to rescue the lost instead of retreating into the safety and comfort of our Christian communities. As individuals, committing to disciple and encourage one, two, or many people. While the congregation in this story seems to be on the right track, these principles were best lived out through Jaycee’s neighbor, Sudie. It was this older woman to whom Jaycee could speak about her mother’s addiction, how her boyfriend mistreated her, and the new life growing inside her. This story tugged at my heart and stirred me to action. It’s impossible to read it and walk away unmoved.
jill_rey's review against another edition
4.0
Jaycee Givens has had a tough life. A mother addicted to heroin, the loss of her baby brother and her pregnancy to an abusive boyfriend. But, author Amy Sorrells reminds us that with faith, the cycle can end. Jaycee refuses to let her poorness define her, but rather her relationships with others propel her to overcome and provide her future child a “chance.”
Before I Saw You takes a hard look at the opioid crisis in Indiana. Forcing the reader to see the impacts of addiction on otherwise “normal” families. As Jaycee strives to overcome her family’s past she is portrayed as embracing her faith so deeply the reader begins to embody it and roots for her to find happiness and a sense of family in the relationships that remain. This story is full of sadness, hope and resilience that clings to your heart and reminds you with faith you can get through anything.
For the full review visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordpress.com/
*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Before I Saw You takes a hard look at the opioid crisis in Indiana. Forcing the reader to see the impacts of addiction on otherwise “normal” families. As Jaycee strives to overcome her family’s past she is portrayed as embracing her faith so deeply the reader begins to embody it and roots for her to find happiness and a sense of family in the relationships that remain. This story is full of sadness, hope and resilience that clings to your heart and reminds you with faith you can get through anything.
For the full review visit: https://fortheloveofthepageblog.wordpress.com/
*Disclaimer: A copy of this book was provided by Tyndale Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
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