Waiting for Butterflies Review and Giveaway

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About the Book

Book title: Waiting for Butterflies

Author: Karen Sargent

Release date: April 4, 2017

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

When tragedy strikes, Maggie discovers a mother’s love never ends—not even when her life does. Longing for her family after her death, she returns home where she helplessly witnesses her family’s downward spiral in the aftermath of her passing.

Her husband is haunted by past mistakes and struggles to redeem himself. Her teenage daughter silently drowns in her own guilt, secretly believing she is responsible for her mother’s death. Only her five-year-old, full of innocence, can sense her presence.

Although limited by her family’s grief and lack of faith, Maggie is determined to keep a sacred promise and salvage her family before her second chance runs out.

A tender portrait of a mother whose love reaches beyond possible, Waiting for Butterflies will embrace your heart and not let go.

My Perspective

Before I begin with my review, I want to make a disclaimer so to speak. I read for fun. I read because I enjoy it. I understand that not everything in a fiction book is factual, which by the way is why some people look at reading as entertainment. This book has a controversial topic in it – life after death. Yes, Maggie is kind of lingering around the family after her death. But I want to point out something. In the book, the author wrote a conversation between Maggie’s husband and the pastor about the possibility of this. No where in this conversation, or any portion of the book, does she write that it is a biblical fact. So, while I do not believe this is possible, I am not scrutinizing a fiction story for biblical accuracy. If that were the case, I wouldn’t read some of the fantasy or science fiction books that I read. Instead, I chose to accept this as a touching story that really spoke to my heart as a mother.

And that’s where my review begins. This really is a touching and heartfelt story. Maggie was so worried about losing one of her children that she never considered the possibility of something happening to her instead. As a mother I can totally connect with this. While probably not to Maggie’s extent, I can certainly sympathize with the daily worries of a child. And yes I will admit, while I was reading this I thought it would be really neat if God allowed us to look after our children when we pass. I know I would want to look after my child when I am gone! To be honest, the way the author wrote this made it seem kind of possible. That’s the goal for fiction authors – to make nonbelievable things seem real.

In addition to the touching story was the sweet cast of characters. While I am sure a lot of readers will gravitate towards Olivia, and rightly so (she is super sweet), I must admit that I kind of like Rachel. Why? Because she seemed authentic. The typical teenager with realistic reactions. Everyone deals with death differently, and although there were some scary parts with Rachel, I could see them happening in real life. This made me want to jump into the book and just put my arms around her and hold her tight. Then I remembered this was just a book, I couldn’t even talk to her! But that is how beautifully the author wrote the story. I felt like I was living it, or at least a fly on the wall while it was happening.

Aside from your beliefs, I encourage you to give this book a try. Read it for fun. Read it for hope. Read it just because. I think you’ll find a story worth reading inside! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Karen Sargent creates characters whose imperfect faith collides with real-life conflicts, taking readers on a journey through grace and redemption to discover enduring hope. A romantic element is woven within each story. In addition to writing inspirational novels, she blogs at The MOM Journey…where moms aren’t perfect and that’s perfectly okay. Her writing has been featured in Guidepost’s Angels on Earth magazine and on ForEveryMom.com. When she is not writing, she teaches high school and college English in the beautiful Arcadia Valley where she resides with her husband and two daughters. Visit her at KarenSargentBooks.com.

 

Guest Post from Karen Sargent

Waiting for Butterflies: The Accidental Controversy

I didn’t intend to write myself into controversy when I wrote Waiting for Butterflies. Yes, it is Christian fiction. Yes, the main character is a “lingering spirit.” And no, ghosts aren’t biblical. Thus the controversy.

As the story idea began to stir my imagination after my mother-in-law’s unexpected death, I wondered how ghosts fit into the Christian view of the afterlife, especially since I too believe our souls go to Heaven once we die. So I asked my pastor. He referred to Hebrews 11, the “Faith Hall of Fame” that lists Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and many spiritual giants who lived by faith. That list is followed by Hebrews 12:1 which states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…” My pastor explained witnesses is translated by some to mean spectators. So maybe, maybe, this suggests those who have died can somehow still be present—emphasis on maybe.

But…this gave me just enough permission to play with the idea of a mother’s love being so strong that she could remain after her death until she was certain her family would heal. I was writing fiction after all.

When my manuscript was complete and I began submitting to agents, the response was mixed. Some replied with a simple, “This story isn’t for me.” Some warned, “This will be a hard sell to Christian publishers.” Yet others were more encouraging. Finally my story made it to the desk of an acquisition editor who emailed, “This is the one.” Waiting for Butterflies found a publishing home.

Now that my book is in the hands of readers, most are surprised to hear my topic is controversial. Like me, many believers haven’t really considered ghosts in a biblical context. But a few are adamant that the storyline contradicts their beliefs.

I know my story—just like every story—will not appeal to everyone. But I certainly didn’t set out to offend my fellow believers, and I sincerely apologize if anyone finds it offensive. However, I appreciate this perspective one skeptical reader shared in her review:

“While I was initially put off by the idea that a spirit can remain and interact, in a sense, with those still living, the author handled it with sensitivity and grace. We all have ideas about the unknown, but it is just that, unknown, and I could relate strongly to the thought of wanting to continue to influence and connect with loved ones after death in order to help them.”

I appreciate that in spite of the controversy, this reader gave Waiting for Butterflies a chance—and five stars.

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away a grand prize that includes a few of Karen’s favorite things – one of which is a Hobby Lobby gift card!!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/bef1