Shades of Light

Having read all of the Sensibles Shoes series, this continues the story. This particular book was one of my favourites. I found the story line quite captivating as well as Biblically sound and very challenging. If anyone has read the first 4 Sensible Shoes books, they will really enjoy this one also and they will see the characters stories further embellished.

I love the way this author writes and you can really relate to her characters but I almost stopped reading this book as I found some of the struggles Wren was going through very confronting. Just when it was getting too raw, characters from the Sensible Shoes series started to appear and brought in a warmth to soften the pain and despair. I don't suffer from mental illness but being a mother with adult children facing normal life struggles, this book hit a few raw nerves for me. I'm glad I trusted the author and I got a lot out of reading the book. I always find Brown's books bring personal growth and cause soul searching - just don't start the book expecting a story where everything is like a fairy tale.

I've waited for a book like this for a long time and I was not disappointed. I've journeyed with depression and have felt at times quite misunderstood in Christian circles. Sharon has beautifully expressed these struggles and the wrestling with depression and faith and how they fit together. Some parts of the book I truly struggled with, but that was possibly because it was resonating with my own experiences. I know this is a book that I will read many times and find precious pearls of wisdom each time. \\r\\n\\r\\nI recommend this to anyone who is journeying with a friend with mental illness and to those supporting loved ones. It's an emotional read but definitely worth reading.

A beautifully written book that portrays the impact of mental illness on the individual, immediate family and churchwork communities. This book is a must read for an suffers of mental illness, families of those struggling in the dark and community members wanting to gain greater insight into the challenges those in the dark face. Brown tackles the important issues addressing common stereotypes and stigma associated with mental illness and the ways church communities can uphold and support those in need. As a mother, and woman diagnosed with a mental illness I was touched by the way Brown portrayed the relationship between earthly mother and unwell daughter. The way she wove their struggles and desire to depend on God along with the challenges in showing love for each other in difficult circumstances was so well done. The characters that held up Wren, spoke into her, and cared for her in this journey were in my opinion God breathed and what should be considered 'best practice' in community. There were so many quotes to take away, along with imagery that has truly illuminated God's love in all circumstances.