By William Sirls
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pub. Date: December 17, 2013
ASIN: 978-140168738
Pages: 416
Blog Tour: http://litfusegroup.com/author/WSirls
Buy Link: Amazon
Review:
Last year, I reviewed The Reason by William Sirls, so I eagerly accepted to review his newest novel, The Sinners' Garden, which I received a free copy from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest thoughts.
The Sinners' Garden focuses on fourteen-year-old Andy Kemp, a young boy whose life has been in chaos due to his scared face. His father was very abusive, resulting in his disfigurement. Due to his low self-esteem, Andy hides himself from the world; huddling himself in a corner reading a book; trying to hide the fact that he suffers from anger issues buried below the surface.
Andy has distant himself from everyone, including his mother, whom is forced to seek help from the boy's Uncle Rip, who spent some time behind bars, to set the boy straight. Uncle Rip wants to become a father figure to him, but easing Andy's pain is going to take a miracle from God, which is exactly what happens when Andy begins hearing odd music through his iPod.
William Sirls is unlike any other Christian author on the market today. His stories are presented in our time with a somewhat supernatural feeling to it, though there are no vampires, werewolves or fairies in sight, but instead he focuses on real people with real problems. I felt emotionally connected to young Andy, though I didn't grow up in an abusive home, I still spent the majority of my youth with my head in a book trying to avoid bullies. There is a lot more going on here than just Andy's story, as there is a mysterious "Summer Santa," who is breaking into poor homes and leaving thousands of dollars of gift cards. Then there is the wildflower garden that seemed to magically popup overnight. The author's storytelling reminds me of horror writer John Saul's early work. Overall, The Sinners' Garden is well-written supernatural mystery that I read in two sitting.
*Disclaimer - I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Over the course of his life, William Sirls has experienced both great highs and tremendous lows--some born of chance, some born of choice. Life lessons involving faith, grace, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. "The Sinners’ Garden" is his second novel. His first novel, "The Reason," was published in 2012. William makes his home in southern Michigan and you can reach him at WilliamSirls.com.
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