Weighed down by guilt following the death of his two-year-old son, Mac McCann accepts a year-long position training police officers in Afghanistan. Leaving his wife Sophie to grieve alone, he hopes the life-or-death distractions of his self-imposed exile will build a wall between him and his pain. As camaraderie builds between Mac and the men on base—including a local barber and his precocious … precocious little boy—Mac’s heart becomes invested in stories beyond his own tragedy and he learns he is not the only one running from loss. But when the hour of attack arrives, will he be able to see past his guilt to believe there’s still something—and someone—worth living for? With touching details based on true events, Flowers from Afghanistan is a redemptive journey of healing, a chronicle of hope in crisis, and a testament to the faithfulness of God through it all.
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I loved Flowers from Afghanistan. It is a beautifully written story about redemption and forgiveness, lost love and found love, and faithfulness during difficulty. Mac’s struggle with overcoming his demons was painful and real. It was one of those stories I hated to see end. Maybe Suzy will do a sequel.
This didn’t seem the type of story I would be so drawn in to, but the characters made me care deeply and the happenings seemed so real I could hardly believe it was fiction (although based on actual events). Kudos to the author for her fine work at conveying the truth of living through such circumstances. I have friends who have lived and worked in Afghanistan, so that gave me a slight background to what it’s like there. Experiencing the realities with Sophie and Mac McCann through their trials and triumphs brought their worlds to life. Both must grow for their relationship to survive and flourish. The pain of the Americans serving in the country and of the native people comes through well, as does the hope. This compelling tale will touch the hearts of readers. Those dealing with grief may find encouragement from this novel, whose characters must find ways to overcome their own. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.
The cover for this book is gorgeous and really drew me in. I wanted to read it as soon as it arrived.
Flowers from Afghanistan is a wonderful book. The characters are relatable and drew me in and it felt like a true story that a friend was sharing.
You’re going to want to read this book. The characters really and truly made me feel like it was a friend sharing their story of healing with me. I think this is a wonderful book that you’re going to enjoy.
I do also need to say that as a parent I cannot even begin to imagine the pain of losing a child and then having your spouse leave you for a year. It just breaks my heart and I really felt for the mom in the story.
My husband is not military so I’ve never had to deal with a deployment, but this book makes me feel as if I have. It really brought everything to life. This is a debut novel and I think this author is going to be one to watch as she keeps writing and her books get better and better.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I am the wife of a soldier. We have other family members and friends who have served in the military. So this book was one I knew I had to read since we have known people deployed to the Middle East. The story starts off with a tragedy no parent should have to live with, and that is the death of a young child. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning. Mac and Sophie were people I wanted to get to know.
I found myself unable to put this book down. I also appreciate how once Mac gets to Afghanistan, the author builds a believable world around Mac and the friends he makes there. Four men who otherwise may have never met each other come together and form a bond. Yet each one carries scars from either their past or are developing scars from their present.
This book shows that sometimes second chances for love and happiness can come even when we feel we do not deserve them. Also, it shows the power of prayer and faith without becoming preachy.
I think one of my other favorite parts of this story rises from Sophie finding her dream while Mac is away. I love how he supports her in her endeavor.
So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from CelebrateLit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
This story is a look at a marriage that faces one of the hardest tragedies I can think of. I cried when their son died and could feel the turmoil inside them. Mac is one of those people who internalizes things. He keeps them suppressed deep down where nothing can touch it. His wife is struggling as well, but she soon will find out that her husband has checked out.
Mac not only abandons his wife but he takes on a new career in Afghanistan. I know I tend to run from things as well. I keep things hidden from everybody expecting to ignore my heart breaking in half. I enjoyed reading Mac’s journey and how he became close to several men while stationed overseas. We get a glimpse into a world where danger lurks nearby and we understand the desperation of those who cry out for freedom. God had a plan for Mac and in the midst of war, Mac must face his anger towards God. His marriage is going through a change and I think his wife was very understanding. She never once turned her back on Mac.
I liked how Sophie discovered herself and realized with God’s help she could heal. Her love of baking becomes a focus for her and I think it gave her confidence she never had before. The story examines how important it is to communicate in a marriage. That is something Mac failed at. He is so wrapped up in guilt and anger that he forgot to lean on his wife and God.
The story reflects not only marriage but the undeniable need to trust God. Mac faces danger several times but each time God was there to cover him and keep him safe. Sometimes we have to go through trials for God to get our attention. I loved how well the author was able to communicate through words the emotions that each character goes through. She lets us see what life is like in Afghanistan and the hardship they encounter each day.
I finished the book as tears ran down my cheeks with hope that others will experience God’s love and His forgiving spirit. Nothing is impossible with God. We need to be open to receive Him like Mac experiences and be able to forgive ourselves.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Awwwwwww
I loved, loved this book.
A beautiful story of love, forgiveness, redemption, loss, acceptance.
The story was beautifully written and kept me till the last line.
If you haven’t read it, please do. You’d love it.
Suzy Parish thank you for this. You are a gifted writer.
In Flowers from Afghanistan, Suzy Parish has written an engaging story with real characters with real problems and flaws. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and a glimpse of the Afghanistan life of locals and Americans in a military/training camp. Parish masterfully developed interesting unique characters that I was drawn to. Maybe she’ll give us Travis’s story soon. Well done!