Hardworking, successful lawyer Nora Ramsey, was at the height of her career. Now, she’s questioning everything in Murrell’s Inlet, South Carolina.When she accepts her aunt’s dilapidated estate as her inheritance, Nora is plagued with misgivings and doubt. When a mysterious black stallion appears on the property, she prays for guidance and receives it in the form of veterinarian Shaw Flynn.… Flynn.
Dedicated and rugged, he assists Nora through the trying time. In Shaw, she sees someone gentle, caring and deeply devoted to God. The more she’s with him, the more he inspires her to embrace her own faith. And as their relationship blossoms into a something real and beautiful—like the coastal sunsets of Murrell’s Inlet—Nora stumbles upon Shaw’s deepest secret. Her trust is destroyed and the wisdom of her life-changing decision shaken as the future she envisioned is threatened.
As the truth becomes clear, can she find forgiveness within the sanctuary of her heart or will his betrayal destroy her faith in him once and for all?
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Story about second chances even later in life although unrealistic in some ways. Everything in life doesn’t fall into place -location monetary and inheritance of lovely old home with handsome love interest. Still enjoyed book. Light reading
OK this was an amazing read that had me knee deep in my own “Come to Jesus moment”. An inheritance that changes everything. I do mean everything. Finding out God has a plan that means saying goodbye to one lifestyle and hello to another. There are so many things about this book that rang true in my life that I couldn’t help but love this story and feel every drop of anxiety that went with the process. I love the sight from the others in Nora’s life and the whole thing with Shaw. I love that her characters had flaws and made bad decisions but also sought God to make things right. For me it was an emotional read that touched me in a special way and that’s why I easily gave it 5 stars.
This is my first read by this author and I will absolutely unequivocally be reading more. I love to clear my mind with these clean reads that while entertaining also speak to your soul in a different way. This is one of those authors, one that entertains and makes you dig deep in the process. Loved it can’t wait to read the next standalone read in this series.
Heartbreaking, heartwarming and full of love. Great story.
Didn’t want it to end.
Awesome book
A great story of todays world where we get caught up in achievement and don’t worry about salvation. The characters are very real and entertaining. It was a great story for anyone.
Good book.
A man’s challenged faith as he struggles with loneliness, guilt, unexpected love, and a secret that could destroy things before they can really begin.
A woman who must choose between a successful career and a surprise inheritance. Success isn’t always fulfilling when measured with a life that touches others and yourself in deeper ways.
Laurie Larsen has written a story that pulls at the heartstrings and draws you into the budding relationship between Shaw and Nora. It shares the struggles that are faced and decisions that are made step by step and day by day in the life of a Christian who doesn’t always get it right.
He intrigues her with his kindness, swoon-worthy looks and quiet faith. She values his friendship, but begins to want more. He seems to want it too but at the same time there’s a hesitancy on his part. If she pushes will it ruin her chances?
He is drawn to Nora and finds himself wanting more than the friendship he’s offered her. The problem is, he shouldn’t want it. He has obligations and he knows if he crosses the line, the secret he’s carrying could remove her from his life for good.
I would have liked to have seen more of his viewpoint as he struggles with his convictions and tries to navigate this unexpected occurrence in his life.
This is a book that makes you think about what you might do in the situations the protagonists are placed in. A good read.
Sanctuary, by Laurie Larsen, is not your classic romantic novel. It has all the captivating components of a love story – the resistant lead, Nora Ramsey; the hopelessly charming love interest, Shaw Flynn; the supportive sideliner, Nora’s sister, Patty – but instead of a typical romance, Larsen integrates some serious plot twists and the challenges of finding true faith.
When the reader first meets Nora, she is the classic overworked layer. She is successful in her career and overly confident in herself. When her favorite Aunt Edie passes away, leaving her estate as a generous inheritance, Nora is faced with the crippling reality that she has not maintained the relationships important in her life. As a dutiful niece, she visits her inherited property and is faced with the difficult choice: either selling the dream world from her childhood or leave her successful career at her Philadelphia firm.
On Nora’s visit, a dark stallion returns to Aunt Edie’s property. In the process finding the horse’s owner, she meets the striking veterinarian. He is handsome, friendly, dedicated to his career, and interesting in getting to know her better. Nora is captivated. He is perfect. Well… nearly. In becoming more comfortable with him, she stumbles across his secret.
Nora grew up believing in God, but as her career told priority, God became less of a regular component her life. At Aunt Edie’s farm, life is slower. Nora has time to appreciate Shaw’s faith, and how she could also have a personal relationship with her Creator. When her relationship with Shaw takes an unexpected turn, Nora forgets about her relationship with God. When realizes she needs more fulfillment than from her work associates, she rekindles her prayer life. As her she develops her relationship with God, He shows her the true path for her life.
Nora’s story is full of real questions. She tackles each one with concerns and distress natural for a woman new to faith. This story is packed with love, acceptance, and forgiveness. It is an inspiring story for all.
Good story line, likeable characters. Author did a good job of writing out an uncomfortable situation in a realistic and believable way. My 4 stars instead of 5 is simply a reflection of my lack of enjoyment in how the heroine responded to some parts of the crisis, rather than a reflection of the quality of the book. I recommend the book.
I loved it
A story about Nora a Philadelphia Lawyer who meets a attractive Shaw, a veterinarian, at her Aunts Farm in So. Carolina that she has recently inherited. As the romance develops, she finds out he has a few hidden secrets. This is a well developed compelling inspirational story which will make you want to read the next book in this series.
This is another book I would like to see as a movie! Interesting characters, and an unpredictable storyline. I had not thought of an entire town for witness protection, nor the ramifications of it.
Great story. Later in life romance and faith filled
What a joy to read such a beautiful story of love and commitment. I enjoyed it also because it was real with no obvious set up… Coming to and through real situations and solutions.
I enjoyed reading this book It was inspirational in the fact someone can still write a good love story without having sex take over the plot Don’t get me wrong it still filled your desire for romance without being vulgar
interesting plot great characters
I really enjoyed this Christian novel. I especially appreciated the easy way it talked about being a Christian (prayer, Bible reading…) and the way it encouraged the lifestyle without being “preachy”. The characters were realistic and warm, the plot interesting, the romance tender. Great read!
This was an interesting book because the story line was a little different than “boy meets girl, boy gets girl.” There are some twists that are unexpected.
This was a great book. I love the setting, loved the story!