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I was thrilled to get to read this book, it is what I would categorize as women's fiction and is Sharon's debut novel. Based on this book I am anxious to see what she will accomplish for her 2nd novel. "Every Good & Perfect Gift" is a great book that draws on real life experiences and deals with some heavy issues such as infertility, illness, friendship and faith. Sharon manages to take these heavy issues and infuse them with humor and feeling. It is not a usual thing for me to find a book that grabs me from the first paragraph and doesn't let me go until the last page (as I'm bawling). This book does that, and its not a mystery or a suspense - usually I think of women's fiction as being a slowly developing work in character development and a continuously, unraveling plot line - Sharon's book breaks that mold in the manner of jumping right in with both feet. You will meet Gabby and DeeDee and follow their path with them as they show that true friendship breaks all conventional stereotypes and is truly a blessing from God.
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Posted July 27, 2008
Sharon Souza's debut novel captured me from the first chapter. One thing I loved about this story is that it told of a beautiful, loving relationship between two women modeled on the love between David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. Sometimes even loving the most lovable person in the world isn't easy, and Souza illustrated the blessing of doing just that. Scenes of self-doubt and frustration that revealed the character of Gabby as a flesh-and-blood woman who wrestles with doing the right thing were beautifully written. The story drove toward an issue that would disturb the seemingly perfect lives of her characters to create the ultimate conflict. I was curious about what that would be and how it would play out, and I was satisfied with the turn the story took. This story ended up being a love story between friends and illustrated the ultimate love story between God and his people. Well done!
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Posted June 7, 2008
In her debut novel, Sharon Souza introduces herself as an author of depth, compassion, and faith. Her first book, Every Good and Perfect Gift is a beautiful look at friendship and sacrifice. Gabby Whitaker and DeeDee McAllister have been best friends since sixth grade. Theirs is a rare and beautiful friendship born of time and shared faith. Gabby always considered DeeDee the strong one and herself the follower. Not only are they best friends, but they married best friends. As they near their fortieth birthdays, DeeDee announces her decision that she does want to have a baby, despite the adamancy for the past twenty years she didn't. The four embark on a journey of infertility, tests, trials, failures, and the birth of a beautiful baby. Through it all, Gabby and DeeDee's friendship grows ever stronger. After the birth, Gabby becomes increasingly concerned over disturbing changes in DeeDee's behavior. The diagnosis changes everyone's life forever and challenges their faith. Gabby finds the greatest joy is in sacrificing for your friend. Sharon Souza has written a modern day story similar to the friendship of Jonathon and David in the Old Testament. This heartwarming story will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you want to call your best friend and say 'thank you.' The characters are as real as your next door neighbors. I highly recommend this book. Maybe give it to your best friend and read it at the same time. Sharon's debut novel leaves the reader eagerly anticipating her next one.
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Posted May 10, 2008
If this debut novel is any indication, readers are in for a treat with this new voice. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, even laughed out loud a few times. When Gabby¿s friend, DeeDee announces she wants to have a baby, the reader is taken on a journey with the first person story teller as we glimpse the life of a seemingly very real character. We become one with her as she struggles to conceive and then faces even more challenges beyond the birth. We are treated to a story of enduring friendship. Hysterically funny at times and hammer-on-the-nail true to life, the writer explores a topic that has long been avoided in Christian Fiction. The ordeal and pain of childlessness. Without preaching or without judging, the author takes us inside the heart of very special people. I highly recommend this book. I can¿t wait to see what Sharon will produce next!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Nearing forty, best friends Angel Gabby Whitaker Nevin and DeeDee McAllister-Kent feel they have lived great lives. Both married their college boyfriends and each couple decided on a DINK (Double income no kids) lifestyle.---------------- However, DeeDee suddenly feels her biological clock running down as she desperately wants a baby. While DeeDee tries to become pregnant, Gabby wonders whether she should reconsider her decision to remain childless. DeeDee continues to fail to conceive, which begins to cause a strain between her and her spouse and between her and her best friend until DeeDee¿s medical diagnosis shakes up everyone------------------------- This is a fascinating look at friendship between two people who never had differences until they tried to get pregnant. Gabby is the one tested especially when they learn what is wrong with DeeDee as she will need patience like she never needed with her best friend before. Sharan K. Souza explains that she modernized and gender changed the biblical bond between David and Jonathan as Gabby wonders why bad things happen to good people, but accepts this is God¿s way and vows to the Lord she will be there for DeeDee.----------- Harriet Klausner
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Posted January 23, 2008
Every Good and Perfect Gift is the most wonderfully written story of friendship between two women. I only wish I could write as well as Sharon to give it the absolute best review it deserves. It¿s the kind of friendship I think every woman would love to have. It¿s such a sweet story of how Dee Dee and Gaby became friends in their childhood, and the ups and downs that took them into their adulthood. I laughed I cried I truly got lost in the story. I honestly didn¿t want to get to the end of the book because I came to love these women. And I will miss Dee Dee and Gaby. If you read no other book this year you have to read Every Good and Perfect Gift. You won¿t be disappointed. I can¿t wait to read her next book.
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Posted January 22, 2008
I have already recommended this book to everyone I know, so I had to come and post a review for the benefit of those I don't. This book is the best I've ever read. It is a masterpiece. The writing, dialogue, storyline every aspect of the book is fabulous. I will read this again and again.
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Posted February 14, 2008
I have never loved a book more then I love this one! It pulled me right in and I felt like I knew the characters personally. I usually can¿t get through a book, because I lose interest, but this one kept me coming back for more! Sharon K. Souza is brilliant! I highly recommend this book to everyone!
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Posted February 6, 2008
What a great book! I enjoyed being swept into each chapter anxiously wanting to know what was going to happen next with Gabby and Dee. Highly recommend reading 'Every Good and Perfect Gift', as well as watching for Sharon K. Souza's future writings.
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Posted February 2, 2008
Let me start by saying Every Good & Perfect Gift has both touched and moved me on many levels. The story of Dee Dee and Gabby goes beyond friendship, beyond sisterhood, and beyond commitment. Everyone has a choice to love and go beyond love. When asked if you would give your life for your friend, death would be easy, but truly living for your friend takes on a whole new meaning. This story takes you on a journey of Dee Dee and Gabby from children into adulthood. What a magical friendship they share. If only we could all experience a Dee Dee or Gabby in our lives.
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Posted January 24, 2008
After my wife purchased and read Sharon Souza's new book 'Every Good & Perfect Gift' and had laid it down, I decided to scan a few pages to see if I could hang with it. Knowing it was clearly meant for the female reader, I was surprised how quickly it drew me in and made me want to keep turning the pages. I learned several new things about women, marriage, and pregnancy during the course of the book and that's always helpful to us male-types. The kind of close friendship between these two women is often foreign to us men, but had poignant lessons about what true friendship means. Acknowleging that there were details of wedding plans, pregnancy, and other 'female stuff' that only women can fully appreciate, there was also adventure, humor, and dramatic tension...in other words the stuff from which good reads are made. In addition, I found enough parallels in the book to situations in my own life that I could certainly relate and take valuable insights. It became a topic of conversation between my wife and I as we discussed the characters and situations portrayed in the story and that's a wonderful by-product. Thank you Sharon. It certainly has my recommendation.
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