Every Good & Perfect Gift

By: Sharon K. Souza

NavPress / 2007 / Paperback

5 out of 5 stars (15 Reviews)

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Product Description

"I'm not the strong one. I've never been the strong one." So believes Gabby Whitaker in her friendship with DeeDee McAllister. They've been best friends since sixth grade, when headstrong and courageous DeeDee began mapping out their lives. But after twenty years with her husband, DeeDee changes the plan. Nearing forty years old, she wants a baby-now! Two years of infertility, prayers, and outrageous behavior finally result in the birth of DeeDee's demand. Gabby is present for all of it, noting the increasingly strange behavior of her lifelong friend after the baby's birth. Then comes a diagnosis that threatens to shatter their world. Now Gabby must find the strength and faith to carry DeeDee and herself through the dark unknown, but is she up for it?

Product Information

Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 384
Vendor: NavPress
Publication Date: 2007

Dimensions: 8.25 X 5.5 (inches)
ISBN: 1600061753
ISBN-13: 9781600061752
Availability: In Stock

Publisher's Description

In the classic tradition of movies such as Beaches and Steel Magnolias , Every Good and Perfect Gift shares a heartwarming story of friendship that overcomes all odds. Filled with laughter, tears, and everything in between, Gabby and DeeDee?s journey will strike a chord with female readers of all ages.

Author Bio

Sharon Souza and her husband, Rick, have been married thirty-five years and have three grown children and six grandchildren. Her debut novel, Every Good and Perfect Gift , is based on Sharon’s experience with a very close friend.

Publisher's Weekly

In her moving debut novel, Souza shows the power of love and faith in the friendship of two women while exploring the theological problem of bad things happening to good people. Life is smooth sailing for Angel Gabby Whitaker Nevin and her best friend, DeeDee McAllister-Kent, who both married their college sweethearts and have enjoyed their planned child-free lives in California. Then, on the cusp of turning 40, DeeDee gets baby fever and will do anything to become a mother. Gabby rides the roller coaster of infertility as DeeDee desperately tries to conceive, and begins to question her own decision to remain childless. DeeDee's infertility problem is only the beginning of heartache for the two friends, however, as deeper problems create fissures in their well-ordered lives. Throughout, Souza adeptly portrays the strengths of friendship, and the wonderful but often difficult relationships between mothers and daughters. Occasionally, Souza overdetails events, and some unnecessary or needlessly long scenes intrude. Although some readers will find Gabby's acceptance of God's role in DeeDee's suffering coming a little too easily, Souza laudably refuses to succumb to a pat ending that neatly ties up all the loose ends. Souza's poignant story shows promise and should earn her some fans among inspirational fiction readers. (Jan.)Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

Product Reviews

Every Good & Perfect Gift 4.9 5 15 15

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. December 28, 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! July 27, 2008

This was such a wonderful book! I couldn't put it down! The relationship between Gabby and Dee Dee is so refreshing and beautiful! June 19, 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 her 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. June 7, 2008