After Penny Sullivan witnesses a shocking crime, even the routines of daily life become more than she can handle. But with her husband away at sea and a 7-year-old son depending on her, hiding isn't an option! So she formulates a restoration plan---do one kind thing for somebody every day. The healing results will surprise you! 320 pages, softcover from Bethany.
Hinck, a 2008 Christy finalist for visionary fiction, offers an especially grounded tale of sudden trauma and slow healing. Narrator Penny Sullivan witnesses a horrific crime shortly before her navy chaplain husband is deployed, so she is forced to cope alone with the psychological fallout from what she saw. Family issues from her past complicate her struggle and enhance its credibility. Strong Christian themes form a natural part of the narrative. Penny Sullivan's faith is shaken, and she wonders why God would appear to permit evil and whether her emotional turmoil can be healed. A supporting cast of characters, from a nosy neighbor to the busy faithful servant to the downtrodden who heads a local mission, adds quirk and richness. Hinck is a mother of four, and it shows in authentic details in her characterization of the narrator's worried, loving seven-year-old son who gets his first pet in some cute comic relief. Hinck has done her homework on post-traumatic stress syndrome, and is not afraid to show readers that challenges can deepen faith. (Oct.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 10 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dona Watson (USA), March 08, 2009
Stepping Into Sunlight is a book that can benefit those suffering from trauma and depression as well as those who wish to understand and empathize with those who are hurting. We discussed this book in our local book club and found it sparked interesting discussions regarding the journeys life often takes us on, through its many twists and turns. At one time or another, we can find ourselves in a dark place and our group found this book makes it evident that even though one can feel alone when suffering from depression or trauma, we are not alone after all. Stepping Into Sunlight is not just a book for recreational reading, but it is also a book with a purpose. Well done, Sharon.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Deborah (Reston, VA), February 25, 2009
As someone who has been in a situation similar to Penny's, I could totally understand why she reacted and kept acting the way she did. You don't want to relive the event, yet it's always there haunting you. It's very traumatizing and it takes a long time for you get over it. Therefore I could relate to her and could see how just the small lists she made help make her days better. It was sad that Bryan had to suffer because of his mother's condition. That's the problem with any type of disorders, it affects everyone and not just afflicted person. He was good at putting up a strong face but it was also realistic to see that he was getting irritated with his mother. I kind of wish though that Penny hadn't kept her problems from her husband. I know she didn't want him to worry about her while he was gone, but at the same time, this really isn't a secret you should keep from your spouse. This book shows that sometimes in life, there are times where we can't keep things to ourselves. That even if it hurts to talk about it and it's painful to even think about it, we will only harm ourselves emotionally, physically and spiritually by not getting help. And last but not least, I was thrilled to read that this book takes place in my hometown area! There's nothing more exciting than reading about familiar sites in a book by an author who actually knows and has lived in the area herself. This truly is a powerful book and is one that women everywhere should read. Sharon Hinck has proven that she has mastered writing in several genres (mom-lit, fantasy, humor/mystery, women's fiction) and is now an author whose every book I must read. HIGHLY recommended.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Carrie Turansky (New Jersey), January 05, 2009
Penny's experiences captured me from the first page to the end. What an amazing journey to healing. I highly recommend this book!
1 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Stephanie (North Carolina), January 01, 2009
Okay, let's be clear, here. I have struggled with depression and even, heaven help me, suicidal thoughts, so I can sympathize with Penny and understand where she's coming from. But honestly, this book got on my nerves. I recognized Penny's efforts to "get over" her PTSD (which does not happen overnight, and does not happen because you decide to do good deeds). But Sharon spent very little time on Penny's efforts toward this end, and far too much time on panic attacks and tortured thoughts. I've been there, Sharon--I don't need to read about it. It also felt as if Penny was depending entirely on herself and not giving much, if any, thought, to God's role and power in all of this (aside from a couple of touching Scripture-and-prayer scenes I really did like). I also would've liked to see more interactions with Alex, since he ironically seemed to be the only one who could really help his sister (nice touch). But instead, what we have here is a mentally battered, shaky mom who's trying too hard to be the "strong woman" and, as a result, alienating her precious little boy and driving herself deeper into a pit. The supporting cast tries to help, but doesn't seem to really "be there", as far as depth. I probably won't read this again. Sorry, Sharon--better luck next time.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginny (Salt Lake City, UT), November 19, 2008
This book is beautifully written, and Penny is such a realistic character that at times it's painful to read her struggles. Sharon Hink has such a lyrical way with words that at times I stopped reading to go back and savor a beautifully phrased sentence. Other times my eyes flew across the page, drinking in the story as I went. There are so many wonderful elements in this plot -- the delightfully odd next-door-neighbor, the long-lost brother with a frightening past, the charming and boisterous mission workers, the well-meaning mother and sister who make matters worse with their "just snap out of it" advice. I love a book that teaches me something (in this case, about PTSD) without lapsing for even a single moment into a preachy tone.
One reason I like Sharon Hinck's books is because she's so versatile. As a reader, I like books in different genres with vastly different styles. And Sharon writes books in different genres with vastly different styles. This book is completely different from her Sword of Lyric series, but the story is equally compelling, equally enjoyable, and equally steeped in the truth of God's powerful presence in our lives.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Sharon Miller (Maple Grove, MN), November 08, 2008
Stepping Into Sunlight by Sharon Hinck is a thoughtful and realistic look at Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It’s hopeful without minimizing the challenges of this frequently misunderstood disorder. I strongly recommend this to book anyone who has PTSD, knows someone who is struggling with it, or simply wants to be better informed. Ms. Hinck’s light and humorous writing style, makes this an entertaining read in spite of the difficult subject. She brings it down to a “real people” level that is hard to find in the clinical information that’s available.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer (O'fallon, IL), October 08, 2008
Stepping into the Sunlight by Sharon Hinck
Penny Sullivan finds herself in a new neighborhood, her husband is deployed, and her support system not yet in place when she finds herself witnessing a shocking crime. Unable to leave her home even to purchase food for her young son she knows she has to get better, but how? She has her faith or does she? And if she has faith why can’t she move forward?
I can’t remember the last time an author reached inside of me and pulled out my story. Hinck has done just that, while I’ve never been in a holdup I’ve been a prisoner of anxiety. I was on those pages with Penny Sullivan, holding hands with her praying she would be able to each step.
I finished this book with a huge ‘take away.’ God wants my best, even if my best is only the smallest thing I can do that day. I wish I had read this book four years ago. I’m finally coming out of my dark corners and I know this book, while a work of fiction has the power to heal. Thank you Sharon for writing it.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Melanie Dobson (Pacific Northwest), October 02, 2008
After being traumatized in a horrible crime, Penny Sullivan is on a quest for normalcy, but without the support of family and friends, she sinks into a dark depression. As she slowly faces her fears and begins to seek help for herself, Penny discovers the healing power of helping others. Stepping into Sunlight is a powerful story about hurt and healing and discovering God in the midst of pain.
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