The Shepherd's Voice: A Novel (Beneath Sweet Western Skies) Paperback – August 25, 2018

The Author’s goal for this novel was stated in the endnotes: “The Shepherd’s Voice was born out of the desire to remind believers that God’s forgiveness isn’t just for the moment a person is born again.” That goal was completely reached! The story vividly portrayed a Christian’s ability to return to the Heavenly Father in repentance and be accepted by God and forgiven. It also demonstrates what a life would look like that is lived by faith, walking with God every day through life’s trials, and a soul resting in the Word of God in quiet assurance of His plan and purpose.It is not the usual romance where instant love/attraction happens. This plot is built first on showing God’s kindness to those in need, helping their body and soul heal, reminding others of God’s everlasting love, giving second chances, and letting God work out the feelings in His way.It reminds us that evil is very much present in a Christian’s life and, just because you know Jesus as Saviour, that doesn’t keep you from getting hurt by that evil. God lets these things happen to strengthen our faith in Him.The negative reviews kept me for a while from reading this novel, but I’m so glad I finally read it. I was challenged: Does my life revolve around God’s Word? Is it the most important thing in my life? Definitely worth the time spent reading.

As an avid readers, I read many different genres. Christian fiction is one I had wandered away from, only to be drawn back in. Hatcher does a fabulous job of “filling my cup”. I was drawn to this book by what I can only say is a God thing. My cup was running on fumes, and Hatcher re-filled it to overflowing! Thank you! I will continue to read more of you and Deb Raney, as she is also a “filler of my cup”.

Goodreads says I read this before. After reading it this time, I don't remember ANY of the book from earlier, so I'm wondering. Anyway, I REALLY liked this book. I quickly wanted to know what happened to all the characters, and kept wanting to stay up later to read more. The spiritual lessons are woven together in the best way. I highly recommend this book!

This story was a resounding 5+ up until the rather brief epilogue. While the epilogue is good, in truth I didn't get from it what I think the author meant to impart because my disappointment at the lack of closure was rather intense, to put it mildly. The father is a central character from beginning to the last chapter. Then nothing. What happened to him? Would have been nice to know what happened to Pauline too for that matter. And Danny, for what he did. This is such an amazing story that has kept me reading till the wee hours of the morning. The message of God's amazing love and forgiveness is beautiful. But the lack of closure, basically it just looks like all the guilty one's got away with everything they did, is most disturbing. There was no justice. I really battled with that. So yes, a beautiful story but feels incomplete ..

I loved how kind and happy and sensitive to the Spirit that Akira was. It just seemed like her normal personality to reach out and help others in need.All of the characters just kept learning .It also had mean people...all of which, except one, kept learning and becoming people.Very touching story.

Loved this book. Loved the characters Gabriel and akier. A beautiful story that tells of Gods everlasting love and forgiveness.

While together story a nd main characters are fictional, they are based on truth. To make it easier to know what is Truth, the author has used italics. Plot is well developed. Characters and background believable. I will be checking out more of Robin Lee Hatcher's books.

Such a sweet and God-filled story of caring, love and redemption. Great character development. Wonderful Bible truths to share and learn.

Wonderful story of love and redemption. Uplifting faith and highlighting the riches of God’s grace to us in Christ.Highly recommended!

I have yet to read a book by Robin Lee Hatcher that disappoints. A Shepherd's Voice was a heart warming story of humans pining for something that many never seem to find. It is always there, we just need to listen for the Shepherd's Voice.

Gabe Talmadge, coming home after 10 years in prison, is rescued by sheep farm owner Akira Macauley after he collapsed on the road. Much to his surprise, Akira gives him a chance to work on her farm after his own cruel father refuses to have anything to do with him, much to the concern of her friends. Akira, however, is convinced that Gabe was sent to her by God for a purpose, and she trusts that He knows what is best.A Christian story set in the time of the Great Depression in America, this to me was like a fairytale, with if not unrealistic, at least very unlikely characters and events - and still, I absolutely loved it, it was sweet and heartwarming, like covering yourself in a warm blanket on a cold night and feeling comfortable.Gabe's journey from guilt ridden convict to a God loving person warms a reader's heart, Akira was just really way too good to be true, but in her constant love and trust in God a protagonist you just had to fall in love with. The events unfolding and the plots of his cruel father test Gabriel and the budding romance between him and his employer to the utmost.The story is very well told, with strong and well developed protagonists, and very likeable ones, and has captivated me from the first page; even if a reader is not as strong in faith as Akira and her friends, some of their reactions and thoughts will be familiar enough to follow and understand why they acted a certain way - and made me wish to be a better person.Absolutely loved this book, and hope to find more of this author.

I loved this book. It beautifully weaves into the storyline the truths that God loves us enough to be involved in our lives, if we allow him. If we truly trust his Father heart towards us, He knows how to direct us and situations so His purposes and good plans for us are fulfilled: using even the evil intended towards us.

What wonderful & true portrayal of Gods goodness faithfulness & love towards all mankind wether they accept His love & care or not