Sensible Shoes – A Story about the Spiritual Journey

“I have been on retreats with [these characters] and I am one of them. Their neediness, arrogance, cluelessness, perfectionism, self-pity, codependence … are mine. By the end of the book I was grateful for author Sharon Garlough Brown’s fresh eyes and voice. She not only gave me resharpened tools for my journey with Jesus but also reminded me that I need fellow pilgrims to love me and keep me honest along the way.”

Sybil MacBeth, author of Praying in Color

“Written with a compelling narrative that weaves their lives together, Sensible Shoes offers readers a new understanding of key spiritual practices and support for those who wish to travel deeper into life with God themselves.”

ForeWord This Week Newsletter, April 16, 2013

“Sharon Garlough Brown introduces us to four engaging women who are wrestling with their … view of God. Strap on your best traveling shoes–following their journey in Sensible Shoes is not for the faint of heart!”

Melinda Correa Schmidt, Midday Connection

“This work of fiction felt like my own personal story as I connected on a different level with each of the four women on a quest to grow in their faith. I loved it in a way I haven’t loved a book in a long time. It’s filled with relatable narrative and examples of key spiritual practices that deepened my faith. I found in it a compassion for myself and for others who are walking alongside me. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series.”

Elizabeth Murphy, Just Between Us, Winter 2016

“If you’re a spiritually inclined person, I think you’ll really love it. It’s about four women, every one of them coming from a different place spiritually. But all of them in need of a fresh cup of mercy… . So it’s terrific. I highly recommend it.”

Kathie Lee Gifford, NBC’s Today, March 11, 2013

“I have been on retreats with [these characters] and I am one of them. Their neediness, arrogance, cluelessness, perfectionism, self-pity, codependence … are mine. By the end of the book I was grateful for author Sharon Garlough Brown’s fresh eyes and voice. She not only gave me resharpened tools for my journey with Jesus but also reminded me that I need fellow pilgrims to love me and keep me honest along the way.”

Sybil MacBeth, author of Praying in Color

“There are books that offer a can’t-put-it-down reading experience and books that offer truths so resonant that I am compelled to stop reading and ponder awhile. Sensible Shoes is both. Its characters have become spiritual companions for my journey.”

Doreen Olson, executive minister of Christian formation, The Evangelical Covenant Church

“This work of fiction felt like my own personal story as I connected on a different level with each of the four women on a quest to grow in their faith. I loved it in a way I haven’t loved a book in a long time. It’s filled with relatable narrative and examples of key spiritual practices that deepened my faith. I found in it a compassion for myself and for others who are walking alongside me. I cannot wait to read the other books in the series.”

Elizabeth Murphy, Just Between Us, Winter 2016

“Sharon Garlough Brown introduces us to four engaging women who are wrestling with their … view of God. Strap on your best traveling shoes–following their journey in Sensible Shoes is not for the faint of heart!”

Melinda Correa Schmidt, Midday Connection

“Sharon Brown’s story provides a way for readers to vicariously dip into deep spiritual practices through the realistic struggles and joys of four women. Through emotionally resonant characters, Sensible Shoes encourages us to communicate with God in new ways, broadening our spiritual journey one step at a time.”

Jana Riess, author of Flunking Sainthood

Sharon Garlough Brown is a spiritual director, speaker, and cofounder of Abiding Way Ministries, providing spiritual formation retreats and resources. She is the author of the bestselling Sensible Shoes Series of novels, which includes Sensible Shoes, Two Steps Forward, Barefoot, An Extra Mile, and their study guides.