Strings of Faith

By: Terry Stafford

Narrated by: Marnye Young

Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Is it possible to experience joy made full?

Many of us have been hurt and must endure emotional pain and suffering every day. But there is a path of healing. This story is one of heroic recovery.

Darcy is a classically trained violinist who, soon after graduating from the Boston Conservatory, connects with her dream to play bluegrass and old-time fiddle music, much to the dismay of her parents. Her sights are firmly set on winning the National Oldtime Fiddle Contest in Weiser, Idaho.

She barely gains traction with her quest when tragedy strikes. Darcy lays her gift aside for her family and faces unimaginable pain and loss, leading to dissension with her husband, disappointing judgment from her church, and anger with God himself. Can her friends get her through such pain? What about the church that turned on her? Can her gift of music survive when her life is turned upside down, causing her to question the foundation that her relationships are built on?

How do you find that magical place just beyond your dream? You may have been carrying the answer with you all along.

©2016, 2017 Terry Stafford (P)2017 Terry Stafford

Faith Triumphs

What made the experience of listening to Strings of Faith the most enjoyable?

Maryne Young's wonderful narration added to the story. Listening sometimes allows one to be immersed in a way that reading from the page cannot. This is especially true when the story is as touching as Strings of Faith. I might have set aside the written page but the narration held me in the story through the ups and downs.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Strings of Faith?

Darcy comes to the acceptance that God continues to provide grace even when we would refuse to see it. She sees that the violin in her hands, her gift that she had set aside held the key to her expression of joy faith and a way back o life.

Have you listened to any of Marnye Young’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is the first of Maryne Young's narrations and I enjoyed her thoughtful presentation. She added depth and emotion that aided the story without becoming over emotional.

Who was the most memorable character of Strings of Faith and why?

Darcy is memorable as the main character. However, each of the supporting characters - Trevor her husband, was steadfast , her daughters were central to the story, and her friends from the music circuit provided guidance. Each role was memorable.

Any additional comments?

We first meet Darcy as a new graduate from Boston Conservatory of Music, however is it not classical violin her heart craves and choses to follow - it is instead Blue Grass that her passion craves. For a time, it seems Darcy will have all of life’s blessing a career following her dreams, a husband who understands and supports her pursuits, and her fulfillment as a mother first through adoption and then through a very unexpected pregnancy. As the hum drum of life rolls forward music and personal aspirations are set aside. Life has given her so many blessings, but life is full of sadness and loss as well. Darcy and Trevor struggle as the burdens they are faced with tear their world apart. How can God allow such tragedy? How can she ever come to the other side of grief? Darcy rages against all that has been thrust upon her. As difficult as it seems God has provided the means for her to come to acceptance and joy all along if only she allows herself to step away and use the gifts she has and open her heart to God. We often ignore the very gifts we have been given as we try to create faith from law. This book portrays a spiritual journey beyond the easy niches clichés we are often fall in. The story comes full circle showing us how even I our darkest times God has not abandoned or failed us if we can open our hearts beyond our eyes.
Marnye Young does an exceptional job bringing the words to life. Her narration adds depth and strength to each page.
“I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

Easy Listen!

Any additional comments?

This is a very well written story about a talented young woman who followed her dream, went through pain, and learned to trust God.

The narrator did an excellent job interpreting the various characters.

I received this audio-book free for an honest review by the author, narrator, or publisher. Thank you!!!

A Beautiful Bittersweet Story

Strings of Faith was such a heartfelt and bittersweet story. Listening to this makes one stop and think about all the blessings we have each day. I loved the poem about sisters that Dawn wrote whenever they were at Tracey's fiddling contest.

Terry Stafford did a wonderful job writing this book. In about the middle of the story, it seemed that some of the story was missing. It skipped from 'something' to 'something after' but that may have been the intention. It didn't really take away from it being a great story with a meaningful message.

Marnye Young is quickly becoming one of my favorite female narrators. She does a fabulous job reading this story. Her Kentucky accent was perfect . It was a perfect match up of author/performer.

"This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review."

Makes me want to hug my wife and kids

I enjoyed reading this book but I'm more of a audio book person so I was pleasantly surprised when I learned it was on audible. For me, it was even more enjoyable the second time around, and the reader did a great job of making it easy to follow the characters. I didn't figure I'd cry the second time through, but I guess I'm an old softy. If you are into spiritual growth, this is a good dose of it in a hard to put down format. Unforgettable, inspirational and uplifting.

Excallent Faith based Story!!!

Stings of Faith was just one of those audiobooks that is really deeply moving. The story is excellent. The author has crafted a story that will bring you in and keep your interest the entire time. I have recently become a fan of this genre and this is an excellent example of it done right. I highly recommend this audiobook.

This is the first time I have heard a performance from Mamye Young as a narrator but I greatly enjoyed her performance. I plan to look for more of her other narration based off this performance.

This review copy audiobook was provided by the author/narrator/publisher free of charge via Audiobook Boom.

A great based on true story interweave of destiny.

The reading was excellent. It felt true to life I cried and celebrated the story left me feeling hope.

I gave it 3 instead of 5 because some of the time gaps felt jarring and confusing. Perhaps the leaps are easier to follow on the page.

It was worth the time listening to.