Miranda is a widow and mother of five children. Her pastor has just announced that the entire congregation is going to sell their homes and move to another state. Miranda is anything but excited about this idea as her property has been in her husband's family for generations.

Miranda, although one always submissive to her husband, is not feeling the same toward her pastor. Before she has a chance to express her feelings fully, she is injured in a fall and her brother-in-law is contacted (as per her written instructions) to come care for the children while she's hospitalized.

When Sparrows Fall in many ways is about their relationship but also about secrets from the past. Each has something they must confront and deal with prior to being able to move ahead.

I mostly liked this book although at times the family was shown to be socially backwards and isolated and it seemed to be blamed on homeschooling (or maybe I just am more sensitive because we homeschool). I was also torn between wanting to hug Miranda for the hurt in her life and wanting to slap her for being so ignorant to not think for herself for so many years.