About Lynda
Lynda McCarthy has been captivated by words her whole life. A former teacher and
administrator with degrees in English, counseling, and administration, she spent over 30
years in educations while writing musicals and spiritual dramas on the side. The
Sanctuary-her debut novel- earned her a spot at Bob Goff’s writing workshop, where
she was inspired to share her words with the world. Guided by a spiritual roadmap, the
book reflects her deep passion for women, friendship and place. Lynda lives in Oregon
with her husband, Denny, and her very opinionated cat, Annie-who she promises, will
appear in every book in a much more cooperative form.
"Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary.
Be strong and do the work.”
Chronicles 28:10
The Sanctuary
Four women. One extraordinary week. A journey that will change them forever.
Nestled along a rugged coastline where waves crash against ancient cliffs and peaceful gardens invite quiet reflection, The Sanctuary is more than a retreat—it is a place where broken hearts come to breathe again.
Kelly has spent a lifetime putting everyone else first. Nina, a former sitcom star, longs to discover who she is beyond the spotlight. Annie, a young mother and once-passionate artist, wonders if she has lost the woman she was created to be. And Liz, an ambitious publicist, arrives with a mission: expose the secret behind the retreat that everyone claims changes lives.
As the four women spend a week together sharing their stories, facing painful truths, and participating in life-changing experiences, unexpected friendships begin to form. But while the others search for healing, Liz searches for answers—certain The Sanctuary is hiding something. What she discovers isn’t the mystery she expected.
Set against the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific coast, The Sanctuary is a moving story of faith, friendship, forgiveness, and God’s quiet invitation to rediscover hope. For anyone who has ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or uncertain of their purpose, this inspiring novel reminds us that sometimes the path to a new life begins by simply becoming still enough to hear His voice. Because the greatest secret of all isn’t hidden in a place—it’s found in the One who has been calling us home all along.