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The Reluctant Prophet #2
Unexpected Dismounts
Allison Chamberlain thought she was doing everything God required of her, but as her journey continues in the second book of The Reluctant Prophet series, she might have to let go of everything she loves to follow the call.
Allison is already taking care of five former prostitutes, trying to adopt an orphan, and helping a woman who’s been raped. Along the way, she experiences unexpected dismounts, as every Harley owner who risks the ride eventually does. A relative challenges the adoption. An influential businessman blocks her ministry. A beloved friend is seriously injured. A piece of her past adds even more turmoil. As she picks herself up again and again, Allison realizes that some are guilty of terrible wrongs, but everyone must be responsible for righting them.
Allison is already taking care of five former prostitutes, trying to adopt an orphan, and helping a woman who’s been raped. Along the way, she experiences unexpected dismounts, as every Harley owner who risks the ride eventually does. A relative challenges the adoption. An influential businessman blocks her ministry. A beloved friend is seriously injured. A piece of her past adds even more turmoil. As she picks herself up again and again, Allison realizes that some are guilty of terrible wrongs, but everyone must be responsible for righting them.
464 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2011
17 people are currently reading
250 people want to read
About the author
Nancy N. Rue
225 books289 followersNancy Rue is the author of over 100 books for adults and teens, including the Christy Award-winning The Reluctant Prophet, Unexpected Dismounts and Healing Waters (with Steve Arterburn), which was the 2009 Women of Faith Novel of the Year. She travels extensively—at times on the back of a Harley—speaking to and teaching groups of women of all ages. Nancy lives on a lake in Tennessee with her Harley-ridin’ husband, Jim, and their two yellow Labs (without whom writing would be difficult).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
March 17, 2012
If you know someone who looks down their nose at reading Christian fiction and says, "I only read non-fiction," I suggest you give them a copy of this series! I've not read many, if any, books that so clearly demonstrate what following Christ truly means as this series does. Unexpected Dismounts continues the story of Allison as she follows the Nudge God gave her, leading her to buy a Harley and open a home to help prostitutes begin a new life. Now she is facing some rather daunting challenges (some "unexpected dismounts," as they call them in the world of Harleys) and other than one new Nudge (which God must surely intend only to be followed in a theoretical, as opposed to literal, sense!) she finds Him to be rather silent. There's nothing quite like going out on a limb with and for God and then feeling like you're stranded there. . . .especially when almost everyone around you pretty much thinks you're crazy for being there in the first place! Including those who profess to be Christians, who just want Allison to get over this phase and get back in her pew and behave like a "normal" Christian. Allison must decide which is worse: for people to judge her for hearing and following God's voice, or for her to decide the cost is too great and close her ears and her heart to His nudges. Nancy Rue has definitely heard some nudges of her own in writing this series. This is not your typical "safe" Christian fiction. But come to think of it, the Christian life was never guaranteed to be "safe." From a strictly literary sense, this is a phenomenal book. Several times as I read, I stopped and thought, "where does she come up with this stuff?!" The characters and the interactions between them are so well-done that I truly felt as if I might encounter them in real life. But the spiritual dimension utterly transforms it from simply a "good read" to one that will challenge you to follow the Nudge that God is giving you. Don't miss this book and this series.
December 4, 2020
The second book in Rue’s Reluctant Prophet series is a stellar tale. Readers will come away challenged to put their faith to action. This novel is electric with action, realistic characters and a fast-paced plot. A tremendous amount of spiritual food for thought is included in this stand-out story.
Allison Chamberlain hasn’t received a nudge from God in a while. She’s sure she’s on the right track providing a way out for former prostitutes and drug addicts, but Allison isn’t sure what’s next. Just when she thinks she’s headed in the right direction, her carefully laid plans get derailed. Allison needs to learn to be still and listen for God’s voice to direct her steps toward the future, and when she does, the most amazing things happen.
Allison Chamberlain hasn’t received a nudge from God in a while. She’s sure she’s on the right track providing a way out for former prostitutes and drug addicts, but Allison isn’t sure what’s next. Just when she thinks she’s headed in the right direction, her carefully laid plans get derailed. Allison needs to learn to be still and listen for God’s voice to direct her steps toward the future, and when she does, the most amazing things happen.
August 12, 2014
Nancy Rue is rapidly becoming one of my favorite authors. This sequel to the Reluctant Prophet followed the theme of service to the "least of these". This time the "Nudge" is not to buy a Harley--it's to wash their feet.
The big reveals toward the end of the book were great. In retrospect, I should have caught them. I plead way too much stress and busyness in taking care of my mom the last few days to catch onto those. The clues were all there...
Can't wait for book #3 in the trilogy to come out!!!
The big reveals toward the end of the book were great. In retrospect, I should have caught them. I plead way too much stress and busyness in taking care of my mom the last few days to catch onto those. The clues were all there...
Can't wait for book #3 in the trilogy to come out!!!
July 11, 2018
Maybe better than the first one, (which was really good), this series is perfect when you want a Christian book that's different from the usual. I love that everything doesn't work out perfectly for everyone, but it's also not dark and depressing. I'm not really comfortable with the fact that she's falling in love with a non-Christian man, but I also understand that our feelings don't always obey our heads. I just believe it's a bad precedent to put in a book, though the romance is definitely not the focus of the story.
February 19, 2015
Piercing
Reading this book opened my spirit to believe I indeed get nudges from Holy Spirit and I don't have to a perfect Christian or human
to hear Him and act. It is quite an adventure.
Reading this book opened my spirit to believe I indeed get nudges from Holy Spirit and I don't have to a perfect Christian or human
to hear Him and act. It is quite an adventure.
September 13, 2015
A Quickie Review
This second outing is just like the first: edgier than usual for Christian fiction, and with a likable yet flawed heroine. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you should definitely check this one out.
Score: 4/5
This second outing is just like the first: edgier than usual for Christian fiction, and with a likable yet flawed heroine. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you should definitely check this one out.
Score: 4/5
July 31, 2021
I am loving this series! I've GOT to buy the next book!
March 11, 2015
Great continuation, can't wait to read the third book!
August 11, 2025
Beautifully flawed heroine wins our hearts again!
Having been absolutely delighted by the first book in this series, I could hardly wait to get the sequel, but it took me a while to get a chance to read it. I started reading it aloud to my husband during a long road trip, but with our busy schedules it took some time to finish.
There was so much going on in this book, it was occasionally difficult to keep track of all the tangled plot lines. But I loved every stumbling effort by Allison to follow the often confusing "nudges" from the Lord and how her bewildered friends faithfully supported her. Miss Willa was a quirky new addition to the cast of characters, while Desmond was his usual delightful, over-the-top, creative, comical self.
I loved watching everyone's faith grow while the romance between "Big Al" and "Chief" blossomed. The tension between Allison and her nemesis was ramped up, while the plot thickened and the courtroom drama erupted. Yet all the loose ends were satisfyingly wrapped up by the end. Hopefully I won't have to wait long to read the third book in the series to my husband!
Having been absolutely delighted by the first book in this series, I could hardly wait to get the sequel, but it took me a while to get a chance to read it. I started reading it aloud to my husband during a long road trip, but with our busy schedules it took some time to finish.
There was so much going on in this book, it was occasionally difficult to keep track of all the tangled plot lines. But I loved every stumbling effort by Allison to follow the often confusing "nudges" from the Lord and how her bewildered friends faithfully supported her. Miss Willa was a quirky new addition to the cast of characters, while Desmond was his usual delightful, over-the-top, creative, comical self.
I loved watching everyone's faith grow while the romance between "Big Al" and "Chief" blossomed. The tension between Allison and her nemesis was ramped up, while the plot thickened and the courtroom drama erupted. Yet all the loose ends were satisfyingly wrapped up by the end. Hopefully I won't have to wait long to read the third book in the series to my husband!
March 18, 2023
This is the author second book in the reluctant prophet series. It was as good if not better than the first one. That may be because I am visiting family in Saint Augustine where the book takes place and so it has helped it to come alive for me. I’m looking forward to visiting Palm Row that’s mentioned in the book and I looked it up and it really is a place . And several other places mentioned like the Lyons bridge and the fort and many other places I’ve seen since I’ve been here. The book is fiction but it is set in a real place and it is a book that will touch your heart if you let it. I’m looking forward to the third book in the series. I highly recommend the first two anyway :-)
June 22, 2018
There was a lot going on in this book (the struggle to get Desmond's adoption finalised, what to do about funding for Sacrament House ministries, Allison's relationship with Chief, etc), and it could have easily felt too 'crowded' to make sense. This was definitely not like that. I felt like the author lead you along the path from one issue to the next with cohesiveness. I think that made for the fast pace at which I read this book (especially the final chapters).
I can't wait to find out what happens in the final book of this trilogy!
I can't wait to find out what happens in the final book of this trilogy!
May 23, 2017
3.75
I enjoyed this book and reuniting with the characters, it did start slow, but once I was through the first few chapters, the pace picked up and I was right back with Big Al and Desmond, and Chief and all the other unique characters that Nancy Rue creates. I am looking forward to reading the third and final instalment.
I enjoyed this book and reuniting with the characters, it did start slow, but once I was through the first few chapters, the pace picked up and I was right back with Big Al and Desmond, and Chief and all the other unique characters that Nancy Rue creates. I am looking forward to reading the third and final instalment.
June 19, 2023
We continue to follow Allison as she continues to help the recovering addicts and fights for custody. She has much opposition coming at her from all sides and she continues growing spiritually and making improvements to her town. I enjoyed this book even more than the first, I guess because I already know the characters and we just get to continue with the story.
May 27, 2017
I couldn't put this book down. Wonderful way to weave our belief in God in an amazing story. Made me ask myself what is my ministry.
November 4, 2017
Just as good as the first one. Loved it. I'm reading the third book now.
December 31, 2017
very good book
March 30, 2019
really good 2nd book in the series.
April 19, 2021
Great Read!
Love this series! This is my second read which I thoroughly enjoyed!! I love the Nudge and all it means.
Love this series! This is my second read which I thoroughly enjoyed!! I love the Nudge and all it means.
June 5, 2021
Loved this series
November 18, 2021
As totally readable as the first book about Big Al, The Reluctant Prophet. Unexpected Dismounts pulls you along, from one pain to another, from one joy to another, all orchestrated by God.
June 14, 2022
Alison always seems to have more than one person can handle. Guess I'll finish the series.
August 23, 2025
Quirky and thought-provoking. I like this series and plan to read more by Ms. Rue.
November 25, 2011
Nancy Rue in her new book, "Unexpected Dismounts" Book Two in The Reluctant Prophet series published by David C. Cook takes us back into the life of Allison Chamberlain.
From the Back Cover: Allison Chamberlain thought she was doing everything God required of her—but as her journey continues in the second book of The Reluctant Prophet series, she might have to let go of everything she loves to follow the call. Allison is already taking care of five former prostitutes, trying to adopt an orphan, and helping a woman who’s been raped. Along the way, she experiences unexpected dismounts, as every Harley owner who risks the ride eventually does. A relative challenges the adoption. An influential businessman blocks her ministry. A beloved friend is seriously injured. A piece of her past adds even more turmoil. As she picks herself up again and again, Allison realizes that some are guilty of terrible wrongs—but everyone must be responsible for righting them.
The Church was never meant to be a safe place. It was designed to be a hospital where the wounded and broken could come to get rest, healing and be tended to. That was Jesus in action. He dealt with sinners, sick persons, prostitutes and demon-possessed individuals. In "Unexpected Dismounts" Nancy Rue gives us a story that shows, through the life of Allison Chamberlain, what the Church is all about. Ms. Rue provides the themes of bikers, prostitutes and adoption. It is quite a book.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Jeane Wynn at Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the Back Cover: Allison Chamberlain thought she was doing everything God required of her—but as her journey continues in the second book of The Reluctant Prophet series, she might have to let go of everything she loves to follow the call. Allison is already taking care of five former prostitutes, trying to adopt an orphan, and helping a woman who’s been raped. Along the way, she experiences unexpected dismounts, as every Harley owner who risks the ride eventually does. A relative challenges the adoption. An influential businessman blocks her ministry. A beloved friend is seriously injured. A piece of her past adds even more turmoil. As she picks herself up again and again, Allison realizes that some are guilty of terrible wrongs—but everyone must be responsible for righting them.
The Church was never meant to be a safe place. It was designed to be a hospital where the wounded and broken could come to get rest, healing and be tended to. That was Jesus in action. He dealt with sinners, sick persons, prostitutes and demon-possessed individuals. In "Unexpected Dismounts" Nancy Rue gives us a story that shows, through the life of Allison Chamberlain, what the Church is all about. Ms. Rue provides the themes of bikers, prostitutes and adoption. It is quite a book.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Jeane Wynn at Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
December 13, 2014
Not as good as RELUCTANT PROPHET. Too much action--too many characters introduced to keep a storyline going...some which simply seemed to be compact little stories of their own: a raped prostitute, a child-custody battle interrupted at the 11th hour by a long-lost aunt, freaky motorcycle accidents tied to a mysterious one-eyed creep thought to be dead. Oh, and the rich old lady who can't commit a donation to fund a second Sacrament House...so many
stories that could have been removed leaving the main story intact. In fact there was so much going on, it really wasn't until the final chapters that I realized that the whole build-up was to reveal a long-held vendetta. And then the plot became silly. When the child given-up for adoption turns up and "coincidently" becomes the lawyer come-to-town-to-save-the-day...well, it began to feel like an episode of DALLAS. Allison Chamberlain began to take on the persona of a long-suffering soap opera character.
The confession of arch-enemy, Troy Irwin, was, unfortunately, the lowest point...because of the melodrama. On page 424 Troy asks Allison, "Do you know why I raped that girl?" Now come on. What psychopath calls his crime by its actual name? What sociopath--as Troy Irwin has been painted to be in the previous 423 pages--is going to admit to any wrongdoing, much less rape? "I'll tell you why," he continues midway down the page. A confession...really? What psycho confesses to his crimes? especially a confession to the one he is bent on bringing down? "I did it to show you that you are never going to change things." Oh, the drama, the angst, the raw pent-up emotion. It's there...it's just not believable. It feels as if it were written for effect, not for truth.
Hoping that the final book of the series, TOO FAR TO SAY ENOUGH, brings back some of the honesty of one caught up in unexpected, undesired service to God.
stories that could have been removed leaving the main story intact. In fact there was so much going on, it really wasn't until the final chapters that I realized that the whole build-up was to reveal a long-held vendetta. And then the plot became silly. When the child given-up for adoption turns up and "coincidently" becomes the lawyer come-to-town-to-save-the-day...well, it began to feel like an episode of DALLAS. Allison Chamberlain began to take on the persona of a long-suffering soap opera character.
The confession of arch-enemy, Troy Irwin, was, unfortunately, the lowest point...because of the melodrama. On page 424 Troy asks Allison, "Do you know why I raped that girl?" Now come on. What psychopath calls his crime by its actual name? What sociopath--as Troy Irwin has been painted to be in the previous 423 pages--is going to admit to any wrongdoing, much less rape? "I'll tell you why," he continues midway down the page. A confession...really? What psycho confesses to his crimes? especially a confession to the one he is bent on bringing down? "I did it to show you that you are never going to change things." Oh, the drama, the angst, the raw pent-up emotion. It's there...it's just not believable. It feels as if it were written for effect, not for truth.
Hoping that the final book of the series, TOO FAR TO SAY ENOUGH, brings back some of the honesty of one caught up in unexpected, undesired service to God.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2013
Set in run down neighborhoods of St. Augustine, Florida, an unexpected messenger from God sets out to correct the ills of society. By becoming an advocate for drug addicts who are trying to get off of the street, Allison Chamberlain finds herself on both sides of the law.
Unexpected Dismounts, by Nancy Rue, tackles unusual plot themes of bikers, prostitutes, adoption, and Nudges from God. Wrap those themes up in street lingo and biker slang, and you’ve got an education coming that puts you right in the middle of a different world. Although a work of fiction, Rue’s characters were so consistent, they took on a life of their own. The point of view came from Allison’s own questions about people and their motives. And the emotions of doubt, fear and mistrust toward people and God were real-life snippets of our own tug-of-war with faith. I came away from the book feeling a kinship to people for whom I had not previously been able to relate. And it was refreshing to watch someone stretch in her understanding of God and His desire for her place in the world.
If you pick up this book in the middle of the trilogy, like I did, you may have difficulty following the characters at the beginning. But hang on; it doesn’t take long to rev up the action to a great read!
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Unexpected Dismounts, by Nancy Rue, tackles unusual plot themes of bikers, prostitutes, adoption, and Nudges from God. Wrap those themes up in street lingo and biker slang, and you’ve got an education coming that puts you right in the middle of a different world. Although a work of fiction, Rue’s characters were so consistent, they took on a life of their own. The point of view came from Allison’s own questions about people and their motives. And the emotions of doubt, fear and mistrust toward people and God were real-life snippets of our own tug-of-war with faith. I came away from the book feeling a kinship to people for whom I had not previously been able to relate. And it was refreshing to watch someone stretch in her understanding of God and His desire for her place in the world.
If you pick up this book in the middle of the trilogy, like I did, you may have difficulty following the characters at the beginning. But hang on; it doesn’t take long to rev up the action to a great read!
Disclosure of Material: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookCrash.com book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive, review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 21, 2012
Title: UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS
Author: Nancy Rue
Publisher: David C. Cook
October 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6492-8
Genre: women’s fiction
Allison Chamberlain thought she was doing everything God required of her. She is mentoring five former prostitutes and trying to help orphans. And coping with unexpected feelings.
But now she’s experiencing UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS. A distant relative challenges an adoption Allison hopes for. An influential businessman tries to stop her prostitute ministry. A piece of her past elbows it’s way in.
As Allison picks herself up over and over again, she realizes she might have to give up everything she loves just to stay upright.
UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS is the second book in her The Reluctant Prophet series. The first book The Reluctant Prophet should be read first in order to fully comprehend what is going on in UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS.
The story is written in first person, which doesn’t appeal to all readers, and starts with celebrating Lent, a practice not all Christians (or prostitutes, in the case of UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS) engage in. Allison is caring, wanting to help others. I did find the cast of characters confusing. There seemed so many introduced at once. But it’d been a year since I read the first book and
The term prophet in this series isn’t used in the biblical way, but instead as someone who teaches others how to get right with God. UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS will show how you can step out in faith and follow God, no matter where the path goes. $14.99. 400 pages.
Author: Nancy Rue
Publisher: David C. Cook
October 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4347-6492-8
Genre: women’s fiction
Allison Chamberlain thought she was doing everything God required of her. She is mentoring five former prostitutes and trying to help orphans. And coping with unexpected feelings.
But now she’s experiencing UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS. A distant relative challenges an adoption Allison hopes for. An influential businessman tries to stop her prostitute ministry. A piece of her past elbows it’s way in.
As Allison picks herself up over and over again, she realizes she might have to give up everything she loves just to stay upright.
UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS is the second book in her The Reluctant Prophet series. The first book The Reluctant Prophet should be read first in order to fully comprehend what is going on in UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS.
The story is written in first person, which doesn’t appeal to all readers, and starts with celebrating Lent, a practice not all Christians (or prostitutes, in the case of UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS) engage in. Allison is caring, wanting to help others. I did find the cast of characters confusing. There seemed so many introduced at once. But it’d been a year since I read the first book and
The term prophet in this series isn’t used in the biblical way, but instead as someone who teaches others how to get right with God. UNEXPECTED DISMOUNTS will show how you can step out in faith and follow God, no matter where the path goes. $14.99. 400 pages.
September 18, 2013
Unlike the many novels that tell the story of a world that does not exist, Nancy Rue relates plausible fiction about a woman who understands what hearing the voice of God means to those around her and acts upon that still small voice so many of us ignore. Consequently, she meets characters whom she'd not likely meet otherwise and her life is enriched because of it. Unexpected Dismounts is the second in her series about Allison Chamberlain, a woman who was raised with privilege but has chosen to turn her back on the corrupt world she came from to rescue prostitute from the life of abuse they lead. Riding a motorcycle, she traverses the streets of St. Augustine, Florida following God's plan for her life. A young boy, Desmond, the child of one of the night creatures, finds a place in her heart and she in his. he story is compelling, hard to put down, and one I would highly recommend to anyone.
February 14, 2012
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read the final book in the trilogy. It makes you question so much of why we do things, are we really listening to God and what he wants us to do?
Do I respond to God's nudges? Am I even listening to know when God is nudging me? Allison Chamberlain is doing her best to respond to His nudges. When she begins feeling physical pain in response to the pain of others she is taken to a new level of God's communication with her. She is balancing so many issues of great importance to her that she begins to feel like she is losing control.
Loved both The Reluctant Prophet and Unexpected Dismounts. Already anxious for the next book!
Do I respond to God's nudges? Am I even listening to know when God is nudging me? Allison Chamberlain is doing her best to respond to His nudges. When she begins feeling physical pain in response to the pain of others she is taken to a new level of God's communication with her. She is balancing so many issues of great importance to her that she begins to feel like she is losing control.
Loved both The Reluctant Prophet and Unexpected Dismounts. Already anxious for the next book!
August 15, 2012
This is the 2nd of the Reluctant Prophet series. I was as impressed with it as with the 1st book. The story is well written and sucks you into the lives of the characters. It continues with the life of Allison and her involvement in the lives of the prostitutes that have come to her and are trying to turn thier lives around. She faces many roadblocks and has to deal with some personal issues from her past that threaten to interfer with the adoption of Desmond. Through it all, Allison has to face questions about God's purpose in her life and his will and struggles with the choices that are presented to her. I can't wait to read the 3rd book in the series- "Too Far To Say Far Enough"
January 28, 2013
Second in the series. Not quite as funny as the first, but I still really like the characters. Begins with Ash Wednesday, ends with Easter. More tangling with Troy… Allison’s attempt to adopt, oh I forgot his name…the cool kid. His aunt shows up to try to adopt him instead…but turns out it’s Troy who’s put her up to it. The adoption goes through. The son Allison gave up for adoption when she was 18 shows up. He’s an attorney. Questionable character in the beginning, but turns out to be okay. Chief has an accident. Spends most of the book in a wheelchair. I’m looking forward to #3—it’s coming out in October.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews