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Signs and Wonders
Most children are told they can be doctors, lawyers — even astronauts. Not Annie Grace. Since childhood she’s been raised to be a miracle worker, capable of healing all that ails the followers of her father’s faith-healing crusade. Fame and riches flowed.Now 20 years later and unable to remember any miracles, Annie goes through the motions of running her late father’s ministry.As Annie’s faith fades, the ministry is threatened by the district attorney, a congressional investigation, and a pesky television television reporter. In the midst of this chaos, strange and unexplained healings begin to happen around Annie. Has a lifelong charlatan suddenly become a miracle worker?Annie’s journey to answer that question forces her to look inside herself for the first time, searching for the meaning of these Signs and Wonders.***BONUS Included is the first chapter of the second book in the series, "Finding Grace," coming May 1.
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2011
122 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 24, 2018
Books that leave you with questions, not answers, are my favourite reads. I am not being told what to think, or feel. Signs and Wonders is such a book.
Having chosen not to read reviews or look at ratings, this is my take on Adena's work. It read a bit like Frank Shaeffer's And God Said, Billy!
A woman born into the evangelical, magical thinking culture. The stirrings of a conscience. It is a fanciful read, entertaining, light, with a depth of insight only a survivor or an insider of the evangelical movement would know. Did she have an epiphany?
Looking forward to Book 2.
Having chosen not to read reviews or look at ratings, this is my take on Adena's work. It read a bit like Frank Shaeffer's And God Said, Billy!
A woman born into the evangelical, magical thinking culture. The stirrings of a conscience. It is a fanciful read, entertaining, light, with a depth of insight only a survivor or an insider of the evangelical movement would know. Did she have an epiphany?
Looking forward to Book 2.
November 9, 2012
I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I started this story. I have had it for awhile and forgot what the premise of the book was so I bravely started reading. To my surprise it was pretty good.
Miss Annie has been apart of Grace ministries for as long as she can remember. Her father could fill an auditorium with thousands of people but what he was doing was mostly a scam. Annie did have a gift when she was a little girl, but it was only there for a short time. It went away as quickly as it seemed to appear. Annie doesn't remember that and when she promises to keep the ministry going after her father passes away, all she wants to do is disappear. Just as things come to a head she discovers her true self and turns herself around.
Not sure if I believe in this type of healing. I am a Christian, and believe that there are miracles like this out there. I also believe that true healing from prayer can be done. I have never seen a healing like in the story myself, so I can't say whether they exist or not. Most of the time when seen on TV or movies they are not real. But that doesn't mean I don't believe that God can do that. It was an interesting story of what can happen in a life when God opens your eyes and shows you the gifts He has given you and you use them for Him.
Good read!
Miss Annie has been apart of Grace ministries for as long as she can remember. Her father could fill an auditorium with thousands of people but what he was doing was mostly a scam. Annie did have a gift when she was a little girl, but it was only there for a short time. It went away as quickly as it seemed to appear. Annie doesn't remember that and when she promises to keep the ministry going after her father passes away, all she wants to do is disappear. Just as things come to a head she discovers her true self and turns herself around.
Not sure if I believe in this type of healing. I am a Christian, and believe that there are miracles like this out there. I also believe that true healing from prayer can be done. I have never seen a healing like in the story myself, so I can't say whether they exist or not. Most of the time when seen on TV or movies they are not real. But that doesn't mean I don't believe that God can do that. It was an interesting story of what can happen in a life when God opens your eyes and shows you the gifts He has given you and you use them for Him.
Good read!
April 12, 2015
When a disillusioned bogus faith healer inherits her father's ministry and empire, things get confusing. She doesn't like or believe in what she's doing. Some of her staff turn against her. She's being indicted. And all of a sudden she's actually healing people. Interesting story line and fast moving and enjoyable to read. My problem with this book is the same problem i have with a lot of books today. There is no ending. No resolution. No tying up of loose ends. Instead, go buy the next book in the series. I think not. Too bad. If the author had simply written an ending to this story, i would have gladly bought the next. I just won't be tricked into it.
June 22, 2012
Odd little book, and I do mean little - it was actually a novella. Written well enough that I read the whole thing rather than putting it down, but not enough substance to recommend to someone else.
June 25, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It tells the tale of a faith healer's daughter and her attempt to keep her father's ministry going despite the fact that she knows people aren't being healed. She attempts to navigate through being in charge while wrestling with ghosts of her father's success while being prosecuted by a local attorney for fraud. I really enjoyed reading this, because the characters all think they know her motivations yet she is more complicated than they give her credit for. I felt this story touched on reality and grace in complicated situations.
August 4, 2018
Possibilities
This story line definitely had possibilities but fell short of what it might have been. There wasn't enough background information about the supporting characters to understand why they did what they did. That made it, for me, difficult to follow or to really care about the main character, Annie.
This story line definitely had possibilities but fell short of what it might have been. There wasn't enough background information about the supporting characters to understand why they did what they did. That made it, for me, difficult to follow or to really care about the main character, Annie.
February 25, 2021
Kindle Customer
MIRACLE HEALING
February 24, 2021
Very interesting novel that centers around the favor of God and the miracles of healing... This is an easy reading work of fiction that expresses the way that the Lord uses people to accomplish His will in this world
MIRACLE HEALING
February 24, 2021
Very interesting novel that centers around the favor of God and the miracles of healing... This is an easy reading work of fiction that expresses the way that the Lord uses people to accomplish His will in this world
July 22, 2023
I think this book could have easily been a 4 for me with the story and writing but there was no ending! The author could have wrapped it up with a reason for Annie’s choices and I would have wanted to read the next book to see where that leads her.
March 25, 2021
This was a great book.
August 23, 2013
What an honest, wonderful book concerning how sometimes good intentions can begin right but end up very false and dishonest. It is also a very controversial novella.
Reverend Grace discovered special gifts in his very young daughter - gifts he could commercialize on. But before he was able to exploit them, they seemed to disappear. Nevertheless, he decided to build his ministry on this premise anyway. His daughter, Annie, trusted her daddy and submitted to his wishes. Her brother, Benjamin, refused to be a part of the deception and left to live with a friend and go to public schools.
As Annie grew into adulthood, she became Miss Annie and continued to minister with her father. Now, her father was dead and a year later, Annie was a mess...Drinking and finding frequent new bed partners. She hated the farce her dad had created, yet, what else could she do for a living? She had home-schooled and had no other vocation.
Just like everything else in life, challenges arose and life took a definite turn...a couple of turns.
I do, personally, believe in miracles. Miracles happen every day but as a progressing society, we do not realize miracles as they "stare us in the face". Ask any elderly person if air travel, space travel, medical machines, laser technology, etc. are miracles. Ask most medical professionals if the functions of the body and organs are miracles.
I had a wonderful doctor and friend, who wasn't sure of he believed in God or what, once tell me a person cannot witness all things doctors often do without knowing there is supreme power.
In this story, people who are suppose to represent God, misuse that power and authority. Monetary accumulation and popularity become their primary goal. Trickery and deceit are used to accomplish their goals. Others trust in them is of no value.
I believe in healing. I also know in order to be healed; first, it has to be God's will, secondly, both the healer and the recipient has to truly have faith and believe they can be healed. As in Christ's, day, he and the apostles healed without accepting any monetary means. Also, as in His day, there were times an individual wasn't healed because of God's greater purpose... a purpose we humans cannot see with our "tunnel vision". We do not have the capacity to see the "big" eternal picture.
This is a story of love, devotion, deceit, cunning, sin, loyalty, trust, betrayal, redemption, restitution, and repentance. There is much one can learn from this story. Fortunately, there are sincere religious leaders as well as insincere ones. It is up to the individual to seek out truth for themselves.
I feel this novella could have had a stronger, smoother beginning but was still very well written. With my review, I offer this book a strong Four Stars rating.
A copy was provided, generously, by the author for an honest review of which I have given.
Reverend Grace discovered special gifts in his very young daughter - gifts he could commercialize on. But before he was able to exploit them, they seemed to disappear. Nevertheless, he decided to build his ministry on this premise anyway. His daughter, Annie, trusted her daddy and submitted to his wishes. Her brother, Benjamin, refused to be a part of the deception and left to live with a friend and go to public schools.
As Annie grew into adulthood, she became Miss Annie and continued to minister with her father. Now, her father was dead and a year later, Annie was a mess...Drinking and finding frequent new bed partners. She hated the farce her dad had created, yet, what else could she do for a living? She had home-schooled and had no other vocation.
Just like everything else in life, challenges arose and life took a definite turn...a couple of turns.
I do, personally, believe in miracles. Miracles happen every day but as a progressing society, we do not realize miracles as they "stare us in the face". Ask any elderly person if air travel, space travel, medical machines, laser technology, etc. are miracles. Ask most medical professionals if the functions of the body and organs are miracles.
I had a wonderful doctor and friend, who wasn't sure of he believed in God or what, once tell me a person cannot witness all things doctors often do without knowing there is supreme power.
In this story, people who are suppose to represent God, misuse that power and authority. Monetary accumulation and popularity become their primary goal. Trickery and deceit are used to accomplish their goals. Others trust in them is of no value.
I believe in healing. I also know in order to be healed; first, it has to be God's will, secondly, both the healer and the recipient has to truly have faith and believe they can be healed. As in Christ's, day, he and the apostles healed without accepting any monetary means. Also, as in His day, there were times an individual wasn't healed because of God's greater purpose... a purpose we humans cannot see with our "tunnel vision". We do not have the capacity to see the "big" eternal picture.
This is a story of love, devotion, deceit, cunning, sin, loyalty, trust, betrayal, redemption, restitution, and repentance. There is much one can learn from this story. Fortunately, there are sincere religious leaders as well as insincere ones. It is up to the individual to seek out truth for themselves.
I feel this novella could have had a stronger, smoother beginning but was still very well written. With my review, I offer this book a strong Four Stars rating.
A copy was provided, generously, by the author for an honest review of which I have given.
January 7, 2012
I read this in one sitting. It is a Christian novel that in my opinion non-Christians could read and also enjoy, as it deals with a faith healer who is believed to be fraudulent. The content of Annie Grace's faith is rather lacking, which as a Christian, I eventually came to be bothered by, but a non-Christian will appreciate the lack of preachiness and much specific dialogue with God (ie, praying.)
The story was entertaining and although I liked the ending it was a bit abrupt, I thought. Yes, I suppose everything was wrapped up but I had a moment where I thought "shouldn't there be a few more pages?"
We're all familiar with figures like Billy Graham, Joel Osteen, the Bakers, Benny Hinn. (While I would not characterize them all the same way. I have a lot of respect for Billy Graham and to my knowledge he has never claimed to heal anyone.) This novel will remind you of all of those people and gives a behind-the-scenes look at faith-healers and whether they are what they claim to be.
Now, some things that you may consider spoilers:
As a Christian, I have a specific set of beliefs. My faith is not just in faith itself but has content. Annie, although she changes her ways and evidences a change of heart, at no point has a "come to Jesus" moment where she verbalizes or even thinks that she is now following God. The author was a little bit too vague, for me, on Annie's actual relationship with God. I felt I could take her new attitude and actions as merely a human response to righting wrongs, or as a spiritual response to a spiritual rebirth, but I was not really told as a reader which it was. If this is meant to be a novel that spreads a gospel message, it then fails in explaining the gospel and how one receives it at all. If it's merely meant to entertain, then it adequately deals with this issue.
One other reason this lack of specific mention of Annie's personal beliefs is troubling is because, theologically, I can't set aside my beliefs and buy into her being able to heal people through God's power when I'm not told that she has put her faith in Christ. I believe that God would only use a true believer to heal someone miraculously, and to ask me to believe Annie is doing so without having been told she's been saved, to use terminology I'm familiar with, is asking a lot.
I don't really know the author's background, so if he is not evangelical or didn't intend to write the book to draw people to think about God or learning about Christianity, then perhaps that explains the few failings I found. I still liked the book a lot, I just wasn't sure how to interpret the intent of the author.
The story was entertaining and although I liked the ending it was a bit abrupt, I thought. Yes, I suppose everything was wrapped up but I had a moment where I thought "shouldn't there be a few more pages?"
We're all familiar with figures like Billy Graham, Joel Osteen, the Bakers, Benny Hinn. (While I would not characterize them all the same way. I have a lot of respect for Billy Graham and to my knowledge he has never claimed to heal anyone.) This novel will remind you of all of those people and gives a behind-the-scenes look at faith-healers and whether they are what they claim to be.
Now, some things that you may consider spoilers:
As a Christian, I have a specific set of beliefs. My faith is not just in faith itself but has content. Annie, although she changes her ways and evidences a change of heart, at no point has a "come to Jesus" moment where she verbalizes or even thinks that she is now following God. The author was a little bit too vague, for me, on Annie's actual relationship with God. I felt I could take her new attitude and actions as merely a human response to righting wrongs, or as a spiritual response to a spiritual rebirth, but I was not really told as a reader which it was. If this is meant to be a novel that spreads a gospel message, it then fails in explaining the gospel and how one receives it at all. If it's merely meant to entertain, then it adequately deals with this issue.
One other reason this lack of specific mention of Annie's personal beliefs is troubling is because, theologically, I can't set aside my beliefs and buy into her being able to heal people through God's power when I'm not told that she has put her faith in Christ. I believe that God would only use a true believer to heal someone miraculously, and to ask me to believe Annie is doing so without having been told she's been saved, to use terminology I'm familiar with, is asking a lot.
I don't really know the author's background, so if he is not evangelical or didn't intend to write the book to draw people to think about God or learning about Christianity, then perhaps that explains the few failings I found. I still liked the book a lot, I just wasn't sure how to interpret the intent of the author.
October 1, 2011
Let me first start by saying this is not the usual type of book I review. As I'm sure most of you know. I was a little sceptical and nervous as my sister previously stated we grew up in the south and seeing these Spiritual healers, Evangelist (Grandfather and no not all of my family supported this.), as well as the baptists that I have known too. I tend to veer from this sort of thing as they are not always portrayed in a very kind light. I in no way defend them I was just raised by my family to believe we all have the right to believe and praise the way we all want to. No one religion is right and no one is perfect. With that little spill out of the way I continue.
This story was wonderful, It did not lead me into the bashing of ones beliefs but instead showed how one could take things from their past. Beliefs and hopes even faith they had lost and turn it around and find the good in all of it. Annie There is so many times I want to hug her, and cheer her on as she learns these valuable lessons in life. I love how those that doubt and seek to destroy her learn that there is humility in everything we do. That like the old saying goes people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Judge noone and you will not be judged.
To go from being used as nothing more than an act to actually learn that you have been given a gift that can heal and help others is only something short of amazing. Annie realizes that she infact has the renewed faith in herself.
Fastastic book Alex Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this. It was nice to not be let down or disappointed.
This story was wonderful, It did not lead me into the bashing of ones beliefs but instead showed how one could take things from their past. Beliefs and hopes even faith they had lost and turn it around and find the good in all of it. Annie There is so many times I want to hug her, and cheer her on as she learns these valuable lessons in life. I love how those that doubt and seek to destroy her learn that there is humility in everything we do. That like the old saying goes people who live in glass houses should not throw stones. Judge noone and you will not be judged.
To go from being used as nothing more than an act to actually learn that you have been given a gift that can heal and help others is only something short of amazing. Annie realizes that she infact has the renewed faith in herself.
Fastastic book Alex Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this. It was nice to not be let down or disappointed.
September 19, 2011
Signs and Wonders by Alex Adena is a fascinating book. Annie Grace is a fraudulent faith healer, although when she was a little girl, she once performed a miraculous healing. Her father, Daddy, exploited this and became a very rich man through healing roadshows.
Annie feels like a fraud. A ghost from the past rears its head - Annie faces prosecution for her part in a little girl’s death five years before. Two of her employees turn against her. A client secretly taperecords her making tactless remarks. It seems everyone is trying to bring Annie down. But when it seems things can’t get any worse, her amazing powers return. The question is, will Annie use them for good this time?
The characters in the story are all rounded and believable. The book is very well written. It’s hard to put down. And events most certainly don’t follow a predictable path.
But there’s more to Signs and Wonders than the story of Annie. As the author says, he wrote it “for everyone who has felt pre-defined by their upbringing and family expectations”. This comes across strongly in the book. Can we change as we grow up, or are we cast in permanent roles as children by the adults around us, whether rightly or wrongly? Should we try and make other people change?
Brilliant book, hugely entertaining and very thought provoking. A definite must-read.
Available as a Kindle book from Amazon and from Smashwords. Paperback coming too.
Alex Adena has a website here http://alexadena.wordpress.com/2011/
Annie feels like a fraud. A ghost from the past rears its head - Annie faces prosecution for her part in a little girl’s death five years before. Two of her employees turn against her. A client secretly taperecords her making tactless remarks. It seems everyone is trying to bring Annie down. But when it seems things can’t get any worse, her amazing powers return. The question is, will Annie use them for good this time?
The characters in the story are all rounded and believable. The book is very well written. It’s hard to put down. And events most certainly don’t follow a predictable path.
But there’s more to Signs and Wonders than the story of Annie. As the author says, he wrote it “for everyone who has felt pre-defined by their upbringing and family expectations”. This comes across strongly in the book. Can we change as we grow up, or are we cast in permanent roles as children by the adults around us, whether rightly or wrongly? Should we try and make other people change?
Brilliant book, hugely entertaining and very thought provoking. A definite must-read.
Available as a Kindle book from Amazon and from Smashwords. Paperback coming too.
Alex Adena has a website here http://alexadena.wordpress.com/2011/
October 8, 2011
The storyline is well thought out and embraces a subject that has not been done to death - with a huge plus - it is also well written. Be sure to set aside a slot of time when you start to read "Signs and Wonders," because it truly is a book you will want to continue reading until you turn the last page. And it is not to be confused in any way with a movie by the same name.
Each character has a unique perspective on Annie and the evangelistic following created and nurtured by her father. In the writing of this book, Alex Adena tells a story that is pure - one that remains true to itself by staying on track. "Signs and Wonders" reveals an unpredictable behind the scenes tale of the lives of people, close to the Grace crusade, who live the same experiences, but in different ways. And those outside the circle have varying, hard set reasons for their opinions. Each page presents another surprise; the twists in the plot will stump your imagination.
I recommend this book to everyone for all of the above reasons and for others as well. The story is excellent and it is obvious that a lot of time and painstaking effort went into putting the book together before presenting it to the public. And it paid off - excellent story, professional presentation, and a creative author who is a credit to the profession. I look forward to reading more of Adena's works.
Each character has a unique perspective on Annie and the evangelistic following created and nurtured by her father. In the writing of this book, Alex Adena tells a story that is pure - one that remains true to itself by staying on track. "Signs and Wonders" reveals an unpredictable behind the scenes tale of the lives of people, close to the Grace crusade, who live the same experiences, but in different ways. And those outside the circle have varying, hard set reasons for their opinions. Each page presents another surprise; the twists in the plot will stump your imagination.
I recommend this book to everyone for all of the above reasons and for others as well. The story is excellent and it is obvious that a lot of time and painstaking effort went into putting the book together before presenting it to the public. And it paid off - excellent story, professional presentation, and a creative author who is a credit to the profession. I look forward to reading more of Adena's works.
August 1, 2011
Alex Adena gently guides us through the story of Annie Grace, an evangelist working with her charlatan father since she was very young.
I found Annie’s story repellant at first; she had grown up the as the daughter of a con-artist and continued his ministry only because it was all she knew. As I kept reading though and her character developed she became a haunted guilt-ridden victim desperately trying to find a better way. Finally becoming rather beguiling once she has decided in which direction she wants her life to go.
Her father, Billy Grace, dies just as the District Attorney brings charges against Grace Ministries, which includes, of course, Billy and Annie Grace. Annie is left to unravel the mystery of why she has been billed all of these years as a faith healer. She can’t remember having the gift as a child since it left her just as it came…at God’s whim.
Then one day Annie finds a homeless man in an alley and when she tries to find signs of life he’s suddenly well again because of her touch. She’s even more amazed then he is but now she’s very confused.
I found Annie’s story repellant at first; she had grown up the as the daughter of a con-artist and continued his ministry only because it was all she knew. As I kept reading though and her character developed she became a haunted guilt-ridden victim desperately trying to find a better way. Finally becoming rather beguiling once she has decided in which direction she wants her life to go.
Her father, Billy Grace, dies just as the District Attorney brings charges against Grace Ministries, which includes, of course, Billy and Annie Grace. Annie is left to unravel the mystery of why she has been billed all of these years as a faith healer. She can’t remember having the gift as a child since it left her just as it came…at God’s whim.
Then one day Annie finds a homeless man in an alley and when she tries to find signs of life he’s suddenly well again because of her touch. She’s even more amazed then he is but now she’s very confused.
August 16, 2011
"SIGNS AND WONDERS" BY ALEX ADENA
I loved this story, after growing up in the South and part of a Southern Baptist family it was a refreshing change from all the bad press that a lot of 'spiritual healers' get. This story shows the positive route and Annie Grace learns a valuable lesson from it all. In the end the people that are out to get her learn their own lesson in humility and realize that judging is not always a good idea.
What I loved most about this book is that after all those years that her father had exploited her gift she never realized that she did in fact have the power to heal. It's a story of renewed spiritual faith and the fact that some people are far more than what you see. "Signs and Wonders" is a fantastic book and Alex Adena is a wonderful storyteller. I can't wait to see more from him!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
I loved this story, after growing up in the South and part of a Southern Baptist family it was a refreshing change from all the bad press that a lot of 'spiritual healers' get. This story shows the positive route and Annie Grace learns a valuable lesson from it all. In the end the people that are out to get her learn their own lesson in humility and realize that judging is not always a good idea.
What I loved most about this book is that after all those years that her father had exploited her gift she never realized that she did in fact have the power to heal. It's a story of renewed spiritual faith and the fact that some people are far more than what you see. "Signs and Wonders" is a fantastic book and Alex Adena is a wonderful storyteller. I can't wait to see more from him!
-Kitty Bullard / Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club
Read more: http://www.greatmindsthinkaloud.probo...
August 26, 2011
It started out slow and I was wondering if i would even like this story but I did. I liked the ending but I wanted more.
Miss Annie travels to preach and faith heal. Annie has been part of her father's minastries since she was little. Her father died last year and she promised him she would stay. Annie was down sizing the engagements and her lawyer and accountant were not happy with her.
Annie drank scotch every night and she slept around .She was tired of fake healings she did. Her brother walked away from her and her father years ago.
a news reporter got a tape about the fake healings. A proscuter had her up on charges of fruad.
I like the decisions Annie started to make and would have loved to see more of the results of them.
It had good lessons in the story for me and left me feeling upbeat. I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
Miss Annie travels to preach and faith heal. Annie has been part of her father's minastries since she was little. Her father died last year and she promised him she would stay. Annie was down sizing the engagements and her lawyer and accountant were not happy with her.
Annie drank scotch every night and she slept around .She was tired of fake healings she did. Her brother walked away from her and her father years ago.
a news reporter got a tape about the fake healings. A proscuter had her up on charges of fruad.
I like the decisions Annie started to make and would have loved to see more of the results of them.
It had good lessons in the story for me and left me feeling upbeat. I was given this ebook in exchange for honest review.
April 10, 2013
I was very intrigued with the book subject, of " FAITH HEALERS" , It is not a story line you find very often unless it is written with all the fire and brimstone, that would be a big turn off for an average person, Christians and Non Christians alike. This book is great for all walks. The author did a great job taking us on a journey with Annie who is the daughter of a con artist that goes around promoting Annie as a healer. Annie, is in a struggle, not really sure what she should do, because this is the life she knew... Now there was a incident or two when younger that healing took place at her hands. But now...daddy was taking money from those that really saw him as the answer. Well the DA caught up, daddy dies, and Annie's now again in a situation of a healer... A true healer? Or a healer like her father?
It's a quick read, great for a day at beach.
It's a quick read, great for a day at beach.
July 26, 2013
By ANNETTE MARDIS
While this novella is free for Kindle, that's no measure of the worth of this creative effort.
Too often, freebies are throwaways that I end up deleting from my e-reader after perusing just the first few graphs.
But when I started reading "Signs and Wonders," I didn't want to stop and ended up finishing 70 percent of it in one sitting.
It's a relatively breezy read, and Adena's style is straightforward, but he says a lot with the words he uses.
While the book does take a jaded and perhaps cliched look at faith healers and traveling evangelists in general, the ending was unexpected and should satisfy those who like to see the rich, famous, and dishonest get their comeuppance.
But the book is about redemption, too, and that's one of the things that makes this such a compelling read. I'd definitely read more by this author.
While this novella is free for Kindle, that's no measure of the worth of this creative effort.
Too often, freebies are throwaways that I end up deleting from my e-reader after perusing just the first few graphs.
But when I started reading "Signs and Wonders," I didn't want to stop and ended up finishing 70 percent of it in one sitting.
It's a relatively breezy read, and Adena's style is straightforward, but he says a lot with the words he uses.
While the book does take a jaded and perhaps cliched look at faith healers and traveling evangelists in general, the ending was unexpected and should satisfy those who like to see the rich, famous, and dishonest get their comeuppance.
But the book is about redemption, too, and that's one of the things that makes this such a compelling read. I'd definitely read more by this author.
September 16, 2012
Excellent book~ I read this in one sitting as it was really short. I found myself wanting more, the story could have been expanded on but feel that the ending was good~ Great writing, good plot, characters were pretty well developed. This really is not a book for just Christians or believers. Anyone just may see that it's easy to become skeptical, and jaded in this world~ But really anything is possible if you just open your eyes and let yourself see things in a different light.
A beautiful story about learning how to do things without praise, compensation, to do things because you have compassion and genuine love for people you don't even know. Live your life this way and your blessings will return ten-fold no matter what your beliefs.
A beautiful story about learning how to do things without praise, compensation, to do things because you have compassion and genuine love for people you don't even know. Live your life this way and your blessings will return ten-fold no matter what your beliefs.
September 18, 2012
I downloaded this as a free Kindle book and gave it a try. The writing was decent and the main character was compelling. The tension was decent, although I think it was more on the scale of a novella than a novel. If some of the interesting secondary characters were flushed out more, this actually could have been a really great book. It's not limited to a single view point, but the author didn't do much with the secondary viewpoints.
I do think the theology in the book was a bit sketchy--as in, it brought up some good questions, but barely scratched the surface. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book for someone who was just starting a Christian walk, as it might be confusion. Overall, though, it was a light read for a tired evening.
I do think the theology in the book was a bit sketchy--as in, it brought up some good questions, but barely scratched the surface. I definitely wouldn't recommend this book for someone who was just starting a Christian walk, as it might be confusion. Overall, though, it was a light read for a tired evening.
February 16, 2012
This book was a surprise. At first it appeared as though I could predict where the short tale was taking me, I was wrong.
I saw the story tagged as a 'Christian Fiction.' Well, I guess it was, however, that label is selling the tale short as it is a message for all faiths to read.
We have an evangelist, Annie Grace on tour in Texas. She grew up in the ministry while her Father was the Minister. Once when she was a child a miracle healing took place involving the young child.
There is a surprise ending so I'm not going to write a spoiler review. This is a quick read that will make you think about your own place in the world.
I will be looking for more works by Alex Adena.
I saw the story tagged as a 'Christian Fiction.' Well, I guess it was, however, that label is selling the tale short as it is a message for all faiths to read.
We have an evangelist, Annie Grace on tour in Texas. She grew up in the ministry while her Father was the Minister. Once when she was a child a miracle healing took place involving the young child.
There is a surprise ending so I'm not going to write a spoiler review. This is a quick read that will make you think about your own place in the world.
I will be looking for more works by Alex Adena.
June 28, 2013
This was an easy read that had a poignant message. It was a faith-based book about someone who had nearly lost all of her faith in herself, yet she hadn't completely lost her faith in God. All the characters in the book were searching for something. Some were searching for redemption and others were searching for justice. Still others were searching for an easy payday or fifteen minutes of fame. It had a feel-good ending but made me wish the book was longer. I wasn't ready for the story to be over. I still wanted to know more about the characters and their lives. I hope the author continues to write about these characters in other books.
October 3, 2013
Annie is the daughter of a "pastor" who runs Grace Ministries, after witnessing her healing powers as a young girl Billy decides this is an easy way to make money and puts her on stage to rake it in. Her power leaves her and a little girl whose parent bring her for healing dies. Years later Annie remains fulfilling her deceased father's wishes knowing what she is doing is wrong and when the district attorney decides to prosecute her for being a charlatan her power seems to return.
A short, simple story that was at best nice. But as a free kindle download I couldn't knock it.
A short, simple story that was at best nice. But as a free kindle download I couldn't knock it.
February 12, 2012
Annie Grace has been a faith healer since the age of 5, though hasn't healed anyone since she was 5. Now her world feels like a sham, that is until her attorney and accountant turn on her . Annie soon realizes that there just might be a little more to her ability than she thought. Nice book and had a hard time putting it down .Christian overtones are not in your face so this made for a very niec read. A great way to spend an afternoon in the sun!!
February 14, 2012
Overall, the story is well-written and enjoyable. It is a fairly quick read and I agree with others that it ends abruptly but appropriately. From a Biblical worldview, I have some of the same concerns as others in that the author wasn't clear on Annie's relationship to God which leaves it open to broad interpretation.
May 12, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed Signs and Wonders! It truly makes you think about all of the charlatan healers on television and in the religious world. I loved how the author was able to keep Annie down to earth by portraying her as messed up and dysfunctional as a lot of us are! I can not wait to start reading Finding Grace, the continuation of Annie's story.
September 9, 2013
This book is different. The theme is faith healing and charlatans. It's not something I would read but the storyline was interesting and when I started reading, the story kept my attention. I couldn't put the book down and it was read quickly. My rating is only 3/5 because I'm a bit of a skeptic. I won't say anything to spoil the story but you must give this book a try. Have an open mind.
September 27, 2014
Annie Grace is a miracle worker growing up, healing the sick and injured. Twenty years later she can't perform any more miracle and just wants to find her memories. She has to run her father's ministry and try to find her faith again. Suddenly miracles are happening aroud her again and she has to find the meaning of these signs from Him.
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