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Second Chances Collection #4
If I Gained the World
When the pain of loss shatters two people--one from the inside out and the other from the outside in--how do they find their way to faithfulness, grace, and love? Only over time and distance will they eventually discover that it is through turning to the One who is faithful, whose love never fails. Lenore and Daniel have a cozy home and a wonderful son, a mirror image of his father. Lenore loves her life and wants nothing to change--except for one thing. As innocent as it seems, her request is the beginning of the end, and their life together unravels. Lenore takes little Scottie and begins her quest for meaning, purpose, and a new start--as far away from those bittersweet memories as she can get…By the bestselling author of Not a Sparrow Falls.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
24 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Linda Nichols
28 books142 followersLinda Nichols is an American writer known for her contemporary romance and inspirational fiction novels. Initially gaining recognition with Handyman (2000), a romantic comedy that satirizes pop psychology, she later shifted toward faith-based fiction following a personal renewal of her religious beliefs. Her subsequent works, including Not a Sparrow Falls (2002), If I Gained the World (2003), and At the Scent of Water (2002), explore themes of faith, redemption, and personal growth. Nichols, who has also contributed articles to parenting magazines, is praised for her skill in crafting compelling characters and engaging narratives.
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May 22, 2019
When Lenore Vine started a relationship with Daniel Monroe, she never imagined it would lead to heartbreak. She is plain; he is handsome. She works in a fast food restaurant; he aspires to be a movie star. Their one common ground, other than their love for each other, is their son Scott. Though they both adore the four-year-old, it is not enough for Lenore any more. She asks Daniel to marry her, and waits an agonizing week for his negative answer. Knowing she can't stay with Daniel after that, she packs her meager belongings and leaves California with Scott. Although Daniel loves them, his longing for an acting career wins out over asking them to stay.
Lenore ends up in Seattle, exhausted physically and broken emotionally, depressed and barely able to care for Scott and herself. Through the loving care of her landlord, Mr. Caputo and some of his friends from a local church, Lenore is able to find a job and get back on her feet. She discovers that the longing for love and acceptance in her life can be found through Christ, whom she decides to follow wholeheartedly. She ends up moving into a house with a group of other single church members, who create their own supportive family. Daniel quickly rises to stardom in the movies and on television. He goes through a succession of women and material belongings, but nothing can fill the emptiness he feels inside. His visits with Scott are rare, and one ends in Daniel's arrest for drunk driving. Will Daniel ever find what he is searching for? Will he reconcile with Scott and Lenore?
If I Gained the World is a spectacularly written novel. Each word is carefully chosen and evocative. Lenore's character suffers tremendous heartbreak and depression, and then the reader experiences her joy and growth right along with her. None of the scenes involving Lenore come across as fake or superficially 'Christian.' She goes through the same ups and downs of life as any other person, struggling with forgiveness and dry periods just like the rest of us. Daniel's character will hit home with readers as well - his desires for success and notoriety and the sacrifices he has to make to achieve them.
The spiritual message is constant, centering on the theme of Matthew 16:26, 'For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?' That underlying theme resonates through the book, allowing the reader to ponder his or her own life in reflection. The book covers a fifteen year period in which all of the characters go through changes and revelations. It is written in the third person, alternating between Lenore's and Daniel's points of view. This helps us to see what is happening in each situation and gives perspective on both lives.
I rate If I Gained the World as one of my top reads of 2003. Linda Nichols is a gifted author with a talent for stunning characterization and contemplative plots. Put this one on your must read list this season.
Lenore ends up in Seattle, exhausted physically and broken emotionally, depressed and barely able to care for Scott and herself. Through the loving care of her landlord, Mr. Caputo and some of his friends from a local church, Lenore is able to find a job and get back on her feet. She discovers that the longing for love and acceptance in her life can be found through Christ, whom she decides to follow wholeheartedly. She ends up moving into a house with a group of other single church members, who create their own supportive family. Daniel quickly rises to stardom in the movies and on television. He goes through a succession of women and material belongings, but nothing can fill the emptiness he feels inside. His visits with Scott are rare, and one ends in Daniel's arrest for drunk driving. Will Daniel ever find what he is searching for? Will he reconcile with Scott and Lenore?
If I Gained the World is a spectacularly written novel. Each word is carefully chosen and evocative. Lenore's character suffers tremendous heartbreak and depression, and then the reader experiences her joy and growth right along with her. None of the scenes involving Lenore come across as fake or superficially 'Christian.' She goes through the same ups and downs of life as any other person, struggling with forgiveness and dry periods just like the rest of us. Daniel's character will hit home with readers as well - his desires for success and notoriety and the sacrifices he has to make to achieve them.
The spiritual message is constant, centering on the theme of Matthew 16:26, 'For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?' That underlying theme resonates through the book, allowing the reader to ponder his or her own life in reflection. The book covers a fifteen year period in which all of the characters go through changes and revelations. It is written in the third person, alternating between Lenore's and Daniel's points of view. This helps us to see what is happening in each situation and gives perspective on both lives.
I rate If I Gained the World as one of my top reads of 2003. Linda Nichols is a gifted author with a talent for stunning characterization and contemplative plots. Put this one on your must read list this season.
October 29, 2022
BOOK REVIEW!!
"If I Gained the World "
by Linda Nichols
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read this book more times than I can count. It's been one of my all-time favorite books since I first discovered it in college, over 17 years ago. I used to re-read it nearly every year. However, it has been almost 10 years since last I read it. I wondered, almost ruefully, now that I have lived a lot of life, if it would still hold up.....
This is a story about grace, love, and redemption. The title comes from the Bible verse asking, "What good is it if you gain the world but lose your soul." Lenore, a plain and simple woman, risked everything by putting her heart on the line. All she wanted, needed, was to be loved. As Lenore tries to make a new life for herself and her small son, she discovers that she is neither plain or simple when she finds God and His overwhelming love that will never abandon her. Meanwhile, Daniel, an aspiring movie star, discovers that what he once valued so little is actually the most valued thing of all.
I'll be honest, this book hit me differently since when I first fell in love with it so long ago. My college-aged self hadn't yet experienced the hard things in life, not to the extent that I have now. My college-aged self couldn't relate to the characters who get discouraged to the point of almost losing their faith. I can now. But most importantly, my college-aged self didn't fully understand the true depths of God's love and grace. I still don't, but instead of taking it for granted as I once did, now I'm humbled by it and in awe of how it could truly change my life if I let it.
"If I Gained the World "
by Linda Nichols
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have read this book more times than I can count. It's been one of my all-time favorite books since I first discovered it in college, over 17 years ago. I used to re-read it nearly every year. However, it has been almost 10 years since last I read it. I wondered, almost ruefully, now that I have lived a lot of life, if it would still hold up.....
This is a story about grace, love, and redemption. The title comes from the Bible verse asking, "What good is it if you gain the world but lose your soul." Lenore, a plain and simple woman, risked everything by putting her heart on the line. All she wanted, needed, was to be loved. As Lenore tries to make a new life for herself and her small son, she discovers that she is neither plain or simple when she finds God and His overwhelming love that will never abandon her. Meanwhile, Daniel, an aspiring movie star, discovers that what he once valued so little is actually the most valued thing of all.
I'll be honest, this book hit me differently since when I first fell in love with it so long ago. My college-aged self hadn't yet experienced the hard things in life, not to the extent that I have now. My college-aged self couldn't relate to the characters who get discouraged to the point of almost losing their faith. I can now. But most importantly, my college-aged self didn't fully understand the true depths of God's love and grace. I still don't, but instead of taking it for granted as I once did, now I'm humbled by it and in awe of how it could truly change my life if I let it.
January 19, 2009
I liked this book because Lenore made hard choices that were good ones and walked faithfully, making a good life for herself and her son, in spite of her lost dreams. I know someone who did the same and now later in life has a wonderful new life with a wonderful man. She didn't settle for something less than God's best for her either.
This book demonstrates the power of Christian love as well.
This book demonstrates the power of Christian love as well.
April 26, 2023
This book is Christian fiction. Prayer, scripture verses, and life lessons from wise Christian friends are expected, along with a happy ending. Know that up front and you can enjoy the stories of Lenore and Daniel, two people who loved each other and had a child together, then traveled separate paths for the next 15 years as they searched for love, peace and forgiveness.
Lenore is an ordinary young woman, who lives to be a mother and help others. Because of the cruel words of her mother and sister, she sees herself as plain and unworthy of love. Daniel, the father of her four-year old son, is a beautiful man who dreams of being a movie star. After living together for six years, Lenore asks Daniel to marry her. When he chooses his acting career over her, she and her boy move to Seattle. At first, she falls apart. Fortunately, she knocks on the door of a neighbor, Mr. Caputo, who invites her to dinner. There she meets some wonderful Christians who take her in and love her, eventually providing a big house which is filled with other lonely people who eventually become a family. Lenore becomes a Christian and finds peace in prayer and in service as a nurse, despite never really forgetting Daniel.
Daniel, meanwhile, climbs the ladder of success in Hollywood, landing a part in a hit television show and several movies. It is everything he dreamed of but he is not happy. He misses Lenore and Scott and thinks of them constantly. He turns to alcohol and a string of beautiful women to try to fill the emptiness inside. One Christmas, while Scott is with him, he hits a young man in a crosswalk while driving under the influence. His career spirals down and he faces bankruptcy. He even considers suicide. A call from his family in Kentucky stops him from pulling the trigger; attending the funeral of his uncle -- a down to earth man of God -- opens his eyes to what really matters.
As a Christian, this book served as a reminder of God's unconditional love and His ability to meet all our needs. It was also a reminder of how we need to forgive others, even those who have hurt us deeply, and surrender everything to God.
Lenore is an ordinary young woman, who lives to be a mother and help others. Because of the cruel words of her mother and sister, she sees herself as plain and unworthy of love. Daniel, the father of her four-year old son, is a beautiful man who dreams of being a movie star. After living together for six years, Lenore asks Daniel to marry her. When he chooses his acting career over her, she and her boy move to Seattle. At first, she falls apart. Fortunately, she knocks on the door of a neighbor, Mr. Caputo, who invites her to dinner. There she meets some wonderful Christians who take her in and love her, eventually providing a big house which is filled with other lonely people who eventually become a family. Lenore becomes a Christian and finds peace in prayer and in service as a nurse, despite never really forgetting Daniel.
Daniel, meanwhile, climbs the ladder of success in Hollywood, landing a part in a hit television show and several movies. It is everything he dreamed of but he is not happy. He misses Lenore and Scott and thinks of them constantly. He turns to alcohol and a string of beautiful women to try to fill the emptiness inside. One Christmas, while Scott is with him, he hits a young man in a crosswalk while driving under the influence. His career spirals down and he faces bankruptcy. He even considers suicide. A call from his family in Kentucky stops him from pulling the trigger; attending the funeral of his uncle -- a down to earth man of God -- opens his eyes to what really matters.
As a Christian, this book served as a reminder of God's unconditional love and His ability to meet all our needs. It was also a reminder of how we need to forgive others, even those who have hurt us deeply, and surrender everything to God.
July 10, 2015
If I gained the Whole World and Lose my soul in the process what good is that? This book is compelling thought-provoking read. This story made me step back and look at things a little different. Linda Nichols has become one of my favorite authors.
This is a book to read for fun and one that would make a great book club pick. This story is rich with so much to discuss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
This is a book to read for fun and one that would make a great book club pick. This story is rich with so much to discuss.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. 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”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
July 3, 2009
Lenore and Daniel seem pretty ahppy living together with their young son Scott until she decidesa to rock the boat and ask Daniel if he'd marry her. The pause is too long for comfort and it's the beginning of the end. The story is about their lives without each other and the pain that Scott goes through growing up. There are some good spiritual lessons to be learned here and how important it is to trust in the Lord about what direction your life should take.
There are quite a few characters in the story and I enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them. Good book.
There are quite a few characters in the story and I enjoyed getting to know each and every one of them. Good book.
September 4, 2008
I didn't realize this is a "Christian" book when I picked it up, but after I got caught up in the story, I couldn't stop reading it. Lenore and her sig. other have a child together, she's ready to get married and asks him one day. He can't answer her and she leaves him. The story revolves around the lives that they lead without eachother and the lessons they learned by being apart. I really enjoyed this book.
August 2, 2011
I have just discovered Linda Nichols, and she keeps the reader iinterested. Her pace is excellent, and her characters are believable.
What rings true throughout this book & should also
of our lives... 'If we were to die tonight... Do we know
where we would spend eternity?'
What have we gained so far in life. God in His
Sovereignty sums up: What shall it profit a man
if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul?
What rings true throughout this book & should also
of our lives... 'If we were to die tonight... Do we know
where we would spend eternity?'
What have we gained so far in life. God in His
Sovereignty sums up: What shall it profit a man
if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his
own soul?
March 22, 2012
This is Christian fiction. I love reading this type of book. I feel good reading it and sometimes it gives you a look at your life how you could/should be living, instead of getting stuck in this "worldly" world. Great story line. Many interesting characters. Didn't feel like I had to rush thorugh the book just to find out the ending. It was a good ride all the way through.
October 22, 2023
A wonderful story. Not a book to be devoured in a day or two but take time to savor each and every page. Characters with depth. Characters with flaws. Characters you want to draw next to and become family as these strangers do in this story. Story of redemption, forgiveness and drawing closer to God. Highly recommend.
June 17, 2011
This is one of the best books I've read. The message is clear. Recurrent throughout the book. Again and again...if i gained the world...the tears ran as I read this book. Will definitely get more by this author.
September 29, 2014
This is the best book I ever read. It is a 382 page book with small print........long, with a storyline that bobs and weaves its way into your heart. The characters you won't want to let go when you finish reading. It should be made into a movie or a mini series, it's just that good.
May 17, 2009
It was a wonderful heartfelt book about love. Love in every sense of the word beyond the physical sentiment.
November 11, 2017
Lenore has a toddler-age son, Scott, and she is still waiting for Daniel, Scott’s father, to marry her. When she presses him and he hesitates too long, she decides she can no longer wait... and so she leaves. The amazing thing is that Daniel lets Lenore walk away with their son and does nothing about it.
Do such men exist? (oh yeah!) In this story, it’s going to be a long hard road for both of them. Lenore is suddenly left with the responsibility to find a new home, a job, and a way to take care of their young son. When she comes across a neighbor willing to help and he in turn points her to his church family, she is (understandably) cautious.
“Lenore raised her eyebrows. She had never known church people to be empathetic. Mostly they had seemed to want to get her to do something, be something, or believe something. None had been curious, at least about her.”
However, as Lenore tests the waters and begins to get her feet up under her, realizing she can survive with the help of these unknown well-meaning Christians, she begins to have hope once again: “Yesterday she had been lying in the bed, too sad to move, and here she was – employed, her dark apartment feeling more like a home, cupboards full, son happy and loved. She saw again how one thing could lead to another and how much could depend on just one person’s actions... She felt as if a life was being offered to her, held out in the same hand that had misted this evening, had set those mountains in place, had carved the channel for the bay beneath her.”
When Daniel reappears in her life, there is no quick all-is-well-lets-be-happy-now solution: “She wondered if forgiveness was more like peeling an onion than breaking an egg. That had been top-layer forgiveness. This would be deep forgiveness, boring down to the bedrock, to the taproot, to the core of who she was and what Daniel had done.”
Daniel has his own journey to make as he finds success, loses it, and finds it again. It took me a long time to empathise with Daniel Monroe’s character and understand his selfishness! It is obvious that Daniel’s life goals do not include simply a home and family, and he continually wants more. But as he begins to hit the reality of the baggage that ‘success’ brings, there is a lot for him to question. Daniel in desperation starts to question his motives, and he remembers his childhood growing up in a coal mining community. Could there be more to life than material possessions and the acclaim of a fickle crowd? “He lay there in the borrowed bed and thought of his uncle George, his cousins. The mundane work they did. The small acts of faithfulness they performed every day – getting up, going to work, coming home, playing with their children, listening to their stories, going to bed. Then getting up to do it again.”
As other reviewers have mentioned there are lots of references to Christianity, but this novel is done in a fresh, personal way, without seeming contrived or ‘preachy’. Rather, the author works through the lives of each character and their heart issues, probing, examining, and illustrating to the reader the real-life struggles that sometimes have no easy answers. Scott goes through a period of teen rebellion. Some of the characters struggle with substance abuse, promiscuity (not graphic), and life-threatening illnesses. And yet the author holds out that even in the midst of tragedy, there is hope.
Can it be possible that even our failures can be used and redeemed in our lives? “Too much of a coincidence to be believed, and yet it was exactly the way God worked. She had seen it happen again and again. He wove lives together and apart, bringing one home, taking one away, working His tapestry, creating His picture from the raw mistakes and false starts of their lives.”
I read this somewhat lengthy (400 pages!) novel in just over two days, as I just couldn’t put it down. Reading this book has made me grateful. Thankful that I have a home and family, that I have never been abandoned, had to raise my children on my own, or (knock on wood) suffered through cancer surgery. And thankful that, even in the darkest places, there is a road back.
Do such men exist? (oh yeah!) In this story, it’s going to be a long hard road for both of them. Lenore is suddenly left with the responsibility to find a new home, a job, and a way to take care of their young son. When she comes across a neighbor willing to help and he in turn points her to his church family, she is (understandably) cautious.
“Lenore raised her eyebrows. She had never known church people to be empathetic. Mostly they had seemed to want to get her to do something, be something, or believe something. None had been curious, at least about her.”
However, as Lenore tests the waters and begins to get her feet up under her, realizing she can survive with the help of these unknown well-meaning Christians, she begins to have hope once again: “Yesterday she had been lying in the bed, too sad to move, and here she was – employed, her dark apartment feeling more like a home, cupboards full, son happy and loved. She saw again how one thing could lead to another and how much could depend on just one person’s actions... She felt as if a life was being offered to her, held out in the same hand that had misted this evening, had set those mountains in place, had carved the channel for the bay beneath her.”
When Daniel reappears in her life, there is no quick all-is-well-lets-be-happy-now solution: “She wondered if forgiveness was more like peeling an onion than breaking an egg. That had been top-layer forgiveness. This would be deep forgiveness, boring down to the bedrock, to the taproot, to the core of who she was and what Daniel had done.”
Daniel has his own journey to make as he finds success, loses it, and finds it again. It took me a long time to empathise with Daniel Monroe’s character and understand his selfishness! It is obvious that Daniel’s life goals do not include simply a home and family, and he continually wants more. But as he begins to hit the reality of the baggage that ‘success’ brings, there is a lot for him to question. Daniel in desperation starts to question his motives, and he remembers his childhood growing up in a coal mining community. Could there be more to life than material possessions and the acclaim of a fickle crowd? “He lay there in the borrowed bed and thought of his uncle George, his cousins. The mundane work they did. The small acts of faithfulness they performed every day – getting up, going to work, coming home, playing with their children, listening to their stories, going to bed. Then getting up to do it again.”
As other reviewers have mentioned there are lots of references to Christianity, but this novel is done in a fresh, personal way, without seeming contrived or ‘preachy’. Rather, the author works through the lives of each character and their heart issues, probing, examining, and illustrating to the reader the real-life struggles that sometimes have no easy answers. Scott goes through a period of teen rebellion. Some of the characters struggle with substance abuse, promiscuity (not graphic), and life-threatening illnesses. And yet the author holds out that even in the midst of tragedy, there is hope.
Can it be possible that even our failures can be used and redeemed in our lives? “Too much of a coincidence to be believed, and yet it was exactly the way God worked. She had seen it happen again and again. He wove lives together and apart, bringing one home, taking one away, working His tapestry, creating His picture from the raw mistakes and false starts of their lives.”
I read this somewhat lengthy (400 pages!) novel in just over two days, as I just couldn’t put it down. Reading this book has made me grateful. Thankful that I have a home and family, that I have never been abandoned, had to raise my children on my own, or (knock on wood) suffered through cancer surgery. And thankful that, even in the darkest places, there is a road back.
October 3, 2022
***Contains spoilers***
Pretty good. Kind of a reminder that not choosing (anything) is sometimes a choice in and of itself, and not devoid of problems that come from making the "wrong" choice.
Very good with the Christian message, but also I noticed that Bethany House (publisher) books kind of tow the line with Zionist propaganda about history and the Holocaust. I get these books from a local church that serves the local homeless population. One of the workers at the church had a Zionist pin on his hat. It connects the dots for me that the people from that tribe responsible for the Protocols of Zion infiltrated our ("Christian") churches to get everyone to believe that they are sooooo persecuted. NOT!!! Lol.
Oh there was also propaganda about AA being the best treatment for alcoholism - can anyone say, CIA spies and trolls? Other than these 2 things, the book was pretty decent.
The book itself was pretty good. A plain Jane named Leonore is in love and has a child, Scott, with Daniel, an actor with movie star looks and everyone does a double take because they are surprised that he is with her, not a more dazzling looking woman. She starts feeling like she's wasting her time with this guy and asks him to marry her. He doesn't give her the answer she wants so she leaves even though she is broken hearted. She meets a ragtag bunch of Christians in Seattle and starts a new, fulfilling life filled with lots of cooking and gardening, and becomes a Christian herself. She's then gifted a huge Seattle house by the church and goes to earn her nursing degree and starts dating a low fi guy named Erik.
Her little boy grows up in Seattle and, while back in LA, Daniel goes through two wives that he doesn't really vibe with because even though they look good, they are shallow and basically can't compete with Leonore's heart of gold and quirks, which he misses. His career ascends and blows up and what goes up must come down, and he basically becomes a blowsy drunk...well, almost.
Basically, the upshot is that he wasted so much time and wants to kill himself but fortunately he seeks out Leonore and Scott and apologizes and finds Jesus and joins AA and blah blah blah. Leonore's lesson is to learn how to forgive and all that.
The beginning and middle of the book were better than the end.
Pretty good. Kind of a reminder that not choosing (anything) is sometimes a choice in and of itself, and not devoid of problems that come from making the "wrong" choice.
Very good with the Christian message, but also I noticed that Bethany House (publisher) books kind of tow the line with Zionist propaganda about history and the Holocaust. I get these books from a local church that serves the local homeless population. One of the workers at the church had a Zionist pin on his hat. It connects the dots for me that the people from that tribe responsible for the Protocols of Zion infiltrated our ("Christian") churches to get everyone to believe that they are sooooo persecuted. NOT!!! Lol.
Oh there was also propaganda about AA being the best treatment for alcoholism - can anyone say, CIA spies and trolls? Other than these 2 things, the book was pretty decent.
The book itself was pretty good. A plain Jane named Leonore is in love and has a child, Scott, with Daniel, an actor with movie star looks and everyone does a double take because they are surprised that he is with her, not a more dazzling looking woman. She starts feeling like she's wasting her time with this guy and asks him to marry her. He doesn't give her the answer she wants so she leaves even though she is broken hearted. She meets a ragtag bunch of Christians in Seattle and starts a new, fulfilling life filled with lots of cooking and gardening, and becomes a Christian herself. She's then gifted a huge Seattle house by the church and goes to earn her nursing degree and starts dating a low fi guy named Erik.
Her little boy grows up in Seattle and, while back in LA, Daniel goes through two wives that he doesn't really vibe with because even though they look good, they are shallow and basically can't compete with Leonore's heart of gold and quirks, which he misses. His career ascends and blows up and what goes up must come down, and he basically becomes a blowsy drunk...well, almost.
Basically, the upshot is that he wasted so much time and wants to kill himself but fortunately he seeks out Leonore and Scott and apologizes and finds Jesus and joins AA and blah blah blah. Leonore's lesson is to learn how to forgive and all that.
The beginning and middle of the book were better than the end.
August 16, 2023
Frustrated with a stagnant relationship with her boyfriend, Lenore gives Daniel an ultimatum and is left broken-hearted. Lost and at rock bottom, she finds herself welcomed by unlikely people–the Christians her parents always warned her about.
There is too much in this story I love. One quote is this: “She had never known church-people to be empathetic. Mostly they seemed to want to get her to do something, be something, or believe something. None had been curious, at least about her.”
This is so thought-provoking because hopefully the reader can take a step outside of their own experiences and look at themselves from another’s point of view and ask “Do I myself behave in this way?”
This story not only revolves around exploring the question in Matt 16:26, but also the prodigal son but transforms it into a prodigal husband. A handful of months ago a group of friends and I were discussing the story of the prodigal son and wondered whether or not the son is truly repentant. If someone must hit rock bottom before they return home, is that person sorry for his betrayal, or is he sorry for failing? This story explores that, which I really appreciate.
If I Gained The World by Linda Nichols has got to be one of the top Christian Fiction books I have ever read! This is the first book I’ve read by her, and I picked it up from a library book sale.
There is too much in this story I love. One quote is this: “She had never known church-people to be empathetic. Mostly they seemed to want to get her to do something, be something, or believe something. None had been curious, at least about her.”
This is so thought-provoking because hopefully the reader can take a step outside of their own experiences and look at themselves from another’s point of view and ask “Do I myself behave in this way?”
This story not only revolves around exploring the question in Matt 16:26, but also the prodigal son but transforms it into a prodigal husband. A handful of months ago a group of friends and I were discussing the story of the prodigal son and wondered whether or not the son is truly repentant. If someone must hit rock bottom before they return home, is that person sorry for his betrayal, or is he sorry for failing? This story explores that, which I really appreciate.
If I Gained The World by Linda Nichols has got to be one of the top Christian Fiction books I have ever read! This is the first book I’ve read by her, and I picked it up from a library book sale.
September 7, 2022
I'm loving catching up on these classic Linda Nichols novels! Character development is strong, interaction and emotions are believable and relatable. The spiritual theme is not overwhelming and is actually uplifting.
My only complaint in this storyline is that the main characters seem unable to build a relationship because the woman is not considered conventionally "pretty." I kept waiting for there to be some legitimate, deeper reason for the man's hesitation, and there never seemed to be any. That was disheartening. I'm not naïve enough to believe looks play no role....it's typically the first thing that catches the eye. But as that relationship deepens that external attraction shifts to something internal--we fall in love with a personality, a laugh, a sensitivity, a mutual respect. The fact that none of this had developed on his part after several years left me with a bitterness that I couldn't really let go.
My only complaint in this storyline is that the main characters seem unable to build a relationship because the woman is not considered conventionally "pretty." I kept waiting for there to be some legitimate, deeper reason for the man's hesitation, and there never seemed to be any. That was disheartening. I'm not naïve enough to believe looks play no role....it's typically the first thing that catches the eye. But as that relationship deepens that external attraction shifts to something internal--we fall in love with a personality, a laugh, a sensitivity, a mutual respect. The fact that none of this had developed on his part after several years left me with a bitterness that I couldn't really let go.
January 11, 2018
Unbelievably good writing good for the soul
As the title suggests this lady knows how to write. Taking you on a journey with the characters through every high and low you felt like you personally knew each of them. But the crowning glory for me was the Spiritual depth and content it brought conviction and stirred up things of God in me so so special. Thank you for sharing your special gift of writing Linda Nichols
As the title suggests this lady knows how to write. Taking you on a journey with the characters through every high and low you felt like you personally knew each of them. But the crowning glory for me was the Spiritual depth and content it brought conviction and stirred up things of God in me so so special. Thank you for sharing your special gift of writing Linda Nichols
April 8, 2018
I really enjoyed the first 3 books in the Second Chances series, so I was really looking forward to the 4th installment. This one really dragged for me at first. I felt like the story really didn't get going until chapter 35, after that I couldn't put it down. I am glad I stuck with it as I really wanted to abandon it, but so glad I did not. A heartfelt story of second chances and what really matters in life.
July 17, 2018
This is the real deal!
I have read a lot of books, many presented under the classification Christian fiction. The problem with those books is God is not one of the central themes. He is often a mere mention, an afterthought.
This book is completely different. While reading Linda Nichol's book , I feel like I'm sharing it with the Lord , every scripture shared is used perfectly to enhance the story.
I have read a lot of books, many presented under the classification Christian fiction. The problem with those books is God is not one of the central themes. He is often a mere mention, an afterthought.
This book is completely different. While reading Linda Nichol's book , I feel like I'm sharing it with the Lord , every scripture shared is used perfectly to enhance the story.
September 1, 2020
After reading four books by Nichols, I feel like I have a pretty good idea of her writing style. Her main characters are lovingly flawed, but her supporting characters are nauseatingly idealistic. Their sudden bouts of awkwardly praying for eacother is somewhat endearing...I like the idea of openly talking about faith, but it seems a little weird. Overall, I enjoyed this series. The stories are realistic and full of heart.
November 1, 2016
The title on this one is pretty self-explanatory. The genre is Christian fiction. The characters and plot are developed fairly well. This is her second novel. I enjoyed it enough that I am going to go look for her other novel, Not a Sparrow Falls. The jacket cover says that she has written a novel for the general market called Handyman. I’m interested in looking for that one as well.
August 20, 2017
This is a wonderful story about forgiveness, second chances, and the way our choices in life, both good and bad, affect everything from that point on. I thought the characters were very realistic, and the idea of a house like the one in the story is fantastic. It would be great if churches were actually able to do that. I intend to read the other books in the second chances series.
November 11, 2019
Beautiful, heartwarming story
This story and the characters wrapped me in and entertained at every turn! I enjoyed the way Nichols captures you and intertwines scripture and describes the moving of the Holy Spirit in lives. She had me cheering and crying throughout the story. So well written and developed! Truly a favorite!
This story and the characters wrapped me in and entertained at every turn! I enjoyed the way Nichols captures you and intertwines scripture and describes the moving of the Holy Spirit in lives. She had me cheering and crying throughout the story. So well written and developed! Truly a favorite!
March 22, 2021
Christian based without being preachy. Engaging story with characters that display very human flaws. Very easy to follow and interesting twists and turns in the story. I enjoyed reading this very much and will look for more books written by this author.
August 10, 2018
Audio , enjoyed
September 5, 2019
Couldn't put this book down!
March 11, 2020
Enjoyable read
Love the restoration and surrender in the story but moved slow at times and predictable. Great characters all living in the house.
Love the restoration and surrender in the story but moved slow at times and predictable. Great characters all living in the house.
March 17, 2021
Interesting story line. Kept my interest
October 27, 2021
This is definitely one of the best books I've read in a long time. It really moved and touched my heart greatly. The characters were so relatable. I cried a lot reading this,it was very cathartic.
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