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And the Shofar Blew
2004 winner of a Retailer's Choice award from Christian Retailing In the Old Testament, God called his people to action with the blast of the shofar, a ram's horn. God still calls his people today. In this relevant and timely contemporary novel, dynamic young preacher Paul Hudson is committed to building his church—but at what cost? As Paul's zeal and ambition build, he loses sight of the One who called him. As Paul and those around him struggle to discern what it truly means to live out their faith, they must ultimately choose between their own will or God's plan.
439 pages, Hardcover
First published January 22, 2003
661 people are currently reading
8492 people want to read
About the author
Francine Rivers
59 books21k followersNew York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers
www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 871 reviews
September 25, 2010
I'm not a huge fan of Christian fiction (sorry!) because I think much of it is not well written. Add to that the fact that I'm not a romance novel fan at all and it's a wonder that I like Francine Rivers Mrs. Rivers is a former romance novelist-turned-born-again-Christian novelist. I first read her Redeeming Love more than a year ago and just recently picked up "And the Shofar Blew."
Shofar is about what a church really means. Is it the building and numbers/goals or is it people who are gathered in Christ's name to learn, to grow, to worship and praise?
But it wasn't this central theme that kept me reading the book so much as it was watching how the central character maintained her faith - and used her faith - to work through distressing, hurtful and seemingly unsurpassable struggles. Rivers doesn't sugar-coat Christianity. She holds up false righteousness for what it is - self-aggrandizement and pride. And she also makes sure her characters don't "pray away" their troubles. God doesn't always work overnight in real life, and He doesn't in Rivers' book.
The book is fiction, but it gave me a new resolve to be faithful to what a church really is.
Shofar is about what a church really means. Is it the building and numbers/goals or is it people who are gathered in Christ's name to learn, to grow, to worship and praise?
But it wasn't this central theme that kept me reading the book so much as it was watching how the central character maintained her faith - and used her faith - to work through distressing, hurtful and seemingly unsurpassable struggles. Rivers doesn't sugar-coat Christianity. She holds up false righteousness for what it is - self-aggrandizement and pride. And she also makes sure her characters don't "pray away" their troubles. God doesn't always work overnight in real life, and He doesn't in Rivers' book.
The book is fiction, but it gave me a new resolve to be faithful to what a church really is.
August 5, 2025
A Quickie Review
A heart-wrenching account of well-intentioned Christians whose actions nonetheless lead them into a downward spiral. Francine Rivers has always been among the edgier Christian fiction writers, and this is definitely a good one; however, it's very emotionally charged as well.
Score: 4/5
A heart-wrenching account of well-intentioned Christians whose actions nonetheless lead them into a downward spiral. Francine Rivers has always been among the edgier Christian fiction writers, and this is definitely a good one; however, it's very emotionally charged as well.
Score: 4/5
September 13, 2015
This book was one of those ones which I just couldn’t put down, and I was speechless when I finished it. There were several concepts happening in the book, one of which was the breakdown of a marriage which was like watching a train wreck - I didn’t want to look, but I couldn’t look away!
But I loved getting an insight into the different characters’ relationships with God and how they developed over time. It was tragic to watch how the main male character, Paul, rationalised things as his relationship with God diminished. It was encouraging to see how the main female character, Eunice, lifted up her friends and family and her entire way of life (the good and the bad parts) in prayer and how this deepened her relationship with God. I loved Samuel, and how he exuded God’s grace (as did Eunice).
This book has certainly helped me to think further about the grace God extends and how I show this to others, God’s attitude to sin, my attitude to sin and the importance of prayer.
But I loved getting an insight into the different characters’ relationships with God and how they developed over time. It was tragic to watch how the main male character, Paul, rationalised things as his relationship with God diminished. It was encouraging to see how the main female character, Eunice, lifted up her friends and family and her entire way of life (the good and the bad parts) in prayer and how this deepened her relationship with God. I loved Samuel, and how he exuded God’s grace (as did Eunice).
This book has certainly helped me to think further about the grace God extends and how I show this to others, God’s attitude to sin, my attitude to sin and the importance of prayer.
August 23, 2025
My introduction to the work of leading evangelical author Francine Rivers didn't come until 2023 (I haven't read much ECPA/CBA-style Christian fiction), with my read of her historical fiction novel Redeeming Love. That book earned five stars from me, and whetted my interest in reading her general fiction. (Contemporary general fiction, written and set in my own lifetime, has been another weak area in my reading, though I'm trying to remedy that to some extent; in the past, I've been more drawn to older classics, or to other genres.) So I was glad for the opportunity to read this novel with one of my Goodreads groups. It definitely did not disappoint!
What the contemporary book trade markets as "Christian fiction" tends to have a negative reputation, as consisting mostly of light romances, cultivating a saccharine sweetness, and avoiding serious content and deep characterizations. To what extent that reputation is actually true, I can't say; I've been put off enough by it that my sampling of the books in question has been too limited to allow sweeping judgments. (I'm well aware of the irony inherent in that!) But I can say that I've read several novels of this type that don't fit this stereotype; and of all the authors of these, Rivers is the one whose work least fits it. She's a serious novelist, both in the sense of dealing with serious and important themes/issues and of taking the craft of fiction seriously, a mistress of deep characterization, and an explorer of the dark dimensions of human behavior (even without directly quoted bad language or explicit sex), whose work is grounded in an unabashed commitment to the Christan gospel and faith in its redemptive power. Stylistically, she's a Realist, and one who recognizes spiritual truth as a legitimate part of reality.
Published in 2003, and with a plot that spans some 16-17 years (so, roughly from ca. 1986-2003), this tale is set, like much of her other work, almost entirely in California, where she makes her home. Our protagonist (but far from the sole maker of crucial moral decisions) is Paul Hudson, who when we meet him is the young assistant pastor of a large church in suburban Chicago. His emotionally distant, control-freak father is a Los Angeles-based, televised evangelist who's spent decades building up a massive mega-church as the center of an ecclesiastical empire, all for the "glory of God," of course (or was that for his own personal glory...?). Paul's earnest, zealous and very ambitious to follow in Daddy's footsteps in "building up the kingdom of God." He excelled in college and has compiled an impressive resume'; so when his former dean gets a call from a small, struggling and all-elderly congregation in California's Central Valley, whose aged preacher can't continue any longer, Paul gets the referral. So he, his wife and his toddler son are soon headed to Centerville Christian Church, with a call from the congregation to its pastorate. (Rivers is vague about what denomination this church is part of, because that's not her point; the kinds of spiritual issues in play here can characterize any Protestant congregation.) What he'll make of this ministry in the ensuing years will form the heart of our story.
In Old Testament times, the shofar, a trumpet made from a ram's horn, was blown to get the attention of God's people, as a call to worship, to repentance on the Day of Atonement, and sometimes to battle. The author adroitly uses a few strategically-placed references to this in the thoughts of a couple of characters to create an effective symbolism, because God's attempt to get the attention of His people, as a group and as thick-headed individuals, will be a central theme here (and it may not be easy). She definitely avoids the trap of portraying Christians as one-dimensional incarnations of saintliness; some of her Christian characters here are more saintly than others, but all of them have their foibles, and she's very aware of the degree to which all of us can have mixed motives, and can rationalize actions and omissions that may be very contrary to the will of God. And she knows that humans can change inside over time in very real ways, not just in their outward circumstances --but those changes aren't always for the better.
Although some characters here move from an openly nonbelieving stance to Christian conversion, that's not the central plot and there's no stress on their thought process or on the preaching that precedes conversion. Some Christian fiction is written with the intent of evangelizing nonbelievers; but although Rivers makes some direct statements of the Christian gospel (salvation from the penalty and power of sin through penitent faith in Christ's atoning death for our sins), her main topic is how we as Christians go about serving God, and the issues and potential pitfalls that this presents in a contemporary setting. Like Charles Sheldon in In His Steps (although Rivers is a vastly more gifted writer), her main target audience is people who already are Christians, or who at least think they are. Personally, I can't think that most non-Christian readers would really get this novel (though some might). But I would highly recommend it for Christian readers, and for the latter I believe it would be thought-provoking. (This edition has a bit over a page of intelligent discussion questions for book clubs or reading groups that would facilitate that process.)
This is a book that's powerfully critical of some aspects of present-day American Christianity, as it's typically presented and lived out. That kind of criticism can focus on inner heart attitudes, or on outward structural elements, or on both. Rivers' own focus is much more on inner attitudes, not so much on criticism of institutional church culture and structures as such. Unquestionably, heart attitudes are more important. But some structures are more compatible with healthy attitudes, and different structures have a tendency to promote different attitudes, whether good or bad. My own reading of the New Testament has led me to believe that plural leadership in congregations, house churches, and lay ministry is a more biblical, healthier and more God-pleasing model than the monarchial "pastorate," the building-centered approach, and the professionalization of ministry. Even though Rivers doesn't make an explicit case for the former model, though, this book certainly presents a vivid evocation of the real-life abuses that the latter model all too easily lends itself to, and I hope that at least some readers might be prompted to think along these lines.
To credibly assess Rivers' place in late 20th-century and early 21st-century American literature, I'd obviously need to have read much more of that literature than I have, and probably more of her work as well. (I also haven't read assessments made by any spokespersons for the present lit-crit establishment; those don't interest me, but that's another subject.) But I can say that, within the limited body of fiction writing in that time frame that I actually have read, she stands in the first rank; and while it's hard to predict what contemporary writings will stand the test of time, I believe the two Rivers novels I've read stand a good chance. This is a powerful, high-quality novel that delivers literary satisfaction and thoughtful messaging equal to many classic novels that I've read. 2025 isn't over yet; but it's very probable that this will prove to be my favorite read of the year.
What the contemporary book trade markets as "Christian fiction" tends to have a negative reputation, as consisting mostly of light romances, cultivating a saccharine sweetness, and avoiding serious content and deep characterizations. To what extent that reputation is actually true, I can't say; I've been put off enough by it that my sampling of the books in question has been too limited to allow sweeping judgments. (I'm well aware of the irony inherent in that!) But I can say that I've read several novels of this type that don't fit this stereotype; and of all the authors of these, Rivers is the one whose work least fits it. She's a serious novelist, both in the sense of dealing with serious and important themes/issues and of taking the craft of fiction seriously, a mistress of deep characterization, and an explorer of the dark dimensions of human behavior (even without directly quoted bad language or explicit sex), whose work is grounded in an unabashed commitment to the Christan gospel and faith in its redemptive power. Stylistically, she's a Realist, and one who recognizes spiritual truth as a legitimate part of reality.
Published in 2003, and with a plot that spans some 16-17 years (so, roughly from ca. 1986-2003), this tale is set, like much of her other work, almost entirely in California, where she makes her home. Our protagonist (but far from the sole maker of crucial moral decisions) is Paul Hudson, who when we meet him is the young assistant pastor of a large church in suburban Chicago. His emotionally distant, control-freak father is a Los Angeles-based, televised evangelist who's spent decades building up a massive mega-church as the center of an ecclesiastical empire, all for the "glory of God," of course (or was that for his own personal glory...?). Paul's earnest, zealous and very ambitious to follow in Daddy's footsteps in "building up the kingdom of God." He excelled in college and has compiled an impressive resume'; so when his former dean gets a call from a small, struggling and all-elderly congregation in California's Central Valley, whose aged preacher can't continue any longer, Paul gets the referral. So he, his wife and his toddler son are soon headed to Centerville Christian Church, with a call from the congregation to its pastorate. (Rivers is vague about what denomination this church is part of, because that's not her point; the kinds of spiritual issues in play here can characterize any Protestant congregation.) What he'll make of this ministry in the ensuing years will form the heart of our story.
In Old Testament times, the shofar, a trumpet made from a ram's horn, was blown to get the attention of God's people, as a call to worship, to repentance on the Day of Atonement, and sometimes to battle. The author adroitly uses a few strategically-placed references to this in the thoughts of a couple of characters to create an effective symbolism, because God's attempt to get the attention of His people, as a group and as thick-headed individuals, will be a central theme here (and it may not be easy). She definitely avoids the trap of portraying Christians as one-dimensional incarnations of saintliness; some of her Christian characters here are more saintly than others, but all of them have their foibles, and she's very aware of the degree to which all of us can have mixed motives, and can rationalize actions and omissions that may be very contrary to the will of God. And she knows that humans can change inside over time in very real ways, not just in their outward circumstances --but those changes aren't always for the better.
Although some characters here move from an openly nonbelieving stance to Christian conversion, that's not the central plot and there's no stress on their thought process or on the preaching that precedes conversion. Some Christian fiction is written with the intent of evangelizing nonbelievers; but although Rivers makes some direct statements of the Christian gospel (salvation from the penalty and power of sin through penitent faith in Christ's atoning death for our sins), her main topic is how we as Christians go about serving God, and the issues and potential pitfalls that this presents in a contemporary setting. Like Charles Sheldon in In His Steps (although Rivers is a vastly more gifted writer), her main target audience is people who already are Christians, or who at least think they are. Personally, I can't think that most non-Christian readers would really get this novel (though some might). But I would highly recommend it for Christian readers, and for the latter I believe it would be thought-provoking. (This edition has a bit over a page of intelligent discussion questions for book clubs or reading groups that would facilitate that process.)
This is a book that's powerfully critical of some aspects of present-day American Christianity, as it's typically presented and lived out. That kind of criticism can focus on inner heart attitudes, or on outward structural elements, or on both. Rivers' own focus is much more on inner attitudes, not so much on criticism of institutional church culture and structures as such. Unquestionably, heart attitudes are more important. But some structures are more compatible with healthy attitudes, and different structures have a tendency to promote different attitudes, whether good or bad. My own reading of the New Testament has led me to believe that plural leadership in congregations, house churches, and lay ministry is a more biblical, healthier and more God-pleasing model than the monarchial "pastorate," the building-centered approach, and the professionalization of ministry. Even though Rivers doesn't make an explicit case for the former model, though, this book certainly presents a vivid evocation of the real-life abuses that the latter model all too easily lends itself to, and I hope that at least some readers might be prompted to think along these lines.
To credibly assess Rivers' place in late 20th-century and early 21st-century American literature, I'd obviously need to have read much more of that literature than I have, and probably more of her work as well. (I also haven't read assessments made by any spokespersons for the present lit-crit establishment; those don't interest me, but that's another subject.) But I can say that, within the limited body of fiction writing in that time frame that I actually have read, she stands in the first rank; and while it's hard to predict what contemporary writings will stand the test of time, I believe the two Rivers novels I've read stand a good chance. This is a powerful, high-quality novel that delivers literary satisfaction and thoughtful messaging equal to many classic novels that I've read. 2025 isn't over yet; but it's very probable that this will prove to be my favorite read of the year.
December 20, 2008
WOW! I REALLY enjoyed this book. It is rather thick with very small print so it took me awhile. It really made me think. As you all know the church I attend as had declining attendance for several years. I have been thinking and praying for more people to come. This book made me see its not really the numbers but seeing that you are right with GOD. Living the way, walking the walk, and talking the talk. I think I will try some other books by this author! I don't know if this "review" makes much sense.
March 30, 2017
Absolutely amazing. A great narrative on the struggles of Christian life. I always learn so much from Francine Rivers' writing about the heart and character of the Lord.
December 1, 2011
I am really having trouble putting to words my feelings about this book...it was an emotionally heavy and depressing read for me through much of the first three quarters or so and I can't pinpoint exactly what affected me the most...I don't know if it was grief for Eunice and Timothy because of the ugliness of Paul and what he turned into or if it was the aspects of Paul that I could identify with; the same false motives and selfish attitudes that I know I have operated under before in my own life. Oh how ugly pride is!
This is a powerful message for the church today...like Paul, many have been building their own 'Tower of Babel' empires rather than building relationships.
This is a powerful message for the church today...like Paul, many have been building their own 'Tower of Babel' empires rather than building relationships.
June 22, 2012
This book made me cry, As a pastor's daughter, it felt like Francine was telling my story, what my mother went through, my brothers became rebellious, my dad falling ill and dying in the middle of all my parents separated. The case of another woman in the picture broke my mothers heart. Church folks didnt help either. This is a lesson for all. It's all about God, not your ambition. Let God be the center of it all. I wish I could re-write my family's story, but God knows best. Thanks Francine for making me understand why it should be all about God and not just ambition.
February 28, 2025
It was a good solid Francine rivers book but also very depressing. I felt so sorry for the character wife in this book. She was walked all over for years. At the end we we’re meant to feel sorry for husband who walked all over her. Yes this book is about forgiveness and grace but you still feel so sorry for the wife. If it weren’t written well it would have been horrible. That’s were Francine came in. Still a hard read but still worth a read. I am reading the book for the 2nd time and liked it all the more. Yes it was a hard read but an important one. I think we see with the main character of Paul it is easy to put God in a box, which he did well. Also forgiveness is a key to this book. Could I have been this forgiving? I highly recommend this book as well as all the works of Francine Rivers. I am reading all of Francine books this year, so what will I choose next???
June 7, 2011
i would love to say i enjoyed this book, or that it made me feel great but unfortunately the book is too well written. i couldn't put it down but francine has such accurate insight into the modern church that it hurt.
i read someone's review that they believed this book to be full of cliches but this was the first book i've read that addressed such common battles within churches. maybe i've just been reading 'feel-good' books?
however, i'm glad i read it and it put some serious issues on my heart to pray about.
ps if you're an emotional reader, make sure there are tissues handy. i cried a river...
i read someone's review that they believed this book to be full of cliches but this was the first book i've read that addressed such common battles within churches. maybe i've just been reading 'feel-good' books?
however, i'm glad i read it and it put some serious issues on my heart to pray about.
ps if you're an emotional reader, make sure there are tissues handy. i cried a river...
March 27, 2010
This was a painful and difficult book to read in many ways because it was so realistic about what can go in in churches and with ministers and their wives. It was hard to read about the kind of pride that leads to this kind of thing... I am so glad Francine wrote it though, as I think it is an honest look at the problem which we only have a chance of fixing by being honest. But I think many don't want to think this IS a problem. We need to seek God, seek God, seek God and His will for our lives. If we do not, then we will wander or go astray of His plan for us. Even when it is hard, we need to be honest and look at ourselves and repent of the sin we find in our heart, which should be the heart of our practice of communion. The characters are utterly believable and not wholly good, as are none of us, no not one. Good job Francine.
September 11, 2021
My 2nd Francine Rivers book is done, and she did not disappoint. I felt this way with Redeeming Love, but she has such a way in her writing to make you feel such visceral reactions to the events happening in the book. I felt for every single character and was so invested in the story.
There was such complex character development for so many different people which gave way to different subplots. I also enjoyed the time jumps that occurred to speed things up. The redemption in the end was great too. The book did feel long, but not in a way where I didn’t want to read, I was just surprised that I was only 30% in when some bigger events happened.
Highly recommend!
There was such complex character development for so many different people which gave way to different subplots. I also enjoyed the time jumps that occurred to speed things up. The redemption in the end was great too. The book did feel long, but not in a way where I didn’t want to read, I was just surprised that I was only 30% in when some bigger events happened.
Highly recommend!
October 25, 2012
This is the first book I've read by Ms. Rivers, but it won't be the last. She gets to the heart of being a Christian--with all the temptations, blessings, struggles, and decisions we make. I enjoyed the story, and found the plot to be compelling. I sympathized and understood the characters and their actions. I wanted this book to be a 5 star, indeed, the excellent writing and spiritual theme deserved it, but in the end Paul and Eunice bothered me too much to give it higher than a four.
Paul was a villain who I never could quite believe changed so drastically, and in such a short amount of time, from a faith-filled husband, father, and Christian to a vain, ambitious jerk, completely oblivious to his family's needs and his own short-comings.
Eunice was presented as nearly perfect, but her inaction was just as deplorable as Paul's misdeeds. Yet, I never felt she had any true remorse for just sitting there and never calling him out about his lack of faith or his emotional abuse to her and their son. She went along with everything he said--even when in her heart she knew it was wrong--out of a misplaced interpretation of "wives submit to your husbands."
I'm all for wives submitting to our husbands, but I'm also all for being firm in our Christian faith to stand up for what is right. She was presented as a victim, and it's hard for me to love someone who spends 400 pages of a book as a victim.
While I found Paul's repentance and Eunice's forgiveness admirable, I would have liked to have seen more consequences for Paul. Eunice endured trial after trial from this man and the congregation--couldn't we see some of the worldly payback that surely came Paul's way? Sins ARE forgiven, but in the real world, consequences always come fast and hard for those who stray.
In the end, I felt that every character in the book was punished over and over--except Paul--the one person we would have liked to have seen punished!
Paul was a villain who I never could quite believe changed so drastically, and in such a short amount of time, from a faith-filled husband, father, and Christian to a vain, ambitious jerk, completely oblivious to his family's needs and his own short-comings.
Eunice was presented as nearly perfect, but her inaction was just as deplorable as Paul's misdeeds. Yet, I never felt she had any true remorse for just sitting there and never calling him out about his lack of faith or his emotional abuse to her and their son. She went along with everything he said--even when in her heart she knew it was wrong--out of a misplaced interpretation of "wives submit to your husbands."
I'm all for wives submitting to our husbands, but I'm also all for being firm in our Christian faith to stand up for what is right. She was presented as a victim, and it's hard for me to love someone who spends 400 pages of a book as a victim.
While I found Paul's repentance and Eunice's forgiveness admirable, I would have liked to have seen more consequences for Paul. Eunice endured trial after trial from this man and the congregation--couldn't we see some of the worldly payback that surely came Paul's way? Sins ARE forgiven, but in the real world, consequences always come fast and hard for those who stray.
In the end, I felt that every character in the book was punished over and over--except Paul--the one person we would have liked to have seen punished!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2013
I lived 33 years in the same community as Francine Rivers and saw this story happen "in real life." It must have been her inspiration. I wondered how she fictionalized and treated the story. So I listened to the audio book on CD and found it insightful, sympathetic, and ringing true to experience and scripture. Stylistically I was impressed with how she developed a big story scene by scene, moving the conflict and themes forward succinctly, smoothly, and engagingly. The story is layered, as life is, and shows the inter-connectedness of people, the results in many people's lives of each person's sin, and the grace and change that comes when we choose to live in true Christian community.
The wrap-up of the story was moving, idealistic, and pretty believable. I especially appreciated the honest way she portrayed the anguish and faith of the pastor's wife. (I grew up in a pastor's home and understand the grace and sacrifices required). The conclusion of the story worked for a tidy Christian novel. But it wasn't completely satisfying. Conflicts were hinted at in the development of the story that were left as loose ends. For instance, the questionable financial schemes the pastor was condoning in his hugely successful and influential church. And the local fame and notoriety he had received would cause local news media to dig up lurid details and extensively cover the "fall" of both the iconic pastor and his church, fueling negative attitudes of the local population toward all Christian churches. (I saw this happen in real life.) We tend to love charismatic leaders, but we need to pray for them. If they fall, die, leave ... then the church that was built around their personality will not stay the same. Many people will leave, and the church as it was known may die. Many people and whole communities will be wounded. Of course God forgives, heals, rebuilds. I'm saying there is more to the story. Perhaps Francine can write a sequel to And the Shofar Blew.
The wrap-up of the story was moving, idealistic, and pretty believable. I especially appreciated the honest way she portrayed the anguish and faith of the pastor's wife. (I grew up in a pastor's home and understand the grace and sacrifices required). The conclusion of the story worked for a tidy Christian novel. But it wasn't completely satisfying. Conflicts were hinted at in the development of the story that were left as loose ends. For instance, the questionable financial schemes the pastor was condoning in his hugely successful and influential church. And the local fame and notoriety he had received would cause local news media to dig up lurid details and extensively cover the "fall" of both the iconic pastor and his church, fueling negative attitudes of the local population toward all Christian churches. (I saw this happen in real life.) We tend to love charismatic leaders, but we need to pray for them. If they fall, die, leave ... then the church that was built around their personality will not stay the same. Many people will leave, and the church as it was known may die. Many people and whole communities will be wounded. Of course God forgives, heals, rebuilds. I'm saying there is more to the story. Perhaps Francine can write a sequel to And the Shofar Blew.
July 29, 2017
Trapped between the huge success of his father’s ministry and his unending search for the acceptance and self-esteem missing from his childhood, Paul Hudson is on a mission... but is the road to success as straightforward as he thinks?
Wounding both new and old members of his congregation, ignoring his son Paul's needs and placing his marriage in jeopardy are only a few of the many mistakes Paul makes in this contemporary Christian novel about the seeker-sensitive movement so popular with many church congregations today. Will Paul find his way back to a healthy marriage, be able to admit to others his errors, and realize what truly matters in ‘serving the Lord’?
The author explains that the motivation behind her writing comes from her travel experiences:
"During my travels around the country and speaking at various churches, I saw many struggling through building projects and massive programs to draw more parishioners. Size of building and number of people in the pews seemed to define success or failure. Like a government out of control, the “church” (in many cases) has forgotten its foundation and purpose.’"
As always, Francine Rivers' writing carried me away and I found this engrossing novel hard to put down. Bringing to life her characters, I grieved for them, hoped for them, aspired to be them (Abby!!) and identified with their flaws and weaknesses. Even when reading about the characters' lives and their real-life struggles, one cannot help but realize that the author is coming from a true standpoint of love and mercy.
Wounding both new and old members of his congregation, ignoring his son Paul's needs and placing his marriage in jeopardy are only a few of the many mistakes Paul makes in this contemporary Christian novel about the seeker-sensitive movement so popular with many church congregations today. Will Paul find his way back to a healthy marriage, be able to admit to others his errors, and realize what truly matters in ‘serving the Lord’?
The author explains that the motivation behind her writing comes from her travel experiences:
"During my travels around the country and speaking at various churches, I saw many struggling through building projects and massive programs to draw more parishioners. Size of building and number of people in the pews seemed to define success or failure. Like a government out of control, the “church” (in many cases) has forgotten its foundation and purpose.’"
As always, Francine Rivers' writing carried me away and I found this engrossing novel hard to put down. Bringing to life her characters, I grieved for them, hoped for them, aspired to be them (Abby!!) and identified with their flaws and weaknesses. Even when reading about the characters' lives and their real-life struggles, one cannot help but realize that the author is coming from a true standpoint of love and mercy.
February 26, 2019
I almost gave up reading this book when about half-way through. But, I am glad that I read the whole thing. It really picks up in the end. It starts out from an almost dead church to a fast-growing church because of the efforts of the new pastor. I did not agree with a lot of his doctrine which was anti-biblical. But then things began to pick up when he was caught in sin, and his doctrines began a nose dive. I recommend this book to be given to all Theological students in Bible colleges because they can learn a lot about the dangers of church growth.
February 2, 2008
Francine Rivers is such an amazing storyteller...but this one was not my favorite. Kind of too far fetched. I think I like her historical books waaaaaay more. The wife in this story was not believable to me--no one could put with that much from her husband and remain so stoic. The husband was just such a jerk that I spent the whole book being annoyed with him.
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October 4, 2023This book was intense. I liked that it didn't shy away from talking about sin and corruption in the church, and it showed how even faithful believers can fall into temptation. Having been in full-time ministry in the past, for 15 years, this story really resonated with me.
June 20, 2025
**By an Author You Love**
4.5 stars. I tried reading this book in my teens/early twenties, but apparently a story about a pastor and the rebuilding of a dying church was not interesting to my teen/young adult self. 🙃 But it was so good. It was a good reminder of motives behind actions and of the pitfalls of pride and building something for self and not God.
I love Francine Rivers' writing and this book did not disappoint. There have only been 2 of her books that I didn't love.
4.5 stars. I tried reading this book in my teens/early twenties, but apparently a story about a pastor and the rebuilding of a dying church was not interesting to my teen/young adult self. 🙃 But it was so good. It was a good reminder of motives behind actions and of the pitfalls of pride and building something for self and not God.
I love Francine Rivers' writing and this book did not disappoint. There have only been 2 of her books that I didn't love.
April 22, 2011
So ready for this book to be over! How much more can she drag this out?! I'm about to die from near boredom with this drug-out storyline...
I finally finished I didn't know if I could bear it anymore. :/ The Scarlet Thread by Rivers is far better.
I think I might of liked this book if it wasn't as long! Also, the book was full of cliche's. There's only so much of that I can handle.
Okay, the characters' names were creative (although I think a little cheesy)
Samuel- is one of the elders in the fledgling congregation. Through God's prompting he tells Paul he thinks Paul is the person for the pastorate. God used the OT prophet Samuel to annoint David king. In the book, Samuel acts like an Old Testament prophet in that people go to him for insight. Samuel provides wisdom throughout the book and teaches bible study.
Paul- new seminary graduate who moves to California, with his wife, to be the pastor. In the bible, Paul was called to the ministry. Also, in scripture he calls Timothy his "son in the faith" yet they weren't physically related. In the book, Paul's son is named "Timothy".
Eunice- Paul's wife and mother of Timothy. She has strong faith. In the bible, Eunice is Timothy's mother. However, in the bible, she nor Paul are ever married/have a relationship.
Timothy- Paul & Eunice's son. That's about as far of a scriptural correlation there is. Timothy's a PK rebel, never goes into ministry, comes around at the end, etc. Paul's mother's name is Lois (unlike in the bible where Lois is Eunice's mother) making her Timothy's grandmother.
Lois- Paul's mother. Eunice says Lois has always felt like a mother to her. Again, Lois is Timothy's grandmother as she is in the bible.
Stephen- First, Eunice and Stephen fight off an affair from the beginning. Others see it, they keep it from going anywhere. Stephen says to Paul (who'd been blind to it because of all the other stuff he was doing), "I have been in love with [Eunice] for 10 years".
I'm not sure why she called him Stephen. (Oh, just came to me.) Rivers would be waayy...off base if this was actually her reasoning. (shaking my head right now) In the book, Paul kind of tries to give Stephen a bad name but it doesn't work. Stephen doesn't really have his name tarnished, die, face any financial losses, or become physically harmed. BUT in the bible Paul (then Saul) leads the stoning to death of Stephen-the first Christian martyr in scripture.
***Tiny half-spoiler below****
Sheila- can't believe Rivers didn't name her Jezebel considering the other names she gave her characters.
I finally finished I didn't know if I could bear it anymore. :/ The Scarlet Thread by Rivers is far better.
I think I might of liked this book if it wasn't as long! Also, the book was full of cliche's. There's only so much of that I can handle.
Okay, the characters' names were creative (although I think a little cheesy)
Samuel- is one of the elders in the fledgling congregation. Through God's prompting he tells Paul he thinks Paul is the person for the pastorate. God used the OT prophet Samuel to annoint David king. In the book, Samuel acts like an Old Testament prophet in that people go to him for insight. Samuel provides wisdom throughout the book and teaches bible study.
Paul- new seminary graduate who moves to California, with his wife, to be the pastor. In the bible, Paul was called to the ministry. Also, in scripture he calls Timothy his "son in the faith" yet they weren't physically related. In the book, Paul's son is named "Timothy".
Eunice- Paul's wife and mother of Timothy. She has strong faith. In the bible, Eunice is Timothy's mother. However, in the bible, she nor Paul are ever married/have a relationship.
Timothy- Paul & Eunice's son. That's about as far of a scriptural correlation there is. Timothy's a PK rebel, never goes into ministry, comes around at the end, etc. Paul's mother's name is Lois (unlike in the bible where Lois is Eunice's mother) making her Timothy's grandmother.
Lois- Paul's mother. Eunice says Lois has always felt like a mother to her. Again, Lois is Timothy's grandmother as she is in the bible.
Stephen- First, Eunice and Stephen fight off an affair from the beginning. Others see it, they keep it from going anywhere. Stephen says to Paul (who'd been blind to it because of all the other stuff he was doing), "I have been in love with [Eunice] for 10 years".
I'm not sure why she called him Stephen. (Oh, just came to me.) Rivers would be waayy...off base if this was actually her reasoning. (shaking my head right now) In the book, Paul kind of tries to give Stephen a bad name but it doesn't work. Stephen doesn't really have his name tarnished, die, face any financial losses, or become physically harmed. BUT in the bible Paul (then Saul) leads the stoning to death of Stephen-the first Christian martyr in scripture.
***Tiny half-spoiler below****
Sheila- can't believe Rivers didn't name her Jezebel considering the other names she gave her characters.
November 21, 2012
MY REVIEW:
This is the story of a young Pastor and his wife who accept the call to a small dying church. They begin this new chapter of life with zeal, passion, and love for one another. Then just as you fall in love with them and the other sweet characters of this story, the tale twists and the reality of sin becomes all too visible to the reader. This story - while fictional - is sadly all too true of many churches across America. Francine once again expertly captures your imagination and your heart as she threads together a story of faithfulness, unfaithfulness, grace, brokenness, and redemption.
I enjoyed this story for the depth and a story line that is, sadly, so real. My heart was refreshed by the honesty of life in ministry as well as the picture of how God WILL work all things for His good...even when they do not feel good to us. The reminder of God's faithfulness to us even when we are not faithful to Him, and how the gospel is needed every day is uplifting. I found this story a sobering reminder of how the slow fade of sin can take you places you would never dream you would ever go.
This is a book I recommend to anyone - man or woman - as both a refreshing fictional read and heart challenging lesson. Once you read the first few chapters you will find yourself engulfed in this modern day story that could be taking place right now.
This is the story of a young Pastor and his wife who accept the call to a small dying church. They begin this new chapter of life with zeal, passion, and love for one another. Then just as you fall in love with them and the other sweet characters of this story, the tale twists and the reality of sin becomes all too visible to the reader. This story - while fictional - is sadly all too true of many churches across America. Francine once again expertly captures your imagination and your heart as she threads together a story of faithfulness, unfaithfulness, grace, brokenness, and redemption.
I enjoyed this story for the depth and a story line that is, sadly, so real. My heart was refreshed by the honesty of life in ministry as well as the picture of how God WILL work all things for His good...even when they do not feel good to us. The reminder of God's faithfulness to us even when we are not faithful to Him, and how the gospel is needed every day is uplifting. I found this story a sobering reminder of how the slow fade of sin can take you places you would never dream you would ever go.
This is a book I recommend to anyone - man or woman - as both a refreshing fictional read and heart challenging lesson. Once you read the first few chapters you will find yourself engulfed in this modern day story that could be taking place right now.
October 4, 2009
After I read Redeeming Love I got kind of obsessed with Francine Rivers. This is the third book in a row I've read of hers (and I just started a fourth). They are all very readable with very sympathetic characters, and she deals with serious questions. Her books are very much a cut above the average Christian fiction genre. I liked this one a little less than her others, and almost gave it 3 stars but decided on 4 because I think she gets points for dealing with a really difficult subject of how Christians - and pastors in particular - can really know whether we're serving Christ or our own egos. She did succumb to the Christian-fiction pitfall of having a too-perfect Christian character. I liked and sympathized with Eunice but she was unrealistically perfect. Her husband's church went to pieces way too fast, too. We should have gotten hints earlier that it was in trouble.
June 4, 2008
I have been a fan of Francine Rivers - but I really didn't like this book much. Sure, it sucks you in and makes you want to read it. But it was also depressing, a little un-realistic, and very much shoving Christianity (and her opinions about what Christianity should look like)in your face.
May 11, 2017
Another excellent book from Francine Rivers, rich in thought provoking truth. This book should be a must read for all pastors.
December 7, 2016
Phenomenal book.
December 24, 2022
Que historia más desoladora desde el principio, Francine tiene la habilidad para poner tus emociones en carne viva, la moraleja de este libro aprender a no poner la mirada en las personas, entre más alto el ego más fuerte será el golpe al caer
October 12, 2025
Francine Rivers always has Christian Fiction that opens your eyes to some aspect of of faith that is important if you are a Christian. This story was quite different from the many others by her that I have read.
Paul Hudson and his wife Eunice have been waiting for an appointment to a church. When he finally receives a call to become pastor as the struggling Centerville Christian Church, they are both excited. As Paul brings the church back to life, Eunice realizes that he is leading the members astray from God's Word just to get a huge attendance and build a mega church.
This book was an in depth look at what happens when the leadership of a church begins to care about how many members it has and how important the pastor is rather than how many members have been led to a deep belief in Christ as their savior. This story reminded me of some of the mega churches of today who have lost their direction.
Paul Hudson and his wife Eunice have been waiting for an appointment to a church. When he finally receives a call to become pastor as the struggling Centerville Christian Church, they are both excited. As Paul brings the church back to life, Eunice realizes that he is leading the members astray from God's Word just to get a huge attendance and build a mega church.
This book was an in depth look at what happens when the leadership of a church begins to care about how many members it has and how important the pastor is rather than how many members have been led to a deep belief in Christ as their savior. This story reminded me of some of the mega churches of today who have lost their direction.
December 14, 2013
My pastor's daughter actually recommended this book to me.
The first few chapters were kind of boring, but I guess it was necessary for Rivers to write that way to establish the following plots.
The character development was just splendid. Paul started off being a godly and righteous man, always placing God first, being the perfect husband and son. But personal ambition and pride really changed his character and his way of life. and turned him into a rather horrible person. I really felt like slapping him so many times, seeing the way he sidelined Samuel, Stephen and even his beloved wife Eunice and son Timothy. It just goes to show that nothing good can come out when men put other priorities above God. Worst more, in the name of God just for personal ambition and selfish pride. I was really irritated when Paul always said that this and that were signs from God, and that he should continue with whatever projects he had in mind, when it was so clear that it was just to fulfill his vanity. Again, this comes to show that we can be so blind by ourselves and the devil that we bend every event and happening to suit our pride and ego, eventhough that they may not be from the Lord. Those two themes were really evident throughout the 2nd half of the book. Anyways, only God could have changed his heart, and it did happen. As I look back, Rivers really did a fantastic job on the character of Paul - how he changed so subtly throughout the book until I couldn't believe at one stage that he was a direct opposite of who he was now, compared to the beginning of the book. Kudos to Rivers.
As for Eunice, gosh, she went through fire and ice with so much pain, so much emotional suffering. That stage was vividly portrayed by Rivers - her pitiful thoughts, her raging undercurrents, her lonesome self-pity, her virtuous prayers, and her heart for God. Similar to Hadassah and Rizpah in the Mark of the Lion series, I believe that Rivers wanted her readers to follow after Eunice. What I was so 'afraid' about was innocent Eunice getting into an affair with Stephen Denver. Those parts were so 'frightening' for me, especially when they were both in Stephen's house. But both Eunice and Stephen were godly people, very godly people, and Satan didn't manage to make them forsake their Christian values though the circumstances permitted them to do so. Was holding my breath as I read through those parts thinking, "Please don't Eunice, not you. Maybe Paul would, but not you.". Eunice really really really relied on God to pull through her difficulty, something that we(I) must learn - to eat and drink of God's Word, and to live on it. If not for her faith, I wonder what would have happened at the end of the book.
As for the themes in this book, I cannot agree more about. It touches the very core of the corruption and hypocrisy there is in the Christian Body today. Affairs, projects, money, tweaking the Gospel here and there to in the congregation numbers, Prosperity Gospel and Grace Teachings, lust, marital and familial problems, praise and worship, traditionalists and modernists, activities, etc...the theme of love that Rivers brought out was really interesting - Should we love someone so much as to look past his/her sins, or break them to make them realize their sins and stop sinning because we love them?...a really great book to read as it brought the many sins Christians today commit to the surface.
The first few chapters were kind of boring, but I guess it was necessary for Rivers to write that way to establish the following plots.
The character development was just splendid. Paul started off being a godly and righteous man, always placing God first, being the perfect husband and son. But personal ambition and pride really changed his character and his way of life. and turned him into a rather horrible person. I really felt like slapping him so many times, seeing the way he sidelined Samuel, Stephen and even his beloved wife Eunice and son Timothy. It just goes to show that nothing good can come out when men put other priorities above God. Worst more, in the name of God just for personal ambition and selfish pride. I was really irritated when Paul always said that this and that were signs from God, and that he should continue with whatever projects he had in mind, when it was so clear that it was just to fulfill his vanity. Again, this comes to show that we can be so blind by ourselves and the devil that we bend every event and happening to suit our pride and ego, eventhough that they may not be from the Lord. Those two themes were really evident throughout the 2nd half of the book. Anyways, only God could have changed his heart, and it did happen. As I look back, Rivers really did a fantastic job on the character of Paul - how he changed so subtly throughout the book until I couldn't believe at one stage that he was a direct opposite of who he was now, compared to the beginning of the book. Kudos to Rivers.
As for Eunice, gosh, she went through fire and ice with so much pain, so much emotional suffering. That stage was vividly portrayed by Rivers - her pitiful thoughts, her raging undercurrents, her lonesome self-pity, her virtuous prayers, and her heart for God. Similar to Hadassah and Rizpah in the Mark of the Lion series, I believe that Rivers wanted her readers to follow after Eunice. What I was so 'afraid' about was innocent Eunice getting into an affair with Stephen Denver. Those parts were so 'frightening' for me, especially when they were both in Stephen's house. But both Eunice and Stephen were godly people, very godly people, and Satan didn't manage to make them forsake their Christian values though the circumstances permitted them to do so. Was holding my breath as I read through those parts thinking, "Please don't Eunice, not you. Maybe Paul would, but not you.". Eunice really really really relied on God to pull through her difficulty, something that we(I) must learn - to eat and drink of God's Word, and to live on it. If not for her faith, I wonder what would have happened at the end of the book.
As for the themes in this book, I cannot agree more about. It touches the very core of the corruption and hypocrisy there is in the Christian Body today. Affairs, projects, money, tweaking the Gospel here and there to in the congregation numbers, Prosperity Gospel and Grace Teachings, lust, marital and familial problems, praise and worship, traditionalists and modernists, activities, etc...the theme of love that Rivers brought out was really interesting - Should we love someone so much as to look past his/her sins, or break them to make them realize their sins and stop sinning because we love them?...a really great book to read as it brought the many sins Christians today commit to the surface.
March 22, 2009
Very nice story that doesn't throw religion down your throat. Francine Rivers has a way of conveying right from wrong without the overly, push it in your face, preachy sermon type novels. I really enjoyed this book!
From back cover:
"He seemed like the perfect pastor to lead Centerville Christian Church. She was the perfect pastor's wife.
When Paul Hudson accepted the call to pastor the struggling church, he had no idea what to expect. But it didn't take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Church around. Attendance was up, way up. Everything was going so well. If only his wife could see it his way. Still, he tried not to let her quiet presence disturb him.
She knew something wasn't right, and it hadn't been for a long time...
Eunice closed the bedroom door quietly and knelt beside her bed. "I'm drowning, God. I've never felt so alone. Who can I turn to but you, Lord? Where else does a pastor's wife go for help when her marriage is failing and her life is out of control? Who can I trust with my anguish, Lord? Who but you?" Grasping her pillow, she pressed it tightly to her mouth so that her sobs would not be heard."
From back cover:
"He seemed like the perfect pastor to lead Centerville Christian Church. She was the perfect pastor's wife.
When Paul Hudson accepted the call to pastor the struggling church, he had no idea what to expect. But it didn't take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Church around. Attendance was up, way up. Everything was going so well. If only his wife could see it his way. Still, he tried not to let her quiet presence disturb him.
She knew something wasn't right, and it hadn't been for a long time...
Eunice closed the bedroom door quietly and knelt beside her bed. "I'm drowning, God. I've never felt so alone. Who can I turn to but you, Lord? Where else does a pastor's wife go for help when her marriage is failing and her life is out of control? Who can I trust with my anguish, Lord? Who but you?" Grasping her pillow, she pressed it tightly to her mouth so that her sobs would not be heard."
November 2, 2018
I read this book in 7 hours. I had just spent exactly 5 hours on computer homework, and I couldn't take it anymore, so I sat on my couch, made some tea, put on my fire, and started reading. This book was incredible. I was speechless when I finished. The beauty and pain in each character were just incredibly relatable and well written (I aspire to be Abby!!). Francine once again captures your heart in a grace-filled, love-giving, heartbreaking, faith-building, and redemption-filled story.
And the Shofar Blew is a reminder of God's faithfulness to us even when we are not faithful to Him. I found it an essential reminder of how quickly sin can sneak into our hearts and take us places we would never dream we would go.
I would recommend this book to anyone-male or female- for a heart-changing story. I believe it will refresh and realign your walk with the Lord.
P.S. One other thing I loved about this book is how often the Lord called him/her, BELOVED. The word Beloved has captured my heart in so many ways, and it challenges me to accept the unconditional love of God even when I feel like I don't deserve it.
And the Shofar Blew is a reminder of God's faithfulness to us even when we are not faithful to Him. I found it an essential reminder of how quickly sin can sneak into our hearts and take us places we would never dream we would go.
I would recommend this book to anyone-male or female- for a heart-changing story. I believe it will refresh and realign your walk with the Lord.
P.S. One other thing I loved about this book is how often the Lord called him/her, BELOVED. The word Beloved has captured my heart in so many ways, and it challenges me to accept the unconditional love of God even when I feel like I don't deserve it.
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