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Foundations #1
Razed
Doug Bolling lost his wife of twenty years just as their stormy marriage was beginning to thrive, and he bitterly blames God. He tries to reconnect with his son, but it seems Mark is only interested if the relationship comes wrapped in religion. Mark claims he's just following God when he moves his family, including Doug's grandsons, further away, first to pastor, then to attend seminary. With frustrated resignation, Doug turns his attention to building a new life and a new home for himself and interior designer, Cassandra Grayson. The conflict erupts as Mark is preparing to leave for the mission field in Kenya. He delivers an ultimatum, cutting off all contact between his kids and their grandfather. God may have ripped away his wife and his son, but Doug draws the line at his grandchildren. Mark's attempt to force him to choose between the woman he loves and the grandkids he adores, drives Doug to one fateful desperate act, even if it means destroying his relationship with his son.
- GenresChristian Fiction
390 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2012
10 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Paula Wiseman
25 books77 followersAfter working several years as research chemist, Paula was blessed with the opportunity to stay home with her children and follow the writer’s path. She was published in several Cup of Comfort devotional books and in Life Savors for Women. Contingency: Book One: Covenant of Trust Series, her debut novel, spent time on the Amazon.com Christian Fiction bestsellers list, and was also the #1 Hot New Release in Christian Fiction. Indemnity, her second novel released spring 2011. She blogs on matters of life and faith at www.paulawiseman.com.
Become a fan on Facebook for updates on her books.
You can email at paula@paulawiseman.com
Paula on writing-
"So many people question that Scripture is relevant, that it has the answers for us in this day and age, that it can speak to the deepest cries of our hearts.
I believe God's word IS relevant, it DOES have the answers for us even in this day and age and it absolutely CAN speak to the deepest cries of our hearts.
I write to demonstrate that."
Become a fan on Facebook for updates on her books.
You can email at paula@paulawiseman.com
Paula on writing-
"So many people question that Scripture is relevant, that it has the answers for us in this day and age, that it can speak to the deepest cries of our hearts.
I believe God's word IS relevant, it DOES have the answers for us even in this day and age and it absolutely CAN speak to the deepest cries of our hearts.
I write to demonstrate that."
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 27, 2012
My Thoughts on this Book
Wow, I just finished reading Razed by Paula Wiseman, and finally, at the end of the book I am happy about what happens. Not that I didn’t like the book, it is awesome! The character’s just really got under my skin, but then that’s they way it had to be, because of the storyline. And because Paula Wiseman is such a gifted, talented and professional author, she knows just how to write a story to capture your interest on the first page and keep it until way after the last word is read!
Even though Doug Bolling tried to do everything right, life was cruel to him, leaving him without a wife and with a son that wanted a relationship with him, but only if he could preach to Doug, making him aware of all of his mistakes in life. I wanted to rip Mark out of the book with his holier than thou attitude, and Marks wife and father-in-law wasn’t much better! And I really like Doug. He was a good man, but one that had religion choked down his throat so much that it drove him from wanting anything to do with God. One thing about the characters, they are so very realistic, so much like people in our world today. Sometimes I actually thought I was reading about some of my friends and family that have been through what Doug was going through. I think knowing several people in this situation gives me a close connection to this book.
There is so much happening in Razed, I would never do justice in trying to tell you about it all, but I will say that I appreciate author Paula Wiseman so much for tackling this difficult issue. And she handles it so very well, knowing just what to say at the right time. And she always knows how to tell everyone about Jesus, in her unique way, that doesn’t sound preachy. Now, I can’t wait for the second book in this series, because I know Paula has another awesome story that will blow readers away!
I received a copy of this book from the author, Paula Wiseman to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Wow, I just finished reading Razed by Paula Wiseman, and finally, at the end of the book I am happy about what happens. Not that I didn’t like the book, it is awesome! The character’s just really got under my skin, but then that’s they way it had to be, because of the storyline. And because Paula Wiseman is such a gifted, talented and professional author, she knows just how to write a story to capture your interest on the first page and keep it until way after the last word is read!
Even though Doug Bolling tried to do everything right, life was cruel to him, leaving him without a wife and with a son that wanted a relationship with him, but only if he could preach to Doug, making him aware of all of his mistakes in life. I wanted to rip Mark out of the book with his holier than thou attitude, and Marks wife and father-in-law wasn’t much better! And I really like Doug. He was a good man, but one that had religion choked down his throat so much that it drove him from wanting anything to do with God. One thing about the characters, they are so very realistic, so much like people in our world today. Sometimes I actually thought I was reading about some of my friends and family that have been through what Doug was going through. I think knowing several people in this situation gives me a close connection to this book.
There is so much happening in Razed, I would never do justice in trying to tell you about it all, but I will say that I appreciate author Paula Wiseman so much for tackling this difficult issue. And she handles it so very well, knowing just what to say at the right time. And she always knows how to tell everyone about Jesus, in her unique way, that doesn’t sound preachy. Now, I can’t wait for the second book in this series, because I know Paula has another awesome story that will blow readers away!
I received a copy of this book from the author, Paula Wiseman to read and review. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions here in this review are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
August 17, 2012
In Contingency and the books that followed, the characters found themselves in difficult positions, and struggled with God and their faith. They turned to Scripture, and to trusted counselors to find an answer and then rose to the challenge to live out what God directed them to do.
Razed is a little different. Mark still goes through those struggles, but they are more subtle, more "offstage" from the story's main action. (We'll get the struggles back on stage in Refined.) In Razed, the question is, "What does my faith look like to others?" How do Judy, Mark, Julie and her family live their faith and how do they impact Doug? What draws him? What pushes him away? In examining their actions, it made me question my own.
Am I more concerned with being right than showing compassion?
Do I genuinely care about the struggles or questions people have?
Do I see the good and redeemable in people first?
Julie and her family and Mark are all good Christian people. They are folks we would want in our churches. They may be us. They do everything they are supposed to do, but they fail miserably when it comes to pointing Doug toward Jesus. Well, Debbie, almost succeeds.
In the editing stages, I made a comment that the Covenant books are about trusting God, while this series is more about submission. In Razed, we see how things go when Mark operates on his own schedule and his own agenda while claiming it comes from God. In Refined, he, Julie and Doug will all learn what submission to a holy, sovereign God is. (Don't worry, it's already drafted and I'm working on editing it.)
The characters are really close to my heart. I hope you enjoy the book.
Razed is a little different. Mark still goes through those struggles, but they are more subtle, more "offstage" from the story's main action. (We'll get the struggles back on stage in Refined.) In Razed, the question is, "What does my faith look like to others?" How do Judy, Mark, Julie and her family live their faith and how do they impact Doug? What draws him? What pushes him away? In examining their actions, it made me question my own.
Am I more concerned with being right than showing compassion?
Do I genuinely care about the struggles or questions people have?
Do I see the good and redeemable in people first?
Julie and her family and Mark are all good Christian people. They are folks we would want in our churches. They may be us. They do everything they are supposed to do, but they fail miserably when it comes to pointing Doug toward Jesus. Well, Debbie, almost succeeds.
In the editing stages, I made a comment that the Covenant books are about trusting God, while this series is more about submission. In Razed, we see how things go when Mark operates on his own schedule and his own agenda while claiming it comes from God. In Refined, he, Julie and Doug will all learn what submission to a holy, sovereign God is. (Don't worry, it's already drafted and I'm working on editing it.)
The characters are really close to my heart. I hope you enjoy the book.
August 21, 2014
This was my second Paula Wiseman book and i think she really upped the stakes for me.
Judy Bolling is wife to Doug Bolling & mother two Mark Bolling. When she dies of cancer, father and son can NEVER seem to get along. Reason? Mark is a christian & his dad is not. When Mark marries Julie his relationship with his father deteriorates further. Mark & Julie (and her parents too) can't seem to stop trying to win Doug over to their faith and this causes Doug to always be in conflict with them. When Doug starts dating again, things come to a head. He decides t sue his son, for custody of his grand children.
This book might look like another religious read but it's really one that takes you through vast emotional twists and turns. I felt a bit patronized, being a Kenyan living in Kenya, during the scenes where Kenya was involved. It felt more of an american's version of Kenya and some more research would have worked well. Other than that, i loved it. A worthy read.
Judy Bolling is wife to Doug Bolling & mother two Mark Bolling. When she dies of cancer, father and son can NEVER seem to get along. Reason? Mark is a christian & his dad is not. When Mark marries Julie his relationship with his father deteriorates further. Mark & Julie (and her parents too) can't seem to stop trying to win Doug over to their faith and this causes Doug to always be in conflict with them. When Doug starts dating again, things come to a head. He decides t sue his son, for custody of his grand children.
This book might look like another religious read but it's really one that takes you through vast emotional twists and turns. I felt a bit patronized, being a Kenyan living in Kenya, during the scenes where Kenya was involved. It felt more of an american's version of Kenya and some more research would have worked well. Other than that, i loved it. A worthy read.
March 11, 2013
I loved this book. Loosing a wife/mother is hard. Maintaining a father/son relationship after that loss when there wasn't a relationship to begin with is also hard and stressful. Mom was a Christian dad wasn't interested. A promise made between mom & son makes for a lot of trying on the sons part with his dad. An excellent read. Paula Wiseman is an excellent author. Who has been blessed with a gift. I highly recommend this book.
Read
January 3, 2016This book kept me so engaged. I could hardly put it down. I’s one of those books where you have to keep turning he next page to what’s going to happen.
At first I thought it wasn’t going to be really interesting. Just another book with a Christian twist to it. I was wrong.
This is one of the rare books out there these days tat actually makes you think seriously about things in your own life. A true gem. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book and the rest of the series.
At first I thought it wasn’t going to be really interesting. Just another book with a Christian twist to it. I was wrong.
This is one of the rare books out there these days tat actually makes you think seriously about things in your own life. A true gem. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second book and the rest of the series.
August 28, 2012
So you know how a lot of Christian fiction is really fluffy and cheesy and preachy and everyone is made of plastic?
Razed is SO not that way. It has Christians of every shade--from legalistic to understanding--and they all breathe like real people. You feel their pain, you feel their joy. It's remarkable how she is able to make these characters come to life.
Wiseman is not afraid to get gritty, either. She captured real life in pages and--forgive me for gushing--but it was just spot on. Her characters' emotional responses reminded me that I might have felt that way if this happened.
And I have to talk about her unwavering ability to make you care for these characters! I mean, within twenty pages, I'm on the verge of crying for a character (and I haven't cried over a book in a long time). Twenty pages she's managed to make me emotionally attached!
Let's not forget the sneaky way she makes the antagonist so human you forget he's supposed to be the bad guy. That's just plain awesome.
Yes, I gushed over this book--but it's just so good. This series might be better than Covenant of Trust. I cannot wait for Refined!
Razed is SO not that way. It has Christians of every shade--from legalistic to understanding--and they all breathe like real people. You feel their pain, you feel their joy. It's remarkable how she is able to make these characters come to life.
Wiseman is not afraid to get gritty, either. She captured real life in pages and--forgive me for gushing--but it was just spot on. Her characters' emotional responses reminded me that I might have felt that way if this happened.
And I have to talk about her unwavering ability to make you care for these characters! I mean, within twenty pages, I'm on the verge of crying for a character (and I haven't cried over a book in a long time). Twenty pages she's managed to make me emotionally attached!
Let's not forget the sneaky way she makes the antagonist so human you forget he's supposed to be the bad guy. That's just plain awesome.
Yes, I gushed over this book--but it's just so good. This series might be better than Covenant of Trust. I cannot wait for Refined!
February 12, 2013
This is the first novel that I have read by the author. Unlike most of the other reviewers of the book, I did not care all that much for the book. Ms Wiseman is a gifted writer who has a winning way with words. I enjoy reading clean, wholesome novels with Christian themes. This book certainly met those criteria. Yet I found the book to be too lengthy and somewhat boring. Perhaps it is just a “guy thing”; but I could not get all that interested in the story line. I notice that most of the other reviewers of the book on goodreads.com tend to be females. I'm certain that many of these ladies enjoy reading about edgy inter-familial relationships. But it was not for me. I prefer to read action packed novels so this novel was not to my liking. For those reasons I could only give the book two stars out of a possible five stars with five being the highest rating. Sorry, gals! In conclusion I want to mention that I received this book free without any cost to me from the publishers as part of an agreement for me to write an unbiased review of the book.
November 18, 2014
I started reading Paula Wiseman with Contingency. I loved that series so much that I quickly picked up this book and began this series which she had not completed yet. I immediately fell in love with this story about Doug Bolling and his family. It had characters from the other books I had read and that thrilled me. I love getting to know characters over a long span of time. Paula does such a good job of writing about conflict and resolution of that conflict in such a natural way. She also keeps enough tension in her stories even after the conflict is over that you feel like these characters could be your next door neighbors. I really like how she uses scripture sparingly in the stories and makes it such an integral part of her characters lives. Paula is one of my favorite go-to authors now. I can't wait to read her next series and get to know some of these characters even better.
January 31, 2014
This is a very emotional book. It follows the relationship of a son and father. Although it was not a favorite read of mine I did enjoy the basic story line. I gave this book 4/5 stars. I thought the author did well at writing the emotions of the characters so you could really imagine how they were reacting to each other. I did not enjoy all of the writing as I felt it was just too wordy at times. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading books that are not just quick reads or simple romances. You will find the book to have deep themes and real life emotions.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
February 14, 2013
Razed Book One, Foundations Series
Paula Wisman Mindstir Media
Where every you go, there you are.
Reminiscent of the Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, this novel traces the journey of Mark and his family to Africa as missionaries. The author portrays a modern Jonah who seems to be using his call to Africa as a means to withdraw from the challenges of building a relationship with his father. Doug, although condemned by Mark for not holding Christian morals, displays virtues of commitment, honesty and love. It will be interesting to follow the characters in the next book in the series. I highly recommend this story.
I was provided this text by Netgalley and Mindstir Media for review purposes.
Paula Wisman Mindstir Media
Where every you go, there you are.
Reminiscent of the Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, this novel traces the journey of Mark and his family to Africa as missionaries. The author portrays a modern Jonah who seems to be using his call to Africa as a means to withdraw from the challenges of building a relationship with his father. Doug, although condemned by Mark for not holding Christian morals, displays virtues of commitment, honesty and love. It will be interesting to follow the characters in the next book in the series. I highly recommend this story.
I was provided this text by Netgalley and Mindstir Media for review purposes.
November 5, 2014
This book was frustrating to me and I debated between 2 and 3 stars (wish I could give it 2 1/2). The most frustrating to me is the "ending" left you hanging. This books is about self-righteous Christians that only shove Christianity down the throats of the non-believer. No love allowed because that would mean that you are condoning the sinner's lifestyle. A lot of anger from both Christians and non-believers and none of it is resolved in anyway by the end of the book.
March 19, 2013
Emotional and heartbreaking storyline! Can't wait for Book Two!
March 27, 2013
What a book. There was so many trials that Doug and Mark within this story it was a page turner until the very end.
June 1, 2013
Great Book A little to much Religon for me, but then again I am going to read the next book
April 23, 2014
Took a while to get into it as I found myself saying to the characters " just get over it". But that's me on the outside looking in. I got hooked as I got further into the book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews