Memory's Door

Well Spring #2

by James L. Rubart

With a victory against the Evil One under their belts, the four of the Prophecy have managed to bring even greater adversity their way.
In Soul’s Gate, Reece, Dana, Brandon, and Marcus—the four of the Prophecy—were set free from some of their deepest wounds.
Now the four must stand against the Enemy’s continues assaults—and try to determine how to prevail against the dark manifestation of The Wolf mentioned in the Prophecy.
But the Enemy isn’t going to make that easy. Circumstances in each of their personal lives affect their unity and commitment to the group. Three enigmatic men appear and none of the four can get a true sense of whether these men are intimate allies . . . or diabolical enemies. And if that’s not enough, the Enemy has begun torturing them with visions of what their lives would be like if they could reverse their greatest regrets—if they’d made the right choices.
These four have seen amazing things in the spiritual realm. But faith can become even more difficult when it’s influenced by sight.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Supernatural, Christian, Fantasy, Fiction, Christian Fantasy, Thriller Suspense

400 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2013

About the author

James L. Rubart is a 28 year old trapped in an older man's body, who loves to water ski and dirt bike with his two grown sons. He's the bestselling, Christy Hall of Fame, Carol, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award winning author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending stories of spiritual freedom. He's also an audio book narrator and co-owner of The Rubart Writing Academy. He lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like C. S. Lewis and John Bunyan before him, James L. Rubart is a master of the art of allegory. A cleverly concocted, gripping, intense, and well-written thrill ride, Memory's Door was an amazing read. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book in the series included all of the characters from the first book, and also introduced a few new characters. I felt like the spiritual warfare in this book was more of a focus than in the first book, and almost felt like the first book was setting the stage for the rest of the series, although there was a ton of story in the actual first book! You definitely need to read Soul's Gate before reading this one! The story lines build and you need the foundation that was laid in the first book.

I will say, I didn't care for this one as much until about mid way through. Some of the scenes seemed a bit, "weird", which is unusual for me to say about a James Rubart book because I'm familiar with his style and a fan of his work. BUT, once things came together, I could see why he wrote things the way he did, and the scenes not only made sense but became pretty powerful in light of all the pieces coming together. The only thing I didn't care for was the scene with, "Jesus". I wont go into detail and spoil it, but I felt like that could have been written a little differently. Looking forward to reading the final book at some point!

[Alycia Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking a line from James L. Rubart's latest novel, "That was a ride on the far side of extreme." Memory's Door had me pinned to my seat as I flew through the novel.


The sequel to Soul's Gate, Memory's Door is a journey into battling the spirit of religion that reigns in today's society. But that isn't where it ends. Underneath is the story of forgiveness. And this is the part that touched me the deepest.

I'm a self-proclaimed perfectionist. I like to do things right. I like it when others do things right. And I grit my teeth when I make mistakes or fail. When my sin nature rules, my flesh strong and spirit weak. Which brings me to my personal struggle with forgiving. Sure, I can easily forgive another. It's myself I have the hard time forgiving. Because I know I could have done it better. Because I know the hurt or inconvenience my mistakes have caused others. Because I want to be better than I am. I don't want to accept my human flaws. I want to be more like Jesus.

Page 300 of Memory's Door is my favorite.

"It didn't make sense. Why wasn't Jesus showing him? There was nothing to see. Nothing to see. Nothing."

Marcus is realizing that God wipes away our sin. Forgiven. Nothing remains. Only Jesus. I cried as I read this on an airplane, stuck between two passengers. Nowhere to hide as I wiped my cheeks with the cuff of my sweatshirt sleeve. It takes a good writer to make me cry while I'm reading a book. I think this is only the second time it's happened to me.

Memory's Door isn't just a novel. It's a call to live free. Free from the condemnation of the enemy, who would have us bound tight and unable to fight for the kingdom of God if he could. It's a call to free ourselves from the mistakes of our past, to have no regrets, and to learn to forgive ourselves as Jesus Christ has forgiven us.

I highly recommend Jim's novels. Every one of them has something significant to say about our spiritual well-being, about the choices we make every day. Memory's Door is now my second favorite. Please read it. It won't disappoint you.

[Melissa (Hiatus due to Death in Family) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent continuation of the Soul's Gate series. Really makes me think about my spiritual life and what God could do in my life if I'd just let Him.

[Dina Sleiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early this year I decided "Soul's Gate" by James Rubart is my new favorite novel. Now that I've read Memory's Door, Book 2 in the Wellspring series, I can say that the series is now my favorite as well. What would be very hard would be choosing between these books. Book 1 struck me as brilliant, largely because it was so different than anything I've ever read before--closest I could describe it would be the Frank Peretti books but with a fresh, contemporary twist--but book two stands on its own and has powerful and unique qualities as well. It is an incredible follow-up to book 1, but can also be enjoyed as a stand alone novel.

One might consider this book a spiritual allegory, but I think it would be better to explain it as a book that takes spiritual realities and puts them into words and pictures that we can understand with our limited human senses. As a person who is open to spiritual experiences, I would say that many of the descriptions accurately capture, as best as one can with our limited vocabulary, aspects of the spiritual realm.

Jim's passion is bringing people to freedom. Book 1 in this series focused on inner healing and growing in awareness of the spiritual dimension, but book 2 takes a closer look at two specific areas: freedom from regrets and from religiosity. The religiosity aspect especially tickled me. I feel like I have found freedom in this area, and yet it still tries to sneak up on me at times, not to mention, we can all become more free in this area. Jim's depiction of religiosity actually made me giggle in delight at times, because it was such an affirmation of what I should leave behind and what it truly means to be a believer. And let me mention without spoiling anything, that I absolutely loved who "the wolf"' turned out to be.

Jim's writing is fresh and clean and keeps you quickly turning pages. Then, when you least expect it, he hits you with a gorgeous description or unique perspective that truly causes the book to shine. This is a perfect example of what some are calling "life-changing" or "transformational" fiction. It is sure to touch your heart and effect you in a significant way. Little wonder book one took the 2013 Christy Award for visionary fiction. I can't wait for the next installment.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory’s Door by James L. Rubart is book two in A Well Spring Novel series. I can’t really explain how much I love this series. It is so full of life, hope, peace, but also has the darker side that will make you think that life isn’t about what we do every day it’s about the spiritual world.
As Christians we are fighting a fight here on earth that is for all eternity.
The Warriors Riding group of four have wars in the supernatural, going inside people’s souls to bring them peace and for them to heal.
All of the Warriors are attacked by something that is very important to them. How the demons try to infiltrate their lives. The demons hit them where it matters the most.
If you never read any other books this year, read the Well Spring Novels by James L. Rubart. They are so very intriguing and suspenseful. Some parts I just don’t know how they will turn out and then James Rubart comes through with an amazing escape. These books are totally worth buying and reading. They will stay on my bookshelf for always. Highly recommended. I hated coming to the end of this book. I wanted it to last for a very long time. This book Memory’s Door is one of my favorites for 2013. One more thing I love the title and how it was displayed in the book. Fantastic!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive books free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Book Review Blogger program/BookSneeze. I am not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express are my own. This is true of any book I review for any publisher or author; I will not review books where a positive review is required and I will always express my own opinions of each book received and read.

[Amanda Stephan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is it so difficult for us to let go of the past? A place we'll never be able to return to and fix what we messed up. Why is it so tempting to focus on the what-might-have-beens rather than the what-I-have-right-nows? Throughout this book, one of the major themes is facing regrets. Mr. Rubart takes his readers on a whirlwind ride and forces them to ask pertinent questions - is God in every circumstance? Does He truly have control over *every* situation - even the ones that take something precious from you? When Christians focus on the things of this life, self-pity, self-righteousness, judging others in comparison to ourselves, we forget that this journey is not about us and we play into the hands of the enemy instead of being used by God.

This book is a prime example of why I love to read Christian fiction. With breathtaking scenes, vivid imagery and great skill, Mr. Rubart will take you on an impossible (?) journey that will challenge you to look at things a little differently and perhaps encourage you to have faith that will move mountains of doubt and worry.

*I received this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required it be positive. I highly recommend this book.*

[Ronie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, Rubart has been one of my favorite authors since he launched onto the fiction scene, but this book tops them all. This book makes you think, makes you examine what "rules" you follow, the spirit of why you do things--it's just amazing. I absolutely love that Rubart does not shy away from quoting from the Word, a technique that has become "unpopular" in today's political climate. We should not be ashamed! In the story, each time a big event would happen, I'd wonder why Rubart put the big kaboom in that place, only to discover another whammy right on its heels. this book is fast-paced and just plain awesome!

[Sara I · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book was very strong and impacting and so was this one. It didn't get as strong until the end, I felt, but it certainly causes you to think about a lot of things. Including your lifestyle. And that's along with being and extremely exciting book, having some relatable characters, and a truly magical tale.

The plot went up and down and it wasn't really straightforward but I liked it. It's almost like life instead of a written story. You don't know where it's going and the path doesn't seem clear at all. Even though it'd been a while since I had read the first book I still was able to understand what was going on, which was really nice.

I really liked some of the characters and others not so much. The story is mainly about Dana, Brandon, Marcus, and Reece. While I thought Marcus was really funny, Dana was strong and reece was strong and nice...well Brandon didn't really connect to me until the end. Before I kinda thought he was a jerk even though I had read the first book. The characters aren't stunning but you can get where they're coming from and you like them :)

Overall, I enjoyed this book a lot, it's a powerful book that takes a deeper step into our power as Children of God and I found it really interesting and exciting. It definitely makes you think but it's a really good book. Really. I'd recommend to teens and adults.

Content:Spiritual battles, demons, transportation & going into souls. Mention of drinking wine? And an accident resulting in death in the past that is discussed a bit.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in this series, Soul's Gate, was so good that I didn't have high hopes of the second book being as good, but once again James Rubart knocks one out of the park.



Even though this is the second book in a series, and a continuation of the story in the first book, it is also a lot different and just as good as the first. The same characters are again front and center that we have come to know and love, and they face even more and stronger trials and fights.



The day I got this book in the mail, I sat down and started to read it and I could not put it down. This is a truly awesome and exciting read and I had to read through til the end. As with any James Rubart book, it is so much more than "fluff", but is as meaningful as non-fiction books.



As with the first book, spiritual warfare plays a big part in the book, and it is a sobering reminder of how hard the devil fights Christians, and how we all need to be more on guard and pray even more than we do.



Not everything that happened in the book was good, but it was a remarkable read and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading it. I am definitely looking forward to the next, and I assume conclusion to the series.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I requested this book, I didn’t realize that it was the second in a series. However, I managed to follow the characters and events fairly well.
Spiritual warfare is a difficult genre to write because of the fine line between speculation and accurate doctrine. Since I have not studied the topic in any depth—and as a Baptist, I tend to be wary of such claims—I can only offer my opinion based on gut feelings.
As fiction, Memory’s Door is interesting. As doctrine…that’s where things get fuzzy. The “opposing side” was realistically portrayed—they were given enough points to be sympathetic, but enough flaws to be realistic opponents. However, I’m not so sure the protagonists were accurate in their theology. I can’t point out any particular flaws, but the general nature of fiction, especially speculative fiction, makes it hard to separate the two.
Perhaps I’d understand the theology better if I’d read the previous book. However, I did think that the showdown at the end of the book is well-written and plays with the reader’s expectations. While I was genre-savvy enough to recognize the trap, it was still a believable threat.

[Michelle Strommen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Not my usual genre but I read book 1 and had to continue. A little out there but well written and I didn't want to put it down. Can't wait to read book 3

[Randy Tramp · Rating 5 out of 5]

The four members of Warriors Riding have learned to wage war in the supernatural, to send their spirits inside people’s souls, to battle demonic forces, and to bring deep healing to those around them. And do they. The spiritual battles are impressive, once they see. Reece struggles with the loss of his sight. Brandon is being stalked at his concerts by a man in the shadows. Dana’s career is threatening to bury her. And Marcus questions his sanity as he seems to be slipping in and out of alternate realities. The Wolf hunts them. What a story. I loved it. So much reality in this read. There's a spiritual realm we can only see with spiritual eyes. Great characters. Exciting plot. Five-stars.

[Rosemarie Fitzsimmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series picked up where its predecessor left off, and continues to build in both suspense and Biblical parallel. I appreciate the story James is weaving, one that reminds us to be ever-aware of our place and role in God's kingdom. None of us can watch from the sidelines if we truly intend to serve God, and none of us should be fighting the good fight by ourselves. It's also a good reminder that we may be asked to give up what we think defines us in order to receive our true selves.
Nice read!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't talked or even thought about spiritual warfare before, but this book reminded me that there is a war for our souls. At times I thought the plot drug just a bit, but not enough to make me stop reading. Maybe it was that I wanted to get to the battle faster. It's just like I want Jesus to return now rather than later, and my impatience is more about experiencing the victory we all know is coming. I just wish it was here.

[Jasmine Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A MUST READ!!!

This book opened , my mind, heart, and soul to the possibility of seeing things in the spirit. While seemingly farfetched, reading this novel solidifies the statement, ”there’s nothing too hard for God.” I am in awe of this novel, just as I was with Soul’s Gate. I cannot wait to dive into Spirit Bridge.

[Michelle Nezat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to pick up this second book in the series. It speaks to something I'm deeply concerned with -- discernment. There are many godly people who the enemy is deceiving. Jim deals with this with boldness and sensitivity. A must read. Really, you must read the entire series. Start with book one!

[Sandy blankenship · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent work!

The author paints articulate and charged pictures that transports the reader and pulls you into the lives, hearts, and minds of the characters. He has also brilliantly woven powerful spiritual truths throughout this book.

[Joanna Raber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love this book. It really gets you to thinking about the past and how easy it is to get sucked into the schemes and lies of the devil. Cant wait to start the third book in this series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still doing well, and telling a great story. Characterizations of the Professor are still annoying, but Doug is yet more annoying and the Prof comes through with some big triumph at the end, so I'll allow it. Started #3 right away. So glad I found this series.

[Lillian Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thought provoking!

There are many lessons yo be learned in this story if the reader opens their spiritual eyes. As a writer, I can't imagine hoe hard it was to write this book. Thanks, James. Well done

[Sharon Hoseley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always James sets up an impossible scenario in a possible setting.
It's what happens in the should that makes it become real.

[Tom Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably closer to 3.5, or 7 on 10 scale. It was good, and may have bee better had i read book 1, first. Not always eady to see what author attempts to relate.

[Deb Haggerty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memory's Door brings freedom.

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. So says this book.

[Doug Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving this series! Great Christian messages and story.

[Judy Slegh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Restorative fiction.

Reading this novel portrays opportunities to confront your own emotional wounds, lies and regrets. Very thought provoking. A great read!

[Seralise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hmmm, this book isn't for everyone. Especially those who are New to Christianity. It is a good book though. With some good messages. It was a good read!

[Kara]

Taking a break from this book, not enjoying it like i thought i would. End of April 2025

[Vanya D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOTE: I received the book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. Thanks!

My rating is 3.5 stars.

I was a bit disappointed by Memory's Door. I guess the reason is the high bar that Soul's Gate put up at the start line. Truth is, I was expecting way more from this book. I mean, I got A LOT out of Soul's Gate - chills, moved spirit, lots and lots of love and mystery and such. But here? None of the above, which is a tragedy because I really wanted it to be more than just another average read.

I guess the storyline was good enough. Nothing special that grabbed my attention as, you know, amazing. Rubart took us on a tour through all four of the Warriors Riding like he did in Soul's Gate. We saw things in Marcus's soul that we hadn't known were there. We saw the disappointment and frustration in Reece, the uncertainty in Dana and the unfortunate coming down of Brandon. That was all good.

But that's just it. Good. Not great and surely, it could've been. Right? I mean, it had the potential and everything. Especially with the rise of the Evil One and the spirit of the Wolf and such...

And that Wolf? I was expecting so much more of it. I won't say what it turned out to be, but I was disappointed. I don't know what I'd envisioned, but definitely not what it was. What the Wolf came out to be was something a bit lame. Something too common for our world to really peak my attention. I guess that could be taken as the Wolf's way to wiggle into our society and all, but it just didn't give me the chills. Actually, it didn't make me feel anything at all. It's like Rubart tried to make this huge thing out of it, but it just didn't work for me.

I did like the final battle (although it felt sort of rushed/forced/unanticipated). Sure, it wasn't final final, but it was final for the book.

Something else that lowered my rating was the writing style. It did bother me a little in Soul's Gate, but there everything else sort of took my mind off of it. Here? I was really irritated at how Rubart was explaining everything. As if the reader is a five year old. I can't give any quotes or examples (because it's been several weeks since I read it and it obviously didn't stick in my mind all that much), for which I am sorry. Proof would've been nice.

What I did like though was the growth of the characters. In Soul's Gate we met one quartet, in Memory's Door they're still the same people, but quite different too. They've grown. Sure, they still struggle with a lot, but they do find it in them to wage battle.

Most of all I liked Dana. She's grown to be a true leader. Both to the Warriors Riding, and also at her job. And the change in her heart toward Brandon made me giddy (What can I say? I love romance!). I really liked her ability to seek and see the truth that the Spirit provides, not the truth of the world. She was quite amazing that way.

Reece disappointed me quite a bit with his frustration with the Lord not healing him when he wanted to be healed. Sorry, but that was just silly. A true believer KNOWS that the Lord never does anything when and how a person wishes it. Because obviously the Lord has bigger and greater plans for us than what our minds could possibly imagine. So, if we're to take for real the fact that Reece is a strong believer, then we're at least to be given a reason to trust that fact. Instead, we're met with a Reece who's more enveloped in his own self-wallowing than the importance of the Warriors' mission. He's grown lazy, procrastinating and incredibly irritating.

Brandon still acts like a hippie whose brain capacity isn't all that big. I'm sorry for saying this, but it rings true to my ears. Sure, he's a singer, but do singers have limited thought processes? No education? Immature vocabulary? And I'm not talking current show-your-naked-self-in-front-the-whole-world kind of singers, because in their case the answer is obvious. I'm talking believer artists with higher agendas, who should be setting higher standards.

Marcus was his usual self. Too brought down by guilt and the false weight of something he didn't do, but still Marcus through and through. I couldn't believe how long it took him to fess up to his wife about all the guilt he was feeling. And I also couldn't believe that he was taking for granted the words of a demon! *sigh* Nobody's perfect, I know, but seriously? In our everyday lives, we're discouraged and deceived by unknown sources. Marcus knew the source of deception and still thought it a good idea to trust it. Good thing some sense was knocked into him in the end, or I could've just ended up hating him or something.

In conclusion there's nothing much to say. Just that I'd expected more, but gotten less. Don't get me wrong, it was still a good read, just not the superb one I was hoping for.

[Danyelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The four members of Warriors Riding have learned to wage war in the supernatural, to send their spirits into people's souls, to battle demonic forces, and to bring deep healing to those around them. But their leader Reece struggles with the loss of his sight and his passion photography along with it. Brandon is being stalked at his concerts by a man in the shadows, Dana's career seems to consume her, and Marcus starts to question his sanity as he seems to be slipping in and out of alternate realities.

Now they have to prepare for war as the Wolf begins to hunt them, fulfilling the second part of the prophecy. His traps are set and he's waiting to devour anyone who steps into it. His supernatural hate of all they stand feeds his mission and he won't stop until he destroys not only their bodies but their souls as well. The Warriors Riding need the Armor and blessing of God to defeat their greatest enemy yet.

As the team tries to stay together and close to the Spirit, attacks are launched from all sides to try and separate them from their strength. On their own their powerless, but with Christ no enemy is too big and the team clings to that as their lives are turned upside down and decisions made that can alter their lives forever. The battle has begun and it'll be the biggest one yet. The team will need their faith like never before if they ever hope to defeat the Wolf.

Will Reece see again or is his vision lost for good? Is Brandon's stalker dangerous or friendly? Will Dana's career be her undoing or will she be able to prevail? Will Marcus be stuck between realities forever or will he gain freedom from the confusion? Can the Warriors Riding defeat the Wolf or will they die trying? What decisions will each character make and will they be the right one?
------------------------------------

Having loved the first book in this series, I was excited when I got offered the opportunity to read this one as well. My expectations were high, and this book met some of them while others fell flat. I can't really place my finger on one thing that made this book different, but for some reason it was. This book didn't resonate the same way that the first did and even though I enjoyed it, something was different and it affected the structure of the story.

The story started kind of slow for about half of the book, there were some confrontations and confusions but overall it was a touch slow for me, particularly since the end felt too rushed and I wasn't able to truly become engaged with the final battle before it was over. Pacing was an issue here but the story was nice and fairly easy to follow if you've read the first book in the series. If you haven't read the first book I don't recommend starting with this book, but starting at the beginning.

The message behind this book, though it can get mixed up in some fuzzing theology and ideas, is very solid and freeing. Jesus loves you for who you are and doesn't want you weighed down by mistakes, regrets, or fear. That is the true reason why these books speak to me so much. I think every one of us needs to hear that every now and again when the lies and fear and regrets start creeping in again. Most other ideas broached in this book, other than The Lord speaking and spiritual warfare, I don't believe for an instant (mostly soul travel) but part of me thinks it would be cool if some of it did exist.

The characters in this book have started to really develop nicely. Dana had really grown Into her role as the Leader very well and spiritually, I felt that she was the strongest one in this book. Reece was the character that took some steps back this book. He seems to question God at every run because of his lack of sight and the fact that it hasn't been restored yet, but honestly I can't l him blame him for questioning particularly since he knows it's to be restored. That said it was still a bit disappointing to see him stumble like that.

This author captivated me with his first book in this series and though I never really believed soul travel existed it was still fun to say what if and read the message behind the blurred lines. This book was different somehow an I don't really know how. Maybe the novelty of it wore of or maybe it's something deeper. I don't know. All I know is, I'd didn't enjoy this one as much as I enjoyed the first. I recommend this to a select audience.

Overall, I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first but still enjoyed it. This book is perfect for fans of speculative fiction. This book is definitely best left to adults only. I give this book a three out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*