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Women of Prayer #3
Forever Loved
"I do believe God can forgive him. I really do. I’m just not sure I can." Ryan’s revelation shocks Rachel to the core. Are the foundations of a three-cord marriage strong enough to handle even the worst deception? Even when two are willing to give up? Rachel suspects Ryan’s betrayal, but when she finds out the truth, her life is torn upside down and inside out. Ryan hides his past, fearful that when it catches up to him, it will destroy him and everything he has worked to build. When the past finally meets the present, both Ryan and Rachel are lost in a world of confusion, pain and misery. Knowing God can and will forgive every repentant heart doesn’t ensure that they are capable of doing the same. Is forgiveness a feeling or an act of obedience? Will God give them the strength to do the impossible? Each book within the Women of Prayer Series is a stand alone novel.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 17, 2013
26 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 12, 2016
Ryan’s revelation shocks Rachel to the core. Are the foundations of a three-cord marriage strong enough to handle even the worst deception? Even when two are willing to give up? Rachel suspects Ryan’s betrayal, but when she finds out the truth, her life is torn upside down and inside out. Ryan hides his past, fearful that when it catches up to him, it will destroy him and everything he has worked to build. When the past finally meets the present, both Ryan and Rachel are lost in a world of confusion, pain and misery. Knowing God can and will forgive every repentant heart doesn’t ensure that they are capable of doing the same.
Darlene Shortridge is an author who is not afraid to write about the tough topics. She not only keeps your attention throughout this story but also challenges you to think about your own Biblical beliefs about homosexuality, adultery, attempted suicide, depression, gossip, sexual abuse, grace, and redemption. So many people in today's society want to twist God's word to fit what they want to believe rather than what it actually says. As Darlene's characters face the sin's they committed she appropriately draws them back to the Bible to see if what they believe correlates to what God's word says. This is not a book for the faint hearted but rather for those who want to truly enjoy a story that might challenge their beliefs. Yet, at the same time, this is a story that captivated me from beginning to end, filled with so many nuggets of truth that I will look back to time and again.
Each of the Bradley family members is so realistic and deals with all the weaknesses that we all face.
They each left an indelible print on my mind. The minor characters were memorable as well: Pastor Mark, Val, Jessi and others. The story line is complex and so real for today's world. My favorite scene was Pastor Mark's talk with Terry. If you want exactly the right way to explain a Biblical belief regarding homosexuality, this is the most well written explanation I've read. This is a book that will long stay in my mind and definitely make my 2016 Favorite reads list.
FAVORITE QUOTES: (Definitely too many to list all.)
"Not because the darts of the evil one were stronger than the side of truth, but because those lost were too nearsighted to see truth. They refused to accept truth as a way of life and instead chose the way of darkness."
"But the bigger the mess, the more we know it's God on the clean up."
"There's been fighting between the denominations for so long the enemy doesn't hardly bother with us anymore."
"..that's not how Jesus works. He loves us no matter what we've done or been through. He can mend our scars and heal our wounds. And even when your past is as dark as the deepest hell, he can shine a light where there is only darkness."
Darlene Shortridge is an author who is not afraid to write about the tough topics. She not only keeps your attention throughout this story but also challenges you to think about your own Biblical beliefs about homosexuality, adultery, attempted suicide, depression, gossip, sexual abuse, grace, and redemption. So many people in today's society want to twist God's word to fit what they want to believe rather than what it actually says. As Darlene's characters face the sin's they committed she appropriately draws them back to the Bible to see if what they believe correlates to what God's word says. This is not a book for the faint hearted but rather for those who want to truly enjoy a story that might challenge their beliefs. Yet, at the same time, this is a story that captivated me from beginning to end, filled with so many nuggets of truth that I will look back to time and again.
Each of the Bradley family members is so realistic and deals with all the weaknesses that we all face.
They each left an indelible print on my mind. The minor characters were memorable as well: Pastor Mark, Val, Jessi and others. The story line is complex and so real for today's world. My favorite scene was Pastor Mark's talk with Terry. If you want exactly the right way to explain a Biblical belief regarding homosexuality, this is the most well written explanation I've read. This is a book that will long stay in my mind and definitely make my 2016 Favorite reads list.
FAVORITE QUOTES: (Definitely too many to list all.)
"Not because the darts of the evil one were stronger than the side of truth, but because those lost were too nearsighted to see truth. They refused to accept truth as a way of life and instead chose the way of darkness."
"But the bigger the mess, the more we know it's God on the clean up."
"There's been fighting between the denominations for so long the enemy doesn't hardly bother with us anymore."
"..that's not how Jesus works. He loves us no matter what we've done or been through. He can mend our scars and heal our wounds. And even when your past is as dark as the deepest hell, he can shine a light where there is only darkness."
January 8, 2014
Excellent book! So wonderfully written, I couldn't put it down. Darlene is hands down, one of the best authors I've read. I love the way she isn't afraid to write about sensitive topics and does so in such a caring way. Bible passages are woven throughout the story, where applicable, in such appropriate and non-attacking ways. The story flowed seamlessly from the beginning to the end. Darlene is such a gifted writer, she has the ability to draw the reader in, in such a way that they feel emotionally connected to each of the characters at different times throughout the story. Although I loved all the books in the Women of Prayer Series to date, this one is my favorite so far. After reading the excerpt for the next book in this series, Forever Faithful, I am eagerly awaiting its release.
October 31, 2018
Doesn't Hold Back
Darlene doesn't hold back. She attacks the toughest of issues, problems, sins, heartaches, sins... you name it, if Christians face it she writes about it.
While I don't agree 100% with all of her doctrine, Darlene is an amazing author who writes books about Prayer, God's Grace, Guidance, Forgiveness & Living by Faith and the awful consequences of not trusting God and Listening to Him and "His Still Small Voice". But First and foremost our great need for Salvation.
I have now read Book 2 & 3 of this Prayer Series and can't wait to get the rest of them! They are hard hitting, but exceptional books.
Darlene doesn't hold back. She attacks the toughest of issues, problems, sins, heartaches, sins... you name it, if Christians face it she writes about it.
While I don't agree 100% with all of her doctrine, Darlene is an amazing author who writes books about Prayer, God's Grace, Guidance, Forgiveness & Living by Faith and the awful consequences of not trusting God and Listening to Him and "His Still Small Voice". But First and foremost our great need for Salvation.
I have now read Book 2 & 3 of this Prayer Series and can't wait to get the rest of them! They are hard hitting, but exceptional books.
July 8, 2017
The characters deal with major conflicts and sins, yet in spite of all they do wrong, they--like all believers--are forever loved by our Lord. Repentance leads for forgiveness and reconciliation, because with God all things are possible.
April 13, 2014
Wow...I wasn't expecting the subjects this book included, but Shortridge really knows how to tackle and keep them in Godly perspectives. I tried putting myself into the wife's situation, and I sure would not have wanted to be there, and not sure that I would have ended up the same way as the wife as she did in the book's ending. Shortridge also did a great job of providing insight into how a marriage's problems affects the entire family, and how each individual handles problems differently. What I really liked about this book, however, was Shortridge's follow-up comments about how we Christians are falling short by sitting by and justifying sinful behavior in our churches by turning blind eyes as one of the characters in this book did, and give the people what they want to hear, not always the truth.
March 15, 2014
I read the book quickly and the story was decent. But something kept it from being a four star for me. Life is full of issues but somehow I felt this family was on steroids with problems all at once. And I believe God can work anything out but I actually liked the side characters more than Rachel and Ryan. Everything got tied up with a pretty bow at the end and that felt too unbelievable and rushed for me.
March 24, 2014
This isn't the first book from Darlene Shortridge I've read and just as before I am not disappointed. Shortridge has a way of bringing you into a story and making you feel every emotion. I find her Christian literature to be inspirational without being preachy which I really appreciate. She is an artist when it comes to making a story and sermon one. I will definitely be reading more of Shortridge's books. I highly recommend Forever Loved to any lover of Christian fiction.
December 6, 2013
One Sunday Ryan stands up and instead of preaching makes an announcement that effects everyone around him: his wife, his children, his church congregation, him.
This is Ryan's and Rachel's story. But so glad we get to read about Mark and Jessi too and even Aumt Merri.
A great read, I am always so glad to find a new book Darlene Shortridge.
This is Ryan's and Rachel's story. But so glad we get to read about Mark and Jessi too and even Aumt Merri.
A great read, I am always so glad to find a new book Darlene Shortridge.
March 29, 2014
In "Forever Loved" Darlene Shortridge takes you on an emotional ride through a very intense Christian problem. She reminds us that if we give it all to God, anything is possible. This intense story will have you turning each page to find out what happens next. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who values the Christian faith and it's everyday challenges.
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July 31, 2015
I couldn't put this book down. I was so captivated by this story of a family torn apart by lies and deception. I could not imagine what went through Rachel's mind when she heard the news from Ryan. Allowing God to help you through trials is hard to do. I am glad this family had people who they could lean on and could pray with to see them through it. I guess you should never give up hope.
October 29, 2014
Great book
I lo e how Ms. Shortridge does not shy away from today's issues and the church and still takes a strictly Biblical stance on the issues. this story was a good read. need to go read the first two books.
I lo e how Ms. Shortridge does not shy away from today's issues and the church and still takes a strictly Biblical stance on the issues. this story was a good read. need to go read the first two books.
March 6, 2016
Awesome!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Darlene's books thus far--and that says a lot because I usually only read non-fiction. Can't wait to get the next book. Keep writing, Darlene!
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Darlene's books thus far--and that says a lot because I usually only read non-fiction. Can't wait to get the next book. Keep writing, Darlene!
April 12, 2016
The story is about a pastor confessing to his family that he is gay and the aftermath that follows. The author did an outstanding job of presenting this story. Although a fictional story, this is real life. It's also a story of grace, repentance, and forgiveness.
January 28, 2014
My favorite so far! Very moving!
January 16, 2015
A fantastic but challenging read. So many powerful lessons and messages of redemption and grace. I'm really looking forward to book 4 in the women of prayer series.
January 30, 2015
Forever loved
I cannot relate to the situations in these peoples lives, but I understand lost faith and the search to find it again.
I cannot relate to the situations in these peoples lives, but I understand lost faith and the search to find it again.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews