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Miracles
An ambitious reporter must find the truth about a man who works miracles in this supernatural mystery featuring a female lead. Jaime Halasz is fighting for a bright future after a tragic past when she's assigned the story of her career: uncover the source of the miracles breaking out all over Atlanta, GA. As the seemingly supernatural events pile up, she's skeptical. But when she witnesses the miraculous events herself, she's thrust into the center of the story that will make or break everything she's been working for. What will it take to believe in these miracles and the man behind them? And even if Jaime can trust him, what happens to her story—and his future—when some believers turn their backs? Miracles asks us to consider what it would look like in a world of smart phone videos and 24/7 media if the unbelievable became undeniable.
248 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2023
57 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 28, 2023
This "what if" story really prompts you to think about how you'd react to similar occurrences. What if strange lights showed up in the sky? What if other unnatural phenomena occurred? And what if, in the wake of these things, one man had the ability to do the impossible?
Would we look at Jairo as a false Christ? I mean, there's a lot to him that is "Christ" like. Poor man, close family. Construction worker. Humble. Quiet. Not looking to be the center of things until he's told to be... I mean, come on.
And when someone claims God speaks to him, and if it is so, then that person's words become equal with Scripture. That has some serious things to consider. But setting that aside wasn't hard to do After all, this is spec-fic. Coleman just wants us to see that God can and does choose to do miracles, even if not in these grandiose ways. The friend who goes in for a routine scan to check the progress of her cancer and it's gone. It happens. These kinds of things occur all the time. But one after the other? PERFORMED by one man instead of just happening? I mean, God doesn't need Jairo to do His miracle working. He can do it alone.
But for the sake of the story, having the allusion of all the Biblical ways that miracles have been performed really does pack a punch. And the story is pretty good, too. I mean, I listened to an entire book in first-person/present tense and enjoyed it. A LOT. Aside from a few caveats, it was a compelling story that really kept me going. I rooted for people, wanted to weep for others, and understood better at the end why people reject God when things don't "go their way." That alone was definitely worth the read.
But there are a few small things that kept it from being a five-star read. They're probably just my own quirks but I'll throw them out in case they are beneficial.
1. There were a few scattered words I don't care to read. Not many... maybe they could be counted one hand? Definitely not more than two. None really needed to be there.
2. The writing style worked for the most part. It really did. And I think it fits the story well, despite it not being my favorite person/tense combo. That said (and it might be exaggerated for me because I listened on audio), it read somewhat stilted at times because Coleman seemed averse to contractions. It's not that he never used them, but in a book with such a conversational tone, so many "you are" instead of "you're" start to jar. A lot.
3. A few things felt unresolved. We have two relationships with serious breaches. One you MIGHT call as resolved, but I can't see Jaime letting it go. The other... not so much. IF she decided not to deal with those things, then it would have felt more "finished" if she'd acknowledged them. Throughout the book we know about these two people and how much of an impact on her life they were... and then there's a breach. And then nothing. Additionally, I kind of feel like her boss was left hanging as well--her job. Basically, I think the book could've used a good epilogue, and considering she is a journalist, it totally could've been done that way without feeling like an info dump. I feel a little like I'm missing out on the end.
Note: for those bothered by this sort of thing, there is a reference to her having spent the night with a guy. It's 100% off page, she's not a Christian, and she's not exactly proud of herself for it. Just putting it out there.
Would we look at Jairo as a false Christ? I mean, there's a lot to him that is "Christ" like. Poor man, close family. Construction worker. Humble. Quiet. Not looking to be the center of things until he's told to be... I mean, come on.
And when someone claims God speaks to him, and if it is so, then that person's words become equal with Scripture. That has some serious things to consider. But setting that aside wasn't hard to do After all, this is spec-fic. Coleman just wants us to see that God can and does choose to do miracles, even if not in these grandiose ways. The friend who goes in for a routine scan to check the progress of her cancer and it's gone. It happens. These kinds of things occur all the time. But one after the other? PERFORMED by one man instead of just happening? I mean, God doesn't need Jairo to do His miracle working. He can do it alone.
But for the sake of the story, having the allusion of all the Biblical ways that miracles have been performed really does pack a punch. And the story is pretty good, too. I mean, I listened to an entire book in first-person/present tense and enjoyed it. A LOT. Aside from a few caveats, it was a compelling story that really kept me going. I rooted for people, wanted to weep for others, and understood better at the end why people reject God when things don't "go their way." That alone was definitely worth the read.
But there are a few small things that kept it from being a five-star read. They're probably just my own quirks but I'll throw them out in case they are beneficial.
1. There were a few scattered words I don't care to read. Not many... maybe they could be counted one hand? Definitely not more than two. None really needed to be there.
2. The writing style worked for the most part. It really did. And I think it fits the story well, despite it not being my favorite person/tense combo. That said (and it might be exaggerated for me because I listened on audio), it read somewhat stilted at times because Coleman seemed averse to contractions. It's not that he never used them, but in a book with such a conversational tone, so many "you are" instead of "you're" start to jar. A lot.
3. A few things felt unresolved. We have two relationships with serious breaches. One you MIGHT call as resolved, but I can't see Jaime letting it go. The other... not so much. IF she decided not to deal with those things, then it would have felt more "finished" if she'd acknowledged them. Throughout the book we know about these two people and how much of an impact on her life they were... and then there's a breach. And then nothing. Additionally, I kind of feel like her boss was left hanging as well--her job. Basically, I think the book could've used a good epilogue, and considering she is a journalist, it totally could've been done that way without feeling like an info dump. I feel a little like I'm missing out on the end.
Note: for those bothered by this sort of thing, there is a reference to her having spent the night with a guy. It's 100% off page, she's not a Christian, and she's not exactly proud of herself for it. Just putting it out there.
June 11, 2023
This book makes one think about how they would react if God began using an unlikely person to do miracles in our day. Would we consider them a false prophet or would we recognize the power as from God?
March 3, 2023
To my friends who follow my reading habits, please note -
This is outside of my usual genre and is general fiction bent solidly towards Christianity.
It is *not* a romance (I know!).
It is clean with no real language to speak of - while I wouldn't read it as a bedtime story to my baby nephew, I would recommend it to anyone else who tows the line of PG rated books.
Now, to my review (it may get bumpy here).
As I was reading, several thoughts remained with me -
This is the definition of a plot-driven book.
The author chose a female protagonist, but it appears to be solely because she needed to be a different gender than the male protagonist. She could have been a he, and I don't know that I would have noticed the difference.
The author's use of the word beautiful stood out to me. It kinda felt like he was hesitant to say why someone was or wasn't considered beautiful.
I am one of those people who can't picture things really well in their head, so descriptions can be just words on a page. However, for things not to read like a newspaper article, I rely on the use of adjectives and language to evoke emotion about the setting and the characters. Overall, this book needed some soul-stirring descriptions or just any descriptions.
I missed being in my feelings while reading. I missed the female protagonist being female.
With all that said , I still enjoyed the book and really enjoyed developing theories about what was happening. It kept me guessing, and that was fun.
The question about what it would take for a person to believe in miracles is pretty fascinating, and this book really made me ask that of myself. If someone was going about working miracles, I would be the first person to hop on the skeptic train.
I appreciated how the author imagined this scenario would play out. I think he is pretty spot on - especially about Reddit 😂. But I felt like it was *fair, and I appreciated not being able to immediately identify the specific brand of protestant religion the author practices.
The book moved along at a very pleasing pace. I didn't get bored with it.
I think a lot of my more conservative reading friends will enjoy this book - But not my completely OTT right right-wing friends (whom I will refrain from tagging!) as they will not like the male protagonist being a possibly illegal Catholic immigrant who is potentially being used by God (😶🫢😬🫣).
This is outside of my usual genre and is general fiction bent solidly towards Christianity.
It is *not* a romance (I know!).
It is clean with no real language to speak of - while I wouldn't read it as a bedtime story to my baby nephew, I would recommend it to anyone else who tows the line of PG rated books.
Now, to my review (it may get bumpy here).
As I was reading, several thoughts remained with me -
This is the definition of a plot-driven book.
The author chose a female protagonist, but it appears to be solely because she needed to be a different gender than the male protagonist. She could have been a he, and I don't know that I would have noticed the difference.
The author's use of the word beautiful stood out to me. It kinda felt like he was hesitant to say why someone was or wasn't considered beautiful.
I am one of those people who can't picture things really well in their head, so descriptions can be just words on a page. However, for things not to read like a newspaper article, I rely on the use of adjectives and language to evoke emotion about the setting and the characters. Overall, this book needed some soul-stirring descriptions or just any descriptions.
I missed being in my feelings while reading. I missed the female protagonist being female.
With all that said , I still enjoyed the book and really enjoyed developing theories about what was happening. It kept me guessing, and that was fun.
The question about what it would take for a person to believe in miracles is pretty fascinating, and this book really made me ask that of myself. If someone was going about working miracles, I would be the first person to hop on the skeptic train.
I appreciated how the author imagined this scenario would play out. I think he is pretty spot on - especially about Reddit 😂. But I felt like it was *fair, and I appreciated not being able to immediately identify the specific brand of protestant religion the author practices.
The book moved along at a very pleasing pace. I didn't get bored with it.
I think a lot of my more conservative reading friends will enjoy this book - But not my completely OTT right right-wing friends (whom I will refrain from tagging!) as they will not like the male protagonist being a possibly illegal Catholic immigrant who is potentially being used by God (😶🫢😬🫣).
May 29, 2023
I can’t stop thinking about this book.
April 9, 2023
Jaime Halasz, a journalist in Atlanta, is assigned to cover a story about a series of unexplainable events. At the center is a construction worker named Jairo who performs miracles like those of Jesus: walking on water, healing a blind woman, bringing a dead man back to life, and sometimes "just" turning bringing hope and new life to a broken soul.
There are many different explanations for the miracles and contention on whether Jairo is a good person or a con artist. Jaime struggles with these questions even as she sees the miracles with her own eyes. She is drawn into Jairo's inner circle and is able to talk to him about how God tells him to act in certain circumstances, but not others . . . including her best friend, Alisha, who is dying.
The book asks the question: What would it take for you to believe? I found the different reactions in the book to be very true of humankind, especially in our generation when technology can create so many believable fictions. I also appreciated the sincere discussion of why God answers some prayers in the way we want while others seem to be unheard. I think this is something all Christians struggle with, to a degree.
Miracles is a good book to use to examine one's own faith and the foundations that support it. The book doesn't try to answer all those questions definitively; that is for the reader's own heart.
There are many different explanations for the miracles and contention on whether Jairo is a good person or a con artist. Jaime struggles with these questions even as she sees the miracles with her own eyes. She is drawn into Jairo's inner circle and is able to talk to him about how God tells him to act in certain circumstances, but not others . . . including her best friend, Alisha, who is dying.
The book asks the question: What would it take for you to believe? I found the different reactions in the book to be very true of humankind, especially in our generation when technology can create so many believable fictions. I also appreciated the sincere discussion of why God answers some prayers in the way we want while others seem to be unheard. I think this is something all Christians struggle with, to a degree.
Miracles is a good book to use to examine one's own faith and the foundations that support it. The book doesn't try to answer all those questions definitively; that is for the reader's own heart.
May 14, 2023
Miracles
The story is very interesting and inspiring. I remember thinking if I had met Jesus I would have believed. But, now I am not so sure, notice and not only because of this story. John the Baptist knew Jesus, baptized Him, but later doubted. So we are all capable of falling away.
The story is very interesting and inspiring. I remember thinking if I had met Jesus I would have believed. But, now I am not so sure, notice and not only because of this story. John the Baptist knew Jesus, baptized Him, but later doubted. So we are all capable of falling away.
May 9, 2023
Unusual, inspiring
I kept thinking I knew where this story was going and how it would end. I was wrong, wrong, wrong. A great message and a unique way of presenting it. Hoping there will be a sequel.
I kept thinking I knew where this story was going and how it would end. I was wrong, wrong, wrong. A great message and a unique way of presenting it. Hoping there will be a sequel.
November 9, 2023
Remarkable
Miracles, by John Coleman I will recommend this book to a lot of people because it is a miracle that it found me. It was very hard to see it as a normal read. I was determined to finish it..I couldn't put it down. It still leaves me to wonder. Has John seen a miracle. When I was three years old, I was the only one out of four children that wore glasses. I loved to read. It is still my passion. In my thirties my vision got worse. I contracted conjunctivitis, in both eyes. It looked as if rain was in my eyes all day. Northwestern University in Chicago said that as the infection got worse my vision was getting better. I was off work and two sons to care for. I couldn't understand why I just couldn't have a pair of glasses so that I could see. I went back to work wearing sunglasses. Light hurt my eyes. It took months. When I was contemplating going somewhere else to get my eyes tested for glasses, I was at work (postal clerk). I started reading signs that were way far ahead of where I was standing. When I was waiting for the bus, I could see the number of the bus...so far away. I am 73 yrs old. I wear reading glasses ( 150 ) sometimes... The doctor told me I was getting old in my fifties. Only wear them when I'm reading. If I forget them, I still read. I am a recipient of Gods miraculous Miracles.
Miracles, by John Coleman I will recommend this book to a lot of people because it is a miracle that it found me. It was very hard to see it as a normal read. I was determined to finish it..I couldn't put it down. It still leaves me to wonder. Has John seen a miracle. When I was three years old, I was the only one out of four children that wore glasses. I loved to read. It is still my passion. In my thirties my vision got worse. I contracted conjunctivitis, in both eyes. It looked as if rain was in my eyes all day. Northwestern University in Chicago said that as the infection got worse my vision was getting better. I was off work and two sons to care for. I couldn't understand why I just couldn't have a pair of glasses so that I could see. I went back to work wearing sunglasses. Light hurt my eyes. It took months. When I was contemplating going somewhere else to get my eyes tested for glasses, I was at work (postal clerk). I started reading signs that were way far ahead of where I was standing. When I was waiting for the bus, I could see the number of the bus...so far away. I am 73 yrs old. I wear reading glasses ( 150 ) sometimes... The doctor told me I was getting old in my fifties. Only wear them when I'm reading. If I forget them, I still read. I am a recipient of Gods miraculous Miracles.
March 29, 2023
Yet another book I would give add a half star if I was able. 3.5 out of 5 seems about right. It isn't great literature but it does present an interesting scenario and plays it out in interesting ways. It is also clearly written to get you to think about faith and miracles and what it would take for you to believe in the supernatural. And it succeeds in this to some degree. The conversations are not overly didactic and the story moves at a good pace most of the time. The lead character, reporter Jaime Halasz, drives the story and draws the reader in. The weakness is that there are really no other fully developed characters and as Jaime finds herself in a personal crisis, the plot kind of fails away to be wrapped up a little too neatly. And a number of issues are not explored very deeply (Why are Christians so suspect of miracles, and likely to get into fights with other people of faith?). Plus, it is a lot of "tell" and not much "show" (conversations as exposition).
All in all, an enjoyable and interesting read that only cost me a dollar on my Kindle.
All in all, an enjoyable and interesting read that only cost me a dollar on my Kindle.
February 19, 2023
A few pages in, I was gripped with the strength of one of my favorite spy thrillers, finishing "Miracles" in less than forty-eight hours. But Miracles is more than entertaining. It is provocative, thought-provoking. Profound even. John goes beyond asking us whether we believe in miracles. He hands us a pair of glasses to see that the real miracle (of everlasting significance) is the transformation of our human hearts. John, thank you for your wisdom, your wit and your courage to write as you have. I look forward to your next one!
February 2, 2023
Miracles will take you on a journey with the characters that pull you into their world.
Miracles will take you on a journey with the characters that pull you into their world. In this work of fiction, you forget you are just reading a novel and feel as if these characters are your friends, coworkers, family. John Coleman’s first novel is a must read. Although it starts off slow, by the fifth chapter I am immersed and hardly realize time pasted to the last word of the novel.
Miracles will take you on a journey with the characters that pull you into their world. In this work of fiction, you forget you are just reading a novel and feel as if these characters are your friends, coworkers, family. John Coleman’s first novel is a must read. Although it starts off slow, by the fifth chapter I am immersed and hardly realize time pasted to the last word of the novel.
February 14, 2023
Miracles was a book worth reading, no doubt. It captured my attention and kept me looking for a spare minute to read a few more pages! I was invested in the whole narrative to the point that, when not reading, I found myself considering how it was going to end!
I loved how it posed theological questions without being an iota preachy or judgmental. Regardless of your faith background, this is a book that will leave you pondering the possibilities of the miraculous!
I loved how it posed theological questions without being an iota preachy or judgmental. Regardless of your faith background, this is a book that will leave you pondering the possibilities of the miraculous!
January 24, 2023
I didn’t want to put it down!
As someone who believes in miracles, I was very curious to read the author’s perspective. I was hooked from the first page and didn’t want to put it down.
This book will cause you to think, but also includes some light hearted humor, which will keep you interested.
As someone who believes in miracles, I was very curious to read the author’s perspective. I was hooked from the first page and didn’t want to put it down.
This book will cause you to think, but also includes some light hearted humor, which will keep you interested.
January 27, 2023
A Real Page Turner!!
I loved this book! It brings the miracles of the Old and New Testament to present day and helps the reader to imagine what it would actually feel like to live through miraculous times. I got so much from this book from a spiritual perspective! Also, it’s set in Atlanta and it was very fun to read about a story set in my hometown. Bravo!
I loved this book! It brings the miracles of the Old and New Testament to present day and helps the reader to imagine what it would actually feel like to live through miraculous times. I got so much from this book from a spiritual perspective! Also, it’s set in Atlanta and it was very fun to read about a story set in my hometown. Bravo!
February 5, 2023
I thought this book might be a modern day parable, but it ended up being so much more to my pleasant delight. I couldn’t put it down actually and just consumed it over the weekend. I really liked the story playing out through the eyes of a skeptical reporter who both doubts and then struggles with her doubts. Fantastic read and would highly recommend, for both believers and unbelievers alike.
September 3, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed John Coleman's debut fiction novel! The main character Jamie is a delight to follow throughout the book, and I appreciated learning about what she discovers and how she changes. I listened to this on Audible, and I found myself looking forward to my commute to work just so I could get more listening time in. I can't wait for his next novel! Happy reading / listening!
October 12, 2023
Pretty good read about faith, spirituality and hope, especially if you don't think about faith.
July 22, 2024
Garbage. Written like a college kid with aspirations for greatness. But no concept for actual narrative structure.
October 3, 2024
Good Reading
I enjoyed this book. GOD still works miracles. We just have to watch for them. Highly refinement this book. ENJOY!
I enjoyed this book. GOD still works miracles. We just have to watch for them. Highly refinement this book. ENJOY!
February 4, 2023
Riveting Read
The author weaves an inspiring yet honest tale that challenges readers to consider their faith as they move through a fast paced narrative that analyzes how media, political figures and faith leaders work together to frame our understanding of one of God’s greatest mysteries: Miracles.
The author weaves an inspiring yet honest tale that challenges readers to consider their faith as they move through a fast paced narrative that analyzes how media, political figures and faith leaders work together to frame our understanding of one of God’s greatest mysteries: Miracles.
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