The Lights of Tenth Street

by Shaunti Feldhahn

They have the house, the two kids, and the minivan. They have a well-meaning but shallow church. What Sherry doesn't know is that Doug has a shameful struggle with his thought life. When an exotic dancer's life intersects theirs, this suburban couple has to make a hard do they risk their convenience and security for her sake, or do they cross to the other side of the road? The dark forces will not easily give up their most important pawn. But Ronnie must come out of the darkness, for only she can unravel a plot of devastating destruction.“Who knew Christian fiction could be so exciting—and so relevant to the times? A fascinating tale of people caught up in temptation, spiritual mediocrity, and high-tech terrorism, The Lights of Tenth Street is an edge-of-your-seat spiritual thriller.” Bill McCartney Founder and President, Promise Keepers “The Light Shines in Darkness…” At either end of Tenth Street in Atlanta, the welcome lights of two separate establishments beckon passersby—the staid and proper Trinity Chapel and The Challenger, a popular gentlemen’s club. Within them dwell conflicting sets of values and people who have radically divergent stories and very different lives—or do they? ****************** Ronnie Hanover leaves an abusive home situation for her dream of going to college in the city. When she takes a lucrative job waitressing at a strip club on Tenth Street, she finds herself trapped in the life of an exotic dancer—and tangled up in an espionage scheme drawn straight from today’s headlines. At the other end of Tenth Street, Doug and Sherry Turner have the house, the two kids, the minivan, and a respectable church attendance. But Doug also has a serious battle with his thought life that his wife does not begin to comprehend. When Ronnie’s life intersects theirs, Doug and Sherry must decide if they’re willing to risk their convenience and security to respond to her cry for help. As angelic forces do battle behind the veil, it’s clear that the choice Doug and Sherry make…and how they confront painful issues in their marriage…has the terrifying power to deepen—or illuminate—the spiritual darkness.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Contemporary, Supernatural, Drama

472 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 8, 2003

About the author

Shaunti received her graduate degree from Harvard University and was an analyst on Wall Street before unexpectedly becoming a social researcher, best-selling author and popular speaker. Today, she applies her analytical skills to investigating eye-opening, life-changing truths about relationships, both at home and in the workplace. Her groundbreaking research-based books, such as For Women Only, have sold more than 2 million copies in 23 languages and are widely read in homes, counseling centers and corporations worldwide.

Her newest book, The Kindness Challenge, is catalyzing a movement of kindness across the country and beyond. Dozens of prominent organizations and leaders are coming together to do The 30-Day Kindness Challenge, and encourage their followers to do the same.

Shaunti’s findings are regularly featured in media as diverse as The Today Show and Focus on the Family, The New York Times and Cosmo. She (often with her husband, Jeff) speaks at 50 events a year around the world. Shaunti and her husband Jeff live in Atlanta with their teenage daughter and son, and two cats who think they are dogs.

Reviews

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

Not since This Present Darkness and its sequel have I read such a spellbinding portrayal of spiritual warfare. This book was an excellent read, and shines a light on some very serious issues that target the world and the body of Christ to this day.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is actually a pretty quick read and somewhat suspensely. Like more Christian Lit it is a little hokie and you can kind of see where it is going, but I like books like that and this one did not disappoint, no suprises. The good thing was that it reminded me ot the spiritual battles ongoing and reminded me of ways that I can show love to my wife. Definately worth the read.

[Meloney · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is my favorite, and definitely among my top ten books to read. Intense and engaging, it is a MUST read. Talks about spirit life, struggles w/thought life of believers. Very well written Christian fiction.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so impressed that a researcher would write a Christian fiction book that I’m giving 4 stars for effort. It’s not going to be the best fiction you’ve ever read, but the themes are timely and moving. These are topics not openly addressed in churches. Parts of this book reminded me of Frank Peritti’s popular books about unseen spiritual warfare.

[Rachel N · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This book is incredible, although not for the faint of heart. Feldhahn wrote this novel with the goal of exposing the Sex Industry – i.e. pornography, prostitution, stripping. She also addresses the issue of judgmentalism in the Church. The story is basically three-fold: First, a 16 year old girl runs away from an abusive home with the noble goal of attending college to become a physical therapist. She begins work as a waitress in a strip club on 10th Street in Atlanta, and then eventually becomes a dancer – where the “real” money is. In a second plot, a young couple attending a church at the other end of 10th Street work through tough issues in their marriage – pornography nearly destroying them. A final twist to the plot is a race for time as an international terrorist group seeks to bring heavy devastation to Americans. Readers will not be able to turn the pages fast enough as the various aspects of the plot unfold and finally meet for an exciting climax and victorious conclusion. Mature readers will not be able to walk away from this book without being changed. Readers will gain an understanding of the gripping vice of pornography and will be convicted by the propensity of Christians to judge those held by that gripping vice. It is truly a gifted author that can accomplish such a feat in a NOVEL. Shaunti Feldhahn is that gifted author. I cannot speak highly enough of this book. Note: Men presently struggling with pornography may find the first part of the text difficult, even though the text is not at all graphic.

[Chas Funderburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mrs. Feldhahn does a remarkable job of talking the oft-thorny issues of pornography, illicit sex, and the struggles of men everywhere with their thought life. She also investigates the women who are caught up in the 'sex for sale' industry. She explores and explains the whole complex interrelationships between the people behind the 'sex for sale' business, the men (and women) who are entrapped by it, and the (mostly) women who get sucked into it by unfortunate circumstances.

But most interestingly, she exposes many 'superficial christians' who live in their own sequestered little worlds, and want to have nothing to do with 'undesirable people.' She does a good job of giving a gentle poke to us Christians to reach out to "the least of these..."

I would highly recommend this book, in addition to the "Every Man's/Woman's Battle series, as well as any other book on Pornography addiction, which has become an epidemic in this country and the world.

Brava!

[W. Franklin Lattimore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many good men can (and do) go down the dark, inviting path of sexual promiscuity during their marriages. There is an Enemy of our souls that is waiting to put the right circumstances before us to trip us up.

This book gets into the life of a godly man who succombs to temptation. The inner turmoil is wonderfully written by this female author, who honors manhood throughout the book. The love of a good wife isn't always enough, which is apparent throughout the pages.

On the other side of the coin of sexual deviance is the girl. There almost always is one. Rarely do we know the heart of the girl/woman who goes down the path of stripping/porn/prostitution. It's harsh, damaging, and many times, life-ending. In the pages of this book you will get to know the horror that is the sex industry through the eyes and heart of one who has become trapped.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me a while to get used to the writing style. Didn't like it at first, but once I got into the story, I wanted to know the outcome and couldn't put it down. Thought provoking in the areas of angels and demons, spiritual warfare, power of prayer, good vs. evil. See various characters struggle with.development of faith: married man, wife/mom, single girl out on her own (stripper), pastor, mom newly converted Christian, Christian couples. Challenged me to learn more about angels and makes me want to grow in my faih, deeper into prayer life and start serving the Lord without reservation.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feldhahn's second novel isn't as good as her first but it does have an interesting story line and shows how easy it is to go down the slippery slope of compromise and sin. The threat of terrorism hasn't diminished since the book was written, nor has the problem of pornography so it's still a book applicable to today's times. Though still written as a "spiritual warfare" novel featuring angels and demons, there is much less of it than in her first book. She hasn't written anymore novels since this one but has written many very successful nonfiction books that I loved.

[kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

not as good as the first book (The Veritas Conflict) but still a good read...focused mostly on the growing problem of pornography in our society

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not-too-hard read, about spiritual warfare, the power of pornography, forgiveness, and redemption in Jesus. It definitely made me reflect on our society and the messages it sends!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it, but not as much as I liked The Veritas Conflict.

[Meg Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story about how a young woman could end up in the adult entertainment industry and her way out.

[Richard Coller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful story that everyone can and should relate to. A special message for men with great insight on how easy and destructive sexual sin is.

[Cmking14 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book shows both sides of the adult entertainment industry from a Christian perspective. It shows how we get sucked into sin if we are not on our guard at all times.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Since kids today have to grow up so fast, teenagers should read this. This is an intense read, so it took me longer than usual; but, it is well worth it.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the second half of the book was much better than the first half.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book.

The book was about...Ronnie Hanover who leaves an abusive home situation for her dream of going to college in the city. When she takes a lucrative job waitressing at a strip club on Tenth Street, she finds herself trapped in the life of an exotic dancer—and tangled up in an espionage scheme drawn straight from today’s headlines.

At the other end of Tenth Street, Doug and Sherry Turner have the house, the two kids, the minivan, and respectable church attendance. But Doug also has a serious battle with his thought life that his wife does not begin to comprehend.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a good story!

If you have a soft heart and an open mind, Doug & Ronnie can challenge you to love those torn apart on both sides of the sex industry. Recommended for every Christian who’d like to escape judgmental stuffiness and engage in genuine ministry. Recommended for anyone “too dirty” to set foot in church. There’s Love waiting for you! Not recommended for young readers without adult consent and discussion.

[Jane Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story methodically reveals the secrets of the main characters’ past and present lives. As the story progresses, you can feel the danger rise. Then, suddenly, it’s a fast-paced, white knuckle race to the end. You will be up all night, heart pounding, trying to get to the end, as spiritual forces battle over the souls and lives of people you’ve gotten to know very well. Reminiscent of Frank Peretti’s “Darkness” novels.

[Tom Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book, which takes a common, social sin, and uncovers all its nooks and crannies, and all of its secrets, too. Well done, author - though the entry into the fastlane parts took a while, and the ending was somewhat abrupt (to me). I think since this was written some 14 - 15 years ago, it maybe be time and necessary to update, rewrite and re-sell.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read, the style is very similar to Peretti's 'This Present Darkness' and considering that came out in the '80s it was about time for something similar. Now it's been 15 years since this one and I hope someone is working on yet another spiritual warfare novel that bumps up the writing quality a bit.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the story interesting and gripping. I wish we would have seen a little more from the perspective of the heavenly beings. I really liked the way Shaunti brings to light how men are visual. I have brought this up to men. They deny it. I don’t believe them. Ronnie was a great character and I enjoyed watching her transformation throughout the book.

[Shonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads! Shaunti's research on the differences in the ways men and women think is apparent in the way this book is written. It is unique in the world of fiction! This book was way ahead of the movie Inside Out. My copy is well-worn due to re-reading and sharing!

[Ken Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thought-provoking fictional story that recounts a serious issue common in our world today, even among believers. The last few chapters had me holding my breath as the action ramped up and the outcome was not certain. Great novel!

[Cherryjvonhaugg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fantastic

I laughed, I cried, I had to look away, and then could not read fast enough. This book was the best book I have read in a very long time. I hope there are more books in the wings from Shanti Feldman. I love her For Only books as well.

[Jenny Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at how things can appear normal but on the inside, we are really struggling. This really is a fun adventure book to read loaded with exciting scenes.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

De psychologie kant van het boek was interessant en waardevol, het verhaal zelf kon me niet zo pakken.

[Jeanne Modisett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very close in spiritual intensity as Frank Peretti’s books, This PresentDarkness and Piercing the Darkness. Reminds us of the value of prayer and compassion for others.

[R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds me of Frank Peretti in style and content but very preechy. A good story line but the dialogue was very canned.