The Carpenter's Son: A Novel

by John Gray

"If you've ever wished you could travel back in time to the days of Jesus and ask all of the most difficult questions, this is the novel for you. The Carpenter's Son brings Christ into our modern world and will fill the reader with love, hope and faith in, not just God, but a better world."—#1 New York Times bestselling author​ Richard Paul Evans

Brooklyn Sterling was enjoying a crisp autumn day of apple-picking with her daughter Evi, and husband Conner when the tree they were climbing suddenly cracks, and mother and daughter are thrown violently to the ground.

Across the city, Jayden hops on his bicycle heading home for hot pancakes after a morning of fishing. Noone saw the car that crashed into him, mangling his bike, and throwing his tiny body twenty feet into the air. Two lives are miraculously saved, and a mysterious stranger is witness to them both.

Other supposed "miracles" are being reported around the city, and Brooklyn, an avowed atheist and award-winning journalist for the Boston Globe, is determined to expose the fraud and reveal the truth. What happens next opens Brooklyn's eyes to a truth too bright to be denied, showing her that we are never alone on this journey, especially in the darkest of times.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There are many authors with this name on GR. This profile might contain books by several authors with this name.

Reviews

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe a book could leave me with the most incredible feeling I am feeling right now. Thank you John Gray for this amazing reading experience. It arrived yesterday and I read it throughout last evenings stormy night. It’s so ironic .. my life seems to have been in such a stormy mess.
Today I feel at peace. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

[Marci Goldstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing. Run. Don’t walk to get this one!

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

There aren’t enough of these.

I don’t read these types of stories too often; it’s not that I don’t enjoy them, but I often find faith-based fiction weaker in the storytelling department. This wasn’t that. John Gray weaves a feel-good story of faith, family, and being found, this short novel offers a glimpse into the what-ifs of Christ walking among us again. I can’t do a full review of this, as I feel it would be just too spoiler heavy, but I’ll say this: the writing isn’t perfect and it’s shorter than it should be, but the story and characters make up for it. There’s a lot to keep track of along the way and people may dismiss it for that, but The Carpenter’s Son is a wonderful and peaceful look at what a relationship with God can mean to us.

4.3 🌟

[Doug Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A modern day Jesus comes to earth story. Would you believe in miracles? Would you believe this is Emmanuel?
Loved the premise.

[Amy Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story! Couldn’t put it down!

[Deborah Kufs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warmed my heart. Has me thinking. I’d give it a ten if I could.

[Debra L Cosentino · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this book

[chris doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring and motivational book! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing!! A definite read!! Gives a great inspiration and to look for signs of God everywhere.

[Bruce Molino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel that I have read by John Gray and I found it to be a real page turner. Mr. Gray is a local news anchor on a major Albany NY television station when he is not writing novels. I've always admired his news reporting and I now also know the man can write a compelling story. As a Christian, I thoroughly enjoyed the story line around one of the major characters Edward Manuel (E. Manuel for short). While the story is fictional, the themes conveyed in this writing are very real. I found the story heartwarming and was very nearly brought to tears at various points in the story. In addition to enjoying this book, as a Christian, it reinforces everything I believe about Jesus Christ and how he desires that we live our lives. Mr. Gray will be visting our church in July for a discussion of his book and I look forward to participating in this event. I highly recommend The Carpenter's Son: A Novel.

I look forward to reading his other novels!

[Linda Guiton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is John Gray's 4th novel and it did not disappoint. John has a gift for telling a story in a way that grabs your attention from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. The characters come to life so that you feel they are friends. This story is filled with hope and love and forgiveness and opens your eyes to the possibilities for the world if more people believed. There were episodes that I would say involved devine intervention. I have always had faith, but an episode in my life a number of years ago proved that devine intervention is real. I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! A word of caution: Once you begin reading this story, you will not want to put it down until the end, so plan ahead. Thank you John for such an awesome story.

[Sara G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A peaceful, powerful read.

I read The Carpenter’s Son on a business trip and ended up finishing it faster than I expected—it's that compelling. There's a quiet brilliance in how John Gray weaves the story together. In a time when faith often stays in the background, this book brings it forward in such a warm, human way. It gave me peace, stayed with me long after, and even opened the door to a meaningful conversation about faith I might not have had otherwise. I’ve already given a copy as a gift and will definitely be recommending it.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This “feel-good, can’t put it down” book answers the question “What if God was one of us?” You could be one of these people mentioned in this book or facing your own battles, your mindset will change believing that everything happens for a reason. I absolutely loved how the story was written, the characters and the sprinkle of scripture verses to solidify truth from fictional storytelling. I look forward to reading more stories from this author and can’t wait to share and encourage others to read this!

(I started in September but had to delay reading and finishing because of exam prep).

[Melanie Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is life changing!! If more people read this book, the world would be a better place. I read it cover to cover in one day. Restored my faith in so many ways, not that I had lost faith, but it was a reminder of all the faith I do have and just forgot about for a bit. Thank you John Gray for writing this book! I really needed this amazing read.

[darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!!!

I absolutely loved this book...I know I'm going to reach for it again and again. My husband is going through some serious health issues right now,and this book lifted my spirits,which is greatly needed.I highly recommend this book to everyone and most importantly to anyone going through difficult times! Thank You John Gray

[Amy Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough good things about this book. It is well written, inspiring, uplifting, just an all around feel good book. It makes you pause and realize everything happens for a reason, even though we may not see it. Sometimes it’s easy to lose Faith when things don’t go as we perceive they should; however God always has a plan for us. Read it, and I dare you not to smile when you finish it.

[Cathy Musella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. So much so, that I purchased several more copies to give as gifts. Such a wonderful story that just keeps getting better and better as you turn the pages. That plays off of I highly recommend reading this. It has truly left a lasting impact on me.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I enjoyed this book immensely. There was a turn at every corner. It kept me engaged and I couldn't put it down. Worth the read.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing read!!! John Grey is a fantastic author. Will be sharing this with family and friends.

[Alison Calvagno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful, heartwarming, spiritual! Loved it!!!!

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a fantastic book that everyone should read. It was inspirational and left me a little teary eyed.

[Sharon Bezrutczyk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give this book 10 stars. I think this will be my favourite book this year! It is a book that everybody should read especially at this particular time in history.

[Debbie Backlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting! Made my heart happy! Loved this book💕

[Suzi Obrien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just lovely! Faith building and a wonderful reminder that we are loved.

[Goretti (Gigi) Cunha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy read - easy to follow. The kind of book/story that makes you wonder about how you would handle situations. Think about walking in another's shoes...

[Ray Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best reads of the year so far! The story is reminiscent of Karen Kingsbury's Angels Walking Series! I highly recommend this book!

[Alisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book about faith and shared a clear gospel message!! I'm thankful John wrote it and I hope that people are saved because of it.

[Allison Olsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brought many tears! Joy and sad. Beautiful story of lost, and found faith!

[Ida · Rating 5 out of 5]

unbelievable awesome

I loved this book from start to finish. Such an eye opening awesome story. Thank you John Gray. Look forward to another great book from you.
Ida