Peter

by Toni Sorenson

He healed the lame. He walked on water alongside the Savior. His tale is the rock upon which countless numbers have built their convictions. As Christ’s chief apostle, the account of Simon Peter’s discipleship—as well as his faltering faith—has been well chronicled. Yet there is much more to the story, for Peter’s experiences did not begin and end during the mortal ministry of Jesus Christ. They spanned a lifetime of devotion. In this compelling novel from acclaimed author Toni Sorenson, the life of Peter is related as never before, a captivating glimpse into one man’s journey of discipleship—first as Simon, a stalwart young man whose trust in the Lord sets him on a path of triumph and tragedy, and later as Peter, a powerful leader of the church. Though his faith is sorely tested, his testimony of the Messiah never wavers—from the shores of his humble fishing village to the courageous final moments of his life, Peter embodies the Savior’s plea to “Come, follow me.”

Genres: Historical Fiction, Religion, Lds, Lds Fiction

336 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2015

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved Peter the Lord's chief disciple, but this was an especially enlightening story of his life & report of his ministry alongside the Savior. I was in awe of his courage & faith throughout the book & enjoyed that the author tied in Saul turned Paul. An excellent companion to read as I've been reading in the New Testament; it compliments & cites the scriptures nicely.

[Christine Maynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good! I love biblical historical fiction. This story is so well written and beautifully told. I have always loved the story of Peter in the Bible. This story brought it to life for me.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit I was skeptical at first and not sure about the writing style, but in the end, I was impressed with her thorough study of Peter’s life and relationship with Jesus Christ, the apostles, Paul, and his family. The book was easy to read and follow, especially knowing the New Testament. Her insights were often intriguing and sometimes profound. I came away with a better understanding of Peter, his background as a devout Jew and follower of John the Baptist through his brother, Andrew.

I would recommend this book to someone who already had a knowledge of Jesus Christ and His teachings. It brought me closer to Christ and his apostles and gave me a better understanding of daily life in that era. Peter was truly the greatest apostle.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

a simple retell of 4 gospels and the last couple of chapters of book are from Acts. Because it really is historical fiction, she should have showed more instead of just tell. Very simplistic

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this took me agonizingly long to get through (knowing the basic story plot probably made it feel long to me), I am so glad I listened. I would love to see Toni's research references and/or read her own synopsis of details she fabricated to make the story flow.

My foundation for understanding the New Testament, the first apostles, and the time period is significantly enhanced.

Now, I want to supplement what I gained from this story with solid doctrinal references, "Jesus the Christ" (James Talmage) or other writings from scholars.

Thank you for bringing these important historical details to life.

p.s. - I was somewhat annoyed with some of the characters' "voices" but respect anyone for trying to capture such a foreign time.

[Yvonne Buhler · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a student of the Bible, I worried about the offhand way intimate details about the Apostle Peter's life, attitudes, actions were portrayed. I guess I was concerned that someone of his religious standing was portrayed as someone so flawed. I kept reading, and eventually saw that perhaps this approach might help someone understand him as a real person and perhaps feel a bit closer to him and maybe Jesus as well. As with any historical fiction, the author filled in the blanks in the historical record as well as she could. If a person wants to review his life and relationship to other characters in the Bible, this may be of help. It was simply written and very understandable.

[Whitney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite multiple renewals, I never made it all the way through this one. It started off with a lot of promise and I was decently into it. The most interesting parts were when it went 'off script', the parts filling in the blanks or fleshing out New Testament stories. But then it stayed too 'on script' and was dry and kind of boring for what it's trying to be. Good intentions though and it did help give a slightly different perspective.

[James Biser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great review of the life of Christ’s chief Apostle. Although he had been known as Simon, Jesus referred to the man as Peter which means rock. The Church of Christ was built on that rock. There is a great narrative of the ancient Church and the family of Apostles, disciples and their kin.

[Edy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with Sorenson's novel Master, this novel gave a more personal touch to one of Christ's original disciples. The book was interesting to read. It also showed how much persecution the early disciples suffered. Over all, it was a good read.

[Gwen Ruebush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about what Peter's life might have been like. This was a really good depiction of the history we know and some likely details to make Peter more understandable to me. I learned and I felt.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good narrative, but writing was a bit dry.

[B Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not like this as much as her "Master" or "Messiah" works, however it helped learn more about this incredible apostle.

[Natalie Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this historical fiction book about Peter. Felt like I was there during Jesus’ time. Like “The Chosen” in book form. Would recommend

[Adam Houlihan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a wonderful read I cried multiple times reading this book. Seriously recommend it

[Lisa Randall]

Peter

What an amazing journey to read and follow the conversation of Simon as he became the lead apostle, Peter. It was a spiritual journey for my own self. I have read Master and Messiah by Toni Sorenson and this book does not disappoint. I learned so much about true faith and dedication to our Lord and Savoir as I read this book.

[Tenille · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good, it reminded me of the Kingdom and the Crown series by Gerald Lund. It was good to follow Peter, and get a feel for his relationship with Jesus Christ. Also to see his triumphs and trials as the chief apostle.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the typical type of book I read. I liked it though. It gave a good perspective of how I imagine it was like for Peter.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this book. Loved it! It made me cry like a baby.