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When Lightning Strikes
My name is Mia Porter, and the first thing I'll tell you about myself is that no one would ever in a million years accuse me of being a perfect Christian.This is the tale of how God used me in spite of that.It also happens to be a love story.
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2015
213 people are currently reading
391 people want to read
About the author
Brooke St. James
116 books954 followersBrooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
To find out more about Brooke visit her Facebook page at:
https://www.facebook.com/brookesaintj...
Her Official website at:
http://www.brookesaintjames.com/
Follow her on Twitter or Instagram:
@brooke_stjames
To join her mailing list or for specific inquiries:
brookesaintjames@gmail.com
Listen to her audiobooks on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@BrookeStJames
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 8, 2018
Bad idea
While the fairytale romance has sweet intentions, this is a dangerous premise. Sure, it CAN happen that someone desiring to be yoked to a believer has a sincere conversion experience. The problem is that in the VAST majority of such cases, intentionally or not, they don't.
I've lost count of just the number of people I've known personally who have struggled with a spiritually indifferent spouse or, worse, ended up divorced with kids. The end result frequently being children who are also spiritually indifferent (a) because they don't want to deal with what feels like choosing between mom's beliefs or dad's, and (b) because such a witness leads the children to see belief as something "flexible" (squishy)
2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be not yoked together with unbelievers" is God's wisdom advising us for our own protection & happiness.
It's also concerning that Mia recognizes that she's being tempted, but instead of backing away from the temptation, she keeps returning to it. That's contra-scriptura, and in real life, that doesn't end happily.
There's more, but these major issues are sufficient to recommend a pass on this book.
While the fairytale romance has sweet intentions, this is a dangerous premise. Sure, it CAN happen that someone desiring to be yoked to a believer has a sincere conversion experience. The problem is that in the VAST majority of such cases, intentionally or not, they don't.
I've lost count of just the number of people I've known personally who have struggled with a spiritually indifferent spouse or, worse, ended up divorced with kids. The end result frequently being children who are also spiritually indifferent (a) because they don't want to deal with what feels like choosing between mom's beliefs or dad's, and (b) because such a witness leads the children to see belief as something "flexible" (squishy)
2 Corinthians 6:14 "Be not yoked together with unbelievers" is God's wisdom advising us for our own protection & happiness.
It's also concerning that Mia recognizes that she's being tempted, but instead of backing away from the temptation, she keeps returning to it. That's contra-scriptura, and in real life, that doesn't end happily.
There's more, but these major issues are sufficient to recommend a pass on this book.
June 3, 2017
This book was....enlightening. It was entertaining and the romance was cute but there was so much in there that spoke to me as a young Christian who has to explain God and evil and I never quite know how to put it into layman terms. SO thank you Brooke St. James for giving me such an easy and relate-able way to explain something I love so much.
I really enjoyed the unconventional yet devoted main female character and I really appreciated how her character grew in the story.
I loved everything about this book and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
I really enjoyed the unconventional yet devoted main female character and I really appreciated how her character grew in the story.
I loved everything about this book and I am looking forward to reading more of her books.
August 21, 2015
Interesting, and in a good way. It started out a bit hairy, talking about an experience with drugs that actually brought her closer to God. Then I was amused at the oxy moron being preachy and getting tattooed. I cannot judge I almost got two in my younger rebel days. I took one look at the guy,echo looked drug induced and the needle like pen and ran out the door. I also understand those who do not have the gospel have a need to express themselves and do it through ink. Only later to discover they didn't need to once they found the gospel. So I am usually more curious than any thing and end up asking what a person's ink means. It's not scary, it's fascinating because they are deep stories. Okay sorry about my tangent. It's actually a really good story, that has a basis of don't judge a book by its cover, literally. To love all man kind because each is a Child of God. Strong meaning, courage to stand on principle and on what one believes whether it hurts or not. Clean, mild talk about drugs, slightly too preach, yet makes sense with the storyline. I would recommend it. If a young person was to read it I suggest reading it with the parents only because of the drug talk. It was really about her bad experience though.
It was just a good, truthful, blunt story about a person's real life. It felt very real to me, in fact the character reminded me a lot of myself really. Great job!
It was just a good, truthful, blunt story about a person's real life. It felt very real to me, in fact the character reminded me a lot of myself really. Great job!
May 30, 2015
To me, this was a great book about having a personal relationship with Jesus. You don't have to be perfect. (no humans will ever be) It showed that you can have a strong relationship or maybe not so strong relationship and still be used by God because its not about religion, it's all about the relationship with Christ. We can let our lights shine even with tattoos and pink hair.
July 31, 2017
It Struck Twice!
Good story. When Mia &Patrick met, they almost immediately fell into intense like, and almost immediately after that into intense love. There was just one HUGE hurdle standing in their way: she is a Christian, and he is an atheist. He has no problem with the situation, but she does. She doesn't want any children they might have to have to make such a difficult choice
about God when they are young. Very interesting ending.
Good story. When Mia &Patrick met, they almost immediately fell into intense like, and almost immediately after that into intense love. There was just one HUGE hurdle standing in their way: she is a Christian, and he is an atheist. He has no problem with the situation, but she does. She doesn't want any children they might have to have to make such a difficult choice
about God when they are young. Very interesting ending.
March 2, 2018
Another good read
The author takes us to modern youth. Life with few boundaries and many rebels. The heroine has a second chance at her relationship with God. Strong in faith but unsure of her ability to witness to anyone. As he often does, God, places her in The right spot with the right person. She does what she never expected.
Great argument for the existence of God. Spoken in a language the current generation can grasp.
Another great book by Ms St. James.
The author takes us to modern youth. Life with few boundaries and many rebels. The heroine has a second chance at her relationship with God. Strong in faith but unsure of her ability to witness to anyone. As he often does, God, places her in The right spot with the right person. She does what she never expected.
Great argument for the existence of God. Spoken in a language the current generation can grasp.
Another great book by Ms St. James.
March 10, 2018
Words are not enough for this book
This book was just right it is hard in today's times to find a compatible Christian and it is scary being a witness for Christ when you're a christian and have back slidden but have had life changing events , I can relate on that part but not finding true love
This book was just right it is hard in today's times to find a compatible Christian and it is scary being a witness for Christ when you're a christian and have back slidden but have had life changing events , I can relate on that part but not finding true love
May 12, 2018
Very interesting book
Anytime you write about salvation,I get a renewed sense of spiritual birth. We do not hear about or read about people being saved enough. I feel that if more books are about salvation,even if they are not real stories, people reading will have it brought back to their mind. What a good thought to have!!!!
Anytime you write about salvation,I get a renewed sense of spiritual birth. We do not hear about or read about people being saved enough. I feel that if more books are about salvation,even if they are not real stories, people reading will have it brought back to their mind. What a good thought to have!!!!
May 29, 2017
Good.
This story was very different from any others I have read from this author. I have nothing against religion but I was surprised to find it was the topic of most of the story. It was a sweet romance though.
This story was very different from any others I have read from this author. I have nothing against religion but I was surprised to find it was the topic of most of the story. It was a sweet romance though.
October 17, 2017
Beautiful
It was a gorgeous book. The characters were relatable and different in an eye-opening way. We also did a fantastic job and I would definitely read more of her books in the future. Five stars!
It was a gorgeous book. The characters were relatable and different in an eye-opening way. We also did a fantastic job and I would definitely read more of her books in the future. Five stars!
January 20, 2018
Inspiring Christian Romance
Short but sweet unconventional Christian romance. I could understand Mia's issue and couldn't put it down until I got to the end to see if everything worked out for her. Great read!
Short but sweet unconventional Christian romance. I could understand Mia's issue and couldn't put it down until I got to the end to see if everything worked out for her. Great read!
December 18, 2019
Mia does not consider herself a great Christian but there is something God has planned for her. This is a contemporary Christian romance. It is heartwarming and interesting. The characters are great with likeable personalities. The story is romantic and inspirational. It is worth reading.
December 16, 2020
I truly enjoy this author.
I love her inclusion and/or references about God in her stories. He's been important in my life and I have always felt watched over. I'm thankful for that!
I love her inclusion and/or references about God in her stories. He's been important in my life and I have always felt watched over. I'm thankful for that!
July 2, 2022
This is a short sweet Christian romance with interesting characters. Good to see that Mia sticks to her faith and not wanting to marry a non-Christian. It was great seeing how God uses people to convert others despite their not feeling like they are good at preaching. Nice ending.
July 3, 2017
Good book
This was an enjoyable and well written book. I've never read a Christian book with an atheist as a main character. It was good and interesting.
This was an enjoyable and well written book. I've never read a Christian book with an atheist as a main character. It was good and interesting.
February 21, 2020
One of my faves
Love this book, such a great love story and a beautiful message about true Christianity and how we view those around us.
Love this book, such a great love story and a beautiful message about true Christianity and how we view those around us.
Read
July 27, 2020I liked the concept of the two main characters but this one didn't work for me. I'm sure other readers will enjoy but the style felt too much like telling for my preferences.
October 9, 2020
I found the approach to witnessing honest and real. The outcome is definitely more fairytale than real life but there was enough substance to make it worthwhile.
July 14, 2021
Short but good
This was a cute story. I felt like the ending was a bit sudden and could have had more details but it was still good.
This was a cute story. I felt like the ending was a bit sudden and could have had more details but it was still good.
September 2, 2024
Great characters
This is such a cute story about a young woman dealing with living the single life with her new Christian faith.
This is such a cute story about a young woman dealing with living the single life with her new Christian faith.
May 31, 2016
Can't miss!
Brooke St. James is quickly becoming my favorite author of Christian romance novels! I wish more of her books were available on kindle unlimited as I'm on a strict budget that I stretched to cover the monthly fee for access to free books so I can satisfy my need to escape in books!
Brooke St. James is quickly becoming my favorite author of Christian romance novels! I wish more of her books were available on kindle unlimited as I'm on a strict budget that I stretched to cover the monthly fee for access to free books so I can satisfy my need to escape in books!
June 19, 2015
Interesting read, some things I agreed with and some things I didn't.
June 25, 2016
This is a lovely story that I feel shows how love conquers all. For love he was willing!
July 31, 2016
Interesting
This book was a pleasure to read. It was interesting in a cute wholesome way. It is well written and an excellent read
This book was a pleasure to read. It was interesting in a cute wholesome way. It is well written and an excellent read
January 31, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. God is able to do immeasurably more than we can imagine. He has for me.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews