Josh viewed himself as a stray dog in the family of Christ, hanging out under the Lord’s table rather than sitting at it, waiting for blessing scraps. He stopped asking for anything from God years ago, yet Elizabeth’s unexpected friendship seemed like a true blessing.… Have you ever struggled with believing God had a bigger purpose for the pain? Is it easier for you to harbor resentment than to offer forgiveness? Are you convinced some people are too far gone for the Lord to save them? If so, then Josh’s Story is for you.
Passionate to inspire others into a deeper faith, Kelly Harrel writes inspirational fiction and Christian romance that deals with real-life struggles in the light of God’s love and grace. Anorexia, alcoholism, and family relationships are explored in the Walking the Walk series. The Lauren Drake series not only shows the reader what depression looks like but also how to overcome it. Her most recent release, the Once Lost series, displays the pressures and temptations today’s teens as well as the importance of living an authentic faith. After several decades in education, leading a multigenerational women’s ministry, and having seven novels published, Kelly still claims her biggest accomplishment as homeschooling her children. She resides in Southern California with her husband, two teens, and desert tortoise named George.
I enjoyed this book and read it through to its end, something I don't always do with Kindle books, but it should be noted that this is a book with head-on Christian themes running through it the whole way. Now maybe in bible-belt America the conversations that the author weaves all the way through would take place, I don't know and would be delighted to think they would, but in "reserved about our religion" Ireland there is no way college students would be quoting bible verses as part of their normal speech. In church , home groups nd bible studies yes, but not all the time which is why I A) wouldn't feel free to pass this book on to a non-Christian as I just know they wouldn't get it and B) why it felt a little unrealistic to me. Yes i enjoyed it nd yes I'd recommend for a Christian as a pleasant read, but for all of the above reasons I can only give it three stars.
Almost put this down after a couple chapters as the characters seemed too young for me to relate to. Glad to have continued. The book touches on divorce and alcoholism and their far reaching consequences. Josh learned to trust God in even the most challenging situations and grew mightily through Christian friendships, worship and Bible study. Lots of tears and book was hard to put down.
I loved this book - and I don't often read Christian fiction. Much of it seems too preachy, and short on plot. This was a sensitive story, with very real characters, good character growth and development, and a solid plot. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read, and not just my Christian friends. I will look for more books by this author.
Reading this wonderful story touched my heart deeply. I connected with the struggles of faith and failure. The story included the scripture in such a way that it brought full understanding of how God's word can guide us through the tough times. It really made me think about how a true walk with God can feel.
The next book in a truly inspiring series. If you want to know what it looks like to truly follow Jesus and live for Him, these books help. They deal with real tough life issues as well. Show the way they can be navigated to come out better instead of bitter. Highly recommend these books. Help to remember what life is truly about. Will probably re-read them again and again, as truly encouraging when down or hurting.