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The Mustard Seed #1

The Invitation

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A TV news producer. A housewife and mother of two. An ex-governor. A struggling writer. Four ordinary people with little in common other than a vague dissatisfaction with their lives, and an unpretentious invitation that seems to come out of nowhere.

Each dismisses the mysterious invitation as a practical joke. But when strange--some might even call them miraculous--things start happening, all four find themselves embarking on a journey that takes them beyond their wildest imaginings and tests their faith to the breaking point.

Before it's over, each discovers that, with God, nothing is impossible. Faith can move mountains if you open your heart to the One who has called you.

God uses ordinary people--in extraordinary ways.

414 pages, ebook

Published March 1, 2016

837 people are currently reading
449 people want to read

About the author

Nancy Moser

77 books765 followers
Nancy Moser is the author of over forty books. Her award-winning stories will inspire you to discover your unique God-given purpose. Her genres include both contemporary and historical stories, inspirational humor, and children's books.

Her newest release, "An Undiscovered Life" is about an elderly woman who wants her family to know about her "before" life—her life before them. It's inspired by Nancy's mother who died in 2020 at age 99. It's a poignant, inspiring family story.

Another newer release is "Eyes of Our Heart" which showcases a group of ordinary people who are called to discover where God is working in their lives--and join Him.

Another recent release is "The Shop Keepers", book #3 of the Pattern Artist series about a group of women designing fashion and opening their own store in 1911-19 New York City. The first book in the series, "The Pattern Artist", was a finalist for a Romantic Times award.

Other titles include the time-travel historicals, "Where Time Will Take Me", "Where Life Will Lead Me", and the Downton Abbey-inspired Manor House Series beginning with "Love of the Summerfields."

Her historical bio-novels allow real women-of-history to share their life stories: "Just Jane" (Jane Austen), "Mozart's Sister" (Nannerl Mozart),"Washington's Lady" (Martha Washington) and "How Do I Love Thee?" (Elizabeth Barrett Browning.)

"An Unlikely Suitor" was named to Booklist's Top 100 Romance Novels of the last decade. Nancy's time-travel novel, "Time Lottery", won a Christy Award, and "Washington's Lady" was a finalist. Her contemporary books are known for their big-casts and intricate plotting.

Some contemporary titles are "The Invitation", "John 3: 16", "The Sister Circle", and "The Seat Beside Me."

Nancy and her husband live in the Midwest. She's earned a degree in architecture, traveled extensively in Europe, and has performed in numerous theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She is a fan of anything antique--humans included.

Website: nancymoser.com

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5 stars
573 (57%)
4 stars
254 (25%)
3 stars
137 (13%)
2 stars
30 (3%)
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5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
Profile Image for Kerstin .
250 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2017
I know Nancy Moser is associated with non-fiction writing, so when I realized that the novel I had selected was written by her, I hoped that it would not be fluff. And I was not disappointed, except that it appears to be the beginning of a series, which is usually a deterrent for me. The book deals with 5 people whose lives are changed by an invitation. Although at first the book appears to be a mystery, you know the old “what do these 5 have in common”, but it takes a completely different approach. This book is simply a novel, not a romance, or a mystery, with its depth it could be a non-fiction book. I was pleasantly surprised by the knowledge the author displayed with the things of God. The ending was somewhat bizarre, sort of like Touched by an Angel meets Frank Peretti. Here are some of my favourite quotes:
“A pyramid gets smaller as it reaches the top….rise above the rest…there will always be masses of mediocre. You can aim higher than [writing fluff]” parenthesis mine
“The perpetrator will get his share of compassion after he owns up to his responsibility of his actions.”
“As long as [a] dish is empty its potential is great. It can be a pirate’s platter, an offering plate, a food dish, and a plant stand, even a Frisbee. But once it’s filled, its purpose is limited. When it is filled with food, we’d never consider using it for money.” My thoughts-you don’t have a purpose until God fills you and when he does don’t be something that you are not “filled to be”.
“Just because true wisdom is not always welcomed, doesn’t make it any less true.”

I loved the character of Julia, her wit and wisdom would be a welcomed trait in my life. The book I believe is far removed from reality, but what is said is truth, so even if the setting is unreal, the truth is not.
24 reviews
February 10, 2018
Eye opening and life-changing!

This is a story that will stay with me for sure. As I was reading it, I was asking myself what I'd do in their situation. I loved all the scriptures in it. I think this would appeal not only to Christians, but to anyone who is searching and has questions about your purpose in life.
Profile Image for Honeybee.
401 reviews15 followers
August 14, 2024
Christian Twilight Zone

I got this ebook for free on Amazon when searching for Christian fiction. I have discovered some remarkable new favorites this way, and this was one of the best! I’d never heard of the author. The cover design with its abstract art was attractive, even intriguing, yet it didn’t prepare me for what I found inside.

Rod Serling, creator of the iconic TV series, The Twilight Zone, said, “It may be said with a degree of assurance that not everything that meets the eye is as it appears.” That is certainly the case in this story. Beginning with each character’s mysterious invitation to Haven, Nebraska, until they are all challenged to make a decision about what they will do with what they learned there, almost nothing is as it seems. And yet this impossible story seemed so real, I caught myself more than once talking to or praying for the characters!

Moser’s tale, though undeniably fiction, is filled with truth and insight into human and Divine nature. It highlights both the value of each individual and our interdependence. Like the musings of Serling’s fertile imagination, The Invitation challenges us to consider the unexpected and unexplainable, to lay down what we think we know about God, ourselves and others, and to entrust our talents, treasures—even our very lives—to the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. As The Twilight Zone did for Baby Boomers and others who have enjoyed it since the 60s and 70s, this book will get readers to explore things they haven’t really thought about before, but in the most delightful way.

This book is chock full of Scripture and is unashamedly Christian. It’s clean, but not boring. It’s packed with issues as contemporary as the evening news, yet handles them with honesty and insight. It’s a mind-bending combination of contemporary fiction and fantasy that you know could never happen—or could it? Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, a critic or a defender of the Christian faith, this is a book worthy of your consideration. Just be sure you have plenty of time to read it, because you may not be able to put it down!
Profile Image for D.K. Ricks.
Author 1 book5 followers
September 18, 2023
Great Story of Divine Intervention!

God can use anyone for His purpose. This story tells how we all have gifts from God. When we look to Him we will discover our purpose and our paths that God wants us to travel. Enjoyed it!
9 reviews
January 28, 2018
Wonderful, Inspiring book.

The Lord speaks to us in many ways. The characters in this book we're so real and the story kept me wanting to read more. I believe this book will be a blessing to anyone who reads it.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
2,370 reviews8 followers
March 15, 2019
This is a sweet story and I agree with what it says. BUT I just couldn't get really interested in it possibly because it wasn't making me think. I guess sometimes one can be too much in tune with the message of a book.
4 reviews1 follower
March 27, 2009
We all have a special gift that we can dedicate to the Lord.
Profile Image for Barbara Harper.
861 reviews43 followers
February 16, 2021
In Nancy Moser’s The Invitation, four ordinary people in different areas of the country receive a mysterious, hand-delivered invitation to come to Haven, Nebraska, on August 1. The invitations didn’t list a host or organization name or any other information except a Bible verse about faith as a mustard seed and a drawing of a mustard plant.

One of the invitees was an ex-governor. The others were a TV news producer, and wife and mother in an unhappy marriage, and a single young aspiring writer. Some are curious, but most are dismissive of the invitation at first. There’s not enough information and it all seems too weird.

But one by one, events occur that convince them to go. And even though some arrive without an invitation—a homeless stowaway, a disgruntled husband, and a thief—they are all expected and planned for.

Some are confronted with issues in their lives—some more than others. Some are nudged to use their gifts and talents in new ways. The faith of all is tested. Lives are changed.

I can’t say much more than that without giving away too much of the story. It doesn’t take long to figure out who the ultimate host is and who the mentors in Haven are. Because the visitors to Haven are confronted to varying degrees,at times the mentors come across as more didactic than we usually see in fiction. But it works because of the nature of the story.

I don’t know if I have ever read a story quite like this. Nancy Moser says in her afterword that she’s never written a story quite like this. But this story was on her heart.

It would be nice in some ways if there was such a place to go (or send people . . . ) where someone could put their finger exactly on what was wrong in your life, tell you what to do about it, and tell you what your next step should be. It doesn’t usually work like that, though. God uses His Word and prayer and the ministry of the church to guide us in less direct ways. But, still, the premise makes for an interesting imaginative tale.

And I love Nancy’s main two takeaways: that God has invited each of us to participate in His work, and He uses people with faith as small as a mustard seed.
Profile Image for Kathleen Friesen.
Author 7 books40 followers
March 19, 2019
The Invitation grabbed my attention on the first page and didn’t release me until the end. The message of this story will stay with me—forever, I hope.
Four people received invitations delivered by unlikely people, and a fifth stole one when it was tossed into the garbage. Each person struggles with their invitation, wondering who was behind this strange gathering and what would happen next. I wondered, too!
Del, the homeless man, was probably my favorite character in the story, although homemaker-mother Kathy and young writer Nancy tugged at my heart, too. Walter, the newsman, irritated me, but his self-centered, judgmental ways rubbed everyone wrong. Former governor Julia’s confidence obvious leadership abilities aroused admiration.
But the mentors of this diverse group were my absolute favorites. I loved that they, too, had questions at times, even though their foreknowledge was undeniably remarkable.
Author Nancy Moser weaves action, mystery and multidimensional characters into a fantastic tale of destiny and faith. I loved this story and give it five stars. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Dianne Sidebottom.
1,435 reviews15 followers
June 8, 2021
Fantasy Island invite not a Agatha Christie who done it case?
Unsure if its considered paranormal but wonder what dimension did Haven exist in?
Really not sure whether to read book 2?
I was a mentor till recently, but taken away from some kids (that has me wondering what God has in store next for me?)
I'm not sure which character I can relate to or scenario? (had a dislike with the Lenny person)
pregnant, young and single ( is a topical debate at present with people expressing opinions in that they regret being parents, that having kids wasn't really for them.)abortion a personal decision outside of society views. Confidentiality clause for professionals and personal conversations, when is it time to let someone else know ( priest who only knew part of a situation with evidence of violence and still sends the person back to the controller. lots of secrets go to the grave). I do follow Nancy on facebook and she has lovely quotes. But I'm mixing up another Nancy who writes suspense maybe they know each other!!
6 reviews1 follower
October 5, 2020
This author was new to me, and I started reading thinking that I'd try it, but I didn't expect much. I couldn't have been more wrong. I couldn't stop reading it! This book came to me at a time I was experiencing a spiritual crisis because of some health issues I've had for the past couple of years. The past two weeks have been especially bad, and I was losing hope. Every chapter had at least one sentence or paragraph that I highlighted and most had multiple ones. I was so uplifted and healed by the time the book ended. I will start the second book in the series very soon, and the third after that. Don't miss the the Letter to Readers at the end. I think you'll agree with what the author says in it. I know I do. Thank you. And my deepest heartfelt thanks to Nancy Moser for sharing it with all of us.
Profile Image for Birgit.
1,336 reviews17 followers
November 30, 2021
Several people receive an invitation to the town of Haven, Nebraska, with a Bible verse as text; in the end they (and some not so officially invited) make their way there for a variety of reasons. What they learn in Haven about themselves and Faith will change their lives forever.
A bit naive? Maybe. A bit like a fairytale? Yes, also maybe. However, the characters were people like you and me, with normal problems, and some of them with little or even no Faith. And the story was told with such compassion and skill, that I was unable to put it aside until I finished it.
Maybe the plot was simple, but in the end, is not that what Faith is if you truly believe? Simple and rewarding, like this book.
621 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2019
****SPOILER ALERT*****
What would you do if you got a random invitation to a place you have never heard of? And you believed the invitation to be from God, would that change your mind? That’s what happened in this book. While I feel again that this book is higher than a three I couldn’t give it a four as it was a little too typical. Pretty much everything turns out for everyone like you thought it would, minus one. I loved that there was so much scripture in here, and I know that might be a deterrent for some, but it was a positive of the story that I liked. I liked this enough that I do want to read the sequels, mostly cause it looks like the same characters will be continued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
22 reviews
May 10, 2019
Loved it!

I got this book through Bookbub just as something new to read - I do read a lot - and it didn't disappoint in any way. It was thought-provoking, sincere and opened my heart and mind. What if God did issue an invitation for us to visit and what changes would we make if any? Without giving too much away this book claims a place in Christian fiction next to The Shack and delivers. Plse take the time to read this and it will make you think about yourself and what you believe. A wonderful read.
Profile Image for Beth Westcott.
Author 6 books30 followers
June 15, 2021
Four unique, real-life people receive mysterious invitations to Haven, Nebraska, but they don't know why or from whom. Curious and fearful, each feels compelled to respond to the invitation. With them, we are drawn into a world abounding in mystery, danger, and miracles as the characters make discoveries about themselves and each other and learn why they have been called and by whom. Salvation is presented and each person is challenged to follow God's calling using the gifts and talents God has given them. Speculative fiction pulling together the seen and unseen worlds.
Profile Image for Lynette.
112 reviews
August 6, 2021
I had read this many years ago, but didn't have the remaining books in the series. Now that I have the rest of them, I re-read it and I think it was even more meaningful this time around. This book truly makes you think about the choices you make in life and how we need to let the Lord lead us to what is really important - whether we like it or not! Wonderful book, looking forward to the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Carol L. Caldwell.
Author 9 books8 followers
January 1, 2023
More than Good

This was a marvelous story. Some might consider it preachy, but all the dialog about God and His plan of salvation was designed for each character. None was too much or over the top. I loved the variety of main characters and their responses to their worlds and to Haven. The plot was unique, involving five lives, where they began and where they ended. I'd like to read more.
9 reviews
March 4, 2019
A walk with God

This book held my attended all the way through. I felt inspired by it and it made me think and feel lor all of the people. And made me look at my life and my relationship with God. I am looking forward to read the next book. Thanks to the author, kkep writing.
118 reviews
March 17, 2019
An inspirational read..

I found this book spellbinding ,the characters were so real. It was hard to put the book down. This story was packed with action and interesting stories. This was a feel good and I am so glad that I read it. Thank you to the author for writing such a wonderful inspirational and interesting story.
Profile Image for Wynona R.
76 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2019
Fascinating

What an adventure traveling through the town of Haven. An epic look at human struggles with God as weak being. Even as we believe do we ever reach our goals of true faith. This book gives us a look at how we can live a life of faith. A joy to read difficult to put down.
107 reviews1 follower
June 27, 2019
Glad I accepted the invitation

I liked everything about this book. Some of the characters were people I could identify with and others I didn't like, that's part of what made "The Invitation " so relatable. By the end everyone made sense and well, I liked them all. God Bless and take a look at yourself and do some research on you! What's He got in store for you?
Profile Image for Jennifer.
494 reviews23 followers
July 9, 2019
I liked it for the most part but
1 review1 follower
January 24, 2020
Thumbs up all the way 👍🏽🙌🏼

This book really puts into perspective the fact that God has invited each and every one of us to do His work in His kingdom. It's truly up to us to accept or reject the invite. This is a profound novel with hard hitting truths. Makes you thoroughly review your life and God's divine purpose for it.
3 reviews
July 12, 2021
Inspiring

Every once in a while a novel comes along that you want to read over and over. This is one of those books for me. I felt as if I personally knew the characters, their struggles and their growth. I read 4 or 5 books a week, and this is the best one I have read in a long time. Thank you Nancy for writing it.
93 reviews
March 3, 2024
What an invitation it was.

Many parts of this book mirror the parts of many people's lives. Whether worrying about a medical problem, being faced with a moral or spiritual dilemma at work or in our personal life, or being told we cannot share our faith, this book has something in it we can all relate to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews

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