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Solomon's Porch
Note: This is an alternate cover for the edition with ASIN B009N1L0EM.
A prison inmate caught in the crossfire between God and Satan
Peter Carson, a white-collar inmate at a low-level U.S. Federal prison camp, is given a vision by God to be shared with the world. The most unlikely of divine messengers, Peter is prophetically destined to provide the world with hope and miracles and to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Will the prisoner become a prophet?
Backed up by divine intervention, Peter is surprisingly supported by inmates, as well as the warden and famous theologians. Astounding supernatural events begin to take place all around the world, involving even the president of the United States. But Satan is quick to strike back, doing everything in his power to stop Peter from executing God's plan. The world holds its breath as the unbelievable takes place. Will the message be heard?
˃˃˃ An exciting fast paced read that engages the reader in the essential battle of good vs. evil.
Solomon's Porch brings forward an eternal and universal truth as it is revealed in the most unlikely time and place. An important contemporary message in the form of a breathtaking novel, Solomon's Porch is Christian suspense fiction at its best.
A prison inmate caught in the crossfire between God and Satan
Peter Carson, a white-collar inmate at a low-level U.S. Federal prison camp, is given a vision by God to be shared with the world. The most unlikely of divine messengers, Peter is prophetically destined to provide the world with hope and miracles and to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Will the prisoner become a prophet?
Backed up by divine intervention, Peter is surprisingly supported by inmates, as well as the warden and famous theologians. Astounding supernatural events begin to take place all around the world, involving even the president of the United States. But Satan is quick to strike back, doing everything in his power to stop Peter from executing God's plan. The world holds its breath as the unbelievable takes place. Will the message be heard?
˃˃˃ An exciting fast paced read that engages the reader in the essential battle of good vs. evil.
Solomon's Porch brings forward an eternal and universal truth as it is revealed in the most unlikely time and place. An important contemporary message in the form of a breathtaking novel, Solomon's Porch is Christian suspense fiction at its best.
454 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2008
45 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Wid Bastian
4 books6 followersWid Bastian is a novelist and screenwriter. His screenplay work includes the upcoming feature film Themi scheduled for release in 2016. As a ghostwriter, Wid has penned numerous novels and memoirs that have been published both in America and abroad. An avid scuba diver since the late 1980s, Wid loves the ocean in general and whales in particular. When he’s not working in Los Angeles, Wid enjoys being home in Logan, Utah with his fiancée Elaine, her two kids, four cats, a dog and other assorted critters.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
February 18, 2013
Loved this book. It's a complete change to what I normally read but I simply couldn't put it down. Would definitely recommend.
February 21, 2016
"Solomon's Porch: A Christian Suspense Novel" wasn't quite -- that is, it was very Christian, but not very suspenseful. At ~450 pages, the suspense sorta got buried in the long pauses where the characters examine and re-examine their lives and their conversions.
The story: Peter Carson is an embezzler who basically stole from his circle of friends and acquaintances to please his wife and impress her with his "worth". Imprisoned (sort of) in a Federal prison camp, the somewhat atheistic Peter suddenly meets the Archangel Gabriel, who shows him that God still loves him, and in fact has a plan for his life -- to become a modern messenger for God. After his conversion, he meets a few more converted prisoners who also met Gabriel and who then become Peter's "disciples". Together, this motley crew begin to demonstrate God's power to an ever-widening audience, via a series of supernatural events. Eventually, the warden, a powerful reporter, a Marine General, a former FBI agent, and others get involved.
Satan and his demons are not amused. Nor are certain politicians and business leaders who unwittingly listen to their personal demons or are otherwise under the influence of the Dark.
There are a LOT of theological discussions among the characters, as various Biblical passages and references get hashed and re-hashed. That's basically my main problem with the book: it's OK (I guess) to hit me over the head with a 2-by-4 to make a point, but hauling out a railroad tie to make a further impression is not really necessary. Great story, but too long. (Like this review.) 3 stars.
The story: Peter Carson is an embezzler who basically stole from his circle of friends and acquaintances to please his wife and impress her with his "worth". Imprisoned (sort of) in a Federal prison camp, the somewhat atheistic Peter suddenly meets the Archangel Gabriel, who shows him that God still loves him, and in fact has a plan for his life -- to become a modern messenger for God. After his conversion, he meets a few more converted prisoners who also met Gabriel and who then become Peter's "disciples". Together, this motley crew begin to demonstrate God's power to an ever-widening audience, via a series of supernatural events. Eventually, the warden, a powerful reporter, a Marine General, a former FBI agent, and others get involved.
Satan and his demons are not amused. Nor are certain politicians and business leaders who unwittingly listen to their personal demons or are otherwise under the influence of the Dark.
There are a LOT of theological discussions among the characters, as various Biblical passages and references get hashed and re-hashed. That's basically my main problem with the book: it's OK (I guess) to hit me over the head with a 2-by-4 to make a point, but hauling out a railroad tie to make a further impression is not really necessary. Great story, but too long. (Like this review.) 3 stars.
July 7, 2013
The cover declares this to be a "Christian suspense" novel. I suppose that describes a portion of the story, but the suspense was not very intense, and unfortunately it never resolved! If this was book one of a trilogy, I could at least accept the leave-you-hanging ending, but I have seen no such claim.
The story is of a white-collar embezzler who was caught, and while serving time receives a vision from the Archangel Gabriel. This starts a personal ministry, and brings together a collection of "apostles" that begin to change the lives of many, and culminates in a world-wide demonstration of God's power.
There are some interesting theological conversations, and lots of feel-good moments, but the novel ends just as Satan is starting to build his resistance forces.
The writing is good, although there are some very abrupt scene changes in the middle of chapters. The characters are varied, and mostly interesting, but I find it hard to recommend this book since we don't find the ends to so many story lines.
The story is of a white-collar embezzler who was caught, and while serving time receives a vision from the Archangel Gabriel. This starts a personal ministry, and brings together a collection of "apostles" that begin to change the lives of many, and culminates in a world-wide demonstration of God's power.
There are some interesting theological conversations, and lots of feel-good moments, but the novel ends just as Satan is starting to build his resistance forces.
The writing is good, although there are some very abrupt scene changes in the middle of chapters. The characters are varied, and mostly interesting, but I find it hard to recommend this book since we don't find the ends to so many story lines.
July 26, 2016
I found Solomon's Porch to be an exciting and fast paced read. This was a modern day tale of men, who like the ones Jesus chose to do great things in the Bible, were very flawed and filled with sin. The angel Gabriel comes to each person to remind them of their sordid past and provide hope for their future.
I found the main character very interesting, filled with the Holy Spirit, and it was plain that he took no credit for the good things or miracles performed, but gave all the credit to God. His complete role was evolved through the storyline and I found this book easy to follow.
I looked up several verses in the Bible while I was reading and feel that the author did his research well. I think the reader has to remember that this is a work of fiction and not get caught up in whether or not the author portrayed the readers personal interpretations of scripture. I found myself being emotionally engaged throughout the story and felt it was a very worth while and entertaining read.
I found the main character very interesting, filled with the Holy Spirit, and it was plain that he took no credit for the good things or miracles performed, but gave all the credit to God. His complete role was evolved through the storyline and I found this book easy to follow.
I looked up several verses in the Bible while I was reading and feel that the author did his research well. I think the reader has to remember that this is a work of fiction and not get caught up in whether or not the author portrayed the readers personal interpretations of scripture. I found myself being emotionally engaged throughout the story and felt it was a very worth while and entertaining read.
December 10, 2021
The simplest stories are the most endearing. Janet Morris Grimes is evidently a keen observer of various facets of human life. She picks up delicate stories and weaves them into a tender novel. Grimes dedicates time to each of her characters, carefully building them up. The fumbling old man, the troubled family man, the separated priest, and the single mother are navigating the highs and lows in relatable ways. These are stories of people like us, everyday stories, yet narrated with deep care.
With undertones of books such as Tuesdays with Morrie, the storyline is touching but not overwhelming. It draws us in and has us rooting for the characters. We know how the storyline will proceed; we are aware of how the writer intends to tie it up, yet we remain invested. This is a story of reminiscence, of the past and the present, and about destinies. We want to follow the characters till the end. Are there lessons; is there redemption; is there release? For each, this is a journey of discovery.
The tone is positive, even though the story is poignant. The characters have moments of panic, despair, loss, confusion, remembrance, and weariness. However, they are all moving on, each day towards resolving what holds them back in the myriad plays of their different lives. The writing is taut and well-edited. Solomon's Porch is an enjoyable book to read and share. The title sounds inspired by the biblical reference to Solomon's Porch. The book carries a spiritual message and is written with love and compassion. It has the potential of being made into an equally endearing movie script.
With undertones of books such as Tuesdays with Morrie, the storyline is touching but not overwhelming. It draws us in and has us rooting for the characters. We know how the storyline will proceed; we are aware of how the writer intends to tie it up, yet we remain invested. This is a story of reminiscence, of the past and the present, and about destinies. We want to follow the characters till the end. Are there lessons; is there redemption; is there release? For each, this is a journey of discovery.
The tone is positive, even though the story is poignant. The characters have moments of panic, despair, loss, confusion, remembrance, and weariness. However, they are all moving on, each day towards resolving what holds them back in the myriad plays of their different lives. The writing is taut and well-edited. Solomon's Porch is an enjoyable book to read and share. The title sounds inspired by the biblical reference to Solomon's Porch. The book carries a spiritual message and is written with love and compassion. It has the potential of being made into an equally endearing movie script.
February 24, 2022
The author creates a powerful and moving story that jumps from person to person and time period to time period. The story centers around an elderly man who becomes the victim of a hit-and-run accident.
The emotions created by the author truly moved me. I found myself caught up in the tapestry of this book. The relationships and experiences of the characters bring this story to life.
So if you enjoy reading books with excellent characters and a moving storyline, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The emotions created by the author truly moved me. I found myself caught up in the tapestry of this book. The relationships and experiences of the characters bring this story to life.
So if you enjoy reading books with excellent characters and a moving storyline, check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
August 21, 2019
Solomon's Porch is a fast read because it's difficult to put down. It tells a story of per-Armageddon. What would happen if God quite loudly gave us one last chance to accept love and deny hate and violence? His last chance come about through Peter Carson, a prisoner in a white-crime jail. How? Does it work? Gee, I guess you'll have to read it. Great insights into our own little lives.
October 21, 2016
Couldn't put it down
Just finished this book in a few days. Amazing! Never highlighted a book so much before. Can't recommend it enough.
Just finished this book in a few days. Amazing! Never highlighted a book so much before. Can't recommend it enough.
June 10, 2016
This is a difficult book to review. I liked the story, but it wasn't anything like any Christian fiction I've read before.
In most Christian fiction, the protagonist believes in God (or comes to believe in God) as a given. He's there, in the background, and characters make their big life decisions prayerfully, trying to discern what God wants in a given situation.
In this book, it's almost as if God Himself is the protagonist, and there isn't a single scene, or practically a single line of dialogue, that doesn't mention Him. It's cool, don't get me wrong, but it took a bit of getting used to at first.
The writing's not great, and the style is often inconsistent. In some places, when a character speaks over multiple paragraphs, the author doesn't close the quotes at the end of each paragraph. In other such cases, he does. All speech is in double quotes, but sometimes, quotes within quotes ALSO use double quotes, and other times, they use single quotes. It makes it difficult sometimes to figure out who is speaking.
There are also some incorrectly used words, or even non-existent words ("alright" is a bugbear of mine - there's no such word).
But what bothered me the most was the author's treatment of swearing. Now, it's plain to me that the author believes that using certain words, in and of themselves, constitutes sinful behaviour. I don't agree with that view by any means, but I can respect it.
The problem is, that these words that the author considers sinful are "starred out", so you see for example, "s***" written in the text. It feels to me as if I'm watching a movie with the audio channel set to "Family". I don't know if you've ever done that, but I find it incredibly distracting, and after a while I just cannot concentrate on the story anymore.
There are plenty of wonderful books out there that don't contain any swear words, and I don't miss them at all. When they're there, but censored, you'd better believe I miss them! Honestly, if you're going to include something in your writing, don't censor it. If you're not comfortable including it uncensored, then don't include it at all.
The other problem with this approach is the subjective way in which the author chooses which words to censor. "Crap" is acceptable, but "shit" is not. "Ass" is censored, but "bitch" and "whore" are apparently quite okay to use, as is the word "nigger".
Seriously, nigger? Last I checked, Amazon refuses to publish reviews containing that word. Maybe Goodreads will too. We'll see after I hit Save.
Now as a Christian, I personally have a big problem with using the Lord's name in vain. I find it far, far worse than the odd "fuck" or "shit", but here, characters spout out "Oh my God" with impunity; even the non-Christians, and nobody rebukes anybody for that.
Other than that language rant, I enjoyed the story. I thought the theology was quite sound, and the ending was brilliant. It wouldn't at all surprise me if things actually did play out exactly that way, when the time comes.
But then, I'm a Christian, and I also take the existence of God as a given. As to a non-Christian? Well, I hope that God moves them to read this book, but I doubt many will. For those that do, I hope they can get past their prejudices, and that it will help bring them to salvation in Christ Jesus.
No, scratch that. I pray that it will. I pray that in all earnest.
Edit: I tried to paste this same review into Amazon, and it wouldn't post. Probably because of the word "nigger".
In most Christian fiction, the protagonist believes in God (or comes to believe in God) as a given. He's there, in the background, and characters make their big life decisions prayerfully, trying to discern what God wants in a given situation.
In this book, it's almost as if God Himself is the protagonist, and there isn't a single scene, or practically a single line of dialogue, that doesn't mention Him. It's cool, don't get me wrong, but it took a bit of getting used to at first.
The writing's not great, and the style is often inconsistent. In some places, when a character speaks over multiple paragraphs, the author doesn't close the quotes at the end of each paragraph. In other such cases, he does. All speech is in double quotes, but sometimes, quotes within quotes ALSO use double quotes, and other times, they use single quotes. It makes it difficult sometimes to figure out who is speaking.
There are also some incorrectly used words, or even non-existent words ("alright" is a bugbear of mine - there's no such word).
But what bothered me the most was the author's treatment of swearing. Now, it's plain to me that the author believes that using certain words, in and of themselves, constitutes sinful behaviour. I don't agree with that view by any means, but I can respect it.
The problem is, that these words that the author considers sinful are "starred out", so you see for example, "s***" written in the text. It feels to me as if I'm watching a movie with the audio channel set to "Family". I don't know if you've ever done that, but I find it incredibly distracting, and after a while I just cannot concentrate on the story anymore.
There are plenty of wonderful books out there that don't contain any swear words, and I don't miss them at all. When they're there, but censored, you'd better believe I miss them! Honestly, if you're going to include something in your writing, don't censor it. If you're not comfortable including it uncensored, then don't include it at all.
The other problem with this approach is the subjective way in which the author chooses which words to censor. "Crap" is acceptable, but "shit" is not. "Ass" is censored, but "bitch" and "whore" are apparently quite okay to use, as is the word "nigger".
Seriously, nigger? Last I checked, Amazon refuses to publish reviews containing that word. Maybe Goodreads will too. We'll see after I hit Save.
Now as a Christian, I personally have a big problem with using the Lord's name in vain. I find it far, far worse than the odd "fuck" or "shit", but here, characters spout out "Oh my God" with impunity; even the non-Christians, and nobody rebukes anybody for that.
Other than that language rant, I enjoyed the story. I thought the theology was quite sound, and the ending was brilliant. It wouldn't at all surprise me if things actually did play out exactly that way, when the time comes.
But then, I'm a Christian, and I also take the existence of God as a given. As to a non-Christian? Well, I hope that God moves them to read this book, but I doubt many will. For those that do, I hope they can get past their prejudices, and that it will help bring them to salvation in Christ Jesus.
No, scratch that. I pray that it will. I pray that in all earnest.
Edit: I tried to paste this same review into Amazon, and it wouldn't post. Probably because of the word "nigger".
February 23, 2017
The book had a really interesting premise, but sometimes the "preachy" part got in the way of the story. It did make me wonder how the world will react when the Lord is resurrected. Would we recognize a prophet? How would the present-day world react if Jesus was among us. We're all so cynical now. Anyway, it gave me a lot to thing about, and overall I liked it.
September 23, 2016
Superior read
Not a story I'd issue pick, but Thank God I did!! So well written, with characters that jump off the page! The storyline is both fascinating and fearful as it could happen in this time as it is written. Seriously- read this book! Will be looking out for Wid Bastian books in the future.
Not a story I'd issue pick, but Thank God I did!! So well written, with characters that jump off the page! The storyline is both fascinating and fearful as it could happen in this time as it is written. Seriously- read this book! Will be looking out for Wid Bastian books in the future.
July 12, 2023
Some gentle spoilers in this review.
In my opinion, this was written from a Roman Catholic perspective (e.g. derived from a paragraph on page 169, 224 and others, of the Kindle edition). As the book progresses from there, it continues to bring additional Catholic story threads in. The story is unapologetically religious in it's tone. Much scripturally sound, some questionable since the author does not take a literal approach to the text of the Bible, often times indicating that proper "interpretation" is needed in the face of much that he contends is allegorical in scripture. A stance I do not support.
The book also takes a "universalist" approach, citing that "Buddha saw the light through a tinted glass. God wishes to reveal Himself now to you directly...." on page 262. It then went on to call the protagonist "a Buddha" or "an Enlightened One". So this in my mind, bordered on heresy.
On page 297, he takes a direct shot at Southern Baptists with a very uncomplimentary stereotypical description and continues this narrative as the book moves forward.
On page 436, he equates God with Allah, and equivalence I do not share.
A very abrupt ending.
In my opinion, this was written from a Roman Catholic perspective (e.g. derived from a paragraph on page 169, 224 and others, of the Kindle edition). As the book progresses from there, it continues to bring additional Catholic story threads in. The story is unapologetically religious in it's tone. Much scripturally sound, some questionable since the author does not take a literal approach to the text of the Bible, often times indicating that proper "interpretation" is needed in the face of much that he contends is allegorical in scripture. A stance I do not support.
The book also takes a "universalist" approach, citing that "Buddha saw the light through a tinted glass. God wishes to reveal Himself now to you directly...." on page 262. It then went on to call the protagonist "a Buddha" or "an Enlightened One". So this in my mind, bordered on heresy.
On page 297, he takes a direct shot at Southern Baptists with a very uncomplimentary stereotypical description and continues this narrative as the book moves forward.
On page 436, he equates God with Allah, and equivalence I do not share.
A very abrupt ending.
October 21, 2016
Do not buy this book. This book teaches that God's word is not perfectly accurate.
The main character says, "Those pastors who insist that the Bible, especially the Old Testament, must be interpreted literally, meaning it does not contain spiritual truths presented as parables, well, they just miss it" (p. 139).
This author has bought in to the postmodern assertion that there is no absolute, ultimate truth. The Bible ("especially the Old Testament) must be interpreted by those who are smarter than the average Christian. This is heresy!
Do NOT buy this book!
The main character says, "Those pastors who insist that the Bible, especially the Old Testament, must be interpreted literally, meaning it does not contain spiritual truths presented as parables, well, they just miss it" (p. 139).
This author has bought in to the postmodern assertion that there is no absolute, ultimate truth. The Bible ("especially the Old Testament) must be interpreted by those who are smarter than the average Christian. This is heresy!
Do NOT buy this book!
February 2, 2016
Awesome read. This book will lead you to re-examine the way you see the world and want to become more Christ-like.
Although I disagreed on a few Biblical points such as taking the Bible as is, this book will make you think about how very lacking we as Christians really are when striving to be more Christ-like.
Although I disagreed on a few Biblical points such as taking the Bible as is, this book will make you think about how very lacking we as Christians really are when striving to be more Christ-like.
July 12, 2016
Amazing Divinely inspired writing.
This is God's call to our world and this book calls to us to be more mindful of what Jesus called us to do. We are at war with powers and principalities in dark high places and not with flesh and blood. A call is out to return to Apostolic faith and this book mirrors that.
This is God's call to our world and this book calls to us to be more mindful of what Jesus called us to do. We are at war with powers and principalities in dark high places and not with flesh and blood. A call is out to return to Apostolic faith and this book mirrors that.
February 10, 2017
Good
I gave a 4 star rather than a 5 because of the language in the book. I think the cursing was not needed and it would have been just as good. There were e also a couple doctrinal differences in the book I did not agree with. Over all good plot but unfortunately I do not think it is for tween reading due to language. It is a shame I won't let my children read it.
I gave a 4 star rather than a 5 because of the language in the book. I think the cursing was not needed and it would have been just as good. There were e also a couple doctrinal differences in the book I did not agree with. Over all good plot but unfortunately I do not think it is for tween reading due to language. It is a shame I won't let my children read it.
January 24, 2016
Riveting!
Great book with only a couple of complaints. I take the complete bible as truth. The author looks at the old testament stories as parables. He also considers all faiths to worship the same God. There is only one true GOD. The story itself was good though.
Great book with only a couple of complaints. I take the complete bible as truth. The author looks at the old testament stories as parables. He also considers all faiths to worship the same God. There is only one true GOD. The story itself was good though.
February 6, 2015
Couldn't finish it.
September 3, 2016
T.
This book is written for a younger audience than I expected , moving in some ways . There should be a follow up coming along , don't leave the tale half told.
This book is written for a younger audience than I expected , moving in some ways . There should be a follow up coming along , don't leave the tale half told.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews