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The Passion Of Mary Margaret
Mary-Margaret yearned to dedicate her life to the Lord. Jesus had another idea.
When Mary-Margaret Fischer met Jude Keller, the lighthouse keeper's son, she was studying at a convent school on a small island off Chesapeake Bay. Destined for a life as a religious sister, she nevertheless felt a pull toward Jude--gorgeous, rebellious, promiscuous Jude. But Jude, driven by demons no one really understood, disappeared into Baltimore's seamy red-light district. Mary-Margaret moved on with her life, preparing to serve God with her sisters as a teacher and artist.
Then Jude comes home--but now he's bitter, dissolute, and diseased. And Mary-Margaret receives a divine call that shakes her to the core, a call to give up her dreams for the troubled man who befriended her so long ago. For Jesus' sake, can she forsake the only life she ever wanted for a love that could literally cost her life?
When Mary-Margaret Fischer met Jude Keller, the lighthouse keeper's son, she was studying at a convent school on a small island off Chesapeake Bay. Destined for a life as a religious sister, she nevertheless felt a pull toward Jude--gorgeous, rebellious, promiscuous Jude. But Jude, driven by demons no one really understood, disappeared into Baltimore's seamy red-light district. Mary-Margaret moved on with her life, preparing to serve God with her sisters as a teacher and artist.
Then Jude comes home--but now he's bitter, dissolute, and diseased. And Mary-Margaret receives a divine call that shakes her to the core, a call to give up her dreams for the troubled man who befriended her so long ago. For Jesus' sake, can she forsake the only life she ever wanted for a love that could literally cost her life?
316 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
21 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Samson
64 books194 followersThe Christy-award winning author of nineteen books including the Women of Faith Novel of the Year Quaker Summer, Lisa Samson has been hailed by Publishers Weekly as "a talented novelist who isn't afraid to take risks." She lives in Kentucky with her husband and three kids.
Also, published under the name L.L. Samson
Also, published under the name L.L. Samson
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
November 17, 2018
A touching novel full of mercy, grace, and love; beautiful, unique, and unforgettable!
April 10, 2012
I adored this book.
Why?
* It reminded me of Marilynn Robinson's Gilead.
* The voicing of Mary-Margaret and each character was completely distinct and beautiful.
* Though not necessarily a suspenseful book, I couldn't wait to turn the page.
* The language was stunning. Sometimes I would read a sentence, then put the book down, wondering how Lisa could conjure up such beauty. Her words took my breath away.
* The story was redemptive, surprising, and invitational.
* The way Lisa wove the story stunned me. She made me want to write better books. That doesn't happen to me often.
Here are some examples of breathless writing:
* I wrung out the sponge and began circling it atop the tables, the pristine aroma of the lemon detergent released into the air, the sponge leaving a shining wake. (p. 108)
* Lindelle nodded and looked up at me, blue eyes shattered into too many pieces for a human to count. (p. 137).
* Now, I don't mean to be proud, but white Maryland sweet corn on the cob, the kind we call Silver Queen, is quite possibly the best corn on the cob you['ll ever eat. Uniform kernels, so sweet that the sugar juice bursts from the kernel, mixes with the butter and salt, and if you weren't holding the steaming cob, you'd clap. (p. 212).
Folks, if you love beautiful writing, a great story, and unforgettable characters, buy this book!
Why?
* It reminded me of Marilynn Robinson's Gilead.
* The voicing of Mary-Margaret and each character was completely distinct and beautiful.
* Though not necessarily a suspenseful book, I couldn't wait to turn the page.
* The language was stunning. Sometimes I would read a sentence, then put the book down, wondering how Lisa could conjure up such beauty. Her words took my breath away.
* The story was redemptive, surprising, and invitational.
* The way Lisa wove the story stunned me. She made me want to write better books. That doesn't happen to me often.
Here are some examples of breathless writing:
* I wrung out the sponge and began circling it atop the tables, the pristine aroma of the lemon detergent released into the air, the sponge leaving a shining wake. (p. 108)
* Lindelle nodded and looked up at me, blue eyes shattered into too many pieces for a human to count. (p. 137).
* Now, I don't mean to be proud, but white Maryland sweet corn on the cob, the kind we call Silver Queen, is quite possibly the best corn on the cob you['ll ever eat. Uniform kernels, so sweet that the sugar juice bursts from the kernel, mixes with the butter and salt, and if you weren't holding the steaming cob, you'd clap. (p. 212).
Folks, if you love beautiful writing, a great story, and unforgettable characters, buy this book!
March 14, 2009
This is not an easy read due to heavy subject matter. Theologically I am not sure I agree with some of the things Mary-Margaret believed either. But I felt the passion of the character to love and that is what kept me reading. Lisa Samson has penned a very deep, provocative, and though-provoking novel that will make you think about many, many things you may not have considered before. Also, there are so many layers to things that we never see. Most of us only see the surface, but don't take the time to dig deeper. This story peels off all of the layers and exposes the heart of the story, which is that any person and any situation can be redeemed if loved the way Christ calls us to love. Not THAT is my kind of story.
The interesting thing about this story in particular is that my mother was also a nun who didn't make her final vows. Mary-Margaret ended up in the convent when her only caretaker, her grandmother, died when Mary-Margaret was only seven. Ironically, my mother's mother died when she was only seven as well. And all of this happened in the 1950 and early 1960s, which is when my mother left the convent and met my dad a year later and they got married and eventually had me. Is that a trip, or what? So as I slipped into Mary-Margaret's skin for a good portion of the story, I felt like I could have been my mother, who was a Franciscan nun who lived her life for Jesus. Ironically (there are plenty of ironies here) my mother decided not to make her final vows because after teaching inner city preschool children, she realized she wanted to be a biological mother, probably because she lost her own. Same with Mary-Margaret. Is that weird, or what? So I could see that, too. I understood the main character as if it were my life. That is powerful writing.
On to Jude. He was an incredibly realistic character. I know this because as a social worker I have met many, many wounded children who grew up to be a mess because of their childhood abuse. He was portrayed perfectly, with all of his issues and pain laid bare. The self-destructive nature and his losing his will to live was so true-to-life. Bravo to Lisa Samson for writing a character so well that he seemed totally believable and like a real person to me, even more than Mary-Margaret. And as horrific as his story was, I'd known many, many people with very similar stories who ended up just like him. Only Jesus can heal pain that entrenched and make someone whole again. But He uses flesh and blood people to do it. Most people refuse to get close enough to such despair to even try help. Jude needed time and patience, and not just someone to rescue him from himself, but to truly love him for who he was, past present, and future. Mary-Margaret did just that. What really tugged at my heart was when they discovered they both had never felt truly loved before until they loved each other. Wow is all I can say to that. It's enough to melt your heart.
This is an amazing story with a lot of details not found in most CBA fiction. I loved that. The author was not afraid to tell the truth. I loved that even more. Using the setting of the nuns, the faith, and the church worked for this story, too. So while I don't agree with some things, they were clearly a necessary part of the story and done very well. I am in awe of this author's ability to naturally lead you to hell and back again and change your view of things. For that reason I highly recommend this book. But it's not for the spiritually squeamish. If that describes you, don't even try to read this book. Something this deep and insightful is only for people who are willing to look beneath the surface and take in the bigger picture. Hopefully, they will also feel led to do something about it.
Because all who believe in Christ and truly love Him are called according to His purpose. This story reveals just how complex and other-worldly His purpose often is. It also shows how He often brings the faithful full-circle until He finally says "well done" to them. Those are words we all want to hear, amen?
The interesting thing about this story in particular is that my mother was also a nun who didn't make her final vows. Mary-Margaret ended up in the convent when her only caretaker, her grandmother, died when Mary-Margaret was only seven. Ironically, my mother's mother died when she was only seven as well. And all of this happened in the 1950 and early 1960s, which is when my mother left the convent and met my dad a year later and they got married and eventually had me. Is that a trip, or what? So as I slipped into Mary-Margaret's skin for a good portion of the story, I felt like I could have been my mother, who was a Franciscan nun who lived her life for Jesus. Ironically (there are plenty of ironies here) my mother decided not to make her final vows because after teaching inner city preschool children, she realized she wanted to be a biological mother, probably because she lost her own. Same with Mary-Margaret. Is that weird, or what? So I could see that, too. I understood the main character as if it were my life. That is powerful writing.
On to Jude. He was an incredibly realistic character. I know this because as a social worker I have met many, many wounded children who grew up to be a mess because of their childhood abuse. He was portrayed perfectly, with all of his issues and pain laid bare. The self-destructive nature and his losing his will to live was so true-to-life. Bravo to Lisa Samson for writing a character so well that he seemed totally believable and like a real person to me, even more than Mary-Margaret. And as horrific as his story was, I'd known many, many people with very similar stories who ended up just like him. Only Jesus can heal pain that entrenched and make someone whole again. But He uses flesh and blood people to do it. Most people refuse to get close enough to such despair to even try help. Jude needed time and patience, and not just someone to rescue him from himself, but to truly love him for who he was, past present, and future. Mary-Margaret did just that. What really tugged at my heart was when they discovered they both had never felt truly loved before until they loved each other. Wow is all I can say to that. It's enough to melt your heart.
This is an amazing story with a lot of details not found in most CBA fiction. I loved that. The author was not afraid to tell the truth. I loved that even more. Using the setting of the nuns, the faith, and the church worked for this story, too. So while I don't agree with some things, they were clearly a necessary part of the story and done very well. I am in awe of this author's ability to naturally lead you to hell and back again and change your view of things. For that reason I highly recommend this book. But it's not for the spiritually squeamish. If that describes you, don't even try to read this book. Something this deep and insightful is only for people who are willing to look beneath the surface and take in the bigger picture. Hopefully, they will also feel led to do something about it.
Because all who believe in Christ and truly love Him are called according to His purpose. This story reveals just how complex and other-worldly His purpose often is. It also shows how He often brings the faithful full-circle until He finally says "well done" to them. Those are words we all want to hear, amen?
December 22, 2010
Even though a product of rape, Mary-Margaret Fischer always felt the presence of God. Being raised with the Sisters of Abbeyville MD- just off the Chesapeake Bay- she determined at a young age to devote her life to God. Lamentable Jude Keller tempted her sorely though. The handsome Jude is a tortured soul and Mary-Margaret has no idea the source of his pain, but when he leaves the island for the red-light district of Baltimore she moves on too, helping to start a school for the orphaned children of Virginia.
But God has other plans for her and when she hears Him asking her to do something so extraordinary, most would deem it crazy, she non-the-less answers the call. To save a life, she must turn her back on her own dreams, but when the last page is turned, Mary-Margaret realizes that Destiny never left her side- and that there is indeed joy to be found in a tragic journey ... especially when Love calls.
I very much enjoyed this book. Told as a diary narrative after her death, Mary-Margaret is a beautiful person- inside and out- who not only knows the face of Jesus, but does his works. I understood her faith and loved reading about her life from page one.
Jude is a tragic character but your heart breaks for him, just as God's did, and the eventual peace he makes with his life is nothing short of miraculous.
A wonderful story!
But God has other plans for her and when she hears Him asking her to do something so extraordinary, most would deem it crazy, she non-the-less answers the call. To save a life, she must turn her back on her own dreams, but when the last page is turned, Mary-Margaret realizes that Destiny never left her side- and that there is indeed joy to be found in a tragic journey ... especially when Love calls.
I very much enjoyed this book. Told as a diary narrative after her death, Mary-Margaret is a beautiful person- inside and out- who not only knows the face of Jesus, but does his works. I understood her faith and loved reading about her life from page one.
Jude is a tragic character but your heart breaks for him, just as God's did, and the eventual peace he makes with his life is nothing short of miraculous.
A wonderful story!
July 12, 2009
I found this book by chance at Barnes and Noble one night when after having a bad day (well, June was just an awful month, really), I escaped to the book store looking for Maggie, the sequel to Charles Martin's The Dead Don't Dance. I had just finished the book and just had to read the sequel (amazon prime couldn't deliver it fast enough). :)
Of course, B and N didn't have the Martin book...so I was perusing the Christian fiction area and saw the book Bella. Now, I have seen the movie (loved it) and knew that the book was one of those rare books written and enhanced from the screenplay. I knew if the makers of Bella trusted Lisa Samson to write the book, she must be good. I was right.
This book is the story of Mary Margaret and her very special friendship with Jesus. Her life begins with a very sad tale, but ultimately, it is an uplifting story about the wonderful mercy of Christ.
Samson's writing is poignant yet witty. She creates the most lovely characters--so real, you could just reach out and hug them (or most of them--some, you just want to slap). I am excited to recommend her as an author--I just finished another book by her (Quaker Summer--loved it) and am about to read Embrace Me--in fact, I'm getting off this computer and start it right now.
Cheers!
Of course, B and N didn't have the Martin book...so I was perusing the Christian fiction area and saw the book Bella. Now, I have seen the movie (loved it) and knew that the book was one of those rare books written and enhanced from the screenplay. I knew if the makers of Bella trusted Lisa Samson to write the book, she must be good. I was right.
This book is the story of Mary Margaret and her very special friendship with Jesus. Her life begins with a very sad tale, but ultimately, it is an uplifting story about the wonderful mercy of Christ.
Samson's writing is poignant yet witty. She creates the most lovely characters--so real, you could just reach out and hug them (or most of them--some, you just want to slap). I am excited to recommend her as an author--I just finished another book by her (Quaker Summer--loved it) and am about to read Embrace Me--in fact, I'm getting off this computer and start it right now.
Cheers!
August 27, 2009
Awful. Supposedly Christian book (main character is/was a nun). Profanity, although I guess Samson thinks she's somehow excused since she adds --- after the first letter of the word. Crude sexual remarks from Jude also are included in the book. The book was kind of boring too. I read, stopped, and re-started three times, it over a six week period for me to finish it.
This was published by Thomas Nelson (so was Dekker's Boneman's Daughter). I don't understand why they keep publishing books like this! I expect to read profanity in non-Christian books, not in books that are touted as written by "Christian" authors.
This was published by Thomas Nelson (so was Dekker's Boneman's Daughter). I don't understand why they keep publishing books like this! I expect to read profanity in non-Christian books, not in books that are touted as written by "Christian" authors.
September 28, 2021
This was unlike any Christian fiction I've read and I absolutely loved it.
Loved Mary-Margaret, her voice, her relationship with Jude and how she talked about Jesus.
The life of a religious sister is absolutely fascinating to me as a Protestant.
This is a book I finished and wanted to turn back to page one and start over to live with these characters for a little longer.
Well done, Lisa Samson, well done.
Loved Mary-Margaret, her voice, her relationship with Jude and how she talked about Jesus.
The life of a religious sister is absolutely fascinating to me as a Protestant.
This is a book I finished and wanted to turn back to page one and start over to live with these characters for a little longer.
Well done, Lisa Samson, well done.
January 21, 2012
The low rating isn't because of the writing (which is excellent) or even the story line (which is well told and wistful). The low rating is due to the fact that author tries to excuse the accusations of abuse on children by the hands of Catholic priests as something that, while regrettable, isn't a big deal. A few bad apples.
I was appalled.
A 15 year study and report released in Canada on the history of residential schools run by the Catholic church up until 1996 reveled the level of abuse committed by priests and nuns on the children in the schools as systemic and continual. This isn't a few bad apples, and the abuse of these children isn't something we should attempt to excuse. There are a number of organizations designed to reach out to victims of residential schools in Canada. For example: http://www.irsss.ca/
It is rare for me to disregard a novel because of something that only mentioned, and not even the focus of the novel. But in this case, the issue is far to large for me to overlook these casual references. I have no doubt these references weren't intended to harm, but intention isn't enough.
I highly recommend other novels by Lisa Samson. She is an excellent writer, and is, I am sure a sensitive and loving person.
I was appalled.
A 15 year study and report released in Canada on the history of residential schools run by the Catholic church up until 1996 reveled the level of abuse committed by priests and nuns on the children in the schools as systemic and continual. This isn't a few bad apples, and the abuse of these children isn't something we should attempt to excuse. There are a number of organizations designed to reach out to victims of residential schools in Canada. For example: http://www.irsss.ca/
It is rare for me to disregard a novel because of something that only mentioned, and not even the focus of the novel. But in this case, the issue is far to large for me to overlook these casual references. I have no doubt these references weren't intended to harm, but intention isn't enough.
I highly recommend other novels by Lisa Samson. She is an excellent writer, and is, I am sure a sensitive and loving person.
April 17, 2012
I really, really enjoyed this story of a religious sister (not a nun, but most of the people she meets are confused about the distinction, so don't let it bother you). She is persuaded to write her life's story, and it is sometimes rambling and jumps from past to present to farther past. Since she is supposedly 70 years old when she is writing this, it's not really surprising. It made it feel more authentic to me. I loved the main character, who is neither pious nor hypocritically self-righteous. Her story was believable yet amazing. Lisa Samson has created another character that I would've liked to have met in real life. Sister Mary-Margaret is down-to-earth and yet heavenly minded at the same time, and in a way that made me envy her.
My opinion of Christian literature is not high, and considering that Samson's audience is likely made up of predominately evangelical Protestants made this subject and setting a little outside-the-box. But I enjoyed it very much, and consider her an exceptional writer of this genre. Her books are not hokey or cheesy or predictably "inspirational," but do a great job of exploring the depths of human experience and emotion.
My opinion of Christian literature is not high, and considering that Samson's audience is likely made up of predominately evangelical Protestants made this subject and setting a little outside-the-box. But I enjoyed it very much, and consider her an exceptional writer of this genre. Her books are not hokey or cheesy or predictably "inspirational," but do a great job of exploring the depths of human experience and emotion.
April 20, 2015
At the beginning, I thought I wouldn't like this book as much as the other Lisa Samson books I've read. The structure and tone take some getting used to, and the narrator doesn't reveal a lot at first.
But in the end, this book turned out to be the most inspiring of the lot, and as the mysteries unravel the power of the themes take over. And I loved it. Absolutely life-changing.
But in the end, this book turned out to be the most inspiring of the lot, and as the mysteries unravel the power of the themes take over. And I loved it. Absolutely life-changing.
January 17, 2010
A gift and a very enjoyable read. I can already think of several friends from my parish who I know will like this.
October 27, 2017
This book was the 2010 Christy Award winner in the contemporary category which is how I discovered it. This was my first time reading this author.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think of this book. It was so edgy and different. But I couldn't put it down. The farther I got into the book, the more interesting it got. By the end, I was thinking, "Wow! What a powerful story!" Definitely thought provoking and life changing!
Although I didn't agree with all the theology, the main reason I didn't give it five stars is because the way the story was told was a little confusing at times. The main character frequently seems all over the place back tracking her story. I constantly had to figure out what age she was (it didn't give dates or time frames at the beginning of a new paragraph when decades change).
All in all, I loved the book and the story. It involved some heavy topics but it was well written. Mary-Margaret was a well thought out and written character and I adored her! The story became one that made me cringe to a very sweet loving story that me my heart smile. I love the forgiveness and redemption that God provides and the peace that ensues as a result.
At first, I wasn't sure what to think of this book. It was so edgy and different. But I couldn't put it down. The farther I got into the book, the more interesting it got. By the end, I was thinking, "Wow! What a powerful story!" Definitely thought provoking and life changing!
Although I didn't agree with all the theology, the main reason I didn't give it five stars is because the way the story was told was a little confusing at times. The main character frequently seems all over the place back tracking her story. I constantly had to figure out what age she was (it didn't give dates or time frames at the beginning of a new paragraph when decades change).
All in all, I loved the book and the story. It involved some heavy topics but it was well written. Mary-Margaret was a well thought out and written character and I adored her! The story became one that made me cringe to a very sweet loving story that me my heart smile. I love the forgiveness and redemption that God provides and the peace that ensues as a result.
April 16, 2022
A perfectly lovely story!
“Mary-Margaret, modern Mystic”. While she would not have agreed with that title, she would have enjoyed the alliteration.
This novel is one I just happened upon. I’m not a reader of Christian fiction, nor of love stories, but this one caught my eye at a library sale I had stopped at while traveling last year. So I think I was meant to read it.
The storylines will be difficult to follow by some, as it switches back and forth between three different time frames and the narrator (Mary-Margaret) will frame sentences in a manner I’m not used to. I really wanted to re arrange some of her writing, but that is normal for me. You may not have this problem.
This novel, first and foremost, is about Love. The Love that transcends all, and the love that comes from us broken humans. In fact, about 2/3 through there are some things that come up which may be uncomfortable for many folks. But these things really do happen, and they are handled well in this book. It’s Christian Fiction, but not sappy sweet, and not preachy. And certainly not predicable. I liked this book more than I expected to, and recommend it to others.
“Mary-Margaret, modern Mystic”. While she would not have agreed with that title, she would have enjoyed the alliteration.
This novel is one I just happened upon. I’m not a reader of Christian fiction, nor of love stories, but this one caught my eye at a library sale I had stopped at while traveling last year. So I think I was meant to read it.
The storylines will be difficult to follow by some, as it switches back and forth between three different time frames and the narrator (Mary-Margaret) will frame sentences in a manner I’m not used to. I really wanted to re arrange some of her writing, but that is normal for me. You may not have this problem.
This novel, first and foremost, is about Love. The Love that transcends all, and the love that comes from us broken humans. In fact, about 2/3 through there are some things that come up which may be uncomfortable for many folks. But these things really do happen, and they are handled well in this book. It’s Christian Fiction, but not sappy sweet, and not preachy. And certainly not predicable. I liked this book more than I expected to, and recommend it to others.
October 15, 2025
🇩🇪
Dieses Buch wäre beinahe ein DNF geworden. Irgendwie habe ich keinen Zugang zu der Geschichte gefunden, obwohl spannende Themen (Kindheitstrauma, Wahrheitssuche, Sucht) beschrieben wurden. Mary Margareth (den Hauptcharakter) fand ich irgendwie nervig. Ihre dauerhafte Begründung, dass dies ihr göttlich bestimmter Lebensweg sei, machte sie meiner Meinung nach ziemlich unglaubwürdig. Jude hingegen war ein interessanter Charakter, der aber auf mich ziemlich kindisch wirkte.
Das Buch ist absolut chaotisch geschrieben. Es soll eine Erinnerung darstellen, aber trotzdem hätte ich mir mehr Struktur gewünscht.
🇬🇧
This book almost became a DNF. I couldn't connect with the story, despite the fascinating themes (childhood trauma, the search for truth, addiction) that were described. I found Mary Margaret (the main character) annoying. Her constant insistence that this was her godly predetermined path in life made her rather unbelievable in my opinion. Jude, on the other hand, was an interesting character, but seemed childish to me.
The book is written in an absolutely chaotic order. It's meant to be a memoir, but I still would have liked more structure.
Dieses Buch wäre beinahe ein DNF geworden. Irgendwie habe ich keinen Zugang zu der Geschichte gefunden, obwohl spannende Themen (Kindheitstrauma, Wahrheitssuche, Sucht) beschrieben wurden. Mary Margareth (den Hauptcharakter) fand ich irgendwie nervig. Ihre dauerhafte Begründung, dass dies ihr göttlich bestimmter Lebensweg sei, machte sie meiner Meinung nach ziemlich unglaubwürdig. Jude hingegen war ein interessanter Charakter, der aber auf mich ziemlich kindisch wirkte.
Das Buch ist absolut chaotisch geschrieben. Es soll eine Erinnerung darstellen, aber trotzdem hätte ich mir mehr Struktur gewünscht.
🇬🇧
This book almost became a DNF. I couldn't connect with the story, despite the fascinating themes (childhood trauma, the search for truth, addiction) that were described. I found Mary Margaret (the main character) annoying. Her constant insistence that this was her godly predetermined path in life made her rather unbelievable in my opinion. Jude, on the other hand, was an interesting character, but seemed childish to me.
The book is written in an absolutely chaotic order. It's meant to be a memoir, but I still would have liked more structure.
August 4, 2018
I had trouble getting into the book at first because of its diary writing format. However, I soon grew to love Mary Margaret - mostly because of her love for her best friend, Jesus, and the way He came to her. Although He has never come to me in flesh and blood like He did to her, He has been just as real and tangible and vocal with me. Reading her encounters with Jesus took me back to my own encounters with Him during my retreats at the Abbey of Gethsemane in Trappist, KY. I’m also a sucker for this type of story-line, similar to my own writing style - how the grace and mercy of God saves us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2022
Well written story about a life well lived!
I’m not sure what I expected, but this book took me by surprise.
The first couple chapters I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep reading this book, it didn’t really pull me in until about half way through. Im glad I didn’t put it down.
I feel like we could all learn a little from Mary-Margaret, but we could all also learn from Jude and all the other cast of characters in this book.
I think one really big takeaway from this story is; It’s all in Gods hands, we are truly along for the ride. We can do nothing without Him. We should Pray without ceasing, try our hardest to follow his lead and live with compassion.
I’m not sure what I expected, but this book took me by surprise.
The first couple chapters I wasn’t sure I wanted to keep reading this book, it didn’t really pull me in until about half way through. Im glad I didn’t put it down.
I feel like we could all learn a little from Mary-Margaret, but we could all also learn from Jude and all the other cast of characters in this book.
I think one really big takeaway from this story is; It’s all in Gods hands, we are truly along for the ride. We can do nothing without Him. We should Pray without ceasing, try our hardest to follow his lead and live with compassion.
June 15, 2019
I'm not even sure how to describe this book without giving away too much. Let's just say the story is about Jesus asking someone to do something hard, but then blessing them through it. It's beauty and raw pain; it's love and abuse; it's forgiveness and hate; and it's healing and hurt. I was a little frustrated with the story jumping around to at least three different periods in the character's life. But the story was beautifully told with lots to think about.
August 18, 2019
Loved this book. I needed the reminder that Jesus was right there with us through all the stuff that happens in our lives. This needs to be at the top of one's TBR list. It was original, inspirational, and a page-turner. I will reread it and mark all the pages that have particularly insightful and wise words that I would like to remember. If you are one of those people who read three books per week, this needs to be two of them! What wonderful characters and what a merciful God!
July 11, 2023
An outstanding book! I use 5 stars very sparingly, because I want to keep the highest rating for very special books. To me, this was very special. A story of redemption, most of all. There is A LOT of sensitive, adult content, ( child abuse, sex industry wounded people) especially for a Christian publisher. I don't really agree with all the Catholic theology either. But for storyline and the way the author writes, 5 stars for sure!
July 14, 2017
I loved this book. Beyond being an incredible story it made me realize even more that Jesus is our friend. He wants to be involved in our daily lives, our minute by minute lives. He cares so much for us.
January 16, 2018
Normally I don't read Christian fiction, but this is probably my favourite book I've ever read. It strengthened my relationship with Jesus, and made me want to be a better writer. Each time I read it, I find I learn more.
January 27, 2020
I don’t read Christian fiction because of its lack of originality, superficialities, and flat dull characters. But this book was beautiful. Gave it four stars because it was still on the spectrum of idealistic and at times I did an inward eye roll.
May 2, 2020
I loved it because it contained three of my favorite topics- religion, lighthouses and historical fiction. The characters were portrayed so vividly that I could picture each one in my mind. A complex tale but was written so well I was able to follow the story and was sorry when it was over.
December 17, 2020
I loved this book! It was real, raw, and full of mercy and grace, just like what Jesus does for us. Lisa wasn't afraid to take those risks and I loved every minute. I will be back to read more of her books.
April 9, 2018
This book took awhile for me to get in to but I’m glad I stuck with it.
August 7, 2019
A beautiful story about God’s love. Very well written.
November 12, 2019
Good book.
January 2, 2021
This is another boring book by the same author.
March 22, 2022
Loved it, it really spoke to me of God's love & forgiveness& that He will use whom He chooses to win the lost.
August 25, 2022
A daring, amazing story of redemption, faith, and following God's plan no matter how crazy. Truly loved and was amazed by it. Highly recommend this one!
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