The Miracle

by Nathan Monk

Miracles aren’t always what they seem. No one knows this better than Patrick Thackery; his family built their empire as faith healers. After the sudden death of his father, Patrick and his wife must abandon their dreams to raise their three daughters in his family home, reluctantly pastoring the church his grandfather built. How does one lead a faith healing congregation without any faith? When a cancer diagnosis strikes his own family, Patrick is forced to turn to the miraculous to heal his wife. But miracles can come with a price.

When it seems that neither God nor Science can provide the answer he wants, Patrick abandons everything he knows for a life of self destruction. He is finally forced to face what healing really means by confronting the demons in his own life. He wanders far away from the life and church he once knew. Will the new friends he makes along the way bring him closer to God than his grandfather’s pulpit ever could?

In Nathan Monk’s third book and first novel, he weaves a story of redemption and hope. With a rich deposit of characters that look deep into the conscience of the Church and what it means to truly love ourselves and our neighbor. This story takes the reader on an edge of your seat journey that leads you to the only possible conclusion when everything else fails: grace.

Genres: Fiction, Religion

298 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 26, 2020

Reviews

[Harriet Farquhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Challenging Read

A fall from Grace in dramatic style followed by redemption and self knowledge that brings salvation. Written in a fast paced almost breathy style, this is not your typical saccharine sweet Christian novel. It would be tempting to write this novel off as a Disney fantasy (and it would make a fantastic Tele movie to be watched with popcorn and hot chocolate) it is far deeper than that. It speaks of an authentic evangeleon a good news that can set everyone free. It would be easy to dismiss this novel but it speaks a profound truth . Invest the time and give it a go.

[Carolyn Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thought-provoking book about what the deep down meaning of true Christianity is. Using a cast of unique characters, Monk challenges his reader to reevaluate the true concept of being a Christian. Definitely a worthwhile read.

[Fr. River]

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The Miracle

by Nathan Monk

Patrick Thackery's family built their empire as faith healers, creating a large church. At his father's sudden death Patrick was foreced to take over as lead pastor of the faith healing congregation.

His wife is miraculously healed of cancer, when in reality a mistake had been made. She died. It sent Patrick into depression and into confronting the demons in his own life--drugs, sex, etc.

In drug treatment he made three new friends--Michael, a wealthy man, dying; Christian-transgender; and Mary--mentally ill, troubled woman.

Through these relationships Patrick found his real self. Michael left a fortune to Patrick's church, and the miracle was in the changed lives of these people.

The main criticism is that money dominates, and in the end is the miracle and the redemption, rather than looking at Christ working in the margins. This book glorifies wealth and the Church.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took my breath away!

Father Nathan’s Facebook page came into my life at a time that I was ready to chuck religion all together. Religion felt hypocritical to how I truly felt in my heart. I finally purchased his book yesterday and just finished it. This book has embodied everything I’ve been feeling. It’s almost like finding a friend who thinks like you in the weirdest ways that you are. Comforting in the way that you’re no longer alone. I’m not great with words, but I truly feel hope after reading this book. Thank you, Fr Nathan, for this wonderful book and thank you for being your authentically true self every day.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to say

The story was nice, the sentiment even better. The problem with Nathans writing is that there’s too much of it. It starts to feel like he’s talking at you instead of telling you a story. I hate to leave books unfinished, and so I powered through 3/4 of this one in just an hour. There are a lot of pages of being told about things with little imagery. It felt like a fictionalized autobiography for most of the book. I’m looking forward to reading more of his work once he’s got a better editor and hopefully can bring himself to write for the reader instead of the author.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read Christian books. I was really hesitant about reading this one. However, I follow the author on social media and thoroughly enjoy him. Plus, there was a push to sell copies during Pride month. I honestly never planned to read it at all, just wanted to support the author.

However, I did read it and am glad I did. It’s a very nice take on Christianity themes. Like the real ones such as love your neighbor. It even features flawed real-life characters.

While it may not have changed my life, I am glad I read it.

[Philippa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent look at what happens when the dominoes start to fall and you learn to question things you thought were infallible.
I enjoyed everything about this book but special mention must go to the way the author shows a huge trauma response in a female character without going into detail about why she's responding in that way.
The focus on learning and growing under your own steam, and respecting other people's journey, rather than using others as a crutch was a refreshing change also.
All in all an excellent and emotional read.

[Elaine H. Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding authenticity

Extremely moving story of the author's journey to authenticity. Not many memoirs are page turners, but this book doesn't read like a memoir; it reads like a great novel . There is much more than "a moral to this story." It's also an inspirational courage builder. If you haven't already , find and fo!low Father Nathan Monk on Facebook. And definitely, read this book.

[Carmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It ended Much too soon

Really well written, it grabbed me quickly, and held my usually wandering attention. I thought it was going to be preachy, it wasn't, it was thought provoking, sad, real, horrifying, loving, all rolled into one. I Dare you to try and begin reading this book, and then walk away without it haunting you.... The Miracle is just what we all need today. Thanks, Nathan

[Kristie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read. I grew up up wrestling with how to wisely spend my $5 in Zondervans. I grew up in an Independent Fundamentalist Baptist Church. This book rocked me. I do not say that lightly. It cut deep and brought me to tears. I read it in one day. It is a story that grabs you. You fall into it. I challenge Conservative Christians, especially, to give it a read. One of the best I've read in a long time.

[Christian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super engrossing look into a crisis of faith and how it is addressed. I came to this book by following Nathan Monk on Facebook. His writing allowed me an insight into the thought processes of very conservative and religious people. It was revelatory and I can have human empathy for them as individuals but never agreement with their politics. The story was very thought provoking and poignant.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will challenge your perception of grace, mercy, and love not only from the perspective of a Christian but as we receive them from God.
This book is a step in changing how Christians have made Christ seem judgmental and God cruel.
Love them.
It’s a simple command and so wildly difficult to do.

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. The characters were believable and I loved how even though they were all so different from one another, they shared the same problems and quirks. This is the story of a pastor and his 'come to Jesus' moment and how his quirky group of fellow rehabbers help heal themselves and each other.

[Randy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cast of broken characters thrust together who learn about Christ-like love.

Having grown up in the world of the pentecostal evangelicals, this book provided a starkly contrasting view of christianity. A vision of hope, love, compassion, and humanity so desperately needed in the world.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a more challenging read than I had expected. A story of love and loss and truth in so many forms. Definitely gave me pause, as I examined my responses to language and scenarios in the story. Ultimately, the lesson is loving genuinely. This is a book, a story and a whole lot of food for thought that won't leave my mind or heart for some time.

[Sara Powell · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you seek the perfectly written, edited, and proofread novel, this is not it.
However, if:
You enjoy a compelling tale with intriguing, unexpected characters;
You appreciate writing that gives the reader insight into realistic characters;
You are willing to peer behind the curtain--and reconsider your understanding--of events and of your own perspectives;
Then this is the book for you.

[Vicki Gabow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the typical "Christian lit." Very down to Earth and relatable.

[Robbie Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book . I’ve not read much contemporary Christian books. Pleasantly not what you think it is.

[ARTowle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story...

I read this book in a day, the story is very good although I am a little disappointed with the ending.

[Mitzi Dufour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of love and true acceptance!!

[Sara Blakey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So you give to charities. Is that enough?

Racism, homophobia, social and financial discrimination are not moral. Does it take a miracle to truly teach us to live out neighbors?

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will stick with me for awhile. Thought provoking and faith searching.

[Holly Matherne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!

A perfect representation of the gospel in a realistic story! Everyone in ministry should read this book. Everyone that claims to be a Christian should read this book!

[Pablo Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting enough book, but the author spends a lot of energy leading one up to a climax that really never comes.

[Ellen C. Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story of growth, love and loss

I enjoyed the story. I think it illustrates an individual in the south going from being Christ haunted to being Christ centered

[Brad Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Breathtakingly beautiful!