I Never Knew You

by Patrick Higgins

Charmaine DeShields thought she had it all. A promising career. Good health. A beautiful house. A promising relationship. Most importantly, she was a proud member of the largest and most popular megachurch in all of Seattle—the Blessed and Highly Favored Full Gospel Church.

Everything started changing in her seemingly perfect life after a pastor visiting from China created such an uproar at her church, with messages most members found both mean spirited and judgmentally offensive, that Mark Lau was asked to leave and told never to come back.

It took traveling all the way to Shanghai, China, with her best friend, Meredith Geiger, for Charmaine to discover the many differences between her church, which was opulent in every sense of the word, and Pastor Lau’s church, which was located beneath a dry cleaners, of all places.

Even more telling were the messages both pastors preached. Despite that they taught from the very same Book, their messages couldn’t have been anymore polarizing. While Charmaine was instantly intrigued by the whole “underground” experience, Meredith was so traumatized that she cut short what had been the best vacation of her life, to go back to the States.

But not before alarming Charmaine’s boyfriend of the grave danger they faced. Rodney Williams then told lead pastors, Julian and Imogen Martín, who flew 5,700 miles from Seattle to China, to rescue her from the so-called pastor who’d already caused some to leave their megachurch.

Upon arriving, they learned their suspicions were quickly confirmed. Mark Lau had used his subterranean gathering place to radically change Charmaine’s way of thinking. Despite her strongest protests, they flat-out refused to believe that God had used him to transform her life and deepen her faith, to the extent that she finally had eternal assurance.

Tragically for the Martíns, by the time they discovered the prosperity Gospel they’d been preaching was a false one, it would be too late…

Genres: Christian, Fiction, Christian Fiction

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2020

About the author

THE “CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE” SERIES IS NOW COMPLETED...NO MORE WAITING! NO MORE WONDERING WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT! IS IT BETTER THAN LEFT BEHIND? MANY THINK IT IS. DOWNLOAD THE SERIES NOW AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. MAKE IT YOUR NEXT BINGE READ.
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Patrick Higgins is an Amazon bestseller and multi-award winning author of the end times prophetic series, Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye, which won the Radiqx Press Spirit-Filled Fiction Award of Excellence after the first installment was published. The latest recognition for the CHAOS series was winning the 2024 International Impact Book Award (Best Fiction - Christian Fiction).

Look for the final installment to be released in September, 2025. Pre-order your copy now...

Higgins also wrote "I Never Knew You" - 2021 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal in Christian fiction, 2021 Independent Author Network (IAN) book of the year winner in Christian fiction, 2022 American Best Book Awards finalist in Christian fiction, and 2021 International Book Awards finalist in Christian Fiction, "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor", which won both the 2016 International Publishers Awards (IPA) and the 2018 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Awards in Christian fiction, "The Pelican Trees", and "Coffee In Manila".

To date, nearly 25,000 POSITIVE RATINGS - REVIEWS have been posted on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Nobles, and Book Bub, on all of Higgins’ books combined)! And more than TWENTY FIVE MILLION (25,000,000) KENP pages have been read on Amazon...and counting...And 12 of Patrick's 13 books have reached "BEST SELLER" status on Amazon, including each of the first nine installments of the CHAOS series. And BOOKS 3-9 were PRE-RELEASE BEST SELLERS, praise God!

His books, "I Never Knew You", "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor" and "The Pelican Trees" are now available in audiobook format.

Lord willing, he will begin production on the "CHAOS" series in audiobook format soon...

Enjoy reading and listening...

http://www.patrickhigginsbooks.com

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/patri...

https://www.facebook.com/patrick12272003

Reviews

[Aileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone should read this book!

I would recommend this book to anyone. The story captures the imagination, and it's hard to put down. It's frightening to know there are people claiming to know God, and who are leading churches, but are actually working on behalf of Satan. They are leading many to their doom. The inclusion of scripture to support the true message of God is very powerful. A good read for everyone no matter what you believe about God!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Witness

This book presents the Gospel message unashamedly. May God bless this author and anyone who reads with the gift of salvation by trust in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Thank you Lord for saving me from my sin in the holy and mighty name of Jesus/Yeshua. Amen.

[gilmore james · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!

I have to say this book is by far the Best Christian fiction book I have EVER READ!! The story line is Awesome a real thought provoking narrative that captures the True essence of the Gospel Message which is Jesus Christ only!! My advice is read this book and examine your motives as I did mine and ask the Lord Jesus Christ to come into your heart. I Pray this book will be a Blessing to all who read it.

[Jeannie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

I recommend that everyone reads this book. Very well written and causes you to stop and do some serious soul searching.

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Never Knew You by: Patrick Higgins is a Christian Fiction book. This is the first book that I have read by this author. I feel that this is a very important book to read. While it is a fictional story, I enjoyed the way that the author broke down why a prosperity gospel church is not a church you want to attend. We know that the world is in desperate need of hearing the Gospel. The true message of salvation. This book from beginning to end has the full gospel message written into it and is written in a way that can be understood by all. I grew up Catholic. Where "good works" is taught. However when I found Jesus in my early 20's I learned there was so much more. The author used the ESV version of the Bible for his scripture references, which is fine - however I do challenge you to look the verses up in other versions also so that you grasp the full meaning.

Main Character, Charmaine DeShields is living a wonderful life. She faithfully attends her church. However when a visiting pastor from China guest preaches at the church, a message to ruffle feathers is preached. Messages that challenge and make people feel uncomfortable is always a way for God to get through when the fake messages that the church has been hearing. Charmaine travels to China where her way of thinking is DRAMATICALLY transformed. Her pastors at her home church fly to try and "rescue" her. I felt that this was an attempt to try and re-brain wash her to their way of thinking. Again, while this is a fictional book - it reminded me of what you hear sometimes with cults. When one leaves and sees the light - and they are tried to be brought back in.

The author wrote some amazing, real feeling characters. I loved the story-line. It was very powerful. The Gospel message is preached fully and correctly. I enjoyed this book.



I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning, I Never Knew You held my attention. It brought back all the true gospel teaching I remembered from my youth and touched my heart in ways I never imagined. If you only read one book this year, make it this one.

The story was a page-turner for me. Once into it, I couldn't stop reading. All the scriptural references and how they were interpreted by the Chinese pastor as he explained it to Charmaine, stirred my soul. There were parts of the story where I cried along with her and praised God that the author had written it. The message is one the world so desperately needs to hear right now.

I'm a big fan of the author and must say that to me, this is his best work yet. The story is impactful, filled with messages of faith and salvation, and will stay on your mind after you finish the last page. It made me think about my own salvation and walk with Jesus.

The author's descriptions of the suspenseful part of the story kept me on the edge of my seat. A very well-thought-out book that will be a blessing to all that read it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I Never Knew You" by Patrick Higgins is a believable story that is based on churches that preach "claim it and it yours". That saying isn't used in the book as such but that is what it is about. Charmaine DeShields goes to a megachurch and makes plenty of money and has a lot of prestigious because she is on the list of the top donors.

But when a preacher from China comes and preaches a different message and Charmaine goes to China and learns what it means to be really saved, her friends and pastors aren't very happy.

This book made me question my faith and it addresses issues such as can a person lose their salvation and what would I do if I have to denied Jesus to stay out of jail and other issues.

Once again, I felt God was telling me that I can be content in Him in any situation and that He is with me and that I can do all things through Him. The example the author uses in this scene is the book is a football player saying this as he gets a touchdown. I have to say that example didn't impress me because I am not a foot ball player nor a fan but God is telling me that this doesn't mean I can do anything I want and it is ok but I can have joy and contentment in Him. I am amazed that this is the second book Fiction) that reinforces what my pastor preached on Jan.24. I really felt like this book was speaking to me.

I really recommend every person, Christian or not read this book. I don't want anyone to hear the words "I Never Knew You" spoken to them by Jesus. This book really tells the Gospel and would be a great gift for a reader that doesn't want to read other "religious" books.

I received a contemporary copy by the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Pam Cullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soul Searching

Powerful writing that makes you very inter reflective. Once I started I was compelled to finish to the end without stopping. It’s so well written that you feel what the characters do, even found myself crying for them. Definitely makes you think-

[Pamela Saylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have ever read.

I could not put the book down. I will be reading it over and over. What a joy this book is. You cannot often say that you are happy with a book in which the main character dies. Unless of course you know she went to the best place, God's heaven.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, just amazing

Spellbinding, as one person said is so true. One of the best Christian fiction books I've read in a while.
I would recommend this book to all those who think that they are saved but aren't truly saved.
God's blessing to you, brother Patrick for opening eyes to the truth of God's Holy Word.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title of this book first drew my attention; words I never want my Lord to say to me. Patrick Higgins weaves important biblical tenants into a story that closely describes many in today’s society who questionably consider themselves Christian. Although a work of fiction, the unveiling of prosperity preaching, false prophets, and religious persecution will strike a chord for many readers. The story is solid, and the character development is excellent. The ending is chilling and serves as a wake-up call to Christians that they must be certain they are in right standing with the Lord—now. I enjoyed this reading this book. It made me consider the theological teaching I have been consuming and the importance of wisdom and discernment in what I allow to enter my mind. The description of intolerance and persecution in a foreign county makes me very thankful to live in America.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book can changed lives and set captives free. Yes I believe this book is so powerful that I wept when I finished the last page. I have heard of seeker friendly churches. In fact I used to be part of one. My husband and I were so involved in the church, our children began to wonder if they were important anymore. We sat under a pastor that preached the good news. We felt that we needed to volunteer for everything and be there every time the doors opened. Slowly we noticed our friends leaving and started to ask questions. Well I won’t continue because this book could have been written about my life in a church where I was shunned and asked never to come back.

Charmaine thought she had it all. She was well respected in the community. She was a big giver to her church and flaunted her wealth to anyone who would notice. Her pastors preached claim it services and in the midst was the Holy Spirit who grieved for the people who were being misled, I loved the moment when the pastor’s wife was prophesying and suddenly was called out. A guest pastor from China knew he had to speak truth to these people. He was not well received and in fact was escorted out.

I think that was the turning point for Charmaine. Could she go to China and see what the pastor was trying to convey to the congregation at her church? Her journey will fund herself searching and seeking God for answers. Her pastors will be become upset that she went. I wonder if they were afraid to her lose money ? The author writes a fiction story but it is happening in churches right now. The feel good churches who share the good news and spend more time on a tithing message than speaking real truth confuses people. The enemy loves confusion and we as a body of Christ need to be careful who we allow to minister to us. I think this is a wake up call for everyone and the author is clear that we don’t want to hear, “I never knew you,” I love a church who digs into scripture and warns us of what happens when we sin. I think every pastor and Christian should read this book. You may not agree with everything but there is truth in the authors story. I want to know that I’m at church to develop a closer relationship with him. I need to know that I will speak up when I am being led astray. In the end I want to hear, “well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can I persuade everyone to read this book? Believer Unbeliever. I mean everyone. Understanding these concepts will change your eternity. Never mind that it’s an interesting story as well. The true Gospel is so near and dear to heart and it is presented so beautifully in this book. If you read this it will help you to understand your Christian friends and acquaintances so much better. Do this for yourself!

[Marilouise Gilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of Patrick Higgins' books, and I love the way he writes for the LORD. This book was no exception. I enjoyed this book so very much, started it too late on a Saturday, but finished it the next day because I had to know what happened to the lead character. This books really teaches a lesson on false teachers, and the way they can lead you to destruction instead of the narrow path to our LORD and Savior Jesus, Yeshua. The two pastors in this false church were really leading their flock astray in a big way, and I hate to say this but I was delighted with the end of this story. "I Never Knew You" was put forth in full when they met their maker. Bravo Patrick, another wonderful story to help the church follow the path our LORD has set forth for us to follow, pick up your cross daily and follow me..................Come quickly LORD, we are waiting patiently for you.

[Melodee Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must - read for every one!

I Never Knew You had made an impression on me deep down in my soul. We know not when our time is finished on this earth. Once it is, there's no changing anything about what we did here. We cannot change a single thing! This means we end up going where we are going - Heaven or hell. This book helps us to evaluate and ask ourselves "where am I headed?" Hopefully the answer is Heaven. If not, you need to get right with God NOW. Thank you Patrick Higgins for writing this insightful book in an entertaining yet believable way so that anyone who reads it will stop and take note. ~Melodee

[Franchesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Read

Didn't know what to expect when I began reading but so glad I picked this up. Have recommended it to all my friends and family.

[Leanne Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise God

This is a powerful book. I absolutely loved it. Ill likely read it again and share it although I have it on my kindle!!

[Michael Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me reading. I couldn't stop.

I'm a born again Christian and secure in my relationship with Jesus but it lit a fire under me and in me to feel the need for the gospel to be on my lips and in my heart fervently. This is great storytelling with such truth that everyone needs to hear before its too late.

[Donna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I think you should know:
I Never Knew You by Patrick Higgins is Christian Fiction. It is a contemporary story that follows a member of a prosperity megachurch as she journeys to China and visits an underground church.

What I think about this book:
WOW! This is a no holds barred novel about the dangers of the prosperity gospel and how it differs from churches that are grounded in The Word. Charmaine was happy with her life and thrilled with the results she had seen since being a member of Blessed and Highly Favored Full Gospel Church. Her world is rocked when she reluctantly visits Mark’s church and finds her eyes opened to The Word. Higgins did a wonderful job of describing the environment around the characters down to the smallest details, he did it so naturally that I could feel like I was “seeing” the book. Having been witness to “Believers” falling into the prosperity trap this book was very enlightening to me. I was captivated by the story and highly recommend it. While this was the first book that I read by Higgins it will definitely not be the last book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

[Coralee Malinich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding, illuminating

The clearest explanation of salvation I’ve ever read! I know someone who frequently leads people to the Lord. I have no doubt of her true salvation and yet she shares Jesus to save people from hell. Without repentance how can there be salvation?
I do have some qualms about the “many rewards stored up in heaven”. Do we share Jesus for rewards or to serve Christ with no thought of rewards. Yes, both are presented in the book, but there definitely is an emphasis on the rewards.

[Nyla Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I Never Knew You” is a contemporary Christian book by author Patrick Higgins. This powerful fiction book is saturated with scripture and biblical references. The message is so moving that it will linger in your mind a long time after finishing the book.

The author takes on the subject of false prophets, false preachers, and the “name it and claim it” mega-churches. Using a riveting story, believable characters, and most importantly scripture, the author shows readers the true way to God and what He wants for His children. Illustrations of how people misconstrue Bible verses or twist them to suit their own needs are eye-opening. He also warns against adding our own words to God’s.

This is the story of highly successful Charmaine and her Christian walk. She belongs to the Blessed and Highly Favored Full Gospel Church of Seattle. Her boyfriend, Rodney, is music leader. The pastors, Imogen and Julian, are both mentors and friends of the couple. Everything is going smoothly until a pastor from China is introduced to Charmaine in a business deal.

The author has a spectacular style of writing. The point of his book is clear. He wants to bring glory to God and help other people find salvation. This book is so captivating, I read it from front to back in one day. I could not put it down! So many parts of it stand out to me even now. The church in China is unforgettable. The plane ride home touched all of my emotions.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. If you have had questions about those reward driven churches, please read this. If you are searching for Jesus, this book will show you the way. It would make a wonderful book club selection. There are no discussion questions in the back, but groups should have no trouble coming up with some of their own.

This definitely gets a 5 star rating from me. It has so many life and spiritual messages sprinkled throughout it that it is phenomenal. This would make a perfect gift for any reader. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my own opinions.

[Janeane Stover · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing book

I couldn’t put it down. This book is truly a blessing. Makes you serious think….would you die for God? Would you go to prison for Him? What can we all do to be a better servant for God? Thank you for this blessing of a book.

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

The truth !

Amazing ! I couldn't put it down ! I certainly will follow this author . God bless him for the truth he isn't afraid to write .

[Alissa Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read, a must read.

This is a great read. It will make you think. I highly recommend it. It is a good story well written end it is great for the time that we are living in as well. Get this book, you will not regret it.

[Kathy Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Life Changing!

Amazingly life changing. From page 1 until the last page.....I couldn't put this book down. It has made me take a deep soul search of my own and end up so incredibly thankful to the grace filled and merciful God I call ADonai. Through the gift of His Son Jesus who obediently even to death, died in my place...took my punishment.... I so don't deserve. May I live my life as His servant and gaining those treasures in heaven that I too may lay at His feet. Wonderfully written.

[Marsha Ronquist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story

I have read several of his books. This is the greatest. I have read Chaos in the blink of an eye and others. I felt like I was in the story living what they were experiencing. The woman Charmaine in the beginning of the story is not the woman she was at the end. The first time I heard the prosperity gospel preached, I knew it was false. This story explains the why and how.

[judy koepsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a book!!

I wish all people would read this book, it answers the most basic Christian questions in a most simple but profound way. This is pure encouragement to remember God's Word (not mans') lasts forever. " God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

[Joni Truex · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading I Never Knew You by Patrick Higgins one evening and stayed up until 2:00 am because I had to know how it ended! This biblically based fiction story goes behind the scenes at a Christian mega church, Christian traditional church and to a Christian church in China. Through the eyes of the pastors and members, the story examines the path to salvation and the differing church teachings on getting to heaven using scripture as interpreted and delivered by the pastors to the members. I really enjoyed this book! The characters became real to me. The author did a good job describing the various settings. The plot was original. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a good story – believer or non-believers!

This book was provided through Celebrate Lit, the publisher and author for me to read. The opinions expressed are my own thoughts.

[Pam Resner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for everyone

I pray this book will change your life and change how you see the world. It answered so many questions I myself had about salvation and opened my eyes to a new way of looking at Jesus and the sacrifice He made for me.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick Higgins is a new author for me. The book, I Never Knew You, came up on my Kindle Unlimited feed and sounded interesting, so I gave it a try. I'm so glad I did. Wow! What an amazing story! From the description, it was obvious that it dealt with the alarming trend of today's churches towards the Prosperity Gospel. Like the Martins from the book, there are churches here in the U.S. that preach the same sort of health, wealth and prosperity message. Higgins even alludes to one such pastor of a mega-church in his book. He didn't name names, but it was clear who he was talking about. The story focuses on the main character, Charmaine DeShields, and her journey from "God's favorite princess" to ''servant of the Most High God". It leads her from the wealth and privilege of her mega-church in Seattle to the persecution and poverty of the underground church in China. It answers the question, "Is the God you serve the true God of the Bible?"

This book's strongest points are a very interesting story and its biblical truthfulness. Higgins didn't make unjustified claims about this false gospel; he backed each statement up with solid and detailed biblical exegesis. Higgins also has an engaging writing style. I only had two minor complaints about the book. First, he offers very detailed descriptions of each character. It might have read better if he used fewer details and perhaps some similes or metaphors instead. Second, the dialogue sometimes strained credibility. It's doubtful someone who is obviously in complete disagreement with you would sit quietly and listen while you corrected them. Especially considering the pride and arrogance of these characters. However, the information conveyed was so important I'm not sure how else he should have explained it. And there was so much truth in this book! I truly hope it reaches those who most need to hear this message. As for the ending, I did not see it coming...

Overall, I would give this book 5 out of 5 stars! It's a definite must read for anyone who considers themself a Christian. It would also be good for those who aren't.

I read this book using Kindle Unlimited, but I enjoyed it so much I purchased a copy for myself.