Rendezvous with God

Rendezvous with God #1

by Bill Myers

A reclusive college professor's life is turned upside down by his impulsive, runaway niece who decides she's going to live with him. To make matters worse, he begins slipping back in time to watch various Gospel narratives unfold that include off-the-record discussions with Jesus Christ. Soon he realizes his conversations tie directly into the drama, pain, and bitter-sweet comedy of his own life.

Genres: Fiction

207 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 3, 2021

About the author

Bill Myers was born into a Christian home, and although as a child he became bored with Christianity, he decided at the University of Washington quote, to "make God my boss." Ironically, at the University his worst subject was writing. He claims to have prayed, and said that he would be able to do anything for God, except write. Even so, he has become a prominent Christian writer, and has a large amount of successful books and films to his credit.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a crazy story...but very inspiring!

[Josh Olds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bill Myers has a habit of blending the historical Jesus into contemporary storytelling. Eli asked what it would look like if Jesus was born in modern days. The Judas Gospel drops Judas the betrayer into a contemporary story. The God Hater (recently retitled as Saving Alpha) envisions an atheistic creator of an AI world realizing that he must become its savior. Rendezvous with God follows that same pathway, though with a completely different tone and feel.

Will is doing just fine as a reclusive English professor, thank you. He’s recently divorced, but there’s no real love lost. He’s just fine. Then multiple things happen. For one, his 14-year-old niece shows up on his doorstep saying that she’s decided to live with him. For two, Will is suddenly being transported through time back to first century Palestine and finds himself involved in off-the-record conversations with Jesus.

Will isn’t exactly present at the events. Nobody can see him. Nobody, that is, but Jesus. As the story progresses, Will finds himself present for some of the major events of Jesus’s ministry, but more than that, he finds himself having deep, personal conversations with Jesus—ones that speak exactly to what Will is going through in the other reality. Ranging from the comedic to the serious, from entertaining to teaching, Bill Myers crafts a unique novel that highlights the need for a personal relationship with Jesus.

I do wish that maybe the storyline in our reality had been a little more grounded, particularly in Amber’s story and characterization. Her character is more of a caricature and I wish she had a little more depth or that I understood her motivations. With everything that’s happened to her, the tone of the story almost doesn’t fit her. Will’s relationship with his sister and parents are better formed and helped frame the “reality” portion of the story.

The conversations with Jesus and the interactions with his narrative are interesting and compelling. There’s one scene with Jesus in the desert that, without spoiling it, gave me chills. Myers writes conversationally and the interactions seem genuine and real. Jesus in fiction can often come across as stilted or formal, as authors struggle with the weight of putting words in the mouth of the Messiah. Myer’s portrayal of Jesus is the heart of the book. He portrays Jesus as relatable and relational.

A book like this has a very high chance of being—what would be a kind word for it?—sanctimoniously schmaltzy. And in the hands of a lesser author, it might be. With Myers, it comes across as quirkily endearing. It’s comedic, light-hearted magical realism that uses story as a device for the message, but never allows the message to overwhelm the story. I might describe its tone as a middle-grade novel written for adults. It’s a difficult balance, but Myers manages it well. If you come to Rendezvous with God for a piece of gritty, hard-hitting drama, you’ll be disappointed; but if you’ve come to do for what the title says, you’ll be treated to a unique experience. Rendezvous with God is a bold experiment in fiction, one that seems to be paying off.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a powerful book! This compares to "Eli", which is the first book I read by this author. While that book tackled the question of what would it look like if Jesus had come today instead of 2000 years ago. This one takes a person from the present and has him jump back in time to be taught directly by Jesus in Bible times. The lessons were poignant and the scenes were dramatic. It was such a unique and worthwhile way of presenting the Gospel message. This is one I'd definitely recommend to any Christian and to anyone who is seeking to understand more about how a relationship with God works. Special thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for an e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rendezvous with God
by Bill Myers
Fidelis Publishing
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles
Christian | General Fiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 09 Feb 2021




I am reviewing a copy of Rendezvous with God through Fidelis Publishing and Netgalley:


This book brings out the best of Jesus Calling" and "The Shack" with a touch of humor underlining God's desire for intimate friendship.



A Professor who is reclusive has his life turned upside when his impulsive, fourteen-year-old niece decides to live with him. To make matters even more complicated he begins slipping back into Gospel times for off-the-record discussions with Jesus Christ. Soon he realizes the conversations tie directly into the drama and bitter-sweet comedy of his own life.



Rendezvous with God is an angst filled novel with lovable characters reach real-world solutions in the midst of their struggles.



I give Rendezvous with God five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Pamela Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but inspirational read. I don't want to describe it, but encourage all my friends to read it!

[Jonathan Wilbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for mental prayer.

[Carrie Maldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of his best!

I've read most of Bill Myers' books and this is one of his best! The story is really interesting as it is but the theological nuggets are inspiring and satisfying. Myers hits the hard questions unflinchingly-this is not a white washed Christian story. Its gritty and true and leaves us wanting more more more of thus Jesus. 'God never plays defense'. Excellent read for anyone regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey. I can't wait for the next one!

[Stephanie’s Ninth Suitcase · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Bill Myers’ books since I was a kid. I tripped my way through his books about renowned klutz, Wally McDoogle, went undercover with Agent Dingledorf and visited the allegorical otherworld of Fayrah. Being a huge fan of allegory, the Imager Chronicles (also known as Journeys to Fayrah) were my favorite.


As far as Myers’ adult books go, I hadn’t read anything until recently, when I began the Harbingers book series. I listen to a lot of audiobooks at work (things are even quieter than usual in the library, thanks to COVID) and am currently in Cycle 3 of the series, which is co-written by Bill Myers, Frank Peretti (another of my favorite authors), Angela Hunt and Alton Gansky.


Also recently, I signed up for NetGalley, which provides reviewers with free ebook copies. I had seen Bill make a few posts about his latest book, Rendezvous with God on his Facebook page. Plus, this was a title that was available for immediate download, which meant I didn’t need to request access from the publisher. And, I felt led to read it.


I received a courtesy ecopy of Rendezvous with God from NetGalley.
First impressions:

When I first saw the book’s cover, and based on the Facebook posts and the title, I thought it might be a devotional book. I was much more intrigued when I read the synopsis and discovered that the book was fiction.

Characterization

Myers certainly has a knack for humor, which shines through in the narrator’s strong voice. I think this is the main element that pulled me into the story within the first few sentences. And the early reference to Doritos helped.

In addition to the protagonist’s characterization, I also felt that the other main character, Ambrosia (always referred to as “Amber” by the main character. Interestingly, it’s unclear as to whether Will is shortening her name or she is pulling a “call me Cordelia”), was well-characterized and believable. Setting was clearly established early on, and the book certainly reflected our current cultural/ political climate, with references to the Coronavirus and Amber’s insistence that a male cat, Karl, be called Sabrina. After all, she argues, he’s been fixed, so it’s the “same thing.”

I also enjoyed much of the dialogue in the book: between Will and Amber, Will and his best friend/ co-worker, Sean, and Will and a co-worker, Darlene. These interactions were humorous and also exemplified Myers’ knack for characterization.

Plot line:

At the beginning of the book, I found Will’s present day reality to be more compelling than the rendezvous scenes. However, as the plot progressed, the intertwining elements between the two settings drew me more into the rendezvous moments.

Themes

For me, the book became increasingly powerful as the storyline progressed— particularly at the climax of the novel. In addition to this core scene, I also found strong truths embedded throughout. One of my favorite emphases was the distinction between the “Christian club” and the “friend” of Yeshua, illustrated with a stick-figure sketch.

Other Things I Liked

Will refers to Jesus as Yeshua
Myers isn’t afraid to challenge Americana Christianity
I read the book yesterday and have thought about it several times, today.
Overall Impression

I liked what I saw in this book. While I wouldn’t say it is the first I’ve seen of its kind, I do believe it addressed some important truths, particularly in the “religion vs. relationship” vein, that are frequently overlooked in the church. Overall, in light of my own personal experience and the fact that Jesus spoke in parables, I think that fiction is a powerful way to portray truths. I would recommend Rendezvous with God for Christians, because half of the book takes place in the Gospels. I think these references would be much more appreciated by a Christian audience. The book is not “subtly” Christian but certainly provides context and insight into accounts that are very familiar to Christians.

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rendezvous with God by Bill Myers arrived in my mail unexpectedly a couple months ago. I remember telling Fidelis Publishing that I’d love to read and review their books. I wasn’t expecting one to arrive in the mail! Then just last week, I noticed this same book available on NetGalley! So, of course, I got it!

Will is beginning to enjoy life as a divorcée and learning to adapt to the quiet of single life when he gets a knock in the door. Not often he gets visitors, but goes to answer it regardless only to find his teenage niece standing there in the pouring rain. What is she doing at his house? Where is her mother?

His niece Amber, who prefers to be called Ambrosia, is a typical teen constantly texting the phone with headphones listening to who knows what. She’s also full of demands and refuses to listen to Will’s reasoning. After about a week, Will decided to take her home since her mother isn’t answering her phone.

All throughout this experience with Amber-Ambrosia, Will gets tossed into the past with discussions with Yeshua. Each meeting, or vision, or dream, or whatever you call it is a teaching moment for Will. Each meeting occurs at a different time and has no consistency. Will begins reading an online Bible to keep up and informed with the scene he gets thrown into.

When they get to the home Will grew up in, the one Amber calls home, he gets flashbacks of times he experienced with his parents, with his sister, with his father. These flashbacks intertwine with moments with Yeshua and reality. But they still don’t find Amber’s mother. They do notice some wrappers signaling the EMT were possibly there and took her.

What happened to Amber’s mother? Will they find her? Can Will get the courage to be comfortable in his childhood home, even with terrible flashbacks? How does Yeshua tie into all of this?

Rendezvous with God by Bill Myers is an excellent Christian fiction that gets the reader thinking and analyzing their own life and relationships. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because it encouraged me to analyze my own life and my own relationship with Jesus. The tips subtly provided in this book is enough to get readers think about their own life.

[Holly LaPat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is this a case of preaching to the choir? Maybe – not many non-Christians are likely to pick up a book about Jesus. But “Rendezvous With God” offers a fresh take on what the Son of God may have been like during His time on earth. A troubled college professor finds himself suddenly pulled into events from Christ’s life, partly as an eyewitness, but largely to engage in one-on-one conversations with the Lord about his own problems. Jesus talks in modern-day English and isn’t nearly as solemn and reverent as we tend to picture him these days. There are some amusing inconsistencies: He’s very familiar with our protagonist’s life, knows what’s going to happen next, and understands modern devices like computers, but he’s never seen a balloon before and doesn’t know how a ballpoint pen works. For a little while, I was afraid it might get too cute, but no. For my money, this book delivered on the insights promised. Myers does seem to be aiming for the folks who are already familiar with the New Testament accounts of Christ’s life – for example, you’d have to know the Bible account to get the significance of suggesting Jesus could turn stones into bread. But this short little book is well worth reading for anyone who’d like a fresh, outside-the-box perspective on what it means to have a relationship with God.

Next →

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a very imaginative and thought provoking novel. Imagine having visions, meeting Jesus as a child and then in His later years. Imagine each of those visions creating the opportunity for insights into life and relationships, especially the relationship with the Father. Imagine reviewing life's events with observations from Jesus's perspective. Imagine the lessons on acceptance, forgiveness and the disappointment and pain we feel when God does not do what we want Him to.

This novel is a good parable about how we can be transformed by experiences, by problems. The novel is a good illustration of how much God loves us and the pain He feels when we reject Him.

Myers' writing style is a pleasure to experience. He has good dialogue and fun quips. I felt he did a good job imagining what Jesus would say and how He would respond to the questions we have. It is a bold task to put words in the mouth of Jesus but I was not offended by anything Myers imagined.

There is a very good collection of discussion questions at the end of the novel. Myers adds informative comments along with the questions. This would be a good novel for a book discussion group. And there is going to be a sequel. I'll be watching for it.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Becka · Rating 2 out of 5]

Any book blurbed by Frank Peretti is an automatic must-read for me. So it came as somewhat of a surprise when Rendezvous with God didn't live up to my expectation. The story follows Will, a college professor whose personal life experiences upheaval when his teenage niece shows up on his doorstep, in need of a place to live. On top of that, Will begins to experience episodes in which he finds himself present at important events throughout the life of Jesus, and no one can see Will except Jesus Himself. During these episodes, Will and Jesus chat. According to this synopsis, this book should have been a hit with me.

There are two things that impacted my enjoyment of this book. The first is that the story felt like it stayed very surface level or that the attempts at substance in the characters came across as overdone caricatures. The other thing that negatively affected my investment in the story was the portrayal of Jesus as being completely unaware of some aspects of modern life. As Jesus, he would be aware.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Bill Myers book. I've heard him speak many times and am familiar with some of his screenwriting work, so I wanted to check out his adult fiction.

This was such a unique and interesting book. I didn't read the back, so I really didn't know what to expect. For starters, the title is quite literal--Will starts having supernatural rendezvous with Jesus shortly after the book starts. I very much enjoyed the way Myers portrays Jesus, which is more in line with Jesus as a man and not the stereotypical, I-read-a-few-verses-but-am-not-a-Christian portrayals of him.

Really, my only beef with the book is that I wish it had been longer. I would have loved to see more interaction between Will and his niece, then see how Will's experiences influence that relationship. I realize, however, that the main plot line was Will and Jesus, so I can't fault the author for focusing on that.

A truly unique and touching way to share the salvation message.

Rated PG for historically accurate violence and some drug/alcohol references.

[Jac Filer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where the Gospel Meets Everyday Life

The gospel is a timeless story, applicable to people in all times and places. But as modern readers, we struggle to make it fully relevant, either from failing to understand the first century context or from over thinking every word and verse.
Rendezvous with God bulldozes a road right between Tue two opposite but equally flawed approaches to scripture and makes the gospel story accessible. The twenty first century events that Will experiences are common occurrences that can and do affect most of us to some degree. Each time Will visits Jesus in his first century setting, he brings a piece of that story back to the present day.
Each reader's takeaway will be unique to his or her circumstances, but there are nuggets of wisdom and application here for everyone. The fact that we get to take this journey while enjoying a well paced and believable story means we'll take this journey without growing bored or tired, like we might with an academic text making the same points.

[Carm Mirenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly thought-provoking presentation of how the biblical wisdom lived out by the Lord is wholly applicable, with much benefit, to modern-day dilemmas. A definite highlight of this book is Myer’s exceptionally touching portrayal of the compassion so integral to the nature of Christ. Myers brings alive the tender heart of the Lord through vivid imagery of His ability to love not just His friends, but even those who called themselves His enemies, with no less intensity and intentionality. One can truly see, evident in the biblical narratives and dialogue, that Christ is not just aware of every aspect of our lives, but deeply desires us to invite Him to be involved.

“Lord you have probed me, you know me:
you know when I sit and stand;
you understand my thoughts from afar.
You sift through my travels and my rest;
with all my ways you are familiar” - Psalm 139:1-3

[Theodene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rendezvous with God by Bill Myers arrived in my mail unexpectedly a couple months ago. I remember telling Fidelis Publishing that I’d love to read and review their books. I wasn’t expecting one to arrive in the mail! Then just last week, I noticed this same book available on NetGalley! So, of course, I got it!

Will is beginning to enjoy life as a divorcée and learning to adapt to the quiet of single life when he gets a knock in the door. Not often he gets visitors, but goes to answer it regardless only to find his teenage niece standing there in the pouring rain. What is she doing at his house? Where is her mother?

His niece Amber, who prefers to be called Ambrosia, is a typical teen constantly texting the phone with headphones listening to who knows what. She’s also full of demands and refuses to listen to Will’s reasoning. After about a week, Will decided to take her home since her mother isn’t answering her phone.

All throughout this experience with Amber-Ambrosia, Will gets tossed into the past with discussions with Yeshua. Each meeting, or vision, or dream, or whatever you call it is a teaching moment for Will. Each meeting occurs at a different time and has no consistency. Will begins reading an online Bible to keep up and informed with the scene he gets thrown into.

When they get to the home Will grew up in, the one Amber calls home, he gets flashbacks of times he experienced with his parents, with his sister, with his father. These flashbacks intertwine with moments with Yeshua and reality. But they still don’t find Amber’s mother. They do notice some wrappers signaling the EMT were possibly there and took her.

What happened to Amber’s mother? Will they find her? Can Will get the courage to be comfortable in his childhood home, even with terrible flashbacks? How does Yeshua tie into all of this?

Rendezvous with God by Bill Myers is an excellent Christian fiction that gets the reader thinking and analyzing their own life and relationships. I give this book 5 out of 5 tiaras because it encouraged me to analyze my own life and my own relationship with Jesus. The tips subtly provided in this book is enough to get readers think about their own life.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun book! This was easy reading and I finished it in one evening! It tells the story of a professor whose life is shaken up unexpectedly in multiple ways all at once. Then Jesus shows up in the middle, again in a very unexpected way. Our dear professor learns a lot of lessons about how to love others and himself.

Bill Myers has long been a favorite author, and this is a great addition to his works. Highly recommended as a quick beach/travel read.

Rated PG for some mildly graphic content
—some language use
—some graphic content (tactfully handled)
—no overt sexual content, but some discussion of SC

I was provided this ebook free from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

[Robin Luftig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I cried, laughed, and I even stopped breathing around chapter eighteen.

Rendezvous with God is about a relationship, not about being in a club. The stick figures included help make the point. Other points are:

* It's about choices. Not A or B, but orange.

* It's about forgiveness. Not to excuse the past, but to free ourselves from it.

* It's about our focus on self-absorption and how we think too highly of ourselves. It's not about us, it's about Him, and the Him in us.

And while I read each page, one nagging thought lingered: this is powerful writing. This is how to use words to paint the value of brokenness and how God uses it.

This is how good books are written.

[Eva Marie Everson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The brightest victories hide in the darkest places" got an underline from me. I don't often underline works of fiction, but that line deserved it. Also, the line: "God never plays defense." ... Wow. I also laughed out loud when Will pointed out Jarius, and Yeshua said, "Now you're just showing off." And the balloons at the end??? Way too perfect. Bon Voyage and hurry up and finish Book II. That's all I've got to say.

[Emma Stark · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was very engaging and had some interesting discussion about why God doesn’t always answer prayers the way we expect. The characters and characterization of Jesus were great and showed the deep friendship that we should have with Christ. The only downside is that the book put a lot of emphasis on Free Will and I don’t think the relationship between fate and choice works the way that Myers describes.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read a good number of this author's books. This one is powerful, incitfeful and profoundly creative. Real life and real life problems play out in a way I've never read in adult Christian based novels. Recommend reading this and then #2 Temptation.

[Bonnie Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful truth and very entertaining,

Awesome story being confronted with real-life situations from God's point of view. We are never alone even if we feel lost in the world! This is a journey! Great insight with a chuckle here and there.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! The author moves from life and it's challenges in "real time," to events in Jesus' life on earth and conversations with Him - learning from Him throughout the challenges. Insightful, encouraging and a must read.

Enjoy!

[Ester · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5* It was good. But I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as Bill Myers's other books (which are usually my favourite).

[Barb Winters · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is intriguing and compelling. The writing is brilliant.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I laughed, I cried, I meditated, and had discussions with others about this book. I will not give any more information about this book except... Read it.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best book series I have read. It is humorous yet so truth-revealing.
I highly recommend it as a must-read.

[Penny Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s just small talk that kills me. The superficial cliches. I’d take a deep, one-on-one conversation with anybody—shoe salesman or serial killer—over a room full of people speaking on autopilot.” Reclusive college Professor Will Thomas doesn’t know he’s soon gonna have some of those deep one-on-one conversations with someone who knows him better than he knows himself.

Will’s life isn’t exactly going how he planned. For one thing, he’s gonna be alone on Christmas this year. Or maybe not. His impulsive fourteen-year-old niece shows up on his doorstep on Christmas morning and announces that she needs to stay for a while. But her presence brings to mind stuff from the past that Will doesn’t want to revisit. Then Will starts slipping into moments even farther into the past, moments from the life of a guy named Yeshua. Yeshua can see him there, but no one else can. Talking with this guy kinda helps Will sort some stuff out, but he’s not ready to become a member of the “Jesus club” just yet. Maybe ever.

I grabbed a copy of this Bill Myers book because I knew of him from reading my kids the hilarious Wally McDoogle series. I figured the book would be good for an interesting story and some fun wit, and it was. What I didn’t count on was how meaningful the story would be. Can I say life-changing? The author uses a modern (and ancient) narrative to reveal truths about the depth of love, the gift and price of free will, and what eternal hope really is. I love how he portrays Yeshua as so real and relatable. I love the witty and sometimes snarky remarks in Will’s conversations with him. I love the powerful reminders about the grace that is available to everyone if they’ll just receive it. I think I’ll never forget this book. Now I want to read everything else that Bill Myers has written. Highly recommended.

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Fidelis Publishing through NetGalley. The opinions I have expressed are my own. This review was originally published at https://www.powerwordsediting.com/ren...

[G. Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writer's done this sort of "meeting Jesus" in a new context several times over the last few years (Jesus shows up in the modern-day world, someone creates a digital savior for the digital world they're making, etc.). Here it works alright, although I couldn't get over the sense this concept has been done before. The characters are cliche at times but lovable and the humor makes the ideas interesting even when they're not very new ideas.