What do you think?
Rate this book
A Test of Faith
Anne’s daughter Faith is the answer to her lifelong prayer to be a mother. But her dream is shattered when the teenager rejects Anne’s love and the love of God. After years pass, and God heals their relationship, Anne falls seriously ill. Faith watches her mother weaken, struggling with role reversals and leaning on God as never before. Through all the intricacies of their relationship, all the joys and trials, they learn that God is with them. He brings them peace in the darkness, joy in the midst of sorrow, and hope in the face of death. A Mother…
Anne knew God would answer her fervent prayers for a baby. That’s why, when her daughter was born, she named her Faith. But as Faith grows into a teenager, mother and daughter rarely see eye-to-eye about anything—including God. When Faith erupts in rebellion, Anne’s world is shattered. Now Anne must leave her precious daughter in God’s hands. A Daughter…
By God’s grace, Faith survived a turbulent youth—a terrible time when she hurt those she loved most. Faith has since grown close to her parents, especially her mom. But then her mother falls seriously ill. As Anne weakens, Faith struggles with the reversal of their roles. Though she finds strength in God, fear is her constant nemesis. Will God answer her prayers as He did her mother’s?
And the God Who Loves Them Both.
A Test of Faith explores the intricacies of the mother-daughter bond and celebrates the rich, enduring love that often flourishes. Follow these two women through a lifetime as they learn to surrender their relationship and dreams to God—and trust that His love and faithfulness are unending.
Story Behind the Book
I hope to give women a sense of celebration in this wonderous connection God has given us with our mothers and daughters, to help them releate to each other in a more healthy and biblical manner. To find joy in our differences and to find ways to praise God together for all He’s given us. This is a story that comes from my own experiences and will address issues I’ve seen Christians struggle with for years. This is an honest, sometimes difficult, and yet ulitmately encouragin and uplifting book.
Anne knew God would answer her fervent prayers for a baby. That’s why, when her daughter was born, she named her Faith. But as Faith grows into a teenager, mother and daughter rarely see eye-to-eye about anything—including God. When Faith erupts in rebellion, Anne’s world is shattered. Now Anne must leave her precious daughter in God’s hands. A Daughter…
By God’s grace, Faith survived a turbulent youth—a terrible time when she hurt those she loved most. Faith has since grown close to her parents, especially her mom. But then her mother falls seriously ill. As Anne weakens, Faith struggles with the reversal of their roles. Though she finds strength in God, fear is her constant nemesis. Will God answer her prayers as He did her mother’s?
And the God Who Loves Them Both.
A Test of Faith explores the intricacies of the mother-daughter bond and celebrates the rich, enduring love that often flourishes. Follow these two women through a lifetime as they learn to surrender their relationship and dreams to God—and trust that His love and faithfulness are unending.
Story Behind the Book
I hope to give women a sense of celebration in this wonderous connection God has given us with our mothers and daughters, to help them releate to each other in a more healthy and biblical manner. To find joy in our differences and to find ways to praise God together for all He’s given us. This is a story that comes from my own experiences and will address issues I’ve seen Christians struggle with for years. This is an honest, sometimes difficult, and yet ulitmately encouragin and uplifting book.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 4, 2004
4 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Karen Ball
19 books49 followersKaren's latest full-length novel, What Lies Within, has been nominated as the Best Inspirational Novel of the Year. Readers regularly call Karen's writing powerful, uplifting, and fun. She writes from her home in Oregon, where she lives with her husband, Don, and their two "kids": Dasha, a mischievous 4-month-old Siberian husky, and Dakota, an Aussie-Terrier mix that should have been named Psycho.
Next to working with words, Karen's greatest joys are playing with her dogs, laughing, savoring nature and wildlife, and finding wonder in everyday life.
Next to working with words, Karen's greatest joys are playing with her dogs, laughing, savoring nature and wildlife, and finding wonder in everyday life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 24, 2017
I divided this book into three parts: the daughter Faith's birth/childhood, Faith's teenage years and rebellion, and her mother Anne's illness and death. The first two parts of the book annoyed me with a perfect marriage and then the mom forced her daughter to be what she wanted her to be instead of accepting her as she is. Plus, the story and characters felt really clique. I almost stopped reading.
However, the third part of the book really touched me. It reminded me that love wins. We can pray for others and be real with God - sometimes when we're frustrated with someone, we are the ones who are rebelling against God and are wrong. As parents, we must let our children go and trust them to God, and we must be parents who obey God alone no matter how our kids act or how we feel.
Overall, I thought this book was okay but would not read more from this author.
Warning: graphic death scenes may trigger grief
However, the third part of the book really touched me. It reminded me that love wins. We can pray for others and be real with God - sometimes when we're frustrated with someone, we are the ones who are rebelling against God and are wrong. As parents, we must let our children go and trust them to God, and we must be parents who obey God alone no matter how our kids act or how we feel.
Overall, I thought this book was okay but would not read more from this author.
Warning: graphic death scenes may trigger grief
January 21, 2019
Just the book I needed to read. I lost my beloved mum this past summer, and it was devastating beyond words. Even though this book was a hard, emotional read, it was also a balm to my soul. Ironically, there are not many books out there about losing your mother, despite the huge role mothers play. I thank Karen Ball for writing this book, and thank God for placing it in my path when I needed it the most!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
It was okay
July 13, 2015
“She knew God would answer her fervent prayers for a baby. That's why, when her daughter was born, she named her Faith. But as Faith grows into a teenager, mother and daughter rarely see eye-to-eye about anything - including God. When Faith erupts in rebellion, Anne's world is shattered. Now Anne must leave her precious daughter in God's hands.”
O God's grace, Faith survived a turbulent youth - a terrible time when she hurt those she loved most. Faith has since grown close to her parents, especially her mom. but then her mother falls seriously ill. As Anne weakens, Faith struggles with the reversal of their roles. Though she finds strength in God, fear is her constant nemesis. Will God answer her prayers as He did her mother?
Of the God who loves them A Test of Faith explores the intricacies of the mother-daughter bond and celebrates the rich, enduring love that often flourishes. Follow these two women through a lifetime as they learn to surrender their relationship and dreams to God - and trust that His love and faithfulness are unending.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
O God's grace, Faith survived a turbulent youth - a terrible time when she hurt those she loved most. Faith has since grown close to her parents, especially her mom. but then her mother falls seriously ill. As Anne weakens, Faith struggles with the reversal of their roles. Though she finds strength in God, fear is her constant nemesis. Will God answer her prayers as He did her mother?
Of the God who loves them A Test of Faith explores the intricacies of the mother-daughter bond and celebrates the rich, enduring love that often flourishes. Follow these two women through a lifetime as they learn to surrender their relationship and dreams to God - and trust that His love and faithfulness are unending.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
January 4, 2015
This book is an unfortunate example of many of the problems in Christian fiction. The child rebels in the typical ways. Her friends are the typical goody two shoes and anti-social rebel, the latter of whom leads the daughter down the wrong path. Her first boyfriend is in it just to defile the good Christian girl and turns to her friend when the daughter won't give him sex. Her eventual husband is gorgeous, perfect and has a biblical name. That's just a sampling of the clichés that fill this book.
The writing itself is fairly decent which is the only reason that I finished the book. This one definitely doesn't survive the purge.
The writing itself is fairly decent which is the only reason that I finished the book. This one definitely doesn't survive the purge.
May 10, 2008
What a great book! Karen has outdone herself with this story.
It's presented uniquely, with a part one and two, which threw me a bit, but I was soon caught up in part two just as I was with the first half of the book.
Karen's writing is terrific, planting the reader in every scene.
This story is about love, between mothers and daughters, but mostly about love given by God.
Get a copy and read it, but make sure to have a box of tissues at hand.
It's presented uniquely, with a part one and two, which threw me a bit, but I was soon caught up in part two just as I was with the first half of the book.
Karen's writing is terrific, planting the reader in every scene.
This story is about love, between mothers and daughters, but mostly about love given by God.
Get a copy and read it, but make sure to have a box of tissues at hand.
March 18, 2014
I cried while reading this. Like the main character, I prayed so hard for a baby. Also, dealing with my mother's health issues has been something I've been dealing with. This book touched me as a daughter and mother. The ups and downs of the character's faith was true to life. I highly recommend this book.
September 11, 2007
For any daughter whose mother/daughter relationship has had testy patches (who hasn't?) and particularly for those who are dealing with the loss of their mother, this book is a well-written source of encouragement as well as an intimate look at the intricacies of this special bond.
February 28, 2009
I bought this book at a local Christian store, and it was very touching. Something I would recommend for everyone.
March 19, 2010
A great story dealing with misconception and rebellion.
June 25, 2010
this book was so good i loved it it was a mix of going through hard times and needing God to help you
May 27, 2013
Towards the end of the book I felt that the story was on going, but over all a great book book about a parents love and testing of faith and trust in The Lord.
August 31, 2007
Book was very good, but I did not like the end at all.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews