The Scarlet Thread

Francine Rivers masterfully sets the stage for a story that a describes the lives of too many of us who get caught up in ourselves and our own desires. She weaves through her tale the historical diary of a woman moved against her will and the painful journey to finding peace through Jesus. The parallel stories are intriguing and a pleasure to read.

I would recommend this book because it paints a great picture of the dysfunctions in life and the hope that can still be found in ashes.

The book weaves in the stories of 2 women, Sierra and Mary Catherine, and though I loved them both, I think Mary was my favorite because I was amazed at the hardship she endured and the evolving change in her heart through self reflection, she was able to put aside self pity which in my opinion she was clearly entitled to if anyone is, and continue to see her own faults and make the best of the situation. Sierra, also had a similar story of enduring hardship and undergoing changes, both amazing characters.

To begin, both voices annoyed me a bit, due to personal preference of other narration styles I have been listening to, however, after listening awhile, both voices seemed appropriate for the story lines.
There were some annoying glitches in the sound quality, extra background noises and lip smacking type things here and there, I was able to get past them and they were not too bad, but some of the other narrators I listen to do not have these so maybe I noticed them more easily.

I think it was when Sierra's life began to be settled again, and then was faced with confusion and heartache once more and had to make a decision.

The story shows the great humility of Sierra really looking inside to see her own faults throughout the story, and I know that in life when we do this, it is better for us and we may never hear someone who has hurt us fully own their wrongs, but I wanted Alex to fully own his selfishness in the beginning of the book and realize that though he was chasing his dreams, and Sierra recognized she could have been more supportive, reality is he was portrayed as selfish and greedy when the turmoil began, before her lack of support and before his large blunder. He owned his "blunder" but he never owned any of the beginning things that I think set them up for failure. I wish the author had even put one sentence in about how he left Sierra out of all the marriage partnership chasing his dream and acknowledge his selfish greedy ways. This left an internal struggle in me, I kept wanting justice for Sierra in that regard and never got it. Again, I know that is not reality, we don't always get justice and we are still expected by God to see our own faults anyways, but, this is a book and I am coming here to escape some of those realities lol.

I've read several Francine Rivers novels over the years, and each of them are amazing. This novel is no exception. This novel made me laugh, cry, think, Etc. Both the narrators were fantastic. I've said this before, but I love how Francine's books make you really look at your own life. Even if the story doesn't match your life exactly, you take away something from each novel.
Thank you audible for putting this novel up. I read this book in 2 days. Another five star read from Francine.
If this is your first Francine Rivers novel, check out Redeeming Love and the Mark Of The Lion trilogy.

This was a beautiful story. It made you think, cry, have faith, hold on and never give up. I was completely inspired.

Francine has done it again!! Excellent work!!