And the Shofar Blew

This book was very difficult to read, considering it's subject matter. My parents were pastors, and I have attended churches both small and mega. Knowing the little I did of the behind the scenes drama and dynamics... this book scared me with it's reality. A Christian book about a pastor that makes mistakes that he doesn't think are mistakes. I found myself wanting his wife to cheat on him! However, the author only brings out this desire in her readers because she wants us to feel what the characters feel, and she sets the character and the reader straight. Very good book, very unsettling in its reality, but a must read for pastors, their wives, or anyone even considering going into the ministry... I wouldn't recommend this book for non-christians, as well written as it is, because of the harshness of the message behind it, and because I don't think they were this book's target audience.

If you want to recommend a christian book to a non-christian, I'd highly recommend her other novel, Redeeming Love

As for this particular audio version, I found that I didn't like the narrator. Her voice just sounded too old for most of the characters, and at times, in order to express certain emotions, she would speak REALLY slowly, especially with the older characters in the book. It wasn't bad, but it was just harder to get used to, but I eventually did. I considered giving this book 4 stars because of the narration, but it's so good as a piece of compelling christian fiction that I couldn't do it. Highly recommended. :)

I really enjoyed this book. It was hard to read though. I've seen a lot of these same things happen at my own church, and it was hard reliving them. At a point, i was wondering how the wife would handle her husband's misdeeds, but I was glad to see her stand up and be strong. i will warn everyone that this book is a christian novel, and so, if God doesn't appeal to you, don't read it. I loved this book myself. i honestly can say that I haven't read a francine Rivers book that I haven't liked, but that is just me. I really enjoyed the narator as well. She was good although I do feel that at times, she did speak a little slower that was necessary when the elderly people were speaking. Over all though, I give this book a five stars. It's good I highly reommend it.

This book is a must-read for any Christian thinking of going into, or marrying into, the ministry. The message that one must stand solely on God and his word is so important that it is often missed in our world and, sadly, even our Christian literature.
The book is long in spots, but each scene builds and builds and shows what can happen - editing anything out would have taken away from seeing the lives of the characters unfold.

The narrator, like other reviewers have said, does speak very slowly - particularly for the older characters - but once you look past that, she did a passible job. I rarely had difficulty differentiating between the characters - no small feat when there are 6-8 of them over the course of the novel!

This is an important work, well worth the credit.

Sad, but true

With ethics crumbling around us, the story shows that believers can still live for God.

I identified with Eunice and what she was going through.

Modern church in crisis

I got this book because I had enjoyed three historical Christian books by Francine Rivers. So when this book took place 'now' I was surprised. But then I started reading and I was really amazed because I've lived through this sort of thing twice in the last thirty years in my small town church. Francine put into words many things that I had experienced. I especially appreciated her message of hope.

Here's another excellent book by Francine Rivers. This book is just a perfect reminder of how we need to stand firm in God's plan for us and remain obedient;otherwise, hefty consequences will follow. This is my second book by Ms. Rivers. The first was Redeeming Love, which I absolutely loved, and now this one. My friend and I talk about these books as if we knew the characters personally. That's how real the story comes alive. Thank you Ms. Rivers for such wonderful Christian based books.

Yes, I love Francine River books. She has a great message without being corny.

No, (sorry again) but I can't listen to a book and all the characters sound like an old(er) lady.

It was too drawn out for me.

Don't get me wrong. I liked the book, but it was too long and a lot of unnecessary things. I believe in the message but the execution is lacking.

Excellent!!! Ms. Rivers did an excellent job of portraying life on this earth and especially in weeding out the evolution of "church" and God's Church. No holds barred.

I have never read a Francine Rivers' book I didn't love! What a fabulous author!

What a wonderful story. It made me evaluate some things I have expirenced in my life. It had spiritual depth and the situations and characters relate to real life priorities and consequences of wrong or right choices. I really think it is one of my favorites. Francine Rivers is a very talented author.

I loved this book! As a PK I really related to the whole thing. It was a truthful story and very impacting. Every pastor should read it. The narrator read a little slow (pace) but I loved it anyway!