Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful writer, but not her best
Review: I am a huge Francine Rivers fan, but this was definitely not my favorite book. Perhaps because I have been a pastor's wife for more than 13 years, it was difficult to read about a pastor who failed so miserably. The writing itself, as usual, is riveting and insightful. However, I was not at all inspired by the character of Eunice. Under those circumstances, I would have fought much harder for my family. Some of the choices made by the main characters and the turn of events also seemed unrealistic. Why would a pastor and elders ignore biblical wisdom? Why would a husband, who had at one time built strong, loving relationships with his wife and son, later be able to completely ignore them? Most of all, I wondered how a church could continue to grow by leaps and bounds for years when a dismal lack of spiritual maturity is evident in the pastor. I have enjoyed other books by Francine Rivers, such as Leota's Garden and Redeeming Love, far more than this one.
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful and So Francine!
Review: I am an huge fan of Francine Rivers--it is wonderful to know that when you select one of her books you are in for a real treat. Often when selecting books, I have to quit reading either because of language or situations not appropriate for good reading. Francine has outdone herself with Shofar! The book is so timely with its look at the church and what can and does happen to our church leaders. She also has a way with characters--Samuel, Sarah, Stephen-- these characters have true Biblical characterisitics that you will subtly notice. I couldn't put this book down until I had finished it-- there are joyful portions and tearful portions but the book is wonderful. I passed it to my adult daughter who also loved it!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome
Review: I could not put the book down until I finished reading it. I think it would make a great movie. Hope it does not take as long for her next book to come out as it did for this one.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: I found this book to be incredibly refreshing as it didn't sugar coat things and portray pastors or Christians to be perfect. This book taught me to evaluate myself and my motives when I do good things for others. It made me consider whether or not I have done good for my own personal gain as Pastor Hudson did. Mrs. Rivers was right on scripturally throughout the story, clearly stating Biblical truths which left me feeling not only encouraged, but also inquisitive as I examine myself. When finishing the book, I must admit that I wanted more. I think a sequel would be a grand idea!!
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: I have long enjoyed Francine Rivers books and was not disappointed with her latest work. Her characters are not perfect and the storyline surprises up until the end. Great Book! I definitely recommend it to anyone!
Rating:
Summary: Francine Rivers can't put the books out fast enough-love em!
Review: I love all of the Francine Rivers books. I have all of them and I can't get them fast enough. She is so talented and the reading is so encouraging. I always come away with a renewed faith and hope. My husband laughs because I will often sit and read the whole book in two nights, I just can't put them down.
Rating:
Summary: I've Been There...I Know!
Review: I love quality fiction, and I love the church...But I've also seen tame, watered-down versions of both. As a former PK (preacher's kid), I've seen just about everything that happens in this book. I wasn't sure, though, if Francine Rivers would get honest and get to the heart of the issues plaguing ministers and the modern church.Wow! She nails issue after issue on the head. And she does so in the midst of a captivating story with believable characters. We follow the tale of a small church that, in its dying hours, brings in a new pastor and his family. Soon, the congregation is growing and things are looking great--from the outside. From the inside, however, from the eyes of the pastor's wife and son and his elders, the problems are growing in proportion to the church's "success." The tale, spanning 15+ years, shows many of sacrifices and deceits expounded in the name of "serving God." None of the characters go unscathed. A previous reviewer asked who this book was written for. First, it is a challenge to those who cater to such shallow faith. Second, it is an encouragement to those who have struggled through this and thought they were alone. Third, it is for those who enjoy a well-told tale. Yes, it is full of christian lingo and platitudes, but Rivers draws a line between the genuine and the counterfeit. Believe me, most non-churchgoers can tell the difference quickly. While heartbreaking at times, this is stuff that needs to be brought to light. Rivers has won my respect with a story full of wisdom, grace, and God's honest truth.
Rating:
Summary: I loved this book
Review: I loved this book. What shouted at me throughout the whole book was how a parent can wound a child by saying one thing yet communicating another message by the way they live. Actions speak louder than words. Francine Rivers carefully and skillfully develops the painful relationship between Paul's father who is a famous, charismatic and successful pastor and himself and how the things not said to him, as well as the hurtful words said by his father, wounded him and drove him to compete with and strive for his father's approval and acceptance for years. Sure Paul was a pastor and loved the Lord, but if we don't guard the painful areas of our lives and continually take them to the Lord, we will allow them to lead us to do things that are off the path from what God wants. As much as Paul hated what his dad did to him, he unknowingly did the same thing to his son...he drove him away from himself and the God he served. As in real life, God didn't let his son wander far from Him, but through prayer, the love of other Believers and circumstances, God showed him that He was real and worthy of serving. Another truth that stood out was the power of prayer. His wife, mother and friends prayed for years as they watched him helplessly fall away from the commitment and convictions he held. Sure, people tried to tell him, but the enemy is a deceiver and liar and blinds us to the truth and some won't listen to others. Only God can turn a person back. This book encouraged me to hold onto the truth of the Scriptures no matter what it costs.... People, today, want to hear a watered down gospel message that makes them feel comfortable. Also, I am encouraged to believe in the power of prayer to change people's lives, no matter how long it takes.
Rating:
Summary: And the Shofar Vlew
Review: I never had an interest in reading books. After my only child passed away March 7, 2003 I started reading often. And The Shofar Blew was my first book. I started reading on a Friday and finished the book on sunday. I have read several books over these past two years. To date, this one is my favorite. I also read Redeeming Love. After reading half the book I enjoyed the last half.
Rating:
Summary: Eye-Opening
Review: I really appreciated this book by Rivers. She is a gifted story-teller and used very believable characters in this book. It was a thought-provoking book. I highly recommend it!
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