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Rating: Summary: Misses the Mark Review: A collection of three novellas by three different authors - perhaps to be enjoyed by those who most like their Christianity in a nice neat little box? Somewhat silly and unrealistic but with some interesting details, all with strong evangelical fundamentalist undertones and characters who are mighty quick to don their cloak of righteousness. Misunderstandings and bickering abound, and the "feminine love interest" in two of the stories actually strikes out physically. I struggled with the rigidity and hostility. There is little gentleness or grace - but rather there IS a high level of spoon-fed "belief." So, perhaps I should just avoid "Christian Romance" entirely? Well, if there had been any hint on the cover of this collection, I might have done exactly that. But I did bother to read these (bother being the key word?) and would instead refer the gentle reader to the fiction of Frederick Buechner, Jan Karon and Philip Gulley. For me this collection missed the mark. Mamalinda
Rating: Summary: Misses the Mark Review: A collection of three novellas by three different authors - perhaps to be enjoyed by those who most like their Christianity in a nice neat little box? Somewhat silly and unrealistic but with some interesting details, all with strong evangelical fundamentalist undertones and characters who are mighty quick to don their cloak of righteousness. Misunderstandings and bickering abound, and the "feminine love interest" in two of the stories actually strikes out physically. I struggled with the rigidity and hostility. There is little gentleness or grace - but rather there IS a high level of spoon-fed "belief." So, perhaps I should just avoid "Christian Romance" entirely? Well, if there had been any hint on the cover of this collection, I might have done exactly that. But I did bother to read these (bother being the key word?) and would instead refer the gentle reader to the fiction of Frederick Buechner, Jan Karon and Philip Gulley. For me this collection missed the mark. Mamalinda
Rating: Summary: Chance Encounters of the Heart Review: All three of these short stories were great reads. Just the shot in the arm of romance I needed on a long winter weekend. Each story in it's own way was a great reminder that God is intimately involved in every aspect of my life. He sometimes has to step in and cause my insignificant plans go wrong so that his plans which are always right, on time and the very best possible plans for my life will lift me to new heights of joy and fulfillment. All three stories were well written, humorous, and easy to read. I didn't want to put them down. I look forward to reading more stories from these authors.
Rating: Summary: Chance Encounters of the Heart Review: All three of these short stories were great reads. Just the shot in the arm of romance I needed on a long winter weekend. Each story in it's own way was a great reminder that God is intimately involved in every aspect of my life. He sometimes has to step in and cause my insignificant plans go wrong so that his plans which are always right, on time and the very best possible plans for my life will lift me to new heights of joy and fulfillment. All three stories were well written, humorous, and easy to read. I didn't want to put them down. I look forward to reading more stories from these authors.
Rating: Summary: What Christian Fiction Should Be Review: I really enjoyed this book. The stories are easy to read and enjoyable. My favourite story by far was the last one, "Measure of a Man" by Susan May Warren. This story is, in my opinion, exactly what Christian fiction should be. This is no small thing since it has been my experience that all too often Christian fiction lacks so much of what is supposed to make it Christian fiction. Measure of a Man is absolutely chock-full of truth. It isn't just a story about the lives of people who happen to be Christians and say little one-line prayers now and then, it's a story that teaches the reader more about God's character and causes them to grow, something that even the first two stories, though enjoyable, fail to do in my opinion. It's a story that is so full of truth and encouragement that it can minister even to mature Christians, as well as non-Christians or seekers. The author does a great job of making the story line believable and the development of the romance realistic in a very short amount of time. This again is no small feat as it is something many romance writers (both Christian and non-Christian) seem to have trouble achieving. The story line is high paced and intriguing, and has elements of suspense, mystery, tragedy, and comedy as well as romance. One of the things that really set this story apart from others is the unique writing technique employed by the author. The story outlines both the heroines' and the heros' perspective on certain issues, giving unique insight into the differences between the way men and women view the same things. This serves to remind women readers that men see us and our beauty very differently than we see ourselves. I find this technique to be very insightful, healthy and encouraging for women, especially in today's society. In addition to everything else, this story is very well written, something which is unfortunately not always the case with Christian fiction. In my opinion, this story is a contender with any non-Christian fiction of its class, and I definitely recommend it. And the really great thing is that apparently this story is the first published work by Susan May Warren, something that means any future works by her are sure to only get better!
Rating: Summary: 5 Stars for MEASURE OF A MAN! Review: Susan Warren's offering, Measure of a Man, is wonderful! Endearing characters and a page-turning plot, romance at its very best and a precious message neatly woven in. I can't wait to read more by this incredible new author!
Rating: Summary: THREE HEARTFELT NOVELLAS BRING US PEACE AND LOVE Review: These three accomplished authors tell a tale each of how God can indeed bring about true love all through hardship and in the case of Elizabeth White and Susan May Warren laughter. Kathleen Fuller's story is one of intrigue and deep emotion. I recommend this book highly to anyone who seeks a soul-searching and warm love story.
Rating: Summary: THREE HEARTFELT NOVELLAS BRING US PEACE AND LOVE Review: These three accomplished authors tell a tale each of how God can indeed bring about true love all through hardship and in the case of Elizabeth White and Susan May Warren laughter. Kathleen Fuller's story is one of intrigue and deep emotion. I recommend this book highly to anyone who seeks a soul-searching and warm love story.
Rating: Summary: What Christian Fiction Should Be Review: This is the type of book that you can sit down, read, and just FEEL GOOD about yourself. When most people think Christian Fiction, they think strict and boring. I can tell you that this book is far from that. It is three Novella's in one book. It starts out with a story that is quite good. The second story sucks you in further, but the third story, Measure of a Man was one I couldn't and didn't want to put down. I recommend this book to anyone that wants a good romance without the raunchiness of a lot of romance books out there. All the authors were great, but Susan Warren is one to WATCH!!! Thank you Ladies!
Rating: Summary: Great uplifting romance!!! Review: This is the type of book that you can sit down, read, and just FEEL GOOD about yourself. When most people think Christian Fiction, they think strict and boring. I can tell you that this book is far from that. It is three Novella's in one book. It starts out with a story that is quite good. The second story sucks you in further, but the third story, Measure of a Man was one I couldn't and didn't want to put down. I recommend this book to anyone that wants a good romance without the raunchiness of a lot of romance books out there. All the authors were great, but Susan Warren is one to WATCH!!! Thank you Ladies!
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