I have a commute to work so I brought the audio book to listen to in my car. I was hooked from the start. Near the end of the book I stayed parked in my driveway to hear the dramatic and suspenseful conclusion! OHMYGOSH! It’s a riveting and nail biting ending.
I work at a book store and have watch Lee Strobel’s non-fiction books fly off the shelf. I listened to his testimony on a CD called The Invitation. It made me want to read his debut novel, Ambition.
Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to enjoy every minute of this suspenseful, gritty, true to life tale. It’s a fascinating novel that naturally deals with evangelical issues of prayer, miracles, healing, relationships etc. It’s also filled with intrigue ambition, power, deception, mystery, faith, mistakes and more.
It’s has surprising plot twits and characters that grate on your nerves. Although this is written from a faith based point of view this author. His evangelical voice is never too strong. He shows us characters we can identify with and some we might meet at church. He shows that Christians are human with faults. We are all a work in progress. God says he died for us when we “yet” sinners.
I liked the fact that this author didn’t try to force the reader to accept a particular worldview; instead he asks the reader to consider all the facts and issues for themselves. It’s what he did in his book Case for Christ. I liked that.
I also liked the fact that even though there were people murdered and some gritty situations they were not described on a gory or gross manner. There were no steamy romance scenes. I like how he tastefully dealt with love and relationships in this book too.
Lee Strobel is a great and gifted story teller. His novel is relevant in today’s world and reveals a frightening but yet hopeful view of political ambitions and mega churches in general.
This is a real slice of life in the fast lane. I highly recommend this intricate, suspenseful thriller with its riveting conclusion that will make your heart race, leave you satisfied and wanting more. You’ll be thinking about this book long after you’ve read the past page. Its a worthwhile read. There is so much in this book it would make a great book club pick. The discussion questions in the back of the book would make for an interesting discussion.
I’m thankful for the review copy of a book that answers the question, “What does it mean when someone says; God has healed me from the inside out? How can I let God touch the hurts in my heart and be healed?”
Denise says, “You can only live with your heart shut down for so long. Eventually you will fight for your healing or you will die… Some even find God when their lives fall apart!....Sometimes a person has to die in order to really live. ..Hungry for something real?.. (tired of just going through the motions of life and feeling numb inside?) Want to feel alive? Seek whatever helps you rediscover that carefree childlike heart I know is in there somewhere – that is what you should be doing to Feel Alive!”
This is a walk Denise’s characters have gone on and/or just started down the path. I enjoyed this cast so much, they are fun, bold and each have been knocked around by life. Each has a different result and story to tell.
Scarlett Jo is a Pastor’s wife that’s fun and doesn’t care what people think about her. Denise writes, “Scarlett Jo hadn’t simply survived her life. She had learned how to live in spite of it- and not to worry too much about the perceptions of others.”
Scarlett Jo is fun loving, free spirited and an inspirational person! I loved her voice and her outlook on life she says, “Oh, child do you not know about couponing?...I’m feeding a pack of wolves at my house. If I didn’t know how to coupon, my children would have had to eat me by now. But if you ever want to learn how to do it, you just let me know. It is crazy girl! I can go to a store and leave and they’ve paid me money.” (I want to learn – teach me! Teach Me! Grin!)
The characters in this novel welcome you in as family. They’re situations will tug at your heart. What I love about Denise’s books are this, you’ll be having a good time reading then all of a sudden she cleverly interweaves spiritual truths that pierce your heart, make you stop and think. Denise will help you “See lies you believe.” You’ll laugh out loud and get teary eyed in parts of this story, a winning combination.
I really liked Scarlett Jo’s husband too he says, “I watch people. I take in people. And to be honest, I learn a great deal about them by what they don’t say.”
I highly recommend this novel and the non-fiction companion book called Reclaiming your Heart! It’s a win win combination. A book you’ll want to put on your summer reading list. Did I mention I just love the cover of this book too! It’s a keeper!
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
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
$15.29
Get it May 16 - 17
In stock
Usually ships within 2 to 3 days.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2014
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2024
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2012
Top reviews from other countries
Stephen
Very thought provoking and extremely timely book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 3, 2024