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Customer Reviews for Living Books The Scarlet Thread
Living Books The Scarlet Thread
When Sierra discovers her young ancestor's handcrafted quilt and reads her journal, she finds that their lives are very similar. By following her ancestor's example, she learns to surrender to God's sovereignty and unconditional love.
Average Customer Rating:
(42 Reviews) 42
Rating Snapshot (42 reviews)
5 stars
31
4 stars
8
3 stars
1
2 stars
2
1 star
0
18 out of 2090%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Scarlet Thread
Review 1 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Date:September 27, 2012
alice
Location:Easley, SC
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Great book! I've loaned it to several friends and they love it.
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+1point
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Review 2 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Date:September 26, 2012
Meyer
Age:18-24
Gender:female
This book was just amazing!
I liked the scarlet tread through the story, and how the caracters develop through the story.. I love Francine Rivers, She has done it again, this book is life changing !
I liked the scarlet tread through the story, and how the caracters develop through the story.. I love Francine Rivers, She has done it again, this book is life changing !
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Review 3 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Beauty from ashes
Date:July 2, 2012
nomer15
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
This novel by Francine Rivers explores the relationship between Alex and Sierra Madrid. After ten years of marriage in the small town where they both grew up, their marriage is put to the test when Alex accepts a new job in Los Angeles. Rivers does not shrink from exploring the difficult issues that face the Madrids as a result of their own choices. But she is very clear on how God redeems those choices and brings beauty from the ashes.
Intertwined with the story of the Madrids is the story of Sierra's ancestor, Mary Kathryn McMurray. Mary Kathryn faced similar experiences and trials, and through reading her journal, Sierra is able to experience the love of God in a much deeper way.
Overall, this was a great read with a lot of depth to the story and the characters. Definitely recommend!
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Review 4 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
In life there will be trouble
Date:June 29, 2012
Wilkie
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This story shows that now matter what century you live, you will have trouble. Life is full of challenges and relying on God is the only way to make it through.
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Review 5 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
A Love Story
Date:August 11, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers is NOT my favorite book. It probably never will be, no matter how many times I read it. I can't even say I like Sierra, the main character of the novel, or what she does, or Alex, the other main character. Why not? Because reading this book is like holding up a mirror and looking at myself, square in the face. Never did I feel I was inside Sierra's mind, but often I felt she had invaded mine.
This novel actually is a story within a story, telling the story of Sierra along side the story of Mary Katherine. Both left their comfortable life among family to follow their husbands, and did this unwillingly. Though many years separated them, the two stories (Mary Katherine's narrative told through her journal which survived all those centuries) are closer than is comfortable. This clearly shows that humans through the ages have battled the same enemy. Ms. Rivers does not hesitate to write about the hard issues, and does not gloss over the repercussions that might arise from them.
This is truly a romantic story, not so much between husband and wife, though that is definitely there, but between God and His crowning creation. How He pursues us, and uses our choices and decisions to call us to Him. How He is always there, waiting for us to turn to Him at our lowest point, when we feel the most insignificant and always loving us, even when our determination is to have nothing to do with Him.
So even though this is not my favorite book by Francine Rivers, this is one that has a permanent and prominent spot on my bookselves.
This novel actually is a story within a story, telling the story of Sierra along side the story of Mary Katherine. Both left their comfortable life among family to follow their husbands, and did this unwillingly. Though many years separated them, the two stories (Mary Katherine's narrative told through her journal which survived all those centuries) are closer than is comfortable. This clearly shows that humans through the ages have battled the same enemy. Ms. Rivers does not hesitate to write about the hard issues, and does not gloss over the repercussions that might arise from them.
This is truly a romantic story, not so much between husband and wife, though that is definitely there, but between God and His crowning creation. How He pursues us, and uses our choices and decisions to call us to Him. How He is always there, waiting for us to turn to Him at our lowest point, when we feel the most insignificant and always loving us, even when our determination is to have nothing to do with Him.
So even though this is not my favorite book by Francine Rivers, this is one that has a permanent and prominent spot on my bookselves.
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Review 6 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
great story
Date:August 5, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
this is one of francines older titles. this new cover is spectacular. and the story is one that definitely sucks you in as soon as you start it. great novel.
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Review 7 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Date:July 31, 2012
ReaderMom29
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The Scarlet Thread is another great read from Francine Rivers. The story centers around the struggle between a husband and wife who discover how very different they are in interests and life goals. Francine Rivers is effective in portraying the sin nature of each and gives a convicting picture of how selfishness destroys us. I was disappointed with a couple of ideas that could be drawn from the conclusion to the story: some might read that the wife was to blame for the husband's faults and that it is possible to be a Christian without really being committed to Christ (Of course, Christians sin, and sin terribly, but far too many in our society believe that as long as you've prayed a certain prayer and can say the right words, you're a believer no matter what.) However, I'm not sure that Rivers was actually trying to make these points; they may have simply resulted from the story being narrated from the wife's point of view. Overall, the plot is engaging, realistic, and God-glorifying. Any reader would find reflections of themselves in the characters and hopefully be encouraged to draw near to Christ.
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Review 8 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
good read
Date:July 31, 2012
Christian Bookworm
Location:OK
Age:45-54
Gender:female
An excellent tale about the ins and outs of married life and how God can make a marriage what it should be. You can really relate to the characters as you see different aspects of your own life in them.
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Review 9 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Good Read.
Date:July 13, 2012
Jessica Bates
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers is the story of Sierra Madrid in present day California and her ancestor Mary Kathryn McMurray during their journey across the Oregon Trail.
When I first began reading this book, I really didn't like the character Sierra. I felt that she was a whiny, ungrateful, mean-spirited, selfish person. It was actually very difficult for me to get into the book because of those feelings. I am happy to say that she goes through life-changing circumstances and by the end of the book I liked the character.
This book is a very good read. I especially enjoyed the excerpts from Mary Kathryn's journal on their Oregon Trail journey. I recommend reading this book. I can't say that I would read it again, but I did enjoy it and am happy to have read it.
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Review 10 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
This is a very good book!
Date:July 10, 2012
Sandi
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I love the way Francine Rivers paralleled two lives, one from the present and one from the past. I could not put the book down until I finished it. I would highley recommend.
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Review 11 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Date:July 3, 2012
It is not that this title was not good; but it just definitely not for me.I found it difficult to finish
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Review 12 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Disappointing for me
Date:July 2, 2012
Melissa
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
2
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
1
out of
5
There is a lot of arguing and selfishness in this book, which is a bit hard to wade through in the first half or more of the book. There are lessons for all of us, to trust Christ and His sovereign plan, follow His ways, turn from selfishness, be submissive wives, and more, but it still was rather painful to read. There were one or two sections I skimmed over, as they were a little more intimate than I'm comfortable with (kissing passionately and the like). The end of the book was better in a way, but the main character still took quite a while in her learning; perhaps this is realistic. Then there was the time in which the woman in the 1800s journal prayed for a dead man's soul: "He was our first and dearest friend, and though he did not know You, Lord, I believe in my heart he was your child in spirit. I have never known a man more humble and loving. Please, Lord, be merciful and bring Koxoenis into Your kingdom." After one is dead, there is no salvation given. Ignorance on the part of the character? Perhaps, but it still gives the impression this is a possibility, and as if "good works" (which done without God's glory in mind are just filthy rags in the Lord's sight) are good enough to save. Elsewhere it seems to contradict this slightly, but not clearly. So I don't think I would recommend this book overall, sadly. The author gave a few good insights and examples, both good and bad--mostly bad, so it was not as uplifting as I would have hoped. Also, note that it deals with adultery. It is quite a well-written book, but that is one of the few things that kept me going, as well as wanting to find out the resolution.
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Review 13 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
sometimes life doesn't go as we had planned
Date:June 26, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Loved it also, this one was one that really struck a cord with me I knew what was happening and so wanted to say to Sierra wake up, open your eyes! She was just so upset and blind sided by the move that she didn't see or maybe didn't want to see what was going on right in front of her. Then faced with the dreaded phone call no one wants she was able to go home and really examine her life and was faced with a double whammy. Does Sierra find herself? True happiness for her family? and in the end finds out that she never stopped loving God she just forgot that he was with her the whole time all she had to do was ask for her love, and guidance! The Scarlet Thread was a book that was filled with first love, family tragedies, lose, heartbreak, happiness and finding ourselves along the way.
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Review 14 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Entertaining Novel
Date:June 21, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Sierra Madrid finds herself uprooted from her hometown in Northern California and transplanted to L.A. for her husband's new, competitive job in the brand-new computer gaming industry. The resentment which follows her unwanted move proceeds to eat away at her life until she is forced to confront her own attitude and decide where her values ultimately lie.
The novel is well written, with the interlaced stories of Sierra and her Great-Great-Great-Great-Grandmother Katherine simultaneously balancing, commenting, and fulfilling each other. The message of needing Christ at the center of everything, including love for one another, is well presented and examined from several angles.
I'd recommend the novel as an entertaining reminder of what is required for successful relationships - Christ, self-sacrifice, and unconditional love.
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Review 15 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
A compelling story of God's Providence, from gener
Date:June 19, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
"The Scarlet Thread" tells the story of two women, nearly 200 years and many generations apart. The two characters are brought together through the diary of the 1840's ancestor, Mary Kathryn McMurray, which her modern day descendant, Sierra Madrid, discovers as a wife and mother dealing with some heavy and stressful issues. As Solomon wrote thousands of years ago, "There is nothing new under the sun," and Sierra finds comfort and advice by reading the diary and discovering that her many times great-grandmother struggled with many of the same life-changing issues such as changing jobs, moving, death of parents, etc.
Neither woman is a big fan of God and at times even hates God as they blame Him for the pain and turmoil in their lives. However, as their lives play out, they're able to grasp and comprehend the redeeming and transforming love and sovereignty of their Creator God.
As always, Francine Rivers spins a story so relatable and compelling that its hard to put down! Although perhaps not quite as exceptional and moving as some of her classics, such as "The Atonement Child," "The Scarlet Thread" is still a great read and worth your time. If you're already a fan of hers, I think you'll really enjoy the book, and if you've never read Ms. Rivers before, you're in for a real treat! :)
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Review 16 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
More than just a good book!!!
Date:June 17, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
i bought this book yesterday and literally stayed up all night to finish. I was so enthralled with Sierra's journey I couldnt save the rest for sunrise.
This book is very real, and I love how Miss Rivers doesn't try to sugar-coat problems but reveals how God is in control instead. He works everything out for good.
The book had me wiping more tears rather than making me laugh. But most of the tears were happy.
You'll love this book.
This book is very real, and I love how Miss Rivers doesn't try to sugar-coat problems but reveals how God is in control instead. He works everything out for good.
The book had me wiping more tears rather than making me laugh. But most of the tears were happy.
You'll love this book.
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Review 17 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Date:June 12, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Read from June 08 to 09, 2012 — I own a copy
Reading the slight description blurb for this book does not even begin to touch on what all is inside. This Creative Madness Mama had the God-timing to accidentally pick this book up after a very frustrating disagreement with the Enginerd. This edition is a reprint with a gorgeous new cover (also just reprinted The Atonement Child). As a person that loves matching book spines, seeing these new ones makes me really happy. Now back to the book… Asking now memory does not even begin to recall what the argument was about, but fury would best describe emotions present. This book and it’s story is a God-send.
Characters through out this book are found in two different settings, one is contemporary (although written for 1996, everything still works well and fits as if it were 2012) and the other is historical in the time of Oregon Trail and heading west. With a combination of view points from sidelines to inside emotions and even a journal readers are kept captive from page one. This reader was not even planning to read this one yet as it just arrived and is not quite scheduled, but upon picking it up it became an impossibility to put it down until the wee hours of the morning and sleep demanded it. Even at around five hundred pages, this was read pretty quickly.
Into the heart, into the mind and soul this is a great read. I recommend it for anyone married or planning to get married. That’s what this is about overall, marriage. Marriage between the love of your life and in the end the inclusion of God within that triune marriage. It’s about a new marriage, an older marriage, a broken marriage, a fixed marriage and many things that influence a marriage in between. Filled with scripture and a friend, but not what some call overly preachy this book appeals.
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Review 18 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
A Real, Sincere, Thought-provoking Love Story
Date:June 11, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Like all of Francine Rivers' books that have come before, I was instantly immersed in this one. The author paints a real-life picture of what a troubled marriage would be like. The characters seem real; the main character Sierra is sincere while her husband Alex is likeable in spite of his flaws. I'm a huge fan of Francine River's historical fiction and I loved the way she wove old in with the new via the journal of the main character's ancestor whose marriage problems and life changes mirrored her own. This book was often very heart-breaking (truly) and the characters lack of communication and misunderstandings drove me a bit crazy at times! Still, it was a very captivating read with a wonderful ending. This story helps the reader to see how God is using our circumstances to turn them around for good and to weave them into a beautiful tapestry.
I highly recommend this book along with any of Francine Rivers' others, especially my favorite series "The Mark of the Lion."
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Review 19 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
You Can't Miss with Francine Rivers
Date:January 13, 2012
Macsandy
Location:Santa Maria, CA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Mind candy is good... Christian values based mind candy is better. There are lots of novels which do not exactly come to mind when I see or hear Phil. 4:8 so it is nice to be able to rely on Ms. Rivers for being sure that even leisure reading keeps my mind focused on the strength, goodness, love and sovereignty of our God.
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Review 20 for The Scarlet Thread
Overall Rating:
Date:May 29, 2011
Faybee
Location:Anniston,Al
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I enjoy reading Christian Fiction books. Help me with my daily walk in my faith. Kinda hit home when reading of sitations that I have had in my life. Hard to put down once I start reading!!
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