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Customer Reviews for Thomas Nelson The Reason
Thomas Nelson The Reason
In a small Michigan town, lightning destroys a cross on a church, and Dr. Macey Lewis wants to help. When she recruits carpenter Kenneth, strange things happen---a staunch atheist questions his views, the mother of a leukemia-stricken child makes a miraculous choice, and a blind minister "sees" by faith. Is the young carpenter responsible for these odd events? 416 pages, softcover from Nelson.
Average Customer Rating:
(21 Reviews) 21
Rating Snapshot (21 reviews)
5 stars
16
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
20 out of 2195%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for The Reason
Review 1 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
What a great read!
Date:December 14, 2012
Brandon
Location:Wellington, New Zealand
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
This was an impulse buy, and what a pleasant surprise.
If you enjoyed The Shack, I think you'll love this book.
I read a fair amount, and this is one of the few novels that was not only enjoyable and easy to read, but really got me thinking about faith and trusting God's wisdom and the promises he has made.
Highly recommended (don't forget the tissues)
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Review 2 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Everything Happens for a Reason
Date:December 5, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Reason
William Sirls ©2012
Thomas Nelson Publishers
ISBN 978-1-4016-8736 (trade paper)
396 pp. plus author’s note and Reading Group Guide
William Sirls ©2012
Thomas Nelson Publishers
ISBN 978-1-4016-8736 (trade paper)
396 pp. plus author’s note and Reading Group Guide
The Reason is a story so well written readers can believe such events really could happen. And since with God nothing is impossible, these events surely could happen.
Brooke Thomas never told her former boss, Ian, that he was the father of her son, Alex—until Alex needed a bone marrow match to recover from leukemia.
Brooke’s boss, Carla Miller believes she’s worthless and can’t forgive or be forgiven. Dr. Zach Norman doesn’t realize he’s destroying relationships with his selfishness and self-centeredness. Dr. Macey Lewis believes she personally must cure every child with cancer.
Pastor Jim and his wife Shirley love their brain-damaged, seven-foot tall son, Charlie, even though he cannot speak. They also love the small church they lead. The cross outside the church has just been damaged by lightning and they can’t afford to replace it. Charlie loves Alex.
Tim Shempner is thoroughly rotten--not worth saving. Or is he?
How the mysterious Kenneth affects each character in this story will change their lives forever. The Reason will leave readers filled with hope that nothing happens without a purpose and with the satisfaction of reading a tale well told
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Review 3 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Your best is not good enough
Date:November 20, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
There are some people who touch the lives of others wherever they go. Kenneth was just a construction worker, a carpenter, really. But people changed when he came into their lives. Alex, too, would have an impression on everyone who met this five year old.
Charlie, the gentle giant, Pastor Jim and Shirley Lindys, Carla, Brook, and Ian, each were touched by Kenneth and Alex. Each would have their faith challenged - if they would "only believe" - when Alex is diagnosed with leukemia. The days he spends in the hospital will tear at their hearts bring emotions that only God can address.
But the book is not about emotions, it focuses on God's presence on both good days and bad days, it focuses on the need to trust Him whatever may come our way. But the book is also a reminder that our best is not always good enough - we cannot do it all.
What we can do is what God has called us to do - that is all that is expected of us. It was a lesson I needed to learn, others will as well.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
______________
This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
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Review 4 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
The Reason by William Sirls
Date:November 9, 2012
tg35
Location:Florida
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
William Sirls in his new book, “The Reason” published by Thomas Nelson begins in a small town in Michigan, where the storm clouds begin gather over the small town, thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside the local church flicker right before going out. All is black as lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross catching it on fire and splintering it in two.
The Reason is a new novel, which wrestles with questions such as: Where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives is astounding and offers an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to only believe.
Sometimes all people need to stir up faith is a catalyst. In the case of this town in Michigan it is a lightning bolt that hits the church’s cross and sets it afire during a storm. This allegorical book doesn’t take a lot of work to decipher the meaning of most of its images but it is so worth it. “The Reason” is filled with great characters brought to life in the hands of a very skillful author. Each character comes alive on the pages and we care about every single one of them, even the not so nice ones. “The Reason” is a marvelous read full of atmosphere and details.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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.”
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Review 5 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Date:November 7, 2012
The Reason
By William Sirls
Book Description
When Facing the Impossible, Can You Only Believe?
Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas church flicker . . . and then go out.
All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross—leaving it ablaze and splintered in two.
When the storm ends—the search for answers begins.
James Lindy, the church’s blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words “only believe.”
Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who’s recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine—yet is challenged to “only believe.”
And Alex’s single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy—is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening . . . to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly “only believe.”
The Reason is a milestone debut novel, opening with a blast and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe.
I was unsure about this book when I first chose it. I was not sure if I would really like it. Not only did I love it, but it really speaks to the heart of the Christian faith and what we do….how we react….when storms rock our world. A definite must read book!
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. 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.”
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Review 6 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Read it in one day!
Date:October 30, 2012
Mudpies and Tiaras
Location:Ohio
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The theme of the book is faith and belief. Only Believe is touted throughout the book. The phrase takes on a multitude of meanings. During the book you will meet a single mom named Brooke, a precocious boy named Alex, a mute semi-giant named Charlie, two doctors, a carpenter and many others. Each character comes to life and you connect with them. Each character has a story and each character makes you want to know more and more about them.
I was unsure about this book when I first chose it. I was not sure if I would really like it. Not only did I love it, but it really speaks to the heart of the Christian faith and what we do….how we react….when storms rock our world. A definite must read book!
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Review 7 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
If you're asking God "why?"--read this book!
Date:October 24, 2012
NewChristianBooks
Location:Chicago, IL
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
(click to see the video)
I really enjoyed The Reason. It is a book full of miracles, with very likable yet authentic characters. The main characters are Alex, a little boy who has cancer, and Brooke, his single mother who wrestles with why God would allow her child to suffer. A host of other characters all intersect in a variety of subplots to this one.
A mysterious stranger comes to town, and keeps telling people to “only believe.” It quickly becomes apparent that he’s responsible for a number of healings and miracles that happen in the town, including restoration of a cross that’s been nearly destroyed by lightning.
I love when stories give you spiritual insights into the very things you’re struggling with. The Reason made me really think about some deep questions—why does God seem to answer some prayers but not others, what is the nature of healing, why do bad things happen to good people? Anyone wrestling with their faith, or asking big questions of God and his “reasons” should read this book. The Reason is a great story about faith, healing, and the incredible things that can happen when you "only believe."
A mysterious stranger comes to town, and keeps telling people to “only believe.” It quickly becomes apparent that he’s responsible for a number of healings and miracles that happen in the town, including restoration of a cross that’s been nearly destroyed by lightning.
I love when stories give you spiritual insights into the very things you’re struggling with. The Reason made me really think about some deep questions—why does God seem to answer some prayers but not others, what is the nature of healing, why do bad things happen to good people? Anyone wrestling with their faith, or asking big questions of God and his “reasons” should read this book. The Reason is a great story about faith, healing, and the incredible things that can happen when you "only believe."
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Review 8 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Date:October 24, 2012
When Facing the Impossible, Can You Only Believe?
Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas church flicker . . . and then go out.
All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross—leaving it ablaze and splintered in two.
When the storm ends—the search for answers begins.
William Sirls does a great job of bringing wandering souls together searching for answers in this work of Christian fiction. Kenneth seems to be popping up everywhere and brings a group of characters together that all have different struggles, but they are ultimately searching for the exact same thing...hope and peace. Miracles are happening left and right...until they aren't. How do you explain who receives blessings from God and who doesn't...in the eyes of man?
I was intrigued by this book from the get go. Sirls does a great job of causing you to really think about what you believe and why you believe it. When reading the Bible, do you actually trust in what God has promised to do or just cling to it in times of trouble hoping that He'll come through for you? I believe that each one of us could relate to one of the characters in the book and the struggles they face. How you handle those struggles and trials shows what kind of character you have and who or what you put your belief in.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
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Review 9 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
One of best books I have ever read
Date:October 4, 2012
Carolyn
My cousin's church was given some pre-copies of this book and she told me I had to read it. I finished it in one day. I haven't cried like this reading a book in a long long time. This is a beautiful story that I will be passing on to believers and non believers alike.
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Review 10 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Does faith guarantee a "yes" from God?
Date:October 4, 2012
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
2
out of
5
The Reason – a story of the impossible becoming real. Inhabitants of a small Michigan town are challenged to “only believe” as they face various obstacles: a lightning strike which destroys the cross in front of a small church, a life torn apart by a painful past, the devastation of a diagnosis of leukemia in an only child. The characters face their difficulties with varying levels of faith; at each crisis they are instructed anew to “only believe”, with the clear implication that through faith the obstacle will be overcome, will disappear.
This was an interesting read, but my skepticism grew rather than my faith, as I read it! A deer tragically dying being brought back to life? A cross shattered by lightning completely restored in minutes? As a work of fiction, the book was entertaining, but it’s necessary to bear in mind that it is fiction. It has a resemblance to The Shack, and I was bothered by both of them for much the same reasons: our God is an awesome God, able to perform miracles, able to display His power among the peoples, but He does not guarantee circumstantial happiness because of faith!
Although the author brings out several times that our difficulties may not be completely resolved until we are in heaven, the book sends a different message. Everyone gets a “happy ever after” on this earth, although some have to go through times of despair first. The implication is that if we only believe, if our faith is strong enough, God will come through for us. Let me state very strongly that I do believe God is sovereign over everything in this life. I do believe He hears His children’s prayers, and I do believe that He loves us with an unfathomable, never ending love. I have seen what seemed to be miracles in this day and age: health problems suddenly disappearing, money being provided just in time to meet a desperate need, a person’s character changing completely when they come to Christ. However, I have also seen giants of faith whose prayers have received a “no” answer: disease which is not cured, a wayward child refusing the beliefs they were taught, trials which are endured, but not eliminated.
This was an interesting read, but my skepticism grew rather than my faith, as I read it! A deer tragically dying being brought back to life? A cross shattered by lightning completely restored in minutes? As a work of fiction, the book was entertaining, but it’s necessary to bear in mind that it is fiction. It has a resemblance to The Shack, and I was bothered by both of them for much the same reasons: our God is an awesome God, able to perform miracles, able to display His power among the peoples, but He does not guarantee circumstantial happiness because of faith!
Although the author brings out several times that our difficulties may not be completely resolved until we are in heaven, the book sends a different message. Everyone gets a “happy ever after” on this earth, although some have to go through times of despair first. The implication is that if we only believe, if our faith is strong enough, God will come through for us. Let me state very strongly that I do believe God is sovereign over everything in this life. I do believe He hears His children’s prayers, and I do believe that He loves us with an unfathomable, never ending love. I have seen what seemed to be miracles in this day and age: health problems suddenly disappearing, money being provided just in time to meet a desperate need, a person’s character changing completely when they come to Christ. However, I have also seen giants of faith whose prayers have received a “no” answer: disease which is not cured, a wayward child refusing the beliefs they were taught, trials which are endured, but not eliminated.
Bottom line: don’t let this book convince you that a “no” answer is because of feeble faith!
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Review 11 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
A Single Event That Changes Everyone's Lives
Date:September 29, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
William Sirls in his new book, “The Reason” published by Thomas Nelson takes us to into the lives of the residents of a small town in Michigan.
From the back cover: When facing the impossible, will you believe?
Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas Church flicker . . . and then go out.
All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross—leaving it ablaze and splintered in two.
When the storm ends—the search for answers begins.
James Lindy, the church’s blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words “only believe.”
Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who’s recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine—yet is challenged to “only believe.”
And Alex’s single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy, is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening . . . to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly “only believe.”
The Reason is a milestone debut novel, opening with a thunderbolt and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: Where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe.
Sometimes all people need to stir up faith is a catalyst. In the case of this town in Michigan it is a lightning bolt that hits the church’s cross and sets it afire during a storm. William Sirls has loaded “The Reason” with images that are allegorical. It doesn’t take a lot of work to decipher the meaning of most of these images but it is so worth it. “The Reason” is filled with great characters brought to life in the hands of a very skillful author. Each character comes alive on the pages and we care about every single one of them, even the not so nice ones. “The Reason” is a marvelous read full of atmosphere and details. Mr. Sirls knows how to tell a story that is both interesting and thought-provoking and I recommend it highly.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. 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.”
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Review 12 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
An inspiring novel
Date:September 18, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
First of all, I will let you know that my review of the novel The Reason is definitely influenced by the place I am in at this time of my life. I have just finished spending two weeks in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital with my mother. The things we as a family witness and experienced during that time and after have caused us to be more aware of the miracles around us than we were before that.
Having said that, I really enjoyed The Reason, and would recommend it to everyone. There was one place where one of the characters acknowledges that they know who the carpenter really is, and then shortly afterwards they question him again, which threw me off but other than that, I found the story line flowed seamlessly, the plot and the characters were well devolped and believable.
I resonated with Alex's mother as she hopes for a miracle, just as we hoped for a miracle with our mom and realized together with Macey Lewis the oncologist James Lindy the churche's blind minister and the friends of Alex and his mom, in the novel, that truly, no matter how much we try on our own, we must come to the conclusion that God is ultimately in control! What a mighty God we serve!
No matter what you have experienced I think this novel will give you fresh hope and courage in God's Love.
Having said that, I really enjoyed The Reason, and would recommend it to everyone. There was one place where one of the characters acknowledges that they know who the carpenter really is, and then shortly afterwards they question him again, which threw me off but other than that, I found the story line flowed seamlessly, the plot and the characters were well devolped and believable.
I resonated with Alex's mother as she hopes for a miracle, just as we hoped for a miracle with our mom and realized together with Macey Lewis the oncologist James Lindy the churche's blind minister and the friends of Alex and his mom, in the novel, that truly, no matter how much we try on our own, we must come to the conclusion that God is ultimately in control! What a mighty God we serve!
No matter what you have experienced I think this novel will give you fresh hope and courage in God's Love.
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Review 13 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Great Read--Must Read
Date:September 7, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Reason by William Sirls. Lightning strikes the cross on the lawn of a small country church in a little town in Michigan. This strike not only frightens the 3 people who are inside cleaning the church but cuts the huge cross to half its size and there is no insurance to pay for its repair. The little 5 year old in the church with his mother will soon be diagnosed with a very aggressive leukemia. The oncologist who is soon to be taking this case is one of the best in pediatric oncology and her skill is above reproach. Each one of the characters as they pray for assistance hears “only believe”. It is seen in the graffiti on a train going by. They all have the same question why? Why me? Why my son? Why Why Why? But the answer is also the same—only believe.
Great novel Mr. Sirls! I was so moved by this book. This book is a novel, it is a retelling of parts of the Gospel, and it is a love story all rolled into one. I really enjoyed reading this book. I laughed and I cried. Sometimes I had to stop reading because I couldn’t see through my tears. I would recommend reading this book to anyone who enjoys reading Christian novels.
I received this book from Booksneeze for this review.
Great novel Mr. Sirls! I was so moved by this book. This book is a novel, it is a retelling of parts of the Gospel, and it is a love story all rolled into one. I really enjoyed reading this book. I laughed and I cried. Sometimes I had to stop reading because I couldn’t see through my tears. I would recommend reading this book to anyone who enjoys reading Christian novels.
I received this book from Booksneeze for this review.
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Review 14 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
WOW-What a story!!!
Date:September 2, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
"Only Believe" has a new meaning for me after reading this astounding debut book by William Sirls. I was not prepared for what was to happen to me while reading this book. I found myself identifying with some of the characters, their flaws, misgivings, doubts and just genuine questions. What surprised me was how engrossed in this book I became. This was truly one book I did not want to end, it was that good. I found myself smiling at the book, crying in spots and just loving the characters and the storyline. We all find ourselves asking the question: Where is God when bad things happen? Does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? These two questions were masterfully answered for the characters in this book.
The characters are unforgettable-James Lindy, the blind pastor of a small congregation amid adversity, can he "only believe?" Macey Lewis is an oncologist helping five year old Alex battle aggressive leukemia. Will she trust modern medicine or "only believe?" Carla's past is haunting her and is trying to learn to forgive-will she "only believe?" Brooke is Alex's mother who is fighting for her son's life and wants God to save him. Can she trust God and "only believe and he will be healed? Kenneth, the carpenter is working on the new hospital wing and is "gifted" in restoring broken crosses, broken lives, restoring sight, but you have to read the book to find out his best "miracle".
I found myself highlighting parts of this book and here is an excerpt from the book.
Jim looked at Kenneth. " Can you tell us the reason why God does everything he does?"
Kenneth held up his fists and then slowly fanned his arms out to his sides. "You know the reason, James Lindy."
"I know," Jim said. "But I was hoping everyone could hear it from you."
The carpenter nodded and then uncoiled his fists, exposing his palms.
"The reason is God loves you."
This book has challenged me to live out my faith in a new and gifted way. My heart has been forever changed and "only believe" has become more personal and one I will share more.
Thank you William Sirls for a superb book and please write more.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book free just for my honest
The characters are unforgettable-James Lindy, the blind pastor of a small congregation amid adversity, can he "only believe?" Macey Lewis is an oncologist helping five year old Alex battle aggressive leukemia. Will she trust modern medicine or "only believe?" Carla's past is haunting her and is trying to learn to forgive-will she "only believe?" Brooke is Alex's mother who is fighting for her son's life and wants God to save him. Can she trust God and "only believe and he will be healed? Kenneth, the carpenter is working on the new hospital wing and is "gifted" in restoring broken crosses, broken lives, restoring sight, but you have to read the book to find out his best "miracle".
I found myself highlighting parts of this book and here is an excerpt from the book.
Jim looked at Kenneth. " Can you tell us the reason why God does everything he does?"
Kenneth held up his fists and then slowly fanned his arms out to his sides. "You know the reason, James Lindy."
"I know," Jim said. "But I was hoping everyone could hear it from you."
The carpenter nodded and then uncoiled his fists, exposing his palms.
"The reason is God loves you."
This book has challenged me to live out my faith in a new and gifted way. My heart has been forever changed and "only believe" has become more personal and one I will share more.
Thank you William Sirls for a superb book and please write more.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson for providing this book free just for my honest
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Review 15 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Outstanding Debut Christian Fiction
Date:September 2, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Brooke Thomas is cleaning her small church with her son, Alex, when the lights go out in an electrical storm, and the huge wooden cross outside the building is destroyed by lightening. She lives with the Lindy family: Pastor Jim, the blind pastor, his wife Shirley, and Charlie, their seven-foot, 355-pound son who hadn’t spoken a single word in his life.
Carla Miller is Brooke’s best friend, and has her own problems. A mysterious stranger appears in a bar, shows Carla an apple, tells her she has to learn to forgive, then leaves. Macey Lewis, paediatric oncologist at the local hospital, meets Brooke and Alex when they are having some medical tests. She offers to help rebuild the cross, and enlists the help of colleagues Dr Zach Norman, nurse Kaitlyn Harby and Kenneth, a carpenter who is working on the new wing of the hospital and who has been a man of God 'forever'.
The first couple of chapters introduced all the main characters, which had the potential to get a little confusing, but the different characters were soon linked together, and from then on, The Reason was a gripping contemporary story, a combination between medical and speculative fiction, centered around Brooke and Alex, but impacting all the characters in different ways.
While The Reason is most definitely a Christian novel, the characters aren't perfect. They visit bars, smoke, drink, get drunk and make wrong decisions as they deal with their present problems and confront their pasts. Their faith is challenged by circumstances, and by the carpenter who seems to know everything each of them has ever done. This is William Sirls’ first novel, and it is an outstanding debut with realistic characters facing difficult situations and learning to only believe. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.
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Review 16 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Many comparisons to other great Christian fiction
Date:August 30, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Like The Noticer by Andy Andrews, and So You Don't Want To Go To Church Anymore by Jake Colsen , William Sirls' book contains a character who seems to have unusually deep insights into people and events both past, present and future. Is he more than what he appears to be?
Like the currently popular Rooms, The Book of Days, and The Chair by James Rubart, The Reason contains a continually advancing plot, a good mix of male and female protagonists -- nice to see more fiction men can enjoy -- and supernatural occurrences.
Like The Shack, this book, The Reason contains a crisis or if you will, a "great sadness." Or several. Not to mention several characters in a crisis of faith.
And like all of these, The Reason uses a fair amount of "Socratic dialogue" to give the complete work value as a teaching tool but still retaining excellent plot and characterization. There is enough character balance that the tough questions of life are addressed in a manner that isn't preachy or 'churchy' resulting in a book that could be given -- and should be given -- to people outside the faith family.
Five stars! Thanks to Thomas Nelson's blogger program for the copy provided.
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Review 17 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Incredible story of FAITH
Date:August 30, 2012
Sands0113
Location:Richmond, KY
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
When Facing the Impossible, Can You Only Believe?
Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas church flicker . . . and then go out.
All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross—leaving it ablaze and splintered in two.
When the storm ends—the search for answers begins.
James Lindy, the church’s blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words “only believe.”
Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who’s recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine—yet is challenged to “only believe.”
And Alex’s single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy—is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening . . . to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly “only believe.”
The Reason is a milestone debut novel, opening with a blast and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound readers while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe. (Back Cover)
WOW!!!!!!!!! I cannot say enough about this book. The Reason is an incredible story of faith and what can be done if we will "only believe". I love the way that the author has written the story of each character...well thought and developed. Everyone should be able to relate to at least one of the characters and their struggles. William Sirls has done an amazing job at caputuring the attitudes of those suffering and the changes in their lives when faith takes over.
I cannot say enough how much I truly enjoyed this book. I've already recommended it to several friends and I would say...READ IT!!!!!!!!! It is absolutely incredible...I couldn't put it down. The book is not only entertaining (making you laugh and cry with the characters) but it truly does make you question your own life and how you are living out your faith. It begs you to ask the question, "what could happen in my life, if I "ONLY BELIEVE"?"
DISCLAIMER: I recieved a free copy of this book through the publisher's(Thomas Nelson Publishing) Booksneeze blogger review program, HOWEVER, I was NOT required to write a positive review. ALL thoughts and opinions are my own!!!
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Review 18 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Don't Miss This Book!
Date:August 24, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The members of one church find out what it truly means to be at the center of a most unforgettable day.
When the cross is destroyed that has become a comfort to many a weary soul and a symbol of faith for the St Thomas church on one strange and stormy night the pastor and parisoners wonder how it will be fixed without adequate funds and manpower.
When the cross is destroyed that has become a comfort to many a weary soul and a symbol of faith for the St Thomas church on one strange and stormy night the pastor and parisoners wonder how it will be fixed without adequate funds and manpower.
Brooke, mother to a young vivacious red haired boy Alex, comes to realize the biggest challenges are those that sometimes lie unfulfilled. Alex's timid and kind hearted friend Charlie, is a protector of Alex and a man of few words.
Macey, pediatric physician meets a young man Kenneth, who offers to lend a hand to help fix the cross at the church. She wonders if she has met him before he seems so familiar.
Confident Zach has always possessed a worldly view of faith, but he is about to receive a startling wake up call.
Will one physicians efforts be enough to save a young patient?
Wow!! I truly loved this read! What an faith affirming inspiring book to spend the day with! This not to be missed impossible to forget story will stick with you as you discover The Reason. So many down to earth, well developed, and interesting characters make up the storyline along with easy to follow dialogue, crisp and smooth flowing plot and realistically clear scenery. I was highly entertained by this heartfelt novel. Hope to read more from this author in the future. I will highly recommend this book to others. Very Well Written 5 Stars!! Thanks to Thomas Nelson Publishers and Netgalley for this ARC copy for my review.
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Review 19 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
Excellent Story!
Date:August 23, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The Reason by William Sirls is about the journey of a blind minister, single mother, her son, and doctors who face insurmountable trials which will not only bring them together, but will test their faith in God.
This was quite a gripping book and from the beginning the I was captured by the situations these characters were involved in. The character development of each person is written quite well that by the end of the story, I felt close to each of them. I felt their emotions during their struggles and rooted each of them on as they found their way to God. The author does a fine job in his interpretation in answering questions that we all have about faith and God. I certainly recommend this story for those that would like to read it.
Note: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review blogger program. 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.”
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Review 20 for The Reason
Overall Rating:
"Only Believe"
Date:August 21, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
"The Reason" is William Sirls' first book....and it's an amazing read. After lightning strikes the cross in front of a little country church, some amazing things begin happening to many of the inhabitants of this small Michigan town. The story weaves around the lives of Pastor Jim, his wife Shirley, their mute son Charlie, their "foster/adopted" daughter Brooke, her son Alex and several of the doctors and nurses at the local hospital, as well as others in the town and, probably the most interesting character of all...the Carpenter. The main theme of this story is that all things are possible if you will "Only Believe".
It was refreshing to see the characters response to God's call and how they each realized that they are never alone - God is always there. The way he created each character was wonderful as well - they each had a great depth about them. I was intrigued by the 'stories' of each of the characters as well and of course my heart sank as little Alex was diagnosed with leukemia - I've walked alongside many cancer patients, supporting and encouraging them on their journeys and by far the hardest ones are the ones that involve kids...but the interesting thing is, that's where you often find the deepest faith and the greatest life lessons.
Reading about the author, William Sirls' idea for this book came several years before he was sentenced to jail for fraud and money laundering and with this being his first book, a couple of things are very obvious - he's a great writer with amazing ideas, but he's also a man who really understands God's grace, mercy and how lives are drastically changed when they encounter the true, living God.
I would highly recommend this book. You'll be moved by it and you'll truly see what can happen when you....'Only Believe'.
Thanks to the people of Booksneeze for the complimentary copy of this book.
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