And the Shofar Blew: A Novel (The Contemporary Christian Fiction Story of a Young Minister and His Wife Set in Central California)

In my opinion, Francine Rivers's writing tends to cater to a seasoned audience. Hence, my earlier impression of her work had found to be less favorable when the original published novels were issued and read. Originally, what hooked me to this author was one particular novel. Afterwards, upon practically reading every one of her following publications , I had fallen in and out of favor with her writing only to reconnect years later after reading her original Christian publication called "Mark of the Lion" series(WOW!!!-I originally eschewed it due to its historical setting, leaving it forlorn in my list of books to read by her, estimating that I wouldn't connect /appreciate it. Very wrong-Best book series I've alighted to thus far by any author. ) The Holy Spirit layed it on my heart to read after picking it up many times , yet last year, gulped it down. Furthermore, I felt it was time to reacquaint myself with her work again and go forward with the intention to reread her novels. The key, in my opinion, to reading a "good" book is timing and personal life experience. It bonds you to the novel, thus making it a special delight.Okay, the Book: In rereading this novel, I have never read something that has caused a pyrotechnics of emotions within me. Mainly, the character, Eunice. I became at the end and, alright, I confess, during the novel , that her character was obtuse. In general, she's portrayed as weak and too compliant to the point that her character stood out as her being more fictionalized than an example for that situation. My umbrage in reading this novel lied with how cavalier the author used the pain and severe human cost of well being that is emitted from infidelity. Using Biblical clichés and even having a scene with a pseudo-Jesus/ angel of The Lord appear to Eunice as a grounds keeper for a cemetery, I was flummoxed by the response/ advice portrayed with his words. It was completely incongruous to His Word and his character. That is why Jesus has the reputation that he has. People believe He listens to our prayers, but is "removed " from the issue at hand. Certainly very misleading and that scene that had potential. :-(. The rest of the novel, I felt, was indeed well written. Realism was threaded within the rest of other story lines in relation to the actual cog's of wheel's of life. Complete from problem to sad, yet eye-opening ending congruent to God's word and character.Again, the only reason for 4 stars is the gap of realism and consequences within reference to the devastation of Paul's egregious sins, the mess of Shepherding his vulnerable flock and the devastation to his family. The damage accrued was significant and logistically could not be juxtapositioned in the fashion Ms. Rivers's took on with the situation as she concluded. God doesn't give such high accountabilities with just forgiveness. The road afterward she cited for Paul and Eunice had a large oversight: Trust and the difficulty to regain it, if possible. Certainly a keypoint.Bottom line: The book was certainly worth the time and contained a great deal of wisdom in reference to today's world. Now, it's time for you to decide. The only waste is the sin and mess/loss of Glory to God.Please note: This book review of "And the Shofar Blew" was made from the reader's view point and stand under a religious commentary.

This book was beautifully done! Great story, great writing, and I love how much and the way God is spoken about throughout the book. Great values to learn or be reminded of. I became obsessed and couldn’t put it down. Francine Rivers could really write anything and make it such a smooth read with her writing style. I’ve read this and the Lineage book. Both so great I can’t wait to read another of hers.

I must note that anyone interested in reading this story, I would recommend the paperback or hardcover version. The Kindle version was so poorly edited (words and sentences merged together and compound words hyphenated, etc.) that, at times, it became distracting. With that being said, I won't hold that against the author in my review because I know that is out of her control. I am only mentioning this in hopes that the publishing company will pull it out of the archives and make these fixes. It's that distracting.First, I am a huge fan of Francine Rivers; Redeeming Love is my all-time favorite novel. Several of my friends recommended "And The Shofar Blew" to me, so I was excited to sit down and read it. I must admit the story started out slow. I couldn't get into it right away. One of the things I like the most about Francine Rivers is her ability to draw me into either loving or disliking her characters. It was difficult for me to connect to the characters at first. I felt pretty neutral and, at times, irritated with most of the characters, so I put the book down for a bit. Finally, I decided to give it another chance. I was pleasantly surprised."And The Shofar Blew" is about a young pastor, Paul, who was called to take over a small church in California. He and his wife and young son moved to a small town outside of the Sacramento area to take over this struggling church that was pastored by one man for many years. Paul was young, ambitious, and strived to live up to his father's expectations (a famous TV pastor of a mega church in Southern California)."And The Shofar Blew" dealt with the ongoing question that everyone should ask themselves: Who do I really worship?Francine Rivers doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to truth. She says it like it is with sound Biblical doctrine and passion. And most importantly, she points us to Christ and gives Him the glory!My emotions towards the main characters Paul and his wife, Eunice, were all over the place, and at times, I wanted to scream or pitch the book across the room! However, by the middle of the story, I couldn't put it down. I figured if I'm getting fired up that much, this must be great writing. And Ms. Rivers is an excellent writer! In the end, she makes you feel for her characters. Whether you love or hate them, you feel something. Or at least I did.I highly recommend this story. Stick with it and hopefully you won't be disappointed.

Realistically written account of the disconnect people have between their concept of serving God and their self sufficiency as their god. Insightful and encouraging to those who continue to stay steadfast in prayer and in faith.

An inspirational story of God's love and goodness. The story of people of faith and unfaithfulness. A Christian story of people who love God.

A Quality Work about human weakness and personal cost of standing against the majority.The Best read for me in a long time.

What a powerful and God challenging story I’ve just read!!! A brilliant story of how evil can slowly spread into our lives without us even knowing it from the start, but how God will always bring us back if we’re truly repentant and want to follow Him, and not our own selfish ways!! A story of love, corruption, infidelity..... but then hope, restorations and the biggest thing of all, forgiveness through Christ!!! A truly moving story, that could have us all on our knees, if we only let Christ be our Shepherd and for Him to take the lead in our lives!!!!Francine has outdone herself again with another fantastic story, one I pray will last a lifetime, and help everyone in all walks of life!!!

I've lived this story told In this book, it resonated and brought back memories. Lots of memories. Bottom line, Jesus should be preached in church, the rest is entertainment. May God speak to you reader as you read a gripping story that has happened many many times. The Shofar does blow, and when it does, be found in Jesus.

You will not be able to put this book down, the story is so real, anyone who has been a part of a church will relate to the situations.The characters draw you in and you feel their pain and cry with them. But most of all it shows how God works in all situations to fulfill his will.

The book opened my eyes to something e.g. in some ways I am LIKE Paul the main charater "a people pleaser" like Francine Rivers quoted in one of her other books called (The atonement child) she said “Everyone wanted to be the best. Best student. Best servant. Best Christian. They got caught up in it, pressing and pushing until they forgot whom it was they were trying to please.” sometimes we try so hard that we lose ourselves and please everybody but GOD. Remember to seek the Kingdom of GOD first and make no move on your own. And when you are serving God never try to take the spot light and never question GOD on the things that he do Romans 9vs20 But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" I thank GOD for reading this book and I openly pray i please GOD before i go back home for judgement will be passed. I leave you all in the LOVE of GOD.

This book is one of the last books I have read by Francine Rivers. Hoping she has new ones out there.The book gave me an insight of quite a few things that have and could have happened in my life.The love in the story showed Gods love for all who would come to Him. Thankful of remembering!I couldn’t put the book down at times too!