Customer Reviews

Riding Through Shadows

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I read this book, I was suprised by the way Ms. Foster boldly approached spiritual matters. Keep in mind that this is a Christian book, written with Christian principals and understandings in mind. It's not at all surprising that some of the reviewers, in a nutshell, just didn't get it. Spiritual warfare is real and constant, and one who does not know or believe this may not realize the profoundness of this novel. It's kind of like how some people read the Bible for the wrong reasons (e.g. searching for fallicies, looking for something to argue about, etc.) and totally miss the point. I encourge people, Christians especially, to read this book looking for the message. See how well it lines up with the word, and look for rema. I promise it will be an enlightening experience. Before you read the book, or at least while you're reading it, study Ephesians 6, which lets us know how real spiritual warfare is.
This book is a rare gem of literature, but make sure you read it with your eyes and ears open, if you know what I mean. "Let he who has an ear...."

Just ignore the editorial review. This book is powerful. Here is a Christian novel that is not ashamed and not trying to be a weak imitation of something else. Ms. Foster deals with love, tragedy and spiritual warfare in a bold and ambitious way. I could not put this book down. By the time it was over it was four in the morning. Since I usually get up at five that's saying something about the quality of this book.

Kimberley Lindsay Wilson, author of 11 Things Mama Should Have Told You About Men

Riding through Shadows by Sharon Ewell Foster is a trimphant story of a young girl named Shirley who has to overcome many obstacles to have the childhood we all deserve.

Shirley Jones is a carefree nine-year old who lives with her mother, father and her mother's two brothers (Big and Little Uncle). She likes to ride her bike around the neighborhood and is an excellent reader in school. Then tragedy strikes and after a series of events, Shirley finds herself in the care of Mother Johnson, a distant relative who lives in Texas. It is there that Shirley has to battle not only for her own life, but for the lives of the people she cares most about.

Riding through Shadows was set in the 1960's in St. Louis, Illinois and Tyler, Texas. This novel highlights the differences in race relations between the North and South and the affects it can have on the psyche of a little girl, The story opens with an adult Shirley who thinks back on her childhood however we do not find out anything else about the adult Shirley. Shirley's childhood friend, Sheri, seems to be a pivotval character in the book yet she faces the same fate as now grown Shirley. It appears these characters will be revisted in the sequel Passing into Light. Even with these oversights, I was drawn into the story to learn what happens to Shirley.

This novel is heavily based in Christian themes and teaching. It is an uplifting and inspirational read. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to be reminded that the battle is not yours.

Reviewed by Nicole
APOOO BookClub

This book is just as good as Sharon Ewell Foster's other two books. I liked how it gives you a look into the spiritual world. It shows how spiritual warfare is going on in the heavenlies as a result of our prayers. This book encourages us to never give up on God and prayer.

I look forward to many more books from this author.

"Riding Through Shadows" is an enriching tale of an eight year girl named Shirley who's life parallel's that of many young girls with promise who grow up in a dysfunctional environment. Shirley's tale says, "I know that I'm more than, but there isn't anyone or anything around me to affirm or support me." And usually the outcome of that reality almost always ends in catastrophe. However, in "Riding Through Shadows," Sharon Ewell Foster brilliantly shows that no matter how catastrophic the circumstances may be, NOTHING is more powerful than the effectual, fervent prayers of the righteous.

Ms. Foster discloses that the events taking place in Shirley's life have a spiritual connotation. Whatever is happening in the natural, is happening in the Spiritual. This is the wonderful premise by which Sharon Ewell Foster tells Shirley's story. It is here that Ms. Foster allows the genius of her writing to spill over into divine revelation as she takes the reader into the mystifying Spirit realm where Heavenly Hosts and demonic imps abound. Ms. Foster paints an unforgettable and somewhat gruesome picture of what a demon looks, thinks and acts like. She masterfully takes the reader into the mind of the demonic spirit, then cleverly exposes his agenda while capturing the reader by touting prayer as the most effective counteractive weapon to diffuse every evil plot of the enemy.

Ms. Foster demonstrates through her unique and picturesque writing style that when Shirley or any named intercessor prays, those prayers reach the third heaven and the angelic hosts are summoned into action. The resplendent tales of spiritual warfare both captivate and inspire the reader with heavenly victories, which prove to be attainable, as long as prayer is taking place. With "Riding Through Shadows," Sharon Ewell Foster has given her readers a distinctive and effective Spiritual guide to help one move from a disparaging life filled with difficulties, depression and disillusion to one of healing, restoration and victory - all through the awesome power of prayer. Job well done!

I'm so glad I paid attention to the other customer reviews and ignored the editorial review. This was another very special book from Sharon Ewell Foster. I'm learning so much from her culture that I was blind to before. Yet I see so much of our shared sisterhood in the Lord. There is so much truth and wisdom and teaching.

I also want to point out how very good her writing is, she keeps me enthralled. I told a friend that each of her books go in such a totally different direction. She reminds me of Francine Rivers in that we never know what to expect from the next book. Looking forward to more from this author.

If you are, then read this book. RIDING THROUGH SHADOWS is different from Ms. Foster's first two books, but don't let that fool you. Keep reading . . . Don't put the book down until you get free. When Mother Johnson comes on the scene, you'll be praying and the demons will be fleeing. As Mother would say, "Remember that I told you so!"

Riding Through Shadows...

Wow! It's like Lord of the Rings or the Screwtape Letters by JRR Tolkien.

The visual descriptions of evil forces at work and around you are arresting. The parallels are so clear.

The story is set in the 60's but it's theme's relevance are timeless. Prayer, Psalms, Scripture are the weapons. Love, mercy, and hope are your guides.

This book is not for the faint of heart or those pretending to be believers.
You will never look at your prayer life the same. When you finish this book, you will have climbed to a new level in God.

God is real and so is the devil.

Ms. Foster, best yet.

Awesome!

I'm so glad I didn't read the editorial review before I read any of Foster's books. I have read Ain't No River, Passing By Samaria and Riding Through Shadows. I absolutely loved Riding Through Shadows. It has a powerful message about spiritual warfare and reminds Christians that this is for real!!!. It reminded me I needed to be constant prayer, can't afford to slip up. It also reminded me of how important it is I pray for my own child. Just think of how close we've come to our breakthrough and we slacked up in the area of prayer and satan was allowed to have control in areas where he has no dominion- keep praying and God's army will do the rest. Foster took a bold step in reminding me and other readers of all of these things. I couldn't put the book down and highly recommend all her books. In fact, I'm buying my best friend all three books. Can't wait to read more from this author.

When I read this book, I was suprised by the way Ms. Foster boldly approached spiritual matters. Keep in mind that this is a Christian book, written with Christian principals and understandings in mind. It's not at all surprising that some of the reviewers, in a nutshell, just didn't get it. Spiritual warfare is real and constant, and one who does not know or believe this may not realize the profoundness of this novel. It's kind of like how some people read the Bible for the wrong reasons (e.g. searching for fallicies, looking for something to argue about, etc.) and totally miss the point. I encourge people, Christians especially, to read this book looking for the message. See how well it lines up with the word, and look for rema. I promise it will be an enlightening experience. Before you read the book, or at least while you're reading it, study Ephesians 6, which lets us know how real spiritual warfare is.
This book is a rare gem of literature, but make sure you read it with your eyes and ears open, if you know what I mean. "Let he who has an ear...."