The Scarlet Thread [Paperback]

Francine Rivers (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2000

This best-selling novel by popular author Francine Rivers is now available in mass paper. 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.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

With a loving and successful husband, two beautiful children, and a new house in her hometown, Sierra Madrid leads a happy life. Then her husband, Alex, announces that he has taken a job in Los Angeles and that the family will soon move, and Sierra's dream is shattered. Once in the fast lane of big-city life, Alex becomes more aloof and the family begins the slow process of disintegration. Sierra's only consolation in her despair is one of her ancestor's journals. Sierra's own journey through pain toward reconciliation and redemption is mirrored in the journal entries she reads and rereads. Unfortunately, the journal entries are often intrusive and add little to the overall impact of the story. In addition, incredible and unnecessary plot elements at the story's end mar an otherwise strong romance. Purchase only where demand is warranted for former mainstream romance-writer Rivers's books.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist.

Francine and her husband, Rick, live in Northern California and enjoy the time spent with their three grown children and every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 416 pages
• Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0842342710
• ISBN-13: 978-0842342711
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (124 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,571 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #1 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Fiction & Poetry > Fiction
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Fiction > General

More About the Author

Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in English and journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market, and her books were highly acclaimed by readers and reviewers. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, a mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote "Redeeming Love" as her statement of faith. First published by Bantam Books and then rereleased by Multnomah Publishers in the mid-1990s, this retelling of the biblical story of Gomer and Hosea, set during the time of the California Gold Rush, is now considered by many to be a classic work of Christian fiction. Redeeming Love continues to be one of the Christian Booksellers Association's top-selling titles, and it has held a spot on the Christian best-seller list for nearly a decade. Since "Redeeming Love," Francine has published numerous novels with Christian themes--all best sellers--and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Gold Medallion, and the Holt Medallion in Honor of Outstanding Literary Talent. In 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America's Hall of Fame. Francine's novels have been translated into over 20 different languages, and she enjoys best-seller status in many foreign countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, and South Africa. Francine and her husband, Rick, live in northern California and enjoy time spent with their three grown children and taking every opportunity to spoil their grandchildren. Francine uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and she desires that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A testament to life's challenges..., March 21, 2001

By 

Sharon Knutson "chinamomma" (St. Paul, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Scarlet Thread (Paperback)

This is a modern day romance between Sierra and Alex inter-twined with the story of Sierra's ancestor, Mary Katherine, and her journey in a covered wagon heading first to Oregon and ending up in California. Sierra and Alex's marriage is put to the test when Alex accepts a new job in Los Angeles, forcing Sierra to leave behind her home and family in her beloved small town. She is thrust into a fast paced world where she does not want to belong. She strikes out in anger and disappointment. Her fears and insecurities chip away at her marriage to Alex until it reaches the breaking point. Sierra is left pondering her future, while finding solace in the journal of Mary Katherine, who generations before struggled with many of the same fears and issues.

Mary Katherine's family is destroyed upon the death of her mother, her brother's betrayal and her father's inability to function after his wife's death. Mary Katherine throws caution to the wind and marries James. They struggle and work hard to create a life farming. When it is taken away, James packs up their belongings and children and they head west to Oregon, the promised land. Mary Katherine longs for home but follows her husband. What follows is a tale of hardship, love, and the will to survive.

As Sierra's life reaches a turning point she turns to God, through His love she begins mending her life. Only God knows if it will include Alex. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone. We all struggle with fears when we are pushed outside our comfort zone. With God's help, we will find peace and understanding. Check and see what the results are from Sierra's test of fire...

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good, August 17, 2000

By 

J. Isaacson (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Scarlet Thread (Paperback)

After reading some Christian fiction that seemed overly "preachy," I have to admit being sceptical before picking up this book. However, this book was delightful! It was weighty, meaning the author did not shrink from exploring the heavier issues of infidelity, sex, personal responsiblity, the choices we make. The relationship between Sierra and Alex was enlightening, with all its complexities and nuances, and mostly, its human-ness. This is excellent reading as nothing is "glossed over" and there are no easy answers as we watch Sierra and her husband grapple with real-world issues in their marriage. I would highly recommend this book, as it will bring up important questions in your own life to think about. I can't wait to read more of Francine Rivers.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Many layers worth exploring., November 11, 2004

By 

K. L. Johnson "Mom, homemaker, RN & avid reader" (Martinsburg, WV United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Scarlet Thread (Paperback)

This is a multi-layered book which focuses on two women searching for Christ in their lives. The main story centers on Sierra Madrid, a wife and mother of two children whose husband receives a job offer in a different city. She clings to her childhood home and early marriage memories instead of embracing what the future may hold. Through reading the journal of an ancestor crossing the Oregon trail, she learns to let go of her expectations and rely on faith. It's a tender and (at times) heart-wrenching look into the lives of a family and the choices they make. Francine Rivers' books are always thought-provoking, truthful and linger even after the book has long since been finished.