Customer Reviews

Sons of Encouragement

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Francine Rivers is my favorite modern author. Since I discovered her books about 2 years ago, I have become spoiled with amazingly well-written, life-changing, inspirational fiction. All of her historical books are so well researched that you feel like you're truly there. This is no fiction that was written quickly... it was well thought out and will change your life.

Even though all of that is so true, I was wary to read "Sons of Encouragement." That's because I love reading about women... I can relate to them so much more than men, naturally! But I wound up at the library hungry for something new from Francine Rivers or George MacDonald (my favorite non-modern author). All they had to choose from was "Sons of Encouragement" or... "Sons of Encouragement." So, I chose.

And my low expectations were so off! The fact that the main characters of these books are men didn't do anything to diminish my enjoyment of these stories. They drew me back to the beginning of God's word and to the Stories of these 5 men who really were just regular men but who were chosen by God for something great. I love Miss River's books because they show you so clearly God's plan, His goodness, His sovereignty... all in a new way that will make God and the people whose lives we see in the pages of the bible so much more real to you. "Sons of Encouragement" includes 5 novellas that were originally published as separate books. Here, you have them all together which is much more convenient. All of their stories come together to make one marvelous story.

The book includes the stories of Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, Amos, and Silas. None of these men are as well-known as the ones they encouraged (Moses, Joshua, David, Israel, and Paul) and we don't hear as much about them as others. Each of these stories remain as true to the bible as possible, and the author combines accurate history and culture with her own imagination to bring their stories alive and touch your heart.

Francine Rivers is my favorite author, but her writing is largely geared toward female audiences. I bought Sons of Encouragement for a guy friend, and he's hooked! It's a great change of pace to get male readers more involved. This series and A Lineage of Grace are incredibly helpful in understanding the Old Testament and early Christianity as one fluid and flawless plan rather than chopped up Bible stories.

I LOVE Francis Rivers' books. This one is special to me because we read those stories in the Bible over and over and never really question the people's motives or what it would have been like to be in their shoes. Rivers gives a very good idea of what it would have been like. I'll never read the stories of Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, Amos, or Silas the same again. Each story taught me something different about myself and my walk with the Lord. I highly recommend it.

If it is hard for you to open the bible, these books are amazing stories that stimulate your interest in learning the Truth. Rivers has a wonderful sense of storytelling that elicits you and grabs your attention bringing me right into the heart of the historical times. I am a devout Christian and was given one of her books when I was Baptised at 39. I had never read the Bible, raised Jewish, and have now read most of it and am a seeker of God's heart. When I read Rivers books, I am part of the relationships that she brings to life: the heartache, the hopes, the heroes and the light of the wisdom learned through scripture. I can't help but open the Bible and want to learn what is in it, after learning how our Mighty Lord always "saves" those that revere Him.

No matter what religion you are, you learn from opening the Bible about our history and how to live a good, Godly life. These books will help motivate you in a way that something else might not have.

I have never been disapointed with a Francine Rivers book. She has a fascinating way of bringing Bible characters to life.

This book encompasses the lives of 5 important men in the history of Christianity and helped to shape the time as it was then.
#1 Aaron (The Priest) Aaron the brother of Moses was the chief priest and who helped Moses lead God's chosen people from bondage to safety and away from the hands of Pharoah. Aaron heard God's voice but was despised by the people who thought him to be a traitor.
#2 Caleb (The Warrior) Caleb rallied around Joshua, increasing his faith and confidence to lead the people after the death of Moses. Caleb's leadership abilities did not go unnoticed.
#3 Saul (The Prince) Honor is important to him and he is concerned with pleasing of his men, however in the midst of battle one cannot discredit their enemies. Sauls son Jonathan sees much and he is God fearing. He (Jonathan) joins forces with David. After David's marriage to Michal Saul becomes violent.
#4 Amos (The Prophet) Amos was a shepherd carer of lambs and goats who felt cheated by the temple. Joram the temple overseer was interested in amassing great wealth through wool. God helped Amos and showed him a vision of what is to come. Amos kept his faith strong but he was bullied by others who were oblivious of what was to come.
#5 Silas (The Scribe) Secretary to Peter, Silas could write as well as speak both Hebrew and Greek fluently. He spoke of being present when Jesus taught and was eyewitness to the crucifixion.

Watching these men "come alive" through the writing of Ms. Rivers was quite enjoyable as I was transported to another time period. My favorites were Amos and Saul. I recommend this series to others as these are novellas which can each be read in a sitting.

This is an incredible book. It really adds a lot to these biblical accounts. I loved it, a real page turner. I have recommended it to all my friends! You will not be disappointed. Francie Rivers delivers again.

I LOVED this series... captivating! Give it a chance. The first book takes a few chapters to get into but it was SO WORTH STICKING IT OUT!! I'm a picky reader and need to be "caught" in the first pages. I'm so glad a friend told me to trust her and stay with it! It's historical fiction so reading my Bible was very exciting as I imagined more of what the lifestyle was like, as well as the social standings and relations between different nationalities and religions. I was sad when it was all done and I wanted more!

You'll want to read the whole series if you haven't already. Francine writes about the men that sought the Lord and gave all they had for Him without recognition. Aaron, Caleb, Amos, Silas, and Jonathan, courageous, obedient men. They come to life in the books, they give you hope and encourage your faith.

I have enjoyed reading Francine Rivers novels, but, I am disappointed in her approach to writing Sons of Encouragement. I found her style to be maudlin, cloying and not believable. In the first story, Moses and Aaron are portrayed as being weak and ineffective. The characters were poorly developed. The story went on and on with little substance. The Bible account is much more effective. I probably will not read the remaining four stories.