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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
I listened to this as an audiobook, and since it’s actually more like five books in one, it was a long read! I got just a little bored towards the end, but overall these were interesting takes on the biblical stories. Rivers tells the stories of the five women who are named in the genealogy of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary. Rivers does a wonderful job telling their stories. She keeps the truth from the Bible and then lets her imagination fill in the details. The stories made each of these women seem more real and human to me. I think that Rahab was my favorite, followed by Mary.
I think this prayer from Bathsheba sums up the message of the books well:
“I know they will remember my sins, Lord. But when they look upon my life, let them see what You did for an unworthy woman. Let them see the hope born from despair. If they must recount my sins, let them count your blessings more so... If they do remember me, let them open their mouths and sing praises for your great mercy toward me. Let them see your infinite grace and your boundless love, and let them be encouraged.”
I think this prayer from Bathsheba sums up the message of the books well:
“I know they will remember my sins, Lord. But when they look upon my life, let them see what You did for an unworthy woman. Let them see the hope born from despair. If they must recount my sins, let them count your blessings more so... If they do remember me, let them open their mouths and sing praises for your great mercy toward me. Let them see your infinite grace and your boundless love, and let them be encouraged.”
Amazing, amazing stories featuring women of the Bible. This brings stories to life!
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It took me over a year to read this book because I don’t love this author’s writing style. Really don’t love it. BUT she put flesh on very important women of ancient history and I love that! So the rating is for that. I recommend the last novella on Mary in particular. Very thoughtful.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Francine Rivers is one of my favorite authors. I've loved every book I've read of hers, and Lineage of Grace is no different. When I read my Bible, it's hard for me to envision what some of the people might have been going through; but reading Rivers helps me to put it in a better perspective. Although these are fictional accounts of real people, they had to have been feeling some of the things Rivers describes. It really humanizes them. And glorifies the Lord. And I'm all down for that ❤❤❤
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
We only know snippets about some women in the Old Testament of the Bible. This book is a compilation of 5 novellas expanding the information by adding in historical settings/information bringing to life Five Stories of unlikely women who are in the lineage of Jesus.
I really enjoyed the first two stories of Tamar and Rahab, but the story of Ruth and Bathsheba, (and there is a story of Mary that I didn't read). I feel she took too many liberties with her additions.
Rivers has started with the Biblical account, then built upon that by creating action, dialogue, internal motivations and in some cases additional characters that she thinks are consistent with the biblical record.
In some cases, sure, we don't know exactly what happened/was said. I'm fine with embellishing the stories to include historically accurate settings, dialogue, but adding in actions that just make the story flow better but aren't accurate to the Bible, is taking too many liberties with Biblical accounts which are important to me.
I really enjoyed the first two stories of Tamar and Rahab, but the story of Ruth and Bathsheba, (and there is a story of Mary that I didn't read). I feel she took too many liberties with her additions.
Rivers has started with the Biblical account, then built upon that by creating action, dialogue, internal motivations and in some cases additional characters that she thinks are consistent with the biblical record.
In some cases, sure, we don't know exactly what happened/was said. I'm fine with embellishing the stories to include historically accurate settings, dialogue, but adding in actions that just make the story flow better but aren't accurate to the Bible, is taking too many liberties with Biblical accounts which are important to me.
A beautiful, thought provoking book. With each book and study, I was compelled to bow down and worship at God's feet...and pray to be a woman of excellence like Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba and Mary.
I felt like I was on a roller-coaster and living each moment with these ladies throughout their story. Each of them taught me something and stabbed at my heart in one way or another. Rivers has long since been my favorite author since first read her book and it changed my life. A Lineage of Grace doesn't fall short of my expectations and is another book I'd recommend to any of my friends. I love how life and personality is breathed into these biblical figures, and how Rivers tells the stories in such a realistic way. Bathesheba's journey hit me the hardest and I sobbed continuously as I read through her unending sins and guilt and how it affected all those around her. These important figures played such a tremendous role in history, yet are so imperfect. I love that their flaws are pointed out and it's showcased that God's grace, guidance, and will is what prevails in creating history.
Really loving Francine River’s books recently. I always feel like I learn so much about Biblical times and have an increased desire to know God and scripture.