And the Shofar Blew (Moving Fiction)

Editorial Reviews. From Booklist. Rivers' And the Shofar Blew is about a young minister, Paul Hudson, who takes on a small, perhaps even a dying, church in.
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My husband and I read this one together - we both enjoyed it so, the book just takes you right in. I was very pleased as how the book ended, God healed a broken relationship. What a great book, I love her writings and highly recommned ALL of her books. She is my favorite author. From to , she had a successful writing career in the general market and her books won numerous awards. In , she became a born-again Christian and started writing Christian fiction.

Her latest bestseller is The Masterpiece, published in February He still calls His people today. In this relevant and timely novel, dynamic young preacher Paul Hudson is committed to building his church--but at what cost? When Paul accepted the call to pastor the struggling And the Shofar Blew. Rivers, but it won't be the last. She gets to the heart of being a Christian--with all the temptations, blessings, struggles, and decisions we make. I enjoyed the story, and found the plot to be compelling.

I sympathized and understood the characters and their actions. I wanted this book to be a 5 star, indeed, the excellent writing and spiritual theme deserved it, but in the end Paul and Eunice bothered me too much to give it higher than a four. Paul was This is the first book I've read by Ms. Paul was a villain who I never could quite believe changed so drastically, and in such a short amount of time, from a faith-filled husband, father, and Christian to a vain, ambitious jerk, completely oblivious to his family's needs and his own short-comings.

Eunice was presented as nearly perfect, but her inaction was just as deplorable as Paul's misdeeds. Yet, I never felt she had any true remorse for just sitting there and never calling him out about his lack of faith or his emotional abuse to her and their son. She went along with everything he said--even when in her heart she knew it was wrong--out of a misplaced interpretation of "wives submit to your husbands.

She was presented as a victim, and it's hard for me to love someone who spends pages of a book as a victim. While I found Paul's repentance and Eunice's forgiveness admirable, I would have liked to have seen more consequences for Paul. Eunice endured trial after trial from this man and the congregation--couldn't we see some of the worldly payback that surely came Paul's way?

Sins ARE forgiven, but in the real world, consequences always come fast and hard for those who stray. In the end, I felt that every character in the book was punished over and over--except Paul--the one person we would have liked to have seen punished! A great narrative on the struggles of Christian life. I always learn so much from Francine Rivers' writing about the heart and character of the Lord.

Feb 02, Jamie rated it it was ok Shelves: Francine Rivers is such an amazing storyteller Kind of too far fetched. I think I like her historical books waaaaaay more. The wife in this story was not believable to me--no one could put with that much from her husband and remain so stoic.

The husband was just such a jerk that I spent the whole book being annoyed with him. May 28, Wendy Davis rated it it was ok. I have been a fan of Francine Rivers - but I really didn't like this book much. Sure, it sucks you in and makes you want to read it. But it was also depressing, a little un-realistic, and very much shoving Christianity and her opinions about what Christianity should look like in your face.

Apr 10, Katrece rated it it was ok. So ready for this book to be over! How much more can she drag this out?! I'm about to die from near boredom with this drug-out storyline I finally finished I didn't know if I could bear it anymore.

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I think I might of liked this book if it wasn't as long! Also, the book was full of cliche's. There's only so much of that I can handle. Okay, the characters' names were creative although I think a little cheesy Samuel- is one of the elders in the fledg So ready for this book to be over! Okay, the characters' names were creative although I think a little cheesy Samuel- is one of the elders in the fledgling congregation. Through God's prompting he tells Paul he thinks Paul is the person for the pastorate. God used the OT prophet Samuel to annoint David king.

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In the book, Samuel acts like an Old Testament prophet in that people go to him for insight. Samuel provides wisdom throughout the book and teaches bible study. Paul- new seminary graduate who moves to California, with his wife, to be the pastor. In the bible, Paul was called to the ministry. Also, in scripture he calls Timothy his "son in the faith" yet they weren't physically related. In the book, Paul's son is named "Timothy". Eunice- Paul's wife and mother of Timothy. She has strong faith. In the bible, Eunice is Timothy's mother. That's about as far of a scriptural correlation there is.

Timothy's a PK rebel, never goes into ministry, comes around at the end, etc. Paul's mother's name is Lois unlike in the bible where Lois is Eunice's mother making her Timothy's grandmother. Eunice says Lois has always felt like a mother to her.

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Again, Lois is Timothy's grandmother as she is in the bible. Stephen- First, Eunice and Stephen fight off an affair from the beginning. Others see it, they keep it from going anywhere. Stephen says to Paul who'd been blind to it because of all the other stuff he was doing , "I have been in love with [Eunice] for 10 years".

I'm not sure why she called him Stephen. Oh, just came to me. Rivers would be waayy Stephen doesn't really have his name tarnished, die, face any financial losses, or become physically harmed. View all 3 comments. Another great book by Francine Rivers! How does she do it? I procrastinated in starting this book, I am not sure why, maybe it was the cover, or the title? I am soooo glad that I did finally pick it up! Once I did, I could not put it down! So many nuances and layers to this story; from marriage,and woman's intuition, to the fact that a pastor, with all that he is, is still a man, human and capable of sin.

My heart broke, and my spirit rejoiced all with one book! Very relatable for all Christian Another great book by Francine Rivers! Very relatable for all Christian women. She was the perfect pastor's wife. When Paul Hudson accepted the call to pastor the struggling church, he had no idea what to expect. But it didn't take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Church around. Attendance was up, way up.

Everything was going so well. If only his wife could see it his way. Still, he tried not to let her quiet presence disturb him. She knew something wasn't right, and it hadn't been for a long time Eunice closed the bedroom door quietly and knelt beside her bed. I've never felt so alone. Who can I turn to but you, Lord? Where else does a pastor's wife go for help when her marriage is failing and her life is out of control?

Who can I trust with my anguish, Lord? Aug 01, Carrie Daws rated it it was amazing Shelves: Many are familiar with the great line from Spiderman: With great power comes great responsibility. Often, the reverse is also true: The question for those in power is how to maintain humility and accountability. Francine Rivers presents and then answers these questions very well in her book And the Shofar Blew.

As I read the book, I could see the train wrecks coming. Paul building his platform and losing his family, a wife attracted to an available male Many are familiar with the great line from Spiderman: Paul building his platform and losing his family, a wife attracted to an available male, a teenage boy being ignored by the one he most wanted attuned to him. As I expected, Ms. Rivers developed the characters very well and gave us great insight into their flaws, temptations and potential greatness.

It was encouraging to watch some succeed and flee temptation, and realistic to watch others fail and fall. She also beautifully worked in great forgiveness on multiple fronts throughout the novel, often with characters struggling to do what God wanted but most ultimately obeying. Anyone who is familiar with Francine River's writing will not be disappointed with this book. I recommend it to those seeking a realistic but hope-filled glimpse into the life of church leadership as well as people in leadership who want a fresh reminder into the dangers of pride.

Mar 22, Louise rated it liked it Shelves: Very nice story that doesn't throw religion down your throat. Francine Rivers has a way of conveying right from wrong without the overly, push it in your face, preachy sermon type novels. I really enjoyed this book! But it didn't take long for Paul to turn Centerville Christian Very nice story that doesn't throw religion down your throat. Oct 03, Kathryn Bashaar rated it really liked it. This is the third book in a row I've read of hers and I just started a fourth. They are all very readable with very sympathetic characters, and she deals with serious questions.


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  5. And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers.

Her books are very much a cut above the average Christian fiction genre. I liked this one a little less than her others, and almost gave it 3 stars but decided on 4 because I think she gets points for dealing with a really difficult subject of how After I read Redeeming Love I got kind of obsessed with Francine Rivers. I liked this one a little less than her others, and almost gave it 3 stars but decided on 4 because I think she gets points for dealing with a really difficult subject of how Christians - and pastors in particular - can really know whether we're serving Christ or our own egos.

She did succumb to the Christian-fiction pitfall of having a too-perfect Christian character. I liked and sympathized with Eunice but she was unrealistically perfect. Her husband's church went to pieces way too fast, too.

And the Shofar Blew

We should have gotten hints earlier that it was in trouble. Jan 23, Carolyn rated it really liked it Shelves: The storyline held my attention, but I grew very tired of disliking the main male character. I was eager to get to the part where he would have a change of heart The book was a good reminder of what it means to build a church and follow God's leading and what it looks like when you get it all wrong! Lord, let me never stop hearing your still, small voice. I don't want to ever get to the point that it would take the loud blast of a shofar to get my a The storyline held my attention, but I grew very tired of disliking the main male character.

I don't want to ever get to the point that it would take the loud blast of a shofar to get my attention! Apr 20, Deb Todd rated it it was amazing. Another excellent book from Francine Rivers, rich in thought provoking truth. This book should be a must read for all pastors. Dec 07, Angela R. Watts rated it it was amazing Shelves: May 07, Cheryl rated it it was amazing. I honestly didn't know anything about it when I picked it up at the used book Library sale Last Summer.

I assumed it was a Biblical fiction story set in the Old Testament based on the cover art but just knew the author's reputation. Imagine my surprise when I realized it was set in modern times And confronting the megachurch mindset. I admit to being a little nervous in the middle that perhaps Paul and his wife would get divorced and then she would be free to marry Steven. I'm gr Excellent book! I'm grateful that she stressed how difficult things can be yet what God's Design for marriage truly is.

I also was also pleasantly surprised to read the focus on personal growth and maturity outside of a church building. Our spiritual walk is our responsibility, not a pastor's or teacher's to spoon feed us baby food for years. We need to be willing to seek the meat of His Word and fellowship of prayer with Him in our own schedules of we are to expect any growth and maturity. So good to read the gospel clearly presented. Loved the line, "When did sin become a word to avoid" or however it was worded. We cannot water down His shed blood and expect Him to work in our lives on our terms.

Great book, easy to read, no swearing. Jan 23, Sarah rated it liked it. Francine Rivers is a slight cut above the typical Christian author talent and style, so when I want an easy read without any sex and a reasonably intelligent handling of some interesting ideas I read her. I finished this book last night and I didn't want to put it down because I really wanted to see Pastor Paul burn.

Rivers did a good job of making her characters a realistic mixture of good and bad, but halfway through the story you can't remember any reason to like Pau Francine Rivers is a slight cut above the typical Christian author talent and style, so when I want an easy read without any sex and a reasonably intelligent handling of some interesting ideas I read her. Rivers did a good job of making her characters a realistic mixture of good and bad, but halfway through the story you can't remember any reason to like Paul, which may have been the author's intent, the only person who could love him was Christ and it would take A LOT faith in Christ to love such a jerk.

Basically, Paul does three despicable things: And why are they not chosen? That perfectly sums up how Paul was corrupted by power, the power he had and the power he imagined he had; the power of a pastor, the dominion of a husband over a wife and summarizes the serious consequences of abusing power and how you completely lose power when used unrighteously. What is even more frustrating though was how his wife Eunice just let Paul walk all over her and let him force her to do deny her testimony by having her play that trash they call music instead of the hymns during church services.

Then to top it all off, after nearly two decades of belittling, verbal and emotional abuse, and not leaving him, accepting his apology almost as soon as he utters it; he confesses before the entire congregation, sells the big house and probably the expensive cars. That minimum wage job at a fluorescent-lighted, stampeded by "just got my gov't check" types, crammed with shoddy products made by Asian slaves hell-hole is her reward for patience and long-suffering. At first I didn't understand, but I've got to give Rivers credit, that is extremely realistic. First, life sucks and just when you think finally your ship has come in all it unloads at the dock is a blue polyester vest and aching feet.

And is it really unfair? I mean Eunice could have left her manipulative jack-ass of a husband and married Decker who was wonderful, but she didn't she pretended nothing was wrong and escaped behind "it's my wifely duty to support my husband and keep my trap shut" so she gets minimum wage in her middle age and another thirty years before she can even think of retiring.

That namby-pamby nitwit got just what she deserved. Dec 14, Daniel Duane rated it it was amazing Shelves: My pastor's daughter actually recommended this book to me. The first few chapters were kind of boring, but I guess it was necessary for Rivers to write that way to establish the following plots. The character development was just splendid. Paul started off being a godly and righteous man, always placing God first, being the perfect husband and son.

But personal ambition and pride really changed his character and his way of life. I really felt like sl My pastor's daughter actually recommended this book to me.


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    • I really felt like slapping him so many times, seeing the way he sidelined Samuel, Stephen and even his beloved wife Eunice and son Timothy. It just goes to show that nothing good can come out when men put other priorities above God.

    And the Shofar Blew by Francine Rivers (2003, Hardcover)

    Worst more, in the name of God just for personal ambition and selfish pride. I was really irritated when Paul always said that this and that were signs from God, and that he should continue with whatever projects he had in mind, when it was so clear that it was just to fulfill his vanity. Again, this comes to show that we can be so blind by ourselves and the devil that we bend every event and happening to suit our pride and ego, eventhough that they may not be from the Lord.

    Those two themes were really evident throughout the 2nd half of the book. Anyways, only God could have changed his heart, and it did happen. As I look back, Rivers really did a fantastic job on the character of Paul - how he changed so subtly throughout the book until I couldn't believe at one stage that he was a direct opposite of who he was now, compared to the beginning of the book.

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    As for Eunice, gosh, she went through fire and ice with so much pain, so much emotional suffering. That stage was vividly portrayed by Rivers - her pitiful thoughts, her raging undercurrents, her lonesome self-pity, her virtuous prayers, and her heart for God. What I was so 'afraid' about was innocent Eunice getting into an affair with Stephen Denver. Those parts were so 'frightening' for me, especially when they were both in Stephen's house.

    But both Eunice and Stephen were godly people, very godly people, and Satan didn't manage to make them forsake their Christian values though the circumstances permitted them to do so. Was holding my breath as I read through those parts thinking, "Please don't Eunice, not you. Maybe Paul would, but not you.

    Eunice really really really relied on God to pull through her difficulty, something that we I must learn - to eat and drink of God's Word, and to live on it. If not for her faith, I wonder what would have happened at the end of the book. As for the themes in this book, I cannot agree more about.

    It touches the very core of the corruption and hypocrisy there is in the Christian Body today. Affairs, projects, money, tweaking the Gospel here and there to in the congregation numbers, Prosperity Gospel and Grace Teachings, lust, marital and familial problems, praise and worship, traditionalists and modernists, activities, etc Jul 15, Katie rated it really liked it.

    This book was long. But it was GOOD!