Story by Steven James, Book review

Publisher: Revell

ISBN-13: 978-0800720650 (new Ed. published in 2012)

Synopsis:

Recapture the mystery of God's story!

With stunning imagery, powerful poetry, and real-life drama, Story is an inspiring journey from the creation of the world to eternity and everything in between. 
Consummate storyteller Steven James threads together familiar scenes from Scripture that will awaken your faith and inspire you to live in the reality of Christ's sacrifice. As he untangles the intricacies of the whole story of the Bible, you will rediscover the majesty and the mystery you've been missing.

My thoughts:

A compelling narrative written by a Master with perfectly flowing tales and exquisite poetry, I present you 'Story': Our Journey of Heartache and Grace from Eden to Evermore! 

A keeper, one I would have loved to own when ex-RAF hubby worked with youths I found myself 'journeying' with the author through well known biblical events only to realize the meaning behind the stories.

Rated 5 stars of course (albeit worth much more!) and meant to be shared with loved ones, friends and anyone you care about it! 

This genuine storyteller infuses real life drama with his love for God beginning with Genesis all the way to today, quoting familiar scriptures and opening our eyes to their true meaning, thus quenching our thirst for the Word!

Like any wanderer he walks along, helping you to rediscover the mystery behind the story, never preaching but always inspiring! A journey you will enjoy!

This 'Story' will reach you in ways you have not yet imagine! 

Describing life with Jesus along His travels, Steven James allows you to experience the reality of the dusty roads, the fish smells and the amazing feeling which overtook the vast crowds who came to see and hear Him. Your senses come alive as you comprehend the reasons behind the story.

In his words, Steven James tells you: 'The more I learn about Him, the fewer coincidences I see'.

To illustrate  his description of a thirty year old Jesus, who had spent a decade as a carpenter, and had now become a Rabbi, James tells you: 

'He was baptized, went on a retreat, prayed, fasted, withstood temptations from the devil, recruited a handful of followers, the sort of stuff attributed to a religious leader... 

What then? 

Does he found a church? No. 

Apply for nonprofit status? (this one had me in stitches) No. 

Go door to door to peddle his worldview? (this one was the best for my part!) No.

Instead he chose to kick off his public ministry by taking his buddies to a week long wedding celebration, and when needed, turned 150 gallons of water into the best wine money can buy, just to keep the party going...'

Steven James ends this short story with 'That's my kind of Rabbi.'

Simply, Christ came to offer 'wine' to thirsty souls and give new hope! 

As the author tells us, the party has just begun, the best is yet to come! 

Faith, that's what it is all about!

As believers we can chose betwixt faith or sight, abandoning our faith or learning to trust in the dark.

This is our choice as these words scrawled on a concentration camp's wall reminds us:

'I believe in the sun, even though it doesn't shine.

I believe in love, even when it isn't shown.

I believe in God, even when he doesn't speak.'

Let your imagination allow you to feel the silence and quiet Jesus experienced as He sought His Heavenly Father, His fear and His tears, the unbearable pain experienced in His final moments. 

And you will find yourself holding your breath with the beauty of it all.

God's story...

An absolute treasure, 'Story' is a book you must experience for yourself!

Note: This book is available August 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 

About the Author:

 

'Critically acclaimed author Steven James has penned 30+ books spanning the genres of psychological thrillers, dramas,YA fantasy, and more. 

Steven has received wide critical acclaim for his work, including four Storytelling World Honor awards, two Publishers Weekly starred reviews, and 2009, 2011 & 2012 Christy Awards for best suspense. 
His thriller, The Queen, won the 2012 Christy Award for Best Suspense Novel, the 2012 ECPA for Best Christian Novel, and it was a finalist for an International Thriller Award. 

His first novel in the Patrick Bowers series, The Pawn, was optioned by ABC Studios in 2010.

Steven earned a Master's Degree in Storytelling from ETSU in 1997 and is an active member of International Thriller Writers, The Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, and International Association of Crime Writers.'

Here is the website to find more on this interesting author:  http://stevenjames.net/index.cfm

I received this book free from BAKER/REVELL as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.