The Reluctant Prophet

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Soon s At age forty-two, Allison Chamberlain is still making a half-hearted attempt to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. Paperback , pages. Published October 1st by David C. Cook first published The Reluctant Prophet 1. Christy Award for Contemporary Series To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about The Reluctant Prophet , please sign up. Be the first to ask a question about The Reluctant Prophet. Lists with This Book. Dec 12, Pamela Aidan rated it really liked it. While looking over catalogs for adding books to my library public library of which I'm the director I came across Nancy Rue's follow up to Reluctant Prophet.

Since I hadn't heard of the original, I checked it out at the usual reviewing stops and decided to take a chance. I'm glad I did. Now this conclusion surprised me, for as a Christian I am extremely disappointed with what passes as "Christian fiction.

The Book Of Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet | Jack Wellman

But, I am ever hopeful and the larger number of novels being published means that there might be some real writers out there that know how to bring their convictions into their work without cliche, theological goofiness, or Bible-thumping. It's hard, there's no doubt about it, but I keep hoping. This brings me to Reluctant Prophet. It sounded intriguing, but also a little goofy. A something single women experiences "nudges" from God that defy commonsense, witness: Not your typical Christian novel or starting point for a change of life, especially for the main character who has no desire to own or ride a motorcycle.

But the "nudge" won't quit and so she does. Then the Harley takes her places she never thought to or wanted to go. No, it doesn't swoosh her there against her will, like My Mother, the Car. It's all a natural progression caused just by the fact of the bike itself and what happens as a result of riding it. The writing is quick, breezy and a bit snarky. The situations are realistic and the main character's slow, painful growth is too, especially so when her eyes are opened to the failures of the very church people who had helped her to faith in Christ.

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Rue's sermon to the choir here is gutsy, because so many of us would have given the heroine the very same council. Looking forward to book two Unnecessary Dismounts. We'll see if Rue can continue to make it real. Jan 20, Laura A. Grace rated it it was amazing. It completely shocked me in the depth of the story and the power of following Jesus! It was definitely a book that is not meant for the light of heart by any means, but for those who long to live out the question in everyday life: Nancy Rue has used the main character Allison to show the effects that can happen when we ask that powerful question.

Not only are our lives changed and our relatio "The Reluctant Prophet" is one of those books that left me completely speechless! Not only are our lives changed and our relationship with God takes on a whole new meaning, but the people around us are changed. There seeing a God who is real and not the big man upstairs who could care less about humans.

No, there is unconditional love in every action well at least to best of our ability! Like Allison we might need to have a backup of Oreos in case anything goes wonky and is then that people see the real Jesus. I also thoroughly enjoyed the humor that Nancy weaves throughout Allison's lives as well as her way of thinking! She is so easy to relate too in the way she handles situations and her witty comebacks! She is a one of a kind of character who definitely does not fit the typical character mold!

The growth that she experiences throughout all her adventures is so inspiring!

The Book Of Jonah: The Reluctant Prophet

Her struggles are not unrealistic with the things she's doing based on her Nudges from God! It's definitely through God's strength as well as His help humor probably helps too that she is even doing what He is telling her too! Overall, I loved "The Reluctant Prophet" and strongly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a novel that delivers a powerful message with unforgettable characters! They might just stir you to not only ask the question WWJD, but to live out the answer to that question as well I know for me it did!

I give this novel a 5 out of 5 stars! Dec 28, Pamela rated it really liked it Shelves: If you're looking for a light and fluffy, feel-good inspirational novel - this isn't it. Actually, I would imagine 'Country-Club Christians' might want to steer clear of this one. But if you're looking for an unapologetic, faith-based novel that's contemporary, edgy, socially relevant, and takes readers to the edge where only a few dare to leap - this novel is for you! You know - the one where he at If you're looking for a light and fluffy, feel-good inspirational novel - this isn't it.

You know - the one where he ate at the same table with the hookers and the drug addicts and the victims of injustice and poverty -that one. The one you're talking about is the one I haven't read - where only the right kind of people get into the [prim and proper] closed club and get saved. How many times have we walked by an addict or the homeless, as if they were invisible? A novel which has the potential to inspire us to become Christ in action; the saving grace for those along the highways and byways lost in the cracks and shadows.

We're called to relieve it. View all 4 comments. Dec 28, Loraine rated it it was amazing Shelves: At the beginning, I didn't think I was going to get interested in this book; but as it began to pick up, I found this novel more and more intriguing.

Allison is definitely a lady who marches to her own drummer and has the strength of her convictions. I admired the fact that when God nudged she may have thought it was crazy but she believed and followed through. Also liked that the author focused on God's purpose for us on earth is not to be just "pew fillers with fellow Christians".

Aug 26, Jerry rated it really liked it. A Quickie Review Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. This kin A Quickie Review Jesus said to them, "Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.

This kind of book may not be for everyone, but, for readers who don't mind the edgier themes, this is definitely worth reading; you may be challenged to do like Allison did! Jan 08, Amanda G. Stevens rated it really liked it.

Allison Chamberlain is a something woman who's lived her Christianity behind stained glass. She's never had any interest in riding a Harley, certainly not in buying one, but one morning at church, she feels a divine "Nudge" to do exactly that. With no idea why God could possibly be asking this of her, Allison obeys. The purchase puts her on a road to meet new people. Her life changes, both instantly and slowly, as for the first time she is faced with the plight of "the least of these.

Rue Allison Chamberlain is a something woman who's lived her Christianity behind stained glass.

Rue's first person voice and dialogue are engaging as always. I really love her deep-point-of-view style. In fact, this might be the main reason I've never missed one of her adult novels until this series; I realize all three are out and I'm just now getting to the first one. Her craft is truly excellent. This is a stellar example of a character-driven novel. If you're a reader who defines "plot" as high-speed action, then this book will move slowly for you. The story is about people, their interactions and reactions.

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Its fuel is more tension than suspense. But when the characters are well-drawn, this apparently works for me. In the first chapter, Allison downright irritated me. I wanted to keep reading to discover if I'd ever like her. I do, of course. She's a complicated character--sardonic and sincere, tough and vulnerable, uncertain and determined, relationship-impaired in her own eyes yet constantly forging new connections with people who need her help.

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Then there's Desmond, a fatherless twelve-year-old whose mother is slowly destroying both of them with her drug addiction and prostitution. Desmond is nearly as layered as Allison herself, swaggering and sweet-talking his way out of trouble, swearing and stealing because he's never been taught not to, yet also an artist with surprising insight into the people he draws. Another unexpectedly nuanced character is Bonner, the annoying-like-a-brother guy Allison knows from church who'd ask her out if she'd say yes.

I didn't expect him to come through in such great ways by the end. The Sacrament House "sisters," women rescued from prostitution and turning their lives around with the help of Allison and God, are more a collective character than individuals. Though each has her own broad personality type, they aren't given the details that would breathe them to life. The same goes for Allison's small group at church. However, I can't really consider this a flaw. The book has quite a large cast. Not everyone can be as deep as Allison and Desmond.

One character I hope will be developed a lot more deeply in future books is Chief. He's pretty awesome already Harley-riding lawyer with piercing "eagle eyes" and an unflappable personality , but I know almost nothing about him at this point. I want details on his skepticism toward God, his friendship with Hank and how it began, his family does he even have one? Yes, I'm most definitely going to be reading Unexpected Dismounts , and curiosity about Chief is a big reason for that. And now, a word or ten about the theme, since that's clearly where this novel's creation started.

I could do with a little more subtlety. In fact, I was surprised how close the author came to preaching, since that isn't her usual tendency. Her message is two-pronged. First, legalism is not what Jesus taught and, as such, is not true Christianity. With this, I agree entirely.

Second, love is what Jesus did teach and, as such, is what true Christians will spread and teach. With this one, I agree, too. But Allison and thus the author often seems to believe that love equals acceptance. It's a thin line to walk, I know, but it is a line. The scene that most bothered me is between Allison and her soon-to-be-former pastor. Now, to this point, Allison's church has not in any way supported her efforts with sheltering and rehabilitating these women.

Her fellow church members including her pastor are all in favor of checking the women into rehab and doing other things from a distance. But up close and personal with hookers is a little too dirty-hands for them, and Allison's involvement is making them uncomfortable. Reverend Garry shows up to try to bring her back into the fold of the prim and proper. Thing is, his theology isn't wrong, merely his application of it.

But Allison condemns both. We can't call someone a Christian just because she's stopped using drugs. The gospel I know is the one where Jesus preached and lived the unconditional love of salvation. You know--the one where he ate at the same table with the hookers and the drug addicts and the victims of injustice and poverty--that one.

The one you're talking about is the one I haven't read--where only the right kind of people get into the closed club and get saved. Yes, Jesus ate with "tax collectors and sinners. There's not a single scene of repentance in this novel.

The Reluctant Prophet

Interestingly, however, there are moments in which one or another of the rescued women seems to be behaving post-repentance. They're studying the Bible. They're telling others about Jesus. They're taking communion and seem to understand and embrace its meaning. Near the end, Allison describes salvation as embracing Jesus "as our personal savior" and describes one of the women as "on her way to a life of discipleship.

Which would likely bother me less if the book didn't fervently want me to agree with everything Allison says. For the overtness of the themes and some truth blurring, I've got to deduct a star. However, I fully intend to read and enjoy this series. Nancy Rue has penned some of the best literary Christian fiction I've read. Her dialogue is clever and genuine and contains just enough humor. Her prose is unobtrusive yet artful. And her point of view is delightfully deep.

I'm still a fan, and I look forward to the next book and, hopefully, finding out who Chief is on the inside, and why. Sep 24, Annette rated it liked it. Book two is Unexpected Dismounts, was published October I studied the reviews on Amazon, Christian Book, and Barnes and Nobles, and all three sites gave the book five or nearly five stars. Allison Chamberlain age 42 is a new Christian, unmarried, and an independent minded woman The Reluctant Prophet is book one in The Reluctant Prophet series.

Allison Chamberlain age 42 is a new Christian, unmarried, and an independent minded woman living in St. She works for a tourist companyCamelot Carriage Service. She attends a non-denominational church. She has few friends she associates with. During a Sunday morning worship service, and while she's comparing herself and checking out the other members in the church, and wondering "what's going on with her own life? She wonders at the audacity of this request. The motorcycle adventure is just the beginning of her life turning upside down. This is a story I've not heard before and I have high regards for the author telling it.

The focus is not on a complacent Christian, but on a gal willing to get out of her comfort zone for the sake of helping others. I loved the opening line. Her character is not a timid damsel in distress, rather a woman with a past we don't hear about in the book, but it's obvious she has hidden pain. Allison means well by her words and actions even if she come across as abrasive and unteachable.

I loved the background characters more than Allison. Hank Henrietta, but don't call her that is a solid voice of compassion as well as mentor for Allison. She is one of the few people Allison respects and listens to. Those "broken winged birds" that Allison devotes her life to gave me insight to a troubled world I know minimal information about.

I loved page , a heart-felt prayer between those who gathered together to pray for guidance and direction. Allison's focus is to help others with food, clothing, shelter. She is a compassionate person and selflessly devoted to helping others. Yet, the Gospel message is most important. I know, you may be thinking, but what about empty stomachs and people who are sick or without a place to lay their head at night.

When others such as the preacher tried to talk with her about this "mission work" she was doing, Allison became defensive and in a huff walked away. She heard a voice and obeyed, yet this does not account for human error in things. Humans err all the time. It is never--ever a wise thing to not listen to what others have to say, we should at least give some thought to what people have expressedmaybe they are right, or maybe they are not. Humility goes a long way! Allison does not seem to know Scripture.

She has been attending church services, but I don't recall her depending on the Word of God to give her direction. I find this interesting given a prophet follows what the Word of God states, we have His Word the Bible, and this is our primary "voice" from God. I'm not saying we cannot not "hear" that small voice or impression in our inner person. I am saying God's Word is the primary way we "hear" from God. Allison has a chip on her shoulder about Christian's. She thinks they are judgmental, yet she too is judgmental. She is a character that is full of sarcasm, defiance, bravado.

You know-the one where he ate at the same table with the hookers and the drug addicts and the victims of injustice and poverty-that one. The one you're talking about is the one I haven't read-where only the right kind of people get into the closed club and get saved. You do have to be the "right" kind of people. You have to be in a "right standing" or justified before God. Oct 09, Christy Lockstein rated it it was amazing. Allison Chamberlain is settled into her life at forty-two as a horse-drawn carriage driver in St.

She attends church regularly, enjoys a good relationship with the members of her Bible study, and living alone, until she gets a very distinct message from God to buy a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. This begins a rapid change in her life as she continues to listen to "Nudges" from the Lord. She buys the bike, takes lessons to ride it, becomes involved in the local owners group, HOG, and then feels drawn toward King Street, the red-light district in town.

Chief, one of the HOG leaders, introduces her to a man dying in a nursing home whose only request is to see his crack-addicted prostitute daughter Geneveve before he dies. He was then swallowed by a great fish. His message was flat and his style not very good. God used him in one of the greatest revivals in history! But no, Jonah went outside of town and sulked. God used a few natural occurrences to show Jonah how important people — even disobedient ones — are to him. Before we delve into them, I would encourage you to put this Newsletter down and go read the book of Jonah.

What can we learn? God will use you — yes, you — even now! Dare to serve Him. Dare to tell others of Jesus. At first, this seems terrible. You love me so much you kept pestering me! You kept sending people across my path and you kept sending circumstances, some pleasant, some not, until I surrendered fully to you. What we do affects who we are.

Bad sinful actions worsen our character so when we do interact with others we will not lead them in a right direction, but either give them a pass on their wrong behavior or even lead them into something worse. First, suppose you go out on a Saturday night and party to excess. God loves us so much that when we blow it He comes back to us again.

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