intrigue coupled with faith
922470
This book carries u along with every step. The twists and turns , the intrigue and danger the main character faces, the love she feels for others, and the questions she asks as her faith becomes solidified, all unite to make this book dynamic and real.  Phnomenal!!
2820535
The author's search for the Face of God is presented as a narrative with its share of suspense and adventure. Worth reading even if his conclusion is less than compelling.
4123134
I enjoyed the adventure of following the author's plot twists and recognizing some of my own tendencies in the actions of key characters. Remember & Cherish the Promise of Romans 8:28
3010769
Riveting! Suspense and intrigue abound in this trilogy where the one true faith encounters attacks from within and without. A must read in the vain of C.S. Lewis.
1317244
I liked the journey the main character, Elizabeth, went on to find her purpose and faith. Wherever you are at in your faith, this should encourage you to keep searching.
4823891
At first, I found this book to be difficult to digest because it appeared to be heading in a direction that was in sacrilegious conflict with my beliefs as a Christian and a catechist in the Catholic Church. Yet a part of me was also highly fascinated and captivated by the story, especially since I work as a mental health professional. As I keep reading, I discovered that it wasn't sacrilegious at all but rather a story of general faith and hope, of the extent a mother would go through to protect her child, and of the intrusive nature of the media. I particularly liked the strength Mariah showed during this conflict, despite her past history of nervous breakdown. And I like the way the character of Ian evolved from a sleazy teleaetheist to a caring and more moral man. The secondary characters were all wonderful, in particular Mariah's mother and the lawyers on both side. I thought the trial was once of the most interesting parts of the story.

As with all Picoult books, this was a deep and heavy novel which wasn't easily breezed through, but it was definitely a compelling and awesome book to read!
3173903
good read, did not want to put it down. good cast of characters, suspense, intrigue, and the love of God.
394952
Interesting blend of history & faith, with a romance . Lived that characters were actual historical figures retaining their own names.
3968505
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.  The characters are engaging and likeable, and the a tion is placed well.  I like the way in which the faith element is placed -  rather than an unrealistic "Damascus Road" conversion, the story recounts the many questions and doubts the protagonist has.  The strong faith of several characters is mentioned, but not focused upon.  The ending stands alone, as well as encouraged readers to take the next step.
1672654
This historical mystery moves between the present, where the main character Annaliese is drawn into trying to solve her family's secrets, and the past where the mystery unfolds. The mystery is interesting, and there's a sweet romance woven through it. I also learned a little more about the Dutch during World War II. The book has Christian/spiritual elements and will appeal to people who like historical/WWII mysteries and genealogy
57453
The Hidden Flame is a riveting story in which the characters seem to walk off the pages of the book of Acts. People, places and events come alive with vivid descriptions and historical background of that era. Although fictional, the novel seemed to be well researched and the fictional characters could easily have been participants of early Christian history. Told from several points of view, the narrative gives the reader insight into how different people responded to the gospel message.

I enjoyed The Hidden Flame and found that it made me think about my own faith. Because the story brought the characters to life and expanded on biblical text, it was more obvious to me how much the followers of Christ had to rely on their faith and the Holy Spirit in their daily lives during turbulent times - and they didn't have a bible like modern Christians. In my opinion, if used properly, both The Hidden Flame and it's predecessor The Centurion's Wife can both be valuable tools to expand our understanding of the people and events following the death of Christ.

A copy of this book was provided for review by Bethany House.
3608318
A very good read! It's so rare to have an author include strong faith in their characters, especially the Catholic faith! Refreshing!! Interesting intertwining of characters.
3893845
The Unexpected Visitation begins with a tragedy for the novel's heroine, Isabella.  The sudden death of her husband, son and unborn daughter in a car crash, and her incredible survival poses a centuries old question:  Why does evil happen if there is a benevolent, loving God?  Isabella, a woman of faith, explores this question with her brother Polo, a Luke warm Catholic.  When Christ appears at a church in New Mexico,Isabella becomes His apostle for this and other visitations.  Polo accompanies her to six countries where the inhabitants identify with Jesus and are drawn to examine and celebrate their faith.  Told from the Catholic point of view, the novel compels the reader to ask what his or her impression would be if Jesus did appear to remedy a broken world?  Would you be accepting or skeptical as some were.  The author discusses free will and each individual's responsibility to heal or disrupt a world that is drifting away from Christianity to a more secular society.  This work is a journey for the reader to revisit the tenets of his or her faith.  As the novel ends with another tragedy, the assertion that this life has its trials, but if lived fully in Christ also has its joys and is not the end.  Read the novel and take the journey.
3656745
This book brings to life the Vatican's operations also its politics. The pope's death intensifies all of that.

As another reviewer said, this book has an interesting premise. The College of Cardinals makes a surprising choice of the new pope: an American from the Chicago suburbs who is not a priest and who is a Protestant.

The book presents fully developed characters in a rousing story of faith, duty, and enemies of the church. The pace and tension increase as the story progresses.
301519
I enjoyed this book on many levels.  The dialogue  and narratives were so well crafted that the reader was drawn in as if personally witnessing the events while remaining aware that it was a well written story.  I appreciated the love and faith woven into the lives of the characters in all four novels.  I believe this novel and the three previous novels are suitable for all readers but would appeal to Christian women of all ages.  The author weaves bible stories into the daily lives of all the characters in a beautiful and subtle manner that clearly reveals the strength of her own faith.
1587513
Married for fifteen years to a man who directs a right-wing organization, Faith Bronson leads a charmed life.  With the requisite beautiful children, a fourteen-year-old girl, Remy and an eleven-year-old boy, Alex, Faith has few complaints as wife, mother, and homemaker in their elegant northern Virginia home.
  When she discovers her husband, David, at their West Virginia cottage with another man, her carefully built world crumbles around her.  Forced to move to her mother's Georgetown home on Prospect Street, Faith begins renovations there as she researches the kidnapping of her baby sister from the house some thirty years prior.  Eccentric neighbor Dottie Lee fills in the gaps of Faith's research as Faith begins a relationship with Pavel Quinn, dot-com guru and fellow Georgetown resident.
  Ms. Richards deftly integrates all aspects of Faith's existence into one neat package.  A new love interest, a troubled teen-age daughter, and disturbing facts about her older sister's kidnapping keep this novel brimming with tension.  As the pieces to the puzzle of the thirty-year-old mystery begin to fall into place, Faith must come to terms with her husband's homosexuality and learn to trust again.  Multifaceted, this is a read that will appeal to a reader searching for mystery, romance, and personal struggles all in one page-turning read.
867799
This is a stirring story of a remarkable woman . She has a deep abiding Faith that is demonstrated by her works. It renews your faith in God and humanity.