WOW! What an amazing book. I did not want to put this book down.This is a tough book to read, not due to the writing but due to the events in the book. Karen Kingsbury is one of my all time favorite authors and this book once again proved why. The writing and story drew me in from the start and you feel part of the book, as if you are Emma discussing Mary's story with her.I delayed reading this book due to the events; prostitution, sexual abuse to children and physical abuse to woman. It is really difficult issues to deal with, but instead of running from this, Karen embraced this in her book, dealing with this heavy issues in an amazing way. This was fiction, but how many woman out there live with this daily?I loved the redemption part, and the truth that only Jesus can only set you totally free, which is 100% true.Reading other reviews, it seems that the redemption/conversion part felt not real to some readers. I have to disagree with this (in my opinion). It might have felt like overnight/sudden, but God was working with these woman ever since they were born, and using people in their lives to pray for their salvation, and were still working after they got saved. For me this was evidence of the miraculous God, who never gives up and wants a relationship with everyone. He heals and restores and nothing is impossible for Him. I know a lot of people who were on the wrong track (drug users) and had a "overnight" conversion. In my opinion, if you meet God face to face, you will definitely not be the same. But yes, just my personal feelings. I also did not understand the story between Nigel and Mary 100%.I am very glad I finally read this book and would recommend it to anyone who loves contemporary Christian fiction books, especially the redemption power of Christ.
This book is a modern-day story of Mary Magdalene. Kingsbury mentions this in the intro. This one, however, is a fictional story - about a brave woman (actually it follows the story of two women) who has lived through some horrific situations. The main character is retelling the story of her life, how she was saved by Jesus. I won't give any more details..I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it yet. However, I do have a few things to say:* Kingsbury does not shy away from the difficult issues in her books..This one is no exception. It is hard to read at times and may get you teary-eyed, but it's a powerful story and worth it in the end.* It really gives the reader insight into the hearts and minds of these two female characters who have truly been broken. Rape, prostitution, drugs, suicide, abuse, neglect, kidnapping. You will find all of these issues in this book.* The characters were real. Every one of them seemed real. I actually found myself at one point reminding myself that this was a work of fiction. I found myself getting so caught up in the story, it felt like I was there - at some points, I didn't want to feel like I was there, at some points I did. But it takes good writing to get me that wrapped up in a story.* This story is, above all, about love. God's love for us. Our Christian love for each other. Our love for our family. It is about broken relationships and about healing relationships. It's about family and helping others find their way to Christ and freedom.* Overall, I loved it. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Christian fiction. If you want to read something about forgiveness, redemption, God's wonderful grace, finding Jesus in heart-breaking situations, read this wonderful story by an amazing author.
What do You think about Divine (2007)?
All I can say is "Wow." For being an e-book freely given, this story just overwhelmed me. I haven't cried over a book in a long time, but this one definitely touched me enough to start the waterworks. Karen Kingsbury is exceptional in her writing of this book. She carries you through the life of Mary Madison with such feeling as it is converyed to a young mother struggling to find her way though a similar lifestyle until she finds her way with the love of the Lord. To be ever faithful and full of hope through such unspeakable attrocities such as she suffered, Mary Madison was a very strong and wonderful character. Telling her life tory to Emma, a young, suicidal mother in her shelter, and leading her to a spirtual and lovinving relationship with Jesus is definitely a "Divine" read!I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an emotional, but uplifting Christian work of fiction.
—Tracy Smith
AMAZING! I honestly cannot believe how powerful this book is! I truly fell in love with the passionate and faith-driven Nigel... he really made a difference in Mary's and so many other peoples lives. I know that this story is loosely based on a true story (one that no one really knows very much about) but the powerful parts that the author imagined or took from truth was truly terrifying but equally inspiring!! Probably the first time I have realized the absolute power of God! I cried, laughed and rejoiced many times throughout this novel... wow!
—Nicole
This is the first book in the "Christian fiction" realm I've read. The writing was decent, the story pretty good in a page-turning, 'what happens next?' sense, but it's all wrapped just too awfully darned tidily for my I-was-an-English-major self: and then the love of Jesus saved them! I feel the passion and love of the author, but as a literary device I didn't find that it worked. I realize that literary criticism may not be the appropriate lens through which to view faith-based writing, but there you have it, that's the tool I can't help using.
—Elizabeth Olson
