And the Shofar Blew

This book is more of a novel than providing religious information on the shofar! I am very disappointed!!! I do not recommend if you’re seeking information about the shofar!

Excellent book!

What I loved the most about this book was that it deals with subject matter sensitive to our day and age. Have you ever found yourself reading a novel that paints a pretty picture, and tells a good story, but you just wonder "what does this have to do with me?" You won't be asking yourself that question when you read And the Shofar Blew. Shofar is real, moving, and applicable. It is the story of a minster and his wife, their church, his ambition, and a crumbling marriage. All may seem well on the surface: he is dutiful and hard working, she is faithful and supportive, but this couple is only going through the motions and both denying the truth. I think Shofar would be an excellent book for any couple to read together, young or old, new or worn, it has a lesson to teach that everyone needs to hear. Reading Shofar will teach the reader the dangers of selfish ambition, how working for onesself, and not the Lord, can destroy. And a relationship must focus on both people, each one caring for the others' needs; it's not enough to do all the taking or all the giving. But most importantly, Shofar reminds us that when we feel alone, rejected, and abandoned, God is our best friend, guiding us by the hand all the way through. Shofar will hold you captive, and you won't be free until you've read the last page!

This was my first Francine Rivers' book and I found it riveting, but also troubling. I found myself wondering about how many pastors today find themselves in the same predicament as Paul Hudson. They get so wrapped up in buildings, numbers of people attending and financial matters, that they lose the focus of their ministry. I also wondered how many pastors' wives and families are suffering this same torture as Eunice and Timmy at the hands of a dictatorial husband/father who is too busy trying to grow the church that he forgets to nurture his own family. The characters of Samuel and Abby set such a wonderful example of what a true christian should be . I think this should be required reading for all people entering the ministry. Though it is fiction, there is sadly, a lot of truth contained in it.

When people say they couldn't put a book down, I always wonder... It seems to be an overused cliche, but in the case of this book, it was true for me! This book is the story of a pastor and his family and what happens when he seeks glory for himself rather than drawing people to Christ.His wife seems almost too perfect, however, putting up with SO much for SO long. As the pastor gets rid of the godly Christian people in the church and brings in his yes-men, the church drifts farther and farther from the Lord. The pastor falls deeper into sin and eventually does repent and turns his life around.The one major failing of this book, in my opinion, is that Rivers should've spent more time on what happens after the pastor repents and tries to reconnect with his family. It seems that this part is condensed in the interest of space, perhaps. I would've liked to see more detail to this part of the book and wouldn't mind if the book were 100 pages longer to accomplish this. I'd love to see a sequel, but I doubt there will be one.Despite this criticism, I give this book 5 stars - it is a must-read! Please check out my other reviews and God bless you!

I've posted before that I am not a huge reader of novels. Sure, I read a lot, but I've never really gotten into fiction much. I may have to reconsider this policy, though, having just finished Francine River's very engrossing book And the Shofar Blew. I picked this book out for myself; I had never heard of it until I saw it, decided it looked cool, and bought it.I started the book Thursday, and finished it last night after a marathon 100-page session. Mrs. Rivers, best known for romance novels, has broken new ground in this fast-paced story of Paul Hudson, son of a well-known television minister who comes to California to take over a dying church in a small town. The congregation of Centerville Christian Center had been declining for years, with no youth and a tiny, elderly group in the pews each week.Paul, who brings his wife and young son with him, decides that he wants to bring new people into the church. He asks around and finds out what is needed: people don't want to feel guilty, they don't want stale old hymns, and they don't want hard-hitting messages. So, Paul waters down scriptures, brings in new songs, and enlivens the youth group. His fast changes alienate many elders, most of whom resign. Yet Centerville Christian Center thrives, and soon a new building is needed. Paul enlists the help of Steven Decker, a divorced father and recovering alcoholic, to design the new church building. Samuel Mason, former pastor of the church, and his wife Abby can only watch helplessly as they see the old, Godly church fall away, and a false "Christian in name only" church take its place.Of course, there are various subplots: Paul and his father never have gotten along, nor have Paul and his son. Paul has ticked off many old members of the church. He also has falling-outs with a few other important people (I don't want to give anything away) and, eventually, does something that can potentially shatter his ministry--and his family. The story of a man's redemption--with himself, with his family, with his friends, and with God--is fascinating. The lessons that Paul, Stephen, and others learn can also teach us something. Pay attention to their mistakes, and see if you can find yourself in the book somewhere. I know I sure did!I also like the fact that the novel takes place in Northern California, with the cities of Sacramento, R**eville, and Granite Bay playing a prominent role. Two other local communities are also in the book, with their names disguised: I am fairly sure that "Centerville" is Galt, and "Rockville" is Lincoln, based on descriptions of the towns, highways, and roads in these ficticious communities. I have no idea why Rivers would use some real names and change the names of other towns, but it doesn't matter. I feel as though I'm right there in the car with the characters as the author describes such local places as "The Grapevine," "Highway 99," "Sacramento Airport," and "Arco Arena." I'd have enjoyed the book even if the setting were elsewh