Amazon.com
What do you do when everything you hold dear, everything you believe yourself to be, proves not to be true? Like Scarlett O'Hara, you go home, if not to Tara, then to the last place that you felt like you. Award-winning author Kristin Hannah makes her hardcover debut by taking readers to just such a place in On Mystic Lake. As her only child leaves to study abroad and her husband admits his love for a younger woman, Annie Colwater feels invisible. Having devoted herself to being the best wife and mother she could be for the last 20 years, Annie no longer knows who she is. She heads home to her father and to Mystic, Washington--where she grew up, where the dreams she barely remembers first blossomed, and where her first love, Nick Delacroix, still lives. Back in Mystic, Annie receives a healthy dose of perspective: Nick's wife has recently committed suicide, leaving Nick to find solace in the bottom of a Scotch bottle while his 6-year-old daughter, Izzie--who hasn't spoken since her mother's death--is doing her best to "disappear" just like Mommy. Annie volunteers to care for Izzie, since Nick cannot understand what his grieving daughter needs. And in the process, Annie recovers herself, the woman she thought gone forever, while Nick realizes that his future lies with Annie and Izzie. Just when the future starts to look bright for the three, Annie is faced with a devastating choice between the life she thought had left her behind, and a new beginning with Nick and Izzie, who helped to unearth her forgotten dreams. Kristin Hannah has produced a treasure of a book, one that will make you cry and will strike a chord in anyone who has ever had to pick up the pieces and start over. --Alison Trinkle
Book Description
Annie Colwater’s husband has just confessed that he’s in love with a younger woman. Devastated, Annie retreats to the small town where she grew up. There, she is reunited with her first love, Nick Delacroix, a recent widower who is unable to cope with his silent, emotionally scarred young daughter. Together, the three of them begin to heal. But just when Annie believes she’s been given a second chance at happiness, her world is turned upside down again, and she is forced to make a choice that no woman in love should ever have to make. . . .
Customer Reviews:
Better than I expected!.......2007-07-20
I picked this book up at a vacation rental we were staying this summer for something to read while I was there for the week, it's not normally what I'd pick out to read. I started reading it on the beach, and totally got sucked in! FInished it within a few days. I'm normally hard to please, hard to find a book to keep my focus and keep me entertained, but there were enough trials/tribulations/and twists to keep me going. I really identified with the emotions and thoughts of the Annie, the main character. All the characters really grew on me and I'm wishing there'd be a sequel!
Kristin does it again!!!!.......2005-10-01
It's hard for me to find a Kristin Hannah book I don't like. This one was great...how can you not fall in love with Izzy and Nick? I was happy with Annie's final decision. Blake was just a pompous specimen of a man...one that gives men a bad name!
About Starting Over in Many Ways-Great Read! A++++!.......2004-12-22
On Mystic Lake is another very hard-to-put down book! I truly enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Annelise, the main character of the story had a devastating blow when on the way home from dropping her daughter off at the airport for college, her husband says he wants a divorce. Blake told her he hasn't been in love with her for years, and that he'd been having an affair with Suzannah for a very long time.
Thrown into a deep depression of course over that awful news, Annilise returns to her home on Mystic Lake, where she grew up to her father's house. Her father provides the love and comfort , support she needs at this trying time, while Annilise is trying to figure out what to do. It doesn't take too long though, when gradually, she begins to take new steps in another direction. She meets up with Nick, an old love from high school. He and his 6-year-old daughter are terribly grief-stricken from the loss of his wife Kathy. His daughter hasn't spoken a single word since the loss of her mother, and Nick is becoming an alcoholic.
Nick needs someone in his life not only to help him recover, but moreso for his daughter. This is where Annilise steps in, watching Izzy for Nick, and yet at the same time, providing the child with a motherly figure, which she so desparately needs.
As time goes along in the story, Annilise falls deeply in love again with Nick. Gradually, he tries to overcome his battles with grief, and alcoholism, and his daughter Izzy, with a lot of help from Annilise starts to talk again. Things begint o take a wonderful turn, until Annilise is once again dealt another blow.
Wonderful!!!.......2004-11-09
This is my first book by Kristin Hannah. I'm not sure why I read this book, it's not my norm, but boy am I glad I did. This book was so engrossing I found myself reading it every chance I got. The characters were so vivid I felt like I knew them all.
An absolutely beautiful love story.......2003-11-14
On 11/11, I endured the funeral of a very dear friend. As I approached the church, I noticed the sun breaking through the clouds, beaming down rays of light to shine down on the building where she lay inside, awaiting the eulogy to be given for her final goodbye. I thought my heart would break and I would never stop crying, even though I finally did. After the funeral, I stopped by my favorite bookstore and purchased four novels, two of which were written by Kristin Hannah. That evening, I made the mistake of starting to read ON MYSTIC LAKE. Because my eyelids were still swollen from the many tears I'd cried at the funeral and during the day, and my eyeballs felt like sandpaper was swiping over them every time I blinked, I thought it best to put the book down and finish reading it later. The next morning I found myself picking the novel up again. After I started to read. I couldn't stop until I'd read the rest of story, nor did I stop crying. I have to believe that Kristin Hannah has the finest talent to write the sweetest of love stories that I've ever had the pleasure to read in this novel. I have another one of her novels, but I don't dare start it right away. I need a break from the tears. KH had no trouble from the very beginning to capture of my attention. I felt every moment of Annie's heartache, as the description of the author's plot and characters was most excellent. If you want a genuine, heartfelt/heartbreaking/happy-ending love story, do this one. Just make sure you have a box of Kleen-x sitting close by. You'll need it.
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Drifting;: Being the author's account of his voyages in dooryards, alleys, bayous, millraces, swamps, sumps, rivers, creeks, canals, lakes, bays & open ... Mystic, Noank, and Westerly, Rhode Island
Stephen Jones
Manufacturer: MacMillan
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Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: B0006CKDTK |
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THE MYSTIC LAKE
Hilde Knorr
Manufacturer: Spectrum Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0909837457 |
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The mystic lake
Hilde Knorr
Manufacturer: Spectrum Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
British
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ASIN: 0909837465 |
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Mystic Lakes
Damian Musello
Manufacturer: New York DOnald I Fine 1987.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MY3254 |
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Mystic Lakes
Damian Musello
Manufacturer: Dutton Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
United States
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| 18th Century
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ASIN: 1556110464 |
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Occoneechee,: The maid of the mystic lake,
Robert Frank Jarrett
Manufacturer: The Shakespeare press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: B00087799A |
Product Description
Occoneechee: The Maid of the Mystic Lake, 1946, by Robert Frank Jarrett. The book is a treasure trove of Cherokee Indian poetry, myths, folklore, & history - outstanding! The book is also SIGNED AND DATED by the author (dated August 11, 1947). Olive-green gilt-stamped cloth hardcover book with 284 pages. Illustrated with over 50 black & white photos of Indians and mountain scenery. Published / reprinted by Atlanta Lithograph Company.
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- Think thrilling, licentious thoughts.
- Engaging plotting, heart-felt romance, vivid settings
- My second favorite book in the Knight series
- Devil takes a bride...a Triumph!
- Another great one by Mrs. Foley
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Devil Takes a Bride
Gaelen Foley
Manufacturer: Ivy Books
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Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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Lord of Ice: A Novel
ASIN: 0804119759
Release Date: 2004-04-27 |
Book Description
Celebrated storyteller Gaelen Foley brings her craft to new heights with Devil Takes a Bride, the seductive tale of a man bent on revenge and the beauty who teaches him to love again. . . .
In the quiet English countryside, far from the intrigues of London, Lizzie Carlisle slowly mends her broken heart, devoting herself to her new position as lady’s companion to the Dowager Viscountess Strathmore— until her peaceful life is turned upside down by a visit from “Devil” Strathmore, the old woman’s untamed nephew—a dangerously handsome man whose wicked reputation hides a tortured soul.
Devlin Kimball, Lord Strathmore, has spent years adventuring on the high seas, struggling to make his peace with the tragedy that claimed the lives of his family. But now he has uncovered the dark truth behind the so-called accident and swears retribution. He has no intention of taking a bride—until his eccentric aunt’s will forces he and Lizzie together, and Devlin finds his path to vengeance blocked by the stubborn but oh-so-tempting Miss Carlisle. Her passionate nature rivals his own. But disillusioned once by love, Lizzie will accept nothing less than his true devotion. . . .
Customer Reviews:
Think thrilling, licentious thoughts........2007-08-08
Stop. Quiver. Sigh. Pant. Think thrilling, licentious thoughts. Now you're in the right mood! Yet another untamed, tortured hero is here: Devlin (Devil) Kimball, Lord Strathmore. His parents and sister were murdered when he was seventeen, trapped inside a burning inn on their way to see him at school. The fire was deliberately lit and all the doors and windows callously locked from the outside. Imagine his grief when his last beloved relative - his aunt - is apparently on death's door. Or so his aunt's companion writes. Elizabeth (Lizzy) Carlisle is incensed that Devlin lives a careless, spendthrift life in London (and indeed, careering around the world) and doesn't seem to care for his aunt. She writes her letter to `prompt' Lord Strathmore to visit. Which he does, in tortured, wild despair at the thought he is about to lose his aunt. Instead he discovers Lizzy. And, ah dear me, Lizzy discovers him - the depth of his anguished soul, the complexity of his emotions, how stunning his naked body can feel against hers. Whew! Lurking around the edges of this divinely luscious romance is The Truth about that ghastly night when Devlin's family died. Now more murderous intentions are afoot. The villains from the past re-emerge with rape, murder, revenge and blind greed on their minds. As Devlin comes close to exposing them, their nasty, veangeful net closes around his one, new vulnerability - Lizzy, his love.
Engaging plotting, heart-felt romance, vivid settings.......2007-05-23
Unlike another romance I read previously (DUKE AND I, by Julia Quinn), I really appreciate Gaelen Foley's attention to settings and plots. The romance was heart-felt and the characterizations of Elizabeth "Lizzie" Carlisle and Devlin "Devil" Kimball, the Lord Strathmore, convincing; thankfully, Devil Strathmore isn't too pining, a characteristic we find all too often in our historical romances. Unfortunately, he's still the typical tall, dark, broad-shouldered and handsome rogue, a hackneyed package complete with trimmings of a wounded past and a tortured soul. Also, there were certain parts of both lead characterizations I found a bit dissonant, and certain plot elements too jarring to enjoy the novel completely.
I really enjoyed Gaelen Foley's look into the twisted mind of Julian, the Earl Carstairs. It isn't often authors are risque enough to delve into the minds of their evil antagonists, and certainly not romance authors. Carstairs is interesting to read about to say the least, very perverse, yet cunning in his control of the members of his club. There are also shades of gray in the "bad" characters, they aren't completely evil for the sake of evil, and Quentin, "Damage" Randall, Carstairs, and Sir Torquil "Blood" Staines all exhibit very interesting characterizations for baddies as a result.
Unlike other romance heroes' tortured souls, I really thought Devlin's tortured past resonated, and crested to a climax towards the end in Mulberry Cottage at Oakley Park, a lavish Strathmore estate. The novel actually spent time demonstrating why Devlin's soul is so tortured. I also appreciated that the lead pair confided in each other at the right time over their wounded histories well before the conclusion of the novel.
Rarely do romance novels craft engaging plots, but DEVIL TAKES A BRIDE is an exception. Gaelen Foley balances the plotting and romance effectively, and I was thoroughly captivated by both Devlin's plight for revenge, and his quest for Lizzie Carlisle's heart.
Possible SPOILERS ahead.
My biggest gripe deals with the plot element which pitted Devlin's revenge at odds with his love for Lizzie. DEVIL TAKES A BRIDE makes it seem like Devlin must forsake his revenge in order for Lizzie to accept him; that is, it's a choice between vengeance against the perpetrators which killed 47 innocent people including his parents or love with Lizzie. I understand the characterization in Devlin which makes his plight for revenge soulless, but c'mon, would he really be at peace just letting go of a revenge against the men which killed his parents? Really? Towards the end when Devlin thinks he lost Lizzie at one point, Devlin anguishes he chose revenge over Lizzie. At another point when Devlin divulges his plans for revenge to Lizzie, Lizzie leaves him even though she fully realizes that Devlin's last thread to life was her. Lizzie keenly observes the cold, icy look in his eyes when he talks about his parents' death, and even notices that only her presence is capable of bringing warmth back in his eyes. So why abandon him?
Instead of going forward with the plan for the revenge-in-blood following Lizzie's departure, Devlin instead opts for justice with the law after grieving over his family's deaths at the mausoleum for 3 days, 12 years after-the-fact. With Lizzie gone, I would move forward with the revenge-in-blood plan at once and in haste, especially since he knows Lizzie is in danger. On the third day at the mausoleum, some divine inspiration comes to Devlin, and he arranges for justice even though he knows the men he's going after are titled members of Society, easily able to bribe the constabulary and deflect the law; after all, they did suppress evidence of the fire 12 years ago, didn't they? I just don't get it. He should have exerted more control on the situation at the end having involved himself with the Horse and Chariot Club for a long time coming; he should have locked away Lizzie for her own protection, and killed the perpetrators of the crime which killed his family, in stealth. He was already planning on burning the pavilion with all of the perpetrators including possible innocents in it which isn't exactly honorable, so why not just assassinate them now in stealth, individually and discriminate? Instead of using the rage and cold fury from his wounded past to effect a favorable conclusion -- something that's more than possible -- he instead succumbs to anguish and torture at the end, grieving for days. And returns to London to find Lizzie kidnapped by his enemies. Even though he knew she was in danger!
Then again, I suppose if Devlin acted sensibly at the end (using the cold fury to effect a favorable outcome) then the women characters wouldn't have such a prevalent role at the end. As it stands, Mary Harris and Lizzie both are key.
The plotting towards the end which has Mary Harris miraculously rescue Lizzie from 4 very dangerous men intent on killing both women was very suspect. There's four men guarding a tied-up Lizzie and next thing you know, Lizzie has escaped, and both Lizzie and Mary are running for their lives, with the evil men none the wiser. Mary Harris actually surviving a fatal gunshot and then falling for Ben was also a bit on the cheesy side, not to mention contrived and incongruous.
I didn't like how we weren't treated to the actual marriage until the epilogue in a book titled DEVIL TAKES A BRIDE, I thought it should have happened much earlier. The subplot with Lizzie's Season, and her being Society's Original, Incomparable and a Toast seemed way too contrived. It came out of no where, just to satisfy a girl's dreams even though the book describes Lizzie as very average, appearance-wise. And let's be honest, appearance is important, if it wasn't, most romance novels' heroes wouldn't be tall, dark, broad-shouldered, chiseled and handsome. I thought Devlin should have forced her to marry him like he had originally planned. Ah, well.
I also thought that the ending didn't spend enough time between Devlin and his long-lost sister he hasn't seen for 12 years, Sarah. Devlin & Lizzie's love easily overshadowed the brother-sister reunion, and that seemed a bit inconsistent too.
The Story, possible SPOILERS again.
Devlin Strathmore is 17 when his family perishes from a fire at an inn which kills a total of 47 innocent people. His dowager Aunt Augusta assumes his guardianship and for twelve years, Devlin "Devil" Kimball earns a dubious reputation as a rakehell, travels the world, lives amongst Indians with barbarian instincts, kills a mountain cat, and returns to London to continue his dissolute reputation as a profligate. However, this rakehell outward appearance is a show as he endeavors to earn the trust and confidence of the Horse and Chariot Club, whose members he suspects for the responsibility of the fire which killed his parents.
Elizabeth "Lizzie" Carlisle is companion and caretaker of Devlin's aged Aunt Augusta. After Lizzie learns of the bills Devlin's Aunt Augusta pays on Devlin's dissolute behalf, Lizzie resolves to teach Devlin a lesson, someone she's never met. Fireworks ensue between our leading couple, and the dowager Aunt Augusta notices. The night before Devlin leaves to return to London, Augusta changes her will, amending a provision dealing with Devlin's inheritance.
Following Aunt Augusta's death and at the will hearing weeks later, Lizzie and Devlin learn that Aunt Augusta's will splits the bulk of her fortune between Lizzie and Devlin, on the condition that both marry. Should they not marry within 3 months, the fortune goes to a charitable organization. For some time, Devlin has been accruing many debts so he can treat the members of the Horse and Chariot Club and earn their esoteric confidence. Unfortunately for Devlin, he's been counting on that inheritance money and doesn't wish to drag Lizzie into his dangerous affairs. Now, he has no choice. The actual marriage never does happen, at least not until the epilogue. And we're left to wonder exactly how Devlin manages to stall the collectors of his debts for so long.
The bulk of the novel's content and pacing: there's a flourishing romance between Lizzie and Devlin as Devlin honorably courts Lizzie trying to convince her to marry him; all the while, Devlin tries to uncover the men responsible for his parents' deaths. In general I thought Gaelen Foley handled it well, with vivid settings and gripping plotting. However, I was too dismayed by some specific plot elements: especially the whole revenge vs. love element (why not both? Revenge stories are too fun and have far more potential), and I was put off by Devlin's succumbing, anguishing characterization at the very end after Lizzie inexplicably leaves him when it seemed like she reached an understanding of his tortured soul. Again, I thought Devlin should have exerted more control of the concluding situation which spirals out of control since he was working to maneuver the perpetrators' deaths for 2 years. He shouldn't have been grieving for his loss 12 years ago, when he knew Lizzie was in danger now.
Overall, the romance was heart-felt, the plotting not bad, the settings vivid.
My second favorite book in the Knight series.......2007-03-26
The heroine of Gaelen Foley's fifth book in the Knight Miscellany is the story of Lizzie Carlisle, companion to Lady Jacinda Knight and ward to the Duke of Hawkscliffe. Lizzie grew up with the Knight family, but never really felt she had a place of her own. She longs for a home to call her own, and a family to belong to, rather than residing on the outskirts. Though all her life she's been in love with one of the Knight brothers, Alec, at the end of the fourth book (Lady of Desire), Alec dealt Lizzie a crushing blow that more or less let her know their love was not meant to be. She ran away from him and her shattered hope of happily ever after, to become a companion to the Dowager Viscountess Strathmore. Living in Bath, Lizzie and the Viscountess have an amiable relationship and Lizzie truly begins to care about the older woman's wellbeing. When the Viscountess's nephew, notorious rogue Lord Devlin "Devil" Strathmore, reemerges in London following his world-travels, his aunt is thrilled. She pays all of Devlin's bills and dotes on him in a way that lets Lizzie know how much she truly cares for her wayward nephew. Months later, when Devlin's bills (including IOUs for gambling debts) continue to roll in, but he has yet to make an appearance, Lizzie decides to show the young gentleman that his aunt is more than just a paycheck. She sends Devlin a missive bidding him to come to his aunt's bedside since she has fallen ill, Lizzie assumes that the carefree rogue will be taught a lesson by her prank and learn to appreciate his family. She never expects, however, that the gentleman will ride through a snowstorm, risking his own health and wellbeing, to be at his aunt's side as quickly as possible. She also never expects that the gentleman in question may not be just another scandalous rake who plans to spend his inheritance before he's even earned it. Lord Strathmore is nothing at all like Lizzie expects, a fact that might make it difficult for Lizzie not to fall in love with him.
Devil Takes a Bride is my second favorite book in the Knight series (second only to The Duke). Gaelen Foley's stories are full of passion, pride, and adventure and you never know where one will take you over its course. Devil Takes a Bride is a story of revenge and murder, mystery and intrigue, and love and romance. Though Lizzie Carlisle isn't an official member of the Knight clan, she's been there throughout the other stories and acts as a backbone to the members of that noble family, often at the expense of her own happiness. It was nice to see her finally get a chance at happiness in this book. Similarly, Devlin Kimball is a man who has lost everything. His family was killed when he was just beginning to grow into a man, and this caused him to push away all hope for ever finding love again because for him love equalled pain. Then he met Lizzie and she showed him how to love again. Devil Takes a Bride is a perfect example of how a great romance should work.
Devil takes a bride...a Triumph!.......2006-10-04
Gaelen Foley is a name known to many RH readers all around, even though she hasn't been around long, I still choose her over many famous authers...She never disappoints, Not only does she creates settings where you wish you could LIVE in, but also hero's you wish were real...not to mention the plotting!
Devil takes a bride is the 5th installment in the Knight Miscellany, I have just reread it last night...the sweetness of it made me lay back, snuggling against my plopped pink pillows as I read aloud my favourite lines...much as I did with "PRINCESS" another novel by GF, I was so frustraited in Lady of Desire...which I also love! but I was frustraited in acount of Lizzie...When was her book?! Will she have one!? I kept wondernig and wondering until finally there was a confirmation that indeed there will be...a Lizzie happily ever after! Hurray!
Delvin Strathmore is something girls dream of, a bad boy charisma and irresistable charm, one of my favourite scene's is when "Devil" sleekly blocks Lizzie's path down the stairs, it is described that he somehow jumped infront of her...I loved that boyish flirting, It was bluntly straight forward. Although sometime before the book came out I confess I thought she might end up with Alec (Whom I love) but felt was not right for Lizzie. Ah yes...ladies, the Alexander the great will make quiet and appearance in this book....I'm not saying your going to like it but...It's ALEC!
Indeed I thought it was enough for Lizzie to stay on the sidelines, she deserved this! She really did!, another scene was when she was telling Devil and Alec straight off...in a wonderful speach where I remember distincly...I said in a clear loud voice "GO GIRL!" Hehehe
I cannot help it...Gaelen Foley! You've got me again!
This may has not been as informative as I hoped but Ignore everything and just click the "buy it now" button, TRUST ME this is a keeper!
Knight Miscellany in order:
-The Duke
-Lord of Fire
-Lord of Ice
-Lady of Desire
-Devil takes a Bride
-One Night of Sin
-His Wicked Kiss
Another great one by Mrs. Foley.......2006-08-09
There are some things in life we just know and one of these things are that Mrs. Foley is a great writer. This book was a great read. Lizzie is wonderful, sweet, honest and had great chemistry with Devil. What a man! Read the book and you will understand why. Sexy, caring and deep down so in love with Lizzie. Its about a woman saving a man going down a path that will most likely lead to death. But he has lost everything he has ever cared about so he seems too have nothing to lose until Lizzie. The sparks fly! The ending was great (I don't want to spoil it for you) just read the book .
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Graymantle
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HX7HTW |
Customer Reviews:
Graymantle.......2001-04-13
I found Graymantle to be a traditional fantasy book, that starts off with a loveable character leading a simple life and turns into a hero that saves his country from a terrible plight. The author did an excellent job making the reader root for the hero and boo the villain. What sets this book apart from others that follow this staple, is the bleakness of the world that our hero lives in and how the author describes it in fastidious detail. The hero did not have an easy road to the top of the social ladder, and evil was not easily vanquished. It was this that kept me turning the pages in suspense wondering what would happen next.
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Graymantle
John Morressy
Manufacturer: Playboy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRI4BY |
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Graymantle
John Morressy
Manufacturer: Playboy Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J2CO4E |
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Graymantle
J. John Moressey
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000QCWVIG |
Book Description
Discover the tools to create a new kind of church and move from merely surviving to thriving.
Drawing on an extensive two-year field study of 200 churches from a variety of denominations and geographic regions, Milfred Minatrea--a missiologist, urban strategist and practioner in minister--presents the best practices for re-energizing Christian spirituality in a congregational setting. He provides readers with the tools for assessing their congregation’s position on the continuum between maintenance and mission and for determining the actions that will move them toward becoming a missional community. He also outlines key strategies that successful churches have used to become relevant in a postmodern society without losing what is distinctly Christian in their spiritual practices.
Milfred Minatrea (Irving, TX) is Director of the Missional Church Center for the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Customer Reviews:
A great summary.......2006-04-04
I have been looking for a single book to give to church leaders that explains what it means to be Missionsal. I have found it in this book. I'm ordering some additional copies to give away.
useful, but limited.......2006-02-13
Minatrea proposes to show us what missional churches look like. While his characteristics seem to be useful and would make a good sermon series or introduction to leadership class, he largely draws on 3 or 4 Baptist churches for examples, with an occasional nod to Adam Hamilton @ the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and Brian McLaren and the emergent conversation.
Formatted in short chapters it is a useful starting place if you don't want to wade thru Guder's Missional Church
Fills a Void.......2005-11-18
One of the criticisms most often levied against the larger body of Missional Church writing (i.e. the GOCN series) is that the writers fail to give "concrete" examples of what a missional church "looks like." Minatrea has attempted to fill that void.
There are some legitimate problems with his effort. Nowhere does he explain his research methodology, so one must assume that his research was primarily personal interviews with pastors and church leaders. Neither does he explain the criteria used to identify the churches included in the research as "missional".
Some of his argumentation is convoluted. One example is when he asserts (I'm paraphrasing) that missional churches don't get bogged down in theological matters that distract from mission. Then, a few pages later in the same chapter, he argues that missional churches will have clearly defined doctrinal statements. One is left wondering, "Which is it?"
Also, in several places it seems as though he and his subjects are creating a straw man of sorts out of "traditional" churches. And the churches he most often cites as examples--Gracepoint (San Antonio), Ecclesia (Houston), Antioch (Waco, TX), and Mosaic (Los Angeles)--while diverse, are all at least loosely assocaited with evangelical Baptists. He tells us in the introduction that missioanl churches can be anywhere and in any denomination. So one wonders why he didn't find some to include in his book.
So it isn't a perfect effort. But...it DOES fill a void in the body of Missional Church literature. Beyond simply identifying nine commonalities of practice among missional churches, he leaves readers with the impression that their church can be both missional and faithful to its current local context at the same time. He also presents a few suggestions for moving a church towards a missioanl ecclesiology.
As stated, this is not a perfect effort. But in addition to practical considerations, Minatrea proviides an appropriate basic introduction to the Missional conversation for those not already familiar with the names Newbigin, Guder, or Hunsberger.
A Must Read for the Missional Christian.......2005-09-14
Minatrea is right on target. He has obviously been thorough in his research and his conclusions are stellar. Minatrea delivers what is needed for the North American church today. This book is an easy read but is packed with great information. Minatrea was able to get to the heart of the issues and translate them into practical action. You will not be disappointed by this book.
Books:
- On the Other Side of the Hill (Little House)
- Only By Your Touch (Signet Books)
- Out of Avalon: An Anthology of Old Magic & New Myths
- Owlsight (Valdemar: Darian's Tale, Book 2)
- Rakkety Tam: A Tale from Redwall
- Red Meat Gold
- Shadow Over Kiriath (Legends of the Guardian-King)
- Shark River
- She's Out of Control (Ashley Stockingdale Series #1)
- Short Stories in French: New Penguin Parallel Text (New Penguin Parallel Texts)
Books Index
Books Home
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