Father's Choice

Read Sample

Book one in the Father series

Father's Choice is the first in a series of fiction by Rhonda Hanson. Set in Nashville, Tennessee, Father's Choice is the story of Meredith, a beautiful, well-known singer with a heart as big as her temper is hot. She loves Father intensely but wars with her mouth and her tendency is to react, rather than respond, to others around her.

Joel Etheridge is Meredith's patient, long-suffering and understandably grim manager who has so successfully covered his heart that Meredith sometimes wonders if he can stand her. Theirs is a rocky, fragile and yet, enduring relationship. You will be drawn into what is on one level, a very human love story and on another, a touching picture of Christ and His Bride.

LuLu Roman Entertainer, former star of "Hee Haw"

In a world of deceit, surrounded by the reality of many false hopes, it is refreshing to find a book that is so real! I was fascinated by the strong and unending commitment of Joel, a man of God. This book is a wonderful example of God's love to all of us. Meredith is an angry, confused woman, ashamed of the choices she has made in the past. She is held in darkness by the paralyzing forces of the enemy, though she holds God's truth deep inside. It is heartwarming to watch "Father" bring the truth into the light and break chains of despair, using a man's heart that is armed with God's steadfast love. You will be taken on a journey that will keep you surprised. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be amazed at what you find in your own heart. Most of all, you will be moved to peace when discovering the blessed assurance that He watches over us all. I loved this book!

Nancy Alcorn Founder and President, Mercy Multiplied

Father's Choice is a compelling story with a powerful message. I was captivated by Rhonda Hanson's fictional account of this "real to life" journey of Joel and Meredith, and their relationship with each other, and with God. This story provides a beautiful picture of God's mercy to heal and restore those who have been damaged by the choices they have made. I found this story extremely moving and very well written. I couldn't put it down!

Julia Wilson Christian Bookaholic

Father’s Choice by Rhonda Hanson is a powerful contemporary Christian novel that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is the first book in the Father series which promises to be fabulous.

This is a faith-filled novel showing ‘real’ characters facing ‘real’ dilemmas and situations. We see that knowing God does not promise us a trouble-free life but we know that in all of our situations, God will walk beside us.

Being a Christian does not mean that we have got it all together. Rhonda Hanson has created realistic characters who are easy to empathise with. They mess up but do their best in any given situation. I loved the inclusion of a cat called Hook. He was totally believable and delightful in the interactions between him and the lead character.

Christians may even run from God but in our heart of hearts, we know that the only safe place to be is resting in the Father’s arms. “His arms longed to take her onto His lap and comfort her, but she resisted Him at every turn. He waited patiently, thinking of how He missed her.” When we stray, God longs for us to return to Him.

Prayer is important. Prayer is a conversation with God. Within the novel a character talks out loud to God and we ‘hear’ His answers.

The answers to all life’s problems are found within the Bible. “Read My Word… Find My peace, and stay in it.” Despite our outward circumstances, we can experience God’s peace when we know Him. I love that a character has lots of Bibles but that her favourite is her Mum’s battered old Bible. A battered Bible is a well-used and loved one.

Our salvation has nothing to do with our strivings. “It’s a good thing my salvation isn’t based on my performance.” Our salvation is based on what Jesus has done. We cannot earn it. We cannot buy it. Salvation is a free gift.

Characters have hearts that put others first. They live out life as the hands, feet and heart of Jesus. I love the interactions in a homeless hostel.

There is the theme of forgiveness. We are forgiven and therefore must forgive others, or risk imprisoning ourselves in bitterness.

We see an unscrupulous character taking advantage of others and preying on the vulnerable. We have to trust that God is in control and all things will work out.

Our upbringings shape the adult we become. We all need to have parents who pray for us. “Forty, fifty, sixty… You never outgrew the need for a Godly mother.” We need our earthly parents and our Heavenly Father.

Father’s Choice was a powerful read about characters who were realistically flawed and therefore, easy to identify with. I am looking forward to the subsequent books in the series.

I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.

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Father's Choice
Hanson, Rhonda

 

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