The Scarlet Thread Reviews

• A testament to life's challenges...

  
  By A30YW5IGP6SNZK on 2001-03-21
  This is a modern day romance between Sierra and Alex inter-twined with the story of Sierra's ancestor, Mary Katherine, and her journey in a covered wagon heading first to Oregon and ending up in California. Sierra and Alex's marriage is put to the test when Alex accepts a new job in Los Angeles, forcing Sierra to leave behind her home and family in her beloved small town. She is thrust into a fast paced world where she does not want to belong. She strikes out in anger and disappointment. Her fears and insecurities chip away at her marriage to Alex until it reaches the breaking point. Sierra is left pondering her future, while finding solace in the journal of Mary Katherine, who generations before struggled with many of the same fears and issues.

  Mary Katherine's family is destroyed upon the death of her mother, her brother's betrayal and her father's inability to function after his wife's death. Mary Katherine throws caution to the wind and marries James. They struggle and work hard to create a life farming. When it is taken away, James packs up their belongings and children and they head west to Oregon, the promised land. Mary Katherine longs for home but follows her husband. What follows is a tale of hardship, love, and the will to survive.

  As Sierra's life reaches a turning point she turns to God, through His love she begins mending her life. Only God knows if it will include Alex. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone. We all struggle with fears when we are pushed outside our comfort zone. With God's help, we will find peace and understanding. Check and see what the results are from Sierra's test of fire...
  
  

• Surprisingly good

  
  By A318O1JAGM087B on 2000-08-18
  After reading some Christian fiction that seemed overly "preachy," I have to admit being sceptical before picking up this book. However, this book was delightful! It was weighty, meaning the author did not shrink from exploring the heavier issues of infidelity, sex, personal responsiblity, the choices we make. The relationship between Sierra and Alex was enlightening, with all its complexities and nuances, and mostly, its human-ness. This is excellent reading as nothing is "glossed over" and there are no easy answers as we watch Sierra and her husband grapple with real-world issues in their marriage. I would highly recommend this book, as it will bring up important questions in your own life to think about. I can't wait to read more of Francine Rivers.
  
  

• Great Book- but it didn't have the right ending!

  
  By A16S4AT7SR5WSN on 1999-12-17
  I love Francine River's writing style, she is a great author! I would recommend this book, but, personally, I would have written a different ending. But, this story is realistic and the characters have a fantastic depth to them. Sierra was a lovable character, and her husband made me want to wring his cheating neck! Also, Mary Kathryn was a nice addition to this book, but I found myself looking forward to going back to Sierra's side of the story. A fantastic read, my compliments to Ms. Rivers for being able to write such good Christian fiction!
  
  

• She keeps me coming back

  
  By A1VWSR1H2Y67UD on 2003-04-07
  This is my fourth book by Francine Rivers and as usual, it was not what I expected. I really enjoyed this story, though I thought that the journal entries would be more intertwined with the action in the present, I really enjoyed them. I did feel that the husband got off a little easy and perhaps didn't grow as much as he could have, but it was true to his personality. For him, he'd gone a long way. I would have liked to know more about some of the ladies and the club and what happened to them and if they were impacted by the main character's growing faith. All in all, it was an engaging read and kept me thinking long afterwards. That is what I love about Mrs. Rivers' books--that they draw me to pray and think.
  
  

• Wonderful

  
  By on 1999-08-08
  I read this book for the first time a few years ago, and need to come back to it every now and them to reread it. I have to say that in all the years since I read it, I've never quite managed to forgive Alex for making their family move. However, after that first decision was made, all of the characters had bad decisions that they made that they could have reconsidered. I think I liked it because it had real problems, and was realistic; no villains, no perfect saints, just ordinary human beings trying (and sometimes failing miserably) to get along and care about each other. It was also moving to see how truly aiming to live a better life (as Sierra did) could truly change circumstances even when they had gone so far awry. I also realized again that although others may make bad decisions, we are only responsible for our own, but we are thoroughly responsible for those. Someone we love may hurt us greatly, but we can still choose our reaction to them. I would definitely recommend this book.
  
  
• Many layers worth exploring.
  By A1KIPZU596C4JE on 2004-11-12
  This is a multi-layered book which focuses on two women searching for Christ in their lives. The main story centers on Sierra Madrid, a wife and mother of two children whose husband receives a job offer in a different city. She clings to her childhood home and early marriage memories instead of embracing what the future may hold. Through reading the journal of an ancestor crossing the Oregon trail, she learns to let go of her expectations and rely on faith. It's a tender and (at times) heart-wrenching look into the lives of a family and the choices they make. Francine Rivers' books are always thought-provoking, truthful and linger even after the book has long since been finished.
  
  
• The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
  By A3HZV6RGL3SGQ1 on 2001-11-11
  I found this book enthralling. The characters were so real, I could feel myself getting emotionally wrapped up in their lives and struggles. This author managed to weave two women's lives together via a journal, each woman from different times, yet each fighting for a belief in God. The quilt hanging on Sierra's wall and the journal kept by her ancestor brought the two women together as their lives seemed to spiral out of control. And, then they found God and inner peace and Sierra found the ability to look within herself and see that she wasn't perfect and that sin is sin, no matter the deed. It's all the same. And, Francine is not afraid to write about the truth in her novels; I've read many. I'm an inspirational author myself, Kelly R. Stevens, and I've penned eight novels, three of which are available at Amazon.com or American Bookstands. And, I struggle to accomplish the same things in my novels, the truth, good or bad, and real life struggles that hit us all. You can read my take on Christianity and writing at the site of my book, Song of the Cimarron. Francine Rivers is inspiring as an inspirational author and I'm honored to call myself a "Sister Author" with Francine for Christ. Keep up the good work, Francine. I'll be reading more as I highly recommend this talented author!
  
  
• Not as good as The Last Sin Eater or Voice in the Wind.
  By A2P3Q8BB6UM6AU on 2006-05-16
  The first book that I read by this author was Voice in the Wind. I read the whole series. I also really enjoyed The Last Sin Eater. But I didn't find this book to be as good as those, mostly because I couldn't connect with the main character (Sierra). She was so selfish it was hard to see her being the devoted mother that she was portrayed as. Then she finds God (as all main characters do in Francine Rivers books so I am not giving anything away here) and does a complete 180 becoming this unbelievably selfless person that I still couldn't relate to.
  I did really like the "story within story" that followed Mary Katherine McMurrays journey. If the whole book was about her, it would have been much better.
  
  
• Good in some ways, VERY BAD in others.
  By on 1999-02-02
  Okay, I'd like to begin by saying that I thought the story of how Sierra found her faith in God again was very touching. But, the story of she and her husband was very disappointing. I mean, sure, I believe in forgiveness, yet I also believe that repentance is equally important. Alex cheated on his wife and never really apologized or showed her that he was truly repentant for what he had done. As a matter of fact, he only went back to Sierra when he realized that Elizabeth didn't care at all about him. It didn't have to do a thing with realizing that he was really in love with his wife.
  
  
• Simple, But Real
  By A1TTKJIKU5WS on 2000-11-14
  This is perhaps the most simple of Rivers' books so far. THE SCARLET THREAD follows a woman in a disintigrating marriage who discovers the diary of one of her ancestors who came out west in a covered wagon. The readings of the diary parallel her life in many ways and we see, through duel unfolding plots, how God works on the hearts of the stubborn and moves in their situation as they allow Him to. It's a simple read, but a good one, as once again Rivers pens another strong lead character in a life circumstance that is quite easy (perhaps, sadly, too easy) to relate to. Four Stars.
  
  
• Great Reading
  By A1JURUOMG9IRA on 2006-07-02
  This book kept my attention so much. I fell in love with the characters and the Lord as I kept reading.
  
  
• You will definitely enjoy this one!
  By A1HQSK9SN3ODOK on 2000-07-12
  "The Scarlet Thread" by Francine Rivers is a remarkable book! I could not put the book down from the very first page! Although "The Scarlet Thread" is one of the first books I've ever read by F.Rivers, I doubt that it will be one of the last. As you read this book, you feel like you are living the characters' lives, whether it's through humiliation, depression, loss, love, it doesn't matter. You end up feeling not only closer to them but closer to God also. I definitely recommend this book to everyone!
  
  
• One of the best books I've ever read!
  By on 1999-06-07
  Francine Rivers is nothing less than a master of her craft. I read 'The Scarlett Thread' in one day and loved every minute of it. Sierra and Alejandro are both very real, very loveable (or hateable as the case may be!) characters. After reading it for the first time, I bought it and have read it at least 5 times since. I strongly recomend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about real-life love, heartache, and day-to-day living in the midst of everything. Sierra, especially, captured my heart. The courage displayed through her character and the realness of emotion is absolutely incredible! I almost feel as though she is real. A must read!!!
  
  
• This is the one that got me hooked.
  By on 2000-02-06
  The Scarlet Thread was the first book that I had read of Francine Rivers. It was so wonderful that it got me hooked. I now have read everything that she has in current print and am trying to find the out of print editions. She is a wonderful writer. You will enjoy!
  
  
• Artfully Penned with Realistic Characters & Plot
  By A24WFWO6SVK9OC on 2000-11-22
  This book reached out and grabbed me from the first page on! Francine Rivers' talented pen, once again surprises and amazes me with her insight into the very "Real" issues we all face everyday. The story of Sierra and Alex put me through such a range of emotions, but was able to line them all up according to God's word. It's a story with a stong message for anyone contemplating divorce. It challenges the reader to examine their own heart and not take the easy way out (divorce). This book delivers just the sort of "Tough Love" message we desparately need to hear in this day and age of "Fast Food" mentality. Bravo Francine!!!!
  
  
• Disappointing to say the least
  By A38MG89QTU0QTK on 2000-12-08
  In the beginning the story unfolds rather nicely - both of them. Until both women find God. It is very annoying to read everytime: " Oh Lord, what should I do?" etc.. Sierra makes stupid decisions based on forgiveness. I knew this book was going to be a romance type story but the overly christian tone towards the end got on my nerves. I finished the book just because I wanted to know how it ended but will NOT recommend it to anyone. I will never read another book by this author. Christians and believers might find it cute though..... Not for me....
  
  
• Another great one from Francine
  By AH1LFGRAN3GPC on 2005-01-18
  The Editorial Review says "Purchase only where demand is warranted for former mainstream romance-writer Rivers's books." Don't, go for it and buy it. You won't be disappointed, I promise you. With every Rivers book I read, I feel closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you Francine.
  And something for those who write book reviews describing every turn of the chapter, DON'T! You ruin it for those of us who like to read. Thank you.
  
  
  
• Rivers writes a winner!
  By A3S7I78K4XWD5Z on 2000-06-08
  Francine Rivers used to write mushy romance stories for the secular market. After becoming a Christian and feeling that God had called her to write for the inspirational market, she wrote this book. More than just the story of one couple rebuilding their marriage, Rivers weaves two stories together, both women facing incredible odds but in different centuries. You will love how the historical intertwines with the contemporary in this novel.
  
  
• Good, not great, but good
  By A1XVYYSR7HI1TI on 1998-01-03
  I was kind of disappointed with this book because when I read Rivers' other books(Mark of the Lion series) I was so involved in all of the characters. In The Scarlet Thread I couldn't seem to get into it...I couldn't see eye to eye with all the characters like Rivers' other books. But if I hadn't expected something better I would definitely have enjoyed it more.
  
  
• How disappointed was I? Let me count the ways...
  By on 1998-09-10
  I expected a story about a woman and her grandmother, and I found instead a story about a couple who BOTH needed help. It was wonderful that Sierra found her faith, but taking back her cheating husband is absurd. He wasn't worth it!! Don't read this book if you want something touching; do read it if you like mindless drivel.
  
  
• Disappointing to say the least
  By A38MG89QTU0QTK on 2000-12-08
  In the beginning the story unfolds rather nicely - both of them. Until both women find God. It is very annoying to read everytime: " Oh Lord, what should I do?" etc.. Sierra makes stupid decisions based on forgiveness. I knew this book was going to be a romance type story but the overly christian tone towards the end got on my nerves. I finished the book just because I wanted to know how it ended but will NOT recommend it to anyone. I will never read another book by this author. Christians and believers might find it cute though..... Not for me....
  
  
• From God to Me
  By on 2001-02-10
  I honestly believe that God set this book on the library shelf for me. The day I picked it up was the same day my husband had given notice to his employer that he was quitting. He had been with the company for seven years. I didn't even know what this particular book was about. I had all ready read "The Last Sin Eater" and "Redeeming Love." I chose this book just from the authors name because I loved the aforementioned books. Imagine my surprise after reading the first few chapters. I believe God used this book as a way of showing me that he had personally provided this job for my husband and that I had no reason to fear. Thank you to Francine Rivers for listening to the Lord and following His leading in her works.
  
  
• Spectacular Read!
  By A2UGNCHII7Y32 on 2001-05-11
  This book was definitely one I would read again and again. Throughout the book, the story line was always interesting, and easy to follow. I couldn't put it down, because after every page, I was eager to what happened! "The Scarlet Thread" is a book that can teach you many things, as well as give you some morals. In some situations, I can relate to the main character, Sierra Madrid. She keeps an open mind and an open heart in everything that comes her way. I rate this book an eight, because it's an everyday, real life experience. Sierra dealt with it in a mature fashion; by going to the only person she knew would help her get by- God. I know that's what I would do, without a doubt. The author is very descriptive in her writing. She makes you feel every emotion and walk in the shoes of the character. She'll send you on a journey, while your head is filled with mixed feelings. The only things that was difficult to comprehend, was when there was a flashback, and the words and spellings weren't very clear. But it didn't affect the book in any way. This was an extremely well written book, one that I will read many times.
  
  
• An interesting book
  By A20MN959ZZH2DU on 2002-07-27
  I liked this book. I liked how the stories of Sierra and Mary Katherine paralleled each other. However, I found myself skipping more and more beyond the journal entries to get back to Sierra's story. I have been in her position--at least some of it--moving to a completely new area where you don't know anyone, and you are relying on your husband's co-workers for advice. It's a tough situation, and I thought that Ms. Rivers brought that out well.

  I thought the characters were well written. You hope for a good ending, or at least one that closes everything off. I will say that the book gives you closure, for the most part. I did think that maybe Sierra was a little too whiny. If she felt uncomfortable about her level of education, why didn't she go back to school? I always got the feeling she was running from a real life.

  Anyway, I would recommend this book, or any others by Ms. Rivers, especially her "Grace" series.
  
  

• Surprised...
  By on 2003-08-06
  A friend from work brought me this book while I was in the hospital. I was home for about 8 weeks. I picked this book up and read the first page. I could not put it down. I really enjoyed the story. I read the book in a few days. I also like the comparison between the current character and the character in the 1800s. This is only my 2nd Christian Fiction Book. I really enjoyed it, and I would recommend it to others. I think most people can relate to the characters in the book (one way or another). I went to the book store and bought another book by Francine Rivers...it was just as good.
  
  
• God is Amazing!
  By A3BYNI1X8HF1TM on 2004-12-07
  I have to admit that it was a little odd and it took me awhile to figure out how the journal entries matched up to her own real life. The first part of the book is so frustrating that I almost stopped reading it. But, someone told me how wonderful it is, so I kept going. I am so happy I did!! By the end, the entire store wraps up together and I actually held this book up to my heart when I finished it. Truly, truly amazing. After I finished it, I had a few "OH..." moments where I was seeing all the connections made throughout her life and with the journal entries. A WONDERFUL read!!
  
  
• Wonderful
  By A2MBJDAMCNRP72 on 2005-12-09
  This book is really great. I picked it up after I read the Mark of the Lion series. I enjoyed them so much that I hungered for more. While this doesn't have the historical fiction I love so much, it does have a powerful message. Many people now a days don't realize what the bonds of marriage really mean. This is a smack in the face. I'm just 17, and of course I have never been married but I still connected with Sierra (the main character) in her struggle with what was right and what was easy. I won't tell you how it ends because I absolutly despise spoilers, but I will tell you this is a great read, written by a talented author with a powerful message. As an aspiring author myself, I can only hope that I will be as great an author as Francine Rivers.
  
  
• worth reading
  By A2GHV0D0507JG on 2006-11-21
  This book has a few structural problems, such as not quite enough continuity between the two parts, and a main character who is at times hard to identify with. But it was still a touching story, exploring marriage problems and the source of true fulfillment. The part about Mary Kathryn McMurray seems the best. Despite a few unrealistic idyllic pioneer scenes, Mary Kathryn's journal was a captivating read.
  
  
• What a tear-jerker!
  By on 2000-01-11
  I absolutely loved this book. It was quite a tear-jerker. I liked the flashback to Sierra's relative. Readers will enjoy Francine Rivers' writing style and effective use of imagery. I couldn't put this book down!
  
  
• A Very Good Book
  By A271APGE5794G1 on 2000-03-10
  I enjoyed this book, as I have all of the other books I've read by Francine Rivers. At first I had a hard time getting involved with reading it, but once I got into the story, I ended up reading until 2 a.m. to finish it...I kept saying "one more chapter" until before I knew it I was finished with it. Francine has a remarkeable writing style that I truly enjoy.
  
  

• Redeeming Love
• Leota's Garden
• The Atonement Child
• The Last Sin Eater
• Mark of the Lion : A Voice in the Wind, An Echo in the Darkness, As Sure As the Dawn (Vol 1-3)