Sign in with Facebook
Loading...
105th out of 263 books
—
179 voters
The Debt
by
Angela Elwell Hunt (Goodreads Author)
After fleeing a painful and compromising past, Emma Rose Howard settled eagerly into the role of a pastor's wife. She and her husband, Abel, dedicated themselves to parenting a mega-church and influenced thousands of lives through its related ministries.
But when Emma Rose receives a phone call from a living, breathing remnant of her troubled past, she finds herself wonderi...more
But when Emma Rose receives a phone call from a living, breathing remnant of her troubled past, she finds herself wonderi...more
Paperback, 351 pages
Published
February 19th 2004
by WestBow Press
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
751)
As a woman and more importantly a Christian I loved the message of redemption in this story. It called for Christians to step out of their shells and see the world for what it is. It emphasized that the worship experience extends well beyond the brick and mortar that we as Christians have held dear for years. The real walk is in the streets where the people are. Angela Hunt did a good job bringing this point forward through the story of the reuniting of a mother and the son that she gave up at b...more
As a rule I don't like books that are written in the first person and wife of a televangelist is not a character that would draw me in, but I have read a couple of other books by the author and thought they were quite good so I kept going with this one.
Wow! This book illustrates some wonderful spiritual truths in a story that is captivating. I don't want to give anything away, but once I got past the first dozen pages, I could not put it down and ended up finishing it about 24 hours after I star...more
Wow! This book illustrates some wonderful spiritual truths in a story that is captivating. I don't want to give anything away, but once I got past the first dozen pages, I could not put it down and ended up finishing it about 24 hours after I star...more
Fantastic inspiring book. Emma Rose is the wife of a tv preacher, thinking they are doing all they can to reach people from their tv's in their homes about the gospel of Jesus Christ. This tv ministry keeps them busy, meetings and such. When a message comes one day about a certain date in Emma's history, this will rock Emma's world. Considering she never told her husband about her past.
Her past that includes drugs, prostitution and a pregnancy resulting in adoption. When her son wants to meet E...more
Her past that includes drugs, prostitution and a pregnancy resulting in adoption. When her son wants to meet E...more
1 like · like · see review
Due to time constraints, I don't read a lot of Christian fiction. But after reading Randy Alcorn rave about this book, I decided to give it a try. I'm so glad I did. Finished it in two marathon reading sessions. It's a thought-provoking, convicting look at who we really are as Christians. Do we simply go through the motions and live life trying to avoid every appearance of evil or do we allow ourselves to get down in the trenches and meet hurting people face to face? Beautifully written. The cha...more
I loved this book! I found myself on the same spiritual journey as Emma Rose.And while she was questioning herself I started looking into myself and asked the same things, like am I listening to the voice of God or am I just pretending to be religious?Her husband Abel reminds me of a lot of Christians today,ready to give out advice about how to follow God but is unable to take his own advice.The character Chris stood out throughout the whole book and was the perfect example of showing Christ's l...more
I read this book in two days because I couldn't put it down. A great story of christ's love and how it is never to late to change your ways. Also, I feel like this book is so relatable to a variety of people. No matter what your background you will find not only christ's love but his guiding hand in this story. I felt moved by this book and it gave me places to reflect on my own life and my walk with the Lord. A great read for pleasure and spiritual health. Loved this book and would recommend it...more
The book was easy to read, quickly moving and not to preachy. It gave an idea of behind-the-scenes of a big television compound with a minister and his wife who really did want to serve their congregation. And they were portrayed as humans making mistakes, getting angry and being stubborn. The past comes back after over 25 years and plenty of decisions need to be made. It had some tragedy but it did fit the story line. If you want a good book, without any swearing and sex...this book is for you.
I very much enjoyed this story, particularly seeing how Emma grew in her faith and learned to follow God rather than her husband. My only complaints were that I thought what ultimately happened with Christopher seemed unnecessary and Emma's husband wasn't very likable such that I had a hard time seeing what she originally saw in him. But overall, this is a very well written and enjoyable Christian novel with a lively pace and interesting plot.
First book I've read of Angela Hunt... Easy read - but some big lessons... I enjoyed the journey... Pg. 272 "I've been a Christian Super Woman for so long... If I could take all the energy I invest in maintaining my virtuous image and transfer it to simple trust and obedience... maybe then I could leave my reputation and other peoples expectations in the Lord's hands while I walked through each day with an ear cocked for His voice..."
I enjoyed this book immensely. A woman meets her son she placed for adoption at birth - he finds her and makes her rethink the purpose of her life. The presence of this unexpected intruder threatens everything about her life, her calling, and her marriage. The Debt not only invites readers to embrace the painful heartache and incomparable joys of the past, but it challenges the reader as well.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very eye opening as to the fact that just attending church and doing things for people in the church does not make you a christian. I once went to a church that would look down on you if you did anything with anyone that did not attend that church. I did not feel that that was right at the time, and changed churches. The Bible says we are to be a light in the world and to let it shine. Light shines in the darkness not in a room that is already lit. It m...more
A thoughtful reminder that we can not loose ourselves in supporting another's journey. While supporting that journey we must be listening and following our own. I enjoyed meeting Emma and found her courage to venture outside her comfort zone inspiring. The character was realistically portrayed as she struggled to incorporate her new insights into her current life.
Their are only two books ive read that brought me to tears, this was one of them.This book makes you understnd what it really means to be a christian. many of us fell like and think we are but, read this book and you will understand what it really takes.
bravo angela hunt,you nailed it.
bravo angela hunt,you nailed it.
I wouldn't say its the most compelling novel I've ever read, but I could relate to a lot of church stereotypes portrayed in this book. I liked the main character - a pastor's wife - who seemed to walk around for 20 years without seeing her hand in front of her face. Been there. I like the message that it reinforces - it's not about church,it's about Jesus. It was a pretty easy read. I'd probably actually give it 3.5 stars, but well, goodreads doesn't let me...
Excellent book. Very thought provoking....what it means to "be the church" and just not "be in church". Great, thought provoking Christian fiction. I guess I am actually glad that our new Golden Retriever ate the back cover of this library book. I picked it off the shelf on a whim, and now I get to own it!:)
If you are a good christian, you HAVE to read this book. The story will make your heart soft and pliable in the Potter's hand, once again.
I read it as a library book, but this one will be purchased and become a welcomed addition to my bookshelf.
I read it as a library book, but this one will be purchased and become a welcomed addition to my bookshelf.
The book started off a little slow for me but it quickly turned very interesting. It made me realize some things about myself in regards to what kind of Christian I am. There are many churches that minister to the people that are already leading a Christian life but what about those that NEED to find a path to Christ? I really enjoyed this book.
Dec 22, 2009
Deborah
added it
Incredible book - It helped me see how God does use our mistakes and sins for our good and His glory. The character of Emma Rose's son was very interesting - the way he related to non-believers from all walks of life without judgment.
The Debt is a powerful story, captivating and superbly written. I couldn’t put it down. Angela Hunt touched my heart. When I finished, I thanked Jesus for speaking to me. That’s the highest compliment I can pay any book.
For some reason, my favorite book of Hunt is still The Pearl. This book was good in itself, but when compared to The Pearl (IMHO) it paled. Of course, the book did capture my attention, but I kept losing focus sometimes of the way Emma was brought up, as she said "God led Abel to ministry and herself to Abel". Didn't like that one bit! LOL Anyway, good story to remind Christians of how you need to act throughout your lives and to touch people you wouldn't normally have any contact with. Read it,...more
I am not normally a fan of fiction, but I loved this one, which was the first book I read by Angela Hunt. If I read fiction, I love the allegorical type and this was wonderful...down to the names and situations.
This was a great book with not just a good story line but an important life lesson. There is a man in this book who is so Christ-like and giving. Reading this book really made me think about how I can give more of myself. He gave of his time, money, energy and most important his love. If we could all get rid of judgement and just show love, then the world would be a better place. As I was reading it I wanted to do more, and be a better person.. I started thinking of little ways I could show love...more
One of my all time favorite books. I love the tension between the neat Christianity of those who do church inside a building and try to woo others in (hopefully, "our kind" of others) and the messy Christianity of those who take the Church outside the building to the hurting world. You will like this book if you, like Christ, prefer your Church messy.
WOW!!! is all that I can say. God really brought a lot of things into focus with this book. We as Christians forget that there are people in this world that are hurting and they live next door to us and some are homeless. WE need to get out of our little hedged fortresses and find those people and share the love of Jesus with them.
This is a Women of Faith author. I didn't particularly enjoy this book and would probably prefer a good Karen Kingsbury read.
Don't think anyone who isn't a Christian would actually read this book. But...if you are a believer at any stage, this would be a good read. The good pastor and his wife have so immersed themselves in their ministry for the Lord that they have lost their first love of the Lord Himself. When the wife's past walks back into her life as the child she gave up for adoption, the world as they have known it disappears and they are faced with choices. Filled with lots of scripture references, this story...more
Aug 06, 2010
Eileen Rife
added it
Changed the way I look at ministry! Must read for all who are serious about walking in Jesus' steps.
Angela Hunt is fast becoming my favorite Christian author. Her books have just the right amount of Biblical truths without being to "preachy" and they are contemporary enough to translate to modern-day life.
This book is awesome! Challenging to a Christian....how do we really LIVE it. I know I give 5 stars to alot of the books, but they really are great!!! God really using these books to speak to me.
Half of the book is a slow read but the other half reveals the lesson of the book which is amazing!
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children have reached their twenties, Angie and her husband live in Florid...more
More about Angela Elwell Hunt...
Now that her two children have reached their twenties, Angie and her husband live in Florid...more
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
Aug 23, 2011 03:10pm