When Deana Murphy died she told God she would do anything if he would let her come back. Deana didn’t realize what she was getting herself into. God granted her request, but in the form of a Deal. He had a mission for Deana that would change everything. Follow Deana as she takes on this mission with full commitment.
Deana is sent on a path that will require her absolute faith and devotion. She is tasked with stopping a high school massacre that would destroy many lives. She will have to move hundreds of miles away from any family or friends; she will have to leave urban Tampa and acclimate to rural Dothan Georgia.
One element of God’s mission is for Deana to help heal a broken family in this small town. Part of the deal is that Deana has to get the man of God’s choosing to marry her, and she has no say on who this man is. Her faith keeps her going and what starts as a mandate develops into an amazing love story.
This is a story of family and faith, love and inner strength, healing and conquering obstacles, and an absolute triumph of the human spirit.
I really loved this book for many reasons. There are more love scenes than an average Christian romance and they are a bit steamier. A young woman named Deana loses her life and pleads with God for a second chance. God agrees to send her back if she is willing to help a struggling family who recently lost its wife and mother. The "Deal" sounds great to Deana who tells God she will do anything for a second chance. God warns her there will be difficulties and struggles but Deana agrees to do whatever it takes.
Whatever it takes is the interesting part. She needs to get the widowed husband to fall in love with her and marry her. This way she can adopt and help the three sons the first mother leaves behind. However, he is in no rush to remarry. He falls in love with Deana but is in no rush to head down the aisle. Deana must get creative. Parts of the book are funny yet some are very sad. It was an emotional read for sure. The story made me realize how precious life and having the ability to love are.
I really enjoyed this book though is was so realistic is was challenging in places. From the other reviews people either seemed to love it or hate it. I don't usually write reviews but I saw a need here for more reviews. I am in the love it camp myself.
I am not a fan of Christian Fiction that is more of Christian Fantasy where you have idealic characters who never sin and are better Christians than any of us could be. This is not that kind of book and it seems that most people who don't like this story were looking for that kind of book. This book is amazing but probably more suited for people who are into contemporary Christian fiction with characters that are just like us, real humans.
Deana is a strong character almost to the point of being unrealistic in that she is unable to fail. Seeing this book as a what could have been story about a young girl who died when hit by a drunk driver, I can understand this, and in this context an amazing girl who refuses to fail in this "second chance" is perfectly represented by Deana. I know a few Deana's and they are remarkable people who will do whatever it takes while maintaining their integrity. It's a fine line and Deana like us pushes her morals perhaps a little farther than some but less than most. Did god pick Deana because of this balance between moral and mission? I can see some Christians finding offence with this premise, they believe that god would not choose someone who would sin in the name of his mission. I don't agree, I think god would have picked someone just like Deana, the best that humanity has to offer while still being human.
On to Leon, the main male character in the novel who is highly dysfunctional. I would have liked to see Leon as more dynamic but for me it really didn't bother me. His character was just one more hurdle for Deana to overcome with God's mission. After my mom read the book we talked a lot about Leon. Leon's character made perfect sense to me but I didn't have the intimate context with someone in Leon's situation to really get it, or the readers who complained about him. For her Leon was a little too real at times... Leon was someone who experienced trauma he couldn't come back from. He was unavailable and this changed very little and I can see how this can make people angry because most of us have people in our lives like this. He may not be dynamic but he is real and I now have more compassion for him and even more compassion for the people who choose to make lives with the Leon's of the world.
This book is definitely motivates me to do better and be better, which I think is the most important aspect of a Christian Fiction book and why I would recommend this book to anyone looking to be inspired to be and do more. The story is inspired and the ending is well done.
An amazing descriptive rendition of how our God works in his, somewhat, blessed way, and how we are blessed for our encouraged beliefs. An exceptionally outstanding Christian masterpiece of heartwarming realistic, and believable, experiences of how our God goes above behind and in rewarding those of us who believe in Him!
Definitely five stars worthy, as Deana's unyielding belief in God's mercy, and never ending love, is always rewarded with blessed results. One of the !most most family-friendly accounting of Christianity I have ever read, other than my Bible. I took my time and savored each and every outstanding storyline, far-reaching quiet a few of the really endearing situations. Outstanding storylines that successfully touches anyone's heartstrings immediately, and a few lines really touches anyone's heartstrings, and the compassionate camaraderie of this outstanding family will grasp your attention and never let go! Definitely one of the most endearing, and heartwarming, renditions of true Christianity I have ever read, other than God's own Gospel, we are taught to live by. I have been touched by many stories throughout my Kindle time, but this is the "most" compelling, and compassionately family-friendly renditions of my reading pleasure. Definitely recommend this realistically motivated masterpiece to all readers, but especially to all you Christian enthusiasts, as you will be completely engrossed from beginning to end. This is truly an outstanding, heartwarming, experience, that gets better with each new during o f the page. Even you non-readers will be intrigued with the compassionate, and intriguing, storylines. Please!!! Do yourselves a favor and try this compassionately, and compelling, masterpiece of heartwarming experiences! You are the loser if you don't!😄
What would you do if God gave you a second chance at life? Would you drop all that is in your comfort zone, pull up your roots, and help save the lives of one family? This is the task God placed before Deana in the story about faith, love, and patience. The pace of the story was fast, but it also made me not want to put it down. Deana is a likable, young character who has the challenge of helping a family after their mother dies. She had her own challenging upbringing, but her Christian values and determination helped her beat the odds that were against her. In her new hometown, she must face temptations that can lead her astray from the deal she made with God. You have to read it to find out how she does it and what happens when every task God has asked her to do has been met. It is a reminder of how we can live according to our beliefs and be a productive, happy member of society. There is an innocence yet maturity that is important to all of the characters who are fortunate enough to have her in their lives. Be prepared for an emotional book that will make you look at your own life that you lead today.
Nice Book.. I just love the way Michael Haden put together this Awesome book. To me it was very interesting and had a quick pace to it, but it is done in a classy way without demeaning any of the characters. The bulk of the book is the romance between an attractive 25-year-old woman and a widowed early thirties man with three young boys. Their courtship is sweet and they fall in love. Deana, the lead character, overcame so much and was truly an inspiration. The book tells the story of Deana who on the verge of death strikes a deal with God. I just love the novel, read it in one sitting. Not only is the writing excellent, the story itself is good and emotional— almost brought tears to the eyes. I don’t want to give away too much of the book, but this is indeed an amazing and inspirational story. The characters are well developed and not perfect which made it easy for readers to relate to this characters. By the end I felt as if I too knew Deana, and I am sad such an incredible young woman never had the chance to reach her full potential in real life.
"A Deal With God: The Power of One" is one of the most wonderfully optimized reading experiences I've had the pleasure of reading in a long time. .
Author Michael Haden spares no creativity in sharing a story of loss and dramatizing how one person's carelessness can create a collateral effect in the lives of a number of people. This book offers a social critique while delivering a plot-rich story that provokes tenderness, wonder and thought.
This top-shelf book draws the reader into the story about one person's power to transform thinking, and ignite a community. A strong spiritual focus and a non-preachy message await readers of this fine book.
Never has a fiction book made obeying God seem so appealing, so rewarding and so necessary..
This tale has all of the right ingredients of a fantastic read. It is the hallmark of inspirational reads and has definite un-put-downable qualities.
A Deal With God is a beautiful, spiritual story of Deana who had a second chance at life. She is the pillar of strength and patience when it comes to raising a family who needs love and guidance when their life is turned upside down. She is inspirational to mothers and fathers who want to raise their children according to Christian values. While she felt as if she was on a strict schedule to save the life of her stepson, she lived life to the fullest and never had any regrets. If God gave me a second chance on life, I don't know if I would have the strength and determination to stay on course. I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to see how Deana dealt with difficult problems raising 3 boys as well as how her life would end up after she fulfilled her deal with God. It had a satisfying, surprise ending. I would recommend this book to those who want a feel-good book with Christian values guided by faith in God's plan.
I knew I was going to love this book from the very beginning! It was such an amazing love story with an ending I wasn't expecting. I fell in love with every single character in the book and felt an emotional connection with them. The author did such an amazing job writing that I still want to know what's goings on in the characters lives. I have to keep reminding myself that they are not real people. :)
Feel Good Reading.. A Deal with God: The Power of One has another winner with tales that make you laugh, think, and sometimes cry. It's perfect for quieting your heart and mind and enjoying the best of stories Another amazing bookby Michael Haden . Many excellent stories to warm your heart! A good read for adults and teens. I believe this is another successful "SOUP" recipe. you can't wait to read it. Recommended
Trust in the Lord and be given gifts greater than you could have imagined. A true love story, both man-woman and parent-child. With a touch of suspense. If God gave you a very explicit (but peculiar) request, could you simply fulfill it? This story will delight you, warm your heart, and make you wish it would never end!
‘A Deal With God: The Power of One: A Christian Romance’ adds to the list of books that I have loved from the start to the very end. This book wasn’t just a typical romance novel. It was realistic, unique and so much more. Not only this book made me fall in love with it from the start, it actually became a guide and taught me how to handle various situations that arise in life. At first, I didn’t fully understand what the book was leading towards but when I could grasp it, I was overjoyed. I was excited to know what would happen next in the book. I loved the main character, Deana Murphy (Samuels), the most. Having her own fair share of problems that deprived her of a precious gift from God, Deana did not give up. What I liked best about her was that she was grateful, thankful and humble. Despite losing her strength, getting injuries in an accident and being in a coma for a long time, she did not lose her footing. She knew that it wasn’t over and that she’d have to struggle to get back what life had snatched away. Deana’s character is truly inspiring and it spiked up my motivation. She taught me that no matter what life throws at me, I can regain my standing position with hard work and unfaltering faith in God. I loved how God sent Deana in the form of a prodigy that would turn the life of the Samuels upside down. Again, it taught me how one can change someone’s life with genuine care and love. It is love that saves the day, I believe, as it has the immense power to bring back someone who has lost his way. How Deana treated the boys, Matthew, Mark and Luke, taught me that one cannot just discipline children with beatings whenever they do something wrong. Deana coping up with the time when Luke threw a tantrum taught me how to deal with such situations in a positive and better way, that would actually not make the child write my name on top of the ‘hate list’. This is how wonderful this book is, it is not just a story. It showers light upon how to act in various situations. This book guides the reader in many aspects. Leon Samuels along with his three boys proved to be my favourite characters as well. I liked how they had their own bond with each other and Deana. I especially loved the parts when Leon and Deana were together. It was very heartwarming and seemed like a special gift for the readers to squeal in admiration. I found myself saying ‘aww’, ‘that’s cute’ and getting excited just like a teenage girl reading her first romance novel. Lester, Claire and Julie were my least favourite characters and even at the end, I did not grow a liking to any of them. As I do not really know much about football, soccer and its rules and tricks, I missed the actual fun that football lovers would experience while reading the matches. Though, they were still a good read because I could feel the tension as I read about the score and what was going on. The places, sites and all mentioned in this book, formed beautiful images in my imagination. I wondered how it would feel like, to actually witness it all in reality; I think I need to add a few somethings to my bucket list. This book was wonderful. The writing style was really good and although it was different from the books I usually read, I really liked it and maybe that was because it seemed like someone was sitting in front and telling me a story. The plot was very realistic and even though the ending was not what I had expected, I was overjoyed! I loved the ending very much. To be honest, I loved every part of this book with all my heart. It was a heartwarming ride and I had a huge grin plastered on my face when I finished reading. I desperately want this book to be turned into a movie. I am sure it would be loved by people all over the world. I really hope that someday, when I search the internet for recent movies, the title ‘A Deal With God: The Power of One’ comes right at the top with a high rating. I am really glad that I got to read this book and review it as well. Recommended to all those who love romance and heartwarming novels. If you happen to be among football/soccer fans, then, you have a sundae with a large cherry on top!
The plot was very realistic and even though the ending was not what I had expected, I was overjoyed! I loved the ending very much. To be honest, I loved every part of this book with all my heart. It was a heartwarming ride and I had a huge grin plastered on my face when I finished reading. I desperately want this book to be turned into a movie. I am sure it would be loved by people all over the world. I really hope that someday, when I search the internet for recent movies, the title ‘A Deal With God: The Power of One’ comes right at the top with a high rating. I am really glad that I got to read this book and review it as well. Recommended to all those who love romance and heartwarming novels. If you happen to be among football/soccer fans, then, you have a sundae with a large cherry on top!
This book felt a bit elementary but was very interesting and kept us involved the whole way through. It was nice to have a book with a happy ending though it led us to believe there would not be.
I don't usually give bad reviews. But...I purchased this book after reading a Good Reads rave review. Shame on me for not reading all the one and two star Amazon reviews. I am VERY disappointed. The writing was horrible. My 13 year old son could have written this better. The storyline started good. This is promoted as a Christian book but it has premarital sex, glorified drinking, partying, and the girl God sends to the man gives him a sexual dance after they all get loaded, but she does not remove her clothes, so it's ok??.
Premarital sex is considered OK becasue they get engaged???
Sport ramblings are woven throughout the book in looooong boring details when major plots only get a few sentences. I skimmed though the final few chapters, bored to tears.
I forced myself to finish this thinking an amazing ending must be coming because of the rave reviews. Nope, shouldn't have bothered.
On the last page an "About the Author" explained the author is a soccer coach for a girls team. With all the sexual remarks in the book (the main male character, his father and his brother are all preoccupied with sex) I would never let my daughter play on his team.
The rave reviews must have been written by friends or soccer players. This is not a well written book. The author needs to read a few basic books on writing fiction.
Deana has been in a terrible tragedy in which God spares her life in return for a favor. Her mission in life takes her further away from her home of origin but her unwavering faith as the events about to unfold take place will assure you that Deana intends to fulfill her end of the bargain with great aplomb. The romance between Deana and a recent widower with three young sons will tug at your heartstrings and I can assure the other reviewers who wrote disparagingly on pre-marital this or that, it’s pretty tame and gracefully handled compared to the way most people “court” nowadays. Of course, the main point is that Deana is the widower’s (Leon) light of his life and a great surrogate mother to his boys. Their upcoming nuptials are one that is “equally yoked” Not only does Deana fulfill her mission like a champ, God rewards her handsomely, as the reader you’ll be in for a lot of great surprises and a renewed appreciation for the power of God’s love, will and promise to keep His devoted children for all eternity.
This book makes me hungry! It talks about cooking a lot- at least once per chapter. And By talking about cooking, I mean that it lists all the ingredients. When it talks about football or soccer, the book describes it in excrushiating detail that does nothing for the story. I've never really read many Christian Fiction books. Are they all written like this? Not my favorite style of writing. This book confuses me so much. It condones putting a bag full of dog sh*t on someone's porch and setting it on fire? I got really upset when they started talking about getting rid of the "stuffy" old church music. What's wrong with that? I finished this book just because I had hope for it, but it wasn't worth it.
The minute I downloaded this book onto my Kindle I couldn't put it down. The author puts you into the lives of the six main characters and the rest is a fascinating ride. The main character is Deana. She has amazing people skills. She is a woman of Faith. She treats people with respect and compassion even if they don't deserve it. She marries a man, at God's request, and helps him to raise his three sons as if they are her own. Everything she does she gives supreme effort and it is wonderful to see her new family prosper under her tutelage. Her interactions with the boys is heartfelt. Luke's first day of school brought me to tears. A deal with God is one I would highly recommend. 5 stars.
I had some conflict in reading this story. Yes, a man wrote the story and his perspective he wrote Deana's story. Full on pace for those 7years which I got very tired for the pace Deana went. I didn't realise she was only given an extension of life and I guess you want to leave a mark behind. I just found that money just seemed to come and life was ok/ hunky dory. Maybe in the states not here in Aussie land. Not a huge sport fan either. Even though the story covers forgiveness, redemption and grace it seemed Deana tried to control matters where I know in reality you have to let go. next book.
Hmmm, I haven't read a lot of books that include GOD. It was a little strange for me at first and I could not quite understand it. Then again, while I continued reading it started getting to me. I began understanding.
For me "Deal with God" is one of those books that you can see trough your ow eyes. One of those books in which you can always find something suitable for you, something that can help you while you are reading it. What I found inside that book was Deanah's will to survive and go around with her wife..... If she could manage it, that I can too!!!!
It gave me the strength and the stimulus I needed! Thank you!
I enjoyed this story of redemption,2nd chances and family. God sends a young woman to help a struggling family in a small town. A father and his three small boys lose their wife and mother. God sees fit to send a replacement. She turns out to be no ordinary step-mom or secondary wife. She is the real deal, pardon the pun. She (Deana) puts her heart and soul into God's request and quite a romance ensues with the male lead (Leon). She also whips the boys into shape with amazing parenting skills. The novel mixes romance, fantasy and Faith into one terrific story.
I picked up "A Deal With God" on a whim and I have to say it's a fascinating read. Deana, the girl in the story, is killed by a drunk-driver and begs God for another chance at life. Her wish is granted and she is allowed to return to Earth. The deal is, however, that she must do a mission for God. She must help a little boy and his family overcome their problems.
I loved the story and the writing. It inspired me to think about the way I live my life-- and to make each moment count. Awe-inspiring stuff!
A Deal With God-The Power of One delivers a great story about Faith, devotion and love. It really, truly is amazing what some people will do to follow their beliefs. This story chronicles the life of a young woman killed by a drunk driver. Her actual biography is almost unbelievable and then the author takes things a step further. What if Deana's life didn't end at the scene of the traffic fatality. What if she would have lived. What ensues is a wonderful projection of the remarkable young ladies' life.
Interesting and original plot. The male protagonist could have been stronger. He needed to grow as a person. The author didn't show this. There were a lot of sports play by plays. Other than that it was a very straight forward read. Not to terrible. It dragged on for a few years. Giving updates on holidays and birthdays.
"Deal" is the story of a young woman taken from us way too soon. The story is set in an alternate reality in which the character lives instead of dies. It is written this way to show the significant loss and void left by her passing. The what if premise makes the reader appreciate the sanctity of life and helps those that knew her find solace in God's love and mercy.
A very interesting premise for this book- Deana makes a deal with God and we learn about what happens to her in the future. I loved the surprise ending! I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
This book is marked as Christian. I won’t go much into the plot. Rebeccah Samuels’ story lasts for only six pages. The rest of the book is Deana Murphy’s story.
Although I don’t agree with how the author portrays God in this “deal-making”, I admit it could make for an interesting plot.
Leon is the widower of Rebeccah, left with three young boys. He went completely to pieces, not because he loved his wife so much, but rather that he had no idea of how to be a father or look after the house, himself, or the children. Then Deana entered his life. Leon is a “taker” rather than a “giver” and it is Deana who does all the giving.
Deana is just too good to be true. The author really needed to give her at least one flaw as I felt she wasn’t a real person. No-one in real life is good at everything she touches, and whom everyone who meets her instantly likes or loves her. Not realistic at all. (Stepford Wives kept popping into my head). I also felt that quite a few of her actions didn’t mesh with the persona created, and at one point I felt like gagging when a tongue and an ear were involved. Really? TMI and should have been left out. For a devout Christian, Deana’s decision to become intimate with Leon if they were engaged rang false. For a woman with a traumatic childhood and no experience with men, she seemed to know a LOT about the physical side of a relationship. Deana also had a very high opinion of herself and once told her brother-in-law that she was not just going to be a good wife and mother, but a great one because she excels at everything she does!
I also found it very strange that a Pastor would more or less blackmail a young woman into playing guitar and singing in church, to increase the numbers of attendees, and discard a long-standing organist without so much as a second thought. Not terribly Christian. I could go on. The eldest son having a girlfriend at 11 years of age and kissing. They are children for crying out aloud. Why is this acceptable?
I struggled to 65% of the book, then just skimmed, often skipping pages at a time. The writing is very poor and choppy with very short sentences and is not well-edited. The characters are one-dimensional, little more than cardboard cut-outs, and I didn’t feel involved with their lives at all. In fact, by the end, I was so grateful to get there that I gave myself a treat for perseverance. The characters talk about God, pray, and go to church, but I would not classify this as a “Christian” book.