A Familiar Ring: A Novel

by Roger Terry

This must be Jerry Carlson's lucky day. Even though his life has been in a downward spiral ever since the woman he loved rejected him, things are now looking up--all because of a phone call he answered while sitting in his usual down-town spot with his "help" sign and cup. Now his life will never be the same. All Jerry has to do is follow the instructions of Max, the voice on the phone, and good things happen. Soon Jerry's dreams of love and success are all coming true. But there's a catch. At some point, Jerry must give back everything he gains. Everything! And now that he has others to care for, that day seems to be coming much too soon. An engaging and insightful story of faith and service, A Familiar Ring is a warm and timeless tale where the smallest miracles can have a far-reaching effect.

Genres: Lds Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was a wonderful book to read at this time of year! Made me so grateful for my life, my family, the gospel. It is written by an LDS author, but it is from the perspective of non-members living in SLC. Very good!!! A book I literally couldn't put down!

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say this story, really held my attention and left me feeling content and spiritually touched. An easy couple of hours well spent.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Dorry Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book interesting even tho it is pretty unrealistic. It helped me see a little how people on the streets live. It also showed how a person could make a life for himself with help.

[Janaleefish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather predictable book. I felt drawn in just to see if what I thought was going to happen would happen. I won't say if it did or didn't but it did draw out many parallels to the Savior and it really defines what faith is and how powerful it can be in all of us. Another "feel good" feeling book. Also a very quick read, not thick, but full of lessons in a few pages with lots of places to stop in each chapter making it easy to pick up and put down inbetween household chores and mommy jobs!

[Brooke romney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This deserves a 3.5. It's Mormon fiction, fast entertaining, a nice story with a good theme. The beginning is better than the end. The end is too dramatic and too rushed. The main character is likable and it's a fun premise to read about. It was a good break from more serious books. It would be a fun Christmas read.

[Janell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had a hard time deciding how to rate this book but it was an enjoyable read. Probably 3 1/2 stars.

5 stars - Intriguing and unique plot
4 stars - Thought-provoking / Kept my interest
3 stars - Fairly enjoyable main character / Some fun plot twists
2 stars - Left a few unresolved side stories / Conclusion was too abrupt / Somewhat predictable / A bit overly dramatic at times

[Sandra Barrus · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a cute story... I'm glad I read it. It was fun to see what new things would happen when the cell phone rang each Christmas, but I think other aspects of this story were a bit predictable. Still a fun read!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is Max? Whoever he his, I'd sure like to have his guiding hand in my life. Jerry Carlson may have given up on life, but his amazing recovery because he chose to answer a ringing telephone was a joy to read.

[Jayanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really fun book. I loved the ending (thought provoking).

[Cambrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book about a homeless man in Salt Lake City. Has a make-believe twist (that might bug some people) but I thought it was very interesting.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick entertaining book.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the journey of a man from being homeless on the streets to a successful man with a family. He learns to have faith and to serve others. Very thought-provoking.

[Charissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

LDS fiction; quick, fun read. Deals with homeless man and how he gets help to make his life a success by helping others.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good book that starts with a homeless man. It was a good story.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It gives a person hope and something to live for (you will know what I mean when you read it). It is a five star worty. I have this book if anyone wants to borrow it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was different. I saw an excerpt from it in another book I read and was intrigued. Has a good message. The ending is a little too neat and tidy though.

[Shaundell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very predicable Mormon fiction book. Liked the beginning better than the end.