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Kinsman #1
The Invitation
Kevin Marshall is trapped in a miserable existence with a boss and a fiancé who despise him.
The Monday night before Thanksgiving, however, through an act of kindness to a stranger, Kevin receives an invitation to begin a new life and awakens the next morning to find himself living his dream.
Now Kevin must discover how to let go of his past and accept the invitation for himself before his new life ends as suddenly as it began.
You are invited…to experience the power of faith, the joy of love and the magic of Christmas in this holiday story of life choices and second chances.
The Monday night before Thanksgiving, however, through an act of kindness to a stranger, Kevin receives an invitation to begin a new life and awakens the next morning to find himself living his dream.
Now Kevin must discover how to let go of his past and accept the invitation for himself before his new life ends as suddenly as it began.
You are invited…to experience the power of faith, the joy of love and the magic of Christmas in this holiday story of life choices and second chances.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 23, 2016
331 people are currently reading
369 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Swann
30 books68 followersJoyce Swann has been a Christian since childhood and a prayer warrior for over forty years. She became nationally-known in the 1990's because of her work homeschooling her ten children from the first grade through masters’ degrees before their seventeenth birthdays. She has been featured on Paul Harvey's weekly radio program, CBN and the 1990's CBS series “How'd They Do That?” She has been interviewed by "Woman's World", "The National Enquirer", and numerous regional newspapers. The story of the Swann family has also been featured in "National Review" and several books about homeschooling success stories.
Joyce is author of "The Warrior", which has been downloaded over 100,000 times on Kindle, and co-author of five novels, including "The Fourth Kingdom", which was selected as a top four finalist in the "Christianity Today" 2011 fiction of the year awards, two children's books ("The McAloon" series) and a collection of holiday stories ("The Holiday Collection"). She was a popular columnist for "Practical Homeschooling" for nearly a decade, and she has retold her own story of homeschooling her ten children in "Looking Backward: My Twenty-Five Years as a Homeschooling Mother."
She is also author of the young adult series, "N". Book Two of the series, "N: The Shadow of the Cross" was published in the fall of 2016.
Joyce and her husband of over 50 years, John, live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Joyce is author of "The Warrior", which has been downloaded over 100,000 times on Kindle, and co-author of five novels, including "The Fourth Kingdom", which was selected as a top four finalist in the "Christianity Today" 2011 fiction of the year awards, two children's books ("The McAloon" series) and a collection of holiday stories ("The Holiday Collection"). She was a popular columnist for "Practical Homeschooling" for nearly a decade, and she has retold her own story of homeschooling her ten children in "Looking Backward: My Twenty-Five Years as a Homeschooling Mother."
She is also author of the young adult series, "N". Book Two of the series, "N: The Shadow of the Cross" was published in the fall of 2016.
Joyce and her husband of over 50 years, John, live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 1, 2018
Sooner or later, everyone receives an invitation. When you receive yours, how will you respond? Because of some poor choices made due to his low self esteem, Kevin Marshall finds himself seemingly trapped in a dead end job where he’s miserable with a boss who seems to find great pleasure in making him miserable and in an incredibly unhealthy relationship with a fiancé who hates him, or seems to anyway. But, Kevin truly sees no way out. He doesn’t see any way he’ll find another job because he’s actually a terrible interview because when he’s feeling nervousness awkwardly reverts to telling self-depreciating jokes that tend to give the interviewer serious doubts about his abilities. It’s this same quality that ensures that Kevin is just as bad a first date as he is an interview. Because of this he feels like staying with his fiancé is his only option, unless he wants to be alone. So he works all kinds of crazy hours and even takes a huge advance at work to pay for the wedding she wants, making it even more difficult for him to find another job. But, then, the night before Thanksgiving, through an act of random kindness to a stranger, Kevin is given an invitation to begin a brand new life. He, then, wakes up the next morning to find himself living the life he’s only previously dreamed of. Now all Kevin has to do is figure out how to let go of his past and accept the invitation for himself, before it’s too late.
I absolutely adored this sweet, heartwarming story! It was such an interesting concept and I loved the parallel to the kinsman redeemer, from the Book of Ruth. The story of Ruth and Boaz has always been one of my favorite Bible stories and symbol for the sacrifice our kinsman redeemer, Jesus, made. I was entranced from the first paragraph all the way through and wouldn’t have been able to even put it down if I hadn’t had to work today. There are some really wonderful themes like the importance of being able to let go of your past so that it doesn’t hold you back from your present and future, and that if you don’t know what you want, you’ll never achieve it. Another important theme is the need to be able to forgive the people who have hurt you, not necessarily because they are in some way deserving of being forgiven., but because you can’t really move forward if you’re clinging to the hurts of yesti, and you’ll never be truly happy if you’re holding onto bitterness. This story isn’t just entertaining as it really does make you think about a lot of things. And it was also well written enough that I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of this series and more from these two authors.
I absolutely adored this sweet, heartwarming story! It was such an interesting concept and I loved the parallel to the kinsman redeemer, from the Book of Ruth. The story of Ruth and Boaz has always been one of my favorite Bible stories and symbol for the sacrifice our kinsman redeemer, Jesus, made. I was entranced from the first paragraph all the way through and wouldn’t have been able to even put it down if I hadn’t had to work today. There are some really wonderful themes like the importance of being able to let go of your past so that it doesn’t hold you back from your present and future, and that if you don’t know what you want, you’ll never achieve it. Another important theme is the need to be able to forgive the people who have hurt you, not necessarily because they are in some way deserving of being forgiven., but because you can’t really move forward if you’re clinging to the hurts of yesti, and you’ll never be truly happy if you’re holding onto bitterness. This story isn’t just entertaining as it really does make you think about a lot of things. And it was also well written enough that I’m definitely looking forward to reading more of this series and more from these two authors.
November 26, 2022
Enjoyed this quick story. It’s always nice to think there is someone looking out for you!
February 16, 2017
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the series. I won it in a contest and it was a good read!
January 4, 2017
Kevin was a man who made poor choices all his life. Living with a self-absorbed woman, he gave her everything she wanted, without regard to how unwise it was, until he was $25,000 in debt. Due to his poor self-esteem he worked at a dead end job making little enough to live on, let alone offering up everything to a woman who clearly didn't truly love him back.
One day he's offered a new life...problem is, it's like an alternate reality. He has no idea where he really is, nor can he get in touch with people in his old life. But he's so happy...until another challenge comes his way...
I think this book has potential. Slightly incomplete, and decisions were made without enough explanation. Delving into the decision making processes would have added a lot. The book wasn't too long, so the added pages to help explain things wouldn't have hurt.
I had a problem with two people falling in love without enough time. They only knew each other like, a week. One of them was a believer, while the other was not. The believer fell in love with this man who was living with, and engaged to another woman. The man had a good heart, but lived a life completely apart from God. This unequally yoked aspect is just not biblical.
But I loved the lessons Kevin learned, the wise and thoughtful choices he now made, and the way he changed and grew. Oh, and the lessons on forgiveness were spot-on!! Best part of the book!
The writing was good and kept my interest to the end. 3 1/2 stars
One day he's offered a new life...problem is, it's like an alternate reality. He has no idea where he really is, nor can he get in touch with people in his old life. But he's so happy...until another challenge comes his way...
I think this book has potential. Slightly incomplete, and decisions were made without enough explanation. Delving into the decision making processes would have added a lot. The book wasn't too long, so the added pages to help explain things wouldn't have hurt.
I had a problem with two people falling in love without enough time. They only knew each other like, a week. One of them was a believer, while the other was not. The believer fell in love with this man who was living with, and engaged to another woman. The man had a good heart, but lived a life completely apart from God. This unequally yoked aspect is just not biblical.
But I loved the lessons Kevin learned, the wise and thoughtful choices he now made, and the way he changed and grew. Oh, and the lessons on forgiveness were spot-on!! Best part of the book!
The writing was good and kept my interest to the end. 3 1/2 stars
October 8, 2017
What a heart warming story. Kevin Marshall has found himself in a job he feels he'll never be able to leave. He has a fiance who is bleeding him dry financially and shows no love for him. kevin receives an invitation to a new life. He ignores it but has a chance to see what this life could be like. The contrast with the life he is living is amazing. He realizes he really messed up in not accepting the invitation when it was offered. Can he have a second chance? Maybe that is a thought for many of us.
December 17, 2025
This short novel (192 pages) is set over Thanksgiving and Christmas, a perfect read this time of year.
Kevin Marshall has a miserable life. He’s stuck in a dead-end job with a boss who belittles him, and engaged to a woman who takes him for granted. Her primary concern is how much overtime he can work to pay for the lavish wedding she wants.
Truly pitiful. Then shortly before Thanksgiving, he encounters a homeless man on a cold night. Much like the Good Samaritan in the Bible, he can’t ignore the stranger’s needs. Kevin gets him a meal then puts him up in a motel, even though he’s spending money he can’t afford to part with. When he returns home, he finds an invitation in his pocket “to begin a new life.”
Thinking the whole thing a joke, he goes to bed but wakes the next morning to find his meager apartment replaced by a mansion. He soon discovers he has a personal driver, plus a high-end job in a satisfying position that enables him to do more than crunch numbers. He also meets a woman he thinks he might be falling in love with.
The mother/daughter team of authors do a wonderful job of making the reader feel Kevin’s bewilderment, awe, and hope, as various emotions play out over the course of the book. It’s hard not to cheer for the guy, especially because he has such a good heart, and has been treated shabbily by several people in his life. My heart broke for him when he visited his college roommate’s family over a Christmas holiday (a memory he looks back on) but soared when he used his new job to help others.
As for the faith elements—WOW! Is it possible to be subtle plus front and center at the same time? The Christian reader will spot intriguing parallels, like a giant tarantula representing the world and sin, and how a father cares for his children, constantly forgiving them when they wrong. I found the tarantula’s riddle, along with its subtle hints to prophecy in the Book of Daniel to be brilliant.
So how does it all wrap up—Kevin’s new life and his old one? You’ll have to read the book to find out, and I suggest you do. Although the first of a series, the story is complete to itself.
I took off half a star for just a wee bit of a slow beginning. Once Kevin meets the homeless man the story is off and running! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for review purposes.
If you want a heartwarming holiday story, layered with beautiful messages of faith, this book is a sure win!
Kevin Marshall has a miserable life. He’s stuck in a dead-end job with a boss who belittles him, and engaged to a woman who takes him for granted. Her primary concern is how much overtime he can work to pay for the lavish wedding she wants.
Truly pitiful. Then shortly before Thanksgiving, he encounters a homeless man on a cold night. Much like the Good Samaritan in the Bible, he can’t ignore the stranger’s needs. Kevin gets him a meal then puts him up in a motel, even though he’s spending money he can’t afford to part with. When he returns home, he finds an invitation in his pocket “to begin a new life.”
Thinking the whole thing a joke, he goes to bed but wakes the next morning to find his meager apartment replaced by a mansion. He soon discovers he has a personal driver, plus a high-end job in a satisfying position that enables him to do more than crunch numbers. He also meets a woman he thinks he might be falling in love with.
The mother/daughter team of authors do a wonderful job of making the reader feel Kevin’s bewilderment, awe, and hope, as various emotions play out over the course of the book. It’s hard not to cheer for the guy, especially because he has such a good heart, and has been treated shabbily by several people in his life. My heart broke for him when he visited his college roommate’s family over a Christmas holiday (a memory he looks back on) but soared when he used his new job to help others.
As for the faith elements—WOW! Is it possible to be subtle plus front and center at the same time? The Christian reader will spot intriguing parallels, like a giant tarantula representing the world and sin, and how a father cares for his children, constantly forgiving them when they wrong. I found the tarantula’s riddle, along with its subtle hints to prophecy in the Book of Daniel to be brilliant.
So how does it all wrap up—Kevin’s new life and his old one? You’ll have to read the book to find out, and I suggest you do. Although the first of a series, the story is complete to itself.
I took off half a star for just a wee bit of a slow beginning. Once Kevin meets the homeless man the story is off and running! 4.5 stars rounded up to 5 for review purposes.
If you want a heartwarming holiday story, layered with beautiful messages of faith, this book is a sure win!
December 28, 2025
great read
Sooner or later, everyone receives an invitation. When you receive yours, how will you respond?
Kevin is in a dead end job with a toxic boss that keeps him beaten down, a very demanding and ungrateful fiancé, he lives in a city he hates and it’s just drudgery day in and day out. He dreams of a better life but there is no escaping the hole he is in. One day, he receives an invitation from a homeless stranger and he wakes up in a completely different reality with a wonderful job and career, a fabulous home and he meets a woman who has swept him off his feet. Will he accept this invitation of a new life or return to what he knows and has grown comfortable with?
Sooner or later, everyone receives an invitation. When you receive yours, how will you respond?
Kevin is in a dead end job with a toxic boss that keeps him beaten down, a very demanding and ungrateful fiancé, he lives in a city he hates and it’s just drudgery day in and day out. He dreams of a better life but there is no escaping the hole he is in. One day, he receives an invitation from a homeless stranger and he wakes up in a completely different reality with a wonderful job and career, a fabulous home and he meets a woman who has swept him off his feet. Will he accept this invitation of a new life or return to what he knows and has grown comfortable with?
December 28, 2025
Sooner or later, everyone receives an invitation. When you receive yours, how will you respond?
Kevin is in a dead end job with a toxic boss that keeps him beaten down, a very demanding and ungrateful fiancé, he lives in a city he hates and it’s just drudgery day in and day out. He dreams of a better life but there is no escaping the hole he is in. One day, he receives an invitation from a homeless stranger and he wakes up in a completely different reality with a wonderful job and career, a fabulous home and he meets a woman who has swept him off his feet. Will he accept this invitation of a new life or return to what he knows and has grown comfortable with?
Kevin is in a dead end job with a toxic boss that keeps him beaten down, a very demanding and ungrateful fiancé, he lives in a city he hates and it’s just drudgery day in and day out. He dreams of a better life but there is no escaping the hole he is in. One day, he receives an invitation from a homeless stranger and he wakes up in a completely different reality with a wonderful job and career, a fabulous home and he meets a woman who has swept him off his feet. Will he accept this invitation of a new life or return to what he knows and has grown comfortable with?
August 31, 2018
Another "Can't Put It Down" Book!
This is the third book I have read by one of the Swann team and I have loved each one. They are the kind of wonderful, even unbelievable, tales that Hallmark movies should be grabbing up. This story was uplifting in ways that just leave you wanting more. I can hardly wait to read the sequel.
This is the third book I have read by one of the Swann team and I have loved each one. They are the kind of wonderful, even unbelievable, tales that Hallmark movies should be grabbing up. This story was uplifting in ways that just leave you wanting more. I can hardly wait to read the sequel.
December 20, 2019
Great, uplifting story with a great message
I selected this book, as the synopsis sounded different than the usual boilerplate books with which I am so bored. The theme of this came through loud and clear without the "in your face" drivel. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something different, yet morally strong.
I selected this book, as the synopsis sounded different than the usual boilerplate books with which I am so bored. The theme of this came through loud and clear without the "in your face" drivel. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for something different, yet morally strong.
December 22, 2019
Intriguing
The name of this book should be "What do you want?" . The main characters journey and final understanding of his situation was a rollercoaster ride. You think, at first, this is a paranormal story. It is not, but the mystery will keep you reading. I would read this again.
The name of this book should be "What do you want?" . The main characters journey and final understanding of his situation was a rollercoaster ride. You think, at first, this is a paranormal story. It is not, but the mystery will keep you reading. I would read this again.
December 29, 2021
Excellent surprise
I had never read anything by these authors so didn't know what to expect. I don't even know what category to put the story in except to use words like 'surprising, unexpectedly enjoyable.' I am full of hope that as I read the rest of this series it will be as enjoyable and thought provoking.
I had never read anything by these authors so didn't know what to expect. I don't even know what category to put the story in except to use words like 'surprising, unexpectedly enjoyable.' I am full of hope that as I read the rest of this series it will be as enjoyable and thought provoking.
December 2, 2025
Very Thought-provoking!
I was not familiar with these authors, but glad I have this book a try. Definitely written as an allegory, it is also very thought-provoking! Great messages of forgiveness, second chances (or even more), and obedience to when God calls us and invited us closer to Him.
I was not familiar with these authors, but glad I have this book a try. Definitely written as an allegory, it is also very thought-provoking! Great messages of forgiveness, second chances (or even more), and obedience to when God calls us and invited us closer to Him.
December 24, 2025
I listened to this enchanting story on audible. I read the review on the Well-Read Fish, so it beckoned me to purchase it. I did on Kindle, and since I was traveling, I purchased the discounted audible version.
Let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed this story about life's lessons. I won's say more except I loved its originality and am so pleased I heard about. So many books remain in obscurity. Don't miss this sparkling jewel.
Let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed this story about life's lessons. I won's say more except I loved its originality and am so pleased I heard about. So many books remain in obscurity. Don't miss this sparkling jewel.
August 24, 2021
Awesome Book
I loved this book! I would not group it into any age group for reading. It is all around a very enjoyable book for any age group.
I’m anxious to read more of her books.
I loved this book! I would not group it into any age group for reading. It is all around a very enjoyable book for any age group.
I’m anxious to read more of her books.
December 24, 2022
Happily Ever After
Fun read! It made me think about the Invitation my Savior extends to all. It’ll take faith, elbow grease, hope, & a lot of forgiveness, but a wonderful life is directly in my reach.
Fun read! It made me think about the Invitation my Savior extends to all. It’ll take faith, elbow grease, hope, & a lot of forgiveness, but a wonderful life is directly in my reach.
January 2, 2023
a new life?
For a while, this book reminded me of the Twilight Zone! It especially spoke to me about not being afraid of the unknown. Will I accept the invitations God offers me?
For a while, this book reminded me of the Twilight Zone! It especially spoke to me about not being afraid of the unknown. Will I accept the invitations God offers me?
November 26, 2025
very thought provoking
This author takes one on a journey with Kevin who has insecurities and has made some unwise decisions. He is challenged to be better. Kevin challenges us to also exam in our lives and make wiser decisions to help us live happier more satisfying lives. Great read
This author takes one on a journey with Kevin who has insecurities and has made some unwise decisions. He is challenged to be better. Kevin challenges us to also exam in our lives and make wiser decisions to help us live happier more satisfying lives. Great read
December 10, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! It was exciting and unique. These authors kept me interested in the mystery, and it was such a fun read for the Christmas season. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
August 5, 2017
I know what I want
Uplifting, enlightening, and happy. Actually I have already accepted my invitation. It is to know Him that gives me all i need.
Uplifting, enlightening, and happy. Actually I have already accepted my invitation. It is to know Him that gives me all i need.
December 5, 2018
Uplifting
I really enjoyed this book. I have me a sense of hope. I could put myself in the place of the main character and try to make the same decisions or similar.
I really enjoyed this book. I have me a sense of hope. I could put myself in the place of the main character and try to make the same decisions or similar.
August 4, 2021
Great book
April 2, 2022
Great book
The story in this book is a very life-changing one. I really enjoyed reading it and believe that you will too.
The story in this book is a very life-changing one. I really enjoyed reading it and believe that you will too.
July 25, 2022
An invitation arrives for you to change your life, will you accept it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2023
Great for the holidays
I’m happy that I read this book.
It has a good message. I’m glad to accept that message.
Happy Holidays! I wish you a Merry Christmas!!
I’m happy that I read this book.
It has a good message. I’m glad to accept that message.
Happy Holidays! I wish you a Merry Christmas!!
March 2, 2024
Inspired!
I've read thousands of books over the years and every once in a while I am moved by one. This is one of those... Needless to say I highly recommend it!
I've read thousands of books over the years and every once in a while I am moved by one. This is one of those... Needless to say I highly recommend it!
November 19, 2025
I enjoyed this parable, and I respect what the authors were trying to do, but the writing was a little dry and slow. I did love the ending, though.
November 20, 2025
Wow
What an amazing book! I loved it. Its kind of story that explains what we are all offered. What it costs to accept the ultimate invitation.
What an amazing book! I loved it. Its kind of story that explains what we are all offered. What it costs to accept the ultimate invitation.
December 12, 2025
Beautiful
Wonderful way to present forgiveness as the door to freedom and a new life.
I was very caught up by the story.
Beautiful, indeed.
Wonderful way to present forgiveness as the door to freedom and a new life.
I was very caught up by the story.
Beautiful, indeed.
November 25, 2025
I found this story to be weird and not very engaging. Not recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews