Overcomer (Softcover), The Official Novelization Based on the Overcomer Movie, This Inspirational Book Also Available in Hardcover and E-Book

by Chris Fabry, Kendrick Bros LLC (Producer)

The Official Novelization based on the Overcomer Movie
Based on the motion picture screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, Overcomer is one of 2019's best inspirational books. In this sports novel, award-winning author Chris Fabry pens an inspiring family drama that dares to leave you filled with hope, inspired to dream, and asks the question: What do you allow to define you?

Life changes overnight for coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who's pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a newfound friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.

Filled with a powerful mix of faith, a twist of humor, and a ton of heart, Overcomer will resonate with all ages, races and genders.
Based on the Overcomer screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick--the creators of highly successful films like War Room, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous

Includes Production and Movie Photos
Includes Discussion Guide

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Audiobook, Media Tie In, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

Chris Fabry is an award-winning author and radio personality who hosts the daily program Chris Fabry Live on Moody Radio. He is also heard on Love Worth Finding, Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman, and other radio programs. A 1982 graduate of the W. Page Pitt School of Journalism at Marshall University and native of West Virginia, Chris and his wife, Andrea, now live in Arizona and are the parents of nine children.

Chris' novels, which include Dogwood, June Bug, Almost Heaven, Not in the Heart, Borders of the Heart, Every Waking Moment, The Promise of Jesse Woods, Looking into You, Under a Cloudless Sky, and A Piece of the Moon, have won five Christy Awards, an ECPA Christian Book Award, and two Christianity Today Book Awards of Merit, but it's his lyrical prose and tales of redemption that keep readers returning for more.

Chris has also published more than 70 other books, ranging from nonfiction and film novelizations, including the Kendrick brothers' War Room and Overcomer, to novels for children and young adults. He coauthored the Left Behind: The Kids series with Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye, as well as the Red Rock Mysteries and The Wormling series with Jerry B. Jenkins. RPM is his latest series for kids and explores the exciting world of NASCAR.

Visit Chris' website at www.chrisfabry.com.

Reviews

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books like this one make me glad I'm a reader.

I wanted to check this one out simply because it features the Kendrick brothers, and I really enjoyed their previous work, Facing the Giants. This book, written by Chris Fabry but connected to the upcoming "Overcomer" movie, is a 5-star read and is similar in nature to Facing the Giants. There's a small-town in the backdrop, a high school sports theme featuring an underdog, and a seemingly hopeless situation for more than one of the characters in the script.

What is so great about the book is the plausibility of the plot. There's a teenage girl who competes in cross country but has just gotten kicked out of her school and has nowhere to go. She's being raised by her grandmother after her parents were involved in a tragic situation and were no longer around to raise her. She has asthma, but she has no friends. She has trouble trusting others. She gets an opportunity to attend a private school through a mysterious benefactor, but her past still haunts her as she tries to fit in and make meaningful connections in a new place.

There's also a championship caliber basketball coach who is finally on the verge of a state title. Not long after finishing their season, coming so close to a title and with solid hope for the next season, the largest employer in town shuts their doors and thus begins a mass exodus of the citizens of the town along with about half of the student population, resulting in the school having to scale back the athletic and extracurricular offerings to students, including basketball. The coach's first instinct is to become bitter and question God.

For a while in the book, things look hopeless. And even when things begin to look like they are starting to turn around, there are additional setbacks. In that sense, the story is very realistic... and relatable. The author does an outstanding job of presenting the thoughts of each of the characters in a way that connects the reader to what is happening on an emotional level. When the basketball coach finds himself in crisis, he prays sincerely, and the author gives us a glimpse into his thoughts and struggles, and the reader learns that his own struggles are a lot like those of the coach. When the troubled cross-country runner begins to question God and His goodness while also beginning to discover the grace she never knew she needed from Him, her thoughts are sincere and may mirror those of the reader.

And then the reader begins to see how God can really work in and through difficult circumstances. The answers may not always be what was expected, and the endings are not always happy ones, but there is substance in the discovery of God's love, and I don't remember ever finding a book that articulates that in such a real way as this book does. This book is a faith-booster and God is at work in so many different situations in this book that anyone who picks this up will find something to connect with somewhere among these chapters. If you've ever questioned anything about God and who He is or what He is doing in your life, and you're looking for answers in practical and relatable terms, don't miss this book.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a good book

[Leslie McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s hard to write this review without including any spoilers. I read a lot of books, and I don't give out too many five-star reviews, but this one is certainly worthy of it. To keep it short and to the point, the message is something I needed to hear, and I think many others will feel the same way.

The book is divided into four parts (The Coach, The Question, The Answer, and The Voice). Throughout the book, Fabry’s characters are a reminder that life doesn’t always turn out as we expect.

You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Going into Overcomer, I knew exactly what I was going to get; no surprises were in store for me. The sitcom-style neatness of the ending might not appeal to all readers (I admit I do like a bit of messiness at times), but I was fully along for the ride. Don't let its 400-page length scare you off: a slightly larger than normal font size and quick chapters made flying through this book a breeze! While Overcomer is my first novel of Fabry's, I actually own another. I'm thinking it's time to dig it out from the depths of my bookshelves and dive in! If you're a fan of feel-good novels, Overcomer is for you.

For the full review and more, head over to The Pretty Good Gatsby!

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coach John Harrison's life changes when his dreams for his high school basketball team are crushed under startling news. The largest manufacturing plant company in town shuts down and hundreds of families are without jobs and start moving away. John tries to face the challenges having to do with his family and his basketball team. Soon, the principal of the school urges John to coach a new sport he doesn't like. Cross-country. John crosses paths with a struggling student and both of their lives are changed forever.

I read this movie a couple weeks prior to reading the book. They are basically the exact same. I mean, it wasn't bad. It just wasn't different. I knew what to expect so it feels like I'm reviewing the movie. My favorite character was Will. He was a young character in the book but his faith was astounding. His faith in God, and in his family. He prayed without needing to be told and believes in Hannah all of the time. Something that was different in the book was they showcased Hannah making friends. In the movie, that part was brushed aside. I mean, that wasn't the big picture anyway. I liked how she had friends in the book. It showed that she was still a normal person.

[Morgan Giesbrecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had seen the film version of this story, and while I wasn’t enamoured with it—the message was good, but the storyline was lacking—I decided to give the book a try.

All said and done, the book was just okay. The POV style took some getting used to, and it was rather far removed from the heart of the characters. There were also long passages of narration with info dumps and telling instead of showing.

I found the message of identity and forgiveness to be well done, and the ending was the best part in my opinion. Very sweet.

[Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story, but War Room and Courageous were better (In my humble opinion). There was more humour in those stories. However, in saying that, this book does pose some tough reflective questions, so it well worth a read.

[Jon Motschenbacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

An encouragement!

This book is ment for everyone to read, and should be read for years to come. The story line is captivating, and the characters feel real. It was a blessing reading this book!😀

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Forgiveness is a gift you have to open every day. First, you open it for yourself and receive it. Once you do that, you wrap it up and give it to somebody else." - Hannah's grandmother

Really good story with powerful spiritual themes - faith, forgiveness, repentance, prayer, second chances. Doing one's best when the deck seems stacked against you. God's faithfulness and plans to bring about good into our lives. I loved the characters and was inspired by Hannah and her father. ("God had used a blind man to show him what he couldn't see.")

Christian fiction at its best. Highly recommended.

[Brian Tooley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this movie when it came out last August. I loved the movie so much. The book is exactly like the movie, and it gives a little more background on Hannah's life.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have watched the movie many times which was great And people say that the movies vs the books, books usually are better which is so true in this case They both are inspirational

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed. :)

[A.C. Cuddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changes overnight for Coach John Harrison when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news.

When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy, meet an aspiring athlete who’s pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a newfound friend, John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race of the year.”

 Overcomer by Chris Fabry

“What do you allow to define you?”

With the upcoming release of Overcomer - the movie - slated for later this month, I decided to read the book. Rarely does any book capture my attention like this one did. Even more rare does any book evoke an emotional response from me, as this one did.

It is difficult to write this review without spoilers, so I will only give my thoughts and impressions of the story and leave the reader to embrace the goodness and pursue their own journey of overcoming.

The Book is divided into 4 parts (The Coach, The Question, The Answer, and The Voice) that will take the reader through a year long journey of 4 distinct characters - John the Coach, Hannah Scott, Barbara Scott and T-Bone (aka Thomas Hill).  Through these rich and relatable characters, we are reminded that sometimes God’s plan for our life doesn’t always follow what we want for our life.

We are privileged to journey through this particular year as these characters come to terms with disappointment at the loss of what was, disillusionment of what is coming, apprehension and trepidation of our expectations of ourselves and our lives and the burdens we all carry, both real or self-imposed.

Do not be surprised when this book leaves you evaluating who you really are … and Whose they really are. It’s a decidedly emotional read, especially when you begin to see the Hand of God beginning to weave the lives, hearts and minds together.  A caution to the reader, as the story unfolds, keep the tissues nearby.

This book grabbed me from page one; I was disappointed to see it end.  It was difficult to put down. I am so looking forward to seeing the movie.

Quotes that hit my heart…

“Your identity will be tied to whatever you give your heart to” (pg 150)

“Something or someone will have first place in your heart” (pg 151)

“But when you find your identity in the One what created you, it will change your whole perspective” (pg 151)

 Overcomer - A Kendrick Brother Movie

Link to the Movie Site and Movie Trailer

https://www.overcomermovie.com

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A inspirational story that is sure to give readers what they need even when they weren’t looking for it.

Sometime life draws up a play that throws everything off. When the largest manufacturing plant in Franklin closes its doors, it has unseen ramifications. People now have to leave to find jobs in other places. Other business close because of the reduced population. Basketball coach John Harrison and his son Ethan can only watch as the championship quality team they had stacked for the year dwindles down to only four players. Fortunately, Brookshire School that employs John and his wife Amy hasn’t had to close its doors, but they did have to take a pay cut. Now without a team, John is struggling to fit in. When the principal asks him to coach cross county, he reluctantly agrees because he doesn’t believe it is a real sport. On the day of tryouts, he has one runner come forward and she has asthma. As John begins to coach Hannah, he finds that he is about to embark on a journey that only God can control.

Sometimes God just knows what book you need to read next. This was the case for me as I picked up this book to eagerly read about the upcoming feature film. This story is very powerful and it makes you stripped to your core as a reader to evaluate who you are. If everything you poured your time into were suddenly stripped away, who would you be? What could you say about yourself? Would you be proud? Or would it make you reevaluate your life?

Having seen several of the Kendrick brother’s movies, I could easily hear the character’s voices as the book played out in front of me, just like one of their movies. I haven’t read any of the novelizations before, but this one was very enjoyable. I loved both John’s and Hannah’s stories. Each was different but connected. John was used in a way to bring healing to a family full of bitterness for over 15 years. Hannah was finally able to stop filling her void with useless items and have it filled with love. There are still some sad parts to the story, but it is worth the read. Highly recommended for those who love the Kendrick brothers’ movies as well as those who enjoy Fabry’s unique writing voice.

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

[Aurelia Mast-glick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A novelization by Chris Fabry based on the motion picture by Alex Kendrick and Stephen Kendrick.

I get invested in my books, I can hardly put them down and need to know how they end. I can put a book down and go wow! that was good. But it takes a new kind of book to make me cry, but this book made me cry, a few different times even. This morning as I finished it, I wondered if my blanket was going to be wet with my tears because I could feel them running down. I'm not even sure if I can describe why the book made me cry, but it touched me and now I really, really want to watch the movie.

A reviewer I read said this was a feel-good story. I'm not sure I can agree with that. Yes, it had a good ending, but I'm not sure I can totally call it a happy ending. It was a blessed ending, a Jesus ending, but there was a profound loss as well.

Hannah is a young girl, who was raised by her grandma. She struggles to make friends, she has a bad habit that gets her kicked out of schools and there's not much more I want to say without giving away the storyline. But thanks to some good, kind, caring people who go out of their way for her, she is given a new chance in life, several even, depending on how you look at it.

Thomas Hill was a man Coach Harrison accidentally befriended and he asked a powerful question, a question that I think everyone should ask themselves: "Who are you?" Here are a few more quotes from that conversation. I hope they will make sense on their own, if they don't, all the more reason for you to go read the book!!

"Look, John, your identity will be tied to whatever you give your heart to." "Simple questions often lead to hidden passages. The world turns and hearts find their way when simple questions are given the space for honest answers." This is so thought-provoking to me. What is my heart tied to and do I allow myself the space to find the answers to the questions I am being asked.

"But when you find your identity in the One who created you, it will change your whole perspective."

This was such a good book and I would highly recommend it to everyone. Either read the book or go watch the movie. I haven't seen the movie, but I can imagine it is very good.

I received this book from Tyndale via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I see a new movie being released by the Kendrick Brothers, I get excited and can barely wait for it to open somewhere close by. After seeing the movie, I want to read the book. This was no exception. If you have not seen the movie by this title, you should make a point to get and watch it. I recommend you watch the movie first, but you may be one who prefers to read the book first. Either way is fine as long as you just do it. This story is worth reading or watching more than once. Several of the characters are asked the question: “Who are you?” How would you answer the question? Hannah is a fifteen-year-old girl with asthma who loves to run. She also has a secret problem that she tries to keep hidden. The real truth is that none of that really defines who she is. Coach Harrison is the first one pressed to answer that question. He offers seven or eight answers before he finally gives the answer the inquirer is seeking. Then he is practically brought to his knees by the realization that he has not done a good job of living up to who he claims to be. For that matter, he has failed to give much thought to the things that he has allowed to define him, but that are not who he truly is. If you get nothing else from the book, I trust it will help you to take the time to figure out who you are. You may not be who you want to be. The story offers some great life lessons on how to change that. The question of your identity is one of the most important questions you will ever answer and can make the difference in whether or not you can overcome whatever life has to throw at you.

[Ariel Matthews · Rating 2 out of 5]

Strictly speaking of form, I don’t think the book held its own. It very much comes across as a description of events and is plot driven; but that’s to be expected when a movie is adapted into a book.

Content wise: the message is the truest of them all.

[Leah Zielke · Rating 4 out of 5]

such an inspirational/heartwarming (yes i know i use that word a lot lol) book! even though it's not a five star, it's probably one of my favorite books.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was about Hannah who was 15 years old with abandonment issues and in the care of her grandmother Barbara who after 15 years was still reeling from the incident concerning her family. Then we met the Coach John Harrison and his lovely family and the story gets interesting when we were introduced to Thomas Hill. The lives of these people were interlocked and it wove a lovely story about forgiveness, second chances, family and identity.
The most predominant question in this book which I would love everyone to get to answer is the question of Who are you?
Each of the characters in this book got to answer it at different junctions of their lives which changed the course of their lives.

Hannah. She felt unloved and unwanted, which led her into bad habits until she found her  identiy in God. God used her condition and the twists and turns her life took in this book to teach her to depend on him.
Barbara, her grandmother became automated just to be able to get through each day but  she learnt to turn it over to God through events she never wanted to happen.
John and Amy. John as Hannah’s coach and was always trying to fix something or someone until circumstances beyond his control happened and he had to learn to place his ambitions on the altar of God, to let go of his dreams and concern over his family’s survival and watch God take over.
Thomas, Thomas… Second chance had never looked better like it looked on him.

I loved reading this book because of the themes of forgiveness, second chances, new family.

Our identity is found in God and not in the family we come, jobs or any other place.

I’d recommend this book to everyone. Especially to those struggling with finding their identity and where they belong, to those in dire life situations wondering if they should trust God, those struggling with forgiving hurt done to them especially from family members.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overcomer is a contemporary Christian fiction novel by author Chris Fabry. It is also a movie tie-in by Alex and Stephen Kendrick.

Tarsus Steel, the largest employer in Franklin closed its doors. This would be devastating to the town putting many people in the town out of work, forcing them to move. Just when things seemed to be looking up everything seemed to be falling apart.

Hannah Scott had a bad reputation, not only that she saw herself as bad. Not just a girl who did bad things. Which left her grandmother, Barbara Scott, feeling defeated. Barbara didn’t have money to send Hannah to the best schools, she had no answers. Until one day she received a surprise phone call. Would this call turn Hannah Scott’s reputation around?

Coach John Harrison’s life also changes after the plant closes. What would he do with most of his team leaving town? Principal Olivia Brooks puts him on the spot when she asks him to teach a class and coach cross-country, which he has no desire to do.

This inspiring story speaks on several hard subjects, including diabetes and loss of family. I do suggest keeping tissues close by. I recommend this novel to fans of contemporary Christian fiction.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Nancy Larimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

the growth and change in Amy's character . The reader will be encOvercomer is by Chris Fabry. It is an inspirational story based on the movie produced by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. John Harrison is a coach at his high school . He currently was coaching basketball and was asked by the principal to coach cross country. A large manufacturing plant got shut down because many families left their town. Amy is a new student in the school. She decides to run cross country. She is the only person on the team. The principal is very supportive and encouraging of Amy being on the team even though she is the only person on the team. Amy is very motivated to increasing her times every time she runs. John and his wife Amy view coaching as a good opportunity to mentor Amy. The book is very inspiring and shows how Amy grows and changes . This book shows the importance of having a good identity in Christ and knowing who you are as a person. This book has been made into a movie. There is also a Bible study to go with the book. The Bible study gives the opportunity to apply Christian values and principles from the book and movie. It challenges the reader to think about their life. This book was given to me by the publisher to read and review. I am not obligated to give a positive review.

[ReadingMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Fabry and the Kendrick brothers have done it again, a heartfelt and wonderful Christian fiction that we could all be inspired! Usually, I watch the movie version with my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, but this time audio book from IPhone does as wonderful job of getting to know to each character in his/her struggle, issue, courage, and discovery toward God. It deals with many real life issues, such as "who am I", "Why was I abandoned", and "Why is life so hard?" etc... And each character finds its faith journey. I believe that all start with knowing who we are; then whom we belong, and where we are going; and then ultimately discovering what the purpose of our lives is. All the answers can be found through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Sometimes a good book can be so much more effective tool than many hallow sermons. I, particularly enjoy the part of running coaching story, since I have become a runner since few years ago, although I have never won any championship (LOL, probably, never will!) I love the constant encouraging voice of coach, as Hannah runs races...I do have on-going conversation with my God when I run :-) Such happy ending (That's what distinguish fictions from non-fictions.) For I know many fathers who physically live with their daughters at home but never really be the kind of father that daughters look up to or respect ;_((( In that sense, only 6 weeks with Tom, Hannah has been truly blessed....

[Adam Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I find that sometimes with Christian films, you can better understand them better by reading novelizations as they can often bring out important points and details that weren't fully covered in the original movies, as well as clarifying plot points that might be puzzling and might in some ways might address issues caused by the limitations of being a film. This was the case with Randy Alcorn's adaptation of Courageous.

I enjoyed Overcomer in theaters well enough despite some flaws, but thought a novel adaptation might be worth reading. In the case of Overcome, I really don't feel that was the case. What Chris Fabry does in this adaptation is that he spells out things that are suggested in visual media while adding a lot of back story and details which don't actually enhance the story but rather tend to bog it down. If you thought the big problem with Overcome was that it wasn't on the nose enough about its spiritual lessons, then this adaptation goes even more obvious with Fabry as author telling us a bunch of details about those lessons (at one point, the Coach remembers a long passage of a sermon he heard) with this new dialogue sounding very stagey and Christianese as opposed to something people would actually say.

The book does still carry over some good emotional moments from the film, but most of the extra scenes and details serve to detract rather than add to that experience. Fabry added a lot, but this is definitely a case where less was more.

[Flora · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book in a couple of sittings. Chris Fabry writes great dialogue and you can picture all that he writes like a movie in your mind - exactly what every good novel would do.

I am familiar with the movies produced by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, and enjoyed all of them. So I knew what to expect of this novel. The appearance of a long lost father was unexpected but you know what to expect at the end, more or less. Not necessarily a bad thing. I would be very unhappy if the whole story ended in a tragedy. I liked that there was hope and redemption and grace and forgiveness. I loved that there were good people who showed what a follower of Christ should live like.

I felt that some parts were a bit long and skipped a few passages. But all in, a good read, and I look forward to watching the movie!

Thank you Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the ARC. Sorry this honest review is a bit late!

[Mrs Lopez Overbooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

If someone asked you, "Who are you, what's the first thing that comes to mind?" What would your answer be? What do you allow to define you? It's you choice what things you allow to define you. Who or what do you allow to have first place in your heart? This book is absolutely one of the best I've ever read! This is a beautiful story of redemption and forgiveness, and how forgiveness can often be one of the most difficult things we can do. Our Heavenly Father is with us through everything, even when we don't understand why we are going through all the things we face in our day-to-day living. He is with us even when our choices are not the best ones we could make. It also makes it easier to see how life situations can touch the lives of more than one person.
This book had me from page one to the very last page!! An inspiring book that has touched my heart and I'm sure will touch yours as well. An excellent read for all ages!

[Darrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chris Fabry's book is full of heart and spirit. Based on the screenplay written by Alex and Stephen Kendrick, it sounds harsh to use the word TYPICAL to describe this story; but understand that this is coming from the team that has not failed to hit the mark each and every time. How are they able to be so consistent in excellence? Perhaps the power of God is invited to the table throughout each step in the process.

The story concerned a high school coach, his family, and their school as their community falls on bad times. Enter Hannah Scott, a troubled young girl with a lot of baggage that even she doesn't understand. This asthmatic girl tries out for cross-country running. Along the way, various characters learn lessons on how to trust God, how to forgive the unforgivable, and where their true identity comes from.

[Lacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m not sure how the authors researched this book other than to say that they must do a whole lot of praying. That’s pretty much the go-to for every character and emotion in this book. We are happy, we pray. We are sad, we pray. We are angry, we pray. On and on and on. That’s a lovely idea, perhaps, but it was so much praying that every time a new prayer started I found myself rolling my eyes. Further, if this author has ever been involved in cross country, I would be shocked. There were so many aspects of the description of the meets and practices and times that had no basis in reality, and anyone who has even observed cross country would be able to tell that this book was poorly researched if it was researched at all.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a gift, and while it is not something I would typically pick up, I thought I'd give it a whirl. The story is predictable and cliche in a way that burdens me as a Christian. It pains me to read books with poorly developed characters of color, and I hope that the simplistic viewpoint offered of this book is evident to readers. God's love is boundless and meets us wherever we are in a multitude of forms, and the overall message of this book is powerful regarding how we allow ourselves to be defined. Just wish there could have been more in the story to illustrate how transformative His love really is while also acknowledging the gaps in race and socioeconomics that exists in our world today with a greater degree of both accuracy and depth.

[Robert Conder · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a great book. It was an easy read and a book you would not want to put down. The lessons it taught were good and easy to understand especially for those who may be new to knowing Christ but the lessons also show us that forgiveness is not always easy and it requires God’s intervention. We may want to tell people they must forgive but n knowing what they have been through it is not easy, therefore it is God who must work through this with them. It is never easy to walk the road Christ calls us to walk but we must remember we are not alone. The Holy Spirit guides and directs but we must be willing that is why we must answer the question what is the first thing that comes to your mind when someone asks you who you are? Through Christ we are overcomers

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, thank You for Your saving grace.... the forgiveness You showered upon sinners and criminals like us.... the miraculous things You have done for us.... Thank You that through You and You alone we are Overcomers of our sinful past and present difficulties.

Wow. READ this. You won't regret it. Touched my heart.
Kendrick brothers, what a beautiful movie script! Mr. Fabry, your writing is so easy to relate to and very descriptive, and the bonus chapter after the Epilogue was such a pleasant surprise! May God continue to use you both to entertain- and encourage- many more believers as long as you live.

Now if you'll excuse me for just a couple minutes, everyone, I have to go order myself a physical copy of this on Amazon right now :)