Fallen by Matthew Raley / Not Recommended Reading!

I got this book to review because I was fascinated that it was written by a Pastor, and that a Pastor had written on this topic. You might need some background about me. My Granddaddy was a Pastor, and my Mother is a minister. My Daddy also does Prison Ministry as well. With my background I thought this would something I should read.

I felt that it started out well. By page 56 I really thought things were really going places! I was not only reading the book, but wondering what the real life writer has already been through in his life and Ministry. Plenty of the real life working politics of running a church were included in the book. That part was probably very nice for people who have no idea of how somethings in churches are done. I was a little concerned about how the women in the book were portrayed, but it wasn't enough to upset me for most of the book.

However, the ending really disappointed me. I was left feeling that it was too open ended. I was saddened at how things ended. It might be more like the real world, but I have seen that scenario play out too many times in real life. I know the outcome, and I know the pain that happens. So I was just really sad about the ending of this book.

Then the weeks were passing while I was waiting to post this review. I got more and more upset over this book when I would think about it. I started to wonder why was this even released as Christian fiction? I wondered why on Earth would a PASTOR write something that could harm and hurt so many people when they read it? Did he forget to think what the horrible open ending would do to people? I considered an e-mail interview, but I just couldn't stomach it right now. I don't wish to hurt a Pastor, or anyone else, but I do wish with all my heart that he would re-write the ending of this book before it hurts many people. Sadly, but oh so truthfully, I could not recommend reading this book, but rather to stay away from it so that you will not wake up at night with it bothering you that it is out there on a shelf.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
Fallen
(Kregel Publications February 29, 2008)
by
Matthew Raley

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Matthew Raley is senior pastor of the Orland Evangelical Free Church in northern California, where he lives with his wife and two young children. For fun, he enjoys playing chamber music with friends, giving occasional solo recitals, and playing first violin in the North State Symphony. This is his first book.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jim was at work when his eyes drifted to the coffee shop visible from his office window. An attractive woman driving a Mercedes pulled up to the curb . . . and Jim’s married pastor emerged from the car. When Jim delves deeper into his pastor’s world, will he be able to handle what he discovers? Is he right to suspect that Dave is having an affair? In the behind-the-scenes church battle that ensues, Jim is torn between duty to his church and a desire to show grace. A ripped-from-the-headlines drama of suspense that keeps you engaged to the last page. Fallen is the story about Jim’s relationship with Dave—how Jim tries to do the right thing to keep Dave accountable, but finds the situation getting worse and worse. It’s also about Jim’s other relationships. Just as he discovers hypocrisy in Dave, Jim discovers his own sins against his wife and daughter.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0825435757