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    The Reason
    The Reason
    The Reason
    Audiobook12 hours

    The Reason

    Written by William Sirls

    Narrated by Johnny Heller

    4.5/5

    ()

    About this audiobook

    When facing the impossible, will you believe? Storm clouds gather over a small Michigan town. As thunder shakes the sky, the lights inside St. Thomas Church flicker... and then go out. All is black until a thick bolt of lightning slices the sky, striking the church’s large wooden cross — leaving it ablaze and splintered in two. When the storm ends, the search for answers begins. James Lindy, the church’s blind minister, wonders how his small congregation can repair the cross and keep their faith in the midst of adversity. And he hears the words “only believe.” Macey Lewis, the town’s brilliant young oncologist, is drawn to Alex, a young boy who’s recently been diagnosed with an aggressive leukemia. She puts her hope in modern medicine — yet is challenged to “only believe.” And Alex’s single mom, who has given everything she can to her boy, is pleading with God to know the reason this is happening... to save her son. But she only hears silence and wonders how she can possibly “only believe.” The Reason is a milestone debut novel, opening with a thunderbolt and never letting up as it introduces us to everyday characters who are wrestling with the questions: Where is God when bad things happen? And does God ignore the prayers of the faithful? The answer each character receives will astound listeners while offering an unforgettable call to hope, to change, to . . . only believe.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherOasis Audio
    Release dateOct 1, 2012
    ISBN9781621881278
    The Reason
    Author

    William Sirls

    Over the course of his life, William Sirls has experienced both great highs and lows-some born of chance, some born of choice. Once a senior vice president at a major investment firm, he was incarcerated in 2007 for wire fraud and money laundering, where he learned a great deal more than he bargained for. Life lessons involving faith, grace, patience, and forgiveness are evident in his writing. He is the father of two and makes his home in southern California.

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    Reviews for The Reason

    4.5/5

    49 ratings10 reviews

    What did you think?

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    Review must be at least 10 words

    • 4/5
      The Reason by William Sirls is a very good first Christian novel by this author. It is well written, interesting, and the characters are believable in their imperfection and complexities. This is a story of sin, faith, redemption and reconciliation. When a major lightening storm hits a small church strange things start happening and people take notice. A mysterious carpenter seems to know more than he should about the residents of town. A sick child brings a story of hardship and suffering.The relationships and friendships described in the book were realistic, and displayed real life emotions and actions, both the good and bad. The major characters were likeable and each of their search for redemption was interesting.I had a small problem remembering some of the minor characters when they were only mentioned briefly here and there. I really enjoyed the book until I reached the ending of the book. Then I found it disappointing and unrealistic. For me it turned the genre of the book from a drama to a fantasy. Of course I don’t want to give any spoilers here, but I can tell you from experience that no matter how much we believe, how we pray with absolute faith, it is still God’s will how the end will be. To insinuate that any other result would be the fault of lack of faith is the wrong message.Still, The Reason is an interesting book that will make you think.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 5/5
      Really good book! I enjoyed the listen very much, if only we could all have a Kenneth.
    • 4/5
      See full review @ The Indigo Quill

      I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

      First I would like to note that I'm extremely happy that this book takes place in my home state of Michigan. They are far and few between, but every time I pick one up I automatically feel connected to the story.

      This book is not for the faint of heart. It is rich in instruction, inspiration, and development; not only for the characters involved, but the reader as well. You will find yourself engrossed within the story, and even if the information and dialogue is all content your already claim to know, it will be a refresher for you and perhaps communicated in a new light. If it is all new to you, then you will enjoy the journey of learning and growing as you may have some unanswered questions brought to light.

      The only thing I can complain about this book is that at times it could be predictable. However, there were still plenty of twists and anyone can relate to at least one of the characters, so I was kept interested and tied to the story.

      Believer or unbeliever, Sirls passion for one main theme is evident: simply believing. To believe in miracles and the unexpected. To believe that no matter what you are going through, there is always a reason even if it may not be evident at the time. It is a nice reminder, and we are given a fresh perspective into life. We are not simply here by accident, but there is a reason for everything, and above all, reason to believe that.

      I really enjoyed this book. Unfortunately, I haven't gotten a chance to pick up a copy of the second book, The Sinner's Garden, but I really hope to soon. This is a great book with a lot of depth and I can't wait to read the next one.
    • 5/5
      This was a very thought-provoking and emotionally intense story. The characters were so honest in each of their personal thoughts, fears, and struggles with faith that the reader could easily identify with one or more of the characters. I loved this book and the powerful spiritual lessons that can be learned from the reading of it. Also when you know the story of the author and realize how God must have prompted and worked through the writing of this outstanding book, it makes it even more moving.
    • 5/5
      I received this as part of a giveaway on a GoodReads group that I am part of. I received no compensation for this review.

      I really enjoyed this book. It is a Christian Fiction book filled with good values and filled with hope. It had a lot of suspense also. The characters were very well developed and easy to connect to. The plot was very intense! This is a good read for everyone!
    • 5/5
      I won a copy through the Goodreads' Firstreads program!

      ONLY BELIEVE...

      Those words stay with you, and inspire long after the book is over. Sirls creates believable characters who struggle with faith and loss...and who receive blessings after the storm.

      I cried a few times, some sad and some joyful. This book is like a song that gives you goosebumps. Miracles happen every day, and it's nice to be reminded that God is there through the toughest things if we only believe. Read this book and you will feel that hope. :)
    • 4/5
      The Reason by William Sirls is a very good first Christian novel by this author. It is well written, interesting, and the characters are believable in their imperfection and complexities. This is a story of sin, faith, redemption and reconciliation. When a major lightening storm hits a small church strange things start happening and people take notice. A mysterious carpenter seems to know more than he should about the residents of town. A sick child brings a story of hardship and suffering.The relationships and friendships described in the book were realistic, and displayed real life emotions and actions, both the good and bad. The major characters were likeable and each of their search for redemption was interesting.I had a small problem remembering some of the minor characters when they were only mentioned briefly here and there. I really enjoyed the book until I reached the ending of the book. Then I found it disappointing and unrealistic. For me it turned the genre of the book from a drama to a fantasy. Of course I don’t want to give any spoilers here, but I can tell you from experience that no matter how much we believe, how we pray with absolute faith, it is still God’s will how the end will be. To insinuate that any other result would be the fault of lack of faith is the wrong message.Still, The Reason is an interesting book that will make you think.
    • 4/5
      This was a beautiful book. The writing was very clear and the characters were extremely engaging. I loved each character throughout the course of the book! I also found the stories to be very inspiring. The stories made me think about life in general and also about my life and choices. I couldn't decide who was the central character of the book, but I loved each of the individual stories and how they tied together. Although I could guess many of the outcomes of the stories, I loved each individual thread of the plot. This is a very good read for individuals who enjoy Christian literature. This is a book I will pass along to others for their enjoyment.Reader received a complimentary copoy from Good Reads First Reads.
    • 4/5
      There is a lot good but a lot not so good in this book. Yes, the characters are strong and the writing flows from page to page which makes it very easy to read. The plot involves all manner of traumas to the main characters but never once did I doubt that I had figured out what would happen in the end. One of the principle characters is supposed to be a powerful minister but if thats the case why less than 50 attend his small church?, When lightning strikes the large cross in front of the church why does he inspire less than ten people to come help fix it? This book has a very strong religious content and would be perfect for church groups. There are some interesting questions at the end of the book to guide religious discussion. However I really think this book is for a narrow audience who will really love it but anyone who likes a lot of plot twists will be unsatisfied.
    • 5/5
      The Reason is such a powerful, moving story that I found so very hard to put down. Sirls does such an amazing job at creating such powerful characters that stick with you even after you put the book down or after you finish the story. Each character faces his or her own crisis, and the reader is right there with them hoping for the best. I'm not sure which character would be considered the main character because each one is equally important to the story, and it is really hard to pick just one that stands out. The writing style is very smooth and really draws the reader into the story and the world that Sirls has created. Sirls also brings up some important questions that makes not just the characters but the reader as well think. Overall The Reason is such an amazing read, that I would most definitely recommend. Sirls is definitely an author to watch.