The Scarlet Thread: A Novel (The Historical Christian Fiction Story of Two Women, Centuries Apart, Joined through a Journal from the Oregon Trail)

I have read many Francine Rivers’ books, but this one was very much a story of today’s challenges, fails, and hurts while integrating historical events that were applicable to the characters. There are different cultures, stressful job situations, high society women, infidelity, and more. It is tastefully written, the characters are well developed, and there is much Biblical truth told. I enjoyed it so much.

This book is a great read- I highly recommend all of Francine Rivers books

I read this book in one sitting with tears streaming down my face. Rivers has a wonderful gift of making you feel like you are truly in the story, feeling what Sierra feels and crying with her when her heart is breaking. The unraveling of the marriage was and the dialogues seemed quite realistic. This was a couple who could not manage to communicate! Alex wanted a new job that gave him joy and satisfaction as a man and made him feel like a real "somebody" (idolatry) and Sierra wanted stability, no change, and for their lives to stay the same forever (idolatry). It was a good picture of how idols clashed and ultimately destroyed an already unsteady, fragile marriage. Alex flees to a woman who makes him "feel like a man" in response to Sierra's inability to accept his dreams and their new life. In fairness, Alex royally blew it from day one - he should have sat down with Sierra, and eased her patiently into such a huge, huge family decision to move. However, I feel Alex's character was a realistic portrayal of many men without Jesus Christ. Alex was driven by his idol - he needed, craved, lived to prove himself to the world and himself that he was indeed "worth something" and had risen above the lowly status of the son of a hard-working Mexican immigrant. As their marriage disintegrates, the words became harsher and uglier. I remarked to my husband that some of these nasty, bitter dialogues probably go one in the US every single day. After all, 50% of marriages end in divorce, right? I didn't give it five stars because I found the story of her great-great grandmother a bit distracting and added little to the book overall. Also, I feel that the reconciliation was too tidy. In real life, I imagine their dialogues be much uglier, quite colorful, and not so neatly packaged. A man who's cheated on you, insulted you, belittled you like a piece of worthless trash, and then comes crawling back is not going to get off so easily. Of course, Sierra is able to forgive through God's grace, but this was a woman who was profoundly sinned against over and over and over not only through adultery but belittlement with harsh words. In real life this would involve some serious marriage counseling and help from a strong Christian community to get to the root of their many issues. Once again, I just feel that their reconciliation was far too tidy and a bit borderline sentimental and cheesy. However, overall this was truly a fantastic book, a good picture of the pain of divorce and adultery and the healing power of Christ.

I liked this book a lot. However, there were some aspects that weren't very believable, so I gave 4 stars instead of 5. I also thought it was poor doctrine to depict Sierra as being so much at fault for her failed marriage. Alex was portrayed as a major jerk. What kind of guy quits his great job, takes a new one 400 miles away, and decides to put the house up for sale WITHOUT ANY discussion with his wife? This guy then gets angry when his wife objects and expects her to be happy with everything going forward. He neglects his family. He is obsessed with work. He insults her, even when she tries to be positive. But then Sierra tells her son Dad left because he got tired of her attitude. What??? It was absurd. The Oregon trail storyline was more believable. There was a lot of tragedy, but I liked the characters. I'm glad I read the book and thought it was well written. Just be aware that you might become really frustrated with Sierra and Alex.

Even though a work of fiction it reflects our own struggles with the Lord. Enjoyed reading both stories very much

Love all her books!!! Can’t wait to read another. They are all my favorite. My opinion is when starting her books read Redeeming Love first. TR

At first I did not appreciate or enjoy the two storylines. I could not see the relevance initially but as I read further it became clearer. Both stories outline how life brings tough challenges and how God walks each character through them. It is beautifully written and I highly recommend it.

The author so skillfully weaves the story of a married couple who gradually learns the meaning of what true love actually is when they discover what their rescued love means when they rely upon their Savior.

Francine Rivers is soon becoming my favourite Christian Fiction author. Her writing style takes you deep into the hearts of her characters. This book has two stories, set in two vastly different time periods that are woven together like the beautiful quilt that features in the story. Francine Rivers has taken the pains to research life on the Oregon trail, so this book is as much a history lesson as it is a lesson in God's faithfulness! Buy it! Read it! Gift it!

Such a brilliant book. Well written. Enjoyable read. Highly recommend

Purchased for my wife for Christmas as it appears to be her new favorite author.

Chegou bem mais rápido do que eu esperava.Havia um amassado na capa,mas nada que atrapalhe a leitura.O livro é usado,mas está em ótimo estado e a trama é incrível!Vale a pena.💜

Das Buch liest sich wunderbar flüssig, wie man es von F. Rivers gewohnt ist. Die bearbeiteten Themen sind natürlich auch dieselben, doch es gelingt ihr immer wieder, gerade wenn man meint, zu wissen, wie es ausgeht, noch eine andere, viel bessere Wendung zu finden. Spannung bis zum Schluss und eine wundervolle Auflösung des Titels.