57864

Danny and Tony are best friends and brothers, who have straightened their lives out after finding forgiveness in the least likely place. Carolyn and Rachel have been best friends since high school. Since meeting, the two have shared everything in their lives. Mitch is the successful architect who designed Tony's business. In the end, Mitch marries Carolyn while Dany marries Rachel. All is well with them for years. Then out of the blue, tragedy strikes and everyone realizes that things were not always what they seemed in each others lives. They look within themselves and realise that we all are fighting every day even though we don't recognise the enemy any more.

Inspired by true events, THE RAVINE brings to light the unseen dangers we face in a politically correct culture by allowing sin, the devil, into our lives. The story causes us to wonder what is going on within ourselves on a daily basis and just what is and isn't important in the world around us. It gives up pause to think that we do affect others, even though we like to think we are and island to ourselves and our decisions in life only relate to me, numero uno. Today so many people want to blame God when evil occurs in our lives, but when good things happen, we never give God credit. We often never consider how the choices we make affect those around us and that we are responsible for the choices we make—good or bad. Free will has a price. God allows us to choose. We don't get to blame God when the choices we make do not go as planned. If we let Him, God will forgive us anything. God often does things to our benefit even when we don't see them. ( )

This was a very thoughtful book that makes you think about your life and appreciate what you have. It was very well written and a joy to read. i received a copy through netgalley in return for an honest review. in the wake of tragedy people can either sink or swim. this depicts the struggle on a journey on how to learn forgiveness and not be one of the ones who sinks. ( )

Title: The Ravine
Author: Robert Pascuzzi
Website: http://timeforforgiveness.org/ & http://www.theravinebook.com/
Pages: 236
Year: 2014
Publisher: Hope Messenger, LLC
My rating is 3 out of 5 stars.
The novel is actually written by a ghost author and as the author shares has become a friend. Throughout the tale, knowing it was based somewhat on actual events, I looked for the actual occurrence that sent the author on a spiritual journey. On the first website above is a place where readers can learn from the author what he and his family went through along with a study guide, video and blog posts.
As I thought about the real story behind the fictional writing, I knew that it was a world far too many have been thrust into due to the detrimental actions of others. My heart breaks to know more now than ever how deeply rifts can occur within the heart and soul of people in the aftermath of evil actions. In one sense, the work of fiction does point out the spiritual battle that occurs over all mankind along with the free will each human being has that God never taken from anyone. He alone has the power to do so, but has never done so even when it leads to the deepest, darkest place of sin and its consequences.
One of the tenets of the story is that the couple living through all the trauma, grief and despair are told they “have to forgive themselves” as they somehow feel responsible for actions taken by one man. Yet, there is nowhere in the Bible where we are ever told to forgive ourselves; we are told to forgive others. I totally understand how we tend to take responsibility for the actions or lack of actions either ours or someone else’s. I see that as false guilt not anything more or less. The novel gives readers a glimpse beyond the moment tragedy is mentioned in the media and past the rituals that follow loss.
Should you choose to read the novel please, please let the Bible be your guide into all Truth. Understand what this fictional work gives you a glimpse of and what isn’t biblically supported. I thank the author for sharing his painful experience with us and his journey in seeking spiritual answers.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )