I don’t usually pick up Christian themed novels, but this novel was set in the music world and pivots on a couple of songs, a premise that pulled me in. When Jed King meets Rose and writes her a song, his musical career takes off. However, trying to be a star and a family man proves too much for Jed, until he faces up to the question: which means more to him, his family or his career. This story is beautifully told. I totally came to love and root for the couple.

As always Chris Fabry wrote another fantastic story. Jed and Rose both learn great lessons as they grow together. Shelby tries to insinuate herself into their lives and leads Jed down some bad paths. Hopefully things will get fixed. Wonderful story that makes you laugh and cry. I received this book from bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

This book made from the movie was so real-to-life, it captivated my time and emotions until I was crying my way through it. In this modern-day retelling of the Song of Solomon(and Ecclesiastes) by Chris Fabry, first I felt for Rose who had picked such a poor boyfriend as Eddie. Then I joyfully flew through the pages as Rose meets Jed King, young son of a famous country music star and is wooed by him. Then I watched as Rose and Jed start out their newlywed life (all clean) and produce Shep's (Rose's father) pride and joy, Ray.

Then of course, trouble enters paradise as Jed begins to have difficulty balancing his home life with his life on the road. Will the love and faith Rose and Jed share be strong enough to overcome insurmountable odds, or will they throw it all away as life moves forward?

Chris Fabry and Richard Ramsey in the movie before him bring to life richly drawn, plausible characters who are first drawn together then apart in an touching, agonizing read. You'll want to reach out and shake the players...or physically stand in the way of others. A memorable, haunting tale with lessons applicable to any marriage.

Favorite quotes:"Trust is earned. ONE INCH at a time."
"...if she lived her whole life that way, she'd be paralyzed. Love told fear to hit the highway. Perfect love believed the best and acted on the truth and not what might happen."

Due to the subject matter, I would recommend this book for mature readers. I gratefully received this book from bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review. ( )

The Song by Chris Fabry is a novelization of the movie by the same name. My experience with such books is usually disappointing. Many times authors follow so closely to the script that the books feel like a movie instead of a book. While I have not seen the film version of The Song, I can say that the book most definitely reads like a book. Those of you who care about such things will understand. Fabry is one of my favorite authors and he did an outstanding job. I found this novel deeply moving and personal, often speaking to and convicting my heart. Inspired by the life of King Solomon, this book is one I highly recommend.

Jed is the son of country music great David King. He has a lot to live up to and a lot to live down when it comes to his father. Determined to make his own way and music, Jed seeks wisdom and the heart of God. Unfortunately, fame, riches and and other temptations lure Jed from the family he loves and the God he first sought to serve.

The Song is a story of love, commitment, and marriage in the midst of life’s joys, griefs and temptations. The story of Jedediah King may be inspired by King Solomon, but it is one that everyone can relate to. Who doesn’t want the best for himself and his family? But when the pursuit of earthly things takes the place of God’s will, all becomes vanity. The contemporary setting of the novel really proves that there really isn’t anything new under the sun. And while Jed bears much of the blame for the decline of his family, it is easy to see that little foxes can be let in by both spouses. It is the lack of communication, the hurt feelings, and the separate lives and agendas, that most readers will identify with.

The Biblical allusions were a clever touch. Be on the lookout for those. My favorite was the name of Jed’s musical partner, Shelby Bales. In King Solomon’s life he allowed his many wives and concubines to keep their baals or idols. We may think we can manage the indiscretions of others, but they often lead to sin in our own lives.

Included in the book is an excerpt of a couple’s devotional also based on the movie. Be sure to check out this great resource as well.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults (especially couples).

(Thanks to Tyndale for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

This was a wonderful story. I think the reason I read it so slowly was it hit close to home. The settings were beautiful descriptions. The characters were 100% believable. The author found a great way to present God to the world. The book did not come off "preachy." There was no surprise ending, it was just true-to-life. I will recommend this book to others ( )