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The River

Find yourself drawn to The River [Paperback]

by Michael Neale

  • For fans of novels with a message

  • The River is a novel about destiny and how lives can be transformed

  • You'll find a poignant message to carry with you always

  • Author

    Michael Neale

  • Book Format

    Paperback

  • Publisher

    Thomas Nelson

  • Published

    September 2012

Read full description

Today's Price

£7.98


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The River

Today's Price £7.98



Product Description

A new way of using compelling fiction to reveal a truth about God's relationship with his creation, 'The River' gives you a novel with an underlying meaning that impacts on the heart and mind of experienced Christian readers, and anyone who loves a good read with the heart of a spiritual, faith based romance.

With it's realistic weathered-effect book cover, and authentically simulated worn-edged pages, 'The River' is as many layered as Bunyan's classic, Pilgrim’s Progress. This modern day allegory gives you the story of one man’s journey out of loss, tragedy, anger and fear to all that he was meant to be. Using the wonder, beauty and power of nature, The River is a parable of relationship and reconciliation with the source of all life. Michael Neale’s debut novel presents the uncontrollable creative and re-creative power of the eternal as a mighty river that gives, takes away, cleanses and restores.

Reasons to read or give 'The River' by Michael Neale

• Open up a story that opens the mind as well as the heart
• Begin a journey that leads to unexpected reunion with God
• Enter a story of God's unpredictable yet unchangeable nature
• Reveal the power of reconciliation through faith
• Encourage another to find their true identity in God
• Explore the eternity of God in the wonder of nature
• Discover how God restores even through tragedy and loss
• Feel the impact of faith based fiction on a deeper level

What you need to know about 'The River'...

Through a chance encounter in an airport lounge, Neale unfolds the story of Gabriel Clarke, white-water canoeist and expert guide to the world’s most beautiful and most unpredictable rivers. In the great tradition of John Bunyan, C S Lewis and J R R Tolkein, The River is a deeply spiritual journey in which the nature of the eternal is expressed through, the story, its biblically named characters and the landscape itself.

Capitalised throughout the book, ‘The River’ is the consistent character and influence in the life of Gabriel Clarke. Beginning on the banks of the Colorado, Gabriel expresses his alienation, fear and resentment of The River that took his father through an act of tragic heroism. Through a succession of good friends and chance discoveries at the adventure camp formerly managed by his father, Gabriel faces up to the deep emotions that keep him from reconnecting with The River, the true source and purpose of his existence.

Discovering circumstances surrounding his father’s death brings confused feelings of bitterness and the realisation that his wilderness soul mate, Tabitha, would never have existed without his father's sacrifice. Throughout, The River flows, shapes, cleanses and restores, revealing and hiding itself. But the grown, mature and well rounded Clarke of the airport lounge is not a man who controlled and defeated the wildness of the river. Rather he’s a man who gave himself to what The River might make of him.

"I've experienced The River in many ways in my life,” writes Clarke. “I haven't always understood those experiences. What I will say is that The River has allowed me to feel the deepest grief and given me the greatest joy."

For Gabriel, becoming the man he was always meant to be is no easy choice. Coming to terms with his past and learning all his father wanted him to know about The River requires courage and forgiveness – for himself, for others and for The River itself. And that, in truth is often beyond the best of us. - Les Ellison

Contests and Chapters

- From an Entry in a Journal
- A Note From the Author
- Introduction
1. The Big Hike
2. Life in Kansas
3. The Pond
4. Corn Dogs and Marbles
5. Mister Earl and the Pig Trip
6. The New Teacher
7. A Visitor Comes to the Farm
8. A Birthday Gift
9. The Phone Call
10. The Trip to the River
11. The Girl
12. The River Speaks
13. Samuel and Big Water Adventures
14. Class V
15. The Last Night
16. Goodbye and The Journal
17. No More Kansas
18. Hanging Out with Ezra
19. A Wonderful Surprise
20. A Dinner to Remember
21. The Night Run
22. The War Room
23. A Trip Home
- Epilogue from the Author
- Acknowledgements

'The River is alive, and it’s moving all over the world. The River is wild, free and untameable. A beautifully crafted novel by a gifted communicator!” – John C. Maxwell, founder of Equip and The John Maxwell Company. The River is magical, full of wonder and mystery. For thousands of years it’s been carving it’s way through the earth. A work of art! – Lowell, “Bud” Paxson, founder of ION Television Network. The more you experience the River, the more you must stay close. And the more you experience the River, the more you live. A captivating story told by a masterful storyteller.” – Jordan Rubin, New York Times Bestselling Author. Truly riveting ... I couldn’t put it down! – Paul Baloche, Award-Winning Songwriter... This book will inspire your soul!” – Rebecca St. James, Grammy Award-Winning Artist.'
"On a cool September Sunday in 1956, John Clarke woke up at daybreak wanting to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors. Being a single father, and not having arranged care for his four year old son Gabriel that day, he decided to take the little guy on a hike into the Firewater Gorge at the river... What happened that morning would change the arc of Gabriel's life for ever and send him on a journey of self-discovery. Thanks to The River, Gabriel took hold of he was to become, not who he had been." (Publisher's fly leaf text)

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure. But something holds him back the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

PUBLISHER'S STORY SYNOPSIS:

Growing up in rural Kansas, Gabriel Clarke was mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. From deep within, Gabriel's passion for The River was undeniable. The rushing waters beckoned him to experience freedom and adventure - and leave his dark past behind.

But something holds him back...

As Gabriel came of age in Kansas, chains of fear and resentment imprisoned him, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River - its powerful rapids, relentless gradients, and boulder-strewn sections of majestic splendour. He couldn't let go of a horrible event that he had witnessed on The River when he was four years old - something no youngster should ever see.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest and bravest thing he has ever done.

PUBLISHERS AUTHOR INFORMATION:

Gifted writer, performer, and masterful storyteller are all phrases used to describe Michael Neale. And with the highly anticipated September 2012 release of his first novel The River, Michael is finding more and more ways to share his gift of storytelling as an author.

With this first work of fiction, readers will find themselves immersed in the lives of John Clarke and his son, Gabriel on what should have been an ordinary day in the wilderness near their home. Then in one moment, life changed for everyone forever.

A moving story with a message that will touch each reader individually, The River will wind its way into your heart in ways you never expected.

In between his travels, Michael serves on the team of Worship Leaders at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where he lives with his wife Leah, and their three children Micah, Maisie, and Wyatt.

Specification

  • Author

    Michael Neale

  • Book Format

    Paperback

  • Publisher

    Thomas Nelson

  • Published

    September 2012

  • Intro By

    Michael Neale

  • Weight

    317g

  • Page Count

    320

  • Dimensions

    146 x 213 x 22 mm

  • ISBN

    9781401688486

  • ISBN-10

    1401688489

  • Eden Code

    4048753

More Information

  • Author/Creator: Michael Neale

  • ISBN: 9781401688486

  • Publisher: Thomas Nelson

  • Release Date: September 2012

  • Weight: 317g

  • Dimensions: 146 x 213 x 22 mm

  • Eden Code: 4048753


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