I love all of Charles Martin's fiction. This book, however, is a different type of work for him. Martin writes within the Christian fiction genre, and this book is an exploration about his faith. It is thoughtful, and invites the reader on a journey of faith.

This has given me some mixed feelings. Part of me feels like it's relevant but part of me feels as though adding details in the present tense of a retelling of Gospels is a bit much. Do we need that retelling? I'm concerned about this information and while I enjoyed the concept, it failed to be something I'll go back to.

Charles Martin is a master of capturing story, narrative, and emotion in a way that is enrapturing. He brings this impossible-to-put-down writing style to this non-fiction work, presenting the truths of the Gospel. Very good!

This is not one of the author's typical fiction books. And, thus, did not pack the emotional punch.

I would recommend that you read the book more like a book of devotions...reading one chapter at a time.

One warning to potential readers is that Charles Martin presents the bible stories as he imagines they did/could have happened. He's upfront about this early in the book, but I imagine a lot of Christians will be offended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Generally when I see that Charles Martin is the author, I have certain expectations for a book. He has penned marvelous fiction novels but this one is different in that it defies categorization. Martin's spirituality shines through in every page of this book. He takes a look at various stories/characters in The Bible and gives commentary about them. At times the personal thoughts are intense. I am so honored to have read this and thank the author for writing such a beautiful book.
I received an Advance Review Copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Taking the same storyteller’s heart that has made his novels so soul-deep meaningful - and channeling it into a non-fiction platform - Martin challenges readers to see Jesus on a more personal level than ever before. Bringing scenes from Jesus’ life, death and resurrection vividly to life, this prolifically talented author also shares his own struggles and progress on the journey with an honest and authentic voice. Sometimes raw, sometimes almost graphic (while maintaining a tasteful tone), each chapter aims right at the soul and hits its mark every time. This is a book that readers will be tempted to devour in one sitting but would be best savored and reflected upon slowly, allowing the sensory visuals and profound truths to fully sink into the heart.

Charles Martin is great at telling stories. I was excited to see that he was releasing a nonfiction title. What I liked most about this book was the way he told the Biblical stories. Granted he used creative license to paint a picture of what could be, but he took stories I am familiar with and made me look at them from a different angle.

One of the reasons I really wanted to read this book in the first place was because of the song Martin's son wrote to promote the book. The lyrics got me excited to read the book and it was really neat to have the song that summarizes the premise of the book.

The other aspect of the book that I enjoyed was the way Martin told the Biblical story and then give his commentary. While I didn't always agree with his point of view I did enjoy his perspective. There were parts of this book that hit hard and others that challenged my thinking.

I'm glad I read this book. Martin challenged my beliefs and brought new light to familiar stories.

I do not in any way doubt Charles Martin is a spiritual and thinking man. I also think he is very brave to have put himself and his thoughts in front of all us readers. I may not agree with all his speculation and conclusions, but I appreciate his willingness to bare his soul. What If It's True will not be everyone's cup of tea, that's for sure. I believe that we all have Free Will, and Charles is free to share his thoughts, and I (and you) am free to read them. Charles never puts his opinions out as fact, he states up front that he has used his storytelling skills to flesh out the stories in the Bible. WIIT? is not meant to be a scholarly work - rather it's a very personal glimpse into what drives Charles Martin. I am very happy I read this book. It made me think, question, and open myself to frank discussion and debate.
I might suggest WIIT? as a book discussion selection - even from the reviews I see, I think it would bring out passionate discussion and debate.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.

The first part of this book made the Bible come to life for me. The author’s style allowed the reader to experiences in biblical times through more normal narration than the Bible verses and Psalms Christians are familiar with. It is written with so much passion and humility, it felt as though Jesus walked the Earth much more recently! He last couple chapters weren’t quite as impressive, but I respect the author’s desire to include personal experience and interpretation. Thanks Netgalley for the ebook ARC. I plan to buy a hard copy to journal a bit more and reflection I did not do the first time through.

Gifted author Charles Martin brings bible stories to life like no one else. He masterfully weaves his re-telling of bible events, together with lessons to learn and he shows how to apply these biblical principles to your life.

I was deeply moved by how real and vulnerable the author got in sharing how Jesu’s ministry transformed his life. He’s the first to tell you he hasn’t arrived and still deals with stuff like the rest of us. He’s very transparent as he shares his journey, with Jesus, his family, friends and a core group of guys he can be real with.

Here is a peek at a story in chapter two that blew me away. It’s titled “We’re all Bleeders” I had never realized what this woman dealt with and how she had to push through her entire being, trusting that when she touched Jesus she would be healed. The author describes how Jesus was waiting for this woman. He describes the “desperation painted across her face. Jesus is her last hope, and He knows it.”

He goes on to describe the women – she knows, “He’s a Healer.”

“being unclean, she cannot get to where Jesus is. They won’t let her. The law prohibits it. She knows she is not allowed around other people. She’s been forced to live and sustain herself on the outskirts, and …she is certainly not allowed to reach out and touch anyone. Most of all, Him. But she has come to the end of herself.”

…” Just a few steps away, the crowd encroaches. She has to elbow her way through. She knows she is in violation. If she’s caught-she doesn’t want to think about it. There He is….in desperation, she lunges, extends her reach, and grasps the corner of His garment….He feels the tug. Feels the power leave. She feels it enter.”

And Jesus said, “Who touched me?”

The author described this emotionally charged moment as the disciples reacted to Jesus’s question. I never thought about how courageous this woman was in her attempt to be healed. Jesus was in the middle of a crowd standing shoulder to shoulder with everyone. What did he expect? Jesus had already healed the woman’s body.” He is calling her forward because He is about to heal her heart. …He says the one single word she needs to hear. “Daughter.”

The author ends each chapter with prayer. He says, “I’ve written a prayer. Something I’ve prayed myself and put down on paper. I’m inviting you to join me in those prayers”

This author encourages readers to circle. Underline. Dog-ear parts of this book that touch their soul. He encourages readers to go deeper in their relationship with Jesus and/or start one with him.

The author helps readers understand the bible. He encourages them to get their bibles and read along with him. This is a powerful book. It’s a must read! I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-issues-book-fun-mag

What If It’s True: A Storyteller’s Journey With Jesus by Charles Martin is an important read both for those who know Jesus and for those who know nothing at all about Him. This author normally writes great works of emotionally charged fiction. Here, the author takes the Word if God and simply asks— What if it’s true? The result? Life-changing. Don’t miss this book! It is a revolutionary look at what it truly means to take God at His Word. Loved it so much. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

This book was not what I thought it would be. I was expecting more of a Charles Martin memoir. Instead, this is a retelling of the life of Jesus and what each part of his life means to people. It was meaty and deep and hard to read in parts, but very good. I particularly resonated with the chapter on being resigned to certain things in life. I also enjoyed the conversation between Charles and Jesus. I've had conversations like that myself, but I enjoyed reading it from Charles's perspective.

I love Charles Martin's novels! Unfortunately, this nonfiction fell a little flat for me and it took me a long time to get through it. I will say that he made some very profound points and I am glad that I read it, I just felt that it moved very slowly.
One of the good things about this book, is that it makes me feel as if I know the author better as a person. I think this will help me enjoy his works of fiction even more in the future!

Very interesting book and loved the idea behind this book! Worth the read and perfect for fans of Martin’s books. You won’t be disappointed!!!

Here is why I like this book! It is like sitting down with a close friend who decided that they just wanted to see the faithfulness for themselves as they read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and this is their reflection of what they read. That is the best way to describe this book. I have always connected to the writings of Charles Martin and then when this book was offered as an early read, i couldn't resist. It is worth the time and energy to read. Do it and pretend that you are having a conversation with a good friend.

Charles Martin is a prolific author of many fiction novels, several of them being made into movies. "What If It's True," a very different book, indeed, does not read like one might expect. It is a retelling, of sorts, of the story of Jesus. Martin uses his own style of writing to share insights and even a bit of personal narrative into this book to connect to the reader.

I am not sure how one would categorize this read, but it is worth the time. I don't think it is one of those books that is meant to be read all in one sitting, as there's too much to digest at once. Smaller portions are the best way to savor this book.

I enjoyed it, but, as I said, I couldn't determine how best to describe it. It is a book that must be seen, understood and poured over to make its point. Not that it is boring, by any means. If nothing else, the reader will come away thinking in a new way about how the story of Jesus connects with our life in the here and now. Charles Martin has sent a long term labor of love our way. It's worth the time to take it slow and glean from it.
I was an early reader, thanks to #NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Charles Martin, a novelist who has written over a dozen novels, turns his pen (or laptop) to nonfiction in What If It's True? A Storyteller's Journey with Jesus. The greatest strength of the book is Martin's application of his story-telling skills to the stories of scripture. Of course, there's no replacement for the original, but even the most ardent lover of the Bible has to admit that sometimes the scriptural accounts lack drama, setting, and the fullness of a good story. That's where Martin, while honoring the original, fills in the gaps. Imagine that you love a beautiful black and white line drawing, and then you see it in a richly colored and exquisitely detailed stained-glass window. Or a story you've read for years faithfully portrayed on the big screen. That's the effect of the narrative portions of Martin's book.



On a more modest, but still effective, level, Martin challenges the reader with the titular question. About Jesus, many people "either consciously or unconsciously . . . have reduced Him to a mysterious, walk-about prophet with cool sandals and a posse. . . . This limitation is really dangerous." But what if what the Bible says about Jesus is true? What if he really forgives sin? "What if the blood of Jesus does more than guarantee our salvation?" What if Jesus is alive today?



If all of this is true, it should radically change our approach to life. Unfortunately, many (most?) Christians don't live like they really believe. Martin brings the stories of scripture to life, and challenges Christians to live like they believe them. Martin does tend to ramble a bit, but if you follow the threads of his narrative, you can't help but come away convicted.





Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

I love everything this man has written! I just discovered him last Spring and
purchased almost all of his books, reading one after another. This book is much
different as the description is written. It is something we all need to read and
think about. I know I won't forget it anytime soon. It is a very good book!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC ecopy for my Kindle. And because it was an ARC, the first part of the book repeated lines and sentences which I;m sure will be corrected in the editing process.
I have read all and purchased most of Charles Martin's books. He is an interesting writer with Christian values written into his books. This is first, but I hope not his last, non fiction book written by him.
Stating Biblical scriptures and injecting his interpretations and opinions made this an interesting read.
It is a book that needs to be reread and studied in depth which I plan to do when the hard copy is available.

I was so excited when I saw that Charles Martin was writing a book diving into some essential questions in the Bible. He is such a talented author and I am blown away by this book. He is a gifted storyteller and he takes you on an incredible journey through stories unlike one I've never been through. He paints these pictures and brings these stories to life in a manner where you feel like you are standing in front of the cross weeping as Jesus takes His last breath. As a Christian, I think at some point we have all asked what if this is really true? What does that mean for me? Charles Martin dives into that question and helps dig your way through it. You will feel touched, inspired, in awe, you will feel closer to God and will have a stronger appreciation, love and respect for Jesus. He makes it very clear that he is not adding, taking away or changing scripture as it is written. This is how he envisions these stories unfolding, what he thinks the people were feeling. You will want to just drown yourself in the Bible going though this book. He recommends you have your Bible and a notebook to write your thoughts and feelings. Do this. I read this as an e-book and plan on buying the book so I can go back through every ounce of this book and make notes. This book has reshaped how I look at the Gospel in a positive way. I feel my heart has been touched and changed. He writes a prayer at the end of each chapter and it feels like you have a prayer partner walking beside you as you think through the issues presented in each chapter.

This isn't just 5 strong stars, I would give it 100 stars if they had that rating available. This is a must read book. I've already bought a copy for my Dad and will be getting one for myself. I see this as one of those books you go back to over and over again.

My thanks to Charles Martin, Thomas Nelson Publishing and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It has been an honor.