THE TRAIN

By Joyce Crawford

Good Reads Reviews

Overall rating 4.71

Carol Roberts    rated it  as amazing  October 26, 2021

The Train is a warm and inviting Christian faith-based novel that is going to uplift your soul. The characters were very inspiring, and they possess a profound image that would surely catch every reader’s attention.

If you think that God is hiding himself during our downtimes, I suggest reading this book. In fact, angels were sent to us to comfort us during our hardships. As Hope, Faith, Serenity, and Curiosity departed heaven, their mission was to find a person to uplift their broken spirit soul. Then they found Mr. Sam Burkett, a soldier of World War II who is returning home with a hopeless heart. Most of his limbs were amputated due to the frostbite which he got in Germany, where he was assigned. Without a family to go home, Sam’s life is filled with negativity. Luckily, his healing helped him accept the status quo and continue living. There he settled back in his hometown in Florence, Kentucky. But God’s love is so great that he wasn’t forsaken. You’ll be amazed at how his life turned from mourning to blessing.

I must admit that this book has made me cry. The scenes were so touching and moving. I love every moment of Sam and how he managed to enjoy life. The message of this book is simple yet profound. I highly suggest this one.

Kathie Pattersons   October 28, 2021 rated it   it was amazing  5 stars

The uplifting story of Sam will take your breath away. This is the kind of book that would revive your lost spirit to God.

The story was inspiring. Sam, as a lieutenant soldier from the 101st Airborne Division, U.S. Army Air Corps, is returning to his hometown. But his life was far from being normal. His physical body was heavily injured from the war, and after many months of healing, he is now ready to face the new challenges in his life. Without a family to greet him, his heart was full of melancholy. And the whistle of the train for him symbolizes bad luck. But things changed in the most dramatic way when he met Rachel, who later became the woman of his life. Their story was a perfect example of light behind dark clouds.

There’s nothing that I have for the author other than high admiration and respect. Her works were just one of the best to boost your faith in God and claim His promises. Read this book and be fascinated by these wonderful, life-changing lessons.

Miller Young     Oct 28, 2021Miller Young rated it really liked it

I have to admit, this book has completely blown my mind and gave me a new perspective of faith and how to face fears in life. Other than the Bible quotes, the author has provided a thorough, profound, and interesting story to remind us that He’s there and He is with us. The wonderful story of Sam Burkett would surely uplift one’s soul. It’s very motivating and full of hope. The life of Sam is a beautiful epitome of hope.

As an invalid soldier returning home, he longed for the love of a family, yet there was no one he could call on to. With his condition, it made matters worse. But he proved that a genuine heart could really find genuine love. Rachel was the answer to his longing. They met unexpectedly in an unprecedented time. Their love grew as time went by. Sam’s goodness was rightly paid off. With this book, I could say that nothing is impossible – definitely worth the read.

Elena Dube   Oct 21, 2021Elena Dube rated it   it was amazing

This book is going to grip your heart and soul. For one, it’s filled with touching and moving life events. The characters are well developed, especially Sam Burkett. A perfect Christian fiction novel that’s going to have you on the edge of your seat, waiting for every scene to unfold with excitement and surprise. Secondly, the storyline is simple and easy to understand. They are very engaging to read and filled with emotions. Finally, the scenes are in-depth, and the content is life-changing.

Take on the adventure of Sam as he struggled to live life again after the war. His physical body was amputated. His face was disfigured, and he went on to healing for a few months. Will he ever face life again full of hope and love? Find out by reading this wonderful book by Joyce Crawford. This book is a blessing! I highly recommend it.

Davon Boyd   Oct 22, 2021Davon Boyd rated it really liked it

The Train by Joyce Crawford centered the story of Sam Burkett, a Lieutenant returning home from WW 2. In the beginning, his life was filled with misery. For one, due to the frostbite he got during his deployment in Germany, he got his limbs amputated and his face disfigured. His life became hopeless and meaningless. To add to the extent of his depression, there was nobody to greet him because he had no family. His parents had passed away already, and he was late to know. However, it’s a good thing that there are those wonderful angels who took notice of Sam’s melancholic life.

These are just of the few things that the readers would know about as they read the story of Sam. There are still a lot of ups and downs happening in his life, but one thing he never did was to give up. The optimism this book has is on the next level. I totally enjoyed the read.

Rodney Walker   Nov 04, 2021Rodney Walker rated it really liked it

When you think of quitting, don’t do it yet. Read this book first and let it fascinate you! This amazing book by Joyce Crawford is filled with God’s promises. With sprinkled Bible verses and profound true-to-life events, this book is going to completely change your perspective in life and engulf it with optimism.

Just like Sam, anyone could be victorious in their own unique way. As a returning GI from World War 2, Sam's life was twisted due to the extent of the injury he got in the war. It made him think that life for him was meaningless. Perhaps for that time being, but God is not yet ready to give up on Sam. Angels were sent to comfort him. But the best thing that happened to Sam’s life was when he met Rachel. And that made all the difference.

This book reminded me that no matter what happened or how difficult life is, God is always there.

Tristan Cameron   Oct 21, 2021Tristan Cameron rated it   it was amazing

I must say that this book is hard to put down. It made my heart bleed and healed it. Honestly, this book made me cry many times, who couldn’t? It’s filled with emotions and touching events that would surely tear your heart apart. I love how the author, Joyce Crawford, named the angels in a very interesting way. It made me laugh as well upon learning their names and their mission to fulfill.

The book is relatively easy to read. It wasn’t too long and too short—just about enough to brighten up your day. Sam, as a CGI soldier returning from WWII, was far from being normal. His injury was so great that it took several weeks for him to slowly accept the reality. But thanks to these angels who tried their best to enlighten Sam during his tough times. What I like the most about this book is that it’s full of positivity. I have to recommend this book to everyone.

Daisy Norris   Oct 25, 2021Daisy Norris rated it   it was amazing

Truly an amazing book to read about hope and courage. This is the kind of book that would surely make you cry. The scenes were so intense and in-depth. Moreover, this book never failed to center the love of God in all the life aspects of Sam and Rachel. I love how the author completes each chapter with very profound Bible verses.

When Sam returned home from war, he was devastated to really learn to love himself again. He was supposed to die, but luckily, he survived. One of his legs was cut off due to the extent of the injury. He longed for love from a family, but there was none to greet him. However, you will be surprised at how the story went on. The ending was satisfying, and the train really did impact his life greatly. Find out how the train became one of the major roles in his story by reading this marvelous book by Joyce Crawford.

Trisha Gagne   Oct 28, 2021Trisha Gagne rated it   it was amazing

This book is a timeless manuscript to remind us that God is in control. It gives life meaning.

The storyline was very interesting and engaging. Honestly, it’s hard to put down. It kept on the line until I finished the last chapter, and I didn't regret reading the whole book.

It started in the year 1945 when Sam Burkett, a retired soldier, returned home. However, there was nobody to welcome and greet his homecoming. But God saw Sam’s frustration and depression. He knew that Sam had gone through a lot of tough times in life. Therefore, God sent angels to brighten up his life. From that moment, his life changed, but the best is yet to come.

I must say that the scenes were very touching and poignant. I couldn’t help myself but cry at the end. It was a surprising ending, and it’s the most perfect ending I’ve read so far. This book is a must-read!

Aidan Andersen   Nov 04, 2021Aidan Andersen rated it   it was amazing

This book is on fire! Believe me, when I say on fire. For one, it’s loaded with life-changing lessons taken from the life of Sam. You would be surprised at how the author conveyed the message of hope to overcome our struggles and fears in life.

It was almost a perfect day in the month of August 1945. Soldiers are returning home from war to their beloved hometown. But upon riding the train, there was only one melancholic heart, and that was Sam’s heart. There were no people to welcome him, his parents died, and he had no wife and kids.

Joyce Crawford had really portrayed a story that would stand the test of time. This novel focused on Sam and Rachel’s lives. They were not meant to be, but love knows no boundary. I cried upon reaching the end. I love everything about this book, from beginning to end.

Belinda Anderson   Nov 03, 2021Belinda Anderson rated it   it was amazing

The Train is not your typical Christian novel. Firstly, it’s loaded with full-packed action and melodramatic scenes. The author had perfectly put into words the real-life GI battle in action. It was such an enjoyable read.

The main character of this book is Sam, a military soldier deployed in Germany during World War 2. But because of the war and the frostbite, he was injured and had been healing for many months in the Veterans Affair and Hospital in New York. His life struggle was real and very relatable. Upon reading the book, I couldn’t hold my tears, especially during the time when he proposed to Rachel. This book contains more than what the title says. Easily a five-star rating!

Alexa Simmons   Nov 02, 2021Alexa Simmons rated it really liked it

This book by Joyce Crawford is one of the best. Every bit of it is a shining jewel. The life story of Sam springs from the well of the living water from above. Loaded with powerful and moving insights, this book is perfect for everyone, whether you are non-Christian or Christian.

Sam’s homecoming was far from being exciting. He has no family, wife, and kids to welcome him. In short, Sam is living alone. But he didn’t give up on life that easily. He stood up and held his head up high. Thanks to the help of the lovely angels who didn’t leave Sam in his most devastating times. On the other hand, the Bible verses that the author included were absolutely handy. They give an overall view of what the chapter is all about.

Derick Ware   Nov 04, 2021Derick Ware rated it   it was amazing

This book is the definition of defying the odds. With its simple yet inspiring life-changing lessons taken from the account of Sam Burkett, surely it has surpassed my level of expectations for a Christian faith-based novel. Each scene is written with boldness and clarity that would definitely melt everyone’s heart.

Sam, as an invalid GI soldier of World War Two, rode on the train ready to return home alone, with no wife, no kids, and no parents to welcome him. That must be a very sad experience anyone could have, learning that the other GIs were embracing and hugging their loved ones. Now it’s time for these lovely angels to work on Sam’s heart. The ending was surprising! I never expected it to be that way.

Lovely Caron   Nov 04, 2021Lovely Caron rated it really liked it

Are you looking for an inspiring and motivational book to read that would surely not waste your time? Then I’m sure you’re going to love this Christian novel written by one of the most prolific and dynamic authors, Joyce Crawford. This book has a different take on what faith really is and what hope really is.

With Sam, Rachel, and Kayla, they give life to the story. Each character has a different story, yet they managed to engage me in keeping reading. And I’m glad I did! With these three main characters, the one that stood the most is Sam. He manifested loyalty, love, and hope to every reader. If you’re not a crier, then I must say that to get ready to cry for this book is going to melt your heart away.

Dianna Wilson   Oct 27, 2021Dianna Wilson rated it   it was amazing

An honest poignant life story of Sam that would melt your heart in the most dramatic way.

When Sam returned home, he was far from happy. After serving many years in the military, life wasn’t easy for him. His left leg was replaced with prosthetics, his hands were unusable, and his face was unrecognizable due to the frostbite when he was assigned in Germany. Little did he know that his life was going to change for the better, far from what he expected. Thanks to the presence of the funny little angels, they gave more life to the story.

This book is very well written. It depicts true and real emotions that the readers could relate to. I’m sure it’s going to rekindle faith, love, hope, and courage that has been washed away by pain.

Laura Parker   Oct 21, 2021Laura Parker rated it   it was amazing

This book is one of a kind. Its storyline is very surprising and touching. I have to admit that it made me cry a river of tears. It is so touching and moving. However, the atmosphere that this book has is filled with positivity and optimism. Easily, this book earns a 5 out of 5 stars rating. I love everything about it.

When Sam, a Lieutenant Soldier whose life was disabled due to his injury, returned to his hometown in Florence, Kentucky. Without a family, a wife, and kids to greet him, you could really feel his sadness, hopelessness, and discouragement to continue living life. Luckily, these angels gave Sam hope and courage. There, he started to rebuild his confidence and tried to live life again.

Winston Russel   Oct 22, 2021Winston Russel rated it   it was amazing

There’s no perfect life, but we can live life perfectly – no hatred, no judgment, no regrets. Upon reading this book, it took me to a deep realization that God is always there no matter how hard the times are.

The story of Sam has gripped my heart. It was so heart-pounding that I couldn’t contain myself but cry. Imagine an amputated soldier returning home with no wife, kids, or family to greet him. Surely, that must be really sad and depressing. He settled-in in his old house near a train and found amazing people. You would be surprised at how God has worked in his life in the most unexpected way. The ending was so satisfying. Each scene is intense and in-depth. I love this book.