Jennifer Wright — Jan 12, 2021, Jennifer Wright rated it really liked it
This talented author writes with a realism that tugs at my memory.
Joyce Crawford has a way of writing about everyday living. Her words brought home to me the fact that God sees our lives as important no matter how insignificant we might think we are. He cares about us and what we do, and we are part of His plan. Most of all, He is with us through all of life's joys and sorrows.
Even though the novel is in the third-person perspective, it is easy to read. The author uses dialogue to great advantage. Either the quotes, parables, or the passages at the beginning of the chapters gave insight into the story.
This was a beautifully written story. It is a must-read for those who want a glimpse into a unique tale to the question if Jesus really gives us a gift. It will be one of my top reads for this year.
****
Jessica Stewart — Jan 06, 2021, Jessica Stewart rated it it was amazing
This was an unexpected find, I loved the way the characters were so real, anyone can relate to this story and feel at home.
As a reader, I love those rare instances where a story blossoms into something unexpected and sends you on an adventure you never saw coming. Where you are genuinely surprised at what has unfolded over the course of a few short chapters - and end up loving it!
Crawford's style of writing makes this a work of literature in the truest sense of the word. She weaves a story in a rather lyrical fashion. At times, you wonder where she is headed. But, similar to reading GK Chesterton, if you just keep on reading, her writing takes you somewhere beautiful.
I expect we will be reading much more of Crawford's work in the future.
****
Brooke Frye — Jan 08, 2021, Brooke Frye rated it it was amazing
Such an incredible, life-changing story!
I cannot say much more except that this book is fascinating, and worth every minute that you spend reading it. It is a biblical story that few people could claim to create, and it's beautifully written that you can believe that Jesus as Daddy G, would exist in this book. Crawford has a unique way of describing each characters' journey and delivering a story that is impossible to put down.
****
Leah Ortega — Jan 07, 2021, Leah Ortega rated it it was amazing
This book unmasked me.
What is so masterful about Crawford's book is that she pulls her characters and her readers through murkiness to dawning awareness to poignant discovery. Each character is carefully created to represent the things we know as the truth about ourselves. I found my own frailties in the personalities and stories of each character. So often, while reading The Warehouse, I wanted to call friends and read them the tender lines that meant something to me. Crawford's heart for people shines through and in reading her story it felt as if I was sitting at the feet of one much wiser than me who wanted me to be comforted, and to learn a better way.
The Warehouse blends fiction and allegory and comfortable familiarity with scripture and ancient truths to help us see the world around us in a new light. I highly recommend the book and hope Crawford continues to write and share in this way.
****
Helen Carter — Jan 13, 2021, Helen Carter rated it really liked it
The Warehouse is a book you will thank yourself for reading. While it can be a bit didactic at times, it is not overtly so. It’s more a story of journey and relationship—discovering who you are through learning more about who God is to you. I’m no theologian, but I do like to imagine myself as the Theophilus Luke writing in the Book of Acts. So I read the book as a God-lover and I write this review in the same vein.
Having had no understanding of this book's content before opening it, I must admit it rocked my little world a bit. It is incredibly well written and engaging from the start. I don’t want to say too much as I think this book is meant to be experienced with as little influence as possible. I will say it made me see many things in a much different way. It helped me grasp something that I struggle with and ultimately confirmed some of my thoughts about things. I am being cryptic I know—but I don’t want to spoil it for the reader. It is well worth the read and more importantly done with a group so dialogue can occur afterward. A very thought-provoking book that has left me wanting to buy a copy for everyone.
****
Sharon Phillips — Jan 14, 2021, Sharon Phillips rated it really liked it
This is some of the best writing I have read because it's told in a fashion that is so honest and heart-warming that I can't help but feel and relate to Leo Bates, one of the three pioneers who help build God's storehouse. He's passionate, fearful, bold, uncertain, and so many other things that make us human.
Daddy G. became real to me in a different way than I was used to. He's always been God, Heavenly Father, and He's always been real. But The Warehouse made Him real in a tangible way.
I challenge you to read this book and let it seep into your own heart.
****
Layla Jacobson — Jan 07, 2021, Layla Jacobson rated it it was amazing
As a voracious reader, having read hundreds and hundreds of books over the past thirty-plus years; I can honestly say The Warehouse is one of the best! Never has a fictional book that touched my heart as this has. As I began reading the book, I found myself making changes in my life brought about by Ms. Crawford's writings. Familial relationships, friendships, my faith, and my personal contentment have all been enriched by the three pioneers: Jake Kelly, Leo Bates, Fred Wilkins, the residents of Graceton, and God's fairies. In her writing, Joyce Crawford empowers her readers to find peace, happiness, and contentment in their own lives through the lives of her gentle characters.
The residents of Graceton will surely come to take up residence in your heart as you read through this heartwarming series of miracles, love, mysteries, and everyday life which take you into the lives of Graceton's charming, eccentric, and lovable citizens including Katie, Ms. Savannah, Mr. Bob who can be instructed to behave with a mere verse of scripture.
****
Marvin Robinsons — Jan 08, 2021, Marvin Robinsons rated it it was amazing
This book had me so immersed within the pages that I did not want the story to end.
If you are searching for something that will challenge your mind, touch your heart, and refresh your soul, then look no further! This is one story that will not only revitalize your love of reading, but it will also drive your desire to reach a world that is in desperate need of the unconditional love and redemptive power of Jesus. A spark will burst forth an unquenchable and ravenous flame of desire to proclaim the wisdom, love, healing, and grace that only God can give to those who turn to Him, humble themselves, and seek His face.
What a joy to find such a beautiful talent in this incredible work by Joyce Crawford! When words leap off the page and make their home in your heart, you know that you found a truly inspired and precious treasure that you will remember and forever enjoy. I eagerly await the next journey of Katie, Mr. Kelly, Mr. Bob, and others and I challenge you to join me on this extraordinary ride.
****
Lindsey Hart — Jan 11, 2021, Lindsey Hart rated it it was amazing
I had the great pleasure of reading this thought-provoking book. With amazing character development and the crafting of strong images, you find yourself riveted to the storyline with each chapter leaving you wanting more.
Some chapter starts with a relevant verse from the bible and exploration of a particular theme. The themes included forgiveness, compassion, listening, contact with God, worship, focusing on Jesus, honesty, the mind, finding hope, heaven and life's journey with God.
It might cause you to look deeper into your soul than you ever have.
The Warehouse is a book that will not only fascinate you with its plot and characterization but will also challenge you spiritually to consider where you are at with your walk with God and how you impact the people in your own life. The story is a portrayal of how God provides us with abundant blessings and brings good out of the bad. That is a message of hope that we all need to hear!
I highly recommend this book and award it 5 stars.
****
Laura Parker — Jan 14, 2021, Laura Parker rated it it was amazing
As far as religious fiction goes, even including other books and series from Joyce Crawford herself, this is the absolute best book that I have ever had the experience to be exposed to. It is just fabulous and if I could afford it, I would buy every single person I know a copy for keeps.
The first thing that struck me as more than ordinary in this book was the vibrant descriptions. Even if the story had been ordinary, the descriptions that painted pictures in my mind and were never uninteresting would have made up for it.
When I started reading this book, I was expecting a romance. However, I was surprised to find a faith-filled family and friendship story instead. One could say that there were some elements of romance but it wasn't anything major in the story. Since I was expecting romance, I might have been disappointed if the story wasn't so beautiful. But I wasn't. It was great and full of God's wisdom.
I enjoyed this book very much. It was a great weekend read, and I definitely plan on reading it again.
****
Madeleine Liu — Jan 16, 2021, Madeleine Liu rated it it was amazing
This was a life-changing book for me. Great storytelling and spiritually impacting!
This very complex story has a whole cast of important characters and hundreds of pages to work out their stories. It is a lot to read and keep straight - but it is packed with one incredible story and some of the most beautiful biblical imagery I have ever read.
While the story is layered, exciting, and quick moving, it is the beautiful scenery that Crawford paints that stays with me. Crawford carefully orients the reader in the sights, smells, and people in the background of each scene. This makes for very entertaining reading but in the scenes in Part One, this leaves a reader feeling as though they were there.
A must-read for all, without exceptions, not only for Christians. In my humble opinion, it's the perfect reading for the Christmas season. A very good book, wonderfully written by Joyce Crawford, and powerful in her intention and aim to reach and win the hearts and souls of the reader.
A good easy read that could make you think what it "might" have been like.
****
Daisy Bright — Jan 16, 2021, Daisy Bright rated it it was amazing
The day I finished this book I turned to page one and started all over again. There is so much to digest. It doesn't matter how many days it sits on my shelf, whenever I reopen this book, there is something that speaks to me - a lesson waiting - it seems - just for me. Definitely worth the read if you're interested in delving deeper into an intimate relationship with Jesus. Reads like a novel, but it's thought-provoking.
The Warehouse is one of those novels that satisfies on every level, offering the pleasure of a beautifully told story, combined with an entertaining plot and a character that is sure to shatter every preconceived notion you have ever had about Jesus being with us. Joyce Crawford writes with exquisite prose, with colorful, vivid descriptions that transport the reader deep into the heart of the story. I found myself living and breathing alongside the pioneers, soon experiencing a surprising heart of empathy as I met the three pioneers that Joyce Crawford had constructed.
****
