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May 12, 2012 Boymamma37 rated it it was amazing This book was the book that began my journey into more meaningful Christian fiction. Rather than being called Christian because characters happened to say grace before meals or simply go to church on Sunday; the characters in Phillips' book struggled with their faith in
real-life challenges (set in Nazi times) and the father used many settings to teach of the richness and depth of our Savior's sacrifice, beauty, and mystery. Another person complained this plot moved slowly; I would say if you're Another person complained this plot moved slowly; I would say if you're looking for a surface "good read" this is not it. It is a great read to help you grow along the way. One of my favorite authors, along with Dee Henderson, who does move a little faster while still using the
truth of God's word in a story format. :)
Aug 27, 2011 Susan rated it it was amazing This was a great read. The first thing that I did after becoming an empty
nester was renew my joy of reading. This was one of the first books I read around 2001. I read the entire series in only a few months. It was a love story, mystery, drama and many more things. This series provoked nearly every emotion. The books were thought provoking, and taught me much about attitudes (especially Christian). If you are offering aid to Christians, (or anyone)that are struggling, be careful of your own arr This was a great read. The
first thing that I did after becoming an empty nester was renew my joy of reading. This was one of the first books I read around 2001. I read the entire series in only a few months. It was a love story, mystery, drama and many more things. This series provoked nearly every emotion. The books were thought provoking, and taught me much about attitudes (especially Christian). If you are offering aid to Christians, (or anyone)that are struggling, be careful of your own arrogance. Often the
strugglers have much more to offer you than you have to offer them. They have strength of faith that goes far beyond anything that an outsider can offer. These strugglers become the ministers rather than the missionaries from afar. I have often recommended this series with one caution. Be solid in your Christian doctrine. There are some doctrines hinted at in this series that would challenge the doctrines of many mainline Christian churches. The readers challenge is to use these doctrines to
strengthen and solidify faith.
Jun 07, 2020 Emma rated it really liked it Ahh that ending! This book was a good, thought-provoking book. It wasn’t one to read all at once but to read a little at a time, to think over.
This book could have earned more stars if you eliminated the first few hundred pages. After that long description of the Baron's house and the gardens, it got pretty exciting. I did enjoy the frequent religious discussions. The Baron was a true Christian who really loved Jesus and showed his faith by example. This was a story of love, and the complexities of war. There are two more books that continue with this theme, but I won't be reading them. This book could have earned more stars if you eliminated the first few hundred pages. After that long description of the Baron's house and the gardens, it got pretty exciting. I did enjoy the frequent religious discussions. The Baron was a true Christian who really loved Jesus and showed his faith by example. This was a story of love, and the complexities of war. There are two more books that continue with this theme, but I won't be reading them. ...more
Sep 05, 2019 Claire rated it it was ok This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Too many plot lines left unfinished. What about the dungeon? What about Matthew? What about the doctor and Bonhoeffer?
Read this about ten years ago. The plot moved too slow for my tastes, and the story didn't start moving until the last chapter--and that was after wading through sermon after sermon and the garden that became very monotonous. Was very disappointed, and this is the book that turned me off to Christian Fiction. I wanted a story, not a sermon. I'm giving it two stars because of the effort of the author and his extensive research. Read this about ten years ago. The plot moved too slow for my tastes, and the story didn't start moving until the last chapter--and that was after wading through sermon after sermon and the garden that became very monotonous. Was very disappointed, and this is the book that turned me off to Christian Fiction. I wanted a story, not a sermon. I'm giving it two stars because of the effort of the author and his extensive research. ...more
Sep 07, 2017 Sonya rated it liked it Gave much to ponder, but the long dialogues were extensive throughout the
book...some of it repetitive and made me want to skip them.
Feb 17, 2017 Kim rated it did not like it this was one of those very, very rare books that I could not be bothered to finish. I just could not get into it. Feels like I'm still in the introductory section of the book, and I have lost interest. this was one of those very, very rare books that I could not be bothered to finish. I just could not get into it. Feels like I'm still in the introductory section of the book, and I have lost interest. ...more
Jun 17, 2012 Asia rated it did not like it It's a horrid book...I don't know why I read it....Michael Phillips is a bummer! It's a horrid book...I don't know why I read it....Michael Phillips is a bummer! ...more
Jul 19, 2016 Gloria rated it it was ok Series Summary: Sabina von Dortmann faces numerous challenges in the
topsy-turvy world of Germany 1937-1979. Her parents carefully train their only child in the knowledge of the Lord and she takes their wisdom to heart. But will her faith endure through the turmoil of WWII, the split of her country, and her father's imprisonment? On a more personal level, how will she elude her ex-lover turned KGB agent and will her American friend Matthew McCallum be able to find her again after years of separat
Sabina von Dortmann faces numerous challenges in the topsy-turvy world of Germany 1937-1979. Her parents carefully train their only child in the knowledge of the Lord and she takes their wisdom to heart. But will her faith endure through the turmoil of WWII, the split of her country, and her father's imprisonment? On a more personal level, how will she elude her ex-lover turned KGB agent and will her American friend Matthew McCallum be able to find her again after years of separation? Will
Sabina ever discover the secret of the rose? Pro's: The story was very engaging and drew me in from the start. There were numerous nights when I stayed up late reading. I appreciated how Biblical topics such as salvation, how to treat one's enemies, forgiveness, and evangelism were not merely mentioned but deeply discussed throughout the book. Con's: It is a romance novel series (which I didn't realize when buying them, although it should've been rather obvious) so if you
decide to read the series, be prepared for some mushy-gushiness. Additionally Sabina and her fiancé kiss prior to being married, which I strongly believe is not allowed for in Scripture. I also disagreed with some of the theology in the series. In a letter to Matthew, Sabina writes, "That was the specific word that came to my mind. Matthew, I really think that's it! Choice. God loves people for being unique the way he created them, and along with that goes our choosing to be the kind of people
we want to be. Of course, that means he has to allow us to choose wrong things if we really must, or else we wouldn't really be free to choose. (And you know what I'm thinking now? I think God is sitting there really hoping that we will choose him.)" (The Eleventh Hour, pg. 175) It's that last statement that I particularly take issue with. Jesus clearly says in John 15:16, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your
fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." So I will be returning the books as the romance is too overwhelming and the
unBiblical theology too glaring for me to consider keeping the books much less recommending them to others.
Nov 24, 2015 Mary rated it it was amazing Wonderful! Michael Phillips does NOT disappoint me. His way with words, wrapped around faith, theology, love, and compassion win me every time! I am interested in the Nazi period of time and how Bonhoeffer lived his life so it is a double blessing to learn historical facts as I see a romance flourish and another beginning to bloom. The significance of a rose? Well, there will be much more to discover after we leave the garden on the estate. Baron and his wife, along with his youthful daughter,Sa Wonderful! Michael Phillips does NOT disappoint me. His way with words, wrapped around faith, theology, love, and compassion win me every time! I am interested in the Nazi period of time and how Bonhoeffer lived his life so it is a double blessing to learn historical facts as I see a romance flourish and another beginning to bloom. The significance of a rose? Well, there will be much more to discover after we leave the garden on the estate. Baron and his wife, along with his youthful daughter,Sabina, live in sort of an oasis land,opening their castle-like home to travelers and friends. Watching from a distance on the closest estate, is Sabina's childhood playmate, Gustav. Sabina grows up with more realistic anticipation of a life walking with the Lord as Gustav plans secretly their marriage for the future. He doesn't even know her. He is full of himself while she has learned to live her life one day at a time with God walking with her. Evil is lurking all around their estate as they help others, especially Jews, leave the country before they are persecuted. The family is able to put the Lord's will first even when death may be close. Escaping to Switzerland, they only take what they can carry. It is hard to leave behind such a legacy and home, but they are assured that their future is with their master. Baron takes the lead and puts himself in a precarious place and ends up in prison. Sabina's new friend from America, Matthew that she meets before the escape, goes on and finishes college and starts a life not knowing where this family is, but God will redeem them when the time is right although many years fly by. ...more
Sep 05, 2015 Kay rated it it was amazing Michael Phillips has written an outstanding novel of mammoth proportion compared to most Christian fiction of today. The Eleventh Hour is more typical of the 1990’s era of which it was written. My copy has 502 pages of somewhat smaller size font. It is a book written not
only for the reader’s enjoyment, but also as an avenue to spiritual growth through reading a wonderful story. There is much wisdom among these pages, so I would recommend taking the time to ponder and consider the words within. T The plot is pretty straight forward and follows two aristocratic, German families at the cusp of WWII, as the family members make decisions about supporting Hitler and his racially motivated ideology. It is evident
the author did extensive research of the times and the people, which brings authenticity to the storyline as it progresses through the years of 1937-1944. The author’s skillful writing is easily able to pull the reader into the story and transport her/him into that time and place. The main characters are multidimensional and definitely seem like real people—friends or foes. As the book ended, I felt truly connected to my “friends” and look forward to reading the second book in The Secret
of the Rose series. I recommend this book to readers who are not looking for a quick read, who are interested in WWII literature and who prefer a story with a spiritual focus.
Oct 11, 2016 Beverly rated it it was amazing I had forgotten just how much I loved reading Michael R.
Phillips books. As a young adult I devoured many of his earlier series. This first book of in the Secret of the Rose series was no exception. Phillips was highly influenced by the writings of George MacDonald, and has become a master of weaving into the fabric of a story history, personal challenge and growth as well as spiritual truths and character in such a marvelous way. This book also revealed to me how much Phillips has influenced th I had
forgotten just how much I loved reading Michael R. Phillips books. As a young adult I devoured many of his earlier series. This first book of in the Secret of the Rose series was no exception. Phillips was highly influenced by the writings of George MacDonald, and has become a master of weaving into the fabric of a story history, personal challenge and growth as well as spiritual truths and character in such a marvelous way. This book also revealed to me how much Phillips has influenced the
writing of his fellow author and family friend Judith Pella whose series on the Russian revolution I just finished earlier this year. Set in Prussia in the years just before WWII, Baron von Dortmann is a man fully devoted to serving God as a follower of Jesus Christ in every area of his life. His servant's heart spills over into his love for the land, for his family, for his country and for all who come to his family home seeking rest and renewal . . . and eventually refuge. This is a story of
a man who wrestles with what it means to be light in a very dark time, and how to best use the gifts and resources he has to bring help and safety to those in the greatest of need. Throughout the entire book the secrets of God's truth are revealed in the rich lessons of nature and scripture.
Mar 31, 2010 Samantha rated it it was amazing *The Secret of the Rose* Caught in the war and all of Caught in the war and all of it's horror, the Dortmanns are left with difficult decisions. Decisions that could change their lives forever..... This book was a very enjoyable read. It flowed well and definitely kept me in suspense!
The only thing that slightly bothered me with the plot was how the Dortmann's didn't seem to take as many precautions as I thought they should have. But perhaps they weren't fully aware of all the risks of the situation?
Jan 06, 2020 Alesha rated it really liked it This book took me a long time to finish. I will admit, I found the
first 250 pages very hard to get through because nothing really happened. We were introduced to the characters- that took about 100 pages to set up. Then there was a lot of Christian stories and commentary that was given from the Baron. At first I thought it seemed a little forced, but it all made sense in the end and I enjoyed that aspect of it. The book really started to pick up pace around the half-way mark. It was amazing and The book really started to pick up pace around the half-way mark. It was amazing and the
overall ending to the story was beautiful. A man sacrifices himself for his people, just as Christ did for us on the cross. Overall, lovely imagery, writing, and great characters that made reading the story feel like you know them all personally.
WOW! This book was a lesson in spiritual life set in an interesting historical story. Like with most of Phillips writing, I had to struggle through the first few chapters as I switched gears from the things I normally read to a deeper and I would say, older, style. I feel the same when I read George MacDonald or CS Lewis. This type of writing takes much more reader participation but the end is worth it. I enjoyed the story, learned a little more about the history of the time but most of all I fo WOW! This book was a lesson in spiritual life set in an interesting historical story. Like with most of Phillips writing, I had to struggle through the first few chapters as I switched gears from the things I normally read to a deeper and I would say, older, style. I feel the same when I read George MacDonald or CS Lewis. This type of writing takes much more reader participation but the end is worth it. I enjoyed the story, learned a little more about the history of the time but most of all I found myself encouraged and challenged by the lessons and spiritual principles contained within this novel. I highly recommend the whole series! ...more
Jan 03, 2013 Lindsey rated it it was amazing My mom handed me this book and said read it! I'm not sure if I remember actually loving reading before this book. I Love this Book So Much! It's set right before The persecution of the Jews started by Hitler. It plays a role in the book but it's not the main thrust of it! There is a discussion between the Baron and A Jewish Rabbi that shows how "True" Christianity and Judaism are one in the same and the shows Jesus came to fulfill the law not do away with it entirely. We are adoptive sons and I My mom handed me this book and said read it! I'm not sure if I remember actually loving reading before this book. I Love this Book So Much! It's set right before The persecution of the Jews started by Hitler. It plays a role in the book but it's not the main thrust of it! There is a discussion between the Baron and A Jewish Rabbi that shows how "True" Christianity and Judaism are one in the same and the shows Jesus came to fulfill the law not do away with it entirely. We are adoptive sons and I love how this book portrays that! A must read! (again) ...more
Mar 03, 2010 Jaclynn rated it really liked it Prussia 1937 is the setting for this WW2 novel. The story of the von Dortmann's as well as their American friends and many others as their lives change dramatically during Hitler's reign. Baron von Dortmann cares for his garden tenderly and within in it are many lessons to learn and he desires to pass on this heritage to any who so desire. The Secret of the Rose and the connection to our Lord, the Rose of Sharon. Prussia 1937 is the setting for this WW2 novel. The story of the von Dortmann's as well as their American friends and many others as their lives change dramatically during Hitler's reign. Baron von Dortmann cares for his garden tenderly and within in it are many lessons to learn and he desires to pass on this heritage to any who so desire. The Secret of the Rose and the connection to our Lord, the Rose of Sharon. ...more
Apr 23, 2013 Janna rated it liked it Since I've always been fascinated with the WW2 era, I loved the setting for this historical fiction. The characters drew me in, and the twists of plot left me devouring chapters at a time. Germany, US ambassadors, a rose garden, Nazis, secret passages, and running for your life all added to the allure. The one caveat was the number of extended descriptive passages. I got bogged down numerous times. But, overall worth the read. Since I've always been fascinated with the WW2 era, I loved the setting for this historical fiction. The characters drew me in, and the twists of plot left me devouring chapters at a time. Germany, US ambassadors, a rose garden, Nazis, secret passages, and running for your life all added to the allure. The one caveat was the number of extended descriptive passages. I got bogged down numerous times. But, overall worth the read. ...more
Michael Philips is an excellet story teller. I first read these books as a young teen and loved them. I finally pulled them out and re-read them. As adult I found a lot of Baron Von Dortman's musing and conversations about Christianity to be a bit "preachy," long-winded, and attempting to convert any non-Christian reader. Overall I loved the story as the historical time period has always fascinated me. Michael Philips is an excellet story teller. I first read these books as a young teen and loved them. I finally pulled them out and re-read them. As adult I found a lot of Baron Von Dortman's musing and conversations about Christianity to be a bit "preachy," long-winded, and attempting to convert any non-Christian reader. Overall I loved the story as the historical time period has always fascinated me. ...more
Aug 25, 2007 Karol rated it liked it Another series, with many similarities to the Heathersleigh Hall one. Big castle with many secret passageways, a love for gardens and admiration for "The Scotsman". At times it felt like I was reading the exact same story all over again, except in Germany during the days of WWII instead of England in the early 1900's. Another series, with many similarities to the Heathersleigh Hall one. Big castle with many secret passageways, a love for gardens and admiration for "The Scotsman". At times it felt like I was reading the exact same story all over again, except in Germany during the days of WWII instead of England in the early 1900's. ...more
This whole series is very good history wise as well as fiction wise. It begins with the beginning of Hitler's reign up to sixty years later following a Baron's family whose home & farm was in East Germany.......a little slow to get started, but once you get past about the first four or five chapters, you are then roped in and can't stop till you've finished reading the whole series. This whole series is very good history wise as well as fiction wise. It begins with the beginning of Hitler's reign up to sixty years later following a Baron's family whose home & farm was in East Germany.......a little slow to get started, but once you get past about the first four or five chapters, you are then roped in and can't stop till you've finished reading the whole series. ...more
A fair maiden loved by two men... the meaning of a red rose... a magnificent garden maze... war... it still sends chills down my spine... OK maybe not that bad, but it's a good love story built around the perilous time of WWII with a beautiful setting. If you have the time, give it a read. A fair maiden loved by two men... the meaning of a red rose... a magnificent garden maze... war... it still sends chills down my spine... OK maybe not that bad, but it's a good love story built around the perilous time of WWII with a beautiful setting. If you have the time, give it a read. ...more
If you love Historical Fiction, you'll love this from a different perspective than you've ever read before. Beginning in pre-WWII Pomerania, you'll meet exceptional characters who must choose to live their beliefs or follow the evil befalling their country. I'm reading this for the 2nd time! If you love Historical Fiction, you'll love this from a different perspective than you've ever read before. Beginning in pre-WWII Pomerania, you'll meet exceptional characters who must choose to live their beliefs or follow the evil befalling their country. I'm reading this for the 2nd time! ...more
Jan 14, 2010 Melissa rated it it was amazing I absolutley loved this book...WWII fiction...takes place in Prussia. Lots of suspense and Godly wisdom given by a few of the main characters. I can't wait to get to the library to pick up the next in the series. This book was recommended to me by a friend. I absolutley loved this book...WWII fiction...takes place in Prussia. Lots of suspense and Godly wisdom given by a few of the main characters. I can't wait to get to the library to pick up the next in the series. This book was recommended to me by a friend. ...more
May 14, 2012 Carmella rated it it was amazing I loved this series of books. It tells of the Jewish underground, of which I had no clue existed so extensively. There are so many awesome nuggets of spiritual insights and wisdom. I found them interesting, entertaining, enlightening, and very GOOD READS.
Jul 18, 2012 Michelle rated it it was amazing Absolutely love this series. I am especially drawn to WWII historical fiction and these did not disappoint. Amazing story chock full of little spiritual insights that make you stop reading for a bit to contemplate.
This is the beginning of a fantastic series by Michael Phillips. You will learn a lot from his deep Christian faith as demonstrated by the characters of this novel. Each book in the series is wonderful and hard to put down once you start. This is one of the best books I have ever read.
May 30, 2017 Najwa Hirn rated it it was amazing This was a great book. I could not put it down. I had picked it by chance at a book sale and I am glad that I did. It has a lot of history which I love. It also has some romance from a historical aspect. I am Looking forward to reading book 2 as well as other books by this author.
Kinship
The Eleventh Hour is a reminder of the kinship of God's people, the bond of humanity which we share. Good is good and evil, of course, is evil. God's people, whether Jew or Gentile, should work together for the common good. The Eleventh Hour is a reminder of the kinship of God's people, the bond of humanity which we share. Good is good and evil, of course, is evil. God's people, whether Jew or Gentile, should work
together for the common good. Librarian Note: there is more than one author with this name in the Goodreads database. Michael Phillips has been writing in the Christian
marketplace for 30 years. All told, he has written, co-written, and edited some 110 books. Phillips and his wife live in the U.S., and make their second home in Scotland. Other books in the seriesRelated ArticlesThe American South has produced some Hall of Fame literary superstars: William Faulkner, Zora Neale Hurston, Harper Lee, Wendell Berry. And... Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. |
The eleventh hour book michael phillips
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