I'm probably one of the few people that didn't enjoy "The Shack," lol! I picked this up on a whim but found the writing style too similar to "The Shack" for my taste. My experience went further downhill with the book's inclusion of profanity and sexual content, the combo causing it to become a DNF for me.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

This was an interesting story. I enjoyed reading it. My only feedback was the description of the climax got a little confusing. It was hard to picture where the people were exactly in the scene.

If you are looking for an escape book and have an interest in religion and end times, you will enjoy this book. The author combines scripture, religious thought, politics. There are loose ends in the book and I think the characters could have been developed a bit more. However, the idea of it is intriguing.

​I so wanted this to be a book to help me in my spiritual beliefs. However, that was not to be. I will say that I enjoyed most of the story. A modern day Jesus arives in Central Park in New York as a young woman is being raped. She has a room mate who loves her but Katie is not into girls though she is in aproval of the lifestyle. Her brother, mayor of New York, once thought of as a potential presidental canidate before his affair is in a 'winner takes all' political fight with a rival that could remove him from politics forever. All of this in the first couple of chapters.

Then, Jesus appears. The story only calls him 'The Stranger' but it is clear by his words who the author is hinting it is. That is when I thought the story went south. It was clear that the author was trying to push his version of Christanity. While he has every right to do that, I was saddened when what could have been a great story turned in to a theological teaching.

Before you go negative and say that I disagree with the teaching and say that the book was bad for that reason, I would have said the same thing if it had agreed with my beliefs. Any time you use your platform to try to indoctrinate, I do not care for it. When the book is in the story it is great, but whole chapters where a theology of everyone is saved and I was wanting the book to end and soon.

Who should read? I would only recomend this if you can work around the preaching. As I said before, the story is very gripping as the stranger is urging people to put down the guns even though a World War seems to be approaching. Who is healed and who is not by the stranger leads to interesting questions. The idea of an 'eye for an eye' is even talked about in an interesting way. If you cannot get passed the teachings, then I would not suggest it for you.

I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley. This is an honest review.

The Stranger in Central Park - Written by James Patrick Dillon
An inspiring story of love, hope, and faith for today’s needs!

An inspiring story of love, hope, and faith set during an age that’s deeply disturbing and hauntingly familiar, The STRANGER in Central Park will delight fans of both fast-paced genre fiction and character-driven literature. It’s been hailed “A blockbuster novel for our time.” As the title suggests, this deeply moving thriller unfolds largely in New York City’s Central Park. There, the Stranger appears literally out of thin air. He commands nature, heals the sick, raises the lame, makes the blind see, and calls for a new gathering, a new way of living. Tens of thousands descend on Bethesda Terrace in Central Park. They come from all over the world to hear his message, witness his miraculous power in action, and welcome him. Others conspire to silence him, to stop him no matter what the cost.

What did I like? This was a very emotional and awe-inspiring story that captured my attention and kept me glued to the pages. It contains so much that is needed in this day and time and has this message that should be read by all. We don’t have to be deeply religious to believe that we need help. Every day I read more police officers and soldiers being killed. The massive school shooting and the abuse of women and children all tell us that we need this message.

What will you like? A moving and inspirational storyline that was well researched and told in a way that everyone can believe what needs to be heard. Characters that are believable and just like people in your own town. Only time will tell if enough read and receive the intended message that the world needs to hear. Highly recommend this book to ALL readers of all genres. I received this from the publisher for an honest review with no other compensation.

The Stranger In Central Park Is a spiritualistic book not is Spiritual book. There is a differentce There is swearing in it and even worse to me is taking GOD's name in vain that's and when it happened more than once I just couldn't keep on reading so when that happened I just don't think the LORD would appreciate it and that was it. But what I did read it was very slow.

This is an interesting read.. deep spiritual values. and deeper psychological twists.. but satisfying overall .. cheers for the characters in this one!! Faith has no boundaries!

I was asked to review this book for an unbiased opinion. I was caught up with this book at the first page. I was a little confused as to what was going on but usually the first couple of chapters in a book are introducing characters and establishing the story line, anyway so I just kept reading. I was very moved by this book. I consider myself a christian and have read the Bible several times so as the book unfolded my knowledge of the Bible agreed with what the Stranger's message was, M-39 (which was Matthew 5:39, replace evil with good, I had honestly never thought about that verse as deeply as I did while reading the book. The political drama that went on throughout the book, was the political drama of today's world. Become evil, steal, lie, kill to get farther in this world. This is what you see in every country of the world even our US. That is proven by the different standards that our politicians live by. When the Stranger (supposed to represent Jesus) comes to the park and the blind man is healed the book took on a deeper meaning for me. I started reading it with my heart and my head. The final chapter had my mouth open and tears in eyes and I read with a worshipful heart. The message is just that, follow Jesus. Use his life as an example of how to live. If we would all do that "what a wonderful world this would be". I recommend The Stranger in the Park and will be looking for other books by this author. If you read this book be sure and read about the author at the end of the book.

Readers of Christian fiction will want to be warned this book contains profanity and sexual content.

This story is told from two points of view. The senator and his sister. Both are having crisis of faith but meet a stranger in Central Park who can help them navigate their spiritual life. The story was a little slow to start but becomes action packed at times.

I received an electronic copy of this book to review.

The action starts on page one with Katie laying in the grass after being attacked while jogging through Central Park early in the morning. Will she live or die? She questions what she is now-a spirit, a ghost? This is just the beginning of a story that pulls you in and will not let you go until the end. I could not stop reading until finished; the author does a wonderful job of describing the characters and the scene making the reader feel like they are right there. As a strong believer in Jesus that is how I see the stranger; for those with other beliefs I am sure there are many ways to envision who or what the stranger is. In our modern world it is difficult to know what truth is and who can be trusted. This story offers the idea of love for each other and peace as a way of solving many of our current problems. The author quotes scriptures and offers ideas for how those scriptures can assist each of us in our journey through this life. I found this book to be thought provoking and timely as well as entertaining and informational. There is something for everyone in this story- good versus evil, love versus hate, crime and intrigue. A lot to get you thinking; I highly recommend you read it!
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for my honest review.