I was very intrigued by this book, and went into it not knowing all that much about it, other than that Michael Emmett was a criminal who had changed his ways due to his finding of religion. 

Michaels childhood and relationships, and I found the first few chapters quite slow going. I was much more interested in the crimes sections however I would liked there to have been much more detail on these. It seems to be thin on the ground and you feel like there is an awful lot more that could have been said.

I found the book quite disjointed, it seemed to jump from one thing to another without warning. It didn't flow easily I'm afraid.

One of my biggest frustrations was the use of the word "Naughty." It was written so many times, and each time I would get more and more irate. Committing big crimes, or adultery isn't "Naughty", it's far worse than that. It made me feel like he was trying to portray himself as a child who wasn't bad really when obvisouly this is far from the truth. I'm not sure how much this had to do with finding religion, or whether he would have always used this type of unsuitable word for the crimes.

There was a lot of religion as you would expect, and how it is God that has made all the things he has done since finding religion happen, it's mentioned a lot with reference to his relationships with family and partners. For me it was too much, but someone religious would probably enjoy this and find happiness in it.

I don't usually write reviews that aren't good but I'm afraid tat this book fell short for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins for the chance to read an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Michael Emmett's father was a loving criminal, and he himself drifted into crime, ending up involved in international drug smuggling. During a long gaol sentence he finds God, but his life continues on an uneven course as he struggles with the demons of his past.

This book belongs to the familiar genre of books about people by people with bad pasts who in the end turn to an evangelical form of Christianity. For my taste there was rather too much dwelling on the details of criminal life and of Michael's indulgence in love affairs. I also found the book disjointed: it would have benefited from substantial editing. Overall, it was an OK read but no more.

This book is interesting, for someone to lay themselves bare and talk so openly about their love, life, religion and crimes is powerful and brave. 

I have to say that I found the book somewhat disappointing, the writing felt rushed. Michael’s voice was clear but I often felt that an incident was mentioned and dropped far too quickly.

The chapters did not show up on my kindle which did not help this. However I think it was also part of the style of writing.

An interesting book but could have been better. This will obviously be many times more powerful for people who have a connection to Michael emmett.

This is a book that may well score 2, 3 and 4 stars as it will appeal to most who read this autobiography. However, some will find Michael’s words and experiences speaking directly to their situation and moving their hearts. For them 5 stars will not be enough to register the impact this book makes on them.

The difficulty for me is that it is a random collection of events, while in some chronological order, but not always coherent or logical. That said the stories themselves are riveting and provide an unique insight into the bad and notoriously bad.

What impressed me most was Emmett’s honesty although I accept that he cannot tell all as his life of crime was so dark and linked with some serious villains. While he might have had to alter some things or hold back total involvement of all parties he never draws back from his own responsibility and the damage it had on his families’ lives and those he loved.

The miracle of his story is that while he deserved the full measure of the criminal justice system he never appreciated the unconditional love of God through Jesus Christ he needed.

This then is how his upbringing and heritage impacted on him as a young man and how he drifted into his “father’s business”. His life of deceit, criminal enterprise and time in prison. Even the most hardened of criminal’s hearts can be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work is the message here a well.

This is Michael’s story, told his way. It is no less truthful or an incomplete act of repentance. It shows the importance of people praying for you; the need for a church based ministry and God’s ultimate love.

I enjoyed the dark tales of a life where Michael’s ego, addition and brokenness controlled his actions, formed his motivation a need for more and more. Yet even then there were signs of a empathetic spirit, and I was grateful he shared his special relationship with his damaged Uncle. 
The trouble when you have received so much counselling and support I believe it can be hard to have personal insight; but he has been blessed by God’s patient dealing on his relationships.
I feel he talks about issues like abuse and addiction in his life that others have pointed out rather than personal discernment and fully in the light of God’s Grace. 
But this is not a criticism. I remember in my teenage years reading a mighty powerful book, I think called From Witchcraft to Christ. Her experiences of forgiveness and becoming filled with holiness was progressive and over a period time. Perhaps, as with Michael time is needed to become fully like Christ where one has been oppressed by so many my dark things. I loved that he closes with his need to run the race to it’s very end. That he now is about His Father’s Divine Business.
This book will resonate with those who are  victims of abuse, addiction, deceit,  materialism and the poverty of debt.

I know you will be inspired by a life story that may reflect in part,  some of our struggles. Few of us will have been a low as this man but it is a beautiful thing, whenever God transforms a person’s life. Michael is a blessing in this autobiography and through his ministry I pray that you will find in these pages, a full and bright 5 star read and a life changing book.

Not a book I would normally choose, however I'm glad that I did. I really enjoyed it. Would reccomend

This is interesting and inspiring read. Michael has been brave to write about his life. He has written with emotion and truth. It is amazing how faith can change a person so much. I was really interested in the life Michael led and how he found faith and where that has taken him. I liked the down to earth writing style and the honesty.

Thank you to NetGalley for my copy.

This is an excellent and inspiring book which shows that if you want to change your life you can. It takes hard work and struggled and it's easy to just give up and return to old ways. Michael shows that with God's help and faith you can overcome the challenges and right the wrongs in your life.

Sins of Fathers tells the true story of Michael Emmett who followed his father into the family business of organised crime. It tells how when Michael was caught and imprisoned he turned a corner after finding religion and how he set out to be a better man. 
I found it an ok read but it did not flow as well as it could making it a little disjointed.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC.

The life story of a London career criminal who came to know Jesus and whose life was turned around by God's Holy Spirit. This is one of those books that intrigues and makes you wonder if this could have been you.
A rather rocky conversion and lots of internal struggles, but Michael's story is inspiring and worth reading. 
The style of the book isn't great - it's a bit repetitive in places (children and grandchildren) and written as a chronological life story. It comes across as a bit of a sequential 'mind dump'. It's probably a difficult topic, but some books about converted criminals are much better written (Jonathan Aitken, Darrell Tunningley, Gram Seed, etc), although others also struggle to come up with a readable structure.
Despite it not having the structure and language to captivate, it conveys a strong message. Much of the credit is given to HTB and a lot is made of the Alpha course. At times, the method seemed to be more important than the message.
Overall, Michael's story is one that needs to be heard and even if it helps just one or two people to come to know Christ, it will have been worthwhile. Michael's talks and speaking engagements are also worth listening to.
I appreciated the opportunity to read this on NetGalley prior to publication, thanks to HarperInspire.

This was a remarkable story, but unfortunately I found it rather boring.  What could have been a fascinating tale is a rather dull narration.  Violent crime, and drug-dealing which brings misery to untold numbers of people, is glossed over, and violent criminals sanitised as "naughty" boys.  Not a book I would recommend.

Unfortunately I got a quarter into the book and gave up.  The book just did not flow.  I’m not sure what I expected when I set out reading this but I didn’t find it a particularly easy or enjoyable read. It just felt very choppy.  I put the book down last night and tried to pick it up again this morning but it still felt the same.   
However I would like to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc.

Date reviewed/posted: November 29, 2020
Publication date: January 7, 2021

When life for the entire universe and planet turns on its end and like everyone else you "have nothing to do" while your place of work is once again closed and you are continuing to be in #COVID19 #socialisolation as the #secondwave is upon us,  superspeed readers like me can read 300+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today.

I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.  

From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.

Like many little boys, Michael Emmett idolized his father. Growing up, he knew he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps and join the family business. At just 18 years old, Michael did just that – and entered the glamourous, dangerous world of organized crime.

Under the tutelage of his career criminal father – a contemporary of the infamous Kray twins – Michael’s criminal activities funded a reckless lifestyle marked by drugs, sex and violence. But the high couldn’t last forever. In 1993, Michael and his father were arrested in a dramatic confrontation with the police during a £13 million smuggling operation. Michael was sentenced to twelve years behind bars and would serve his time in the same prison as his father.

But behind the walls of HMP Exeter, Michael found something he never expected – answers. After joining an Alpha prayer group in prison, he had an experience that would shake the very foundations of his life.

Sins of Fathers is the story of Michael’s journey through chaos and trauma to the transformation he experienced in prison. It asks what it takes for a broken man to find redemption, and how he can learn to be the father he never had.

This is a very gritty, deep dark book that made me think of the old joke about the guy in prison ... Have you found Jesus? I did not know he was lost!!!!  My cheekiness aside, this is a great biography about crime and discovering your best self despite the odds.  It is well written and appealing to readers who love reading about crime and punishment, redemption and what it takes to be an excellent parent.. I will recommend it to patrons, friends and bookclubs alike!

As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I simply adore emojis (outside of their incessant use by "🙏-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/Tik-Tok and YouTube  Millionaires/snowflakes / literally-like-overusers etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it ☕☕☕☕☕ (you are going to want a few cuppas as you sit and read this book as it is awesome!)

A painful insight to how easy it is to become part of the criminal world. Choice of associate shows a big influence on life choices.
The power of money and lifestyle ruling choices. Using gifts not time and attention to buy affection. 
Letting hardships show different attitudes and ways of living. Rebuilding family ties and strengthening these for future generations. 
A stark picture of how life can change and by letting others help can be positive. Being vulnerable is not a weakness but a strength. 
Finding religion was the starting point with many detours on the way.