The Pure in Heart

A brilliant, easy read for those who love Christian fiction books. It will pull you in from the start with its likeable characters and swift plot.

It’s difficult for most of us to feel confident when discussing our faith with someone, and Pastor Josh Mason feels the pressure although he is as sincere as he can be.
Dave Johnson’s past is filled with bad experiences with pastors, even his own father. He loves nothing more than to play a game of “get back at the pastors”.
When Josh is contacted by Dave, he wants to meet the challenge and help Dave who claims he wants to know how to be saved. Dave wishes nothing more than to bring Josh to his knees.
Josh risks too much to get through to Dave. In the end, Josh realizes what it means to become the Pure in Heart. Although at times I was angered by Dave’s attitude and Josh’s naïve actions, the message was clear. This is worth the read and a good way to answer your own questions that might be rattling around in your head about faith, sincerity, and how hard it must be for those who truly want to help us to see the right path. Something comes to mind; you can try as hard as you may, but if you are rejected, you did all you could through the purity of your heart. Just move on, it’s on them.

4 stars

Pure in Heart by Mark Miller is a book like I have never ever read before. I almost strictly read Christian fiction, which this is but the plot is so entirely different from other books in this genre.

I was pulled in from page one. I instantly connected with the characters even Dave. I learned something valuable from this book, a person with a bitter, broken soul isn’t going to be swayed by a Christian just trying hard to do the right thing.
I so highly recommend this book, at times it is a hard read, but it is so worth it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own. #PureInHeart #NetGalley #DogEarPublishing

Josh Mason was doing his best to pastor his small Baptist church, trying to live like Jesus, serving his congregation and his community. Dave Johnson has made his mission exposing pastors and destroying their careers. In Mark Miller's novel The Pure in Heart these two preachers' kids' paths cross. The question is, will either man's life be changed as a result?



Dave's father was an abusive and controlling, driving Dave away from the faith. He was actually a criminal sexual predator, but apparently was not held accountable for it. Dave understandably looked upon clergy with suspicion. When Dave's own pastor had an affair with his wife, that was the last straw. He hit the road, searching for pastors to bring down. He aimed at sexual impropriety and financial irregularities. His pattern was to ingratiate himself to a new church, then sow rumors, uncover secrets, and, at least once, going as far as seducing the pastor's wife. The more havoc he left and the more pastors' resignations he forced, the better.



When Josh answered a call at church from someone asking how to be saved, he never would have guessed that Dave, on the other end of the line, was out to destroy him. The problem is that Dave actually met a pastor who, while he may not be perfect, is conscientious and honorable. Josh agrees to meet Dave and ends up spending most of a day with him. Dave peppers him with questions, relentless trying to call him out for hypocrisy, pushing Josh to lend him his car and give him money (after denying that he wants any money).



Miller works in some entertaining and insightful conversations about money, racism, and the role of the pastor. A pastor himself, he paints a realistic picture of life as a small-town, small-church pastor. Sure, he preaches and leads Bible studies, but he also runs church ministries, community outreaches, and, of course, mows the grass. I think any pastor will be able to relate to Miller's realistic, un-romanticized view of ministry.



The Pure in Heart is a fun, breezy read. It's not too heavy on the preaching, and Josh doesn't come up with a lot of easy answers. Miller will prompt some questions and discussion about ministry and benevolence, evangelism and giving, and that question so many of us face: when is it OK not give? As I read, I thought many times about the "show, don't tell" maxim for writers. Miller spends a lot of time telling and not showing. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book and appreciate the honesty, experience, and thoughtfulness he brings to the story.





Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!

Josh is the pastor of a small church, and tries to do God's will to the best of his ability. Dave wants to get revenge on all the pastors he can because of what a few have done to him. Their paths cross in Mark Miller's The Pure in Heart.

The book is interesting, and has several good parts. The plot flows smoothly and Miller builds the stories of the main characters well and I could identify with both in some areas. Josh wants to be more comfortable sharing faith, and frequently second guesses his choices. Dave puts people, specifically pastors, into the same group based on what one or two have done to him, or a few quick observations. The viewpoints of both characters provide something to think about.

I could have done without some of the language and innuendoes. I don't like that in books that I read. The book was good other than that.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.