Book Review & Giveaway

Take a trip into the Old West with this book!

Summary:

A good deed grants outlaw Whipley Langford early release from prison and a friendship with Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman. Another good deed gets Whip framed for murder and looking at life through a hangman’s noose. John arrives just in time to reveal the true murderers and lead Whip to Christ.

A new man and a fast draw, Whip becomes Brockman’s deputy. Life is still fast and dangerous, and there’s a pretty lady Whip would like to get to know better too. Before he admits his love, Whip is shot in a bank robbery. Survival looks slim until he awakens to hear his lady confess her love. Weeks later, they are married.

Readers who are familiar with the Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy series reunite with well-loved characters John and Breanna Brockman. Western history buffs will enjoy a wholesome, fast-paced story where the Gospel is presented clearly. Christian readers will learn how to lean on the Lord in times of trial and non-Christians will have the opportunity to make Christ their Savior.

About The Authors:
Al Lacy is an evangelist and author of more than one hundred historical and western novels, including the Journeys of the Stranger, Angel of Mercy, and Mail Order Bride series, with more than three million books in print. JoAnna Lacy, Al’s wife and longtime collaborator, is a retired nurse. The Lacys have been married over forty years and live in the Colorado Rockies.

My Thoughts:
Books are as varied as the people who write them. . .and those who read them. This is a wholesome story of an outlaw-turned-marshal who, in spite of deciding to turn from his life of crime didn't see his need to turn to God in the process. This book picks up where the two previous (and very popular) series by Al Lacy left off. While I enjoyed the overall plot and message of the book, I felt that it was a bit too syrupy and unrealistic in its portrayal of the individuals for my particular taste. Even the children were perfectly well-behaved and spiritually mature in all of their conversations. I found myself longing for one of these Christians to have a grumpy or unkind moment! And in keeping with the "old-time" style of preaching and witnessing, U.S. Marshal John Brockman's attempts to win Whip to Christ were unrelenting and based solely on the threat of hell, which I felt were a little overbearing. Yet while I'm glad the pendulum has swung away from that extreme, I think folks would be prudent to give that a little more consideration in today's easy grace environment.


The publisher has graciously provided 2 copies of this book for me to give away here. Please leave a comment on this post by noon CST Thursday (2/19) and I will draw 2 winners. (Continental US residents only) I'll be eager to know your thoughts!


Happy Reading!