Northbound by Stuart F. Griffin, Book review

 

Synopsis:

Lord, how am I ever going to find her? Will cried out in anguish. Why is this happening to me? How could my sweet Emma be gone, kidnapped by who knows who? Please lead me and guide me. Help me to find her and bring her home. Will Jacobs' life changed in an instant when men kidnapped his wife from their home. But that earth-shattering moment was only the beginning of his trials. As he raced north in search of his wife, he faced challenges, unforeseen setbacks, and heartache. Emma, too, knew life never would be the same after her kidnappers robbed her of her sense of security and peace in Stone Ridge. Had her secret past caught up with her? She could only speculate as her kidnappers took her away from everything she knew and loved. But Will and Emma were not alone. Even though they were separated by hundreds of miles, God was with them each step of the way, guiding their course, placing people in their paths, and intervening in countless situations. Although God was beside them, could they hold on to His hand through the darkest time of their lives? Read Northbound, and discover how Will and Emma survived their test of faith-a faith in each other and God.

Personal thoughts:

Heroes, villains, indians and the U.S. Calvalry are all part of a good Western as any storyteller will tell you. Readers will find all these in this light tale written by Stuart F. Griffin, including good solid Christian values, but it could have been so much better.

The classic tale of a sheriff returning home after a trip only to find out his wife has been kidnapped, 'Northbound' rambles on...and on...(including the climax!).

As the story develops you will find its positive points: faith, hope, trust, friendship even redemption. In 'Northbound' the author reminds us that even those with a dark past can find forgiveness and the chance of a new beginning. And the power of prayers as well as good survival skills enables the hero to forge through despite many setbacks and heartache in the long run! 

With the beautiful Northwest as background, good characters, albeit not as well developed as it could have been and God always at their side, Stuart F. Griffin could have given this story far more panache. Sad!

I must admit to some dismay at the editor's lack of spell check and the use of words such as motel (in 1852?).

Teens ( even preteens) and adults will enjoy this book for its family values and for that reason, I give it 3 stars! 

A few words about the author:

'Stuart F.Griffin had many opportunities to explore the great Northwest growing up. In his early twenties he even considered becoming a mountain man and living near the banks of the Snake River, in Idaho.

However the Lord had others plans which included serving his country. The inspiration for Northbound came from his earlier memories of favourites locations.'

I received this book free from BOOKCRASH as part of their Blogger Review program. I was not asked to write a positive review and the opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.