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Coming October 1st...
M
y next novel is the third book set in Dogwood. There are some characters from both Dogwood and June Bug, but you’ll meet Billy Allman, the central character. This is probably my most difficult novel to write thus far because of thematic issues. It’s also probably my most “Christian” novel, though there are some rough patches throughout. Put on a bluegrass album in the background as you read because there are many tunes that run through the pages. I think you’ll enjoy meeting Billy and his friends.
I hope you enjoy this video taste of Almost Heaven.
Billy Allman is a hillbilly genius. People in Dogwood, West Virginia, say he was born with a second helping of brains and a gift for playing the mandolin but was cut short on social skills. Though he’d gladly give you the shirt off his back, they were right. Billy longs to use his life as an ode to God, a lyrical, beautiful bluegrass song played with a finely tuned heart. So with spare parts from a lifetime of collecting, he builds a radio station in his own home. People in town laugh. But Billy carries a brutal secret that keeps him from significance and purpose. Things always seem to go wrong for him.
However small his life seems, from a different perspective Billy’s song reaches far beyond the hills and hollers he calls home. Malachi is an angel sent to observe Billy. Though it is not his dream assignment, Malachi follows the man and begins to see the bigger picture of how each painful step Billy takes is a note added to a beautiful symphony that will forever change the lives of those who hear it.
Pre-Order a Signed Copy and Shipping is Free!
If you'd like to pre-order a personalized copy of Almost Heaven, we'll cover the shipping costs! Just enter the sign-to name in the space provided, click the Add to cart button, and follow Pippen the Order Dog to complete your order. Your payment will be handled securely through PayPal, where you'll have the option of paying with a credit card or your PayPal account. We'll mail your autographed copy just as soon as we receive the books from the publisher, and you can expect delivery 3-5 days after that.
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Coming Back Stronger
One of the finer moments of an author’s life is holding a book that previously was only a thought in the head or words typed on a computer, and I’m proud of this one for many reasons. The biggest one is that I think it’s going to help many people who are floundering in life.
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The book is about Drew Brees, quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl winner, husband, father. I was asked by Tyndale House Publishers to help tell his story and felt uniquely called to do so. Let me explain.
Drew had a devastating shoulder injury on December 31, 2005. The comeback from that injury and his move from San Diego to New Orleans was an odyssey that seems orchestrated by more than the front office of the Saints. There were so many things at work that caused all of the negatives of his life to be turned to positives. It’s a gritty, real-life drama that encompasses excruciating physical and emotional pain, divorce, suicide, and the ups and downs of the NFL.
The book is titled Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity. When I first heard his story, I was struck with how Drew and his family handled all the difficulties they faced and how they threw themselves into the lives of hurting people. I was also struck with the odyssey my own family had been through and how much we feel the events of the past few years have not defeated us, but are making us ready for new challenges. Because of this, I felt uniquely qualified to help Drew tell his story.
I sat down with Drew in early March to begin work on the book. On our last night in New Orleans, knowing I
love seafood, he brought 4 dozen charbroiled oysters for dinner and yea verily, we did pig out. I am not kidding. I had two dozen oysters and could have eaten another dozen. They were that good.(See our picture from that night together. We are both full of oysters. In case you can’t tell, I’m the one without the birthmark.)
Drew was dedicated to telling the story well, the good and the bad, and helping readers where they are. He took an intense interest not just in giving interviews, but also in crafting the chapters so that the information was correct and made you feel like you were right there in the huddle with him. He wanted a person who has no interest in the NFL to enjoy the read, but he also wanted football fans to get a glimpse behind the curtain and feel like they were part of the action.
Coming Back Stronger is not just another sports book. It’s a life book. I don’t promise that you will become a Saints fan after reading it. Loyalties run deep in the NFL. But I think you will become a fan of Drew Brees and learn where he gets his strength.
Autographed Copies of Dogwood and June Bug
I'd love to personalize a copy of Dogwood or June Bug to you or your family member or friend--just enter the first name in the space provided. I use a custom-designed bookplate that goes inside the cover. Order processing time is 10-14 days. You can begin your order here, then pay securely through PayPal using your credit card or PayPal account. Just follow Pippen the Order Dog--he'll help you through the ordering process. |
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