Blog Archives
From Out of the Loneliness: The Adventures of Dalton Laird
In From Out of the Loneliness by Russell Chace, readers are transported to early 1900s Alaska, a time and place dominated by the lucrative pursuits of gold mining and fur harvesting. The narrative introduces us to Dalton Laird, a former Deputy Sheriff whose relatively quiet life is disrupted by the arrival of the villainous Jon Batiste. Laird’s adventure begins in earnest when he rescues an old sourdough, a victim of both a bear attack and Batiste’s ruthlessness, hinting at the larger conflicts revolving around control of local resources.
Chace crafts a tale rich with action, adventure, and romance, set against the rugged backdrop of the Fairbanks region. His deep understanding of the historical and environmental context enriches the story, providing just the right amount of detail to captivate without overwhelming the reader. The vivid descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and the intricacies of trapping and fur harvesting bring authenticity to the narrative, enhancing the immersive experience. The characters in Chace’s novel are particularly well-drawn, each adding a unique flavor to the story. From the menacing Jon Batiste to his unexpectedly complex daughter, the characters’ interactions and conflicts drive the plot forward compellingly. The antagonists evoke a genuine desire for their comeuppance, while the protagonists garner empathy and support from the reader, thanks to Chace’s skillful character development.
Russell Chace’s narrative style is clear and direct, making the book as accessible as a leisurely walk in the park. His adept use of language and narrative pacing ensures the reader’s journey through the tale is smooth and engaging. From Out of the Loneliness is not just a story about the Alaskan frontier; it explores human resilience and the complexities of love and power in a harsh landscape.
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B07SR8HHCP
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
In Blessed Are the Peacemakers, Russell M. Chace delivers an engaging tale that intertwines redemption, courage, and the intricacies of life on the American frontier. Set against the raw backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, the novel brings to life an era marked by steamboats and gold rushes, populated by characters as rugged as the landscape itself.
Chace employs an evocative writing style that effectively transports readers to the harsh yet vibrant world of lawless territories. The book opens with heart-pounding action and eases into the reflective challenges Coy Tucker, the protagonist, faces. Throughout the story, Tucker, a former gunslinger haunted by his past, evolves into a preacher determined to establish a church and foster peace within a chaotic mining camp. The characters in the story are meticulously crafted, each embodying their unique desires, imperfections, and dreams. Tucker’s journey is particularly compelling, reflecting a significant transformation influenced by his interactions with other characters, such as the enigmatic Colorado Kid. These relationships enrich the narrative, adding complexity and intrigue. The depiction of the Alaskan frontier is both vivid and atmospheric, capturing the brutal beauty of the environment. Chace’s descriptions create a palpable sense of place, drawing readers into a setting where survival hinges on both physical and mental fortitude. This book stands out for its thoughtful exploration of themes such as justice, redemption, and community. Through Tucker’s personal evolution, the novel probes the moral dilemmas that accompany a change in life’s direction.
This novel is a well-crafted addition to the Western genre, offering a story that resonates with anyone interested in historical fiction marked by rich storytelling and immersive settings. Russell M. Chace’s Blessed Are the Peacemakers is not just a journey through the American frontier; it is an exploration of the human spirit.
Pages: 153 | ASIN : B0C4K2ZLZL
Risking His Life For The Guilty
The Innocent for the Guilty follows a young man, his mother, and his sister, who settle in a ranching town in Wyoming, hoping to start a new life away from the tragedy of their past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, I don’t remember. I originally wrote this as a musical drama for our church’s 25th anniversary. That was nineteen years ago. I like stories that are exciting, with lots of action and memorable characters. Westerns have always been a favorite of mine, so I combined the two. I also like to include intrigue, which is why the reader doesn’t know why Troy is running until a few chapters into the story.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I want my characters to be as real to my readers as they are to me. Giving them unique traits and accents helps set them apart from each other. I also like to get into my characters’ heads to help the reader see their motivation for how they act and what they say. In this story, that happens mostly with Troy, the main character. I’ve had readers express to me that they “felt” the story and that it was an “experience.” I believe that’s due to the fact that delving into Troy’s deep emotions makes the reader feel as if they are in his place.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As in all my books, the theme of forgiveness runs throughout. However, the paramount theme is that of substitution. It’s expressed in the title, The Innocent for the Guilty, and in a dramatic scene where Troy is pleading with his outlaw father to change his ways before it’s too late. In the story, Troy is the innocent one, risking his life for the guilty (his pa). It is tied into the analogy of Jesus Christ being the ultimate innocent One giving His life for the guilty sinner.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I never intended for this book to be more than a standalone novella. However, at the end of this story, I’d become so attached to the characters that I knew there had to be more! Book 2, In Darkness and In Light, is available on Amazon (as an ebook, paperback, and on Kindle Unlimited). It introduces three new characters–two bumbling bounty hunters and a schoolmarm, Maddie Parker. Book 3, For Better or For Worse, releases as a paperback on February 22 and an ebook on February 26. It puts Maddie in a nightmarish situation and brings about some surprising changes–one tragic and the other wonderful! It also develops a romance that was hinted at in Book 2. I’ve already started writing Book 4!
The Innocent for the Guilty
Troy Daniels, his mom, and his little sister are on the run from those who refuse to believe Troy is innocent of the charges he is accused of. Set in the late winter of 1891, the family is forced to leave their home and travel west, where they end up in a small ranching town called Spring River, Wyoming. Troy was tried for murder and acquitted, but the family of the victim still believes he is guilty and will go to extreme lengths to get justice for their lost loved one. Can Troy’s family’s faith in God strengthen them as the truth about that dark night comes to light?
The Innocent for the Guilty by Sandi Rebert blends a heartwarming Christian romance with a thrilling Western novel. Rebert does a fantastic job with flashbacks and dialogue to tell the full story of how the family ended up where they are. This literary device keeps readers engaged because they feel like they are there listening to Troy tell his story and not getting it from a narrator. The author also has a captivating way of describing things. This passage stood out to me, “Time seemed to crawl by on the stumpy feet of a tortoise yet fly by on the swift wings of an eagle.” This writing style helps readers connect to the characters and the situation, allowing them to feel the deep emotions that this story brings out.
What set this novel apart for me in the Christian fiction genre is how the author used her characters to spread the word of God without coming across as a sermon. Instead, the power of faith is shown through Troy and his family’s unwavering faith and the gentle way they share their beliefs with others by being themselves, how they treat others, sharing their faith when asked, or through casual conversation. There is also the message of forgiveness that no matter what, holding onto hate only feeds darkness in the soul. The author shows that forgiveness is not easy but is essential for inner peace.
The Innocent for the Guilty is a story of faith, family, and forgiveness. The novel is for any reader who enjoys a heartwarming story set in the Old West. The quick pace and the relatable characters make this a great book to pick up when you need a story of hope for when everything seems like it is falling apart around you.
Pages: 175 | ASIN : B0B9QWPSZ3
LITERARY TITAN 