When a nativity display on public property is torched by a former US Senator, the media spotlight falls on the forgotten small town of Leonard, Texas, and the new pastor of its only church—Adam Wells. Emboldened by the prospect of leading his tiny congregation in a nationally-televised, first amendment debate that he considers to be a “fight for the heart and soul of America,” Pastor Wells determines not to let anything or anyone, including his wife and his rebellious sixteen-year old daughter, stand in his way. But when an old high school friend unexpectedly shows up in their small town and a past secret is revealed, Pastor Wells’ constitutional crusade collides with an even greater fight—the fight for the heart and soul of his marriage, his daughter, and, even his own life. In this modern-day story of betrayal, forgiveness, and finally redemption, Adam Wells discovers, for the first time, the meaning of the story he’s been preaching all his life…and his desperate daughter understands what really is beyond the farthest star. Award-winning authors, Bodie and Brock Thoene, have written an emotional and authentic drama based on a screenplay by Andrew Librizzi and now a major motion picture.
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"I really enjoyed this story. Now I can't wait to see the movie! I will admit though, there were two times when something happened very quickly and very conveniently to challenge my suspension of disbelief. Still, a great book with an inspiring message."
— C.J. (4 out of 5 stars)
" Boring in parts, confusing in parts, but mostly predictable. Otherwise a good story. "
— Wendy, 12/6/2013" Pride and shame are a dangerous mix, add a dysfunctional family into the mix and only a miracle could save this family. "
— Van, 9/30/2013" Very short happy ending. Most of the book is depressing and the characters infuriating. "
— Katie, 6/1/2013" Another Thoene winner. A departure from her more historical works but very satisfying. "
— Allen, 1/14/2013" Bodie Thoene never disappoints! She always can be counted on to make you think and reevaluate those thoughts. "
— Barb, 9/28/2012" This writing husband/wife team has written some interesting books but this wasn't one of them. "
— Donna, 6/18/2012" This book intrigues me as it is the story of a minister and his family. Being the daughter of a retired minister, I'm guessing that I will find a lot to relate to in this story. "
— Jeanie, 6/10/2012" Or 3 1/2 stars. It's based on a screenplay. It's a little weird, and I've liked other stuff I've read by the Thoenes better, but this wasn't bad. "
— Charity, 3/6/2012" A pastor and his dysfunctional family all have their secrets from each other and from the people in their new community. This is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and faith "
— Brenda, 2/17/2012Bodie Thoene is one half of the bestselling husband-and-wife writing team that has published over sixty-five works of historical fiction. Thirty-five million of their books are still in print, and eight have won ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local paper and eventually her byline starting appearing in US News and World Report, the American West, and the Saturday Evening Post. She and her husband Brock have four children and eight grandchildren, and divide their time between London, Hawaii, California, and Nevada.
Bodie and Brock Thoene are the bestselling authors of dozens of historical fiction novels. Their timeless classics have sold more than thirty-five million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards. The Thoenes divide their time between Hawaii, London, and Nevada.