- Paperback: 320 pages
- Publisher: River Oak (November 2004)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1589190270
- ISBN-13: 978-1589190276
- Product Dimensions: 20.1 x 13.2 x 2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 386 g
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,861,426 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||
Product Details |
Product Description
From Booklist
This workmanlike western features rogue and drifter Amos Taylor, who, after holding up a stage, dons clerical garb and joins the posse to search for the bandit. But Amos is too clever by half: the town is so eager to see a preacher that he's dragooned into making sermons. With the help of an old black man, he does a good job of it, too. And when pretty Judy Valentine appears at his side to play the piano and sing, Amos finds the Lord's work to be downright agreeable. John Mort
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Book Description
Amos is a rogue with few redeeming values. The first we see of him in the book he is robbing a stagecoach then going into the next town to hide in the persona of a circuit riding preacher. The blind, black man that works in the jail, Joseph, is not fooled, but he sees that the outlaw is doing a lot of good for the community. He's doing it for all the wrong reasons, of course, but good results all the same. Joseph forces Amos to continue the charade and helps him since the outlaw has never even been to church. Amos escapes tight spot after tight spot, but we know he is eventually going to be won over by the strong faith of Joe. It's an uphill battle, though, and we wonder if it's ever going to happen.
Tag this product(What's this?)Think of a tag as a keyword or label you consider is strongly related to this product.
Tags will help all customers organize and find favorite items. |
Customer Reviews
|
Share your thoughts with other customers:
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
The newest in CBA westerns!,
By
This review is from: Mysterious Ways (Paperback)
When outlaw Amos Taylor happens upon a clothesline full of parson's garb, he decides it's the perfect gig-impersonate a preacher as his means of disguise after a stage holdup, then ride in as the passengers' knight in shining armor. What he doesn't reckon on is getting delayed by townsfolk hungry for a good sermon, and being found out by a blind black man whose faith is, indeed, deep enough to shake a mountain-even that of his own cynical unbelief. Throw in a young woman of impeccable virtue who finds it way too exciting to be held up by a suave and debonair gunman, and you have the makings of a cracking good story.The characters are well-drawn and engaging, and the storyline absorbing. Though the author explores in detail Amos's journey toward salvation, the discussions about spiritual things flow naturally from the characters' struggles without seeming contrived or preachy. Amos rather makes a fool of himself early in the story, and his various attempts at fleecing people rebound on him with oftentimes humorous results. Yet he shows just enough promise to keep the reader hoping that he'll see the light, and even in his unbelief is a man of honor, and fights against prejudice. I appreciated the author's willingness to touch upon hard issues-hypocrisy in the church, late nineteenth-century attitudes about color, the sinfulness of human nature-without imposing modern sensibilities. Historical details also seemed tight. Kudos to Terry Burns for a story that colorfully paints the love and faithfulness of God alongside life's reality. This is his debut novel with the CBA, and I look forward to seeing more of his work!
Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta) Amazon.com:
4.8 out of 5 stars (17 customer reviews) 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
...a well-written, entertaining story...,
By Jack W. Regan - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Mysterious Ways (Paperback)
"Mysterious Ways" is the story of Amos Taylor, accomplished conman and thief. Fresh from the successful hold-up of a stagecoach and looking for a way to lay low for a while, Amos spots a minister's outfit drying on a clothesline. Thinking he has stumbled onto the perfect disguise, Amos dons the clothes and wanders into the town of Sweetwater. As expected, he is mistaken for a circuit-riding preacher and is soon roped into conducting church services for the local congregation.When his secret is discovered by a blind man working in the jail, Amos expects to be turned in. Instead, the blind man, Joseph, understands that, while Amos is operating under false pretenses, he is bringing good to pass. So, under threat of exposure, Joseph forces Amos to continue the pretense. As the two continue, Joe's faith begins to influence Amos. But the will the lawbreaker allow himself to be won? "Mysterious Ways" is a well-written, entertaining story played out against the background of the Old West. Highly recommended. Craig Hart - CraigHart.net/ChristianLit Magazine 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Western I've Ever Read!,
By R. Bayne "romance author" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Mysterious Ways (Paperback)
Terry Burns has a way with characterization, and his inspirational western "Mysterious Ways" kept me turning the pages until the end. Not an easy feat, because I usually shy away from westerns. But this story, with clean language, a quick paced-plot and Scriptural content, compelled me to keep on reading. I will be watching for Terry's next book!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read,
By Robin C. Miller "Author of Southern Stories o... - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Mysterious Ways (Paperback)
What a delightful and entertaining read! You don't even have to be a fan of westerns to thoroughly enjoy this uplifting story of a man's deception and final salvation. The characters are well-developed and complex, while the plot is refreshingly original. The book leaves the readers with a general "feel-good" emotion after the last page is turned. For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.robinmillerbooks.com
|
|
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Look for similar items by subject
Feedback
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
