CFBA Review: In Golden Splendor by:Michael K. Reynolds

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing In Golden Splendor • B&H Books (July 15, 2013) by Michael Reynolds

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Michael K. Reynolds is the writer and producer of Emmy and Telly Award-winning film campaigns and has more than two decades of experience in fiction, journalism, copywriting, and documentary production. He owns Global Studio, a marketing agency, and is also an active leader in church and business, speaking in both ministry and corporate settings. Michael lives with his wife and three children in Reno, Nevada.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley is a lost soul, haunted by his past as a U.S. Army deserter and living alone in the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains in 1849. But after witnessing a deadly stage coach crash, he finds purpose in the scattered wreckage -- a letter with a picture of a beautiful and captivating woman named Ashlyn living in San Francisco at the height of the Gold Rush. Moved by her written plea for help, he abandons all and sets out on an epic journey across the wild and picturesque American frontier. While being pursued by those who want to hang him, Seamus encounters fascinating characters including a young Pauite Indian who makes the ultimate sacrifice in helping Seamus to cross the snowy Yosemite Valley. Battered but changed for the better, Seamus reaches San Francisco on Christmas Eve as the city burns in the tragic fire of 1849. But there is little time for rest, as an even greater, more harrowing adventure involving Ashlyn is about to begin.


If you would like to read the first chapter of In Golden Splendor, go HERE

My Review:
 This is an interesting novel set in Ireland 1843. The story begins with two brothers waiting for their father to return to their cart from the town pub. As the brothers, Seamus and Davin are waiting for their fathers return Seamus spots two young girls, but only one sparks his interest. Just as he and his brother are trying to get to know the girls their father returns in a drunken state. His fathers behavior embarass the two boys and the girls decide to move on.

 I really enjoyed seeing the love between the two brothers. After spending a long day with my own boys it was nice to see these two all be it fictional getting along so well. You could really feel the love between them. So the author did a great job of showing us that.

 Pretty soon we fast forward several years later and Seamus is much older and now a soldier. Considered a defector, he is searching for food, no doubt because he is probably very close to starvation. He plagued with past memories that seem to haunt him. What will become of this young man? Will he ever see Hannah again, this young girl that captured his heart so long ago?

 This novel is full of rich history and character. Even though it is a long read, I enjoyed it immensely.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.