Outlaw Marshal: Book Review

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Multnomah Books (January 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601420544
• ISBN-13: 978-1601420541
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches

This was not my normal genre to read. The story was very intriguing as well catchy. The characters were believable for the most part, as was the setting. The authors obviously took extreme care at keeping the integrity of the historical atmosphere of the Old West. The themes, robberies, attitudes, killings and law system were all true to form as the Old West goes. My only qualm with this book was the seemed "forced" Jesus. Jesus was a definite presence within the text, real to the characters and the transformer of Whip. However, there are spots that I felt the authors said: "Oh no, Jesus wasn't in this sentence...lets plug him in!" This observation could only be the way I read it, but this is how I felt. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the presence, reality and saving grace of Jesus within the story...but the way he was plugged sometimes made the characters seem unrealistic.

The beauty of Jesus in this story is the reality that he transforms our lives! John Brockman "The Stranger" goes out on a hunt for a bad guy when he runs into another outlaw: Whip Langford. He tries to get Whip to see Jesus is the only way, but Whip doesn't want to hear it. Shortly, Whip sees Jesus and how he makes Brockman who he is. When Whip is accused of murder, he realises some things...mainly how important Christ is! Christ transforms this former outlaw and makes him a new creation!

Here is the "official" summary of the story:

A good deed grants outlaw Whipley Langford early release from prison and a friendship with Chief U.S. Marshal John Brockman. Another good deed (stopping thieves from robbing a train) gets Whip framed for murder and looking at life through a hangman’s noose. John arrives just in time to reveal the true murderers and lead Whip to Christ.

A new man and a fast draw, Whip becomes Brockman’s deputy. Life is still fast and dangerous, and there’s a pretty lady Whip would like to get to know better too. Before he admits his love, Whip is shot in a bank robbery. Survival looks slim until he awakens to hear his lady confess her love. Weeks later, they are married. (This is a beautiful piece of romance that should be read!)

Readers who are familiar with the Journeys of the Stranger and Angel of Mercy series reunite with well-loved characters John and Breanna Brockman. Western history buffs will enjoy a wholesome, fast-paced story where the Gospel is presented clearly. Christian readers will learn how to lean on the Lord in times of trial and non-Christians will have the opportunity to make Christ their Savior.

All in all this is a good book for people who enjoy this genre. Check it out for purchase here:

OUTLAW MARSHAL