About the Book: (from B&H Books)
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.
My Thoughts:
“God had answered two of Seamus’s prayers today. Ashlyn’s picture had survived and the idiot was indeed
still alive.” (p. 98)
I’ve always been a fan of historical fiction, and Michael
Reynolds has taken me away to another time and place and introduced me to
characters and situations that are timeless.
He has couched these timeless situations of relationships, physical and
emotional challenges that remind readers of the bold and courageous that carved
America into being.
Seamus Hanley is a character of heroic proportions. The lady he pursues and pays a great price to
meet and know – Ashlyn – is also a character who faces almost insurmountable
odds. The same goes for the youngest
hero – Devin and his Seamus’ sister Clare rounds out the group. I love the way Reynolds weaves the various
stories together into a believable and very realistic tale. Yes, there are heartaches, profound mistakes,
losses and dangerous situations. A
subtle thread of faith ties it all together and you realize anew the patient
loving-care of our Heavenly Father throughout all of time. You will rejoice. You will weep. You will gain a renewed admiration for those
who came to America’s shore many years ago.
In Golden Splendor
is the second the Heirs of Ireland series, but it can be enjoyed very well as a
stand- alone novel! I’ve been remiss in
not reading the first of the series, but will remedy that as soon as
possible! I am happy to recommend this
to everyone, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
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.
If you would like to read the first chapter of In Golden Splendor, go HERE
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