This contains a different view of Hell and strong, positive messages of redemption.
Take Back the Morning
by Evan Howard
- File Size: 1696 KB
- Print Length: 288 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Wilcox Publishing Group; 1 edition (April 28, 2014)
- ASIN: B00K0J3LK2
Genre: Inspirational Fiction, Thriller
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0
Book Description
Publication Date: April 28, 2014
A corrupt stockbroker on the run . . .
An economy in turmoil . . .
And a mysterious pendant sought by the richest woman on Wall Street.
Terrified of going to jail, Justin Connelly faked his death and fled the seductions of Manhattan for the quiet corners of Providence, Rhode Island. His only keepsake was an antique pendant engraved with strange markings.
But then a sailing accident almost kills him for real. In his near-death state Justin is taken to the depths of Hell itself, where he sees things that drive him out of hiding and back to his abandoned wife in New York. But Tori’s moved on, and his old enemies on Wall Street are not happy to see him. They want the pendant, which in the wrong hands could destroy humanity—and Justin’s former boss definitely has the wrong hands. The only way out is to swallow his pride, and his doubt, and work with Tori and her new fiancé to expose the truth.
As world economies—and his own soul—hang in the balance, Justin must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice.
A spiritual thriller critically relevant to the crises of our time.
Review:
Justin Connelly loved his wife, Tori, but he got caught up in striving for corporate advancement, including an adulterous relationship with his powerful and alluring female boss, Candace. Justin realized that Candace had unusual persuasive powers, derived from a mysterious pendant, that had helped make her the richest woman on Wall Street. Justin was trying to end the affair with Candace when the 9/11 bombings took out their building, Believing Candace dead, Justin took the pendant and moved to Providence, Rhode Island, under an assumed name. He still thinks of his wife but is unable to face her with the truth of his betrayal.
Justin suffers a head injury during a sailing accident. While in a coma Justin is given a tour of Hell and given a second chance to redeem himself. He is directed to return to the world of the living, help others by sharing his experience and the message of love and salvation and keep the pendant safe from evil hands.
When Justin wakes from his coma he learns that his abandoned wife learned he is alive through the press. He is also surprised when Candace shows up alive and desperately searching for the pendant.
While struggling with her grief over loosing Justin, Tori has grown close to Justin’s best friend, Paul. Paul is seperated from his wife but has asked Tori to marry him as soon as his divorce is final. Paul is extremely angry that Justin ran out on Tori and he insists that Tori shouldn’t forgive him and take him back,
Candace and her henchmen attack Tori thinking that she has the mysterious pendant. Justin, Tori and Paul are thrown together as they try to keep the pendant away form Candace. Tori is reluctant to trust Justin but can’t deny the changes that she sees in his attitude towards others and in the powerful messages he is sharing.
The vision of Hell is an interesting interpretation, stressing the struggles men have trying to resist the temptations of lust, greed, selfishness and more. The plot is entertaining with a lot of action, attacks and chases but some of this seemed contrived. I had to wonder where the authorities were while Candace’s men kept showing up. I enjoyed the positive messages conveyed in the story, though many were presented as speeches so they come across as “preachy”. The questions at the end are excellent for provoking thought and discussion.
This is listed as a thriller and there is action. However I think it is on the weak side of a thriller and strong side of inspirational. Although it wasn't really what I expected it was entertaining.
I received this title through NetGalley.
Critical Dawn
