This month (February) marks the 109th anniversary of author Lew Wallace’s
death. In my inspirational novel, AMANDA’S BEAU, the schoolteacher Gil
Gladney loans my heroine Wallace’s novel to read: BEN-HUR: A TALE OF THE
CHRIST. Many of you have probably read it too or seen the classic movie,
starring Charlton Heston as the title character.
Interestingly enough, when the novel was released in 1880, it was
considered unusual for its time—too romantic, and historical fiction was
not popular. Wallace declared that after researching and writing the book,
he was convicted with an “absolute belief in God and in the divinity of
Christ.” The novel was not expected to become a bestseller. But it did.
After reading and enjoying the book, my heroine Amanda returns the novel
to Gil, saying, “It made me want to be a better person, a stronger
Christian. Do you know what I mean?”
“Yes, I do,” Gil replied.
As the main characters cope with one obstacle after another, their faith
in God grows, as does the love they have for one another. They follow
Paul’s instructions in 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18: Be joyful always; pray
continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for
you in Christ Jesus.” And like the three-cord strand mentioned in
Ecclesiastes 4:12, their bond with Christ and with one another is not
easily broken.
Interestingly enough, when Lew Wallace died at the age of 77 in 1905, his
many books had earned him more royalty income than any other American
novelist up to that time. An encouraging thought for all of us writing
inspirational fiction! Today, a marble statue of Wallace, representing his
home state of Indiana, stands in Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capital. He is
the only American novelist honored there.
Book Blurb
Amanda’s Beau
by Shirley Raye Redmond
Now available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Astraea Press
The year is 1905. It is autumn in the village of Aztec in New Mexico
territory. Amanda Dale is burdened with the responsibility of caring for
her widowed sister—an invalid–and Ella’s two children—one a premature
infant. Schoolteacher Gil Gladney is handsome, intelligent, and
God-fearing. He is drawn to Amanda, but feels he cannot propose marriage
until he is able to purchase the ranch he has been saving for. When Gil
and his pupils discover the relics of an ancient culture among the ruins
outside the village, Gil contacts an old college friend. The possibility
of an archeological excavation excites the community of cash-strapped
farmers, eager to earn extra money working on the site. When a rabid skunk
reels through the excavation site, threatening the lives of Amanda and her
nephew Rex, Gil realizes that life is short and the possibility of true
happiness can be fleeting. In the end, Amanda learns to trust God to
provide the happily-ever-after ending she’s been praying for.
Author Bio
An award-winning children’s book author, Shirley Raye Redmond holds an
M.A. in literature from the University of Illinois. She has been married
to her husband Bill for nearly 39 years, and is active with Community
Bible Study. Lewis & Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President (Random House)
was a Children’s Book of the Month Club selection. Patriots in Petticoats:
Heroines of the American Revolution, was named one of the best children’s
books of 2005 by the Bank Street College of Education. Amanda’s Beau is
her first inspirational romance.
Readers may contact Shirley Raye at her website www.shirleyrayeredmond.com
or connect with her on facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shirley-Raye-Redmond-Author/533496973399344
Experience the Happily Ever After 