May 11th, 1889 in the Arizona Territory…
When the U.S. Army payroll is robbed by a group of Mormon settlers, one man’s life is changed forever. This historical event led to a bloody gunfight, with the bandits escaping with nearly thirty-thousand dollars in gold, which was never recovered.
Cal Chandler, an unwilling participant in the crime, is forced to flee, running from the law and his Mormon roots. Already conflicted over the Mormon practice of polygamy, his life becomes more complex when he falls for the lovely but outspoken Jessica Lorena McKenzie. The two could not be more different; he was raised Mormon, and she is a born-again Christian. Their relationship results in Cal being confronted with a profound reappraisal of his understanding of God.
Suffering from self-condemnation, he considers himself a man beyond redemption. But is he? Miss McKenzie doesn’t think so, but she doesn’t know what Cal knows: He is wanted for the most notorious crime in the territory.
In Beyond Redemption, readers are transported back to the Wild West, as author Mark Swarbrick brings to life a thrilling adventure of love, justice, and redemption. With its attention to historical detail, action-packed Western scenes, and moral values, readers will find themselves captivated by its authenticity, realism, and suspense.
This historical novel has plenty of action: gunfights, stage robberies, and holdups, but more than that, it presents life and death, love and longing, against a backdrop of the struggle between good and evil.
If you enjoy historical accuracy, Louis L'Amour's action westerns, and the character values reflected by Laura Ingalls Wilder, then you will love Beyond Redemption, an account that takes you back in time to see the people of the Old West as they actually were.
A historical novel of the Old West with a dramatic love story which conveys wisdom and the Gospel message is indeed unique.
Every part. It is a page turned from Chapter 1 to the end.
“Lorena,” he had said, beginning slowly and carefully, “Cal is a handsome and dashing young man. I can see how he would stir the blood of any young lady.”
Lorena gave her uncle a plucky look. “So, you think I’ve had my blood stirred?”
Uncle Henry, picking his words judiciously, continued, “Well, you would know more about that than I. Perhaps my words don’t apply now, but they might prove of value another time. I can see he certainly does like you–”
“Do you really think so?” Lorena interrupted, then immediately cast her eyes downward in embarrassment for revealing the level of her interest.
“Yes, I do, and if there is a chance those feelings will someday be reciprocated, you need to consider that Mr. Chandler is not a Christian. You know the Bible says we are not to be unequally yoked, that believers are advised not to marry unbelievers.”
“Yes, I know...but he may become a believer.”
“He may, that is true. But you don’t know that. Not at this point.” Uncle Henry poked at the fire with a stick. “Lorena, have you ever seen a forest fire or a wildfire on the prairie? What starts as the tiniest spark can grow into a raging tempest sweeping across the land, devouring everything in its path. It is a formidable and terrifying thing, awe-inspiring in its magnificence yet frightening in its wild power!
“My dear, love is like that. Love is a fire. It may start as a fun and flirtatious attraction, but before you know it, that little spark can grow into a raging fire, devouring all common sense, burning virtue and wisdom to the ground.”
“I’m not in love, Uncle Henry.”
“Not yet. But if there’s a spark, love can sneak up on you faster than you expect. You’ve seen hot summer afternoons without a cloud in the sky and not a breath of air. But then you hear thunder rumbling in the distance, and before you know it, the whirlwind is upon you. If you don’t think ahead and seek shelter, you can be caught amid the maelstrom. Love is a storm, a tornado. Scripture cautions us: “Guard thy heart, for out of it flow the issues of life.” That’s why it’s important to keep your emotions in check until you know.”