Bill Bright and Jack Cavanaugh Reviews

Page One

Added September 4, 2006

Great Awakenings Series Book 4: Fury

Review 1

Authors: Bill Bright and Jack Cavanaugh
Publisher: Howard Fiction, a division of Simon & Schuster
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: September 5, 2006
Genre: Fiction: Historical/Christian
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 1-58229-573-5
Author Email/Website: www.stevelaube.com/authors/jackcavanaugh.htm
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Fury races through these pages with the quickness and fervor of a flame, igniting a sense of excitement in readers!

Daniel Cooper watches as a man is murdered in an alley, which places his own life in jeopardy. After gathering a few belongings, he hastily leaves the home of his aunt and uncle and goes in search of safety. Unfortunately, two men follow his every step: one wants to kill him and the other wants him to enjoy the peace of the Lord. When Daniel finds he can no longer run from his past, he realizes he needs strength to face an uncertain future.

The authors have successfully combined a fast-paced plot with a faith-filled spiritual quest. Set against the background of the Great Awakening, the novel's action blends history and fiction in a convincing story line. The motivation and mindset of the characters provides the necessary momentum, while the dialogue and setting add emotional and realistic dimensions.

Excellent writing and strong characterization makes reading this book a delight. The element of suspense is built slowly, with the climax highlighting the spiritual theme of the story. Readers will be delighted to 'attend' a revival meeting with evangelist Charles Finney in the pulpit. Portions of his actual sermon, "How to Promote Revival", are included, providing a unique opportunity to vicariously experience the power of this popular preacher.

Friendship, love and the grace of God sensitively underpin the suspenseful elements, while connecting to readers with a solid emotional appeal. Fury has the fierceness of a vibrant faith in God, tempered with the gentleness of His abundant mercy.

Return to top of page.

Added January 22, 2006

Great Awakenings Series Book 3: Storm

Author: Bill Bright and Jack Cavanaugh
Publisher: Howard Fiction
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: March 28, 2006
Genre: Fiction: Historical
Format: Trade Paperback
Price: $12.99
ISBN: 1-58229-493-3
Reviewer: Phillip Tomasso III

Jack Cavanaugh might be one of my favorite historical fiction suspense authors out there. Recently Cavanaugh had coupled with the late Bill Bright (1921-2003), the founder of one of the world's largest Christian ministries, the Campus Crusade for Christ International. Storm is the third installment of their Great Awakening Series ( Proof was the first, Fire the second, and coming out on the heals of Storm is Fury , the fourth installment), dealing with the Christian revival. Storm takes place between 1798-1800. It is important to note that you do not need to read the other books in the series in order to read Storm . Storm is a great stand-alone novel.

A freshman at Yale College, Asa Rush is excited about attending school where the president, Timothy Dwight, promises to reinstate the importance of God in overall well-being of the campus and its curriculum. That is, until class begins and he is to give his first disputation, oral argument, against senior student Eli Cooper. Though prepared and confident before class, once on the spot his stammering and persuasion is less than adequate against the styling of the confident and cocky Copper.

Asa, doing his best to forget the humiliation he felt in class spies Annabelle, a young, and now beautiful, lady who once lived in his hometown and was friends with his sister. Falling under her enchanting spell, Asa believes life has taken a turn for the better. That is, until Eli also becomes captivated by Annabelle's beauty. The competition for her love begins, and. jealousy between the young men only flourishes.

Things go from bad to worse when President Dwight calls Asa to his office. Through prayer, the president has realized that Asa has a calling. That calling is to befriend Eli. It is not a personal favor to Dwight, Asa realizes. It is a request from God. Torn, he wonders how he can befriend an archenemy.

More is at stake than friendship and relationships. Adams is running for president against Jefferson. Eli is caught up in more than just his schoolwork. Eli is expected to spearhead an insurrection, (an organized and armed rebellion against the government). The Jeffersonians do not want Adams re-elected into office, and are prepared to rise up in a second American revolution if necessary. What no one knows is that a force known as the Scourge is behind ensuring a second revolution, regardless of the presidential race outcome, set on pinning the Jeffersonians against the Federalists, and the Federalists against the Jeffersonians.

Asa, realizing he may never be a pastor drawing huge crowds of disciples to hear his sermons preached, does realize that he has a demonstrated gift for one-on-one witnessing. A rebellious duel between his and Eli's personality seems to be keeping Eli's heart from warming to God's call. Time is running out, and Asa needs to act fast if he wants to save the country from another, and unnecessary, war.

Storm is fast, informative, and compelling. I expect that from Jack Cavanaugh, and now from Bill Bright as well. The characters are tightly crafted, the plot quickly paced, and the setting intriguingly drawing. I cannot wait to get my hands on Fury , the next in the series.

Return to top of page.

This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.