Robin Hardy Reviews

Page Eight

Added May 18, 2010

In Extremis

The Latter Annals of Lystra, Book Seven

Author: Robin Hardy
Publisher: Westford Press
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Christian/Fiction/Historical
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $15.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-934776-04-9
Author Email/Website: http://www.robinhardy.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Open the palace doors, sentries of Lystra! Readers return to this province in the seventh book of the series, which starts with a sense of urgency and destiny. Henry is summoned home to visit the bedside of Surchatain Ares, breathlessly entering the palace to behold the face of the man he considers his father. As the hours drag by and prayers are made unceasingly for Ares, Henry discovers the unhealthiness of the province, as politics and power struggles create a feeling of unrest. Yet, things get much worse when a woman lays a trap for Henry, at first blindsiding him, but also giving him a clear view of what needs to be done.

I sometimes consider author Robin Hardy to be part travel agent, 'booking' me in this wonderful place called Lystra and introducing me to the leaders and even the scoundrels that roam the halls of the castle. I'm invited to dinner with the royals where the talk around the table is as spicy as the menu. Then, I'm taken behind doors to hear battle plans, as the Commander assesses the strength of the province's enemies and devises plans to keep the citizens safe. And the best part is-- I feel perfectly at home with all of these people.

The Latter Annals of Lystra series takes readers on a tour of this fictional province, highlighting the rulers and the common people who make this place worth visiting. In this novel, fans will wonder where the years went as Henry thinks about marriage and Ares wonders how long his days will be on the earth. The entire series is held together by a ribbon of faith, an awareness of God, and a genuine belief in His goodness. This flows through each book with serenity and surety, gracing each page, every conversation, and all the characters with a sense of destiny and hope for the future.

In Extremis reaches a little deeper into readers' hearts, imprinting these wonderful characters and this special place. I await my next passage into this province.

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Added August 14, 2009

Sammy In Principle

Author: Robin Hardy
Publisher: Westford Press
Available At: Bookstores everywhere
Publishing Date: Available now
Genre: Fiction/Christian
Format: Trade Paper
Price: $15.95
ISBN-13: 978-1-934776-03-2
Author Email/Website: http://www.robinhardy.com/
Reviewer: Joyce Handzo
Rating: 9 Gargoyles

Sammy Kidman, that arrestingly attractive Dallas detective has woman trouble-- again. When "Rosie the Riveter" is assigned as his new partner, their first stakeout almost left a lasting (and fatal) impression on an unarmed perp. Although Sammy successfully deflected Rosie's bullet, he couldn't dodge the paperwork. The powers-that-be pressured him to change his view of the shootout so his lawsuit-happy partner could be seen more favorably. But is it worth keeping quiet about Rosie's trigger finger only to get a thumbs up with his bosses?

If you haven't met Sammy yet, let me introduce you. Reader, meet a character with charisma, courage and a belief in Christ that steers him through life. But that's not all. Sammy also gets into these back-up-against-the-wall situations where the only way out is to stop and drop to his knees-- in prayer. Now don't roll your eyes and think this aspect of the story is some pie-in-the-sky stuff. At no time is Sammy anything other than a real man with real feelings.(Hey, I'm fanning myself here as I write that last line!) And that's why I love this guy and these books. Sammy shows us God working in his life and gives us all hope for that same kind of exciting relationship.

In this novel, Sammy's convictions clash with his superior's directives, until something totally unexpected happens. Those pesky 'gray' areas are suddenly illuminated, pinpointing the principles that need to be applied. As the police paperwork is overshadowed by a scrap of paper Sammy finds on the ground, a new opportunity is set before our dashing detective and his family. Get ready to see Sammy in a different role, but trust me, he's still as cute as ever.

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This page was last updated on May 18, 2010.

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