Mysterious Ways

Terry Burns has a way with characterization, and his inspirational western "Mysterious Ways" kept me turning the pages until the end. Not an easy feat, because I usually shy away from westerns. But this story, with clean language, a quick paced-plot and Scriptural content, compelled me to keep on reading. I will be watching for Terry's next book!

What a delightful and entertaining read! You don't even have to be a fan of westerns to thoroughly enjoy this uplifting story of a man's deception and final salvation. The characters are well-developed and complex, while the plot is refreshingly original. The book leaves the readers with a general "feel-good" emotion after the last page is turned. For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.robinmillerbooks.com

Hold onto your hats, pardners! A new western novel with a flair for humor and realistic characters is riding the trails in the Christian market with Terry Burns's newly released, Mysterious Ways, from RiverOak. This is a delightful novel of a restless cowboy, Amos, looking for his next dodge without a thought to who he might hurt or involve, as long as he gets the take. It's an intriguing read of a story deftly woven between Amos, and a strong Christian black man, Joseph, together to create a brilliant story you won't forget. Joseph's strong belief that the Lord will use anybody to carry out his plan of salvation becomes a strong catalyst in Amos's realization that there is accountability for one's actions. When Amos tries to make amends to those he's used, new surprises and twists move the story to an exciting end, full of redemption and West Texas humor. It'll make you laugh out loud as you find yourself caring for this wayward cowboy. My brother, western writer Jess McCreede, would have loved it!

I just finished reading an advance copy of MYSTERIOUS WAYS by Terry R. Burns. I'd love to say it's as good as Zane Grey or Louis L'amore but the truth is I've never read either of those authors. In truth, this is the first western I've ever read. I was favorably impressed. The story was fast moving and with numerous plot twists that kept me wondering how the various situations would be resolved. I knew Mysterious Ways was the story of a con-man, Amos Taylor, who stole a parson's garb in hopes of disguising his identity and I knew that disguise would change Taylor's life. I half expected a formula novel that hoped to disguise a salvation sermon. Instead, I found a heartwarming story with richly endowed characters working through real life issues of faith, forgiveness, and commitment. Mysterious Ways is not just a "Christian" novel. It's a well-crafted story that happens to possess a positive faith-building message. Terry Burns is an author worth getting to know.

When outlaw Amos Taylor happens upon a clothesline full of parson's garb, he decides it's the perfect gig-impersonate a preacher as his means of disguise after a stage holdup, then ride in as the passengers' knight in shining armor. What he doesn't reckon on is getting delayed by townsfolk hungry for a good sermon, and being found out by a blind black man whose faith is, indeed, deep enough to shake a mountain-even that of his own cynical unbelief. Throw in a young woman of impeccable virtue who finds it way too exciting to be held up by a suave and debonair gunman, and you have the makings of a cracking good story.The characters are well-drawn and engaging, and the storyline absorbing. Though the author explores in detail Amos's journey toward salvation, the discussions about spiritual things flow naturally from the characters' struggles without seeming contrived or preachy. Amos rather makes a fool of himself early in the story, and his various attempts at fleecing people rebound on him with oftentimes humorous results. Yet he shows just enough promise to keep the reader hoping that he'll see the light, and even in his unbelief is a man of honor, and fights against prejudice.I appreciated the author's willingness to touch upon hard issues-hypocrisy in the church, late nineteenth-century attitudes about color, the sinfulness of human nature-without imposing modern sensibilities. Historical details also seemed tight.Kudos to Terry Burns for a story that colorfully paints the love and faithfulness of God alongside life's reality. This is his debut novel with the CBA, and I look forward to seeing more of his work!