A powerful read: "More Than Rivals" by Ken Abraham

about the book....

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so she joins the Teaville Moral Society hoping to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poorhouse herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that his mother is the moral society's president. Lydia's first task as a moral society member--to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town--seems easy . . . until the man flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresees the harrowing complications that will arise from working together, and when town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs--and hearts--truly align.

my review....

It definitely shows talent when an author can take a true story and weave it into an entertaining tale that reads like fiction - and Ken Abraham has shown he has that talent in spades with his novel, "More Than Rivals". Within only a few pages of the book, I found myself immersed in Eddie and Bill's story to the point that I was rooting for them to win every basket ball game they were playing, and cheering on the unlikely friendship between black and white. I was shaking my head at the racism displayed in Gallatin, Tennessee - though shifting uncomfortably in my chair while I considered the racism in my own backyard of a different type. For the most part, the story moves along at a good clip, although there were a few places in the book that I thought got bogged down in a few too many details. Nevertheless, as I encountered the racial tensions growing in Gallatin, through the eyes of the characters who lived through it, I found myself glued to the pages until the final, dramatic chapters. What made me pause all the more was the fact that I wasn't reading scenes from an author's imagination, but instead was reading about actual events. If you didn't believe in the power of God before picking up this book, it would be difficult not to believe afterwards, as only God can explain what happened to the citizens of Gallatin!

Rarely can I say that a Christian novel I'm reviewing would make the perfect gift for the man in your life - but "More Than Rivals" absolutely fits the bill! But if you are a female reader, don't let that comment dissuade you from grabbing a copy of your own, because this book will appeal to readers of all types. The true life drama, great characterization, and incredible truths of this story make for time well spent! I highly recommend this book and award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

 about the author....

Ken Abraham is the New York Timesbestselling author of many books, includingAgainst All Odds with Chuck Norris and Let's Roll with Lisa Beamer. His work has been featured on 20/20, Dateline, Larry King Live,Good Morning America, The CBS Morning Show, The Today Show, and many more. At present, Ken has more than ten million books in print. Learn more at www.kenabrahambooks.com.

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