Review by Booklist Review
Markert (The Angel's Share, 2017) serves up another slice of quirky southern life in this mystical historical novel set in the aftermath of WWI. Physically and emotionally broken, former town hero and would-be professional baseball player Ellsworth Newberry contemplates taking his own life after the loss of his leg and the deaths of his wife and infant son. When strange things begin happening around town and to his neighbors after the discovery of a mysterious chapel in the woods, Ellsworth slowly snaps out of his self-imposed stupor to investigate. It soon becomes clear that there are darker forces at work at this site initially deemed a miraculous place of healing. As Ellsworth battles for the very soul of his town, he learns that the surest way to save himself is to save others. A haunting tale of love, loss, and redemption.--Flanagan, Margaret Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Screenwriter Markert (The Angel's Share) conjures an apocalyptic page-turner that blends Frank Peretti-style supernatural elements with the fine detail of historical novels. In the small town of Bellhaven, S.C., injured World War I vet Ellsworth Newberry reckons he has nothing left to live for. His wife is dead, and his war injury has snuffed out a potential future as a professional baseball player. But strange goings-on connected to a chapel in the woods outside Bellhaven slowly draw him out of his suicidal funk. When the newly discovered, mysterious chapel is discovered (seemingly out of nowhere), word spreads that a magical healing takes places there. Yet even as the chapel mysteriously cures the locals' individual woes, they begin to turn on one another, and Ellsworth soon must lead a battle against an unknown evil the chapel has unleashed. Markert's characters are colorful, with one or two underdeveloped exceptions in a large cast, and his dialogue calls out for adaptation to the screen. Faith elements are strong but not overt in this complex novel, as readers wait for the climax surrounding the real nature of the chapel to truly unfurl. However, the complexity of the revealed information distracts Markert from tying up many loose ends during the resolution. Agent: Dan Lazar, Writers House. (Jan.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
In the wake of World War I, the discovery of a little chapel in the woods promises healing to the traumatized citizens of Bellhaven, SC. On the brink of suicide after losing his wife and promising baseball career, -Ellsworth Newberry is shaken from his stupor when he observes that his friendly, tight-knit community seems to be unraveling as residents turn on one another. Demonic forces are invading Bellhaven, and it's up to Ellsworth to find a way to fight and defeat this evil. Markert's (A White Wind Blew) restrained language and pacing enhances an already menacing tone. While the battle between good and evil is not a particularly original theme, Markert's unusual story line and compelling characters offer a fresh perspective. VERDICT Readers looking for lighter horror will enjoy. © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
