It's a rare thing to get a book to move me as emotionally as this one did, but I have to say, WOW! One of the best I have read in a very long time!! A Season of Miracles by Rusty Whitener does just that. It tugs at the heart strings of every person who loves childhood memories of great friendships, baseball and of course, restoration of faith in God for those that are lost.
In this story we find ourselves involved with the Robins, a Little League Baseball team that at it's personal best found their team third place last year. Not a bad place to be, Zack's mom reminds him, while his father on the other hand believes that the only place to really be is first, the rest is for losers while giving Zack a thumbs up. The problem with his team is that so very few of them are really good players aside from Zack who can hit virtually anything that is pitched to him.
Yet once hot summer day prior to try outs, Zack and his friends, Donnie White, Batman Boatwright and Jimmy Yarnell, they encounter another young boy of few words called Rafer, who has been "touched"! Touched is a word for a mentally challenged child, who Donnie, Batman and Jimmy don't want to be allowed to play ball with. They are burning the last of their daylight hours when Rafer tells Zack, "Rafer Hit!"
Not quite sure what that means to Zack he decides to give Rafer a chance. With Zack pitching a carefully pitch across home plate, Rafer does nothing. However when Zack brings the heat on with a fastball, Rafer launches the ball so far, that it takes the boys all night to find the ball. Perhaps this is the chance that the Robins need to win the championship.
I received the book, A Season of Miracles by Rusty Whitener compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and could honestly say, this is only the second book I've read this year that has stolen my heart like this one. This one knocks it right out of the park with a 5 out of 5 stars. This is one book, you won't want to miss and trust me when I say, I highly recommend it.
I am super glad to know that this book is being made into a movie that is already in preproduction and know that I will definitely being seeing this one. For more information about the book, the amazing author and where to get a first chapter glimpse, read on:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Endorsements:
“A Season of Miracles is a must read for anyone who has ever played youth baseball. I read the book, and was reacquainted with my childhood. In the midst of an enjoyable read that took me down memory lane was a touching, challenging and beautiful story about how God can use the unlikeliest among us to draw us to Him.”—Matt Diaz, outfielder, Atlanta Braves
“Baseball, inspiration and childhood memories—a great combination. I couldn’t put it down!”—Richard Sterban, bass singer for The Oak Ridge Boys
“Rusty Whitener weaves a deft tale of young friendship and the curve balls of faith, the whole story seasoned with sunshine and the leathery scent of baseball gloves!”—Ray Blackston, author of Flabbergasted
“A Season of Miracles is a heartwarming all American story of small town boys and Little League baseball. You’ll be cheering this captivating bunch of characters all the way home both in their game of baseball and the bigger game of life.”—Ann Gabhart, award-winning author of The OutsiderABOUT THE BOOK
Gunning for the championship is all that matters until twelve-year-old Zack meets Rafer, a boy whose differences make him an outcast but whose abilities on the baseball field make him the key to victory.
Admired for his contribution to the team, Rafer turns everyone’s expectations upside down, bestowing a gift to Zack and his teammates that forces them to think—is there more to life than winning or losing? And what is this thing called grace?
If you would like to read the first chapter of A Season of Miracles, go HERE.
Sometimes we win just through association but we tend to shun those who are not just like us. Sounds like this is a really good book with a really good theme. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such an awesome book, Kat! I really enjoy your reviews and they are always right on the money!
ReplyDeleteBlessings~
Laura
I have this one in my stack and it sounds fantastic. I can't wait to get to it.
ReplyDeleteNice review.
ReplyDeleteHey, Kathleen- This is Rusty Whitener, author of "A Season Of Miracles." THANK YOU SO MUCH for such a wonderful, heartfelt and heart-communicated review! It spoke to the deep places of my heart. Your faith is obvious and I enjoyed reading other reviews and your comments. In His Grip -- Rusty Whitener
ReplyDeleteP.S. My wife and I loved the blog photo with the roaring fireplace and the window view of the beach. Just looking at the photo quiets the soul!