In Golden Splendor

I just got the most wonderful opportunity to review an incredible new series, The Heirs of Ireland by Michael K. Reynolds. I haven't read the first book in the series, but picked up In Golden Splendor which is the second novel he just completed and it's simply a compelling historical story that you can't put down. This takes you into the heart of the Gold Rush days where people were literally coming from all over the world to get their stack at a claim in California in hopes of striking it rich.

We are introduced to Irish immigrant Seamus Hanley who finds himself trying to survive as a mountain man in the harsh winter but is failing miserably at trying to hunt game and also sell the furs for money. He happens upon a wagon accident that claims the life of the driver but leaves one horse alive. Seamus sees that the horse and contents belong to the U.S. Army and it's a mail delivery wagon. Taking the horse would automatically be grounds for hanging taking military property, but he knows if he leaves the horse behind, it won't survive. Thinking God's providence is upon him, he takes the horse and a letter on which Open Immediately is scrawled across the front. Inside Seamus finds a heartfelt letter and a photograph of a woman named Ashlyn who is pleading for help in finding her father.

Seamus believes it is he duty to aid this beautiful woman even though the letter was not addressed to him. It seems that the recipient of the letter has not be faithful in returning his response even though it appears that there is a relationship between them. Ashlyn needs to locate her father who has gone off searching for gold in hopes of providing an income to support her while she waits behind in San Francisco. But in order for Seamus to find Ashlyn he must find a way to get through the brutal mountain pass in the Rocky Mountains as winter is approaching. With little to go on in the ways of supplies, he believes God is calling him to answer Ashlyn's pleas for help and will trust God for a way to make that happen.

I received In Golden Splendor by Michael K. Reynolds compliments of B and H Publishing Group and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. This is my first novel by Michael K. Reynolds and the reviews from other authors inspired me to pick this one up. I am always a fan of historical fiction and think Mr. Reynolds did an exceptional job at transporting the reader in the heart and soul of Seamus Hanley who found himself a U.S. Army deserter and has been branded physically for such action. It's the ultimate game of hide and seek for Seamus to make his way through circumstances that quite literally have you holding your breath. I would have never made it as far as he did. Along the way we learn that both Seamus and Ashlyn have deep secrets that need to be resolved for past mistakes that they feel are holding them back believing the lot in life they have found is a good as it will get. However God has bigger plans that we see slow unveil during this novel. I am now a huge fan of Michael's and will be picking up the next book, Song's of the Shenandoah due out in January 2014. If you want to begin this series, you'll want to pick up Flight of the Earls first before reading this one to make the journey even more unforgettable. For me, this one rates a 5 out of 5 stars and I look forward to pick up the first novel in the series to see just how the Irish family came to America.

For more information about In Golden Splendor, Michael K. Reynolds or where to pick up a copy of this wonderful novel today, please click on the links below:

In Golden Splendor by Michael K. Reynolds

You can also find Michael K. Reynolds on Facebook to stay up to date with all his latest novels.

To read more reviews on In Golden Splendor from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance Book Tour, please click here.