Sins of the Past
Bethany Klassen
Genre: Western Fiction/Christian Fiction/Teen/Young Adult
Driven by regret and sorrow, Matthew Ellison flees the memories, camaraderie, and sins. He wanders to the small town of Albury, soon finding a place of obscurity to work. Then, an unexpected crisis lands him as sheriff of the town. Will this be a way to redeem past sins? Or will it entangle him more, taking him to an early grave?
Emma Royce always knew her brother would be going West as a missionary one day. She never dreamed that he would invite her on the adventure. The lovely lady doesn’t seem fit for such a rough life, but Emma holds a strength within that’s just as winning as her sweet spirit. Yet, will she have the fortitude to discover the sheriff’s mysterious past and still extend God’s forgiveness to him?
Intrigue, danger, friendship, and redemption. This is Sins of the Past by Bethany Klassen – a Christian western!
I don’t usually read westerns, but the premise of redemption in Sins of the Past caught my attention immediately. I was not disappointed!
The characters are intriguing; as the landscape and circumstances shift around them, we come to know these characters more fully for who they are. Matthew Ellison is the most ambiguous, constantly shifting and surprising those around him with the unique talents and unusual suspense hanging about him.
I loved the friendships that were formed! I found them realistic and enjoyed the steadfast nature, that friends could be friends and build those relationships on the foundation of God with grace.
The land is as western as it comes, placed in the rural, small-town of Albury, full of a peace and friendliness that can shatter in an instant. Gangs and drunken shooters, thieves and men seeking revenge, bring on plenty of trouble and add a few graves to the cemetery. Death and injury are part of this story, but Bethany writes with sensitivity and I found the scenarios only a little heart-pounding.
The theme of redemption and forgiveness in this book was well-written and encouraging, displayed through testimony and power on nearly every page.
I’m raising a Hallelu Yah! “If You, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, therefore You are feared” (Psalm 130:3). Praise be to God, who has sent His One and only Son as the atonement for our sins, that the forgiveness of sins might be offered to all who will believe in Him! I thank You, Jesus, that You have forgiven my sin and reconciled me to the Father in Heaven. Hallelu Yah!
Sins of the Past is a story that keeps you turning pages until you’ve lost track of time and the last page has been read – leaving you in the triumph and satisfaction that swirls around redemption through Jesus Christ!
Delve into the mysterious life of Matthew Ellison and experience the power of God’s redemption – you won’t regret it!
“For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves,
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Colossians 1:13-14
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Add Sins of the Past to your bookshelf: https://www.bethanyklassenbooks.com/sins-of-the-past (no affiliate links).
Comment below! Which of Matthew’s exploits as sheriff had you the most excited or on-the-edge-of-your-seat? Also, raise a Hallelu Yah!
One Comment
Thank you so much for your well-written review, Alyson!