[Book Review] Faith Blum: The Solid Rock

The Solid Rock by Faith Blum
Series: Hymns of the West #5
Published by Faith Blum on March 26, 2016

Joshua woke with a quiet groan. As his senses woke up one at a time, he cracked his eyelids open. Sure enough, there was a silhouetted form standing at the foot of the bed. From the smell, the person was either from the brothel down the street or had recently left one.He forced himself to breathe evenly and reached for the knife in his thigh holster. With as tough and evil a voice as he could imitate, he spoke, “State your intentions.”

Pinkerton detective, Joshua Brookings, is sent on a job that seems simple on the surface. His fellow detective has been kidnapped and his boss, William Pinkerton senses foul play. Joshua is sent to investigate Edward's case in hopes of finding the kidnapped detective and helping solve the case that has taken over ten years to investigate.
Arriving in Cheyenne, Joshua finds much more than a simple kidnapping. Yet again, he must go undercover, something he made his boss promise never to make him do again. The only Christian in the outlaw group, Joshua falters and almost loses faith in God’s providence. Will he stand on the solid Rock or drown in the sinking sand?

Happy Monday, lovelies! Today is my stop on Faith Blum’s tour for her newest Christian Western novel, THE SOLID ROCK. I’ve got an excerpt and my review for you. Plus a giveaway from Faith!! (It’s a good one too!)

Excerpt

Joshua pushed the door open and breathed deeply. “There’s nothing like the distinct odor of men slaving away in a confined place mixed with rotting coffee grounds and ink.”

“You always make it sound so pleasant,” Paul Greene said, an amused smile on his face. “Mr. Pinkerton will be with you in a moment.”

A tall man stepped out of the door behind the secretary. “Actually, he’ll be with him right now. Come with me, Joshua.”

Joshua nodded to the secretary and followed William Pinkerton into his office.

“I have a case for you. I believe it will fit with your moral objections as well as your skill set.”

Joshua raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“We have an agent in Cheyenne, Wyoming, who has been investigating some strange events for more than ten years now. He is close to the end and has been kidnapped.”

“Kidnapped by whom?”

“That’s one of the things you need to find out.”

Joshua leaned forward. “How long ago?”

“He was kidnapped yesterday. His daughter sent us a telegram.”

“Why me?”

William smiled. This was one reason he loved working with Joshua. “You know the area better than most agents, and you have been quite successful tracking down criminals on fairly cold trails. You read fast and think well on your feet. I can also trust you not to flirt with Mr. Harris’s daughter. I hear she’s young, unmarried, and quite lovely.”

Joshua’s head jerked up from his examination of the Oriental rug. “Harris? Would the daughter’s name be Elizabeth?”

William shuffled a few papers on his desk and skimmed one. “Yes, it is. How did you know?”

“We met about three years ago when I was the sheriff in Castle City, although then it was known as Cartersville. Is there anything else?”

William skimmed the papers in front of him. “That’s all I know. Knowing Edward Harris, he’ll have kept notes of his investigation and hidden them well.”

Joshua nodded with a smile. “I can see him doing that.”

William stood up and Joshua followed suit. They shook hands. “Good luck to you and Godspeed.”

“Thank you,” Joshua replied.

My Review

This is the fourth book I’ve read by Faith, but the first that wasn’t a novella. It was wonderful to see how she could develop (and keep track of) so many different characters! Faith’s stories are an amazing reminder that we may lose our path, but can find it again, and this was no different. (Thank you, Faith!!) THE SOLID ROCK has a combination of faith, suspense, family, friends, new romances, and personal growth. My eyes have opened a bit and are now reflecting on my life and where I am at this moment.

Giveaway

Faith is giving away a full set of paperback books! Fill out this form (<–click the link) to earn entries to the giveaway. Each entry gives you one point, plus there are opportunities for bonus entries!

Follow the tour!

March 26

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Tour Introduction

Writing Dreams-Excerpt and Spotlight

God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae-Spotlight

Frances Hoelsma-Excerpt, Spotlight, Interview

Tee Garner-Excerpt, Spotlight, Interview

March 28

George’s Shorts-Spotlight, Review, Interview

Karan Eleni-Excerpt, Spotlight, Review

BlondeRJ-Excerpt

Rebekah Lyn Books-Excerpt

Zerina Blossom’s Books-Excerpt, Spotlight

Life is a Four-Letter Word-Spotlight

March 29

In the Bookcase-Excerpt, Review

Ruth’s Real Life-Excerpt

Kelsey’s Notebook-Review, Interview

Shire Reviews-Review

With a Joyful Noise-Excerpt, Spotlight

Melanie D. Snitker, Author-Excerpt, Spotlight

Wildflower Acres-Spotlight

March 30

Clean Indie Reads-Spotlight

Jaye L. Knight-Excerpt, Spotlight

Stories by Firefly-Excerpt, Spotlight, Interview

Chess Desalls-Excerpt

Kendra’s Thoughts-Excerpt, Interview

March 31

Prairie Dust Trail-Review

David Todd-Interview

The Overactive Imagination-Excerpt

Reading in June-Excerpt, Spotlight

Rachel Rossano’s Words-Excerpt, Spotlight

Trust and Obey-Guest Post, Spotlight

April 1

Writings, Ramblings, and Reflections-Tour Wrap-up, giveaway announcement