The Messenger and the Journey

Book excerpt: The freezing winds off Lake Michigan swept across the snow laden grounds and through the cracks of a building that held southern prisoners in Camp Douglas, Illinois. Huddled with the other prisoners, John mulled over the reasons he had enlisted, even after his father had forbidden it. He knew the only real reason was to protect his best friend Frankie, who had enlisted first but never even bothered to show up at the station when the recruits left for war. Shivering, he wondered if he would ever see his family again and especially the girl he had loved since childhood. John realized that nothing but an act of God could deliver him from this hell on earth. The year was 1864. The Messenger combines the history of the Civil War, the love of family, and faith that holds on to miracles. Author Johnny Neil Smith paints a vivid picture of struggles, belief, fear, and hope wrapped into one fascinating story of how angels still minister and bring courage to those who trust in God. 'Smith's command of the era's politics and history and his feel for Southern family relationships make this tale an above-par work of period fiction.' -Publisher's Weekly