Customer Reviews

Mountain Top

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Robert Whitlow has done it again! "Mountain Top" is an inspiring read. Reading "Mountain Top" was like eating a piece of chocolate cake. Do you devour it quickly because it is so good, or do you consume it slowly, savoring every chapter? I made myself put it down and muse about what was happening with every character. Whitlow obviously knows the South, the legal profession and has profound insight into spiritual matters. "Mountain Top" is intriguing, interesting and inspiring. If you enjoyed "The List" and "The Sacrifice" you must read "Mountain Top."

Every small town in the south has a "character," and so does Robert Whitlow's latest page-turner called Mountain Top. But Sam Miller is more than an eccentric old man who has strange dreams and visions prompting cryptic notes to people in the city of Shelton. He is a modern-day prophet. His dreams foretell the future and uncover deeds done in darkness. And when one of his notes confronts corruption in this southern mountain community it lands this lawn care, prophet, lay-preacher in jail.

Lawyers often hear the story that a person is truly innocent and that "it was a set-up deal." But when Mike Andrews, the lawyer turned minister, is summoned to the jail to talk to Sam Miller he hears this familiar story, but this time something is different. Mike has not actively practiced law in six years is not interested in coming out of legal retirement to represent a strange old man charged with embezzling funds from the church when he was serving as the interim pastor. But when "Papa" (Sam's name for Abba Father God) reveals to Sam that Mike's wife is pregnant after many years of waiting in the very same dream that leads Sam to request that Mike represent him the preacher/lawyer's reluctance to represent him softens.

Special moments in a Christian's life are referred to as mountain top experiences. The title to this book says it all. Robert Whitlow is a master word-smith who weaves themes such as the providential power of God, showing love to those who hurt you, church politics, words of knowledge, and being led by faith instead of driven by fear into his latest tale aptly named Mountain Top.

Robert Whitlow knows of what he writes. As an actively practicing attorney and committed Christian his words ring with authenticity. And with his soon to be released movie, The List, a much wider audience is about to discover a truly anointed author by the name of Robert Whitlow.

A mystery with a dash of humor and practical religion thrown in. The story is fast paced and the end is not obvious. The characters are "real" people who have the same doubts and fears as the rest of us. For those of us who have enjoyed his books in the past, this is perhaps his best. I finished wanting to find out what happens to the characters. Will there be a sequel? Perhaps, but even if there is not, the book causes the reader to think about his own life and how he would fit into the story.

If you'd like a snapshot of the practical application of the prophetic in everyday life, this book is for you. Whitlow is the kind of author that grows on you. The more you read his novels, the more you want to read his next one. He tackles interesting and intiguing aspects of the Christian walk with down-to-earth insight, and he entertains you at the same time. His characters are believable, interesting, and often find themselves going to unexpected places in their faith-walk. Just like the rest of us. If you're weary of formulaic writing, read all of Whitlow's books, and be sure to catch the movie of his first book, The List. It's a winner!

Whitlow gives us yet another Southern parable told through the eyes of simple and not so simple people. Sam Miller is a common man everyone in the South (and other places) has met somewhere along the way. He has a simple job and a simple faith. But he is not a simple man. His life is made complex by the way he sees the world and by the world others fail to see. Rev Michael James Andrews is not a common man. He is a former crack defense attorney who has felt a call to the ministry. But somewhere along the way Rev Mike has failed to see the depth of that calling. The way these two men's lives converge is intriguing and the best part of the story.

I really like the approach Robert Whitlow has taken with both Mountain Top and its predecessor, Jimmy. But what worked for Jimmy is a bit overdone here. I don't agree with many in this Post Modern world who are afraid to offer any objective message in their writing. They warn us about being preachy and turning unbelievers away. That objection is overused as far as I am concerned. But in this case they might have a point. There is a difference between presenting a deeper message for others to consider and hammering that message to death. In that area Mountain Top goes just a little over the top.

All things considered, I would still recommend Mountain Top as a good read. Like Jimmy, we are made aware of the supernatural without the need for War of the Worlds type demonic/angelic clashes. All of us need to see the world a little more like Same Miller.

I thoroughly enjoyed this latest offering from Robert Whitlow. The story caputred me quickly and it moved along at a quick pace. There was a nice balance between mystery, humor and the great battle between good and evil. It kept me engaged right to the end...and then I still wanted to know what happens next with these characters!

Thanks to Robert for another enjoyable book.

Bravo! Robert's much awaited Mountain Top, did not disappoint. There are very few Christian-fiction writers who match Robert's ability to keep you engrossed in a story, and unwilling to put the book down. His skill as a story teller is unequaled! My only complaint is that the story is over too soon, and for a period of time following, nothing else I read holds my attention.

But, Robert's gift goes beyond his ability to write fiction, and into the realm of inspiration. This particular story has inspired me to take more seriously my prayer time, and to reach deeper this coming year into the heart of God. There is no limit to the things God wants to do through us, if we're willing.

I have read all of Robert Whitlow's books--did not think that he could top his book "Jimmye" but he has done it again. He writes interesting plots with people I tend to get attached to. I was so touched by the old man's relationship with "pappa". The plot had many twists and turns--kept me turning the pages wondering how he was going to pull it all together. Good job--write faster!

'And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions': Thus is the blue print for this novel. Mr. Whitlow has built a gripping novel around this premise, and an encouragement to those (if not all of us) that are gifted in this way. As usual, his characters are believable, and you grow to root for them. I particularly like Sam Miller and the practicable way he lives his life, and lived out his faith. I look forward to Mr. Whitlow's next novel with eager anticipation.

I have loved all the books from this author and this one is no exception.