Customer Reviews

Mysterious Ways (Mysterious Ways Series #1)

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"Mysterious Ways" is the story of Amos Taylor, accomplished conman and thief. Fresh from the successful hold-up of a stagecoach and looking for a way to lay low for a while, Amos spots a minister's outfit drying on a clothesline. Thinking he has stumbled onto the perfect disguise, Amos dons the clothes and wanders into the town of Sweetwater. As expected, he is mistaken for a circuit-riding preacher and is soon roped into conducting church services for the local congregation.

When his secret is discovered by a blind man working in the jail, Amos expects to be turned in. Instead, the blind man, Joseph, understands that, while Amos is operating under false pretenses, he is bringing good to pass. So, under threat of exposure, Joseph forces Amos to continue the pretense. As the two continue, Joe's faith begins to influence Amos. But the will the lawbreaker allow himself to be won?

"Mysterious Ways" is a well-written, entertaining story played out against the background of the Old West. Highly recommended.

Craig Hart - CraigHart.net/ChristianLit Magazine

Terry Burns has a way with characterization, and his inspirational western "Mysterious Ways" kept me turning the pages until the end. Not an easy feat, because I usually shy away from westerns. But this story, with clean language, a quick paced-plot and Scriptural content, compelled me to keep on reading. I will be watching for Terry's next book!

What a delightful and entertaining read! You don't even have to be a fan of westerns to thoroughly enjoy this uplifting story of a man's deception and final salvation. The characters are well-developed and complex, while the plot is refreshingly original. The book leaves the readers with a general "feel-good" emotion after the last page is turned. For more of my reviews, visit my website at www.robinmillerbooks.com

Hold onto your hats, pardners! A new western novel with a flair for humor and realistic characters is riding the trails in the Christian market with Terry Burns's newly released, Mysterious Ways, from RiverOak. This is a delightful novel of a restless cowboy, Amos, looking for his next dodge without a thought to who he might hurt or involve, as long as he gets the take. It's an intriguing read of a story deftly woven between Amos, and a strong Christian black man, Joseph, together to create a brilliant story you won't forget. Joseph's strong belief that the Lord will use anybody to carry out his plan of salvation becomes a strong catalyst in Amos's realization that there is accountability for one's actions. When Amos tries to make amends to those he's used, new surprises and twists move the story to an exciting end, full of redemption and West Texas humor. It'll make you laugh out loud as you find yourself caring for this wayward cowboy. My brother, western writer Jess McCreede, would have loved it!

In this inspirational western, Burns introduces us to Amos Taylor, an outlaw whose only concern is taking care of himself.

Amos comes up with a great idea: he's going to pretend to be a preacher to throw suspicion off of him. And it works! Now his only problem is that people expect him to preach on Sunday.

With help from Joseph, a blind man who happens to be a devout Christian, Amos successfully preaches his first sermon. He quickly figures out that the contribution plate passes every Sunday. He doesn't even have to believe what he's preaching, and the people just eat it up. He also begins courting Miss Judy Valentine, a sweet young lady who wouldn't have given an outlaw the time of day.

To come up with some extra money, Amos pulls a "dodge" on the Prescott brothers in a nearby town. Outraged, they go on the hunt for Amos.

Meanwhile, instead of using the sermon that Joseph helped him prepare, Amos decides to preach what he wants to preach. Quickly, the townspeople figure out that they have been duped, and put Amos in jail.

Joseph intercedes on Amos' behalf to the county judge, and Amos gets community service--preaching--instead of jail time. But will the townspeople trust him after what he's done? Will the Prescotts catch up with Amos? Will he finally believe what he has been preaching all this time?

Burns has masterfully painted an accurate picture of the old West. Dialogue, characteristics, setting, all are weaved together to create a wonderful western read. The novel does include a lot of Scripture and a strong inspirational message, which is expected, as the main character of the book is a preacher. Burns handles the message carefully, without coloring it with his own views. Burns also shows Amos' struggle with his past versus what he is learning in a realistic way that many readers will relate to.

Armchair Interviews says: Terry Burns is a very prolific writer in this Western genre. If you like westerns and inspirationals, this is a must-read.

Terry Burns has crafted a deceptively simple, often humorous story that reveals layers of profound truth as you turn the pages. And turn those pages, you will! Whether you like Westerns or not, you'll be captivated by this story of a thief's redemption. Burns brings his characters to life with a deft and easy touch, and before you know it, you not only care deeply about their fates, but you're actually rooting for the "bad" guy to see the light and laughing out loud as his well-laid plans lead him to a reward considerably more valuable than what he had in mind. Read this story for entertainment, but don't be surprised if you find yourself moved in ways you didn't expect.

Terry Burns' inspirational western, "Mysterious Ways," is a book you won't be able to put down. Burns uses fast-pacing and good humor to keep the pages turning, engulfing the reader in a believable setting with characters to root for and care about. I found myself chuckling out loud during many parts of the book and holding back real emotion in other key spots.

Turning a con man into a novel's protagonist takes first-rate writing, and Burns delivers it with Old West style in "Mysterious Ways." With writing like this, it's a sure bet Terry Burns won't be a mystery much longer to fans of the western genre.

Reviewed By Lincoln Rogers - Writing & Photography of the West
www.lincolnrogers.com

MYSTERIOUS WAYS embodies all the ingredients of an old-fashion western--horses, bars, small town justice, cowboys, sweet love interest and a fast moving plot that takes the reader on a fun, fast ride. It goes one better, offering a deep faith, racial reconciliation, and God's amazing grace.

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Terry Burns has a real gift for capturing the true West of olden times. His descriptions are clear and the dialogue is so natural and true to how people talked and still talk that it makes the book a very enjoyable read. The chapters are short, but finding a stopping point to put the book down is still difficult. He has a great plot and realistic characters. Also, this is a book about real life, believers and nonbelievers and how God loves even outlaws and is willing to forgive them and give them a new start in life. Overall, a very good book for teenagers and up.

I just finished reading an advance copy of MYSTERIOUS WAYS by Terry R. Burns. I'd love to say it's as good as Zane Grey or Louis L'amore but the truth is I've never read either of those authors. In truth, this is the first western I've ever read. I was favorably impressed. The story was fast moving and with numerous plot twists that kept me wondering how the various situations would be resolved. I knew Mysterious Ways was the story of a con-man, Amos Taylor, who stole a parson's garb in hopes of disguising his identity and I knew that disguise would change Taylor's life. I half expected a formula novel that hoped to disguise a salvation sermon. Instead, I found a heartwarming story with richly endowed characters working through real life issues of faith, forgiveness, and commitment. Mysterious Ways is not just a "Christian" novel. It's a well-crafted story that happens to possess a positive faith-building message. Terry Burns is an author worth getting to know.