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Forging Nails: A Family Saga of Revenge & Redemption
“Randy Judd has done it again! He has created a page-turner with an uplifting theme and you get to go through superb storytelling to get there.”
VICTORIOUS BY DESIGN MAGAZINE
recently named Randy Judd to their Star Power List of Authors!
“The strong put off their hate and proceed unfettered while the feeble wear the hate as an anchor, slowing their journey.”
In the aftermath of the American Civil War, two families make contrasting decisions on how they proceed. The Chisms—owners of a cotton plantation—continue to hold a grip on their past traditions. The Stones—owners of a lumber mill—accept the changes and look for ways to adapt. Their different approaches to slavery, emancipation, and reconstruction cause a rift between the two families, which develop into a century-long feud.
Forging Nails is a family saga recounting the different paths the families took and how one family held onto the hate while the other one purposely let it go. The novel reveals the pain caused by the hate for more than a hundred years. The ongoing feud resulted in abuse, kidnapping, and even murder.
While the book is a prequel/sequel to Randy Judd’s first novel, The Art of Straightening Nails, the works can be read in either order without spoiling the plotline.
“The strong put off their hate and proceed unfettered while the feeble wear the hate as an anchor, slowing their journey.”
In the aftermath of the American Civil War, two families make contrasting decisions on how they proceed. The Chisms—owners of a cotton plantation—continue to hold a grip on their past traditions. The Stones—owners of a lumber mill—accept the changes and look for ways to adapt. Their different approaches to slavery, emancipation, and reconstruction cause a rift between the two families, which develop into a century-long feud.
Forging Nails is a family saga recounting the different paths the families took and how one family held onto the hate while the other one purposely let it go. The novel reveals the pain caused by the hate for more than a hundred years. The ongoing feud resulted in abuse, kidnapping, and even murder.
While the book is a prequel/sequel to Randy Judd’s first novel, The Art of Straightening Nails, the works can be read in either order without spoiling the plotline.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 26, 2023
About the author
Randy Judd
7 books10 followersRandy is an American author residing in the Salt Lake City Area. He lives with his wife, Connie and near their five kids and their families.
He grew up in the Ozarks of Arkansas and earned his B.S. in Math from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Later, he earned an M.B.A from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.
Randy mostly enjoys reading works which are strongly character driven.
He grew up in the Ozarks of Arkansas and earned his B.S. in Math from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Later, he earned an M.B.A from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.
Randy mostly enjoys reading works which are strongly character driven.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 15, 2024
One of the best books I have ever read!! All of his books make you pause and think about life. Love this author!
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May 23, 2023Great book!!!!
Randy you have done it again. One of the best books I've read. I think I liked this one even better. This is like reading about most of my childhood memories and all the places where I grew up. Most will never know these simple times here in the Ozarks.
Randy you have done it again. One of the best books I've read. I think I liked this one even better. This is like reading about most of my childhood memories and all the places where I grew up. Most will never know these simple times here in the Ozarks.
June 4, 2023
Captivating Story
"Forging Nails" by Randy Judd is a compelling family saga set in the aftermath of the American Civil War. With its intricate narrative and contrasting paths of two families, the book offers an immersive experience for readers. The rural historical backdrop adds depth to the story, while the well-developed characters, particularly the strong female protagonists, breathe life into the pages. Judd's exploration of a century-long feud is filled with unexpected twists and culminates in a satisfying, uplifting climax that leaves a lasting impression.
This thought-provoking novel delves into themes of redemption, resilience, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. As readers follow the characters' journeys and witness their battles against obstacles, they are reminded of the power of forgiveness and the importance of embracing change. "Forging Nails" is an inspirational and insightful read that transcends time, captivating those who enjoy stories with profound moral lessons. With its engaging narrative and memorable characters, this book is a perfect gift for anyone seeking a captivating tale of family, redemption, and the enduring human spirit.
"Forging Nails" by Randy Judd is a compelling family saga set in the aftermath of the American Civil War. With its intricate narrative and contrasting paths of two families, the book offers an immersive experience for readers. The rural historical backdrop adds depth to the story, while the well-developed characters, particularly the strong female protagonists, breathe life into the pages. Judd's exploration of a century-long feud is filled with unexpected twists and culminates in a satisfying, uplifting climax that leaves a lasting impression.
This thought-provoking novel delves into themes of redemption, resilience, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. As readers follow the characters' journeys and witness their battles against obstacles, they are reminded of the power of forgiveness and the importance of embracing change. "Forging Nails" is an inspirational and insightful read that transcends time, captivating those who enjoy stories with profound moral lessons. With its engaging narrative and memorable characters, this book is a perfect gift for anyone seeking a captivating tale of family, redemption, and the enduring human spirit.
January 23, 2026
Forging Nails is a story starting after the American Civil War about two families that have nothing in common, yet will find themselves in a feud that will last over a hundred years. In Arkansas, Albert Stone will run his grandfather’s mill working to make a living while the Chism Plantation owned by Charles Chism believes that he can still own slaves. Both Stone and Chism disagree on one thing: Freedom.
June 22, 2023
Dramatic and Emotional
I wasn’t expecting this book to reel me in the way it did. It was emotional and dramatic. You could kid see into the minds of the characters and feel deeply what they were going through. The revenge angle hung on through most of the book, and I liked the cathartic ending
I wasn’t expecting this book to reel me in the way it did. It was emotional and dramatic. You could kid see into the minds of the characters and feel deeply what they were going through. The revenge angle hung on through most of the book, and I liked the cathartic ending
August 8, 2023
Very good! Certainly kept my interest
October 14, 2023
This was a good book, but I liked his other ones better.
December 10, 2023
Good read. Great ending.
May 12, 2024
Wonderful
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I want to read more from this author. Take a chance and read thus book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I want to read more from this author. Take a chance and read thus book.
June 3, 2023
An entertaining read
I love the civil war period. This book didn’t disappoint. It is a delightful exploration of the human condition and the choices we make in the act of preservation. Highly recommend.
I love the civil war period. This book didn’t disappoint. It is a delightful exploration of the human condition and the choices we make in the act of preservation. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews