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Feast for Thieves: A Rowdy Slater Novel
Preaching or prison. An impossible choice for a man who usually solves his problems with a rifle or his fists.
Sergeant Rowdy Slater was the most incorrigible paratrooper in Dog Company during World War II. But after the war, when Rowdy robs a bank with the black-hearted Crazy Ake, he vows to turn his life around. The lawman, suspicious that Rowdy’s confession is a sham, gives him an ultimatum: Rowdy must serve for one year as the town minister, or go straight to jail. Rowdy’s choice? Preaching at the community church in Cut Eye, Texas, at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.
At first the job seemed easy, particularly since Rowdy took over for the willowy female missionary who held the church together while the men were at war. But when Crazy Ake shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared and is forced to make a deadly choice.
Sergeant Rowdy Slater was the most incorrigible paratrooper in Dog Company during World War II. But after the war, when Rowdy robs a bank with the black-hearted Crazy Ake, he vows to turn his life around. The lawman, suspicious that Rowdy’s confession is a sham, gives him an ultimatum: Rowdy must serve for one year as the town minister, or go straight to jail. Rowdy’s choice? Preaching at the community church in Cut Eye, Texas, at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.
At first the job seemed easy, particularly since Rowdy took over for the willowy female missionary who held the church together while the men were at war. But when Crazy Ake shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared and is forced to make a deadly choice.
288 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2014
13 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
About the author
Marcus Brotherton
43 books218 followersMarcus Brotherton is a New York Times bestselling author and coauthor dedicated to writing books that inspire heroics, promote empathy, and encourage noble living. His commendations include the Christopher Award for literature “that affirms the highest values of the human spirit.”
His newest book, THE LONG MARCH HOME, (coauthored with Tosca Lee) was inspired by true stories of friendship, sacrifice, and hope on the Bataan Death March during WW2. It received 3 distinct starred reviews--from Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Notable solo projects include:
* A Bright and Blinding Sun
* Blaze of Light
* Shifty's War
* Who Are Alive & Remain
* A Company of Heroes
* Feast for Thieves
His newest book, THE LONG MARCH HOME, (coauthored with Tosca Lee) was inspired by true stories of friendship, sacrifice, and hope on the Bataan Death March during WW2. It received 3 distinct starred reviews--from Publisher's Weekly, Library Journal, and Booklist.
Notable solo projects include:
* A Bright and Blinding Sun
* Blaze of Light
* Shifty's War
* Who Are Alive & Remain
* A Company of Heroes
* Feast for Thieves
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
September 2, 2014
Marcus Brotherton is well-known as a best-selling author for his books based on real people, including those who fought during WWII. Staying in the time period of the 1940's and with his main character a war veteran, Brotherton eases his way into the fiction realm with both barrels blasting.
When I was first approached about reading this novel, I honestly wasn't sure I was going to like it. Frankly, it sounded more like a "man's" novel, even though I enjoy historical fiction. I was wrong. This is a novel that both men and women can read and enjoy together. If you have a book club with both genders, this is one I'd highly recommend. Even though discussion questions were not included in the book, there would be a lot to talk about and contemplate with your members.
Rowdy Slater has seen it all serving on the lines in WWII and as a paratrooper. After being dishonorably discharged, he finds coming home more difficult than he thought it would be. With no job, no home, no money and a record, he ends up resorting to robbing a bank with an old prison friend, Crazy Ake. After barely escaping the authorities, Rowdy ends up having second thoughts. With Crazy Ake nowhere to be found, he returns the money to the small town of Cut Eye, Texas. After meeting with the town Sheriff, he offers Rowdy a deal, go to jail or become the town minister for a year, with the requirement of turning the community around and getting more of the men in church and less of them in the bars and brothels.
Rowdy decides being a minister is better than life in jail, so he agrees to the crazy plan and assumes it is just a one-day-a-week job. Then he meets the current fill-in pastor, the lovely Bobbie Barker. From her he learns that being a minister is much more than preaching at the pulpit and that being a minister might change his life along with the town of Cut Eye.
Brotherton places you smack dab in Cut Eye with his descriptions of the debilitated church and parsonage, the couple who run the cafe, the stern church secretary and her ill husband, sweet and sassy Bobbie Barker, and the evil Crazy Ake. You will feel like you know each of them like family at the end of the novel. By using the setting and the dialect of the place and time, you are certain that Brotherton did his homework and researched every piece of this novel.
There are many surprises and nail-biting pages during Rowdy's year of ministry. Of course, there is a Christian piece to the story, but it is subtle enough to fit with Rowdy's preaching and care of his community. There are some parts where you will be praying right along with Rowdy because you will want everything to turn out okay even though you can't imagine how it will be.
Based on the subtitle of the book, I have to assume that we might be hearing more about Rowdy Slater's story. The ending leaves you hanging a bit and wanting to know more of what happens to the people of Cut Eye. I am quite sure I won't be the only reader hoping for more fiction from Marcus Brotherton.
When I was first approached about reading this novel, I honestly wasn't sure I was going to like it. Frankly, it sounded more like a "man's" novel, even though I enjoy historical fiction. I was wrong. This is a novel that both men and women can read and enjoy together. If you have a book club with both genders, this is one I'd highly recommend. Even though discussion questions were not included in the book, there would be a lot to talk about and contemplate with your members.
Rowdy Slater has seen it all serving on the lines in WWII and as a paratrooper. After being dishonorably discharged, he finds coming home more difficult than he thought it would be. With no job, no home, no money and a record, he ends up resorting to robbing a bank with an old prison friend, Crazy Ake. After barely escaping the authorities, Rowdy ends up having second thoughts. With Crazy Ake nowhere to be found, he returns the money to the small town of Cut Eye, Texas. After meeting with the town Sheriff, he offers Rowdy a deal, go to jail or become the town minister for a year, with the requirement of turning the community around and getting more of the men in church and less of them in the bars and brothels.
Rowdy decides being a minister is better than life in jail, so he agrees to the crazy plan and assumes it is just a one-day-a-week job. Then he meets the current fill-in pastor, the lovely Bobbie Barker. From her he learns that being a minister is much more than preaching at the pulpit and that being a minister might change his life along with the town of Cut Eye.
Brotherton places you smack dab in Cut Eye with his descriptions of the debilitated church and parsonage, the couple who run the cafe, the stern church secretary and her ill husband, sweet and sassy Bobbie Barker, and the evil Crazy Ake. You will feel like you know each of them like family at the end of the novel. By using the setting and the dialect of the place and time, you are certain that Brotherton did his homework and researched every piece of this novel.
There are many surprises and nail-biting pages during Rowdy's year of ministry. Of course, there is a Christian piece to the story, but it is subtle enough to fit with Rowdy's preaching and care of his community. There are some parts where you will be praying right along with Rowdy because you will want everything to turn out okay even though you can't imagine how it will be.
Based on the subtitle of the book, I have to assume that we might be hearing more about Rowdy Slater's story. The ending leaves you hanging a bit and wanting to know more of what happens to the people of Cut Eye. I am quite sure I won't be the only reader hoping for more fiction from Marcus Brotherton.
August 29, 2014
This was a page turner that kept me guessing until the very end. Rowdy Slater is a veteran of World War II and trying to find a job and a way to fit back into society. He settles into a small town of Texas and takes a job as the Church's reverend. He tries desperately to become a better man, but circumstances keep pulling him in the wrong directions.
I highly recommend this historical fiction.
I highly recommend this historical fiction.
August 20, 2014
A Gripping Novel
The story of Rowdy Slater is anything but simple. Through a mind bending twist of circumstances and trouble, this paratrooper turned pastor finds himself in a life-changing story. Deception, war, thievery, love, truth, faith…this novel has it all. You will not want to put this novel down until you are done.
One of many strengths Brotherton’s novel contains is his pin-point use of adjectives which make the reader feel very much a part of the story. In fact, when Rowdy was hungry, you were hungry. When Rowdy was nervous, you were nervous. When Rowdy was in wonderment, you were in wonderment. When Rowdy was afraid, you were afraid. When Rowdy was uncomfortable (especially during his preaching the first time), you were uncomfortable. When Rowdy was proud….you were proud.
Another strength of Brotherton’s novel is the apparent extent of research. This novel was Texas through and through. Everything from the dialect down to the Texas attitude that everything is better (and bigger) in Texas. The atmosphere of this novel is also the WWII-era through and through. The vehicles, the posture towards soldiers, the reality of sons lost to war, the preference of rifle, and maturity of the young main character are all reflections of this generation. Brotherton has done his homework.
A final strength of Brotherton’s novel is the faith-based worldview. Brotherton did an amazing job of capturing the difficulties of the pastoral role. I can attest to these, since it is also my calling. He also captured the struggles of real life everyone faces. In this novel, no one is perfect. Everyone has their flaws and struggles from the preacher to the cafe owner. The message was clear though, there is a peace, a confidence, and strength you can have even in the face of death, that can only be found in a relationship with God. If God could change a man like Rowdy, He can change anyone.
There was one weakness I found with the novel. The plot seemed to move at a slower pace (not the weakness), which allows the reader to get to know each character without getting lost in a sea of names. However, towards the final chapters of the novel the plot picks up the pace to a pace the reader may not find themselves used to because of the previous chapters. Then again, sometimes life is like that as well. Overall, the storyline was engaging, the characters were real, and in the end you will find yourself glad you picked this novel up.
The story of Rowdy Slater is anything but simple. Through a mind bending twist of circumstances and trouble, this paratrooper turned pastor finds himself in a life-changing story. Deception, war, thievery, love, truth, faith…this novel has it all. You will not want to put this novel down until you are done.
One of many strengths Brotherton’s novel contains is his pin-point use of adjectives which make the reader feel very much a part of the story. In fact, when Rowdy was hungry, you were hungry. When Rowdy was nervous, you were nervous. When Rowdy was in wonderment, you were in wonderment. When Rowdy was afraid, you were afraid. When Rowdy was uncomfortable (especially during his preaching the first time), you were uncomfortable. When Rowdy was proud….you were proud.
Another strength of Brotherton’s novel is the apparent extent of research. This novel was Texas through and through. Everything from the dialect down to the Texas attitude that everything is better (and bigger) in Texas. The atmosphere of this novel is also the WWII-era through and through. The vehicles, the posture towards soldiers, the reality of sons lost to war, the preference of rifle, and maturity of the young main character are all reflections of this generation. Brotherton has done his homework.
A final strength of Brotherton’s novel is the faith-based worldview. Brotherton did an amazing job of capturing the difficulties of the pastoral role. I can attest to these, since it is also my calling. He also captured the struggles of real life everyone faces. In this novel, no one is perfect. Everyone has their flaws and struggles from the preacher to the cafe owner. The message was clear though, there is a peace, a confidence, and strength you can have even in the face of death, that can only be found in a relationship with God. If God could change a man like Rowdy, He can change anyone.
There was one weakness I found with the novel. The plot seemed to move at a slower pace (not the weakness), which allows the reader to get to know each character without getting lost in a sea of names. However, towards the final chapters of the novel the plot picks up the pace to a pace the reader may not find themselves used to because of the previous chapters. Then again, sometimes life is like that as well. Overall, the storyline was engaging, the characters were real, and in the end you will find yourself glad you picked this novel up.
September 2, 2014
What an enjoyable read! Marcus Brotherton has fashioned an entertaining story that combines old-fashioned honor and morality with a scrappy hero who captures your heart as he finds his way to God. Returning to the US after serving in WWII, Rowdy Slater is desperate and on the run (literally!) when he resolves to do the right thing, even though it may land him in prison. When he accepts a bargain to become the new preacher in a tiny Texas town, he learns that ministry isn't just about giving a Sunday sermon, but that it impacts the life of the whole community. Written with style, great pacing, and subtle humor, the novel is a refreshing, touching tale about the path to redemption. I'm putting it on our book club list of "must reads"!
March 28, 2015
I really liked this novel of a soldier returned from WW II. I especially liked the characters, some quirky, one even crazy. Rowdy is a terrific guy. His well crafted personality includes toughness yet compassion. What a crazy plot, a crook being told he will be the town's preacher or face going to jail. I was impressed with the lessons he learned, and the ones we do as readers. Brotherton has great insight into church structure and operation. Even though the book takes place in the 1940s, churches are still the same. This is a good novel of a crook's redemption...with a little romance on the side.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1EgPHOe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1EgPHOe.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
August 25, 2014
As one of those with an insatiable appetite for all things Band of Brothers, I dove into this story about a fictional 101st paratrooper’s life after the war. The novel hooked me on page one with engaging characters that carried me through to the end. Brotherton truly captures the mood and language of post-war Texas. With shades of Robert Duvall’s The Apostle and Francine River’s And the Shofar Blew, this small town story packs plenty of emotion and action. It’s one of those unique novels that appeals across many genres.
November 10, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author.
When I first started this book, I wasn't too sure it was going to be for me. The book begins with a crime and then following Rowdy on journey that eventually lands him right back where he started - Cut Eye, Texas.
Once Rowdy gets back to Cut Eye and his life as a preacher begins, this story gets interesting and eventually turned into a page turner for me. Rowdy's life in Cut Eye is full of twists and turns. He meets some characters along the way, but eventually finds a way to make himself fit into the small town life that he has. He find a way to earn the respect of the people in the town and grows the church using some of the most unusual ways imaginable.
Along the way Rowdy becomes very close to the former leader of the church, a female missionary who just happens to be the Sheriff's daughter. Their relationship also spins around in different directions and it is not until the very last paragraph of the book that you learn their true feelings.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is the transformation that Rowdy makes in his life. His story begins as a criminal, but through preaching and reaching others he truly becomes a leader in the church. His heart is changed and we see the effects of that in many circumstances throughout the story. It is during the high-stress events towards the end that we see proof that God has changed Rowdy and made him a better person.
When I first started this book, I wasn't too sure it was going to be for me. The book begins with a crime and then following Rowdy on journey that eventually lands him right back where he started - Cut Eye, Texas.
Once Rowdy gets back to Cut Eye and his life as a preacher begins, this story gets interesting and eventually turned into a page turner for me. Rowdy's life in Cut Eye is full of twists and turns. He meets some characters along the way, but eventually finds a way to make himself fit into the small town life that he has. He find a way to earn the respect of the people in the town and grows the church using some of the most unusual ways imaginable.
Along the way Rowdy becomes very close to the former leader of the church, a female missionary who just happens to be the Sheriff's daughter. Their relationship also spins around in different directions and it is not until the very last paragraph of the book that you learn their true feelings.
One of the things I really enjoyed about this book is the transformation that Rowdy makes in his life. His story begins as a criminal, but through preaching and reaching others he truly becomes a leader in the church. His heart is changed and we see the effects of that in many circumstances throughout the story. It is during the high-stress events towards the end that we see proof that God has changed Rowdy and made him a better person.
August 16, 2014
Review coming later.Excellent book.
December 19, 2018
When I first picked up this book I wasn’t sure that I would enjoy this book or even be interested in it. Once I got into the story I was starting to get interested in the backstory of the main character named ROWDY SLATER and how he came to end up in a town named Cut Eye. Rowdy Slater was a Sergeant paratrooper in world war two but after the war he robbed a bank with Crazy Ake and slater vows to turn his life around and wants to return the money. While he tries to return the money the town sheriff is suspicious about slater but gives him a second chance.
Later on in the story slater ends up stuck with the task of being the new town preacher. Then new job seems easy for him at first but he ends up getting endless assignments from different people in the community. In this community at first no one seems to like him being the new preacher. But with time he starts to get respect from everyone in the community little by little.
Later on in the story slater ends up stuck with the task of being the new town preacher. Then new job seems easy for him at first but he ends up getting endless assignments from different people in the community. In this community at first no one seems to like him being the new preacher. But with time he starts to get respect from everyone in the community little by little.
October 3, 2019
“Rowdy” Slater isn’t a bad man. He’s a man trying to do what’s right, in a world post-WWII. So, when the sheriff decides to let him choose between serving time in jail or serving one year as the town’s preacher, he chooses the latter. Little does he know this decision will change both his own life and the town of Cut Eye, TX.
Feast for Thieves is a feel-good story of learning from the lord and embracing our sins. This is a heartwarming read full of the fast-paced adventures of Rowdy Slater and all of the precarious circumstances he finds himself in on his path to redemption. The characters within are both parts pleasant and hard fought, lyrical and violent.
Brotherton creates a story well done in capturing the importance of God and showing us that no one is ever “too far gone” to save. The story may be fictional, but the lessons are very, very real.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Feast for Thieves is a feel-good story of learning from the lord and embracing our sins. This is a heartwarming read full of the fast-paced adventures of Rowdy Slater and all of the precarious circumstances he finds himself in on his path to redemption. The characters within are both parts pleasant and hard fought, lyrical and violent.
Brotherton creates a story well done in capturing the importance of God and showing us that no one is ever “too far gone” to save. The story may be fictional, but the lessons are very, very real.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2017
This one surprised me! I had totally forgot where I found this book title and so couldn't remember why I ordered it from the library. A page in, and I was hooked. The vernacular and dialogue was very well done, and I liked the crazy story- I wild ex-serviceman and thief who became a preacher in a Texas town.
I see now that it won the 2015 Christy Award for First Novel (that is how I discovered it). It deserves it!
I see now that it won the 2015 Christy Award for First Novel (that is how I discovered it). It deserves it!
January 2, 2022
This book gives 5 stars because it is exactly what I wanted it to be. I don't read much fiction and often don't finish what I start when I do. My wife gave me this novel for Christmas and I read it in a few days. It's full of twists and engagingly written. At times it feels exaggerated, but never outlandish. The one exception might be Augusta's cooking, but that, I believe, is intentional and fits the theme of the book. While the book is clearly Christian, it does not come across as preachy.
April 27, 2022
Was not looking forward to reading this but wanted it off my shelf & it was short. I thought the premise sounded dumb. I was wrong! After about the 3rd chapter, I couldn’t put it down. Sweet story of a WWII vet trying to navigate civilian life after the war is over & about 2nd, 3rd, & 4th chances & finally knowing where he belongs. It will stick with me awhile & Rowdy has made my list of favorite characters.
October 19, 2024
As a fan of Marcus Brotherton, I was excited to read this book. I did enjoy it, it was an easy read within a few days. I appreciated the Biblical components which easily flowed within the story. The ending was a bit Hardy boys for me, but overall it was a sweet story with colorful characters whom I would like to meet in real life.
July 20, 2015
Deb’s Dozen: “A fun story about a war hero turning into a preacher” Really!
“When it came to robbing the bank, we wasn’t polished or nothing. We just set the old truck’s hand brake and jigged out the side while the motor was running.” So begins Marcus Brotherton’s Feast for Thieves. Told in first person throughout, this is the story of ex-Sergeant “‘Rowdy’ Slater, the most incorrigible paratrooper in Dog Company during WWII.” Home from the war, unable to get a job, Rowdy, in desperation, agrees to help Crazy Ake with a bank robbery.
Unfortunately, when they came out of the bank with the money, the motor wasn’t running any more. As a result, they took off running, with the law close on their tails. To keep from getting shot, Rowdy jumps off a bridge into the river, the money in a gunnysack on his back.
Staying under long enough to feel safe, Rowdy attempts to surface only to find himself hung up on a tree—now he’s fighting for his life. As he says, “That’s when I heard him. I swore I did. The man spoke loud, although I couldn’t tell what direction his voice came … ‘Hey fella!’ … ‘You want to live?’ … I nodded my head and hoped a saving rope would soon follow. ‘Then find the good meal and eat your fill … swear you’ll do that?’ I nodded again. What a crazy thing for a man to say.” After that, the tree breaks loose, Rowdy is released from the tangles and shoots straight to the surface.
Rowdy buries the bag of money and sets out to get far away from Cut Eye, Texas, but somehow something won’t let him stay away. In order to get a meal, he goes into the Union Gospel Mission of Texas where he hears the preacher say, “You may be a murderer or a thief, but God’s Word declares there isn’t any sin that can’t be forgiven.” Preaching from Isaiah, the preacher says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.” Rowdy hears the words, acknowledges that they are speaking about him, asks the preacher if this is for real, and then gets thrown out without the meal for saying, “I’m saved! Let’s eat!”
But the words he heard in the river and at the mission resonate within him and he heads back, picks up the money, and goes to the sheriff’s office in Cut Eye to turn it and himself in. The sheriff tells Rowdy what he assumes went down and offers Rowdy a chance to stay out of jail: stay in Cut Eye for a year and be the preacher at the local church. And so begins the conversion of the rough, tough, hard-living ex-paratrooper into the town preacher.
You’ll chuckle all the way through the book as you read the situations in which Rowdy finds himself—the characters in his congregation—the scrapes he can’t keep himself out of. You’ll definitely enjoy reading his tale and will be rooting for him all the way! Feast is very entertaining and worth reading. Four stars.
I interviewed Marcus Brotherton last June at the International Christian Retail Show. Not knowing any of his background, I asked him how he came up with Rowdy’s story. He said he’d been interviewing WWII veterans for his non-fiction book on the original Band of Brothers. He heard about Wayne “Skinny” Sisk, who was also an incorrigible soldier. Sisk was witnessed to by his six-year-old niece, accepted Christ, turned his life around, and became a preacher. Rowdy Slater is modeled after Sisk although all the situations in Feast for Thieves are fictional.
I was curious about the title, Feast for Thieves, and asked Marcus how he came up with it. He mentioned reading Isaiah and being struck with the themes of mercy, grace, and love. He read about Jesus on the cross and His conversation with the two thieves—one accepted redemption, the other turned it down. He said that redemption gives us all a second chance. And then too, if we accept what Jesus offers, we will sit someday at the grandest feast of all.
When asked what he learned about himself writing this novel, he said there was a huge humility factor in writing fiction. Although the published author or coauthor of over twenty-five non-fiction books, he found fiction to be a whole different arena, requiring entirely new skills—almost starting over in a way.
Marcus’ father is a minister, his mother a journalist. Marcus went to both Multnomah, where he studied theology and journalism, and Talbot Seminary at Biola, where he earned a master’s degree in practical theology and writing. He served in the youth ministry for eight years, then worked at a newspaper, was a book editor, and moonlighted. He’s married to Mary Margaret—they have three children: a girl, twelve; a boy, seven; and a girl, two. Marcus enjoys working with WWII veterans and running.
Interestingly, Marcus and his agent were at my table at the Christy Christy AwardAwards on Monday night of the show. Marcus was nominated in the First Novel category for Feast of Thieves. He was totally blown away when, in fact, they called his name! To learn more about Marcus, sign up for BookFun Magazine to read James Shupp’s article about him in the August issue. You can also check out his website, www.marcusbrotherton.com.
“When it came to robbing the bank, we wasn’t polished or nothing. We just set the old truck’s hand brake and jigged out the side while the motor was running.” So begins Marcus Brotherton’s Feast for Thieves. Told in first person throughout, this is the story of ex-Sergeant “‘Rowdy’ Slater, the most incorrigible paratrooper in Dog Company during WWII.” Home from the war, unable to get a job, Rowdy, in desperation, agrees to help Crazy Ake with a bank robbery.
Unfortunately, when they came out of the bank with the money, the motor wasn’t running any more. As a result, they took off running, with the law close on their tails. To keep from getting shot, Rowdy jumps off a bridge into the river, the money in a gunnysack on his back.
Staying under long enough to feel safe, Rowdy attempts to surface only to find himself hung up on a tree—now he’s fighting for his life. As he says, “That’s when I heard him. I swore I did. The man spoke loud, although I couldn’t tell what direction his voice came … ‘Hey fella!’ … ‘You want to live?’ … I nodded my head and hoped a saving rope would soon follow. ‘Then find the good meal and eat your fill … swear you’ll do that?’ I nodded again. What a crazy thing for a man to say.” After that, the tree breaks loose, Rowdy is released from the tangles and shoots straight to the surface.
Rowdy buries the bag of money and sets out to get far away from Cut Eye, Texas, but somehow something won’t let him stay away. In order to get a meal, he goes into the Union Gospel Mission of Texas where he hears the preacher say, “You may be a murderer or a thief, but God’s Word declares there isn’t any sin that can’t be forgiven.” Preaching from Isaiah, the preacher says, “If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.” Rowdy hears the words, acknowledges that they are speaking about him, asks the preacher if this is for real, and then gets thrown out without the meal for saying, “I’m saved! Let’s eat!”
But the words he heard in the river and at the mission resonate within him and he heads back, picks up the money, and goes to the sheriff’s office in Cut Eye to turn it and himself in. The sheriff tells Rowdy what he assumes went down and offers Rowdy a chance to stay out of jail: stay in Cut Eye for a year and be the preacher at the local church. And so begins the conversion of the rough, tough, hard-living ex-paratrooper into the town preacher.
You’ll chuckle all the way through the book as you read the situations in which Rowdy finds himself—the characters in his congregation—the scrapes he can’t keep himself out of. You’ll definitely enjoy reading his tale and will be rooting for him all the way! Feast is very entertaining and worth reading. Four stars.
I interviewed Marcus Brotherton last June at the International Christian Retail Show. Not knowing any of his background, I asked him how he came up with Rowdy’s story. He said he’d been interviewing WWII veterans for his non-fiction book on the original Band of Brothers. He heard about Wayne “Skinny” Sisk, who was also an incorrigible soldier. Sisk was witnessed to by his six-year-old niece, accepted Christ, turned his life around, and became a preacher. Rowdy Slater is modeled after Sisk although all the situations in Feast for Thieves are fictional.
I was curious about the title, Feast for Thieves, and asked Marcus how he came up with it. He mentioned reading Isaiah and being struck with the themes of mercy, grace, and love. He read about Jesus on the cross and His conversation with the two thieves—one accepted redemption, the other turned it down. He said that redemption gives us all a second chance. And then too, if we accept what Jesus offers, we will sit someday at the grandest feast of all.
When asked what he learned about himself writing this novel, he said there was a huge humility factor in writing fiction. Although the published author or coauthor of over twenty-five non-fiction books, he found fiction to be a whole different arena, requiring entirely new skills—almost starting over in a way.
Marcus’ father is a minister, his mother a journalist. Marcus went to both Multnomah, where he studied theology and journalism, and Talbot Seminary at Biola, where he earned a master’s degree in practical theology and writing. He served in the youth ministry for eight years, then worked at a newspaper, was a book editor, and moonlighted. He’s married to Mary Margaret—they have three children: a girl, twelve; a boy, seven; and a girl, two. Marcus enjoys working with WWII veterans and running.
Interestingly, Marcus and his agent were at my table at the Christy Christy AwardAwards on Monday night of the show. Marcus was nominated in the First Novel category for Feast of Thieves. He was totally blown away when, in fact, they called his name! To learn more about Marcus, sign up for BookFun Magazine to read James Shupp’s article about him in the August issue. You can also check out his website, www.marcusbrotherton.com.
November 26, 2024
A fun read--some realistic scenarios and others far-fetched.
September 29, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Feast for Thieves, Debut Novel by Marcus Brotherton, © 2014
A Rowdy Slater Novel
Preaching or Prison? An impossible choice for a man who usually solves his problems with his rifle or his fists. Feast for Thieves - new from bestselling author, Marcus Brotherton.
Summary: "Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world's freedom in World War II. Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness. The town's lawman, suspicious that Rowdy has changed his ways only as a cover up, gives an ultimatum: Rowdy must survive one complete year as Cut Eye's new minister or end up in jail. At first Rowdy thinks the job will be easy, particularly because he's taking over for a young female missionary who's held the church together while the men were at war. But when a dark-hearted acquaintance from Rowdy's past shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared due to an irrevocable favor, and life turns decidedly difficult." -- Provided by publisher ~ River North Fiction by Moody Publishers. Our goal is to provide high-quality, thought provoking books and products that connect truth to your real needs and challenges.
Author Marcus Brotherton's first historical fiction novel released three weeks ago, following his several non-fiction books. I am encouraged by seeing "A Rowdy Slater Novel" upon reading Feast for Thieves, in hopes there will be further writings about this protagonist!
Cut Eye, Texas, in 1946 is looking for just the change Zearl "Rowdy" Slater can bring ~ but... they don't know it yet, nor does Rowdy. In fact, he tries to leave Cut Eye but heads back to right a wrong. Inconceivably, Sheriff Halligan Barker suspects he has just the job for Rowdy, and calls Rowdy's former commander, Colonel Robert Sink, for a reference. Just as he suspected ~ Rowdy is his man.
Rowdy is experienced in bar fights, sharpshooter, and he has a conscience. Rowdy has a goal of staying out of jail by surviving a full year in Cut Eye as ~* the new Cut Eye Community Church preacher, Rev'rund Rowdy Slater. Beginning the story, I think of Jan Karon's fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina. The dialogue is tuned to the times and location, and the town has its distrustful and suspicious, grumps you can never seem to please, and those who think they are in charge. Sheriff Barker says to meet with Bobbie ~ whom Rowdy thinks is Bobby ~ until he meets a young woman who instructs him of his duties, taking over for her so she can go to language school to prepare as an overseas missionary.
You will not be disappointed in the turns and twists that come Rowdy's way. I especially liked how his ingenious way brings the men to church. He gets to know the people in the small town repeatedly. Meals at Cisco Wayman's café come with his job ~ except the first morning he finds the proprietor doesn't know that. Hungry, he is turned away. Fortunate for him, Mrs. Wayman knows to feed him when he returns on her shift. The church secretary has been there eighteen years and likes things done in a certain way, especially punctuality.
I liked how Rowdy becomes endeared to the townspeople. He doesn't always get it right, learning along the way. Feast for Thieves is a humorous, growing, example of a life that is changed that gives hope. Choices: forgiveness and second chances are real and available for all. Long thought on after the last page, Feast for Thieves feeds hungry souls beyond their appetite for food. I read this book in two days, only because I finally needed to go to bed! Great works; applicable to any generation.
***Thank you to author Marcus Brotherton for this fine story and to Moody Publishers/River North for sending me this review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer known internationally for his books and literary collaborations with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. He has authored or coauthored more than 25 books.
Notable works include We Who Are Alive and Remain, a New York Times bestseller; A Company of Heroes, which ranked No. 1 in the country among World War II/ Western Front books; and the widely-acclaimed Shifty’s War. Marcus’ debut novel, Feast For Thieves, releases in September 2014. Further author contact: web, Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads.
Feast for Thieves, Debut Novel by Marcus Brotherton, © 2014
A Rowdy Slater Novel
Preaching or Prison? An impossible choice for a man who usually solves his problems with his rifle or his fists. Feast for Thieves - new from bestselling author, Marcus Brotherton.
Summary: "Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world's freedom in World War II. Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness. The town's lawman, suspicious that Rowdy has changed his ways only as a cover up, gives an ultimatum: Rowdy must survive one complete year as Cut Eye's new minister or end up in jail. At first Rowdy thinks the job will be easy, particularly because he's taking over for a young female missionary who's held the church together while the men were at war. But when a dark-hearted acquaintance from Rowdy's past shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared due to an irrevocable favor, and life turns decidedly difficult." -- Provided by publisher ~ River North Fiction by Moody Publishers. Our goal is to provide high-quality, thought provoking books and products that connect truth to your real needs and challenges.
Author Marcus Brotherton's first historical fiction novel released three weeks ago, following his several non-fiction books. I am encouraged by seeing "A Rowdy Slater Novel" upon reading Feast for Thieves, in hopes there will be further writings about this protagonist!
Cut Eye, Texas, in 1946 is looking for just the change Zearl "Rowdy" Slater can bring ~ but... they don't know it yet, nor does Rowdy. In fact, he tries to leave Cut Eye but heads back to right a wrong. Inconceivably, Sheriff Halligan Barker suspects he has just the job for Rowdy, and calls Rowdy's former commander, Colonel Robert Sink, for a reference. Just as he suspected ~ Rowdy is his man.
Rowdy is experienced in bar fights, sharpshooter, and he has a conscience. Rowdy has a goal of staying out of jail by surviving a full year in Cut Eye as ~* the new Cut Eye Community Church preacher, Rev'rund Rowdy Slater. Beginning the story, I think of Jan Karon's fictional town of Mitford, North Carolina. The dialogue is tuned to the times and location, and the town has its distrustful and suspicious, grumps you can never seem to please, and those who think they are in charge. Sheriff Barker says to meet with Bobbie ~ whom Rowdy thinks is Bobby ~ until he meets a young woman who instructs him of his duties, taking over for her so she can go to language school to prepare as an overseas missionary.
You will not be disappointed in the turns and twists that come Rowdy's way. I especially liked how his ingenious way brings the men to church. He gets to know the people in the small town repeatedly. Meals at Cisco Wayman's café come with his job ~ except the first morning he finds the proprietor doesn't know that. Hungry, he is turned away. Fortunate for him, Mrs. Wayman knows to feed him when he returns on her shift. The church secretary has been there eighteen years and likes things done in a certain way, especially punctuality.
I liked how Rowdy becomes endeared to the townspeople. He doesn't always get it right, learning along the way. Feast for Thieves is a humorous, growing, example of a life that is changed that gives hope. Choices: forgiveness and second chances are real and available for all. Long thought on after the last page, Feast for Thieves feeds hungry souls beyond their appetite for food. I read this book in two days, only because I finally needed to go to bed! Great works; applicable to any generation.
***Thank you to author Marcus Brotherton for this fine story and to Moody Publishers/River North for sending me this review copy. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***
Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer known internationally for his books and literary collaborations with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel. He has authored or coauthored more than 25 books.
Notable works include We Who Are Alive and Remain, a New York Times bestseller; A Company of Heroes, which ranked No. 1 in the country among World War II/ Western Front books; and the widely-acclaimed Shifty’s War. Marcus’ debut novel, Feast For Thieves, releases in September 2014. Further author contact: web, Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads.
November 4, 2014
I received this book from Side Door Communications and Moody Publishers/River North Fiction for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world's freedom in World War II.
Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.
The town's lawman, suspicious that Rowdy has changed his ways only as a cover up, gives an ultimatum: Rowdy must survive one complete year as Cut Eye's new minister or end up in jail.
At first Rowdy thinks the job will be easy, particularly because he's taking over for a young female missionary who's held the church together while the men were at war. But when a dark-hearted acquaintance from Rowdy's past shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared due to an irrevocable favor, and life turns decidedly difficult.
Rowdy's a man used to solving problems one of two ways: with his rifle or with his fists. Will he be able to thwart his old friend's evil schemes while remaining true to his new higher calling?
This is a wild ride of a book bursting with a bank robbery, kidnapping, desperate prayers, and barroom brawls. Before the smoke clears, all sides just might end up getting exactly what they want.
My Thoughts:
Feast For Thieves: A Rowdy Slater Novel is Marcus Brotherton's debut novel and it is fantastic. As a fan of debut novels and historical fiction this book was one I couldn't pass up. Sgt. Rowdy Slater fought in 101st Airborne during WWII, but now circumstances find him back in the States and without a job or money. Rowdy Slater finds himself in more trouble than he knows what to do with so to stay out of prison and hopefully make a good life he finds himself agreeing to become a Preacher in Cut Eye, Texas for one year to avoid jail time. A job Rowdy believes will be simple, turns out to be the biggest challenge he has faced yet. Small town politics, a man from Rowdy's past here to collect a debt, and the need to help save a little girl close to his heart turn this into the most difficult situation Rowdy will face. For someone like Rowdy who is used to solving problems with his rifle or his hands he has to now figure out how to handle these things peacefully.
Feast For Thieves is the first book in Marcus Brotherton's debut series, The Rowdy Slater Series, and it is FANTASTIC. As my readers know I am a HUGE fan of debut and historical books so this book was a no brainer for me. Marcus Brotherton has written non fiction but this is his debut fiction. Marcus Brotherton has written with authority about Texas, World War II, PTSD, crimes of the time, being a Preacher, and life during this time. The historical facts are very accurate and I loved learning more about this time in history. Marcus Brotherton has a perfect balance of fact and fiction throughout this book. I enjoyed the characters tremendously, especially Augusta Wayman, a delightful woman who befriends Rowdy at the restaurant. She shows him so much kindness and her devotion to her family especially her husband. I enjoyed her humor throughout the book. I found myself completely enthralled in this book. From start to finish I couldn't put it down and it kept me guessing until the end. Marcus Brotherton truly spins a wonderful story of lost faith and finding it in the most unusual places. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical fiction especially WWII, you will not be disappointed. I have found another must read author for my list. I cannot wait for the rest of the series. I give this book 5 STARS.
Book Description:
Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world's freedom in World War II.
Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.
The town's lawman, suspicious that Rowdy has changed his ways only as a cover up, gives an ultimatum: Rowdy must survive one complete year as Cut Eye's new minister or end up in jail.
At first Rowdy thinks the job will be easy, particularly because he's taking over for a young female missionary who's held the church together while the men were at war. But when a dark-hearted acquaintance from Rowdy's past shows up with a plan to make some quick cash, Rowdy becomes ensnared due to an irrevocable favor, and life turns decidedly difficult.
Rowdy's a man used to solving problems one of two ways: with his rifle or with his fists. Will he be able to thwart his old friend's evil schemes while remaining true to his new higher calling?
This is a wild ride of a book bursting with a bank robbery, kidnapping, desperate prayers, and barroom brawls. Before the smoke clears, all sides just might end up getting exactly what they want.
My Thoughts:
Feast For Thieves: A Rowdy Slater Novel is Marcus Brotherton's debut novel and it is fantastic. As a fan of debut novels and historical fiction this book was one I couldn't pass up. Sgt. Rowdy Slater fought in 101st Airborne during WWII, but now circumstances find him back in the States and without a job or money. Rowdy Slater finds himself in more trouble than he knows what to do with so to stay out of prison and hopefully make a good life he finds himself agreeing to become a Preacher in Cut Eye, Texas for one year to avoid jail time. A job Rowdy believes will be simple, turns out to be the biggest challenge he has faced yet. Small town politics, a man from Rowdy's past here to collect a debt, and the need to help save a little girl close to his heart turn this into the most difficult situation Rowdy will face. For someone like Rowdy who is used to solving problems with his rifle or his hands he has to now figure out how to handle these things peacefully.
Feast For Thieves is the first book in Marcus Brotherton's debut series, The Rowdy Slater Series, and it is FANTASTIC. As my readers know I am a HUGE fan of debut and historical books so this book was a no brainer for me. Marcus Brotherton has written non fiction but this is his debut fiction. Marcus Brotherton has written with authority about Texas, World War II, PTSD, crimes of the time, being a Preacher, and life during this time. The historical facts are very accurate and I loved learning more about this time in history. Marcus Brotherton has a perfect balance of fact and fiction throughout this book. I enjoyed the characters tremendously, especially Augusta Wayman, a delightful woman who befriends Rowdy at the restaurant. She shows him so much kindness and her devotion to her family especially her husband. I enjoyed her humor throughout the book. I found myself completely enthralled in this book. From start to finish I couldn't put it down and it kept me guessing until the end. Marcus Brotherton truly spins a wonderful story of lost faith and finding it in the most unusual places. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical fiction especially WWII, you will not be disappointed. I have found another must read author for my list. I cannot wait for the rest of the series. I give this book 5 STARS.
February 20, 2015
Another name has joined Father Tim and the Reverend John Ames in my directory of beloved fictional pastors. Rowdy Slater stands apart from the others (and from most real life pastors, I expect) in two important ways:
1. Neither Fr. Tim nor the Rev. Ames could look out over his congregation and say, “At one time or another, I’ve punched most of them in the face.”
2. Neither answered his call to the ministry in order to avoid jail time.
In Feast for Thieves, Marcus Brotherton has created a work of fiction that kept me turning pages long after I should have turned out the light, while, at the same time, setting forth a prototype for pastoral training and development. From the moment of his first exposure to truth, Rowdy was a conflicted prophet with mixed and often misguided motives. Rising to announce his salvation, but distracted by the smell of bacon, he offends a benevolent preacher and misses out on the free breakfast. Later on, mindful of his responsibility to his daughter, he risks everything to honor an “obligation” to an evil man from his past. Fist-fights and white knuckle journeys at gunpoint move the plot along, but there’s a delightful homeliness to the steady rhythm of Rowdy’s feeling his way into the ministry.
In his pastoral role, Rowdy’s ignorance is refreshing. He lands with both feet in the first chapter of Genesis and, by including directions for field dressing a squirrel, manages to stretch his first sermon to three full minutes. Although green as grass, Rowdy is spared none of the politics of the pastorate. By failing to omit the third verse of “Shall We Gather at the River,” he earns himself an anonymous nasty note (“That is the way we have always done things around here . . .”) and discovers the perennial church music debate. By loving a post-World War II congregation, he is baptized into the “mix and mingle of a world of pain,” and gets shot at for his trouble. He takes pastoral counseling in stride with more homespun wisdom than biblical knowledge (“Well, it’s worth a wait and see.”); and, within days of taking on his position, he launches a successful building program. Rev. Rowdy does systematic theology on the fly, but asks all the right questions (“How did God ever know about losing a son?”). Problem is that by the time trouble from his past comes calling, it’s too late to bail out — Rowdy already cared too much.
Marcus Brotherton has populated Cut Eye, Texas with a cast of characters that both showcase and facilitate Rowdy’s transformation from a drifting and dishonorably discharged former WWII paratrooper to a young man with the heart of a shepherd. There’s Miss Bobbie, the sheriff’s single missionary daughter who had kept the church doors open throughout the war in Rosie the Riveter style; then, there’s her dad, Sheriff Halligan who believes in Rowdy and the town of Cut Eye in equal measure and dreams a future for both. No congregation is complete without its version of Mert, the crusty church secretary, and no Texas town would be believable without its Deuce Gibbons, ringleader of the rabble-rousers. Eventually, nearly the whole town ends up sitting in the pews, from Deputy Roy (who plays “older brother” to Rowdy’s prodigal) and Cut Eye’s shady mayor to the town floozies and ne’er do wells. Then, there’s faithful Goomer who just wants to hook Rowdy up with some reliable transportation.
Whether the stuff of epiphany or imagination, the “lawman beside the river” who invited Rowdy to “find the good meal and eat your fill” got a good thing going for the town of Cut Eye — and for Rowdy. With his feet under the table at the Pine Oak Café and his heart committed to the body of Christ at Cut Eye, Texas, he just may be on his way to “eating the good of the land,” and let us all remember that whenever any of us come to that table, it’s a feast for thieves.
This book was provided by River North Fiction, a division of Moody Publishers, in exchange for my unbiased review.
1. Neither Fr. Tim nor the Rev. Ames could look out over his congregation and say, “At one time or another, I’ve punched most of them in the face.”
2. Neither answered his call to the ministry in order to avoid jail time.
In Feast for Thieves, Marcus Brotherton has created a work of fiction that kept me turning pages long after I should have turned out the light, while, at the same time, setting forth a prototype for pastoral training and development. From the moment of his first exposure to truth, Rowdy was a conflicted prophet with mixed and often misguided motives. Rising to announce his salvation, but distracted by the smell of bacon, he offends a benevolent preacher and misses out on the free breakfast. Later on, mindful of his responsibility to his daughter, he risks everything to honor an “obligation” to an evil man from his past. Fist-fights and white knuckle journeys at gunpoint move the plot along, but there’s a delightful homeliness to the steady rhythm of Rowdy’s feeling his way into the ministry.
In his pastoral role, Rowdy’s ignorance is refreshing. He lands with both feet in the first chapter of Genesis and, by including directions for field dressing a squirrel, manages to stretch his first sermon to three full minutes. Although green as grass, Rowdy is spared none of the politics of the pastorate. By failing to omit the third verse of “Shall We Gather at the River,” he earns himself an anonymous nasty note (“That is the way we have always done things around here . . .”) and discovers the perennial church music debate. By loving a post-World War II congregation, he is baptized into the “mix and mingle of a world of pain,” and gets shot at for his trouble. He takes pastoral counseling in stride with more homespun wisdom than biblical knowledge (“Well, it’s worth a wait and see.”); and, within days of taking on his position, he launches a successful building program. Rev. Rowdy does systematic theology on the fly, but asks all the right questions (“How did God ever know about losing a son?”). Problem is that by the time trouble from his past comes calling, it’s too late to bail out — Rowdy already cared too much.
Marcus Brotherton has populated Cut Eye, Texas with a cast of characters that both showcase and facilitate Rowdy’s transformation from a drifting and dishonorably discharged former WWII paratrooper to a young man with the heart of a shepherd. There’s Miss Bobbie, the sheriff’s single missionary daughter who had kept the church doors open throughout the war in Rosie the Riveter style; then, there’s her dad, Sheriff Halligan who believes in Rowdy and the town of Cut Eye in equal measure and dreams a future for both. No congregation is complete without its version of Mert, the crusty church secretary, and no Texas town would be believable without its Deuce Gibbons, ringleader of the rabble-rousers. Eventually, nearly the whole town ends up sitting in the pews, from Deputy Roy (who plays “older brother” to Rowdy’s prodigal) and Cut Eye’s shady mayor to the town floozies and ne’er do wells. Then, there’s faithful Goomer who just wants to hook Rowdy up with some reliable transportation.
Whether the stuff of epiphany or imagination, the “lawman beside the river” who invited Rowdy to “find the good meal and eat your fill” got a good thing going for the town of Cut Eye — and for Rowdy. With his feet under the table at the Pine Oak Café and his heart committed to the body of Christ at Cut Eye, Texas, he just may be on his way to “eating the good of the land,” and let us all remember that whenever any of us come to that table, it’s a feast for thieves.
This book was provided by River North Fiction, a division of Moody Publishers, in exchange for my unbiased review.
June 27, 2015
I was asked to review Feast for Thieves months ago, and for some reason never got around to reading it. I was reminded of it again when I saw it was a finalist for the 2015 Christy Awards in the First Novel category, so thought I’d better open it up and see what I was missing.
I was hooked from the first page. And I don't say that often.
Feast for Thieves begins with Crazy Ake and Rowdy Slater robbing the bank in the small town of Cut Eye, Texas, in the spring of 1946. It’s written in the first person, from Rowdy’s point of view, and right from that first line two things are evident. Marcus Brotherton can write. And Rowdy Slater isn’t your typical Christian fiction hero. After a near escape from death by drowning, Rowdy sees a vision …
Now, I’ve read other books with fantastic opening hooks which simply fizzled out after that one fast-paced and original scene. But Feast for Thieves just kept going. Rowdy decides to return the money, which causes the Sheriff of Cut Eye a few problems. Sure, it’s good that he solves the crime, but the expense of a trial is sure going to put a dent in the county budget, and his chances of re-election. And he’s got another problem: the town needs a preacher. So the Sheriff delivers Rowdy an ultimatum: spend a year as Cut Eye’s minister, or go to jail.
Rowdy knows nothing about God, preaching or running a church, but he knows enough about jail not to want to go back there. Besides, he’s got other problems, and he’s going to need a paying job to fix them. It’s an excellent plot, with lots of twists, yet all making perfect sense, and tied together with a cast of true characters.
Rowdy is an especially fascinating character. He’s a likable rogue, with a little too much rogue to make a good minister. But he has his own unique way of dealing with problems—serving in the Army during some of the toughest battles means he probably knows more about human nature than many preachers.
But what really made Feast for Thieves stand out from the opening line was the voice. Rowdy isn’t an educated man, and his language is earthy (but stops short of being vulgar). What makes him unique is his vocabulary and way of speaking—I could hear every word in that Texan accent, yet there wasn’t a single misspelled word to indicate accent.
There was an Author’s Note at the end in which Brotherton explained how he developed Rowdy’s voice, and it took extensive research and a deep knowledge of the time and place. It took a lot of effort to make Rowdy’s voice seem this easy and this authentic. Writers, if you are ever looking for a way of expressing dialect without apostrophes and misspellings, read Feast for Thieves.
Men, if you’ve been bemoaning the fact that too many Christian novels are sappy romances (especially Amish romances!), read Feast for Thieves. While I’m not a betting man (well, I’m not a man at all, not that you could tell based on the spam email I receive), I’d say even your non-Christian friends would enjoy this one.
But it’s not all manly stuff. There is a solid and real Christian message in here, and even whispers) a little romance. I can absolutely see why Feast for Thieves was nominated for a Christy Award. Recommended.
Thanks to River North fiction for providing a free ebook for review.
I was hooked from the first page. And I don't say that often.
Feast for Thieves begins with Crazy Ake and Rowdy Slater robbing the bank in the small town of Cut Eye, Texas, in the spring of 1946. It’s written in the first person, from Rowdy’s point of view, and right from that first line two things are evident. Marcus Brotherton can write. And Rowdy Slater isn’t your typical Christian fiction hero. After a near escape from death by drowning, Rowdy sees a vision …
Now, I’ve read other books with fantastic opening hooks which simply fizzled out after that one fast-paced and original scene. But Feast for Thieves just kept going. Rowdy decides to return the money, which causes the Sheriff of Cut Eye a few problems. Sure, it’s good that he solves the crime, but the expense of a trial is sure going to put a dent in the county budget, and his chances of re-election. And he’s got another problem: the town needs a preacher. So the Sheriff delivers Rowdy an ultimatum: spend a year as Cut Eye’s minister, or go to jail.
Rowdy knows nothing about God, preaching or running a church, but he knows enough about jail not to want to go back there. Besides, he’s got other problems, and he’s going to need a paying job to fix them. It’s an excellent plot, with lots of twists, yet all making perfect sense, and tied together with a cast of true characters.
Rowdy is an especially fascinating character. He’s a likable rogue, with a little too much rogue to make a good minister. But he has his own unique way of dealing with problems—serving in the Army during some of the toughest battles means he probably knows more about human nature than many preachers.
But what really made Feast for Thieves stand out from the opening line was the voice. Rowdy isn’t an educated man, and his language is earthy (but stops short of being vulgar). What makes him unique is his vocabulary and way of speaking—I could hear every word in that Texan accent, yet there wasn’t a single misspelled word to indicate accent.
There was an Author’s Note at the end in which Brotherton explained how he developed Rowdy’s voice, and it took extensive research and a deep knowledge of the time and place. It took a lot of effort to make Rowdy’s voice seem this easy and this authentic. Writers, if you are ever looking for a way of expressing dialect without apostrophes and misspellings, read Feast for Thieves.
Men, if you’ve been bemoaning the fact that too many Christian novels are sappy romances (especially Amish romances!), read Feast for Thieves. While I’m not a betting man (well, I’m not a man at all, not that you could tell based on the spam email I receive), I’d say even your non-Christian friends would enjoy this one.
But it’s not all manly stuff. There is a solid and real Christian message in here, and even whispers) a little romance. I can absolutely see why Feast for Thieves was nominated for a Christy Award. Recommended.
Thanks to River North fiction for providing a free ebook for review.
September 6, 2014
I have to begin by telling you that no matter how hard I tried to keep this novel in its current time period of 1946, for some reason during parts of it I kept envisioning later 1800's during the Wild West period. I think that was in part to the reference of taverns and dance hall girls which is reminiscent of the Old West. However, this is such an exceptional story and one you won't want to miss due to the powerful nature of second chances and forgiveness for anyone.
In Feast for Thieves by author Marcus Brotherton, Zearl "Rowdy" Slater is returning home from World War II, seeking to find his place in the world. But for a man with no money, no job, a record, and a personality that tends to be, well, a little on the eccentric side, settling down presents a bit of a challenge.
Desperate to scrap together some cash, Rowdy robs a bank alongside his friend, Crazy Ake, in the backwoods and backwards - town of Cut Eye, Texas. But, after nearly getting caught, something changes inside and he finds himself walking into the sheriff's office to return the money, but never admitting his role in its disappearance. Suspicious that Rowdy had more to do with it than he admits, the sheriff gives him a crazy proposal - serve one year as the minister at the Cut Eye Community Church or head for the slammer.
Seeing it's either ministry or a jail cell, Rowdy gets to work. But he soon discovers that there's more to being a minister than meets the eye. Between learning about the work from the former pastor, the beautiful Bobbie Barker, visiting parishioners, fist fighting with the bar crowd to get more men to attend, or trying to figure out how to write a sermon (his first - how to skin a squirrel - didn't go over very well), Rowdy is in over his head but working hard to carve out a new life.
I received Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton compliments of Side Door Communications and River North Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and received a complimentary copy of the book to review. This is such a great novel, because of the humor you find when Rowdy attempts to go straight from his first sermon to his unique way of getting more people to church by taking on all the men who would rather frequent the tavern on Friday night than attend church. It's truly about a man finding his true identity and not the one everyone see's from the outside. It's about finding true forgiveness and second chances where you'd least expect to find them and getting your fill of more than just great food. It's message has a more powerful delivery being told as a fiction than as a non fiction and one that will last long after you finish the final page. I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
In Feast for Thieves by author Marcus Brotherton, Zearl "Rowdy" Slater is returning home from World War II, seeking to find his place in the world. But for a man with no money, no job, a record, and a personality that tends to be, well, a little on the eccentric side, settling down presents a bit of a challenge.
Desperate to scrap together some cash, Rowdy robs a bank alongside his friend, Crazy Ake, in the backwoods and backwards - town of Cut Eye, Texas. But, after nearly getting caught, something changes inside and he finds himself walking into the sheriff's office to return the money, but never admitting his role in its disappearance. Suspicious that Rowdy had more to do with it than he admits, the sheriff gives him a crazy proposal - serve one year as the minister at the Cut Eye Community Church or head for the slammer.
Seeing it's either ministry or a jail cell, Rowdy gets to work. But he soon discovers that there's more to being a minister than meets the eye. Between learning about the work from the former pastor, the beautiful Bobbie Barker, visiting parishioners, fist fighting with the bar crowd to get more men to attend, or trying to figure out how to write a sermon (his first - how to skin a squirrel - didn't go over very well), Rowdy is in over his head but working hard to carve out a new life.
I received Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton compliments of Side Door Communications and River North Publishing for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and received a complimentary copy of the book to review. This is such a great novel, because of the humor you find when Rowdy attempts to go straight from his first sermon to his unique way of getting more people to church by taking on all the men who would rather frequent the tavern on Friday night than attend church. It's truly about a man finding his true identity and not the one everyone see's from the outside. It's about finding true forgiveness and second chances where you'd least expect to find them and getting your fill of more than just great food. It's message has a more powerful delivery being told as a fiction than as a non fiction and one that will last long after you finish the final page. I'd rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion.
October 30, 2014
I would have given this book 3 and a half stars if they let me do halves :)
I'm a little torn with this one. On the one hand I really enjoyed parts of this book and I especially like the way Marcus writes. As his first fiction novel I think it has great potential and I hope he continues in fiction if he is inspired to do so. The whole concept is great and the pace of the story is nice. I really love how there are many layers to this story and they are unwrapped nicely which keeps you wrapped in the story and involved with these characters. Oh these characters! That's exactly what they are, characters! LOL! I love them in their quirkiness, and they portray the type of people who aren't perfect, nor do they claim to be, but some try and try to do right. There were a few things that I'm not sure about though. One being the title and the whole metaphor of finding the good meal and eating your fill wasn't driven home enough I don't think, unless I missed the actual meaning of it. Or maybe for me I would have preferred it if it was really spelled out. There were also some other things, especially pertaining to scripture, that I wish were more clear, really spelled out plainly, or wrapped up. Overall the plot of the story and the characters really made this book for me although I was personally disappointed with different things in the ending. I do wish there had been a little more prayer, but that may just be my personal preference. Overall I was really intrigued by the book description and I'm not disappointed I took the time to read this well crafted story with, great characters, and fantastic scenes. I just wanted a little more of certain things and a little less of others. I have mixed feelings with the great twist in the story also. I think it was executed beautifully and I really liked the way it happened, but I'm torn with the outcome. I really enjoyed the authors note with the story behind the story! :) Learning about the man that inspired Rowdy's character was just as fascinating and enjoyable as the book itself!
Songs: "Shall We Gather At The River?" by Randy Travis, "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (Album Version)" by Chris Rice, and "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" by The Chancellors Quartet (I'm not sure if this is the version I want for this selection but I linked this one until I can maybe find something I like better.)
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
John 4:14
~ASC
*I received this book for the purpose of giving and honest review. This in no way affected my opinion, and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Feast for Thieves. ~ASC
I'm a little torn with this one. On the one hand I really enjoyed parts of this book and I especially like the way Marcus writes. As his first fiction novel I think it has great potential and I hope he continues in fiction if he is inspired to do so. The whole concept is great and the pace of the story is nice. I really love how there are many layers to this story and they are unwrapped nicely which keeps you wrapped in the story and involved with these characters. Oh these characters! That's exactly what they are, characters! LOL! I love them in their quirkiness, and they portray the type of people who aren't perfect, nor do they claim to be, but some try and try to do right. There were a few things that I'm not sure about though. One being the title and the whole metaphor of finding the good meal and eating your fill wasn't driven home enough I don't think, unless I missed the actual meaning of it. Or maybe for me I would have preferred it if it was really spelled out. There were also some other things, especially pertaining to scripture, that I wish were more clear, really spelled out plainly, or wrapped up. Overall the plot of the story and the characters really made this book for me although I was personally disappointed with different things in the ending. I do wish there had been a little more prayer, but that may just be my personal preference. Overall I was really intrigued by the book description and I'm not disappointed I took the time to read this well crafted story with, great characters, and fantastic scenes. I just wanted a little more of certain things and a little less of others. I have mixed feelings with the great twist in the story also. I think it was executed beautifully and I really liked the way it happened, but I'm torn with the outcome. I really enjoyed the authors note with the story behind the story! :) Learning about the man that inspired Rowdy's character was just as fascinating and enjoyable as the book itself!
Songs: "Shall We Gather At The River?" by Randy Travis, "Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing (Album Version)" by Chris Rice, and "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" by The Chancellors Quartet (I'm not sure if this is the version I want for this selection but I linked this one until I can maybe find something I like better.)
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
John 4:14
~ASC
*I received this book for the purpose of giving and honest review. This in no way affected my opinion, and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Feast for Thieves. ~ASC
November 10, 2014
Described as a neo-Western and WWII novel, I really had no expectations about Feast for Thieves, the debut historical novel by Marcus Brotherton. Ne0-Western? This was either going to be a book I loved or one I found boring. Well it is anything but boring! Filled with great characters and a twisting plot, I will recommend Feast for Thieves to anyone no matter their literary tastes.
Zearl “Rowdy” Slater has been drifting since his stint in prison following his discharge from the Army. It is 1946 and there aren’t many prospects for an ex-sniper and convict. So he turns to what at face value is a sure thing — robbing a bank with former cellmate, Crazy Ake. But Rowdy has trouble with sure things and soon finds himself serving as preacher to the rough and tumble west Texas town of Cut Eye.
Feast for Thieves has a lot going for it. First, Brotherton has created interesting, complex and definitely colorful characters. Rowdy is a preacher who knows nothing about being a Christian, let alone preaching. His first sermon involves the Creation and field dressing a squirrel. Bobbie Barker, missionary and daughter of the Sheriff, is a no-nonsence dreamer who spouts poetry and drives a jeep. Sheriff Barker loves the town of Cut Eye and sees its and Rowdy’s potential. Other characters, including Mert the church secretary and Cisco a grieving father, will grab your imagination and heart. Then there is the setting of Cut Eye in the years following WWII. Brotherton brings the west Texas landscape and the struggling town to life. The plot is twisting. You’ll never guess from one moment to the next just where Brotherton is taking Rowdy. At times laugh out loud funny and then poignant, Feast for Thieves will certainly keep you entertained and engaged. Told in Rowdy’s first person voice, the language is richly detailed. I loved the many colloquialisms and colorful descriptions. In describing her fiance, Bobbie says he is as upright and dependable as the color brown.
The best thing about this book has got to be the spiritual journey that Rowdy takes, from his Jacob wrestling struggle in the river to the fist fight in the mission church to the working out of his faith through fights at the local tavern and chopping firewood. Rowdy has grown so much and has so much to look forward to by the closing pages of the book.
A novel that grabbed me from the opening pages, I highly recommend Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton. This is one of the best books I have read all year.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to Side Door Communication and River North for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Zearl “Rowdy” Slater has been drifting since his stint in prison following his discharge from the Army. It is 1946 and there aren’t many prospects for an ex-sniper and convict. So he turns to what at face value is a sure thing — robbing a bank with former cellmate, Crazy Ake. But Rowdy has trouble with sure things and soon finds himself serving as preacher to the rough and tumble west Texas town of Cut Eye.
Feast for Thieves has a lot going for it. First, Brotherton has created interesting, complex and definitely colorful characters. Rowdy is a preacher who knows nothing about being a Christian, let alone preaching. His first sermon involves the Creation and field dressing a squirrel. Bobbie Barker, missionary and daughter of the Sheriff, is a no-nonsence dreamer who spouts poetry and drives a jeep. Sheriff Barker loves the town of Cut Eye and sees its and Rowdy’s potential. Other characters, including Mert the church secretary and Cisco a grieving father, will grab your imagination and heart. Then there is the setting of Cut Eye in the years following WWII. Brotherton brings the west Texas landscape and the struggling town to life. The plot is twisting. You’ll never guess from one moment to the next just where Brotherton is taking Rowdy. At times laugh out loud funny and then poignant, Feast for Thieves will certainly keep you entertained and engaged. Told in Rowdy’s first person voice, the language is richly detailed. I loved the many colloquialisms and colorful descriptions. In describing her fiance, Bobbie says he is as upright and dependable as the color brown.
The best thing about this book has got to be the spiritual journey that Rowdy takes, from his Jacob wrestling struggle in the river to the fist fight in the mission church to the working out of his faith through fights at the local tavern and chopping firewood. Rowdy has grown so much and has so much to look forward to by the closing pages of the book.
A novel that grabbed me from the opening pages, I highly recommend Feast for Thieves by Marcus Brotherton. This is one of the best books I have read all year.
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to Side Door Communication and River North for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
December 12, 2016
“Preaching or Prison – an impossible choice for a man who usually solves his problems with a rifle or his fists.”
Just like so many other soldiers coming home from the war, Sergeant Rowdy Slater has had trouble finding a job. Prior to going away to war her left his daughter in the care of a couple who have taken advantage of his ability to pay them for her care. He now owes them a lot of money and they are threatening to use her in their business is he does not pay them. With no way to pay them, he teams up with Crazy Ake and robs the bank in Cut Eye, Texas. With the police after them, they jump into the river with the bag of money. When Rowdy finally comes out of the river, he cannot see Crazy Ake. But he still has the bag of money. He regrets what he has done and does not want he money.
After taking off, he returns to get the money and takes it to the local law enforcement office. The sheriff has the money counted and finds out it is exactly what was stolen from the bank. But he does not question Rowdy. Instead he sentences Rowdy to a year pastoring the community church in Cut Eye. Rowdy quickly finds out the job is not a easy as he thinks it will be. He has no knowledge of preaching and works with the sheriff's daughter to learn how to pastor the church and community.
Before the end of his year comes, Crazy Ake is back and forcing Rowdy to help him with other crimes. The people who are watching his daughter refuse to give her back to him. And now he is facing legal charges and may be charged with his crimes.
Feast For Thieves by Marcus Brotherton is a very good book! It has a lot of action that takes place as well as humor and romance mixed in with the story. It is not surprising that Rowdy starts to remember about his Sunday School years or that he starts to believe what he is preaching. I found his first sermon to be funny. I could not believe the author would think of something like skinning a squirrel as his first sermon. I also though the way he went about winning people over to the church was very unique. If you like reading historical fiction, especially those based in the 1940's, you will love this book!
I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishing and this is my honest review.
Just like so many other soldiers coming home from the war, Sergeant Rowdy Slater has had trouble finding a job. Prior to going away to war her left his daughter in the care of a couple who have taken advantage of his ability to pay them for her care. He now owes them a lot of money and they are threatening to use her in their business is he does not pay them. With no way to pay them, he teams up with Crazy Ake and robs the bank in Cut Eye, Texas. With the police after them, they jump into the river with the bag of money. When Rowdy finally comes out of the river, he cannot see Crazy Ake. But he still has the bag of money. He regrets what he has done and does not want he money.
After taking off, he returns to get the money and takes it to the local law enforcement office. The sheriff has the money counted and finds out it is exactly what was stolen from the bank. But he does not question Rowdy. Instead he sentences Rowdy to a year pastoring the community church in Cut Eye. Rowdy quickly finds out the job is not a easy as he thinks it will be. He has no knowledge of preaching and works with the sheriff's daughter to learn how to pastor the church and community.
Before the end of his year comes, Crazy Ake is back and forcing Rowdy to help him with other crimes. The people who are watching his daughter refuse to give her back to him. And now he is facing legal charges and may be charged with his crimes.
Feast For Thieves by Marcus Brotherton is a very good book! It has a lot of action that takes place as well as humor and romance mixed in with the story. It is not surprising that Rowdy starts to remember about his Sunday School years or that he starts to believe what he is preaching. I found his first sermon to be funny. I could not believe the author would think of something like skinning a squirrel as his first sermon. I also though the way he went about winning people over to the church was very unique. If you like reading historical fiction, especially those based in the 1940's, you will love this book!
I received a copy of this book from Moody Publishing and this is my honest review.
September 8, 2014
This was certainly an interesting read. Quite frankly, the making of a preacher of the Gospel out of Rowdy (main character) will certainly elicit laughter and create fodder for the church-hating public that sees Baptist, Southern preachers as ignoramuses and shysters. You see, Rowdy is a discharged army guy who has been to prison and who has helped rob a bank. He happens to get caught by the Sheriff of Cut Eye (the town) who needs a new preacher for the town’s church because his town is quite frankly going to the Devil. Rowdy knows no Bible, is not a Christian, and is a most unlikely candidate for the position. But a bargain has been struck between the Sheriff and Rowdy.
Feast of Thieves is the author’s first novel but he has written many non-fiction titles including We Who Are Alive and Remain about veterans. He draws the character, Rowdy Slater, with skilled language plotting twists with the story taking unbelievable turns wrapped in the colloquial dialogue that is small town South of the mid-forties.
A fairly short book, it “grows” Rowdy from a drifting, troubled war veteran whose past has given him a lot to overcome to have a future of any good and into a man dedicated to God. Yes, the outcome is good and it is sweet. Though the story style is not one I usually enjoy, I ended wondering what in the world was going to happen next to Rowdy. Maybe we won’t have to wait long to find out. I understand there are more “Rowdy Slater” books on the horizon.
This is a story of redemption and it is presented in an unusual way and in a style evocative of a really good literary work.
GIVEAWAY: Want to win a copy? One of Chat With Vera's readers will be randomly selected as winner of their own copy graciously provided by River North Fiction. Use the entry form below. Begins September 8 & ENDS September 30 @ 12:01 a.m. ET.http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2014...
About the author: MARCUS BROTHERTON is the author or coauthor of more than twenty-five nonfiction books. Notable works include Shifty's War, A Company of Heroes, and the oral history project, We Who Are Alive and Remain: untold stories from the Band of Brothers, a New York Times bestseller. This is his first novel. www.marcusbrotherton.com.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from a publicists on behalf of the author in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are my own.I received no compensation for this review.
Feast of Thieves is the author’s first novel but he has written many non-fiction titles including We Who Are Alive and Remain about veterans. He draws the character, Rowdy Slater, with skilled language plotting twists with the story taking unbelievable turns wrapped in the colloquial dialogue that is small town South of the mid-forties.
A fairly short book, it “grows” Rowdy from a drifting, troubled war veteran whose past has given him a lot to overcome to have a future of any good and into a man dedicated to God. Yes, the outcome is good and it is sweet. Though the story style is not one I usually enjoy, I ended wondering what in the world was going to happen next to Rowdy. Maybe we won’t have to wait long to find out. I understand there are more “Rowdy Slater” books on the horizon.
This is a story of redemption and it is presented in an unusual way and in a style evocative of a really good literary work.
GIVEAWAY: Want to win a copy? One of Chat With Vera's readers will be randomly selected as winner of their own copy graciously provided by River North Fiction. Use the entry form below. Begins September 8 & ENDS September 30 @ 12:01 a.m. ET.http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2014...
About the author: MARCUS BROTHERTON is the author or coauthor of more than twenty-five nonfiction books. Notable works include Shifty's War, A Company of Heroes, and the oral history project, We Who Are Alive and Remain: untold stories from the Band of Brothers, a New York Times bestseller. This is his first novel. www.marcusbrotherton.com.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from a publicists on behalf of the author in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are my own.I received no compensation for this review.
October 6, 2014
I have to say, I've been on a WW2 kick lately and I've enjoyed each story I've read. Feast of Thieves was different in it's look of WW2, it looked at the life of a solider after war. Coming home, what was there to do...what if there were no jobs, what would you do then?
Rowdy Slater made his introduction with a bang...in the midst of a bank robbery. He comes flying off the pages right away, but unlike most bank robbers, he has a conscious that tickles him and follows him along until he decides to do the right thing.
Rowdy's offer by the sheriff is a unique one and it is one that Rowdy is not trained for, it shows in his first sermon. It was hilarious and cringe worthy all at the same time. Thankfully, Rowdy does have guidance from Bobbie, the missionary who has been filling in the small church. She has been doing her best in the small town, but it seems everything has been fighting against the church and the people wanting more from it. As time goes by and Rowdy gets into this job, he really opens up and things start to change.
However, when things are doing ok, and his chopped wood pile is a good size, Rowdy's past shows up and throws him under a train. After finding out why Rowdy started in to robbery and hearing of his past, I couldn't help but think, what else could have done? My goodness, the things he is fighting against doesn't quit. You feel horrible for him, and with the pressure, what else could he have done. I had so much sympathy for him and I was glad he had people in his corner.
Marcus Brotherton has such a captivating way to tell the story. He starts you out with the character and he slowly unwinds them before your eyes and you are able to get to know them better and your ideas slowly change with the new revelations and you just hope that things will work out.
This was a story that I started to read and before you know it, quite a bit of time has past and a third of the book as been devoured. There is a realness to the story that connects you instantly to the characters. You either understand the struggles these characters are facing or know someone similar.
Thank you to Side Door Communications, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted @ http://wordsfromabookaholic.blogspot....
Rowdy Slater made his introduction with a bang...in the midst of a bank robbery. He comes flying off the pages right away, but unlike most bank robbers, he has a conscious that tickles him and follows him along until he decides to do the right thing.
Rowdy's offer by the sheriff is a unique one and it is one that Rowdy is not trained for, it shows in his first sermon. It was hilarious and cringe worthy all at the same time. Thankfully, Rowdy does have guidance from Bobbie, the missionary who has been filling in the small church. She has been doing her best in the small town, but it seems everything has been fighting against the church and the people wanting more from it. As time goes by and Rowdy gets into this job, he really opens up and things start to change.
However, when things are doing ok, and his chopped wood pile is a good size, Rowdy's past shows up and throws him under a train. After finding out why Rowdy started in to robbery and hearing of his past, I couldn't help but think, what else could have done? My goodness, the things he is fighting against doesn't quit. You feel horrible for him, and with the pressure, what else could he have done. I had so much sympathy for him and I was glad he had people in his corner.
Marcus Brotherton has such a captivating way to tell the story. He starts you out with the character and he slowly unwinds them before your eyes and you are able to get to know them better and your ideas slowly change with the new revelations and you just hope that things will work out.
This was a story that I started to read and before you know it, quite a bit of time has past and a third of the book as been devoured. There is a realness to the story that connects you instantly to the characters. You either understand the struggles these characters are facing or know someone similar.
Thank you to Side Door Communications, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted @ http://wordsfromabookaholic.blogspot....
September 5, 2014
About the Book:
Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world's freedom in World War II.
Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.
This is a wild ride of a book bursting with a bank robbery, kidnapping, desperate prayers, and barroom brawls. Before the smoke clears, all sides just might end up getting exactly what they want.
About the Author:
Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer, known internationally for his collaborations with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel.
Visit his blog at: www.marcusbrotherton.com
My Review:
Dishonorably discharged from the Army, Sergeant Rowdy Slader was desperately in need of money.And because of this he feels forced to do something imaginable. After helping someone rob a bank, he finds himself on the run and hungry. As guilt slowly eats away at him, he decides to walk right in to the sheriffs office and confess to the robbery.
Instead of being locked away for a really long time, Rowdy walks of the sheriffs office with a job. But not any old job, a job as a minister. Little does he know how difficult this job will possibly get. I really don't want to give away too much of the plot. This book is a winner and an awesome book for a debut writing for this author. Rowdy definitely goes down a path, I am sure he didn't anticipate and continues you to grow as a person in spite of the incredible odds stacked against him.
I really enjoyed the book so much so that I think it would make a great television series. It has a lot of things going on in this man's life and the struggles he will overcome. If you would like to learn more about the book, you can at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
Sergeant Rowdy Slater is the most skilled-and most incorrigible-soldier in Dog Company, 506th PIR, 101st Airborne, an elite group of paratroopers fighting for the world's freedom in World War II.
Through a bizarre set of circumstances, Rowdy returns to the States after the war, turns his life around, and falls into the only job he can find-preacher at the sparsely populated community church in Cut Eye, Texas, a dusty highway town situated at the midpoint of nowhere and emptiness.
This is a wild ride of a book bursting with a bank robbery, kidnapping, desperate prayers, and barroom brawls. Before the smoke clears, all sides just might end up getting exactly what they want.
About the Author:
Marcus Brotherton is a journalist and professional writer, known internationally for his collaborations with high-profile public figures, humanitarians, inspirational leaders, and military personnel.
Visit his blog at: www.marcusbrotherton.com
My Review:
Dishonorably discharged from the Army, Sergeant Rowdy Slader was desperately in need of money.And because of this he feels forced to do something imaginable. After helping someone rob a bank, he finds himself on the run and hungry. As guilt slowly eats away at him, he decides to walk right in to the sheriffs office and confess to the robbery.
Instead of being locked away for a really long time, Rowdy walks of the sheriffs office with a job. But not any old job, a job as a minister. Little does he know how difficult this job will possibly get. I really don't want to give away too much of the plot. This book is a winner and an awesome book for a debut writing for this author. Rowdy definitely goes down a path, I am sure he didn't anticipate and continues you to grow as a person in spite of the incredible odds stacked against him.
I really enjoyed the book so much so that I think it would make a great television series. It has a lot of things going on in this man's life and the struggles he will overcome. If you would like to learn more about the book, you can at this link.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the author.
May 10, 2016
"And if you don't last the year...I'll hunt you down and crush you with the full weight of the law. But--" he cleared his throat, "belly chains and leg irons seem like an awful waste of a man with your potential for success."
Thus, young World War II veteran, Rowdy Slater, is faced with the choice of either going to jail for bank robbery or serving one year as a town minister in author Marcus Brotherton's novel, Feast for Thieves.
Rowdy is a down-to-earth, flawed protagonist one can sympathize, even empathize, with, as he says what he thinks in unpretentious English, and perhaps he wouldn't have found himself on the wrong side of the law here in Cut Eye, Texas if it'd been easier for him, and other men like him, to earn a living after the war. His first sermon in church had me cracking up, and I never would've imagined myself saying this before, but, man, I enjoyed the bar fights!
Of course, not all of the violence in the novel is fun and games, not by a long shot, and a certain, dire secret of Rowdy's just about made my whole heart ache. Now, my interest in his story occasionally waned as he'd take a lot of time getting around to the point or importance of a scene, and his pattern of expression became redundant here and there. I was also a little puzzled at his late reference to a "fisherman from Nazareth," as I wondered if he actually meant a carpenter or a craftsman.
Still, it's a rather gritty and relatable depiction of a changing man, with an ending more than open enough to call for a continuation. I wouldn't mind reading more about Rowdy Slater, and I think other fans of historical fiction with grit and faith wouldn't mind it, either.
_________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers for an honest review.
Thus, young World War II veteran, Rowdy Slater, is faced with the choice of either going to jail for bank robbery or serving one year as a town minister in author Marcus Brotherton's novel, Feast for Thieves.
Rowdy is a down-to-earth, flawed protagonist one can sympathize, even empathize, with, as he says what he thinks in unpretentious English, and perhaps he wouldn't have found himself on the wrong side of the law here in Cut Eye, Texas if it'd been easier for him, and other men like him, to earn a living after the war. His first sermon in church had me cracking up, and I never would've imagined myself saying this before, but, man, I enjoyed the bar fights!
Of course, not all of the violence in the novel is fun and games, not by a long shot, and a certain, dire secret of Rowdy's just about made my whole heart ache. Now, my interest in his story occasionally waned as he'd take a lot of time getting around to the point or importance of a scene, and his pattern of expression became redundant here and there. I was also a little puzzled at his late reference to a "fisherman from Nazareth," as I wondered if he actually meant a carpenter or a craftsman.
Still, it's a rather gritty and relatable depiction of a changing man, with an ending more than open enough to call for a continuation. I wouldn't mind reading more about Rowdy Slater, and I think other fans of historical fiction with grit and faith wouldn't mind it, either.
_________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers for an honest review.
September 12, 2014
Feast for Thieves
A Rowdy Slater Novel
By Marcus Brotherton
Rowdy Slater can't find work since coming home from the war and he is getting desperate to get some money. And desperate men sometimes do foolish things to get it - foolish things like robbing a bank.
But during the getaway something happens and Rowdy ends up back in Cut Eye, Texas. Not only is he back in the community that he helped robbed, Sheriff Barker has somehow managed to make Rowdy the new minister. Rowdy just may be in over his head when it comes to this preaching business. But his new job provides a car, sort of. He has a line of credit at the local store. And his meals are provided at the diner. All in all a good deal as long as he can figure out how to preach before he gets strung up or run out of town. If he can convince Bobbie Barker, the missionary who has been filling in as pastor, to help him he just may be able to make this work.
But when Rowdy's past catches up to him, the life of someone who means everything to him is hanging in the balance. Welcome to Cut Eye, Texas in 1946 - a rough-and-tumble town in need of a preacher. And Rowdy Slater is in need of a place to sort out and restart his life.
This is a book you'll enjoy. You will instantly connect with some characters, while others will set your teeth on edge. And the dialect/speaking voice of Rowdy will take you to Texas. Marcus Brotherton has a way with words that will take you along with Rowdy as if you are there in the action.
I was provided a copy of the book through Side Door Communications in exchange for my honest review
A Rowdy Slater Novel
By Marcus Brotherton
Rowdy Slater can't find work since coming home from the war and he is getting desperate to get some money. And desperate men sometimes do foolish things to get it - foolish things like robbing a bank.
But during the getaway something happens and Rowdy ends up back in Cut Eye, Texas. Not only is he back in the community that he helped robbed, Sheriff Barker has somehow managed to make Rowdy the new minister. Rowdy just may be in over his head when it comes to this preaching business. But his new job provides a car, sort of. He has a line of credit at the local store. And his meals are provided at the diner. All in all a good deal as long as he can figure out how to preach before he gets strung up or run out of town. If he can convince Bobbie Barker, the missionary who has been filling in as pastor, to help him he just may be able to make this work.
But when Rowdy's past catches up to him, the life of someone who means everything to him is hanging in the balance. Welcome to Cut Eye, Texas in 1946 - a rough-and-tumble town in need of a preacher. And Rowdy Slater is in need of a place to sort out and restart his life.
This is a book you'll enjoy. You will instantly connect with some characters, while others will set your teeth on edge. And the dialect/speaking voice of Rowdy will take you to Texas. Marcus Brotherton has a way with words that will take you along with Rowdy as if you are there in the action.
I was provided a copy of the book through Side Door Communications in exchange for my honest review
September 8, 2014
This was one of those books that sounded good, but after I got it, I wasn't so sure. I let it sit on my shelf until the dates it needed reviewed by got a little closer, and then I started reading it. I wasn't very far into the book before I realized that this was going to be an entertaining read, and it was.
The main character is Rowdy Slater, a man very much down on his luck. He becomes a bank robber to get himself out of bad trouble, but develops a conscience, which gets him a job he didn't want: pastoring a church. The idea of a former bank robber suddenly becoming the pastor of a church is amusing, and the author does a great job of making it even funnier.
Rowdy becomes pastor without having a conversion, and unless I missed it, never had a conversion in the book, though it is obvious by the end of the book that he has some kind of relationship with God. I wish that had been made plainer, but other than that, I loved the book. It is highly entertaining and amusing, and paints a picture of a man who is determined to do right, even though his past keeps catching up with him. This book leans more towards being men's fiction, but women will enjoy it too.
The book is subtitled "A Rowdy Slater Novel", so I assume this is the first in a series, and I hope so. Marcus Brotherton's first forage into Christian fiction is a very good start. Great debut novel.
The main character is Rowdy Slater, a man very much down on his luck. He becomes a bank robber to get himself out of bad trouble, but develops a conscience, which gets him a job he didn't want: pastoring a church. The idea of a former bank robber suddenly becoming the pastor of a church is amusing, and the author does a great job of making it even funnier.
Rowdy becomes pastor without having a conversion, and unless I missed it, never had a conversion in the book, though it is obvious by the end of the book that he has some kind of relationship with God. I wish that had been made plainer, but other than that, I loved the book. It is highly entertaining and amusing, and paints a picture of a man who is determined to do right, even though his past keeps catching up with him. This book leans more towards being men's fiction, but women will enjoy it too.
The book is subtitled "A Rowdy Slater Novel", so I assume this is the first in a series, and I hope so. Marcus Brotherton's first forage into Christian fiction is a very good start. Great debut novel.
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