A Time for Redemption

War Songs #2

by Brett Nelson

"A Time for Redemption," a family drama, is a work of Christian Fiction and is Book Two in the "War Songs" series.

Can he find his faith when spiritual forces are fighting against him? Arnold Collins is back and thrust into a world of darkness after a fatal semi-truck accident leaves him physically and emotionally wounded. The road to recovery leads him to the last place on Earth that he wants to be—stuck at home with Alice, his embittered and detached wife. The love they once shared is lost along with faith in himself and the God in whom he has never believed. After cruel words are exchanged, driven by anger and despair, Arnold embarks on a soul-searching journey. As he navigates the highways of his past and present, his mind takes him back to the idyllic distant memories of 1971 and 1972. When times were slower, when Arnold and Alice's love was pure, and when their futures were bright Arnold will confront the demons within himself, the individuals that he never wished to face, and the God whom he never wanted to serve. He will find his faith or be forced into an unsuspecting reckoning. "A Time for Redemption,” a poignant and emotionally driven story, told through a dual timeline narration, is the story of a later-in-life married couple and delves into the depths of human pain and regret. Is it possible for the deepest wounds of one’s heart to find healing? Can lost and stumbling Arnold find the faith that he needs? Will long-lost lost love find a second chance?

This dual timeline story contains elements of spiritual warfare that allows readers a glimpse into characters' lives and the unseen mysterious spiritual realm that surrounds them. The spiritual realm depicted is from a conservative Biblical perspective rather than the routinely used occultic perspective. There is no profanity or sexual themes but fallen angels may use crude language (crap, whore, etc).

334 pages, Paperback

Published March 12, 2024

About the author

Brett is a Christian fiction author who has been an avid reader from the time he learned to read. Growing up, his favorite books were Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries.

As he grew older, even to this day, his favorite authors include Mary Higgins Clark, John Grisham, and Robin Cook, to name a few.

Three of his five books have hit the Amazon Top 5 Best-Seller list, and he is an award-winning author.

His first novel "A Christmas to Live For" won the gold medal in Christian Fiction in the 2021 Readers' Favorite Awards, and his novel "War Songs" won the silver medal in Christian Fiction in the 2022 Global Book Awards.

He is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association (ACFW). He is co-host of the Christian/Clean fiction podcast, "Bookish Introverts Podcast."

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading War Songs, I was ready to continue as I feel in love with the characters and wanted to see what was yet to come. Again, A Time for Redemption War Songs book 2 did not disappoint… you must read book 1 first but trust me you will be on your seat ready to know what is to come. While this is a work of fiction- it is what I sense is a true work of spiritual warfare- so if you ever wondered about that spiritual battle grab these books. If you've never given it any thought but you enjoy a little suspense, stories of Redemption with a happy ending. This series is for you. Very well written!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Jessica Hembree · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story. A man is struggling with recovering from a recent vehicle accident, a loveless marriage, and a crisis of faith. Throughout the story, we get a glimpse of the forces behind certain moments of Arnold’s life. I’d never thought about the conversations the spirits around us may have, without our knowing, in their attempt to sway us toward sin or toward God. It’s heartwarming to see Arnold make a choice to change his life for the better, in a number of ways.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brett Nelson's new book, A Time for Redemption, focuses primarily on Arnold Collins, a semi driver who is plagued by guilt after being in an accident that cause the deaths of two young people in a gospel band. Arnold and his wife, Alice, live in the same house, but have been estranged for years and can barely say a civil word to each other. They've allowed bitterness and anger to rule their lives and nothing makes them happy. They can hardly be kind to strangers, they have so much anger inside. Nelson pulls aside the veil to give us a glimpse into the spiritual realm and we can see traitor angels egging Arnold on in being rude, "flipping the bird" constantly, and complaining to Alice about her friend, the "hags" as he calls them, who seem to live at their house, playing cards until late at night. He can't get away from them because he's still recuperating from his injuries and has doctor's orders not to get back on the road just yet.
Along with the traitor angels, we're able to see God's warrior angels who encourage Arnold, and others, to seek God. These angels speak life in Arnold and he can't understand why he has begun to feel guilty for snapping at his wife and other things he does. God uses a relative and the widow of one of the accident victims to show Arnold the way forward. We are forced to examine our hearts and spiritual walk when Arnold visits a church that does not glorify God, but it's own vanity.
I was struck over and over by the importance of knowing God's Word and using it as we pray. We need to be children of the Light and point others to Him. I kept wondering, will Arnold finally put his doubts aside long enough to accept God's grace and forgiveness?
This is the second book in Nelson's War Songs series and I received it at no charge in exchange for my honest review. I highly recommend it!

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an usual read for me because of the Angels those good, warriors against the evil, bad angels commenting over Arnold and his attempt to get peace and solace from a horrible, life changing vehicle accident that took lives. He was not to blame as he didn't see the huge peace of wood that lay in the road causing the accident with the semi Arnold was driving and a bus, which 2 people were killed.

Seeing the conflict between the angels and what is really written in the Bible was enlightening and found this book to be real and honest in that respect and makes one understand that we need to read and study the Bible and it's true word and meaning.

Arnold has been married many decades to Alice and their marriage as gone stale and they are staying together as a means for convenience rather than love. He is also trying to approach this relationship in a Christian manner as well and Alice is not helping.

I received an early, free copy for my honest and voluntary review.

[Barb Hegreberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It could almost be considered a modern-day Screwtape Letters. I plan to read the prequel, War Songs, immediately.

I received this book free from the author, publisher, or other source. My only obligation is to provide a fair and honest review.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm glad it was a time for redemption, because these characters were sad and painful to walk with. But a clear story that spoke well of the saving power of Christ. I liked the angel/demon page time. It shows well how easily swayed in our thinking humans are.