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In Pursuit of the Promised Land
On the outside, it looked like Mike Hardy had it together. Little did his family and friends know, he was part of one of the largest drug operations of its time in Tennessee.
Mike surrendered to the Almighty just before his past caught up to him and he landed in prison. But in prison, God’s best work was accomplished in him and he was forever changed.
In Pursuit of the Promised Land walks readers through the choices they make in life and how they can pursue the Promised Land paved out for them by God.
While many seek fame and fortune, and power and pleasure, Mike assures readers that in spite of having all these things, it was never enough. Finding Christ was the key to his pursuit, and he passionately shares these truths in hopes of saving others precious time and painful consequences he experienced along the way.
Mike surrendered to the Almighty just before his past caught up to him and he landed in prison. But in prison, God’s best work was accomplished in him and he was forever changed.
In Pursuit of the Promised Land walks readers through the choices they make in life and how they can pursue the Promised Land paved out for them by God.
While many seek fame and fortune, and power and pleasure, Mike assures readers that in spite of having all these things, it was never enough. Finding Christ was the key to his pursuit, and he passionately shares these truths in hopes of saving others precious time and painful consequences he experienced along the way.
236 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 23, 2026
I enjoyed reading this book, in part because I met the author, Mike Hardy in November 2025. Mike is married to my Aunt Judy who’s been part of my life for the last 54 years.😊
Mike kindly gave me a signed copy of this book and his next , In Pursuit Of Value, with a third coming out later this year. It was good to understand and learn more about his story, not only in person, but in his writings reflecting back on his own experience.
The very task of writing a book is impressive, and I appreciated the layout, analogies to food, as well as the thoughtful reflection questions at the end of each chapter. I did laugh out loud on page 104 with his reference to grape nuts. I feel similarly. Additionally, I enjoyed his thinking back to his time as a tin man for Halloween, it perhaps seemed very timely after just watching Wicked and the sequel. It was also very funny, thinking back to our own Halloween costumes, including Hedlun being the tin man as an adult.😀
I was particularly touched on page 157 when he wrote “Whenever I hear a news story about some individual who is committed on unspeakable act, I always think the same thought: at one time that person was a child…… and I have to wonder—what happened between the baby and the crime?”
And page 174, I would like to have more dialogue with Mike about his statement that “please remember that a Christian has a choice to sin or not sin to love as Christ or not to love; a person void of Christ has no choice.”
I have a different perspective about choices and openness to multiple faiths and beliefs….. at the same time I very much value his perspective and my Aunt Judy’s and in their belief in prayer. Therefore, I plan to share this book with my good friend Marcie, who is a very prayerful person and believes in small groups and Bible studies. I would really enjoy her perspective, during a walk and talk or warm beverage 😉
It was interesting to read about the federal prison system, some acknowledgment of a basics that are provided, as well as unwritten rules, such as using the telephone or even traveling between prisons.
And finally, I enjoyed learning about the relationships and connections that Mike has made including with my Aunt Judy, his now wife.
Looking forward to the second book as well. I felt like there was a teaser or a statement about his job after getting out of prison and I think that’s how he met Judy. maybe I’ll learn more in the next book or in follow up conversation 💕
Mike kindly gave me a signed copy of this book and his next , In Pursuit Of Value, with a third coming out later this year. It was good to understand and learn more about his story, not only in person, but in his writings reflecting back on his own experience.
The very task of writing a book is impressive, and I appreciated the layout, analogies to food, as well as the thoughtful reflection questions at the end of each chapter. I did laugh out loud on page 104 with his reference to grape nuts. I feel similarly. Additionally, I enjoyed his thinking back to his time as a tin man for Halloween, it perhaps seemed very timely after just watching Wicked and the sequel. It was also very funny, thinking back to our own Halloween costumes, including Hedlun being the tin man as an adult.😀
I was particularly touched on page 157 when he wrote “Whenever I hear a news story about some individual who is committed on unspeakable act, I always think the same thought: at one time that person was a child…… and I have to wonder—what happened between the baby and the crime?”
And page 174, I would like to have more dialogue with Mike about his statement that “please remember that a Christian has a choice to sin or not sin to love as Christ or not to love; a person void of Christ has no choice.”
I have a different perspective about choices and openness to multiple faiths and beliefs….. at the same time I very much value his perspective and my Aunt Judy’s and in their belief in prayer. Therefore, I plan to share this book with my good friend Marcie, who is a very prayerful person and believes in small groups and Bible studies. I would really enjoy her perspective, during a walk and talk or warm beverage 😉
It was interesting to read about the federal prison system, some acknowledgment of a basics that are provided, as well as unwritten rules, such as using the telephone or even traveling between prisons.
And finally, I enjoyed learning about the relationships and connections that Mike has made including with my Aunt Judy, his now wife.
Looking forward to the second book as well. I felt like there was a teaser or a statement about his job after getting out of prison and I think that’s how he met Judy. maybe I’ll learn more in the next book or in follow up conversation 💕
April 8, 2024
What an incredible story of a life radically transformed by God! This book tells the story of Mike Hardy, who spent years as a drug trafficker and money launderer in South Florida, eventually doing time in federal prison for his crimes. Just before landing in prison, he met Jesus Christ and while incarcerated began to study the Bible diligently and to share his faith with other prisoners. But more than just Mike’s powerful testimony, “In Pursuit of the Promised Land” addresses the temptation we all face to find our own “promised land” in things that will never satisfy, like pleasure, performance, possessions, position, and people. This book is infused with powerful and pointed scripture verses that will encourage and challenge every believer to find their hope, joy and fulfillment in Christ alone. I could not put this book down. It is a riveting and inspiring read.
July 21, 2024
The Great Pursuit
The life of Mike Hardy is compelling and captivating, especially when explained through the lens of how God can meet you in all the places you thought would bring pleasure and fulfillment were the most empty places. Incredible story of Christ being the one who is truly pursuing us even in all our struggles, mess-ups, and inadequacies. Read this story and see how God wants to move in the story of your life as well.
The life of Mike Hardy is compelling and captivating, especially when explained through the lens of how God can meet you in all the places you thought would bring pleasure and fulfillment were the most empty places. Incredible story of Christ being the one who is truly pursuing us even in all our struggles, mess-ups, and inadequacies. Read this story and see how God wants to move in the story of your life as well.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews