ADVERSITY: Face to Face

by Sean E. Jacobs

One would be hard pressed to fully explain the impact that the Strauss Family descendants had on the State of Texas, as well as thousands of other immigrants from Germany, between the years 1836-1846. They came in substantial numbers and had such an impact on politics, economics, and the social life of Texas that much of the things that were, had begun a dramatic change by the mid 1850's. There are many history books reflecting this period in history, including some the other has written in earlier works, but many are just that, history books, facts and figures, so to speak. It is amazing how, as adults we struggle during our childhood through the date-pocketed courses of history...bored, disenchanted, waiting only for the end of that cobwebbed test of endurance. What we find, in later years, is that history is the most fascinating and stimulating of all areas of knowledge. We can ask ourselves, why this unfortunate paradox? Has "history" really changed? The answer is...No! What has changed is the presentation and the emphasis. In these Faith Chronicles, the author has chosen to write in creative nonfiction two in the series, while the first in the series is creative fiction, bordering on nonfiction. It explores and adds that narrative style to the telling of history, unlike the first five published history books by this author. However important dates, names, and places may be to an expert understanding of history, they are not history, but only the checkpoints and framework of history. This novel is about people...real people, with blood and bones, loves and hates, strengths, passions, weaknesses and their belief in Jesus Christ, our Lord. History is joys and sorrows, failures and successes, heartbreaks and ecstasies. What is history? History is power, the exercise of power, and the vacuum of power. A relatively new genre to, one that this author has found intriguing in following the Johann Strauss family from Germany to Texas in the mid 1800's, creative fiction and creative nonfiction takes the writing of history to a whole new level. From over thirty years of family research and the production of numerous history books, creative writing explores the history of people, real people! In this novel, it follows a typical German family through the difficult decision making process to leave Germany and pull up roots from generations and farming on the River Hunte near Rastede, Germany. They fight delays from unfavorable winds traveling through the North Sea, storms that take many lives onboard their vessel, contracting yellow fever and other terrible sicknesses, Indian attacks, and many other adversities. The Strauss Family face one adversity after another during their ninety day trip from Bremerhaven, Germany to Matagorda, Texas. They do not travel alone as Faith is their strongest ally during their continued struggles against the many adversities. The ups and downs of this novel leans on the truth and at first, it was considered to be a creative nonfiction attempt since the story has been told with real people. All the events and adversities were experienced by thousands of Germans during this time in history. There is truth in how most held tightly to the Faith in Jesus Christ during the many hardships experienced. This same Faith is held in the following two creative nonfiction novels in this series, FAITH - Seventy Times Seven and SISTERS OF MERCY - The Runaway Scrape. Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the FAITH of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2014

About the author

Sean E. Jacobs was born in Eagle Lake, Texas and graduated from Eagle Lake High School. Was Chief Geophysicist for Dresser Atlas during the 1980's and early 1990's. His passion for the last thirty years has been writing historical novels and speaking engagements in both the historical and geophysical arenas. His evangelical approach to the Faith Chronicles is a result of his early ties with his grandmother, the Reverend Ada Slaton Bonds, Mother of All Presbyteries. Prior to his Faith Chronicles Trilogy, Mr. Jacobs has written several history books of regional and local interest. FAITH, the second in the Faith series, is a great example of creative historical nonfiction.

Jacobs also writes under another pen name for his writings in paranormal romance. His newest release, The Flaming Blue Sword by Sidney St. James was published in December 2015.

Reviews

[Tilly Slaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adversity – Face to Face is a wonderfully written family saga covering the lives of the Strauss and Frels family of Oldenburg, Germany in 1845. Jacobs’ first novel in the Faith Chronicles Series begins in Oldenburg in 1844 and ends in Kraewinkel, Texas in 1846. The characters are well developed and, at times, complex. It is amazing how easily the author has you flow from one main person to the next. You will journey with the Frels, Strauss, Machemehl, Leyendecker and others as they uproot from their homeland and travel to Texas, encountering one adversity after another. Jacobs’ storytelling ability really holds the reader spellbound, feeling the many joys and sorrows along the way. They become so real! A wonderful read for anyone, this is creative nonfiction at its best!

[Vanessa Shockley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sean E. Jacobs is an amazing up-and-coming new author in the Historical and Christian Creative Non-Fiction. I am truly enjoying his series of books!

Adversity: Face to Face is the first book in the Faith Chronicles. I loved this book! It is a historical creative non-fiction about a family from Germany that goes through the traumatic journey to the US.