The Bell Messenger

by Robert Cornuke, Alton Gansky (Primary Contributor)

A suspenseful yet touching story of a Civil war Bible that pops up again and again over a century and shapes the very history of the nation.

This rich and involving historical and archeological thriller begins as a Union soldier, Tate, shoots a Confederate preacher known as the Bell Messenger and is bequeathed a worn Bible by the dying man. Tate's historical narrative parallels the contemporary story of John Brandon, who has just graduated college in 2000 and received the very same Bible, unearthed in a Saudi Arabian cave, as a gift.

The potent history of this book is revealed as Brandon searches for its previous owners, along the way uncovering the existence of a mysterious cache of gold hidden during Old Testament times -- which brings shadowy figures hot on Brandon's heels, hungry for the gold and desperate to learn the new clues he possesses.

As the past and present intertwine, the reader learns that this Bible has passed through many hands over the years. From the Civil War to the building of the Central Pacific Railroad, to the gang wars and the holding of Chinese slaves in nineteenth-century California, to the trenches of World War I, Brandon learns of the lives this Bible has saved, the deaths it has caused, and the history it has changed forever.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Adult Fiction, Civil War

285 pages, Paperback

First published September 2, 2008

Reviews

[Michael Otto · Rating 4 out of 5]

One Bible starts out in the Civil War and keeps getting passed on and on through the years connecting people. Where each person who gets that Bible is called a Bell Messenger getting to know God and how it has an effect on each person. The story alternates between the past happenings and future/ present happenings.

[Elise Blomberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a change from what I usually read, so I really enjoyed it. The plot was unique and the various characters were easy to keep track of. The author did such a good job of describing the people and their experiences.

[Cora · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows a Civil War era Bible that passes through the hands of several people. I found it to be a nice historical fiction novel. It was not too syrupy or preachy. It did put more focus on the book rather than the teachings, but probably would have lost a few readers if it didn't. Sometimes a subtle nudge is more moving than an "in your face" lecture. I felt quite a connection with the first few owners of the Bible, but felt sort of rushed through the owners from Ruth on. Overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

[CindyHunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story...

That grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Even when you get to the very last word you still want to know...was there redemption for R.C.??? Where did the Bible go next... This story will tug at your mind and heart, as the Bell Messengers Bible transforms the lives the souls it touches throughout time and place. You will remember Elijah Bell, Jeremiah Tate, Ruth, and all the lives they and the Bible touched and changed for a very long time!!!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting novel about a Bible that passes through a variety of hands through history. Each new owner is challenged to "Be God's messenger as I have been" from the current owner as is it passed on.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story, well written by Robert Cornuke and excellently read by Henry Strozier.

[Tami · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great read following a the travels of a certain Holy Bible that had "magical" or rather, spiritual powers. A soldier shoots a boy during the Civil war, who then gives his killer the bible with a warning to do good,if not, a "dry rain will fall upon you." The book is passed on through several hands, each experiencing life-saving moments, believed to be because of the possesion of this bible.

While I liked the story idea, I think the author got it wrong about the power of the book. He focused too much of the possesion of the book saving a life, versus reading and following the words of the book is what saves a soul. Yes, it was touched on, but I felt too much focus was put on the material and physical benefits of the book. For example, because the book happened to be in their backpack, or hands, or somewhere in view, it saved their mortal life. Not only that, there was a monetary value to it at the end of the book. Although the monetary value went towards charity, it was monetary, nonetheless.

I believe the words inside the Bible, then following them, will save your eternal soul/life. The author missed the point. The words and exaltation that follows are the treasure, not the physical book itself.

[Patrick S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a fairly moving book. There was a lot of well written emotion with realistic dialog. The flow from one set of characters to another (P.O.V. moves through about five different characters over 100 years) can be a little abrupt in changing at times. However, it doesn't through one out of the story. The dialog is well written and doesn't fall into the cheesy side that some contemporary Christian fiction stories fall into. The individual stories are exciting and enjoyable and the depths of each character is done well without being dragged out. My biggest complaint is that of the ending. The ending doesn't have that much fulfillment. It's not a story that needs an ending where the characters walk into the sunset, as the story is about a journey that never ends. However, the way it settles appears that the author didn't really know how to end it satisfyingly. Overall, a good, compelling story with interesting stories and characters with depth. A few moments of almost tears even. Final Grade - B

[Mark Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bell Messenger begins on the civil war battlefield when a Union officer severely wounds a young Confederate soldier. The dying soldier hands a worn Bible to the Union officer, saying “Be God’s messengers as I have been.” This begins a journey through time, winding up at the doorstep of protagonist Gary Brandon, who receives this same mysterious gift as a graduation gift in 1980. His alcoholic uncle—who claims to have discovered the Bible as he dug for valuable artifacts in a Saudi Arabian cave—wants Brandon to have it and other items, including a bit of gold found at the same site. Skeptical, Brandon begins to search the history of this mysterious gift, only to learn of the fascinating connection others have had to this book over the last one-hundred and fifteen years.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the last days of the Civil War and a short skirmish ends with a young boy dying and as the man that shot him leans over him to see what he can scavenge from the body the boy presses a bible into his hands claiming that it will give life. Thus begins a journey not only across time but also a journey of faith. The man that shot the boy on the battlefield attempts to give the bible back to his mother only to discover that the boy has anticipated his own death. As the bible passes from hand to hand over time it is interesting to see how reading the word effects each person. In the end it ends up in the hands of a young man who tries to trace its history and tries to do the right thing. Interesting journey through history and generations. It warms the heart.

[Leigh Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the more unique books I've read, and I really enjoyed it. We are doing it for our book club this month. This is the story of the Bible that starts out in the hands of Elijah Bell in 1865 and ends up in the hands of Gary in 1980 and the story behind all the hands it had been in in between. It tells the story of the Bible, and switches back and forth with the research Gary is doing in 1980 to add to the story. I enjoyed that this was different but also enjoyed the concept of the book.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reading genre of choice is historical fiction, and this little book was a very pleasant surprise. Following a Bible from the life of a Confederate soldier through numerous lives and hands up to 1980. It was an easy to read book with a well crafted story line. Included history, mystery, geography, scenic descriptions, characters that I cared about, and a bit of intrigue. Written with Christian influence, but not preachy. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend The Bell Messenger. Taking it to my 80 year old mother tomorrow as I think she will enjoy reading it, as well.

[Judy]

This book was wonderful, I have never written a book review. So if I screw up, don't be mad at me. This a good feeling book, and how this book (which is a Bible) has crossed many hands have changed many lives. I don't want to give anything away. I wouldn't call it religious. i would love to read more by the author. I WILL READ IT AGAIN.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Recommended by John B. This was a bit spiritual, but mostly because it was about the travels of a Bible during and after the Civil War. It started in the hands of a young boy, went to a northern soldier, who killed him, then to a Chinese man that had been saved by the Army soldier, and on and on. Good mystery involved. Loved it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this historical fiction. Spanning several generations and several continents, this is a big story - and very well told. There was one bobble where Edmond was referred to as Edward, but I think I can forgive that.

[Myersorchard · Rating 4 out of 5]

i enjoyed this. i read it in a day, they really drew me into the puzzle. it went from the civil war virginia to oil wells in arabia in the 1980s. i'm probably going to send this on to my mom.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out well, couldn't wait to see who would end up with the bible next. The ending was a little weak.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly, I never finished it. It was fairly interesting, but I "listened" to it instead of "read" it and when my ipod kept messing up the audio, I never bothered getting it from the library.

[Melissa]

Need to get

[Sonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting story. A lot of loops, turns and twists. Can get a little lost towards the end, at which point I was beginning to loose my interest. Well written.

[Meadow Frisbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a wonderful read. I loved the lives the Bible touched as it when down through out history. The wars was pretty grusomely detailed, but other then that....a GREAT book.

[Makenzie]

so far this book is really good... its 2 stories in one, so it is packed with adventure!

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

We listened to this book and it was long (almost like two stories in one book) but we both enjoyed it and I especially liked the ending.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! It reminded me of the Red Violin and People of the Book. Where an object's life is traced through the history of its owners.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this as an audio book. I couldn't wait to get in the car and get tuned into the story.

[Theo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

[Glorey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the writing; loved the story. Well written.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read. I liked how the authors wove so many lives and stories around the Bible.

[Karen Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story for a discussion group.

[Ssgustafsongmail.Com]

burned under novel