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The Miracle Man
Welcome to Paradise, a sleepy, backwater town in the mountains of Southeastern Arizona where police chief Luke Hollis is perfectly content to concentrate on nothing but issuing the occasional speeding ticket. Well that and working up the nerve to approach his dispatcher, Ruby Brooks, for a date.
When an unexplained healing occurs during a service at the Mount Moriah Pentecostal Church of God, Hollis finds his simple belief system challenged and his life changed forever. Throw in a struggling minister, a world-class grifter, and a stranger with an unbelievable story of love and redemption and the stage is set for The Miracle Man. By the time it's all over everyone involved will come face to face with a power that's greater and more wonderful than any of them could have ever imagined.
When an unexplained healing occurs during a service at the Mount Moriah Pentecostal Church of God, Hollis finds his simple belief system challenged and his life changed forever. Throw in a struggling minister, a world-class grifter, and a stranger with an unbelievable story of love and redemption and the stage is set for The Miracle Man. By the time it's all over everyone involved will come face to face with a power that's greater and more wonderful than any of them could have ever imagined.
200 pages, Paperback
First published June 23, 2015
166 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Buck Storm
12 books58 followersGET A FREE COPY OF BUCK'S FIRST NOVEL "THE MIRACLE MAN" AT WWW.BUCKSTORM.COM!
Buck Storm is a critically acclaimed, award winning author and musician. His novels have made friends around the world.
Buck Storm is a critically acclaimed, award winning author and musician. His novels have made friends around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 12, 2017
Dedication
If you’ve been kind enough to open this book then it is dedicated to you.
I hope it makes you smile.
If you’ve been kind enough to open this book then it is dedicated to you.
I hope it makes you smile.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2016
"Reality doesn’t always serve up what you want. But it always has a purpose.”
A well-conceived, well-developed tale of faith and perception set in the golden years shortly after World War Two. Storm creates a subtle sense of time and place throughout his story. A world without computers, cell phones, cable and internet suggests a slow pace which turns out to be as illusive for them as for us with all our labor-saving gadgets.
“Confusion put an arm around Luke’s shoulder.”
The characters are complex and real … mostly. We share the point of view of several characters will no doubt whose head we’re in and an adequate sense of certainty and confusion as appropriate. The varied cast avoids obvious stereotypes while providing realistic depth to most characters.
“Is the right way to do things always the right thing to do?”
Despite the best efforts of the good guys, things just keep getting worse. Their opposition seems a step ahead of them at every turn. You’d think they’d quit underestimating their opponents. The climax, while not predictable, was just a bit too easy.
“…picking at a big hive with a short stick.”
Quibbles: World War Two letters would have locations and future battle plans censored out. Few bodies were returned from the Philippines to the United Sates for interment. No, World War Two wasn’t “over for all intents and purposes” with the liberation of the Philippines, and it would be naïve to think mustering out “just a formality”, and, yes, the Department of War, later Defense, would have cared.
“A body can learn more with his mouth closed than with it open.”
Overtly Christian, this tale will still engage and even entertain a variety of readers. Suitable for young adult readers.
“Truth always has a way of finding the surface.”
A well-conceived, well-developed tale of faith and perception set in the golden years shortly after World War Two. Storm creates a subtle sense of time and place throughout his story. A world without computers, cell phones, cable and internet suggests a slow pace which turns out to be as illusive for them as for us with all our labor-saving gadgets.
“Confusion put an arm around Luke’s shoulder.”
The characters are complex and real … mostly. We share the point of view of several characters will no doubt whose head we’re in and an adequate sense of certainty and confusion as appropriate. The varied cast avoids obvious stereotypes while providing realistic depth to most characters.
“Is the right way to do things always the right thing to do?”
Despite the best efforts of the good guys, things just keep getting worse. Their opposition seems a step ahead of them at every turn. You’d think they’d quit underestimating their opponents. The climax, while not predictable, was just a bit too easy.
“…picking at a big hive with a short stick.”
Quibbles: World War Two letters would have locations and future battle plans censored out. Few bodies were returned from the Philippines to the United Sates for interment. No, World War Two wasn’t “over for all intents and purposes” with the liberation of the Philippines, and it would be naïve to think mustering out “just a formality”, and, yes, the Department of War, later Defense, would have cared.
“A body can learn more with his mouth closed than with it open.”
Overtly Christian, this tale will still engage and even entertain a variety of readers. Suitable for young adult readers.
“Truth always has a way of finding the surface.”
September 21, 2015
This is a first book by author Buck Storm and I say, "keep 'em coming!"
Thanks for letting me win it on Goodreads.
The characters were fun and interesting. The storyline was enthralling and the setting intriguing.
The author has the ability to be beautifully descriptive but not boring or overwhelming. Surprises until the end kept coming keeping me turning the pages to see what was next.
This book involves religion, criminals, love, healing and just plain fun. I loved Luke, Ruby, Josiah, Esperanza, Mort and Paco and every minute of my journey through their lives in the year 1951 in Paradise, AZ.
Thanks for letting me win it on Goodreads.
The characters were fun and interesting. The storyline was enthralling and the setting intriguing.
The author has the ability to be beautifully descriptive but not boring or overwhelming. Surprises until the end kept coming keeping me turning the pages to see what was next.
This book involves religion, criminals, love, healing and just plain fun. I loved Luke, Ruby, Josiah, Esperanza, Mort and Paco and every minute of my journey through their lives in the year 1951 in Paradise, AZ.
March 6, 2016
Recommended for fans of Miracle in a Dry Season and The Shack.
Buck Storm's debut novel is full of rich characters, both good and evil, in a small town in eastern Arizona. I especially enjoyed Mort for his knowledge and dry humor. The main character is the chief of police and runs up against a number of miracles occurring in his town.
Overall, it was a good read.
Actual number of pages: 315
Buck Storm's debut novel is full of rich characters, both good and evil, in a small town in eastern Arizona. I especially enjoyed Mort for his knowledge and dry humor. The main character is the chief of police and runs up against a number of miracles occurring in his town.
Overall, it was a good read.
Actual number of pages: 315
September 11, 2015
The Miracle Man by Buck Storm
The main characters in this book are comfortable, down-home folk; but even in the town of Paradise, Arizona, ugliness raises its claws to destroy what is good.
Luke Hollis was the embodiment of law for the town. As chief of police, Luke kept an eye on everything and everyone around him. Most of all he kept both eyes on Ruby Brooks, the church organist.
Luke had stood up to some tough hombres but he had never faced evil like he was about to, cloaked in the garments of religion.
When miracles began to happen in Paradise, someone decided to exploit those who wanted a miracle.
Several people lost sight of what was the mission of the church and how far someone could detour from that mission. Greed and pride became close friends with the pastor and those influencing him. Good wars against evil, striving to bring the town back to normalcy. Evil is determined to win.
Storm not only tells an interesting story with believable characters, he weaves a mystery. Who is responsible for the miracles anyway? An enjoyable read and yet the story shows how gullible people can be even when lies abound.
The main characters in this book are comfortable, down-home folk; but even in the town of Paradise, Arizona, ugliness raises its claws to destroy what is good.
Luke Hollis was the embodiment of law for the town. As chief of police, Luke kept an eye on everything and everyone around him. Most of all he kept both eyes on Ruby Brooks, the church organist.
Luke had stood up to some tough hombres but he had never faced evil like he was about to, cloaked in the garments of religion.
When miracles began to happen in Paradise, someone decided to exploit those who wanted a miracle.
Several people lost sight of what was the mission of the church and how far someone could detour from that mission. Greed and pride became close friends with the pastor and those influencing him. Good wars against evil, striving to bring the town back to normalcy. Evil is determined to win.
Storm not only tells an interesting story with believable characters, he weaves a mystery. Who is responsible for the miracles anyway? An enjoyable read and yet the story shows how gullible people can be even when lies abound.
February 11, 2016
"Let go of the rope"
This book will take you places that you didn't even think about going..... it will make you take a good hard look at what you believe, and why. The setting is a small town, post WWII. A beautiful woman, mourning the loss of her (home town hero) fiance, a mysterious man with ties to both, a widow and the two men who want to catch her eye; namely a charismatic preacher and the police chief. Add an orphaned immigrant boy that wakes up in the widow's flowers, a Scripturally savvy blind man, and a plethora of the criminal element, now you have everything you need for some very good reading.
What is real? What is true? What is right? Put your faith in God, and just let go of the rope.
This book will take you places that you didn't even think about going..... it will make you take a good hard look at what you believe, and why. The setting is a small town, post WWII. A beautiful woman, mourning the loss of her (home town hero) fiance, a mysterious man with ties to both, a widow and the two men who want to catch her eye; namely a charismatic preacher and the police chief. Add an orphaned immigrant boy that wakes up in the widow's flowers, a Scripturally savvy blind man, and a plethora of the criminal element, now you have everything you need for some very good reading.
What is real? What is true? What is right? Put your faith in God, and just let go of the rope.
February 2, 2016
The Miracle Man. Who is he? Is he Whitey, the preacher? Is he Josiah, the stranger in town? Is he Luke, the chief of police? Will Luke ever let Ruby, the dispatcher know how he feels? Will Josiah win the girl he learned to love thru letters during wartime? Will the citizens of Paradise, Arizona learn and accept the real Miracle Man? This book is full of twists and turn. It will keep surprising you from the beginning to the end. I look forward another book by Buck Storm. Thank you Goodreads for picking me as a winner.
February 23, 2016
What a completely engrossing, fun, exciting, lovely adventure! I absolutely adored this story. Buck Storm's Paradise is that little town we all know, with colorful quirky people, confronted with something much bigger than their sleepy lives. It's a page-turner without being pushy or over-done. I loved the language and the imagery was perfect. In short and without spoiling it for you, I just really liked it and I can't wait to share it. Thanks Buck for the book!
Note: I received this (signed!) book from a GoodReads First Reads Giveaway.
Note: I received this (signed!) book from a GoodReads First Reads Giveaway.
August 1, 2015
The Miracle Man by Buck Storm is the best book I've read in a long time. It is so well-written and the characters come alive on the page. I couldn't put it down. My kindle kept running low battery, so I'd plug it in long enough to charge it a little and read until the battery was low again. I did this until I finished it. Several twists in the plot were so good, they kept you mesmerized. You won't be disappointed if you purchase this book...
May 12, 2015
A stranger appears in town and a miracle happens. Is it a coincidence? A preacher comes to "coach" the town's pastor but he seems evil. The sheriff gets his faith put to the test and finds it with the help of the mysterious stranger and a blind man. This book will make you laugh, and it will make you think, all in a comfortable read in a sleepy town. Great book!
July 10, 2015
Vivid and engaging characters and locale drive a story that at several points (especially the end) you will find hard to put down.
Plenty of human drama without gimmicks keeps it lively. And there's a good touch of humor in the right places.
Opens up more than one spiritual can o' worms via thought provocation rather than preaching.
Plenty of human drama without gimmicks keeps it lively. And there's a good touch of humor in the right places.
Opens up more than one spiritual can o' worms via thought provocation rather than preaching.
February 25, 2016
Breath of Fresh Air
This book grabbed me right off but I had it figured all wrong. There's so many good lessons, a who-done-it, a love story and a story about love. Just an enjoyable journey through these pages.
This book grabbed me right off but I had it figured all wrong. There's so many good lessons, a who-done-it, a love story and a story about love. Just an enjoyable journey through these pages.
February 3, 2016
Do You Believe in Miracles
An excellent read written by Buck Storm. Could these events have happened or was it just the writer's imagination. Read.
An excellent read written by Buck Storm. Could these events have happened or was it just the writer's imagination. Read.
February 28, 2018
Interesting
This is definitely a story... a fictional tale describing a clash between good and evil. I liked the descriptions of the little things, those extra tidbits of info that set for the mood. I liked the backstories and the unfolding thoughts of various characters. I do like stories that could be real, and someone gifted with healing who didn’t even ask for it or is close to God is far-fetched, and also another character with such super insight, but then, it’s a story. You get surprise twists along with an excellent description of how good got twisted for evil. Cleverly done. I really liked the courage of the hero and his personal thoughts. I liked all the good characters a lot, and also the redemption of one gone astray. The title is accurate...an unbelievable story of love, laughs, and redemption. Go ahead and enjoy it.
This is definitely a story... a fictional tale describing a clash between good and evil. I liked the descriptions of the little things, those extra tidbits of info that set for the mood. I liked the backstories and the unfolding thoughts of various characters. I do like stories that could be real, and someone gifted with healing who didn’t even ask for it or is close to God is far-fetched, and also another character with such super insight, but then, it’s a story. You get surprise twists along with an excellent description of how good got twisted for evil. Cleverly done. I really liked the courage of the hero and his personal thoughts. I liked all the good characters a lot, and also the redemption of one gone astray. The title is accurate...an unbelievable story of love, laughs, and redemption. Go ahead and enjoy it.
May 5, 2017
This book is about good and evil. What appears as good at first can really be evil. I love books that have things happen that can't be explained. Is it God? a human? or the devil? The story is well told with well developed characters. You can feel the emotion of every one of them. By the end of the book, you want to jump into the pages and do the bad guy in yourself. But not to worry, he gets what's coming to him. And in the end, I don't think he'll be able to squirm out of it.
March 11, 2019
Do You Believe in Miracles?
When I read a really good book, I don't pay attention to spelling or even grammar. I get lost in the story, I can see the scenes play out in my head. This is one of those books. The "can't put it down" kind of story. There is one phrase that really stood out. "Our eyes see dimly" . This side of heaven, our eyes are dim and we won't see clearly until after. There is so much to learn from this book. So, really, let go of the rope.
When I read a really good book, I don't pay attention to spelling or even grammar. I get lost in the story, I can see the scenes play out in my head. This is one of those books. The "can't put it down" kind of story. There is one phrase that really stood out. "Our eyes see dimly" . This side of heaven, our eyes are dim and we won't see clearly until after. There is so much to learn from this book. So, really, let go of the rope.
January 31, 2021
Unexpectedly enjoyable! Surely, the author's name is a pseudonym, but maybe not. This book is full of surprises, so who knows? Maybe the name is real. Yes, there is some religious "stuff" in this book, but it's delightfully not preachy. There are heroes and villains and wonderful characters and it's laced with humor. A bonus for me is that it's set in the Southwest, my favorite part of the US.
May 26, 2017
One of the best I've read
This book pulls the reader deep into the lives of the characters, and you feel like you know them before the story ends. So full of hope and with a great surprise finish. I loved it so much I even looked for Paradise AZ on the map! Don't skip this one!
This book pulls the reader deep into the lives of the characters, and you feel like you know them before the story ends. So full of hope and with a great surprise finish. I loved it so much I even looked for Paradise AZ on the map! Don't skip this one!
April 27, 2018
Beautifully written.
I couldn't put this book down. It was so refreshing to read this book. It kind of restored my faith. Characters were well developed and larger than life. I was hoping there would be a sequel but I'll have to be satisfied with another Buck Storm book "Truck Stop Jesus."
I couldn't put this book down. It was so refreshing to read this book. It kind of restored my faith. Characters were well developed and larger than life. I was hoping there would be a sequel but I'll have to be satisfied with another Buck Storm book "Truck Stop Jesus."
September 23, 2018
FAITH AND TRUST
This is a GREAT story. Great characters, plot, theme and the storyline is even better. This story had a little of every thing, but what stands out most, to this reader, is a powerful question, well two questions. Which are, where is our faith, and exactly Who is the Author of our FAITH. BUCK Storm I truly THANK YOU for this story.
This is a GREAT story. Great characters, plot, theme and the storyline is even better. This story had a little of every thing, but what stands out most, to this reader, is a powerful question, well two questions. Which are, where is our faith, and exactly Who is the Author of our FAITH. BUCK Storm I truly THANK YOU for this story.
June 17, 2019
I found this to be a real gem. The characters were earnest, fallible, quirky, and evil, all of them kept my attention. There was enough suspense to keep me reading eagerly. I was surprised at the climax of the story, which added to the pleasure. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s style and pacing. I hope he keeps writing. He’s a refreshing voice in Christian fiction.
June 12, 2023
I really enjoyed this!!! I loved seeing some familiar last names--ancestors of characters we meet in the _Ballads of Paradise_ series, perhaps?--and connecting the dots. Defo not needed to read _Ballads of Paradise_ first; that was more an Easter egg than anything else--but an added bonus for sure! Super fun.
It's a thought-provoking read, for sure; Storm writes well and I'm so glad I have plenty of books to binge now. :)
It's a thought-provoking read, for sure; Storm writes well and I'm so glad I have plenty of books to binge now. :)
June 13, 2019
Great book!
I really enjoyed this story! The characters were great! Loved the description of Whitey's dance!! Hop-shuffle!! Luke and Ruby, Josiah and Esperanza, Mort and Paco! Small town living at it's best!!
I really enjoyed this story! The characters were great! Loved the description of Whitey's dance!! Hop-shuffle!! Luke and Ruby, Josiah and Esperanza, Mort and Paco! Small town living at it's best!!
June 25, 2017
A beautiful wonderfully written story
adventure, humor and serious all wrapped in one. I loved it.
I can't read another one by him. Really good
adventure, humor and serious all wrapped in one. I loved it.
I can't read another one by him. Really good
July 25, 2017
this was a great read. I had a hard time putting it down.
August 15, 2017
Compelling. Good read.
December 24, 2017
Wonderful story!
I almost gave up on this book, and all of a sudden, it turned into a book I didn't want to put down! One of the best stories I've ever read!
I almost gave up on this book, and all of a sudden, it turned into a book I didn't want to put down! One of the best stories I've ever read!
April 17, 2018
Great book
not a great beginning but so glad I stuck with it. Turned out to be a wonderful read with nice twists to the plot. Would highly recommend.
not a great beginning but so glad I stuck with it. Turned out to be a wonderful read with nice twists to the plot. Would highly recommend.
July 8, 2019
Loved it!
I enjoyed this book a lot mostly because the characters were interesting and the story flowed very well. Looking forward to reading more from this author
I enjoyed this book a lot mostly because the characters were interesting and the story flowed very well. Looking forward to reading more from this author
October 1, 2021
The Miracle Man
This is a pretty good book. Simple in some regards but a good conquers evil story. Definitely a Christian theme and message. I liked it.
This is a pretty good book. Simple in some regards but a good conquers evil story. Definitely a Christian theme and message. I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews