The Lost Truth

by T.K. Chapin

What if you lost your faith in God?

Clay Roberts longs for the faith he once walked by. The perfect job, a wonderful wife and a princess for a daughter.

One day everything was taken away.

How long can you numb the pain before you can’t anymore? How far does the Great Shepherd let his sheep wander?

The Lost Truth is an inspirational Christian novel and is a modern-day Job story. Inspiring and uplifting, this story shines a light on God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Christians seeking truth will not be able to put down this unforgettable story of redemption.

“Inspirational and thought-provoking!” – Sally912

“A great story as the characters are well developed!” – Kindle Customer Sandra

“After reading this book, I sat back and really thought about all the aspects that happened to Clay and the other characters within the book. There were so many things that touched me…” – RivsterReviews

“Clay was a broken man who was determined to drown his sorrows and pain in his addiction and it was destroying everyone around him. But, it is truly amazing how God set him up to turn back towards Him.” – DD

Genres: Christian Fiction

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2016

About the author

T.K. CHAPIN writes Christian Romance books designed to inspire and tug on your heart strings. He believes that telling stories of faith, love and family help build the faith of Christians and help non-believers see how God can work in the life of believers. He gives all credit for his writing and storytelling ability to God. The majority of the novels take place in and around Spokane Washington, his hometown. Chapin makes his home in the Pacific Northwest and has the pleasure of raising his daughter with his beautiful wife Crystal. To find out more about T.K. Chapin or his books, visit his website at www.tkchapin.com

Reviews

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you can take a flawed, messed up and scarred character and use him to show how magnificent God is, then you have a number one book.

Clay was a broken man who was determined to drown his sorrows and pain in his addiction and it was destroying everyone around him. But, it is truly amazing how God set him up to turn back towards Him. Lost Truth teaches us that sometimes the miracle happens when the fire intensifies and most of the time we are in the valley when we discover true love and forgiveness. When we stop fighting God's plan and surrender to it, that's when the miracle takes place. Yes, there are consequences for our sins and the carnage at times is awful, but God is the Healer, the Lover and the Counselor who can and will restore.

I'm looking forward to the other books in this series and I hope Pastor John gets his own story. I would love to see how God will work in the lives of John and his wife.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay Roberts is a man running from God and trying to drown his pain in a bottle.
This book shows us that even if we run ,we can find redemption, forgiveness and second chances, if we come before the throne of God with humility.
T.K. Chapin always gives us some food for thought in his books and they are a pleasure to read.
I was privileged to receive an advance copy and give my honest opinion.

[Joyful · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this first book of this new series the author, T.K. Chapin, takes a devastating event and shows how God can turn your life around while restoring your faith. Clay's journey was not easy, but he found God's love to be unfailing. The story captivates and has a surprising end. I look forward to further books in this series. This book is an inspirational, enriching, thought-provoking romance. I highly recommend this book. I was given a copy for an honest review.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Chapin never fails to amaze me with how he can take ordinary things we often take for granted, put them in a book at different intervals and pull them all together at the end to make a book filled with inspiration. In true Chapin form he has done it again in “The Lost Truth”.

In this book Clay Roberts lost his way after an incident on his Sunday morning church bus route stop at the Country Corner Trailer Park. He lost not only his family, but also his faith, his home and his job. With no way to support himself he was forced to move in with his sister, Janice, who required him to go to counseling. Clay wanted no part of it, but knew his sister would inforce “tough-love” then he really would be homeless. As he began counseling with his pastor-friend, John, along with long-time friend and therapist, Katie, Kip, a bird with a damaged wing and a boat, his soul and body began to heal.

Once again Mr. Chapin takes devastating events in life and shows how God can turn your life around and restore your faith. He shows the journey is not always easy, but the love of God is unfailing. You will be captivated from the first page as you watch Clay struggle with his demons and lash out at those who love him. For me, the ending of the book was very surprising but most fitting.

This book is inspirational and thought-provoking. It provides a simple guide-line for getting your life with God back on track without being “preachy”…I highly recommend this book. Your life will definitely be enriched for having read it.


Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the author, T.K. Chapin, for an honest review. I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Edward Arrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Clay and his messed up past with his ongoing struggles to overcome all the bad stuff and to turn his life around was riveting. Clay used whiskey as a crutch to combat the emotional and physical pain of past and present failures. Quite honestly, he seemed like a hopeless case as I got into the book. However, unlike many in this world, he was surrounded by people who cared and would not give up on him. As the story unfolds, he discovers that others around him have experienced huge failures in their lives as well. Of all the characters, I admired his sister the most. She puts up with him and his constant turning to the bottle, allowing him to live in her house, knowing he has whiskey hidden in several places. She comments at one point about being a recovering alcoholic herself. Many recovering alcoholics would have probably started drinking again if they had to put up with someone like him. Although the story is primarily Clay’s story, his sister was truly a hero. I recommend this book to anyone who has failed and struggled to get back up, sometimes hardly caring enough to keep trying. The truth will set you free. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Truth
Another Good Read from T.K. Chapin
I enjoyed this book from Page One to the end. From the very beginning unknowns are introduced and grab your curiosity. Woven skillfully throughout the book more clues are revealed that tease the reader and make laying the book down very hard. The characters are well developed and believable as is the plot. Spiritual lessons are clearly seen but not preached. They are presented “in use” which creates a practical view of living Biblical truths in day to day situations. Anyone who likes a good romance, a touch of mystery, and an uplifting story will enjoy this book.

[Celess Dickert · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.K. Chapin did it again! He never ceases to amaze me with his writing. This story is another one that will not be forgotten.

Clay Roberts is a man in pain. Events in his past (and present) have him emotionally, physically, and mentally suffering on a daily basis. He has known God for a long time but gets angry and turns away from God. He tries to drown out the pain with alcohol knowing that it is only a temporary reprieve. Luckily, Clay has family and friends that care about him. He is reminded that God is always with us and we just need to turn back to Him.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love T.K. Chapin books!! This one is absolutely fantastic. Recovering from the lowest point in his life, Clay is facing a rocky road. So many elements come into play in this story. Returning to his relationship with God is the turning point for Clay. The entire story is strongly written and well crafted. Highly recommend. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Rosevine Cottage Girls · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific read by Mr. Chapin. A beautiful story of loss and healing. Well written and gripping. Step into a story of a man that has been beaten by life, broken, hurt, and scared; and a God that is big enough to save- no matter the sin. A truly fantastic read.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. The main characters have problems and baggage like many people do. The story shows how the Lord can help them when they put their trust in the Lord. I was given a copy of the book to read and to provide an honest review.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

T. K. Chapin is 'so male' in the way he writes. I am smiling when I say this because, of course, he is male and because he thinks and writes like a man. This is a great story as the characters are well developed, the story is not predictable and the life of the characters are not all sweet and perfect. They are real individuals with flaws and problems and heartaches and disappointments. I find the writing a little bit over-dramatic, but the plot has surprises and unexpected events.

I am a little confused as the cover on my tablet is different with a picture of a man holding a woman in his arms while kissing her and the book title is 'The Broken Road' but it is the same story as 'the Lost Truth'. I am assuming the cover and book title was changed over time and I am not sure which is the current one, but I definitely like this cover with the boat out in the lake much better.

Well done, T. K.!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a complex story that follows middle-aged Clay through an extremely difficult phase of his life. The author didn’t shy away from the nitty gritty details of addiction, and he did a good job of showing not only the devastation it can bring to a body, but also the pain it causes loved ones. Clay was a pitiful main character indeed, but you couldn’t help but want to see him find his way back to God, overcome his addiction, and experience some joy in his life. This was an inspirational and thought-provoking read, and I was pleased with how it ended. I was given a copy of this book by the author and have given my voluntary and honest opinion.

[wanda webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken life without the faith and trust in God.

This is another WOW! A book with lots of twist and turns. This guy was like a modern day Job. It was amazing how a man of God could get his life so screwed up. It was a result of him thinking he should have control of his life a d soon had more than he could cope with. Thankfully he a stellar moment and realized that he needed to take his burdens to God. Every Christian should read this book. Another late night book. Because you can't stop reading it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book you will read about alcoholism, drug abuse and some very special people. Clay is at the stage of his life where he has no one but Janice to help him. When Katie comes into his life he fights her help. You will feel God working throughout this wonderful story. I had the honor to review this book for a honest review.

[Santina Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Inspirational

The characters in this book undergo serious problems and struggles sometimes doubting their faith. But the author always manages to show they can make it through their trials with God's help!

[Judith Seale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartwarming story!

Clay is a basket case. He has a past that's not letting him move on. On top of that, he has put God in a box. His sister, Janice, tried encouraging him. This is a story of hurt, lack of faith, repentance and love. Wonderful story!

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good inspirational book about a man who list his way after a tragic incident. He finds his way back through his faith.

[Ginger · Rating 5 out of 5]

So common this problem

Growing up in this type of family makes reading them kind of hard but I can relate and know God is always there. Good book with very real characters

[S.campbell8655yahoo.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story ! Highly recommend !

[Emanuel Oncea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read but the story was kind of fake. You couldn't immerse in the story while reading

[Clara K Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book has you emotionally involved in the story the whole way through and yet it powerfully shows the grace and redemption of God. I was not expecting the twist at the very end.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay is living with his sister Janice due to what has happened in his life and to mask the pain he has become an alcoholic. With Janice, Katie, and John's help he is able to overcome his physical and mental pain. It was very hard for me to read this one since it comes so close to home with my son but I am glad that I did and know there is a brighter day coming.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lost Truth by T K Chapin is a contemporary Christian novel and the first in a new series.
There are many themes but the main one is God's love. God loves each and every one of us. Even when we mess up, God still loves us and His grace covers us.
Linked in to the theme of God's love is the subject of fathers. God is our perfect heavenly father and He loves us unconditionally. Earthly fathers are not so perfect but within the book, the reader sees the lengths that Clay goes to to try to be a perfect father.
Events in the past have the ability to make or break us. Clay is a victim of his past. A traumatic happening dominates his life. Clay was angry with God and rather than turn to God, Clay has turned to whisky. The bottle has become his rock and his life is spiralling out of control.
As a Christian, Clay mistakenly believed that he would be protected from bad events, but life is not like that. However in the bad times, we do have a saviour who walks alongside us and who will never leave us.
Within the novel there is an injured bird whom Clay cares for. He names the bird Kip. Kip can be seen as a motif for us. The reader is reminded that God cares for the birds of the field. Kip is safe in his cage but longs to be free. We too, are safe in God's will but when we step out of God's care, life can be dangerous.
There is the theme of forgiveness and grace. Everyone messes up at times and God's grace covers our sins. People will hurt and disappoint us. We need to dispense forgiveness or past events will rule and destroy our present and future.
The novel is written in the first person in the voice of Clay. The reader becomes intimately acquainted with him and his struggles.
I really enjoyed The Lost Truth. T K Chapin's novels are always excellent and grounded in God. He portrays the struggles of ordinary people with ordinary problems. It is easy to empathise with his characters.
A perfect afternoon's reading.

I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

[JaneReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clay had a faith in God before an specific event occurred which started his downward spiral. He lost his family, his job and his home. Clay feels overwhelmed with life and turns to alcohol to ease the pain, however all it does is create more problems. His sister, Janice, provides a place for him to stay but has stipulated that he attend counseling session with a pastor. It is through these sessions and time spent fishing with a friend, that he realizes turning to alcohol is not the answer, the answer is God and trusting him. I enjoyed the redemptive storyline and how it showed that God can take any situation and use it for his will. it is through hard times where we can really see God's love for us. Clay was able to make it through this bad time in his life and see how much he needed God through the support of those around him. Even though they were dealing with issues of their own they made time for Clay and showed him unconditional love. I was a bit lost about the particular incident that happened with Clay, I feel like it was referred to so many times, but not really explained exactly what happened, I feel like I only got bits and pieces at a time that I had to fit together on my own. Also there were a lot of other background pieces going on in the other characters lives that probably would have made the story really long if each event had been detailed but I felt like I wanted to know about them. Maybe these pieces will be picked up in future books. I liked most of the characters but Clay's actions frustrated me so much. It wasn't until I was about 60% through the book that I began to care that things work out for him. I feel like the romance part of the book was rushed and the twist at the end really took me by surprise. I'm not too sure how I feel about it. Overall my favourite thing about the book is the redemptive storyline, God taking the bad in life to show us his love and mercy.

I received this book free in exchange for an honest review.

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Lost Truth: Inspirational Christian Fiction (The Lost Truths Book 1), written by T.K. Chapin, is the first book of The Lost Truths series.

This book introduces us to Clay Roberts. He’s a guy that could be anyone we know…He has a wife, a daughter, a good job, and was a faithful follower of Christ, but then one Sunday morning he went to the Country Corners Trailer Park…life as he knew it would forever be changed.
I loved how Chapin takes this story to a different level than in his other series. He begins this book with the verse from I Peter 2 where it mentions “lost sheep gone astray…” He weaves in the background of why Clay is the way he is today because of an incident that happened. Throughout the story he uses a unique character which helps bring Clay to a point where he has to see what a mess he's made of his life. Clay has been floating along in the boat of the life he created and doesn’t realize he was made to fly...not to be eaten up within the mess he’s made of his life. Chapin takes this character on an adventure through life in search for The Lost Truth…can he actually find it himself or is it a lost cause?

After reading this book, I sat back and really thought about all the aspects that happened to Clay and the other characters within the book. There were so many things that touched me and Chapin was able to really help the reader feel what was going on in their lives. I actually had a dream the night after I read it of the story's continuance! I definitely didn't feel this was a shallow read, but rather one that could make a difference in a life of the reader. Totally recommend this read! I’m looking forward to this series as I hope we’ll find out more of what happened that day that changed Clay and no doubt many other people’s lives.

[Sydney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay Roberts had a great life. That is until he is in an accident from driving drunk and his wife leaves him, taking their little girl with her. Now living with his sister, Clay is in the pits of despair and uses drinking as his “get away.” After being kicked out of rehabilitation, Clay’s sister gets him meeting with a local pastor and an old childhood friend shows up and decides to try to help too. But as much as everyone wants to help Clay, it will ultimately be up to himself to decide whether to stay in his depressed life or to do something better. This story is a bit depressing, but within there is also hope and love from friends, family, and God. T.K. Chapin has written a story that is deep and heart-wrenching, but teaches about loss, failure and change too.

Series: The Lost Truth
Genre: inspirational, romance, Christian
Publisher: Branch Publishing
Publication date: April 5, 2016
Number of pages: 190

Content Rating: PG, drinking, depression
Book Rating: 4 stars

A review copy of this book was provided by T.K. Chapin Street Team.

[Kerry Hedden · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when you put a man in an unthinkable position? This is the story of Clay Roberts, a man that in one instant had his entire life turned upside down. Clay goes from a God fearing family to a man struggling just to make it through the day. He has witnessed an unthinkable act of violence and it has wrecked his soul, his life and his faith.

T.K. Chapin does a great job of writing a story that shows the slow return of his main character to the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. This is the first book in a new series for T.K. and I hope the following books are as well written and developed as The Lost Truth. I especially enjoyed the ending of this book; I did not see that coming at all (no spoilers here). I hope to see what happens with Clay and Katie in the next book.

I was given this book in an EBook format by the author T.K. Chapin for my honest review. You can read all of my reviews at Blessings N Bloggings

[Cheryl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed several of Chapin's other books. I was disappointed in this one, though. In his other books, he shows characters who allow God to work to put their marriages back together despite between extremely broken. In this book, the main character's wife says she wants to get back together after a divorce (granted her she treated him horribly and broke her vows, not to mention her motives are very suspect), but he chooses another woman. I realize many people don't get their happily ever after with their first spouse, but it just rubbed me the wrong way and wasn't what I was expecting after reading so many of the author's previous books. There was also a small character in the book who runs from her marriage to the arms of a previous lover as if it was no big deal. Sorry, this just didn't live up to my hopes.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

With God nothing is impossible, is surely shown in The Lost Truth by T. K. Chapin. I am not going to say that this was what I would not call an easy read. Several times I wanted to give up on Clay. However, Mr. Chapin clearly show how God never does and we shouldn’t either.

The Lost Truth is a compelling story that was hard to read and yet hard to put down, too. While Clay seemingly had lots of support at times, each of these people had their own struggles including his young daughter, Cindy. It amazed me how all of these lives were intertwined.

In the end, the age old question of why God allows bad things to happen to good people is still not clearly answered. What is shown is how people who turn to him can come out stronger as they can depend on Him. I do wish Clay had turned back to Him sooner.

4.5 Stars
The author provided a copy for an honest review.

[Barbara Tsipouras · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever been angry with God? You know He's there, but you don't trust him anymore? Do you really trust that He'll make all things, whatever it is, work together for your good?

Guilt, loss and pain pushed Clay to addiction and away from God. But he can't ignore him forever.
It takes a while until we learn what happend in the trailer park. With the help from his pastor John, his sister, his new friend Peter and his new love Katie Clay finds his way to really trust God.

Believable characters in a slow paced deep story of redemption.

I want to thank Netgalley and Branch Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.