Time Trials

by Eric Smith

Time Trials is the story of the redemption of Wes Strong. After surviving an abusive father and a devastating loss in his family, he becomes an elite runner in high school and earns an athletic scholarship to Clemson University. Tragedy strikes when he becomes addicted to painkillers and bad decisions land him in prison where he is saved both literally and spiritually by the mysterious Preacher. Preacher enlightens Wes about the New Testament, particularly Romans 8:28. Wes is granted early release, and he becomes a counselor at the Bowers-Rodgers Shelter for Abused Children, where he uses his newfound faith to help others. Another counselor, Roxie, encourages Wes to resume running to set an encouraging example to the children at the Home. During this time, Wes is reconciled to his father who is dying of cancer. As a gift, Wes's coworkers send him to the Boston Marathon, where extraordinary things happen. Afterward, Wes continues to preach Romans 8:28 to all as surprising rewards continue to come his way.

228 pages, Hardcover

Published June 13, 2016

About the author

Eric Smith was born the fifth of six children. He served a full-time English-speaking mission from 2000-2002 in what was then the Illinois Chicago North Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He studied English and earth science education in Rexburg, Idaho, at BYU-Idaho, particularly enjoying and excelling in geology, editing, and English and early-American literature. He earned his teaching certificate and a bachelor of science degree in 2007. He enjoys writing imaginative, critical, and biographical pieces. Some of his favorite books include "The Count of Monte Cristo" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray." In addition to writing and speaking, Eric enjoys tech, superhero lore, folf, firearms, and film, particularly those made by Christopher Nolan and those starring Jimmy Stewart.

Reviews

[Brent Soderstrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won t his book through GoodReads First Read program.

I enjoyed the story of Wes Strong. You get to hear his lows and it ends with Wes reaching a high. Wes grew up with an abusive father-both verbal and physical at times. Wes' father also was abusive to his mother. To vent his anger Wes ran and he became a successful runner getting a scholarship at Clemson to run Cross Country. Wes makes some bad decisions and his life crumbles. He is arrested and convicted of being an accessory to manslaughter. He gets a 6 year sentence and he has to face all you can imagine in prison. Think Shawshank Redemption except in this version God is there. Wes starts to hang out with the Freaks (Jesus Freaks) and he becomes a believer through the efforts of another prisoner everyone calls the Preacher. Preacher even gives up his life for Wes. He keeps drumming into Wes' head Romans 8:28 which really becomes the theme of the book. The first part of the book was my favorite.

The second part of the book covers Wes' life after he gets out of prison. Where he works and how he uses the talents God gave him to bring glory to God. I am not a runner and for those who love to run you will enjoy Smith's description of the races Wes runs in.

Good book that I really enjoyed. Romans 8:28 should be a verse everyone memorizes.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Receiver my copy of Time Trials by Eric Smith - thank you very much!

I enjoyed the novel. The beginning was very interesting and it was so easy to see what happened to Wes. He grew with his new knowledge and made it all work for him. It would be so nice if the same could happen to a whole world of people, who suffer with adversity.

Great Characters, well written.

[Sharon Ivey-Swofford · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good and uplifting book.

[Ptaylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wes Strong's father has always told him he isn't good at anything, so Wes runs. He runs to get away from his home for awhile, to burn up the anger and frustration he feels. He joins the cross-country team in high school and becomes a champion. Wes receives a track scholarship to Clemson and is well on his way to realizing all his dreams. Then he makes some bad decisions, and is found guily of accomplice to manslaughter. He's sent to prison, and feels his life is over. At his lowest point, he turns to God and asks for help. God answers his prayers by sending him to the Preacher, and Wes's attitude is changed. Eric Smith, local author, has written a compelling story with a strong Christian message. An added bonus - Greenwood readers will recognize the locations. Recommended.