What do you think?
Rate this book
Amari Johnston #3
Sixty-Five Roses
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disease with no cure. And for a dying little girl with this illness, there is only one hope—an ancient Christian relic with an astonishing power to heal.
Amari Johnston is a feisty private investigator fresh out of college. Her boyfriend is a brilliant experimental physicist named Kevin Brenner. They’re both on the payroll of wealthy philanthropist Ernesto Galliano.
While staying at Ernesto’s estate, Amari befriends an endearing four-year-old foster child named Kathleen. But Kathleen isn’t like the other foster children staying at the estate. She has a severe case of cystic fibrosis, and Amari is desperate to find a cure. She researches the latest medical advances, but after learning that effective treatment is decades away, she nearly gives up hope.
Meanwhile, inside the restoration laboratory of the Royal Ontario Museum, a conservator discovers a relic with miraculous healing powers, a scrap of cloth from the robe of Jesus Christ.
When the conservator is fired, and the relic goes missing, Ernesto sends Amari and her father, retired homicide detective, Pete Johnston, to Toronto to investigate the case. After the relic is seemingly destroyed, Amari and her father return to Fresno empty-handed—until a faith healer with seemingly miraculous power makes headline news.
Desperate to recover the cloth, Amari and Kevin track the miracle cloth across the country. Meanwhile, Kathleen lies dying in the intensive care unit. Will they find the cloth in time? And what happens when a life-threatening injury leaves Amari with her own desperate need of the cloth’s healing power?
Although this novel is volume 3 of the Amari Johnston series, it can easily be read as a standalone title.
Amari Johnston is a feisty private investigator fresh out of college. Her boyfriend is a brilliant experimental physicist named Kevin Brenner. They’re both on the payroll of wealthy philanthropist Ernesto Galliano.
While staying at Ernesto’s estate, Amari befriends an endearing four-year-old foster child named Kathleen. But Kathleen isn’t like the other foster children staying at the estate. She has a severe case of cystic fibrosis, and Amari is desperate to find a cure. She researches the latest medical advances, but after learning that effective treatment is decades away, she nearly gives up hope.
Meanwhile, inside the restoration laboratory of the Royal Ontario Museum, a conservator discovers a relic with miraculous healing powers, a scrap of cloth from the robe of Jesus Christ.
When the conservator is fired, and the relic goes missing, Ernesto sends Amari and her father, retired homicide detective, Pete Johnston, to Toronto to investigate the case. After the relic is seemingly destroyed, Amari and her father return to Fresno empty-handed—until a faith healer with seemingly miraculous power makes headline news.
Desperate to recover the cloth, Amari and Kevin track the miracle cloth across the country. Meanwhile, Kathleen lies dying in the intensive care unit. Will they find the cloth in time? And what happens when a life-threatening injury leaves Amari with her own desperate need of the cloth’s healing power?
Although this novel is volume 3 of the Amari Johnston series, it can easily be read as a standalone title.
- GenresMysteryChristian Fiction
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2020
187 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
R.A. Williams
10 books37 followersR.A. Williams draws from his educational background in psychology and sociology to write compelling, thought-provoking Christian fiction that falls outside of mainstream expectations. He strives to pull the reader through the full range of human emotion, adding just the right dose of humor for comic relief. His fiction reveals not just the characters' actions but the psychological motives behind those actions.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
His published works include these novels: The Class of 86, The Gospel According to Todd, Carbon-14: The Shroud of Turin, The Cult of New Caanan, Sixty-Five Roses, First Cause, Cradle of Life, The Near-Death Experience of Justin Parks, and The Blindsight of Grace. His shorter works have appeared in The Christian Communicator, Encounters With God, and Dreams and Visions. His interests include psychology, Biblical history, finger-style guitar, and religious relics such as The Shroud of Turin. He lives in Tennessee with his wife, daughter, and beagle.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Want to Read
July 27, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/27/2020)! 🎁
September 6, 2020
This was the second book I've read by R.A. Williams. The title of the book, Sixty-Five Roses, is a common deviation for cystic fibrous, a disease that affects the lungs and other body systems. I know friends who have this disease. This is a story of a piece of the hem of Jesus's cloak that has healing powers. Amari is a young woman, soon to be married, who works for a rich man who gives his money to charities and needy individuals. She investigates the report of the discovery of an ancient burial bones box, that was found to have the piece of the cloak inside. That starts a chain of events of intrigue and mystery of trying to find the cloak as it changes hands through several thefts. She wants the cloak to heal a four-year-old girl who has cystic fibrous. It's a good read and the storyline keeps you wondering what's going to happen next. I recommend this book.
August 17, 2024
AD 33 - Jerusalem
1990 - Fresno, CA
This was a fascinating story of an artifact from the time of Christ which was stolen from a museum, leading to a murder and a suspenseful chase to find the thief.
I was tracking pretty well until…
Suspenseful and interesting plot, but I doubt I’ll read previous books, nor following ones.
1990 - Fresno, CA
This was a fascinating story of an artifact from the time of Christ which was stolen from a museum, leading to a murder and a suspenseful chase to find the thief.
I was tracking pretty well until…
Suspenseful and interesting plot, but I doubt I’ll read previous books, nor following ones.
May 23, 2024
Amazing
Lots of really interesting information included in the story. A story that keeps you moving from one tension-charged scene to the next. The premise is a great one. What they go through to resolve it is very frustrating and dangerous. Would love to be able to do what they do, make a difference in people's lives without asking for a return. Liked how it ended up. A new author for me. Looking forward to reading more of his work if it's like this.
Lots of really interesting information included in the story. A story that keeps you moving from one tension-charged scene to the next. The premise is a great one. What they go through to resolve it is very frustrating and dangerous. Would love to be able to do what they do, make a difference in people's lives without asking for a return. Liked how it ended up. A new author for me. Looking forward to reading more of his work if it's like this.
March 12, 2021
Good plot; nasty detective; out of control heroine; lots of good investigative thinking; some interesting conversations on the healing power of religious relics; a sweet very sick 4-year-old; an uncalled-for murder; excuses made because God probably willed it; and lots of travel. Oh, and a forth-coming marriage. Overall, I didn't like the characters but the plot intrigued.
November 15, 2020
Wonderfully Uplifting
A wonderful story with good characters and full of hope. I enjoyed the family dynamics, the action, the magical use of wealth in a healthy way and the mystery and possibility. A good read.
A wonderful story with good characters and full of hope. I enjoyed the family dynamics, the action, the magical use of wealth in a healthy way and the mystery and possibility. A good read.
January 14, 2021
A fine novel
This book was not only entertaining, interesting, but keep you waiting to see what would happen next. Mr. Williams is a great writer and prepared well for the assignment. Anyone who likes adventure would love 💘 this book.
This book was not only entertaining, interesting, but keep you waiting to see what would happen next. Mr. Williams is a great writer and prepared well for the assignment. Anyone who likes adventure would love 💘 this book.
May 13, 2022
I learned about this disease, while reading the 2nd book in this series.
It seems to be mostly ( not totally from a Catholic perspective, which I am not, nor ever have been.
Nevertheless there are some interesting dialogues about why bad things happen, and where is God when it happens.
It seems to be mostly ( not totally from a Catholic perspective, which I am not, nor ever have been.
Nevertheless there are some interesting dialogues about why bad things happen, and where is God when it happens.
May 26, 2024
Should be a movie!
Story line was fantastic. Characters were believable. No curse words or unnecessary sex scenes. Every action had a believable reaction. Totally enjoyed the respite from every day life it gave me. Thank you
Story line was fantastic. Characters were believable. No curse words or unnecessary sex scenes. Every action had a believable reaction. Totally enjoyed the respite from every day life it gave me. Thank you
September 23, 2025
Pretty good
If you go with the imagination one can see a young lady doing everything the main character does. Honestly, I can see it only happening in a book. But that allows for the storyline to take over and draw the reader into the story. Was worth reading through though.
If you go with the imagination one can see a young lady doing everything the main character does. Honestly, I can see it only happening in a book. But that allows for the storyline to take over and draw the reader into the story. Was worth reading through though.
October 9, 2025
Another great story
I have read the two earlier books in this series and will definitely read the next two. The writing holds my interest and I also feel that I grow spiritually with each book.
I have read the two earlier books in this series and will definitely read the next two. The writing holds my interest and I also feel that I grow spiritually with each book.
March 20, 2020
Faith and excitement!
Plenty of faith and excitement with a history lesson thrown in for good measure. I liked it and look forward to reading more.
Plenty of faith and excitement with a history lesson thrown in for good measure. I liked it and look forward to reading more.
March 25, 2020
Sixty five Roses
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were great, the storyline exciting and fast paced. Going to read the other books in the series.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were great, the storyline exciting and fast paced. Going to read the other books in the series.
February 23, 2021
At first
I didn't know if it was really.my type of book but the more I got into it the more I liked it and it was so interesting and beautiful. A pleasure to read.
I didn't know if it was really.my type of book but the more I got into it the more I liked it and it was so interesting and beautiful. A pleasure to read.
April 28, 2021
Mystery and religion. Can't get better.
I like the opposites of the two main characters . Certainly the world needs people like Ernesto.
Can't wait for the next adventure.
I like the opposites of the two main characters . Certainly the world needs people like Ernesto.
Can't wait for the next adventure.
October 25, 2021
what a fab story with charm and funny bits heart feelings and more just goes to show how some things are not heard correctly . I dont usualy read stories that are religouse but this one was fab
June 24, 2024
Fantastic as usual
Clean mystery with a Christian base but not preachy. I have read three of the Smart Johnston books so far and have loved them all.
Clean mystery with a Christian base but not preachy. I have read three of the Smart Johnston books so far and have loved them all.
February 24, 2021
Biblical history and lessons tied to intrigue and close death encounters. It went on a little long.
July 6, 2025
#BookReviewFriday
#2025readingchallenge
#32aquest
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
# 32 A Quest
Book: Sixty-Five Roses
Author: R. A. Williams
I started the third book in this series because even though I received all four of the first four books in the series for free, this one spoke to me most. I figured if I like it, I'll just go back and read one and two and hopefully there won't be too many spoilers.
Well there were spoilers. I'll never understand why authors recap prior books within the story if it has no bearing on the story being told. You effectively cut down on readers picking up other books that way.
I think Mr. Williams is a great writer, but I believe men struggle to write strong women. Amari is supposed to be tough, but a lot of times it comes off as rude, mean, spoiled, entitled, I just didn't like it. She was often angry and had outbursts like a child.
The opposites attract trope could work, but here, it didn't. Her fiance is a smart slob (and she treats him as such) and she's a bad take no prisoners kinda gal. I see couples like this and think DIVORCE!
I also felt like they were the worst investigating team. Things that were super obvious were missed or explained in so much detail, that it covered several pages. The language used often didn't match the situation, and not in a comedic way.
All that said. I think Mr. Williams is a good writer, and I like the idea of Amari growing in to a better person and detective. I also like the fact that they are like a religious crime unit. I could get in to that if the main character grew.
I am not sure if I will continue the series, but if you do, start from book one.
Join my reading challenge! Scripture Literature - You are what you Read on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
#2025readingchallenge
#32aquest
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
# 32 A Quest
Book: Sixty-Five Roses
Author: R. A. Williams
I started the third book in this series because even though I received all four of the first four books in the series for free, this one spoke to me most. I figured if I like it, I'll just go back and read one and two and hopefully there won't be too many spoilers.
Well there were spoilers. I'll never understand why authors recap prior books within the story if it has no bearing on the story being told. You effectively cut down on readers picking up other books that way.
I think Mr. Williams is a great writer, but I believe men struggle to write strong women. Amari is supposed to be tough, but a lot of times it comes off as rude, mean, spoiled, entitled, I just didn't like it. She was often angry and had outbursts like a child.
The opposites attract trope could work, but here, it didn't. Her fiance is a smart slob (and she treats him as such) and she's a bad take no prisoners kinda gal. I see couples like this and think DIVORCE!
I also felt like they were the worst investigating team. Things that were super obvious were missed or explained in so much detail, that it covered several pages. The language used often didn't match the situation, and not in a comedic way.
All that said. I think Mr. Williams is a good writer, and I like the idea of Amari growing in to a better person and detective. I also like the fact that they are like a religious crime unit. I could get in to that if the main character grew.
I am not sure if I will continue the series, but if you do, start from book one.
Join my reading challenge! Scripture Literature - You are what you Read on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/share/3WYas3...
June 27, 2021
As the author of this novel, I admit I’m biased. But of all the novels I’ve published or am currently writing, this is my favorite. The reason is simple. It’s very personal to me. I have worked at a Children’s Hospital for over twenty-five years. I’ve worked toward healing children with not only cystic fibrosis but oncology patients, premature neonates, and children who suffer from other life-threatening conditions. Despite our best efforts, we sometimes lose the battle, and some children don’t survive. Writing this book allowed me to imagine how God might miraculously heal some of these children. At least in my imagination, what seems impossible in reality, becomes possible in fiction. I consider it a blessing and a privilege to share this story with other readers who seem to like it too.
August 9, 2021
Interesting fiction about a woman out to find healing for a four year old girl with Cystic fibrosis.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews