Broken Bonds Pre-Order Announcement

My newest novel is now available for purchase!

Sep 30, 2024

There have been a lot of moments in the history of moments, but few moments have ever momented as hard as this one. That’s right, friends: Broken Bonds: A Novel of the Reformation can now be pre-ordered on Amazon.com. For $19.95 (or $31.95 if you prefer hardcover) you can be the proud owner of all 328 pages of my narrative examination of the lives of Desiderius Erasmus, Martin Luther, and Philip Melanchthon in the turbulent period 1524-5.

Now, perhaps you are thinking, “I don’t read a lot of fiction.” Fear not! This book relates very real events through a fictional guise, so it allows you to read about history while pretending to read a novel and thereby impressing any literary-minded friends you might have.

Perhaps you are thinking, “I don’t read a lot about history. Only the present day interests me.” Ah! But what if I wrote a book all about the vast and sweeping changes in society, the hollowing out of historic institutions, novel thinking about sex and gender, geopolitical conflict, and the fracturing of evangelical Christianity into polarized cliques. Would you read that book? You would?! Perfect. It’s the same book.

Perhaps you are thinking, “I don’t know anything about the Reformation.” No worries! My editor, Kristina, was as much in the dark as you, and she still claimed to enjoy it. If she can make that claim after being paid to read the book, surely you will be inclined to do so after you have invested your own hard-earned money. After all, you don’t want to suffer social disgrace.

Perhaps you are thinking, “I’m not Lutheran. Would I enjoy this book?” Well, I’m not Lutheran either, and I enjoy it. Therefore, ipso facto, you too can enjoy it.

Perhaps you are thinking, “I’m not Catholic. Would I enjoy this book?” Well, I’m pretty sure the current pope would enjoy it if he read it, so you’ll be in good hypothetical company when you do as well.

God forbid, you might even be thinking, “I don’t read books.” Don’t worry: I thought of you too! This book is only half as long as my previous novels. Your short attention span is near and dear to my heart. If ever you might give me a chance, do it with this book, because any future ones are likely to be massive again.

All kidding aside, this book is a very special project for me, containing so much of what I have thought and felt over the past few years. There is suffering and triumph in this book. It has made me a better person. My great hope is that it might edify and encourage those who read. For in times of uncertainty, there is great value in revisiting the tales of the past. The world has always been uncertain, and the hope of humanity has always been the same.

In the coming weeks, I will share a sample from the book and examine some of its themes, all leading up to the release date: November 12. I am so delighted to share this journey with all of you, my lovely readers. Whether you purchase the book or not, know that I am grateful for the gift of your time. Every voice in this world longs to be heard, and you have taken the time to listen.