A pair of new reviews have been posted on Amazon. I asked Pastor Phil Eaves and Susan Troselius to review advanced reader copies of Wormwood and Gall, knowing that they had earlier expressed appreciation for A Wretched Man. On one hand, it is fair to say that these are cherry-picked reviewers for that reason, but there was also a level of dread on my part that the latest novel might disappoint and fail to live up to the expectations raised by my first novel.

Phil Eaves is a retired pastor and former St. Olaf College trustee living in Northfield, and he arranged several appearances/book readings on my behalf in that college community when A Wretched Man was first released. His review of Wormwood and Gall “came pouring out after an engaging and delightful adventure in reading your remarkable new book.  I have not written many reviews and it is not exactly my forte so I penned these comments as more of a personal response.” It’s pitch perfect.

The wonder of the Bible is just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, just when you are ready to write a rule or proclaim a doctrine, someone like R. W. Holmen comes along with a refreshingly unique perspective. Using his gifted imagination, astute scholarship and variety of real-life vocational adventures Holmen shows us something new while challenging us to grow from the experience. Don’t get bogged down in whether “Wormwood and Gall” could have actually happened … enter into it! Live the story first, study it later and enjoy the fullness of the journey.

Susan is a colleague at Central Lutheran in Minneapolis. When she heard of the pending publication of the novel, she asked, “Where can  I get a copy?” My response was to offer a “proof copy” in exchange for her feedback. Her review follows under the Amazon heading, “A must-read…historical fiction at its finest”:

After many conversations with R.W. Holmen regarding my anticipation of his next novel, I was delighted to receive the advance reader copy of “Wormwood and Gall.” In this account of Mark, believed to be the author of the first of the four Gospels in the New Testament and, as with “A Wretched Man”, I needed to read slowly and thoughtfully, to savor Holmen’s rich character development and the historical, cultural and societal intricacies he brings to the telling. The gift that Holmen gave me in this book was painting a picture for me of what might have been and how it may, or may not, mesh with my own interpretation of history in this, or any other gospel account. As usual, I have more questions than answers; for now, I will relish the experience of Holmen’s rich and unique perspective of Mark’s journey and those with whom he journeyed.

I am flattered and immensely thankful for the kind words.