With idealism, fervor, and very little knowledge of the actual conditions of warfare, 16-year-old Sandy MKethe enlists in George Washington's army to fight for liberty. Fortunately for Sandy, a seasoned warrior and freeman, Salem Poor, befriends him. With his beloved violin, his trusty longbow, and the knowledgeable Christian Salem at his side, Sandy learns to cope with over-sensitive hearing in the midst of the horrific sounds of war, and grows into a wonderful musician and wise warrior. Sandy matures in his knowledge of the ways of man, and in his Christian life. His adventures include those on land with George Washington and at sea with Captain John Paul Jones. The title, Guns of Providence, refers to both Jones' gallant ship and the Providence which guides Sandy and Salem.
This is the third book in Bond's saga of the M'Kethe family, Faith and Freedom. Those of us who have read the first two books, Guns of Thunder and Guns of the Lion, will be happy to have another episode. However, those who are first meeting with this saga in Guns of Providence will not need the first two books to thoroughly enjoy Sandy M'Kethe's adventures. Salem Poor, one of God's own blessed poor in spirit, sums up the spiritual side of this fascinating, well-researched historical novel: "You'll see Christ in all his loveliness and seeing him thus, youll be so dazzled by his presence and providence in your life that you'll fall at his gracious feet and live out every hour of your life adoring him" (pg. 109). While Sandy is learning this, the reader also gets to experience the thunder and gore of the American Revolution on land and at sea. Author Douglas Bond is a high school English teacher. His expertise with the English language and great interest in Christian history form the warp of this story, while his excellent imagination forms the weft. Donna Eggett, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
