Another great book by this author. Yes they are predictable, but he does an excellent job telling a story and they are spiritual as well, but not heavy handed. As an added bonus part of it takes place in Colorado- Leadville and Buena Vista. ( )

3.5 stars. I loved the prodigal son part of this story and all of the focus on there being no such thing as "too far gone." The love story part didn't do so much for me. The book was more focused on Christian themes than other Charles Martin books I've read. ( )

Great book. A wonderful story of redemption and restoration wrapped around and story of music and the dark places of recording. ( )

Charles Martin pulls on heartstrings: his books remind me of the scene in the movie Erin Brockovich, when Erin tells the cancer-stricken family that she won a $5 million judgment for them or the scene in A Beautiful Mind, where John Nash speaks of how his wife's love helped him overcome his mental demons when he accepts his Nobel Prize in economics.

Behind a strikingly beautiful cover is a haunting story of a musical prodigy, raised by his revival preacher father (and his major domo, an ex-con who goes by the nickname, Big-Big), who recognizes his amazing talent, forces him to learn classical piano, and tries to protect him from people seeking to take advantage However, the son Cooper eventually runs off to Nashville, stealing his father's truck, his guitar (Jimmy), and his life savings after a traumatic confrontation. All goes wrong when he gets to Nashville, where he is reduced to a pauper, repairing guitars and being a handyman at the local music theatre. One night, he breaks a principal rule, by playing one of his songs on a rising performer's expensive guitar, who is stunned by his talent. Coop teaches the song to her (Daley Cross) and gives it to when he realizes she performs it better than he. Together, they begin a meteoric rise to fame.

The book is not told in a chronological order, making the reader wonder what could possibly happened to Cooper that he gave it all up to lead a cloistered life back in his hometown of Leadville, Colorado. It is here that fate causes his path to cross with Daley's again. By this time, Coop is better, but she is worse, and he brings her to the hospital. Eventually, we learn what happened to drive the two apart, and why Coop decided to hide from the truth for her benefit.

The two are reunited, but the emotional and physical damage from their departure remains central to they story, but the message that things are never too far gone to be repaired where there is love is uplifting. The scenes with Cooper and old/young Jubal are terrific too. Note: I had to skip the 8 page religious message at the end. ( )

Excellent! Superb! ( )