The power of a story can ignite faith and change a culture.
Devotions • Novels • Reflections on Faith, Art, Christian Values, and Spiritual Awakenings
I want to introduce my new novel, The Bookbinder’s Signet. (Seeking publisher.)
When published, this will be the first of five in The Curator’s Series.
The series is set in the low country of South Carolina and the Italian Alps. Here are the first two chapters to introduce two of the characters that figure significantly into the novel and series – one a protagonist, the other the antagonist. Below, you can sample the chapters and review a visual that might help you understand more about the novel. I’ll add another three chapters later while awaiting that wonderful publisher!
Enjoy, and please comment below and let me know what you think. Share it on your social media and help me get the word out!
Please let me know your thoughts! Whether you’re seeking devotionals, insights on spiritual awakenings, reflections on literature and art, or ideas to help with personal outreach pursuits; or perhaps you just want to share your story, I’d love to hear from you.
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In the past 25 years:
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Waking Up with the Awakeners
Finding inspiration for the day in the words of the leaders of Spiritual Awakenings. Savonarola and the Power of Truth Unleashed, Florence, Italy 1498 When the real, the genuine truth is revealed to a culture desperate for it, people who…
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Story and Spirit
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Mastering Persuasion: 4 Key Strategies for Writers
Instead, persuasion is bringing the weight of our point of view, our research, and our carefully chosen words, along with our passion and the force of truth to move others to see and do new things.
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How to Use Signal Phrases in Your Essays
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Unlocking Literary Themes: A Student’s Guide
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Mastering Thesis Statements for Strong Essays
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What is going on in Nigeria? Who can stop the slaughter?
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Beginning a Novel
Help me build my bad guy! I have some ideas for some characters and plot lines and I need to see if they work. If you are a writer or a creative in some other ways, this will be much appreciated feedback. I am beginning a new novel this weekend. That really means I’ve been…
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The text explores the significance of architecture, highlighting the creativity involved in constructing both grand structures and modest homes. It reflects on the history of mosaics, particularly in Aquileia, Italy, where artistic expressions celebrate Christian faith and community. The author emphasizes architecture’s role in embodying hope and abundance in life.
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Chapter 3 – The Bookbinder’s Signet
Charleston, South Carolina, USA September, Current Year Dr. Marcus McCord had walked in a fog all week, disappointed to learn the artwork he currently researched had been lost somewhere in Italy. He left his books and notes on the lecturing desk as the students filed out the door to his right and checked his phone…
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Book Cover for The Bookbinder’s Signet (maybe)
This novel is completely written by the author. In no place was the content imagined, written by, edited, revised, or completed with AI. (I hesitated to include this book cover, but others have asked that I find a way to introduce this novel by way of a graphic. My confession is that this book cover…
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Chapter 2 – The Bookbinder’s Signet
The veil of darkness gave him the confidence to slide through the gate, around the hedge of bay laurel and quickly past the garden’s single overhead light. He was sure he could go anywhere. He looked both ways, then tested the door. It was the oldest door and oldest lock he’d ever seen, old and weak. Just like the tired and puny messenger they claim for their god. Locks didn’t matter though. He took the glass cutter from his pocket and scratched a line into the window to the left of the door. He pulled out the plastic packaging tape and followed the line etched into the glass. Then, with a thin pry-bar, he tapped the outline until, with a few clinks, it broke. The sound of the breaking glass meant he was all but inside the museum. He felt a surge of excitement, followed by panic.
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Chapter 1 -The Bookbinder’s Signet
Giorgio tilted his head to the side like he was stretching his neck muscles. He rubbed his shoulder and reached down for a sip from his water bottle. He continued, “Remember, I told you about the man who broke into the church? Si, another one, and this time he vandalized it and stole beautiful artwork. Si, he’s still out there, the thief. I never thought my years would carry me to such a time. Such offenses against a church, against the gift. Bah. The vandal thinks he won.” He made a noise between a groan and a rumble.
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