Revisiting aspects of the American Civil War are at the core of two of this week’s selections in Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. One describes an alliance between two old adversaries of the era, and the other reveals the origins of U.S. special forces. Both helped win the conflict for the Union. Another offering predicts dark times ahead for America, and a final non-fiction choice describes the world of books — cowritten by one of America’s favorite storytellers. In fiction, there is the latest in Ace Atkins’ Porter Hayes mystery series with a plot that seems taken from the Investigation Discovery channel.
“Don't Let the Devil Ride: A Novel,” by Ace Atkins (William Morrow)
New York Times bestselling author Ace Atkins’ latest story centers on a woman who hires legendary Memphis private investigator Porter Hayes to find her missing husband after the police seem disinterested — and she gets more than she bargained for. She learns that her husband is not the person he claimed to be, and that both she and her kids may be at risk due to her spouse’s involvement in a dangerous, high-stakes web of international intrigue. Before her husband disappeared, he managed to anger some people who aren’t above exacting their revenge on his wife and family. “How well do you know the people you love? What about your partner? Are you sure?” asks B. Lynn Goodwin in her Amazon review. “In Ace Atkins’ skilled hands, this tale springs to life. Whether you have a taste for gritty Southern noir, well-crafted wit, or international travel, you’ll find yourself turning pages far into the night as his imagination sparks your own.” [Fiction]
“Chorus of the Union: How Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas Set Aside Their Rivalry to Save the Nation,” by Edward Robert McClelland (Pegasus Books)
History recalls Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas as fierce competitors — who took their antagonism for one another out on the debate stage in their race for the White House. But that competition was only part of the story. The two men eventually became allies in their struggle against the 19th century America’s greatest evil — slavery. When Douglas realized his quest to become president was a lost cause, he worked with his former nemesis, initially by asking the slave states to accept Lincoln as their new president. When that failed, he helped Lincoln raise an army to defend and preserve the union. Although the Lincoln-Douglas story is 160 years old, it provides a practical lesson in today’s era of divisive politics: When the election is over, work together in the quest of a more perfect union. “As McClelland thoroughly demonstrates, Douglas was not merely gracious in defeat, but truly magnanimous. The rendering of this unique political saga and its implications is top-notch and worthy of a wide readership,” wrote Kirkus Reviews. “An excellent combination of history and biography with relevance to today’s political climate.” [Nonfiction]
“Pagan America: The Decline of Christianity and the Dark Age to Come,” by John Daniel Davidson (Regnery)
In recent years as we have taken the Christian heritage upon which America was founded for granted: that heritage and culture has been crumbling. The author submits that it’s steadily being replaced with a new paganism, based on a hatred of Christianity. As a result, “America as we know it will come to an end,” Daniel Davidson argues. “Instead of a republic of free citizens, we will be slaves in a pagan empire.” And he points to ubiquitous examples: an acceptance of socialism and dependence on the state; approval of gender fluidity and extreme abortion; and a mockery of Christian beliefs; and there’s nothing we can do to prevent it. We can only brace for it. “Christians cannot simply escape into their little ghettoes,” wrote Casey Chalk in her review in The Federalist. “The Christian religion cannot avoid witnessing in the public square, and its adherents, whether they be doctors, lawyers, teachers, government employees, business owners, or landscapers, cannot help but have their work informed by their faith.” [Nonfiction]
“The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: Their stories are better than the bestsellers,” by James Patterson & Matt Eversmann (Little, Brown and Company)
James Patterson, best known as a No. 1 New York Times bestselling novelist, delves into nonfiction by taking a deep dive into the world of books that’s been a large part of his life for decades. He and Matt Eversmann reveal that the world of librarians and booksellers is much more than that of a mousy, bespectacled woman with a soft voice. A truly great one must play detective, be a treasure hunter, a matchmaker, an advocate, and a visionary. They must be able to bestow their own love of books onto others. Described as “a celebration of the world of books” by Kirkus Reviews, it says the authors “gather first-person testimonies from independent booksellers (including author Judy Blume, who started her Key West store when she was 78); booksellers at chain stores like Barnes & Noble; and school, college, private, and public librarians from around the U.S. and Canada.” Kirkus concludes that it’s “a compendium of warm recollections.” [Nonfiction]
“The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln’s Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby’s Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America’s Special Operations,” by Patrick K. O'Donnell (Atlantic Monthly Press)
When someone mentions U.S. military special force units, we generally think of Army Green Berets and Navy SEALs. But special forces got their start 160 years ago, and arguably changed the course of the American Civil War for the Union. While battles at Gettysburg, Antietam and Shiloh were being fought, spy missions and a shadow, guerrilla war also was being waged by Lincoln’s Jessie Scouts, apart from the war’s major battlefields — and contributed to the Union’s success. “(Author Patrick O’Donnel’s) vivid descriptions of daring raids, narrow escapes, and high-stakes confrontations make ‘The Unvanquished’ read like a Hollywood blockbuster,” said Chad Manske in his GoodReads review. “It’s impossible not to get swept up in the drama and suspense of the story as it unfolds. And it would make for an entertaining movie, too! Pick up a copy today and prepare to be transported back in time to a world of danger, intrigue, and heroism.” [Nonfiction]