A Quiet Roar
Randall Arthur
Life Image Publishers, 2018
Randall Arthur, who has written several novels and non-fiction books, has envisioned a complex tale that takes the reader from a small Baptist church in a small Georgia town to a ministry in Mali that ends up in the crosshairs of a group of terrorists. They’re not happy about the work to end a cruel practice directed at Muslim women.
Back in Georgia, a controversial denominational subject — women serving as pastor — unleashes division in the church. In addition, efforts to integrate the congregation are met with some resistance, and long-hidden secrets are about to turn things upside down for a couple of characters.
Mix of light moments, brutality
Although people are responding to the pastor’s messages and growing in their walk with the Lord, danger and disruption lurk. In fact, the buzz about new pastor Kathleen Rose is generating such interest that terrorists may make a visit themselves.
“A Quiet Roar” is mixed with both light moments and almost unbearable brutality. At times, the character development seems to be missing depth that would create more realism in the cast of townsfolk. One of the key individuals, for example, has suffered unimaginable trauma one would think to have greater impact on how she handles herself.
But the author gets the job done overall in providing the reader with Christian fiction that delves into ministerial callings, scriptural teachings, spiritual growth and evil opposition.
