Samuel DenHartog's Blog: The Road to 1,440 - Posts Tagged "christian"

Dear Travelers in Faith and Seekers of Divine Love,

In the canvas of human emotion, few themes are as enduring and profound as the power of love to transcend the boundaries of time, place, and circumstance. It is with a deep sense of humility that I introduce you to my latest literary endeavor, "Resurrection of Love." This novel is a journey back to a pivotal moment in history, where love unfolds amidst the backdrop of ancient Jerusalem's most tumultuous days.

"Resurrection of Love" invites you to walk alongside Eliora and Daniel, two souls drawn together by fate against the backdrop of the final months of Christ's life on Earth. Their tale is one of profound love, unwavering faith, and the resilience of the human spirit, set against the historic events that have shaped millennia of human belief and understanding. Through their eyes, we experience the mysteries, the challenges, and the deep spiritual awakening of a time when the very fabric of society was forever altered.

I invite you to journey with me through the pages of "Resurrection of Love," to explore the depths of human emotion and the unbreakable bonds that connect us across time and history. Let us celebrate the triumph of the spirit, the beauty of love, and the timeless nature of our shared humanity.

With heartfelt warmth,
Samuel DenHartog

I am delighted to announce the publication of my latest book, "Stories from the Old Testament," a collection that brings to life the profound and captivating stories of the Old Testament. Each narrative in this book offers a glimpse into a world where faith, courage, and divine intervention intersect, reflecting the enduring wisdom and moral lessons that have shaped civilizations.

Writing this book was a deeply fulfilling experience as I sought to capture the essence of these ancient tales while making them accessible and engaging for modern readers. From the creation of the world to the dramatic exodus from Egypt, each story is meticulously retold with rich detail and poetic prose. I aimed to honor these narratives' depth and spiritual significance, bringing their timeless messages to life in a way that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.

Within the pages of this book, you will find accounts brimming with miracles, heroism, and profound insights. Whether it’s the steadfast faith of Abraham, the incredible strength of Samson, or the wisdom of Solomon, each tale invites you to explore the rich tapestry of human experience and divine interaction. I invite you to embark on this journey with me, delving into the stories that have inspired and guided generations.

Warm regards,
Samuel DenHartog

Hello, dear readers!

I am pleased to share the release of my latest book, "The Calico Quilt," a heartfelt exploration of Amish life in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. This book invites you into the world of a young Amish girl, Phoebe, as she navigates the rich tapestry of traditions, community, and faith that define her upbringing.

The story captures the essence of a simpler time, where hand-sewn patchwork quilts and the warmth of family ties are central to life. Through Phoebe's eyes, you will witness the beauty of a culture that thrives on humility, hard work, and a deep connection to nature.

In this book, I aimed to bring to life the small yet profound moments that shape the Amish experience. From the vibrant gatherings at quilting bees to the quiet reflection during evening prayers, each scene is woven with care to highlight the enduring traditions that have been cherished for generations. The book also delves into Phoebe's personal growth as she balances her love for her community with her curiosity about the world beyond. I hope this story provides a window into the Amish way of life, allowing readers to appreciate the richness of simplicity and the strength of community bonds.

Warm regards,
Samuel DenHartog

The steady turn of a waterwheel, the scent of freshly milled grain, the creak of a wooden press extracting the last drops of cider—this book is a glimpse into a world where work and faith intertwine. It follows the life of a miller and his family through a summer of labor, learning, and quiet but profound moments of change. With the children home from school, the boys take on new responsibilities at the mill while their sister learns the wisdom passed down through the rhythm of daily chores. The challenges they face are not only in their work but in the decisions that come with an ever-modernizing world pressing at the edges of their close-knit community.

At its heart, this story is about more than just milling grain or pressing apples. It’s about the traditions that hold a family together, the lessons passed down through parables and quiet example, and the resilience required to navigate a world that does not stand still. The Amish way of life is built on discipline and faith, but it is also full of warmth, humor, and the small joys of a well-earned rest at the end of a long day. Through the changing seasons and unexpected hardships, the characters find strength in their work and each other.

Historical details ground the story in an era where cars were beginning to appear on dirt roads, electricity was creeping into rural towns, and yet the water-powered mill remained the heart of its community. These moments of transition create tension and reflection, forcing each character to consider what progress means for them. When illness enters their world, they must rely on their values and their neighbors to find the best path forward, proving that true strength is often found in the quietest acts of perseverance.

I enjoyed bringing this story to life, drawing on historical research and a love for stories celebrating tradition, family, and the beauty of a simple but meaningful life. It’s a journey through one season in a world that feels both distant and familiar, filled with lessons that remain timeless.

There’s something uniquely unsettling about stories where evil doesn’t roar, but whispers. When I first set out to write Subject to Corruption, I wanted to explore that quieter battlefield — the one where ordinary souls are slowly nudged off course by unseen hands. Not through dramatic temptations, but through small, daily choices that seem harmless at first. The idea was to show how the greatest defeats often start with a simple shrug.

Rather than telling a traditional story, I chose the form of personal letters between two demons: a mentor and his student. It gave the work a rawness and intimacy, letting readers feel the slow, grinding efforts to undo a single human life. I wanted readers to laugh sometimes, to feel a creeping unease at others, and to realize that these battles — exaggerated though they are — have shadows in the real world.

Crafting the voice of Vilethorn was a careful balancing act. He had to be clever, cruel, and yet strangely funny in his own way. The tone had to walk a line between dark amusement and genuine philosophical reflection without ever becoming preachy. Every letter became a chance to explore pride, fear, loneliness, self-importance — all the subtle cracks that evil loves to widen.

Stories like this, I believe, are most powerful when they leave space for the reader to recognize themselves. Subject to Corruption is not just a story about a demon and his assignment; it’s a distorted mirror, held up with a crooked grin, inviting the reader to wonder where the real battle lines are drawn.