Dry Bones: Civil War Soldier to Wild West Preacher One Man's Journey from Pain to Purpose

by L Dan Collard

As Civil War soldier, John Austin is thrown into a rat-filled prison; he's sure his life is over. Everything and everyone he once loved and held dear was gone. How could he know God's amazing plan for his life was just beginning? From battlefield hero to Wild West preacher, John's journey takes him from the embattled East Coast to a small, panhandle Texas town in desperate need of hope. Along the way, he encounters a diverse group of people God placed in his path to get John to where he needed to be and keep him from giving up. Upon arriving in Dry Bones, Texas, he finds the only church burned and abandoned. The former pastor had disappeared without a trace and so has the town's faith in God. The battle he now faces to rebuild the church and become the new pastor will be unlike anything he ever experienced in a military uniform. The battle in Dry Bones is a war against good and evil, and it may cost John Austin his life.

178 pages, Paperback

Published December 27, 2022

Reviews

[Elijah Stacks · Rating 5 out of 5]

A solid inaugural entry for this author. The plot is unique, and its premise is intriguing and enjoyable.

[Leea S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an incredible read—one that makes you laugh, cry, and that anyone can relate to. Speaks to the highs and lows of life, and the critical choices one makes on the mountains, in the valleys, and everywhere else in between.

The history, names, locations, and stories have so much thought and research behind them.

I may be biased toward the author, as he’s my father, but this one is well-worth the read. It spoken into my life, and I know it will speak into yours as well.