Redeeming Reputation

Redemption Tales #1

by George H. McVey Sr.

“Ya’ll best be fearin the Preacher. He’ll either change you with religion or send you to Hell hisself. One way or another, when you meet the Preacher you’re gonna be meeting the
Good Lord too, either in your heart or in person. Either way the choice is yours.”
- Joe Cattleman, Franklin Bartender

Nathan Ryder wants nothing more than to get to Redemption,
New Mexico, and start his career as a circuit riding preacher.
He stops to meet up with his grandfather in Franklin, Missouri
only to find that his grandfather has died.

He steps in to save a damsel in distress and at the end of the night
Nathan has gained the reputation as a fast gun hand.
Every time he tries to be who he thinks he’s supposed
to be another gunslinger comes and the body count rises.
Nathan’s anxiety rises with it. How does a man who is called
to save sinners from the pits of hell reconcile that he is
responsible for sending some there personally?

As he continues to try to leave Franklin he wonders
about his own reputation. He’s been saddled with a young
single woman and he worries about her reputation.
How does he fulfill his obligations and still redeem his own reputation?

How will he reconcile his talents with a gun and the reputation
he’s gained with the one he wants to have, as a man of God
and peacemaker? Especially with the area’s most notorious
gunslinger dead set on a showdown.
If he only knew how to have a Redeeming Reputation
instead of the one he stumbled into.

Genres: Christian, Historical, Westerns

Kindle Edition

First published December 28, 2012

About the author

George McVey is a Pastor that grew up in a Christian home. He prayed a prayer of Salvation at the tender age of six and continued in church until his teens. At around age sixteen George became disillusioned with what he saw in church and Christians and began looking for something else. Like so often happens in that situation, he was introduced to the occult and spent the next two years as a practicing Satanist. In his late twenties George returned to the faith of his childhood and soon there after felt the call of God on his life to reach out to young people like he had been. In 1995 George began working as a youth minister and did that for the next five years.
As a youth pastor he has written several youth devotionals and lessons for himself and other part time and volunteer youth pastors as well as two complete youth retreats. He always printed them himself for the retreat members but always dreamed of publishing.
He was ordained in 2000 and became a senior pastor/ church planter in 2001. In 2007 George went from senior pastor to revivalist pastor with an emphasis on spiritual warfare and particularly on prayer walking a community to see spiritual breakthrough and renewal.
In late 2009 Georges ministry focus had shifted to prayer walking and revival coupled with prayer walking. George has taught on the subject many times and led countless prayer walks, and he kept hearing people tell him they would love to have his information in print so In 2010 God moved PG to begin to write. He has written several Bible studies and short stories. His first two books are non-fiction Bible studies. One day he woke up with several characters in his head trying to tell him their stories. He began writing them down.

Reviews

[Pauline Creeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. With the backdrop of the wild west, we have a new hero. Reminiscent of the Lone Ranger, Superman, and Billy Graham all wrapped up in one neat, gun toting package. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I just had to get used to the omniscient point of view that is so rare these days. The character of Nathan Ryder is flawed, yet perfect at the same time. His actions are reasonable, and the author has made him almost as clever as Sherlock himself. On top of all that, he produced a clean read that I can feel good about handing to my 12 year old son. HIGHLY Recommended.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are the first two books in the series.  In “Redeeming Reputation”, we are introduced to Nathan Ryder.  Nathan, it seems, is on his
 way out west to become a traveling preacher on the circuit.  Before he even gets out of town, he receives some news that will change his
 life.  His plan then is to continue on to Redemption, New Mexico to stick with his original plan of spreading the gospel.  Nathan meets up
with all sorts of interesting characters in the town before he heads west, and he picks up a reputation of being a quick gunslinger.  Who all
 joins him on his trek to New Mexico?  Is he really the fastest gunslinger in the west?

Spoilers!!!  “Redeeming Trail” follows up to the end of “Redeeming Reputation” where Nathan and his wagon train have finally headed out
 of town and in the direction of Redemption.  As the wagon train full of characters move on, they are infiltrated by another outlaw set on
 taking Nathan’s reputation away as the fastest gunslinger in the west and will do whatever it takes to disrupt this wagon train.  When the
 group finally reaches Redemption, there’s another battle waiting.  Will the outlaw be the one to finally defeat Nathan?  What dangers
 await the great once they reach Redemption?

I’m not a huge Western fan, but I enjoy reading a good tale from the old wild west.  These books actually gave me not only some great wild
 west action, but also showed the bible in action.  The main character, Nathan Ryder, is sure to be in the will of God to be heading out to
 the preaching circuit, but when you add in the code of the west, there’s bound to be problems.  The author handles these differences
 extremely well, to the point of making me want to cheer each time the Preacher was faced with such a dilemma and he was able to
balance handling the situation but doing it a way that was true to biblical answers.  It was refreshing to see such a point made to stay
strong to biblical beliefs.

Is this a "Guys Book"?   It’s the wild west, what more needs to be said?  Horses, gunslingers, gun battles and outlaws.  These books,
 and those whole series, will be a fantastic read to anyone that enjoys a great Western.

I received the ebook from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redeeming Reputation Book 1 Redemption Tales by George McVey

I received a free audiobook version of Redeeming Reputation from George McVey in return for an honest review!

As soon as the audiobook started, I was hooked! The rich deep western voice was like a mother’s melody to me! I was instantly transported and the words of this wonderful story came alive for me!
This is the tale of a preacher on his way west. He comes into trouble on the train and needs to get off to answer questions for the local Sheriff. He grabs his gear and horse knowing he won’t be able to continue on this train. He rides hard to the next town where he’s meeting his Grandpa so they won’t miss each other and trials and temptations push his human limits. He is confronted with his own weakness and must turn to God often to reign in his flesh and give it all to God! The rest of the story takes place in the town where nothing is easy and salvation is a gift of God! George McVey uses his knowledge and experience as a retired preacher to tell this beautiful tale of God’s redemption and love for all men. George is a new author for me, but if this book is any indication, I will be a faithful reader of both his fiction and nonfiction books!

[Jenna Pridgen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It begins with David Nathaniel Ryder III arriving in a small western town, where he in turn is awaiting the arrival of his Grandfather. One telegram halts his steps as his plans start to spiral out of control. The author did a great job speaking on God's forgiveness, grace, and mercy. There's many twist and turns, not to mention a certain love interest.... I won't say any more. Be sure to read this book! You will not regret it!

Jenna Kay Pridgen, author of Eternity and the Seer Society Series

[Neena Bestun · Rating 5 out of 5]

All in one

Action
Friendship
Romance
Drama
Thrill
Comedy
Nathan Ryder's character is one of my favourite after Nugt Nate actually, he appeared in some of Cowboy and Angels series so I was very happy when I found his book. This is the fifth time I am reading this book not sure why forgot to write a review just jumped to the next. Most books start slow till it builds the picture and get us really involved but here I was invested from the first page it begin like that. I would highly recommend George McVey other books too do check it out .

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Encouraging and uplifting romance

The romance and plot is secondary to the wonderful journey God leads Nathaniel on. While the dialogue and characters show depth, the best part of the book is how Pastor George weaves God's Word through the story. I love how the hero, and heroine are not perfect, but fall under the grace and mercy of God.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed

Nathan the 3rd/the preacher and Grace- Nuggets Nate's ward.
I enjoyed reading this action packed western showdown with romance undertones. This story is fascinating written with unforgettable characters. I have read of the preacher and Grace in other books , glad I finally got around to their story. This story has a adventurous and loving ending.

[Betty Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading.

Full of excitement, laughter and Biblical truths. This was recommended by a friend who is now on book 5 in the Redemption series.

[Elizabeth West · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redemption

Redeeming Reputation, by George Mcvey was full of western drama. The characters are wonderful and the romance is sweet. Looking forward to the next story.

[Joan Countryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking To God To God To Lead The Way

I really enjoyed this book so very much . REDEEMING REPUTATION, REDEMPTION TALES BOOK 1 BY GEORGE McVEY . I recommend teens and up.

[Deanna Gottreu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redeeming Reputation by George H. McVey was one of the best, if not the best, western novel that I have ever read. I absolutely loved the main character, David Nathaniel Ryder the Third, for he loved God, was a preacher, handsome, well educated, well mannered, quick with a gun, and was just an all around great guy. We first meet Nathan on the train to Franklin, Missouri, when two outlaws board the train and demand that everyone give them their money and valuables. Nathan gives them his money without a fight but when one of the outlaws hits a young boy with his gun, he goes into action. He manages to outwit the two outlaws and they end up bound with ropes and waiting for the Sheriff.

Nathan is stopping in Franklin to meet his grandfather and then the two of them will travel on to Redemption, New Mexico, where Nathan will become a circuit riding preacher but when Nathan reaches Franklin he receives a telegram telling him that his grandfather has died. While Nathan is checking into the hotel he sees a beautiful woman being harassed by a drunk who thinks she is a woman of the evening. Nathan steps in to rescue her and the drunk pulls his gun but immediately the drunk finds himself looking down the barrel of his own gun. Within a very short time the entire town knows about Nathan and he has gained the reputation as a fast gun slinger.

Dressed in his fancy eastern clothes, Nathan is not readily accepted in the town of Franklin but when the people in town learn that he is the grandson of David Nathaniel Ryder, better known in the west to everyone as Nugget Nate Ryder, a very successful miner, he is accepted into the community with open arms. Grace Hopewell, the woman than Nathan rescued from the drunk just happens to be in town to also meet “Uncle Nate” for he has secured a teaching job for her in Redemption, New Mexico, and was to accompany her on the trip to her job. Nathan has to stay in Franklin to meet with his grandfather’s lawyer and when he does he receives the surprise of his life when his grandfather’s will is read. After the reading of the will he is ready to leave and head west but he has acquired the nickname of Preacher and because of his skill with a gun, every outlaw around seems to want to challenge him to a gunfight. He only wants to get to Redemption and begin the job that he feels God has provided for him. Every time he tries to do God’s bidding, another gunslinger comes along and the body count keeps rising.

The author did an excellent job developing the plot, characters, dialogue, and action scenes. The characters and action were so real that I was right there on the boardwalk in the town of Franklin and experiencing all the action and feeling all the frustrations of Nathan and Grace. I appreciated the way that the author kept Nathan’s love of God and his striving to do God’s will as an important part of the book. Nathan wanted to fulfill his obligations to the town and Grace but he desperately wanted to redeem his reputation. He wonders how he can reconcile his gun slinger reputation with the reputation he desires as a man of God and as a peacemaker. The adventures of Nathan and the love between him and Grace provided me with a great deal of entertainment and quite a few laughs. As stated earlier, not only was this the best western I have ever read, it had a wonderful ending. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series.

I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes a great story set in the old West. Even if one is not particularly fond of westerns, I think you would still enjoy reading this book.

I want to thank the author, George H. McVey, for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Tonya VanWinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made me smile

At first I wasn't sure I would like this book. I was introduced to George via a Facebook group where he told me a little about why he is an author. His response brought a tear to my eye and made me smile. It was then I decided I needed to read this book and let me tell you it hooked me! I was up half the night reading and then distracted from my own writing all day because I kept wondering what was gonna happen. Finally, I gave up and just spent my day enjoying this story and it was well worth my time. Thank you George for writing and sharing this story with others.
~Renea

[Dave King · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the day young David Nathan Ryder gets off the train in Missouri, he is challenged to be both a man of God and an Old West gun-fighter. His plan is to head to New Mexico with his grandfather Nugget Nate and begin a job as a circuit preacher there. But a telegram from New York puts a major dent into that plan. While Nathan decides what to do next, the town's sheriff is injured and Nathan assumes the role as temporary lawman.

As other reviewers have pointed out, the novel is full of Old West gunfights along with a strong Gospel message. So on that note, one might assume that the narrative would become forced and stilted, but that is not the case at all.

One thing that bothered me a bit with Redeeming Reputation is Nathan's seemingly supernatural gift for gun-fighting. He is asked multiple times why he is so much faster at drawing and firing his six-gun than anyone else but his only answer is "I don't know." More than a few times, Nathan asks God to help him come up with the right words that would lead people to Him, but I don't think he ever asks for the Creator's help with his gun-fighting skills.

The pace of the action slows down a bit in the middle of the novel because of long sections of dialogue between Nathan and Grace that could have been broken up into smaller segments. I suppose the author deemed these necessary to give the novel a romantic flavor?

The author donated a PDF copy of this story in exchange for an honest review and this is it.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was a child, I LOVED the Westerns on TV. Roy Rogers, Gun Smoke, The Virginians, The Rifleman, etc. etc. This book took me back to that time when Westerns were just good, clean, wholesome stories. I enjoyed getting to know the main character Nathan, and his counter main character, Grace. I cannot wait to get into the next book, Redeeming Trail, to see what happens to everybody. Now, I'll warn you, this is a story about a Preacher/Cowboy. He's on fire for god, but he is a human being and he trips up some too. So be ready to hear some bible reading and sermon preaching. But don't worry. It all goes perfectly with the story and is not going to pound on you the reader. It is simply Nathan's life as it unfolds in this stop over in Missouri. I recommend this book to any one who likes a good Western story, where the good guys are good and the bad guys are bad. And the nice thing about it, is this: Any age can read this book and you the adult do not have to worry about it's content. I would and will share this with my nine year old grandson! (He's reads on a 12 year old level!) Get your copy today, you won't be sorry you did!

[Nishoni Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I bought this book, I knew that, due to my crazy schedule, I wouldn't be able to read much of it until May, but I decided to go ahead and start on the first few chapters as I had time. The first part of the book didn't seem to really be my style, but, as I neared the middle of the book, it got better and better :). From then on, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. Due to my schedule, it took me from 2/8 til 3/18 to read up to the half-way point. My schedule is still just as hectic, but the last half of the book was finished in record time. I started in at it around 7:30 last night and finished it this morning at 10:30 with a brief sleep around 2am... I know, I know... Shame on me for staying up so late, right? I promise you will too when you start reading this book! If you like Westerns, action, and love stories, you'll like "Redeeming Reputation"! Oh! ...and good luck putting it down before you finish ;).

[Mary Findley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gather 'Round the Campfire -- It's Pilgrim's Progress on the Trail West

Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and a dozen other classic cowboys would be proud to stand toe to toe with Nathan Ryder, "the Preacher" who has learned skills for survival in a spiritual and physical sense from his wise and colorful grandfather. You might be surprised by some of his grandfather's lessons, and for sure you'll throw your hat in the air when you understand all that "Nugget Nate" and other wise cowboys have to teach Nathan. This is more than a western saga. It's a Pilgrim's Progress for the Wild West, with burdens to lay down, places to fall on your knees, and some sagebrush Beulah Land moments, too. The armor might include a Stetson and the sword might be a six-gun, but you'll get the message of this pilgrim preacher's journey.

[Tuanna Kelly Carpo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough about how good this book is. I told George I haven't read a western in a long time but I think that's about to change. This is the best western I have ever read. I think George McVey will be giving Louis Lamore a run for his money.
It has God, action, love, devotion, humor, friendships, and so much more. I felt like I was right there with everyone else. I felt part of the family feeling. I started it this morning and I'm ready to read another one. I just couldn't put it down. I hate it when good books like this have to end. Makes you just wish they would go on forever.
I didn't know there were any Christian Westerns. I'll be keeping a look out now for more. You can't go wrong with this book. Good job George, don't stop writing. You have a hit here. I would love to see this as a movie. They just don't make westerns like this any more.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Nathan Ryder heads west to meet up with his grandfather. The two of them plan to travel to Redemption together where Nathan is to start his preaching career.

When Nathan arrives in Franklin Missouri he is greeted with word that his grandfather has passed away. While awaiting his grandfather's attorney to settle the estate, the young preacher finds himself in a shoot out. Nathan quickly becomes known as The Preacher, a fast gun hand with a reputation that he wasn't looking for.

If you like stories of the wild west, you will love this book. It's full of outlaws, gunfights and other excitement. Of course, there is a touch of romance too.

This book was fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Evangheline Farcas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book, it was filled with frequent laughs and also a bit of tears. Nate is a young man who feels is called to be a preacher and so he sets out for a town called Redemption...but along the way there is much adventure and even love. Gun fights and good for nothin bad guys. It reminds me of the cowboy movies I used to watch as a child. The language fits the book and there is a good mix of characters. God's word is also preached because of course the main character is a Preacher that is also a very good gunslinger (a great fighter for justice). I found it wonderful how the author included a very touching scene about a woman with a past (I will not say more) but this part I loved. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is He a Gunslinger or a Preacher?

David Nathan Ryder the Third is heading to Redemption, NM to be a circuit riding preacher. He gets stopped in Franklin, MO and earns a reputation as a quick draw. He also meets a beautiful young woman, Grace, and becomes the acting town sheriff when the real one is injured.

All Nathan wants is to preach the Gospel and win souls. Now he's The Preacher, quick draw and killer of bad guys. How does he reconcile the two?

The action is fast paced. The bad guys are bad. The Preacher wins the gun fights and some souls as well.

If you like westerns this first book in the Redemption Tales series. It is a stand alone book, but does lead well into the next one: Redeeming Trail.

[Kim Paulus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redeeming Reputation was the first book I have read by George H McVey, that being said it will not be my last! I am now hooked! There are two more books in this series that I MUST read! Not that this book can not stand on its own! It can and does! But I want to continue the journey of Nathan Ryder (Preacher) and all the characters he has teamed up with to journey out west! The wild, wild west! ;) To tell you the truth, the almost 350 pages scared me a little! But the story was done before I knew it and I wanted more! What a ride!

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a great fan of Al Lacy's Journey of the Stranger and I must say I enjoyed George Mcvey's Redeeming Reputation every bit as much as Lacy's books.I think that Nathen Ryder is a hero in the best tradition of the western novel...He will either lead you to Christ or help you along your way to Hell with the help of his quick draw.

I look forward with great anticipation to Redeeming Trail...the next novel about Nathen Ryder and friends.

[Betti · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy westerns, this book is for you. Even if you don't, there is plenty of adventure in Franklin, Missouri! Between a train hold-up, gunfights, the rescue of a damsel in distress and a little romance, there is lots to hold your interest. How does one go about changing your reputation? Reading this story may help give you some insight into that dilemma.
The scripture used is from the King James Version, something which may possibly be difficult for some to understand.

[Jerry Blackerby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of westerns and enjoy various writers for different reasons. I loved the blending of a good western story with the gospel. Don't get me wrong, the book is not preachy, but the author blends Biblical quotes and the gospel message at appropriate times in the story. I intend to read the more of his writings, including this entire series.

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Redeeming Reptation. I would say that if you enjoyed Al Lacy's Journey of the Stranger then Nathen Ryder is a character you will enjoy reading. I look forward to the next episode in this series.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. The characters were colorful and interesting. The conflict was a little over the top, but still believable. All in all, it was a good book and I look forward to reading more by George McVey.

[D Mohr · Rating 4 out of 5]

My very first western! I enjoyed it! The gunfights! My favorite quote- "One must find their entertainment where they can, my dear." I personally hope this "entertainment" happens on the trail.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by George McVey Sr. I enjoyed it it was a fun read. Lots of action and wild west adventures. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

I truly enjoyed this book. It was full of western adventure and inspiration. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Michael Ratcliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

A very entertaining story that also includes a good sermon & several good lessons in behavior. I would definitely recommend it.