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Hymns of the West #5
The Solid Rock
Joshua woke with a quiet groan. As his senses woke up one at a time, he cracked his eyelids open. Sure enough, there was a silhouetted form standing at the foot of the bed. From the smell, the person was either from the brothel down the street or had recently left one.
He forced himself to breathe evenly and reached for the knife in his thigh holster. With as tough and evil a voice as he could imitate, he spoke, “State your intentions.”
Pinkerton detective, Joshua Brookings, is sent on a job that seems simple on the surface. His fellow detective has been kidnapped and his boss, William Pinkerton senses foul play. Joshua is sent to investigate Edward's case in hopes of finding the kidnapped detective and helping solve the case that has taken over ten years to investigate.
Arriving in Cheyenne, Joshua finds much more than a simple kidnapping. Yet again, he must go undercover, something he made his boss promise never to make him do again. The only Christian in the outlaw group, Joshua falters and almost loses faith in God’s providence. Will he stand on the solid Rock or drown in the sinking sand?
He forced himself to breathe evenly and reached for the knife in his thigh holster. With as tough and evil a voice as he could imitate, he spoke, “State your intentions.”
Pinkerton detective, Joshua Brookings, is sent on a job that seems simple on the surface. His fellow detective has been kidnapped and his boss, William Pinkerton senses foul play. Joshua is sent to investigate Edward's case in hopes of finding the kidnapped detective and helping solve the case that has taken over ten years to investigate.
Arriving in Cheyenne, Joshua finds much more than a simple kidnapping. Yet again, he must go undercover, something he made his boss promise never to make him do again. The only Christian in the outlaw group, Joshua falters and almost loses faith in God’s providence. Will he stand on the solid Rock or drown in the sinking sand?
436 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
373 people are currently reading
396 people want to read
About the author
Faith Blum
44 books270 followersFaith Blum is a wife, mom, administrative assistant for the Author Conservatory, author, and pianist. She’s published 30+ adventurous historical fiction books featuring realistic romance that strengthens your Christian faith. She has received an honorable mention in the Reader’s Favorite awards. When not writing, you can find her cooking from scratch, reading, spending time with her husband, or chasing her toddler.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 30, 2016
Rating: PG-13 (crimes involving kidnapping women to sell them into prostitution and a recovering rape victim, all very cleanly handled, didn't make me at all uncomfortable, which is hard to do, but it's still there)
Recommended for: Ages 15 to Adult
I really need to fill in the gaps of this series. I've read books 3 and 5 now, and greatly enjoyed them, but I can tell I have gaps missing. This book can be read and enjoyed independently, I'm sure it would make a lot more sense in the context of the whole series. It's a very good book, though, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Writing: 4.5/5
A few extra commas and a couple words in the dialogue that felt a bit modern are the only complaints I have about the writing. It pulled me into the story and kept me there, giving me a full sense of the story and settings, the struggles the characters were going through, their hopes and dreams and fears.
Setting: 5/5
The setting felt authentically western. It felt much like many other stories of the same era and setting. I love historical fiction, and I have a childhood love for pioneers caused by the Little House books, so the setting really suited my interests. Faith did her research, too, and it shows. The old west was a harsh place, and Faith doesn't shy away from the harsh side, but it was a good place too, and that also is plain.
Plot: 5/5
I really enjoyed the story. While there are some tough situations (see rating), none of it was out of place and everything was handled in a clean, Christian manner. There was a lot of mystery and intrigue. Also, this book made me really think about what it would really be like to be an undercover detective. You always think that it would be so exciting and thrilling, but how hard would it be to hold onto who you really are when trying to pass yourself off as a criminal to get information? The Solid Rock centers around detective work, but also around leaning on God as the solid Rock. While some of the Christian elements of the story do feel a bit Elsie Dinsmore-ish, I didn't think it really detracted from the book.
Character Development: 4.5/5
I didn't feel like the character development was quite top notch, but it was close. And it could be that I'm just missing things from not having read all the books. I do feel like I got to know Elizabeth and Joshua pretty well, and Priscilla too. They have their own fears and struggles, their own hardships and temptations, and they felt very human. I'd love to read more about them.
Because of some of the subject matter, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone younger than their teens, but for mid teens and older, I would definitely recommend it. It was a very good book.
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
For more reviews from me and my sisters, visit www.shirereviews.blogspot.com
Recommended for: Ages 15 to Adult
I really need to fill in the gaps of this series. I've read books 3 and 5 now, and greatly enjoyed them, but I can tell I have gaps missing. This book can be read and enjoyed independently, I'm sure it would make a lot more sense in the context of the whole series. It's a very good book, though, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Writing: 4.5/5
A few extra commas and a couple words in the dialogue that felt a bit modern are the only complaints I have about the writing. It pulled me into the story and kept me there, giving me a full sense of the story and settings, the struggles the characters were going through, their hopes and dreams and fears.
Setting: 5/5
The setting felt authentically western. It felt much like many other stories of the same era and setting. I love historical fiction, and I have a childhood love for pioneers caused by the Little House books, so the setting really suited my interests. Faith did her research, too, and it shows. The old west was a harsh place, and Faith doesn't shy away from the harsh side, but it was a good place too, and that also is plain.
Plot: 5/5
I really enjoyed the story. While there are some tough situations (see rating), none of it was out of place and everything was handled in a clean, Christian manner. There was a lot of mystery and intrigue. Also, this book made me really think about what it would really be like to be an undercover detective. You always think that it would be so exciting and thrilling, but how hard would it be to hold onto who you really are when trying to pass yourself off as a criminal to get information? The Solid Rock centers around detective work, but also around leaning on God as the solid Rock. While some of the Christian elements of the story do feel a bit Elsie Dinsmore-ish, I didn't think it really detracted from the book.
Character Development: 4.5/5
I didn't feel like the character development was quite top notch, but it was close. And it could be that I'm just missing things from not having read all the books. I do feel like I got to know Elizabeth and Joshua pretty well, and Priscilla too. They have their own fears and struggles, their own hardships and temptations, and they felt very human. I'd love to read more about them.
Because of some of the subject matter, I wouldn't recommend this book for anyone younger than their teens, but for mid teens and older, I would definitely recommend it. It was a very good book.
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
For more reviews from me and my sisters, visit www.shirereviews.blogspot.com
April 25, 2017
Originally posted in the April 2017 Mini Reviews
This was a great book, but I didn’t really care for the main character, Joshua. The way he wasn’t able to handle hanging out with the bad guys for a couple weeks without losing grip on his faith doesn’t speak well for Christianity. Even though he had to act like a bad guy, his faith should have carried him through it. And I know “bad company corrupts good people,” but … still.
Other than that, it was an amazing book. It did have some heavier themes (a young lady recovering from rape and a prostitute with a child are both main-ish characters), but they were handled really well.
~Kellyn Roth
This was a great book, but I didn’t really care for the main character, Joshua. The way he wasn’t able to handle hanging out with the bad guys for a couple weeks without losing grip on his faith doesn’t speak well for Christianity. Even though he had to act like a bad guy, his faith should have carried him through it. And I know “bad company corrupts good people,” but … still.
Other than that, it was an amazing book. It did have some heavier themes (a young lady recovering from rape and a prostitute with a child are both main-ish characters), but they were handled really well.
~Kellyn Roth
April 16, 2016
I liked this number of the Hymns of the West series even better than the one preceding, Lily of the Valley! The Solid Rock follows Ruth’s brother Joshua Brookings, one of those brave members of the pioneering detective agency – a Pinkerton detective. I really enjoyed the history in this one, as I hadn’t heard of the Pinkertons before.
I also enjoyed the mystery – Joshua had his work cut out for him in solving a ten-year-long case! Everything connected with it was exciting, especially this epic gun battle. I thought the unpredictable romance was very well done. Besides Joshua, my other favorite character was Priscilla, a woman struggling to overcome her past. The plot was tight and well developed. The descriptions of the settings in this book seemed stronger than in the other novels, which really appeals to me. I felt very connected to the West – a good thing, because the characters did a lot of traveling!
All of Faith Blum’s works contain strong spiritual themes, and this one was no exception. It dug deep. Many of the characters had spiritual growth. In summary – this book contains a lot! Whether you like mystery, Westerns, romance, Christian themes, it has them all.
I also enjoyed the mystery – Joshua had his work cut out for him in solving a ten-year-long case! Everything connected with it was exciting, especially this epic gun battle. I thought the unpredictable romance was very well done. Besides Joshua, my other favorite character was Priscilla, a woman struggling to overcome her past. The plot was tight and well developed. The descriptions of the settings in this book seemed stronger than in the other novels, which really appeals to me. I felt very connected to the West – a good thing, because the characters did a lot of traveling!
All of Faith Blum’s works contain strong spiritual themes, and this one was no exception. It dug deep. Many of the characters had spiritual growth. In summary – this book contains a lot! Whether you like mystery, Westerns, romance, Christian themes, it has them all.
March 28, 2016
BE SAFE AND REMEMBER, GOD IS ALWAYS WITH YOU
I enjoyed this story and it kept me captivated and rejoicing in the Lord. I thought Joshua Brookings was a godly man but is honest to admit his struggles and insecurities while being undercover as a Pinkerton agent. I loved the way he prayed and that his prayers sounded like he was having a conversation with the Lord. “I had a good, long talk with God and He straightened me out.” The story has a large cast of characters, some good, and some outlaws. The plot twists kept me in suspense and the pages turning as the story unfolds and with the outlaws finally caught. The dialog is open and honest, with a reminder that no matter what, God forgives. “We may not know why things happen, but no matter what, we can know that God strengthens us and help us.” This is the fifth story in the Hymns of the West series but will read easily as a stand-alone. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
I enjoyed this story and it kept me captivated and rejoicing in the Lord. I thought Joshua Brookings was a godly man but is honest to admit his struggles and insecurities while being undercover as a Pinkerton agent. I loved the way he prayed and that his prayers sounded like he was having a conversation with the Lord. “I had a good, long talk with God and He straightened me out.” The story has a large cast of characters, some good, and some outlaws. The plot twists kept me in suspense and the pages turning as the story unfolds and with the outlaws finally caught. The dialog is open and honest, with a reminder that no matter what, God forgives. “We may not know why things happen, but no matter what, we can know that God strengthens us and help us.” This is the fifth story in the Hymns of the West series but will read easily as a stand-alone. Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
October 5, 2020
Great premise
I really had high hopes for this last book of the series. It starts off with high adventure. There is a kidnapping, outlaws, good guys to root for. However, there is also repetitiveness, sharing information that the reader already knows. The book a great potential, but it fell short.
I really had high hopes for this last book of the series. It starts off with high adventure. There is a kidnapping, outlaws, good guys to root for. However, there is also repetitiveness, sharing information that the reader already knows. The book a great potential, but it fell short.
May 9, 2021
3.5-3.75 stars:
I seem to have jumped into this series with what (at the time it was written at least) is the last book in the series. For the most part, I was able to read the story without being lost.
There's a long-term investigation that takes place (over 10 years or so). It's hard to believe that it took that many years to put this together but . . . perhaps I'm just used to our modern day technology that makes it easier to gather evidence.
As it is, this process takes one amateur sleuth and two Pinkerton detectives, two of whom are abducted and kept drugged for a number of days and one who has to go undercover before the case is finally broken. Along with the help of 2 women and a few men of the town.
The Pinkerton detective who finally breaks the case, Joshua, is struggling with a career decision--he likes being a detective when it doesn't involve undercover work (due to a variety of factors--the lies he has to tell, the things he has to hear about). He also misses his family in Montana.
I was glad to see that the author allows us to see Joshua's struggles, but I also have to agree with another reviewer that I'm not sure what it says about Joshua's faith that a month and a half undercover without a Bible shakes it so much.
I seem to have jumped into this series with what (at the time it was written at least) is the last book in the series. For the most part, I was able to read the story without being lost.
There's a long-term investigation that takes place (over 10 years or so). It's hard to believe that it took that many years to put this together but . . . perhaps I'm just used to our modern day technology that makes it easier to gather evidence.
As it is, this process takes one amateur sleuth and two Pinkerton detectives, two of whom are abducted and kept drugged for a number of days and one who has to go undercover before the case is finally broken. Along with the help of 2 women and a few men of the town.
The Pinkerton detective who finally breaks the case, Joshua, is struggling with a career decision--he likes being a detective when it doesn't involve undercover work (due to a variety of factors--the lies he has to tell, the things he has to hear about). He also misses his family in Montana.
I was glad to see that the author allows us to see Joshua's struggles, but I also have to agree with another reviewer that I'm not sure what it says about Joshua's faith that a month and a half undercover without a Bible shakes it so much.
October 25, 2017
Hymns of the West - Books 1 - 5
I am a 78 year old male reader. I have begun many series books but have seldom read them all. I am a church pianist, so the hymns have been a part of my life for almost 70 years. I read all of these books and thoroughly enjoyed them. The characters in the books seemed real to me and they were in believable situations. I was a cowboy at heart so that was appealing too. I would recommend these books to anyone, particularly Christ followers.
I am a 78 year old male reader. I have begun many series books but have seldom read them all. I am a church pianist, so the hymns have been a part of my life for almost 70 years. I read all of these books and thoroughly enjoyed them. The characters in the books seemed real to me and they were in believable situations. I was a cowboy at heart so that was appealing too. I would recommend these books to anyone, particularly Christ followers.
March 29, 2020
A fast paced Christian Western
The story line was believable well developed. The lead character was very likeable and honest, easy to like and root for. The women of the book are likeable and easy to believe. A page Turner!
The story line was believable well developed. The lead character was very likeable and honest, easy to like and root for. The women of the book are likeable and easy to believe. A page Turner!
March 29, 2020
Enjoyable read
Enjoyable read. Good reading how the characters in the book stayed faithful even when faith is tested. As in our lives now. Especially at this difficult time in our lives. God's got this.
Enjoyable read. Good reading how the characters in the book stayed faithful even when faith is tested. As in our lives now. Especially at this difficult time in our lives. God's got this.
April 1, 2020
Intrigue and romance
I was impressed with this book. Loved the references to God, scripture, and, of course, the old hymn.
I was glad the intrigue was foremost and the romance was secondary.
I was impressed with this book. Loved the references to God, scripture, and, of course, the old hymn.
I was glad the intrigue was foremost and the romance was secondary.
April 3, 2020
The Solid Rock
Joshua was a pinkerton detective. He was sent to Cheyeme to help solve re mystery of all the unusual crimes happening in and around Cheyenne. Many unexpected misadventures happen. He works undercover to trap the gang and its leader.a
Joshua was a pinkerton detective. He was sent to Cheyeme to help solve re mystery of all the unusual crimes happening in and around Cheyenne. Many unexpected misadventures happen. He works undercover to trap the gang and its leader.a
April 11, 2020
A Christ centered western novel
I couldn't put this book down! I quickly fell in love with the characters. The plot is action packed and Christ centered and thought provoking. I highly recommend it. And I will be looking for other stories by this author.
I couldn't put this book down! I quickly fell in love with the characters. The plot is action packed and Christ centered and thought provoking. I highly recommend it. And I will be looking for other stories by this author.
May 17, 2020
Loved the solid rock title
I really enjoyed the story. I really enjoy using popular old hymns for book titles and themes. This was a very encouraging book and it came to me at the time I needed that encouragement. Thank you Faith Blum and God Bless you!
I really enjoyed the story. I really enjoy using popular old hymns for book titles and themes. This was a very encouraging book and it came to me at the time I needed that encouragement. Thank you Faith Blum and God Bless you!
March 18, 2023
Good read
Those times were hard to live a Christian live when in the cities and towns. This book tells us of the love and sacrifices of the of the pioneer years. Enjoyed it immensly.
Those times were hard to live a Christian live when in the cities and towns. This book tells us of the love and sacrifices of the of the pioneer years. Enjoyed it immensly.
June 9, 2019
a very good faith filled story!
March 26, 2020
Good read to lift you up
Unexpected journey to mystery and faith struggles . Love the use of hymn throughout the book. Hard to put down . Outcome
Unexpected journey to mystery and faith struggles . Love the use of hymn throughout the book. Hard to put down . Outcome
March 29, 2020
Fun story
Faith does a good job of creating memorable characters in this historic fiction piece. Enjoyable, suspenseful, and easy read. I plan to check out more of her stories.
Faith does a good job of creating memorable characters in this historic fiction piece. Enjoyable, suspenseful, and easy read. I plan to check out more of her stories.
April 3, 2020
Very well written!
April 3, 2020
Good Read
This kept my interest all the way through the book. I learned some about the Pinkerton's. It was interesting to learn how they went undercover. A good romance also.
This kept my interest all the way through the book. I learned some about the Pinkerton's. It was interesting to learn how they went undercover. A good romance also.
April 4, 2020
Light and easy read during stressful days
May 31, 2020
Wonderful
What a wonderful story. I enjoyed the mystery, the friends and the encouragement from bible readings. Beautiful love story with happy ending.
What a wonderful story. I enjoyed the mystery, the friends and the encouragement from bible readings. Beautiful love story with happy ending.
July 26, 2020
I loved this book. I am going to search out her other book. Clean. Makes you examine your walk with God. Rated G
August 21, 2020
Loved it!
A great way to end this series of Christian Western romances! Hymns, faith, love, family and struggles filled each book!
A great way to end this series of Christian Western romances! Hymns, faith, love, family and struggles filled each book!
September 20, 2021
Characters from previous books reappear. Joshua Brookings, Christian, Pinkerton Detective, goes undercover to unravel a crime ring.
Preachy.
Better than the first book in the series.
Preachy.
Better than the first book in the series.
March 1, 2022
Exciting
It was most exciting at different points with finding the bad guy or guys and making them pay for their crimes, but ended with happy ending for all👍❤️
It was most exciting at different points with finding the bad guy or guys and making them pay for their crimes, but ended with happy ending for all👍❤️
November 21, 2023
Well worth reading!
Challenging hurdles to overcome for both Joshua and for Priscilla. Living in the west in earlier times presented many difficulties, including communication.
Challenging hurdles to overcome for both Joshua and for Priscilla. Living in the west in earlier times presented many difficulties, including communication.
March 25, 2016
It reads like a genuine western novel! The Solid Rock is a thrilling adventure, complete with outlaws, galloping horses, telegraphs (dreamy sigh!) and the saving grace of God.
Joshua Brookings is a devout Christian in the Wild West. He prays all the time (and they are not simple prayers either); this man really pours out his heart to God. Here's the next bit I liked: he's a Pinkerton detective (this really got me hooked!). As he undergoes an undercover mission, his faith is of the utmost importance to Joshua, because he's surrounded by crooks and outlaws. Without his Bible handy, his only company is foul language and crude men. Joshua desires to get out of the business, but he can't do it until the mission is done.
Coincidentally, this is the fifth and final installment in the Hymns of the West series, yet it is the first of them I've read. I was greatly surprised by the author's way with words -- she does well! A lot of times when you take a chance with independent authors, the writing is nowhere near the caliber of author who get published through a company (mostly because they have a team of editors behind them). However, I didn't feel like The Solid Rock was inferior -- I like how it turned out for me, and look forward to reading more by Faith Blum.
There's a lot of character backstories and entangling plot-lines that all meet up with each other. As for me, not having read the previous books, I may not have always known what the characters were referring to -- but that just makes me excited to start from the beginning and find out the whole story, which I look forward to. This was still an enjoyable read though, not to discredit that this can be perceived as a standalone novel!
The Solid Rock touches on some mature topics. There is much romance hinted at throughout, and the plot leans heavily towards a woman from a saloon.
Overall? This is a great inspirational adventure story. Recommended for older teens and adults.
Joshua Brookings is a devout Christian in the Wild West. He prays all the time (and they are not simple prayers either); this man really pours out his heart to God. Here's the next bit I liked: he's a Pinkerton detective (this really got me hooked!). As he undergoes an undercover mission, his faith is of the utmost importance to Joshua, because he's surrounded by crooks and outlaws. Without his Bible handy, his only company is foul language and crude men. Joshua desires to get out of the business, but he can't do it until the mission is done.
Coincidentally, this is the fifth and final installment in the Hymns of the West series, yet it is the first of them I've read. I was greatly surprised by the author's way with words -- she does well! A lot of times when you take a chance with independent authors, the writing is nowhere near the caliber of author who get published through a company (mostly because they have a team of editors behind them). However, I didn't feel like The Solid Rock was inferior -- I like how it turned out for me, and look forward to reading more by Faith Blum.
There's a lot of character backstories and entangling plot-lines that all meet up with each other. As for me, not having read the previous books, I may not have always known what the characters were referring to -- but that just makes me excited to start from the beginning and find out the whole story, which I look forward to. This was still an enjoyable read though, not to discredit that this can be perceived as a standalone novel!
The Solid Rock touches on some mature topics. There is much romance hinted at throughout, and the plot leans heavily towards a woman from a saloon.
Overall? This is a great inspirational adventure story. Recommended for older teens and adults.
March 28, 2016
This review was originally posted on karaneleni.com
This is the fourth book I've read by Faith, but the first that wasn't a novella. It was wonderful to see how she could develop (and keep track of) so many different characters! Faith's stories are an amazing reminder that we may lose our path, but can find it again, and this was no different. (Thank you, Faith!!) THE SOLID ROCK has a combination of faith, suspense, family, friends, new romances, and personal growth. My eyes have opened a bit and are now reflecting on my life and where I am at this moment.
April 19, 2017
It is so refreshing to be able to read love/adventure stories from the 1800 with cowboys who love the Lord. My only problem is I am reading them faster than they are being written. This is the 5th one I have read and I have loved them all. I especially loved this one because I found myself developing special feelings for Joshua. I know these are fictional characters but when I read a book I really get into and become part of the story.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews