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The Bargain
Ten articles in eight days is a tall order for any journalist, even for Polk Award winner Connor Reedly. But with a dying wife and an empty bank account, the promised payment of $250,000 is hard to turn down. More so, his enigmatic employer, Mason Becker, has insinuated Connor's acceptance of the job will result in a supernatural healing of his beloved wife.
The people of Hailey, California--the subjects of Connor's charged articles--are a secretive group, not willing to open up to strangers. When shots are fired and Connor is running for his life, he demands Mason answer his questions: Why are the articles so important? Is anyone going to publish them? Where is the money coming from? How can he be so confident that the completion of the articles will heal his wife?
Nothing in Connor s vast journalistic adventures--not Katrina, not September 11th, not even his first-hand experience in the genocide in Darfur--could prepare him for the answers Mason gives. Now, it seems, the lives of everyone in Hailey -- including his wife's -- are in his hands.
The people of Hailey, California--the subjects of Connor's charged articles--are a secretive group, not willing to open up to strangers. When shots are fired and Connor is running for his life, he demands Mason answer his questions: Why are the articles so important? Is anyone going to publish them? Where is the money coming from? How can he be so confident that the completion of the articles will heal his wife?
Nothing in Connor s vast journalistic adventures--not Katrina, not September 11th, not even his first-hand experience in the genocide in Darfur--could prepare him for the answers Mason gives. Now, it seems, the lives of everyone in Hailey -- including his wife's -- are in his hands.
299 pages, ebook
First published December 18, 2013
74 people are currently reading
535 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
March 17, 2022
No one is "good" in the Christian sense, but not all bad people are bad. This book reminds us not to judge, because--since we're not omniscient--we likely judge wrong.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
March 10, 2025
Reminiscent of Sodom and Gomorrah and to some degree Nineveh, Hailey, California and it’s citizens will be destroyed unless Connor Reedly, a big time reporter, accepts a bargain to write ten articles in eight days. After he interviews these citizens the articles would highlight his or her good qualities, hoping to find just 5 righteous. If he accomplished this task he would earn $250,000, the town would be spared and his wife Nadine, who is dying of cancer, would be healed. Of course he didn’t believe any of it. As a nonbeliever Connor thought Mason, the man who knew this must be done, was crazy, but as his wife's death was very near, he’d do anything if there was even a remote possibility his wife could survive.
The town of Hailey was a challenge for Connor as the stories he listened to were not particularly about righteous people. "Finding righteousness here is a lot like finding diamonds. You gotta go through the blackest coal to find them, but most of the time all you get is messy."
The town of Hailey boasted a host of characters with bent natures, idiosyncrasies and negative inclinations. Some suffered debilitating guilt and even some heroism, some wretched, some heart rending. One character was a modern day Hosea.
This book might not work for everybody due to semi-graphic stories and some violence, teen pregnancies and drug use, but the stories are realistic and God shows His hand in many of the stories. This might be more of a guy's book, but a woman with four brothers, a husband and three sons might enjoy it. 😉
The faith element in this story was refreshing. Several people were sure they were going to hell because of mistakes, and some felt the good deeds they've done earned them a place in heaven. The gospel of expected perfection from a holy God who paid a debt we never could, offered a new life in Christ through faith resulted in some unexpected fruit.
Mr. Gansky’s writing is creative and captivating. For a first book? Excellent!! I liked it.
The town of Hailey was a challenge for Connor as the stories he listened to were not particularly about righteous people. "Finding righteousness here is a lot like finding diamonds. You gotta go through the blackest coal to find them, but most of the time all you get is messy."
The town of Hailey boasted a host of characters with bent natures, idiosyncrasies and negative inclinations. Some suffered debilitating guilt and even some heroism, some wretched, some heart rending. One character was a modern day Hosea.
This book might not work for everybody due to semi-graphic stories and some violence, teen pregnancies and drug use, but the stories are realistic and God shows His hand in many of the stories. This might be more of a guy's book, but a woman with four brothers, a husband and three sons might enjoy it. 😉
The faith element in this story was refreshing. Several people were sure they were going to hell because of mistakes, and some felt the good deeds they've done earned them a place in heaven. The gospel of expected perfection from a holy God who paid a debt we never could, offered a new life in Christ through faith resulted in some unexpected fruit.
Mr. Gansky’s writing is creative and captivating. For a first book? Excellent!! I liked it.
July 26, 2017
Great book! There are many unexplored territories in this work that makes it right for a book club discussion. For example, how far are you willing to push yourself to accomplish a seemingly impossible task? How do you push away yourself and your wants when your partner in life is terminally ill and is living on borrowed time? When is it right to accept a person is dying and when do you hold to your belief in a miracle? What makes you keeping pushing through, when you really just can't see the reason to continue anymore?
The book is an excellent read. It can make you think if you want to, or you can just read the story alone without trying to go deep into the underlying themes and still have spent time with some interesting characters who paint a vision of life as many of us know it. Highly recommend this work.
The book is an excellent read. It can make you think if you want to, or you can just read the story alone without trying to go deep into the underlying themes and still have spent time with some interesting characters who paint a vision of life as many of us know it. Highly recommend this work.
February 17, 2014
Intense!
Aaron D. Gansky shows his professionalism in the writing of The Bargain. From the beginning to the last page it will keep your interest. It is of my opinion it is more supernatural than suspense. I did find it intriguing the use of a Sodom and Gomorrah type judgment being placed upon this God forsaken town. For content and continuity The Bargain deserves five stars. The only reason for the four stars is the complexity of the vocabulary. Vocabulary outside of normal conversation may limit the comprehension. Take the time to read The Bargain and you will not be disappointed.
Donald L Reavis
Author ~ Human Interference
June 23, 2017
This is a book of redemption and grace. Within the main story are stories about other people in the town of Hailey, CA. The characters are portrayed, at first, to be bad. But then as you read about them, you find out how really good and modest they are. Many people call them "heroes", but they don't consider themselves to be heroes. At times, this book reads like a sermon. Those of you reading this review and are turned off of books like this, you are exactly the ones who should read it. The book shows by example what being a Christ follower can be like.
January 3, 2014
I don't usually read Christian literature, but this is an excellent book. Aaron Gansky has wonderful use of language that paints a beautiful picture. I highly recommend this book.
January 3, 2014
Strong characters, vivid description, and a powerful plot line combine to create a wonderful Christian novel with an amazing message. This book is a must read.
May 6, 2018
It’s about finding hope
in the most unlikely of places and the mustard seed of faith growing into fullness of harvest. A. Ganaky has written an unusual book that investigates a desert town on the the brink of death. Not only is the town town near extinction, so are the folks who are trying to eek out an existence there. A big time reporter, whose wife is dying from cancer, is challenged to interview 10 people from the dying town of Hailey in hopes of finding 5 righteous souls. Why would a guy who doesn’t even believe in God accept this gig? To do so and be successful would save his wife’s life and the town. He’s not sure he believes that promise but his wife does and nothing else has worked to date. She has only a few weeks left, at best, so why not try this? The ensuing story is his investigation of the 10 people, the town and most importantly, his own relationship with God. Are there 5 righteous souls in Hailey? Read and find out, I’m not telling!
in the most unlikely of places and the mustard seed of faith growing into fullness of harvest. A. Ganaky has written an unusual book that investigates a desert town on the the brink of death. Not only is the town town near extinction, so are the folks who are trying to eek out an existence there. A big time reporter, whose wife is dying from cancer, is challenged to interview 10 people from the dying town of Hailey in hopes of finding 5 righteous souls. Why would a guy who doesn’t even believe in God accept this gig? To do so and be successful would save his wife’s life and the town. He’s not sure he believes that promise but his wife does and nothing else has worked to date. She has only a few weeks left, at best, so why not try this? The ensuing story is his investigation of the 10 people, the town and most importantly, his own relationship with God. Are there 5 righteous souls in Hailey? Read and find out, I’m not telling!
July 16, 2018
Do you believe?
A simplistic book that tries to bring you to a conclusion that being a Christian will solve the problems of the world. In this case, save a small town from G-d’s wrath for their sins. The protagonist, Connor, writes his stories about the righteous, and eventually transforms himself.
If you are a believer, then you will like the book. For me, a Jewish woman, it was a drug out story with a predictable ending and an overly religious theme. Read to the end just to finish, not out of need to see what happened.
A simplistic book that tries to bring you to a conclusion that being a Christian will solve the problems of the world. In this case, save a small town from G-d’s wrath for their sins. The protagonist, Connor, writes his stories about the righteous, and eventually transforms himself.
If you are a believer, then you will like the book. For me, a Jewish woman, it was a drug out story with a predictable ending and an overly religious theme. Read to the end just to finish, not out of need to see what happened.
October 1, 2021
Hope among the hopelessre jist ge
This story kept me up all night to finish. It is about a journalist who doesn't believe in God with a believing wife with advanced cancer. They visit her sister in a small desert town where most residents are just getting by. He is to write 10 interviews of righteous residents or God will destroy the town.
I look forward to more by this author.
This story kept me up all night to finish. It is about a journalist who doesn't believe in God with a believing wife with advanced cancer. They visit her sister in a small desert town where most residents are just getting by. He is to write 10 interviews of righteous residents or God will destroy the town.
I look forward to more by this author.
October 12, 2017
Grabs Your Attention
Right from the start it had me. I have little patience for books that require you to read several chapters before the story hooks you. This one had me wondering why the protagonist was given such a strange assignment and how it would all turn out. I will definitely read this author again.
There is no bad language or sex, but it does contain some violence.
Right from the start it had me. I have little patience for books that require you to read several chapters before the story hooks you. This one had me wondering why the protagonist was given such a strange assignment and how it would all turn out. I will definitely read this author again.
There is no bad language or sex, but it does contain some violence.
February 1, 2018
Unusual and riveting
It gets a five for being so clever, so interesting, can't put it down type of book. Anything Aaron writes is masterful and worth reading. It has so much pathos, intrigue, and danger that it definitely qualifies as a page turner. I loved the ending.
Not going to give a spoiler but one man on a mission changed an entire town.
It gets a five for being so clever, so interesting, can't put it down type of book. Anything Aaron writes is masterful and worth reading. It has so much pathos, intrigue, and danger that it definitely qualifies as a page turner. I loved the ending.
Not going to give a spoiler but one man on a mission changed an entire town.
September 9, 2022
surprised
I’m surprised that I actually enjoyed reading this story.
Should let others know it’s about being saved. Not just about a town.
Although the town has quite a bit to do with it.
I recommend this story. Tells of downfalls of people who did something for others only to fall by the wayside.
I’m surprised that I actually enjoyed reading this story.
Should let others know it’s about being saved. Not just about a town.
Although the town has quite a bit to do with it.
I recommend this story. Tells of downfalls of people who did something for others only to fall by the wayside.
December 27, 2017
I won this book in a contest. I personally enjoyed it. The story of Conner and Nadine felt real and had me in tears at times.Each of the articles that Conner writes is very interesting and makes one think about viewing people through God's eyes instead of our own.
January 29, 2017
The Bargain Review
A different book with redeeming qualities. It just goes to show that we don't ask people we see everyday their name or even a little about them.
A different book with redeeming qualities. It just goes to show that we don't ask people we see everyday their name or even a little about them.
February 20, 2018
It was good right up to the end...then I was very disappointed.
May 30, 2018
very good
January 31, 2019
The bargain ten articles in eight days, $250,000 and healing of his wife. It was a win win situations he thought. Why is Haley, California so special about, a town to drive through, not stop. Finding out later a town were people had flocked to for the prospect of gold. The spirit of hope and miracles are still there, the healing, and believing,is part of Hayley.
It changed him and his wife.
It changed him and his wife.
January 19, 2015
The Bargain is a great suspense novel. Well-developed characters, interesting environment, cosmic interference, and an abundance of twists and turns come together as Connor Reedly, a reporter, is assigned to report on just five good people in the forgotten, desolate town of Hailey. His dying wife's life depends on his answer. Does he choose to leave her side and write the stories, or does he seal her fate by refusing?
The diversity of the characters in The Bargain made me appreciate my "humdrum" life. Each person has his or her own folly, quirk, and negative characteristic. The people Connor had to interview each were considered "good" but didn't have perfect lives. In fact, some were criminals.
I liked how each interview was its own chapter (or more) in The Bargain. It was like reading several stories in one, a true soap opera.
With a touch of Sodom and Gomorrah, Connor tried to find just five good people in Hailey and thought it would be impossible. God has threatened to wipe Hailey from the earth if Connor fails. So with each interview, Connor felt a terrible responsibility to seek out the goodness in every person he encountered.
The story contains several arcs: Connor's change from loving husband to unbelieving reporter to . . . Well, I won't spoil it.
It was a very fast read, and I enjoyed it so much I have both the Kindle version and the paperback edition.
If you're looking for a read that's fast, but will challenge how you interpret your experiences with the strangers you encounter, or if you just like a good suspense novel, this is one you should pick up.
The diversity of the characters in The Bargain made me appreciate my "humdrum" life. Each person has his or her own folly, quirk, and negative characteristic. The people Connor had to interview each were considered "good" but didn't have perfect lives. In fact, some were criminals.
I liked how each interview was its own chapter (or more) in The Bargain. It was like reading several stories in one, a true soap opera.
With a touch of Sodom and Gomorrah, Connor tried to find just five good people in Hailey and thought it would be impossible. God has threatened to wipe Hailey from the earth if Connor fails. So with each interview, Connor felt a terrible responsibility to seek out the goodness in every person he encountered.
The story contains several arcs: Connor's change from loving husband to unbelieving reporter to . . . Well, I won't spoil it.
It was a very fast read, and I enjoyed it so much I have both the Kindle version and the paperback edition.
If you're looking for a read that's fast, but will challenge how you interpret your experiences with the strangers you encounter, or if you just like a good suspense novel, this is one you should pick up.
February 12, 2017
On the surface, this is a story saturated with hopelessness and despair. Dig a little deeper and you'll find a story filled with unlikely heroes and glimmers of hope. Worth the time to read this one. I almost didn't but am now glad that I did.
May 4, 2014
A journalist for World News Weekly and his wife Nadine traveled from Denver to the Mojave Desert. Nadine battled ovarian cancer and wasn’t winning. She wanted to visit her sister Aida in the town of Hailey, “a town to drive through, not to stop in.” The town had lost its glitter, businesses closed, and a depressive spirit weighed heavily on its citizens.
Mason Becker, Aida’s close friend, hired Connor to write ten articles in eight days for an excessive amount of money. Each article would focus on the good in someone in Hailey. If Connor agreed, Mason declared Nadine would receive a miracle, a healing.
Well written book. It shows Connor as angry with God and takes us through his questioning and struggle to believe God cares for his family and the people in Hailey.
Gansky kept my interest through the entire book and I was fascinated how he painted brush strokes of spiritual responsibility. I was given this book for my honest review.
Mason Becker, Aida’s close friend, hired Connor to write ten articles in eight days for an excessive amount of money. Each article would focus on the good in someone in Hailey. If Connor agreed, Mason declared Nadine would receive a miracle, a healing.
Well written book. It shows Connor as angry with God and takes us through his questioning and struggle to believe God cares for his family and the people in Hailey.
Gansky kept my interest through the entire book and I was fascinated how he painted brush strokes of spiritual responsibility. I was given this book for my honest review.
April 18, 2015
Connor Reedly, a journalist, is offered a chance to earn $250,000 and a chance to save his dying wife's life. All he has to do is interview ten residents from the town of Hailey, California, find something good about them and then write an article about them. He has eight days to complete the task. He's told if he doesn't take the job there will be consequences. Even though Connor is skeptical and suspicious, he accepts the job. For the most part, the residents of Hailey are not a friendly lot and their backgrounds are filled with crime, violence, sadness and sorrow. Some have made incredible sacrifices and performed heroic acts unselfishly. As a result of this experience, Connor will never be the same.
I found this to be a well written and interesting book. It is both enlightening and suspenseful.
I received this book free of charge through Goodreads and I give this review of my own free will.
I found this to be a well written and interesting book. It is both enlightening and suspenseful.
I received this book free of charge through Goodreads and I give this review of my own free will.
January 8, 2014
Very nicely done. Gansky's language perfectly captures the conflicted spirit of a Mojave Desert town. I've read novels where an author paints vivid pictures of a place, but here I'm left with the impression of an old black and white photograph.
I don't read very much Christian fiction anymore. It's not the concept of it that steers me away, it's the execution. The stories often feel like too much fantasy and not enough faith. Gansky has managed to avoid that. It's quite a feat, considering the premise of the story. When I finished it, I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of being left with a jarring disconnected feeling of returning to the real world, where things don't work that way, I found myself with a little boost of humanity and faith. Again, very nicely done.
I don't read very much Christian fiction anymore. It's not the concept of it that steers me away, it's the execution. The stories often feel like too much fantasy and not enough faith. Gansky has managed to avoid that. It's quite a feat, considering the premise of the story. When I finished it, I was pleasantly surprised. Instead of being left with a jarring disconnected feeling of returning to the real world, where things don't work that way, I found myself with a little boost of humanity and faith. Again, very nicely done.
May 17, 2016
This book kept me engaged from the first page. My mind displayed the events in black and white. The desolation of this fictional town in the desert of Nevada grabbed me. A modern twist to Abraham’s plea with God not to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah if he could find five righteous people.
The Bargain reminds the reader that our own human righteousness doesn’t always measure up. Each character is relatable in their best as well and worst moments. Aaron speaks to the soul as Connor interviews the cast of characters in Hailey, Nevada. Each interview a race against time to bring healing to his wife. Connor gets more than he ever imagines and begins seeing the wretched inhabitance of Hailey in a new way. Great read, wonderful message. Aaron Gansky never disappoints.
The Bargain reminds the reader that our own human righteousness doesn’t always measure up. Each character is relatable in their best as well and worst moments. Aaron speaks to the soul as Connor interviews the cast of characters in Hailey, Nevada. Each interview a race against time to bring healing to his wife. Connor gets more than he ever imagines and begins seeing the wretched inhabitance of Hailey in a new way. Great read, wonderful message. Aaron Gansky never disappoints.
February 8, 2014
This is an excellent book,about life,love,finding your faith and hope. It shows you things that lay beneath the surface of people you may see everyday,people who are scarred,drug addicted,or homeless,and lets you see where they have been,what they have done. You may be surprised at what lays underneath most people you meet,that gives you hope and ability to keep going on toward your next adventure in life. Everyone should read this,not my usual type of book,but it captivated me and I loved it! I believe I have grown through this book and hope you will too.
June 7, 2014
My first impression of this book was, "Is it a bargain with the devil?" I put off reading it for a few months, but finally started it. Connor wanted to do what it took to make his dying wife happy so he took her to her sister's for one last visit. The resulting articles he wrote about the people in Hailey California told of the good bad people did and/or the bad good did. Each story was interesting enough that I enjoyed reading the book.
April 24, 2016
Intriguing
I received from the Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in exchange for an honest review. I love Christian fiction that can take scriptures and place it in a modern day setting. I also love it when the book leaves you thinking after you are done reading. This book does all that and more. Very moving and very thought provoking. I devoured this story today. Very well done.
I received from the Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in exchange for an honest review. I love Christian fiction that can take scriptures and place it in a modern day setting. I also love it when the book leaves you thinking after you are done reading. This book does all that and more. Very moving and very thought provoking. I devoured this story today. Very well done.
June 4, 2016
The Bargain is a modern version of the biblical story of Abraham asking God to spare the city of Sodom if ten righteous people can be found. In this case, the destitute town of Hailey, California, will be destroyed by a tornado if newswriter, Connor, does not write ten stories of heroes in the town. Although unusual people, the characters are well written and have surprising stories. I received the Bargain from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas in exchange for an honest review.
August 15, 2014
This book is a modern day twist of the story of Abraham and God telling him that he was going to destroy Sodom and Gomorah. It is truly a unique idea and a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have been a fan on his father's (Alton Gansky) books for years. Aaron has an amazing way with words and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next!
April 28, 2016
Everyone has something in their past. This was brought to light as Connor writes 10 articles, trying to save the town and his wife. Those that seem most righteous, have something they aren't so proud of, those that seem evil, or are in prison, aren't as awful as it would seem. No one is perfect and we all need a savior.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews