The continuation of the Number 1 new release on Amazon in Christian fantasy,
Where the Garden Begins. A Leaf of Faith, the second book in the Messenger and Thieves series, stands alone—without the necessity of having read the first book.
The Word has been vanquished. Truth has become relative. Evil thrives.
The Five Realms of Here have long sought someone to save them from the evil that holds them captive. Prophecy foretells that a brother and sister will come with a friend, bringing hope and news of a peaceful king. The prophecy is true.
The would-be heroes, Seth and Melissa, enter into a foreign world seemingly by chance, without much more than their faith as a guide. They are not alone, however. Unexpected help comes from the humblest in the animal kingdom; a little red fox and a daring dirt dauber. Together they set out on a dangerous mission to save one world, while unknowingly jeopardizing their own. Will both worlds be lost, or will this unlikely group of friends figure out the way to conquer evil?
J. Suthern Hicks was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. After graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a Bachelor of Arts and receiving a master’s degree from Arizona State University, he spent many years in Los Angeles, including a few years as a working actor. His first foray into professional writing was for the theater. His play, Turtle Tears, received both the Critics' Choice Award from LA Weekly and praise from the Los Angeles Times. He also wrote a Christmas musical, Evergreen, which gave him the impetus to write even more music. His numerous Christian songs have had collectively over a million streams. Two of his songs have been featured in films. Mr. Hicks is currently writing and producing a new album to be released in late 2023.
He and his wife, a professional violinist, have recently moved back to his home state of Arkansas. They enjoy a peaceful and creative life amongst the trees and the natural beauty of Hot Springs. Suthern and Michele share their home with three elderly cats: Gracie, Charlie, and Chocolate. Chocolate inspired the children’s book series Charlie and Chocolate’s Purrfect Prayer and Charlie and Chocolate’s Furry Forgiveness. Almost presciently, Suthern's very first work of fiction was a book titled The Fat Cat, which he wrote and stapled together in the first grade.
Mr. Hicks’ most treasured accomplishment is the recent completion of his Christian trilogy, Messengers and Thieves. The fantasy series begins with Where the Garden Begins, followed by A Leaf of Faith, and concludes with Roots and Branches: The Battle for Here. Over fifteen years were spent carefully cultivating and nurturing the characters and plot into something everyone can enjoy. Mr. Hicks is currently working on a prequel to his popular fantasy series, Messengers and Thieves, the release date of which is yet to be determined.
Your book, A Leaf of Faith, which came after Where the Garden Begins, is an absolute must read! Melissa is my favorite character along with the fox and who he/she represents. Are you wondering about who God is, are you struggling to continue to have faith? Child like faith is so overpowering! Melissa has opened my heart and my eyes as she is on a journey with her older brother and family friend. Sit still listen, hear that small voice, it’s ok to look at science but then think where did the science of it all comes from.
Don’t trust me, read a page or two, get drawn in where you can’t put it down(unless you’re busy like me). Put pick it back up see if there’s anything you connect with in or on your journey ❤️❤️
I read this after Where the Garden Begins. I did not know it was a series at first. Seems like there is one more in the works and I will definitely keep an eye out for it. Although this book is overtly spiritual (Christian) it is such a fun and entertaining read with quite a few thought provoking moments. The story follows a brother and sister who enter another realm where the Bible has been banned. They become messengers in this realm but in the process accidentally bring evil back to their own world. The characters are endearing and fun. I am an older male, but I think this series is perfect for young adults as well as any adult that likes fantasy and Christian fiction.
I am a nature lover. I love anything that grows from trees to insects to animals. I am also a believer. This book combined the natural created world with the spiritual world in a beautifully unique way. What seemed obvious at first, In terms of allegory, really went so much deeper the more I thought about it. I'm not sure this book is for everyone, but it was certainly for me.