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The Sam & Laura Saga #2
A Higher Calling: Laura's Tale
Sam Tries To Escape His Strong-Arm Reputation
In the years following the war, Sam had gained a reputation as a gun-toting enforcer of the law, doing whatever necessary to uphold justice, even though he had since left that life behind.
˃˃˃ The Chance For A Better LifeLaura had recently assumed control of her father’s estate and worked day after day for the sake of her children. Sam offered to help ease her burden and in return received the opportunity to live the quiet life he had always wanted.
˃˃˃ You Can’t Outrun The PastSam’s past catches up with him when an unexpected guest arrives at Laura’s estate. This encounter forces him to face his demons head on and provides the ultimate test in resisting his impulse for retribution.
˃˃˃ Will Sam choose Laura and embrace the life he always wanted, or will the opportunity for revenge prove irresistible?A Higher Calling is the second book in the AWARD WINNING Sam and Laura series. You won't want to put it down!
Scroll Up And Grab Your Copy Today!228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 4, 2014
95 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Kwen D. Griffeth
18 books36 followersWinner of Readers' Favorite Silver Award for Historical Fiction/Western, Kwen knew he wanted to be a writer when he was fourteen years old. He felt the urge when he finished Earnest Hemingway’s masterpiece For Whom The Bell Tolls. The story touched him in a way no other book ever had. It transported a kid born and raised on a farm and ranch in Idaho to the mountains of Spain. It took him back in time forty years to witness the Spanish Civil War. Kwen knew he wanted to share that wonder with other people.
John Lennon said, “Life is what happens while you make other plans.” While Kwen lived a full and varied life, his dream of writing remained in the back of his mind.
Finally, in 2012, he wrote a novella named Dear Emma. He self-published through Amazon and asked people to read it. “The best way to see if I can write is to let people check it out,” he said. Like it, they did. Currently, Dear Emma enjoys a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Often asked what genre he writes, Kwen replies he writes stories about people and uses the genre that best fits the story. “I think of the genre, or setting as another character that interacts to help tell the story,” he says.
His most often received and constant comment is how real his characters seem. Upon the completion of his historical fiction trilogy Sam and Laura books, a reader telephoned Kwen and directed him to write more stories about the couple. When asked why the reader was so adamant about more stories, he replied he “wasn’t ready to tell Sam and Laura good bye yet.”
Kwen considers that comment one of his highest compliments.
Kwen’s books are getting some attention from the literary community. The Law of Moses, the Silver Award winner from Readers' Favorite, and The Tenth Nail both received the Gold Award from Literary Titan Book Review. The Gold Award is given to books “found to be perfect in their delivery of original content, meticulous development of unique characters in an organic and striking setting, innovative plot that supports a fresh theme, and elegant prose that transforms words into beautifully written novels.” Many of Kwen's books have received the Gold Award from Literary Titan. In addition, The Law of Moses was awarded five 5 Star Reviews from the reviewers of Readers' Favorite.
Kwen’s books are available in several formats; e-Book, paperback, and audio. He invites you to check his writings out. Who knows? He might become your next favorite author.
John Lennon said, “Life is what happens while you make other plans.” While Kwen lived a full and varied life, his dream of writing remained in the back of his mind.
Finally, in 2012, he wrote a novella named Dear Emma. He self-published through Amazon and asked people to read it. “The best way to see if I can write is to let people check it out,” he said. Like it, they did. Currently, Dear Emma enjoys a 4.8 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.
Often asked what genre he writes, Kwen replies he writes stories about people and uses the genre that best fits the story. “I think of the genre, or setting as another character that interacts to help tell the story,” he says.
His most often received and constant comment is how real his characters seem. Upon the completion of his historical fiction trilogy Sam and Laura books, a reader telephoned Kwen and directed him to write more stories about the couple. When asked why the reader was so adamant about more stories, he replied he “wasn’t ready to tell Sam and Laura good bye yet.”
Kwen considers that comment one of his highest compliments.
Kwen’s books are getting some attention from the literary community. The Law of Moses, the Silver Award winner from Readers' Favorite, and The Tenth Nail both received the Gold Award from Literary Titan Book Review. The Gold Award is given to books “found to be perfect in their delivery of original content, meticulous development of unique characters in an organic and striking setting, innovative plot that supports a fresh theme, and elegant prose that transforms words into beautifully written novels.” Many of Kwen's books have received the Gold Award from Literary Titan. In addition, The Law of Moses was awarded five 5 Star Reviews from the reviewers of Readers' Favorite.
Kwen’s books are available in several formats; e-Book, paperback, and audio. He invites you to check his writings out. Who knows? He might become your next favorite author.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 4, 2017
Kwen Griffith’s novel of historical fiction, A Higher Calling, falls short of what appears to be great potential in the opening chapters. Slow-moving and uneventful, A Higher Calling will disappoint readers who are intrigued by its seductive and absorbing beginning pages. Set in the late 1800s, the novel focuses on the blossoming love story and family dynamic of Laura Stoddard and Sam Moses: she, the beautiful yet modest widow who is looking for new love, and he, the reformed sinner and gunman who hopes to win her love and put his past behind him. Their romance is supported by Laura’s children, from her marriage to her now-deceased husband, specifically her adolescent son, William, who forms a strong father-son relationship with Sam. But of course, the past is never far behind, and Sam’s former life as a gunman comes back to haunt him, sending their quaint ranch life in New Hope, Missouri spiraling far off its once-peaceful trajectory.
Griffith’s novel is not an unpleasant read, but it is a regrettably average three-star story. At just under 200 pages, A Higher Calling spends nearly 100 pages on introductions and setting the scene, and perhaps only 25 on action. The opening half will be mildly interesting to those who hope to learn about small towns in Missouri in the late 1800s and what life was like then. Griffith describes the different types of stores, fashion styles, and quintessential characters (the saloon madam, the shopkeeper, the rancher) in an interesting way, but none of these characters is developed being a passing glance. When Griffith introduces the seemingly sinister character of Abernathy, a lawyer (of course!), the story picks up its pace and becomes more intriguing. Readers will be excited to finally see the legendary gunman, Sam Moses, in action! But as quickly as the action begins, it ends, fizzling out with a whimper.
In spite of its lackluster plot, A Higher Calling is still pleasant to read because it is well-written and thoughtful. Griffith is very skilled at writing witty banter and artistically describing the landscapes and emotions that the characters experience. Though Griffith begins with the romance of Laura and Sam, it is actually the relationship formed between Sam and William that is more developed and touching. The novel fails to truly develop why Laura and Sam are in love, which causes the ups and downs of their relationship to be somewhat unsympathetic for readers. By contrast, Griffith develops a very meaningful relationship between Sam and William, with Sam looking to William as a son he never had, and William to Sam as a new father in his life.
The end of A Higher Novel came so unexpectedly and without warning that I flipped back several chapters to ensure I hadn’t missed a key piece of the storyline. I had not, in fact, missed anything; the novel simply comes to an unnatural and unexpected end. Though it is always a pleasant literary escape to spend time reading the work of a skilled writer, as Griffith clearly is, the skillful prose is unfortunately not enough to transform this story that is sluggish at its roots.
Griffith’s novel is not an unpleasant read, but it is a regrettably average three-star story. At just under 200 pages, A Higher Calling spends nearly 100 pages on introductions and setting the scene, and perhaps only 25 on action. The opening half will be mildly interesting to those who hope to learn about small towns in Missouri in the late 1800s and what life was like then. Griffith describes the different types of stores, fashion styles, and quintessential characters (the saloon madam, the shopkeeper, the rancher) in an interesting way, but none of these characters is developed being a passing glance. When Griffith introduces the seemingly sinister character of Abernathy, a lawyer (of course!), the story picks up its pace and becomes more intriguing. Readers will be excited to finally see the legendary gunman, Sam Moses, in action! But as quickly as the action begins, it ends, fizzling out with a whimper.
In spite of its lackluster plot, A Higher Calling is still pleasant to read because it is well-written and thoughtful. Griffith is very skilled at writing witty banter and artistically describing the landscapes and emotions that the characters experience. Though Griffith begins with the romance of Laura and Sam, it is actually the relationship formed between Sam and William that is more developed and touching. The novel fails to truly develop why Laura and Sam are in love, which causes the ups and downs of their relationship to be somewhat unsympathetic for readers. By contrast, Griffith develops a very meaningful relationship between Sam and William, with Sam looking to William as a son he never had, and William to Sam as a new father in his life.
The end of A Higher Novel came so unexpectedly and without warning that I flipped back several chapters to ensure I hadn’t missed a key piece of the storyline. I had not, in fact, missed anything; the novel simply comes to an unnatural and unexpected end. Though it is always a pleasant literary escape to spend time reading the work of a skilled writer, as Griffith clearly is, the skillful prose is unfortunately not enough to transform this story that is sluggish at its roots.
May 2, 2019
MO. Laura Perkins (widower/mother, nee Stoddard) shared some of her life to Samuel “Sam” Moses Carter (farm/ranch hand, former lawmen).
It seems the 2 were having a relationship.
Sam was telling the kids Ruby “Button” Stoddard (6, Laura’s daughter/sister), & William Stoddard Jr. (Laura’s son/brother) stories at breakfast.
New Hope, MO. The 4 of them went to the dry goods store to get supplies. The 2 guys went to the barbershop.
Sheriff Rice ask Sam to stop by.
Later, the bank was being robbed.
Francis Pickles Knudson (widower/father), Seth Knudson (son), & Levi Knudson (nephew) were the bank robbers.
Sam knew Francis. He intervened & hoped nobody got shot/killed.
William had the double barrel Parker shotgun.
Sheriff Rice was very reluctant, but he told Sam the 3 of them were free to go back to Kansas.
Archibald Wainwright Abernathy (solicitor, Chicago, IL, Cook County) had ridden up to the Laura’s house.
Mr. Clifton Wiggins had been killed by Nell Rickenshaw & Sam was the executor.
Archibald was mad at Clifton, & Laura (William’s mother).
William had gotten his chores done & had a bucket of milk.
Of course, the cats were following him.
What did Sam do to Nell?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written wild western romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great western romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
It seems the 2 were having a relationship.
Sam was telling the kids Ruby “Button” Stoddard (6, Laura’s daughter/sister), & William Stoddard Jr. (Laura’s son/brother) stories at breakfast.
New Hope, MO. The 4 of them went to the dry goods store to get supplies. The 2 guys went to the barbershop.
Sheriff Rice ask Sam to stop by.
Later, the bank was being robbed.
Francis Pickles Knudson (widower/father), Seth Knudson (son), & Levi Knudson (nephew) were the bank robbers.
Sam knew Francis. He intervened & hoped nobody got shot/killed.
William had the double barrel Parker shotgun.
Sheriff Rice was very reluctant, but he told Sam the 3 of them were free to go back to Kansas.
Archibald Wainwright Abernathy (solicitor, Chicago, IL, Cook County) had ridden up to the Laura’s house.
Mr. Clifton Wiggins had been killed by Nell Rickenshaw & Sam was the executor.
Archibald was mad at Clifton, & Laura (William’s mother).
William had gotten his chores done & had a bucket of milk.
Of course, the cats were following him.
What did Sam do to Nell?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written wild western romance book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great western romance movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author; EBookStage; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
August 8, 2017
After reading the first book in the Sam Moses series I immediately picked up the second one. Written in the same engaging style I found it impossible to put down and read it in a few days.
After settling with Laura and her children away from his previous lifestyle, Sam soon finds that his past is weighing him down despite of all his hopes to bury it and start a new life. Even Laura’s love can’t seem to heal certain wounds, as Sam is constantly tormented by doubts and hesitations about their future. When a mysterious rider arrives at their doorstep, Sam has to face a choice: follow his duty and finally meet his demons face to face, or keep living in denial for the rest of his life. However, some decision prove to be fatal…
I absolutely loved the same deep level of complexity of Sam’s character that made me so fascinated with him in book one. The character development in this second story was simply admirable as I watched Sam “grow” and change, taking on a role as a father and a peacemaker.
The setting, the historical accuracy, the meticulous research put into this novel is obvious on every page, and I already can’t wait to get to book three! Highly recommended to all fans of historical fiction genre.
After settling with Laura and her children away from his previous lifestyle, Sam soon finds that his past is weighing him down despite of all his hopes to bury it and start a new life. Even Laura’s love can’t seem to heal certain wounds, as Sam is constantly tormented by doubts and hesitations about their future. When a mysterious rider arrives at their doorstep, Sam has to face a choice: follow his duty and finally meet his demons face to face, or keep living in denial for the rest of his life. However, some decision prove to be fatal…
I absolutely loved the same deep level of complexity of Sam’s character that made me so fascinated with him in book one. The character development in this second story was simply admirable as I watched Sam “grow” and change, taking on a role as a father and a peacemaker.
The setting, the historical accuracy, the meticulous research put into this novel is obvious on every page, and I already can’t wait to get to book three! Highly recommended to all fans of historical fiction genre.
September 2, 2018
A sad story
Sam was a gunman with a reputation. His alcoholic friend died, leaving his wife Laura and two children in his care on a farm on the praries. The son flourished under his care, as he stepped in to the fatherly role. A slimy creep of a lawyer arrived at the farm, assaulting Laura, to remind him of a promise he made to avenge a friend to inherit his wealth. So he packed up and left, expecting to die as he killed his friend's 4 enemies. He almost did. Out of character the lawyer fired the last shot to save his life, then nursed him back to health. Eventually he recovered and returned to the farm, only to find the children including one of his own, had died in a plague. The story ended abruptly at this point. Sometimes it seems authors get tired of the stories they have so carefully crafted, finishing them off heartlessly, leaving readers unsatisfied and distressed. I find this tendency awful.
Sam was a gunman with a reputation. His alcoholic friend died, leaving his wife Laura and two children in his care on a farm on the praries. The son flourished under his care, as he stepped in to the fatherly role. A slimy creep of a lawyer arrived at the farm, assaulting Laura, to remind him of a promise he made to avenge a friend to inherit his wealth. So he packed up and left, expecting to die as he killed his friend's 4 enemies. He almost did. Out of character the lawyer fired the last shot to save his life, then nursed him back to health. Eventually he recovered and returned to the farm, only to find the children including one of his own, had died in a plague. The story ended abruptly at this point. Sometimes it seems authors get tired of the stories they have so carefully crafted, finishing them off heartlessly, leaving readers unsatisfied and distressed. I find this tendency awful.
September 27, 2018
A Proper Western
If you didn't get a chance to read Book 1, no worries--the basic information is supplied; however, you will have missed some of the depth and nuances of Sam's character. Narrator Joseph Durika brings resonance and immediacy to author Kwen Griffith's words as you are drawn into the lives of the characters, struggling to put yourself into the 19th century's manners, mores, and hardships. Modern camping trips are usually more luxurious than was everyday life as a rancher in the "wild west." The story is engrossing and the ending an utter . . . surprise. I will say no more than to invite you to read or listen for yourself!
If you didn't get a chance to read Book 1, no worries--the basic information is supplied; however, you will have missed some of the depth and nuances of Sam's character. Narrator Joseph Durika brings resonance and immediacy to author Kwen Griffith's words as you are drawn into the lives of the characters, struggling to put yourself into the 19th century's manners, mores, and hardships. Modern camping trips are usually more luxurious than was everyday life as a rancher in the "wild west." The story is engrossing and the ending an utter . . . surprise. I will say no more than to invite you to read or listen for yourself!
May 19, 2020
A KDG. Missouri/Colorado Western Action Adventure (AHC)(LT) (SALSB - 2)
KDG. has penned a Missouri/Colorado western action adventure titled, "A Higher Calling:Laura's Tale" which begins with San and Laura living on the farm shi inherited in Missouri. They are making a success of the far. One day Sam and the boy go to town and stop a bank robbery. Sam knows the man leading the robbers and discovers why they are robbing the bank. Months later an attorney shows up from Chicago and Sam must settle a debt which requires him to go to Colorado. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
KDG. has penned a Missouri/Colorado western action adventure titled, "A Higher Calling:Laura's Tale" which begins with San and Laura living on the farm shi inherited in Missouri. They are making a success of the far. One day Sam and the boy go to town and stop a bank robbery. Sam knows the man leading the robbers and discovers why they are robbing the bank. Months later an attorney shows up from Chicago and Sam must settle a debt which requires him to go to Colorado. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
August 30, 2019
I thought the Law of Moses was great, but Laura's story topped it.
I could feel every emotion, joy full, heart wrenching, funny. I saw both sides. Hated with Sam, loved with Laura. I was transported to another time and place, and realized again things were different, yet very much the same. Once again Mr. Griffith you knocked it out of the park. Well done? I have a feeling I'm going to be very sorry when your series is over.
I could feel every emotion, joy full, heart wrenching, funny. I saw both sides. Hated with Sam, loved with Laura. I was transported to another time and place, and realized again things were different, yet very much the same. Once again Mr. Griffith you knocked it out of the park. Well done? I have a feeling I'm going to be very sorry when your series is over.
November 20, 2017
Better than book 1.
The story line is excellent, in so many ways it is more than a western, more than a love story, more than a moral tale. It is a complete life story.
The descriptions are well written and often beautiful, the story telling is captivating. The editing is good.
The narration is strong and kept my interest.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story line is excellent, in so many ways it is more than a western, more than a love story, more than a moral tale. It is a complete life story.
The descriptions are well written and often beautiful, the story telling is captivating. The editing is good.
The narration is strong and kept my interest.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2018
Loved the story.
The joy and tragedy of life in the old west is combined with the travails of a man who only wanted to be a teacher until the civil war came along and he beacame the meanest lawman gunfighter. Everytime he starts to find peace fate intervenes.
The joy and tragedy of life in the old west is combined with the travails of a man who only wanted to be a teacher until the civil war came along and he beacame the meanest lawman gunfighter. Everytime he starts to find peace fate intervenes.
February 28, 2019
A quiet life with LAURA is an option to help her with the land and children. Until trouble comes and his past is in front of him, which will it be.
Revenge and what he was is a powerful motivation. Good second book
Revenge and what he was is a powerful motivation. Good second book
April 5, 2020
Wow!!! I never in a million years could I have seen this coming. But it did and now I’m going to the third book in the series to see if I’ll still be breathing when the last page has been turned.. Great job to this author for a job very well done. Please. Have mercy on me.
November 7, 2018
A Higher Calling
A great read, and a lasting love story! Sam trying to put his life behind him, is drawn back for one last mission, according to his self imposed honor code!
A great read, and a lasting love story! Sam trying to put his life behind him, is drawn back for one last mission, according to his self imposed honor code!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews