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Joseph Bentz
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Most Recent
Title 
Silent God
Beacon Hill
(Summer 2007)
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Joseph
Bentz |
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Joseph Bentz is the
award-winning author of four novels and two non-fiction books. In
addition to writing books, he is also a professor of English
at Azusa Pacific University in Southern California, where he
teaches courses in American literature and writing.
Bentz's second
novel, A Son Comes Home, was chosen as one of the Top
Ten Christian Novels of the Year by Booklist
magazine, won the Silver Angel Award, and was selected for
Guideposts Book Club. Bentz has also published dozens
of articles in scholarly and professional journals and
magazines and is a regular book reviewer for Aspiring
Retail (formerly CBA Marketplace) magazine. One
of Bentz's scholarly interests is the American novelist
Thomas Wolfe, and he serves as the articles editor for
The Thomas Wolfe Review. Bentz has spoken at numerous
writing and professional conferences across the country. He
earned a Ph.D. in American literature from Purdue
University.
Visit
his website at
www.josephbentz.com.
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Books
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When God Takes Too Long
Hugh Morris had a secret—and he spilled it in a moment of
confusion from his hospital bed. After much arm-twisting by
his daughters, the story is slowly leaking out. But secrets
that have been concealed for nearly a half century are not
revealed without significant grief and bitterness. As each
family member begi
Beacon Hill (2005)
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At Close of Day: A Novel
Hugh Morris had a secret—and he spilled it in a moment of
confusion from his hospital bed. After much arm-twisting by
his daughters, the story is slowly leaking out. But secrets
that have been concealed for nearly a half century are not
revealed without significant grief and bitterness. As each
family member begins rewriting their family's history and
facing the future the truth has thrust upon them, they must
pursue reconciliation or risk being divided forever.
• Rated "phenomenal" by Romantic Times magazine, their
highest rating
• Chosen for Good News Book Club
• "Bentz has created a fascinating exploration of the
complexity of two generations of family as they fight for
reconciliation. He tells the story of a family forced to
re-write its history when a traumatic secret is thrust upon
them. Each character is well-developed, giving the reader an
intimate view on the life of a modern family."
--CurledUp.com
Bethany House Publishers (2003)
ISBN: 0764222090
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Cradle of Dreams: A Novel
The medications brought on depression, irritability, and
insomnia—misery beyond what she had imagined. Yet Laura is
willing to endure that and more, if only it will lead to a
child. But hope fades with each new phone call—each
prognosis another blow to endure. Unwilling to give up until
she has seen the last expert on earth, Laura becomes
consumed with overcoming her empty arms. But why is it that
she seems to struggle alone, while her husband drags his
heels at every turn? Isn't this their dreams they're trying
to fulfill?
Humiliation. For Paul, that word describes the whole
unpleasant process. And for what? To achieve a dream no one
can guarantee? He and his wife have rewarding careers,
common interests and hobbies, nieces and nephews to enjoy.
Now all that was good and right and comfortable about their
marriage has faded with the realization of this one strike
against them. Against him. Paul, feeling he owes his wife
something that can never be repaid, simply wants to see
Laura smile again. But at what cost?
• “A book that never blinks in its thought-provoking look at
marriage in this story of love, loss, hope and compassion.”
–Reader to Reader
• “You will find that you will not be able to put this book
down. It will stay with you long after you are finished
reading it.” –Christian Bookshelf
Bethany House (2001)
ISBN: 0764222074
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A Son Comes Home: A Novel
It took the news of his father's illness to bring him home
for the summer. After fleeing Indiana following the tragic
death of his idolized older brother, Chris LaRue struggles
to set aside his bitterness and instead renew the fragmented
relationships abandoned two years earlier. But he discovers
that his brother's presence still echoes through the house
and time has not healed the wounded.
Battling a deep sense of loyalty to his brother, Chris tries
desperately to patch together his family. But new challenges
rock its foundation and threaten to undo their fragile
progress. Chris yearns for a future free from the past—will
it require revealing the betrayal his brother took to the
grave?
• Chosen as one of the Top Ten Christian Novels of 1999 by
Booklist magazine
• Winner of the Silver Angel Award
• Chosen for the Guideposts Book Club
• “...a thoughtful re-examination of lessons found in one of
Jesus' most inspiring stories, the parable of the prodigal
son.” –CBA Marketplace
• “...tackles some very delicate topics that many writers
might avoid... interesting and realistic, and it contains
good lessons for teens and adults alike.” –Christian Library
Journal
Bethany House Publishers (1999)
ISBN: 0764222074
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Song of Fire: A Novel
Through the breaking ice, in a vortex of brilliant light,
energy, and sound, Jeremy plunges into a mysterious new
world.
It is a world where music is absolutely prohibited—on pain
of death. And Jeremy breaks that law when he arrives in
Persus Am in a swirling cloud of light and music. A stranger
in a strange land, he does not know why he has been sent
here. But it soon becomes clear that he must risk everything
to help his new friends in this weary and war-torn world.
From the Gray Desert to the jeweled palace of Persus Am, the
forbidding Rock of Calad to the fabled land of Caladria,
Jeremy finds himself in the midst of horrifying evil and
heroic goodness. As he searches for an answer to why he is
here, he must face the truth that is written on his own
heart.
Song of Fire is a powerful tale of the triumph of good over
evil, and healing love in a fantastic world that feels as
real as the one we live in.
• “Bentz uses words the way a builder uses bricks or a
jeweler uses valuable stones. There is no excess. Each word
is carefully placed. . . .With Song of Fire, readers have a
rare opportunity to read and enjoy a book that their
children’s children may discover with the same sense that
the book is something special. I can’t resist: I think that
readers of Song of Fire are experiencing the birth of
a classic.” –Christian Book Review
• “An exceptional fantasy.” –Booklist
• “Captivating. . . .well-written, with believable
characters that can quite easily become real to the reader.”
–Dusk and Dawn
Thomas Nelson (1995)
ISBN: 0785278826 |
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