Beyond The Gate

Beyond The Gate
When I learned a while back that my friend Dan was writing a novel, I was elated. I have known Dan and his family for several years now. Our family had gone to a coffee house to hear a band from New York; a band named True Witness. The band was a family. Two brothers, the lead vocalist Tim and the bassist, Dan, married the two sisters Kim the flutist and Heather, on keyboards. Guitarist Tom, is married to Chris a procutionist, who is mother to the girls. The talent was amazazing, and the lyrics and message to the music was up beat and inspirational. After the concert, we spent some time getting to know them all and there was an instant connection. From that time on, anytime they came anywhere within a few hours of us on tour, we were there, and they would often stay with us for weekends. The adult children in the band started calling us Uncle Rick, and Aunt Kathy. That was cool, because we don't actually have a close relationship with our nieces or nephews that call us anything. They included us and our 2 youngest kids in a few promotional videos that were a blast to be part of. The True Witness family became our family. And we knew that it would happen, they got bigger and more well known all over the country, especially on the east coast. Opportunites poured in for them from all directions. This opened the doors for them to continue to spread their message in even more fantastic ways. They moved to the Atlanta Georgia area, and now we don't see them much at all. Our loss, is a Blessing to the south as they deeply touch everyone with whom they come into contact. We are thrilled with their journey and the part that we were able to watch up close.
So when I found out that Dan was writing a book, I could not wait. The book is called Beyond The Gate. The author is Daniel T. Adams. This book is not like the concerts they playout. It's not an up beat, Love Is Enough, polyanna view on life. It is a work of fiction that shows how hurts and fears take on a life of there own, if there is no healing power, from the Lord. It speaks to how circumstance and life, become who we are and how we handle what is handed to us affects us and those around us. There are parts woven into the novel that are very dark. The character development is so deep that I have never read anything like this before. Move over Stephen King and Ted Dekker. Clyde, the main character in the story had an unbelievably difficult childhood. And therefore lives his life in darkness. He is stunted and never expects his life to change. I think we all know people like this. In fact, I believe as you read this book, you will see parts of yourself or someone you know in every character. To say that I am not an intellectual is an understatement. I like word pictures, concepts to be spelled out in RED crayon. (When you read this story, you will get the pun.) Dan paints a picture so clear and so true of how our fears, drive us in our lives. And as important how we choose to react and live with ours fears affect others, innocent others. I know that I can not truly give this book the justice it deserves in anything that I write here. I am not going to give away plot, or the truth folded within, or the ending. I HIGHLY recommend this book. And no, even if you know me, you cannot borrow it...Justsaying. Get your own copy. For more information on how to order this book or the music of TW, visit: www.truewitness.com .