By: Christena
Books, ,

An Epic Story Set in the Big Bend – My Book Review

DESTINY’S WAY
A Novel of the Big Bend
by
Ben H. English
Historical Fiction / Suspense
Publisher: Creative Texts Publishers
Date of Publication: January 18, 2020
Number of Pages: 363

Kate Blanchard woke up one morning in a dream home she could no longer afford, with a young son who needed a man’s influence, and not a friend among those who had claimed to be prior to her husband’s mysterious disappearance.

About all she had left was a ramshackle ranch along Terlingua Creek, sitting forlornly in the desolate reaches of the lower Big Bend. It was the only place left she could go. There she finds a home and a presence of something strange yet comforting that she can’t put her finger on or fully understand.

With that ethereal presence comes Solomon Zacatecas, a loner with his own past and a knowledge of her land near uncanny in nature. He helps her when no one else can and is honest when no one else will be, but she suspicions that he is not always completely so.

Yet her quiet, unassuming neighbor proves to be more than capable in whatever situation arises. That includes when standing alone against those who would take everything else that Kate had, including her life as well as her son’s.



PRAISE FOR DESTINY’S WAY:

 “This is one of those rare books that you simply can’t put down. Ben English ‘s writing style is pure magic. He really brings this historical fiction book to life. Immediately, you are drawn to the main characters Kate and Solomon and feel as though you are right there next to them, experiencing what they are experiencing. Destiny’s Way is one that would do well on the Silver Screen.”
— Catherine Eaves, published author
“Ben does a superb job with this book! Excellent characters, true-to-life environment that is part and parcel of the story, twists and turns enough to make you wonder what is going on, and a slice of life down in Big Bend that rings true. That area has historically been full of ‘characters’ throughout its history, and Ben brings those characters into the book, raising the hair on the back of your neck. Highly recommended!”
— J. L. Curtis, author of the Grey Man series
“Ben, I love how your words and your memories reach out and connect the past with the present and touch so many people along the way. You are the connector! Bravo Zulu, my friend.”
— Matt Walter, Museum of the Big Bend Curator

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Copy of My copy

“True love only comes around once in this life, even if you’re lucky. Blessings are a different matter entirely. Take a hard hold when they do, be grateful, and don’t let go.”

I was not sure what to expect with Ben English’s latest book, Destiny’s Way. As always, I do not read the synopsis of books I’m reviewing to influence any part of my reading of a story and I’m really glad I did not on this one.

Destiny’s Way setting and the backdrop are in the Big Bend region of Texas. It is an area that is vast, with rarely cool days, and with desert-like terrain that is unforgiving to many who visit. Enter the story of Katherine and her son Jamie. She moves to a piece of land that was owned by her and husband. Her husband disappeared without a trace and she is left all alone with her son. Not far away from her land is a man building a house nicknamed Wolf whose bad reputation is as big as the Big Bend.

When I thought the story was about love blossoming between the two main characters it turns into a larger-than-life story of a kidnapping and then outright revenge and lastly justice, with a couple of ghosts in the mix.

By mid-point of this story, it became a couldn’t put down book due to English’s crisp writing style and the story itself.

The historical and modern touches in this book carry this story even further with the guns and rifles used by the characters. Along the way, there is a history lesson on mules. Here is a historical fact about George Washington he played a major role in the development of the mule population in America, as well as became the first American mule breeder.

“And I will tell you something else, my young friend,” added Solomon in a confidential tone. “They are far smarter than the horse. So, do not ever mistreat one because they will never forget or forgive you for it. Yet if you treat them well, no dog could ever be more loyal.”

If you love a story that takes you on a journey of friendship, love, and hope with touches of authentic history combined with a movie-style twist then check out Destiny’s Way.

 

Ben H. English is an eighth-generation Texan who grew up in the Big Bend. At seventeen he joined the Marines, ultimately becoming a chief scout-sniper as well as a platoon sergeant. Later he worked counterintelligence and traveled to over thirty countries. 
At Angelo State University he graduated Magna Cum Laude along with other honors. Afterwards Ben had a career in the Texas Highway Patrol, holding several instructor billets involving firearms, driving, and defensive tactics.
His intimate knowledge of what he writes about lends credence and authenticity to his work. Ben knows how it feels to get hit and hit back, or being thirsty, cold, wet, hungry, alone, or exhausted beyond imagination. Finally, he knows of not only being the hunter but also the hunted.
Ben and his wife have two sons who both graduated from Annapolis. He still likes nothing better than grabbing a pack and some canteens and heading out to where few others venture.

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