The Forming of the Diamond: A Jim Caldwell Story: Book 1
About
This is the first book in the Jim Caldwell trilogy. Here you meet Jim, find out how his Hole in the Rock Gang got its name, and begin traveling with him through Arizona in 1881. First, his cousin is hung by the Russians, who have invaded the American southwest and are in charge. Next, Jim shares his ideas about living, in spite of the Russian overlords. Town folk in Prescott struggle with his thoughts, so he travels to Wickenburg, Stoneman Lake, and ultimately to Phoenix. The times are fraught with trouble, due to the Apache Wars, famous outlaws on the loose, and out of control cowboys. As tension grows, Jim angers local clergy, lawmen, and the hanging-ready Russians. Will his Gang support him? Will Pedro, his right-hand man, make a difference? Will Big Nose Kate bring some necessary calm? There’s plenty of heat and pressure, but will it form Jim into a diamond-like character, or crush him?
Praise for this book
"You are sure to enjoy this retelling of the Gospel Story, set in the Old West with cowboys and Russians playing the parts of Galileans and Romans, accompanied by marshals standing in for the Pharisees. The same message of truth, love, trust, and forgiveness comes through, as the struggle for survival and the interactions between the characters are reminiscent of life and conflicts in the First Century."