Book Review - The Angels' Share by James Markert

The Angels' Share is written by James Markert and is published by Thomas Nelson.

Well, I did not exactly know what to expect upon reading this book, in spite of what the back cover said. My first thought was, "This is a book about whiskey." My first thought was partially correct. Whiskey does play a part in the story and, for those of you who do not drink alcohol - myself included - it can be a stumbling block.

As I got further into the book, I realized that the protagonist (William) and his family were not your normal Christian family. Barley (the father), in particular, was pretty bad. So ... of course I then thought that the booze that was taking such a large part of the storyline would get the bad rap that I thought it deserved.

It did not, per se. However, all of the drinking aside, I have to tell you that the story is a compelling one that grabs the reader from the get go. There is that mystery of who Asher Keating really was and that mystery is a thread that starts at the beginning and winds throughout to the end, where it is pretty much tied up. And that Asher Keating thing got me confused - and worried - because I did not want to read another The Shack type of story.

It does sort of read like The Shack. Bummer. However, The Angels' Share is not an allegorical type of book. Does Markert make Asher Keating into Jesus Christ? You'll have to read it for yourself to know that answer. For me, I was not totally in love with that whole part of it.

When Jesus Christ returns, He's not going to come as another baby human who grows up - and a very flawed and imperfect one at that. If you will recall, Christ has always been perfect and Holy. Though His first coming was in the form of a human baby who grew up and died on a cross, and resurrected on the third day, He will return as the King that He is.

I hope that people will not read The Angels' Share and become confused about who Jesus really is. I hope they will not come away with the thought that salvation is not dependent upon their repentance and trust in the only One perfect enough to become a sacrifice for the sins of others. If all one wants is a fun and interesting read, the book is great. If folks are looking for a truthful look at redemption, they will want to look to the Bible.

*I received a copy of The Angels' Share in exchange for my honest opinion. My thoughts are my own.*