“Folksy charm, an undercurrent of menace, and an aura of hope permeate this ultimately inspirational tale.” — Booklist From award-winning author James Markert comes a Southern tale of fathers and sons, young romance, revenge and redemption, and the mystery of miracles. Now that Prohibition has ended, what the townspeople of Twisted Tree, Kentucky, need most is the revival of the Old Sam Bourbon distillery. But William McFee knows it’ll take a miracle to convince his father, Barley, to once more fill his family’s aging house with barrels full of bourbon. When a drifter recently buried near the distillery begins to draw crowds of pilgrims, the McFees are dubious. Yet miracles seem to come to those who once interacted with the deceased and to those now praying at his grave. As people descend on the town to visit the “Potter’s Field Christ,” William seeks to find the connection between the tragic death of his younger brother and the mysterious drifter. But as news spreads about the miracles at the potter’s field, the publicity threatens to bring the depth of Barley’s secret past to light and put the entire McFee family in jeopardy. “Distinguished by complex ideas and a foreboding tone, Markert’s ( A White Wind Blew ) enthralling novel captures a dark time and a people desperate for hope.” — Library Journal “Mysterious, gritty and a bit mystical, Markert’s entertaining new novel inspires the question of ‘What if?’ Many characters are nicely multilayered, providing a good balance of intrigue and realism. The fascinating glimpse into the process of distilling bourbon—and the effect of the Prohibition on Kentucky and its bourbon families—adds another layer to the story.” — RT Book Reviews 'Mysterious, gritty and a bit mystical, Markert’s entertaining new novel inspires the question of “What if?” Many characters are nicely multilayered, providing a good balance of intrigue and realism. The fascinating glimpse into the process of distilling bourbon --- and the effect of the Prohibition on Kentucky and its bourbon families --- adds another layer to the story . . .' -- RT Book Reviews, 3 stars “Distinguished by complex ideas and a foreboding tone, Markert’s (A White Wind Blew) enthralling novel captures a dark time and a people desperate for hope.” -- Library Journal “Folksy charm, an undercurrent of menace, and an aura of hope permeate this ultimately inspirational tale.” -- BookList James Markert lives with his wife and two children in Louisville, Kentucky. He has a history degree from the University of Louisville and won an IPPY Award for The Requiem Rose , which was later published as A White Wind Blew , a story of redemption in a 1929 tuberculosis sanatorium, where a faith-tested doctor uses music therapy to heal the patients. James is also a USPTA tennis pro and has coached dozens of kids who’ve gone on to play college tennis in top conferences like the Big 10, the Big East, and the ACC. Learn more at JamesMarkert.com; Facebook: James Markert; Twitter: @JamesMarkert. The Angels' Share A Novel By James Markert Thomas Nelson Copyright © 2017 James Markert All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-7180-9022-7 CHAPTER 1 October 1934 The pews at St. Michael were made of solid walnut, and even the smallest sound bounced off the nave's rib-vaulted ceiling. William McFee, the oldest son of Barley and Samantha, had once dropped a coin during the first gospel and all eyes flashed toward him. But nothing had ever echoed as loudly as Barley's Colt .45 did, just as Father Vincent was consecrating the altar bread. Barley would claim it was the first time he brought a gun to church, but William knew better. Sunlight hit the stained glass window and cast a prism across the altar. The church smelled of incense, candle wax, and perfume, and the combination made William drowsy. He didn't understand Latin; he stood when he was supposed to stand, knelt when he was supposed to kneel. Mr. Craven was nodding off near the middle pews. William envied him; he hadn't slept last night. He'd been thinking about the last words he'd said to his youngest brother. William wanted to write an article, not kick a ball around the yard. He'd told Henry no, not once but five times, until he finally said what he'd said and Henry left the room crying. He could never take it back, and that's what bothered him the most on this day, the one-year anniversary. He allowed himself to remember Henry dancing, wearing out the floorboards. He sure could dance: a prodigy, they'd called him. William once believed the talent was God given. But now he wondered if it was only a cruel trick. A four-year loan God snatched in an instant of crushed glass and twisted metal. This was the real reason William let his mind wander, not the Latin — it was his way of turning his back on God. He wasn't going to put in the extra effort anymore. Typically, the McFees had a pew to themselves in the back — Barley didn't like anyone sitting behind him. He had grown quiet s