The Shepherd’s Voice

"Hatcher did a remarkable job with this book. I was grabbed by the first word and left with a wonderful feeling inside when I read the last word. This book helped to remind me that with Christ all things are possible." — Romance Reader’s Connection***Gabe Talmadge languished in prison for ten years, convicted of a horrible crime. Now free, he's unable to find work in the midst of the Great Depression. In desperation, he returns home to Ransom, Idaho, hoping his uncaring father will give him food and shelter, if not love. But the prodigal isn't welcomed home. Hudson Talmadge, who virtually owns the town, despises his son as much as ever, and Gabe is as powerless as an adult as he was as a child to win his father's approval.Hungry and hopeless, Gabe is rescued by the owner of a sheep ranch south of Ransom. Incredibly, Akira Macauley gives him a place to live and work to do. More than that, she gives him hope that he can receive forgiveness of his past - and perhaps even love. But when tragedy strikes Ransom once again and Gabe's life begins to unravel, he must either sink into an abyss of hopelessness or cling to a faith, hope, and love stronger than any he has ever known.***First published in 2000 by WaterBrook Press, THE SHEPHERD'S VOICE won the 2001 RITA Award for Best Inspirational Romance, the 2001 Excellence in Media Silver Angel Award, and the 2001 Booksellers' Best Award for Inspirational Romance.

From Publishers Weekly Gabe Talmadge is on his way home to Depression-era Ransom, Idaho, after a long spell in jail for a crime he did not commit. Hungry and exhausted, he collapses just 15 miles from his father's mansion. Beautiful, devout Akira Macauley takes him in, giving him a home-cooked meal and a clean bed for the night. The next day she drives him to town, where he asks his wealthy but cruel father, Hudson Talmadge, for a job. After Hudson turns him out, Akira rescues Gabe once again, offering him a job on her sheep farm. Akira's friends worry about her safety, but Akira believes God has sent Gabe to her farm so that he can recuperate, body and soul. Indeed, Gabe gains back his physical strength and rededicates his life to the Lord. Not surprisingly, he and Akira fall in love. Hatcher eschews subtlety here: Akira the Shepherdess recalls Psalm 23, and Gabe is part prodigal son, part heralding angel. And if readers do not figure out that Ransom is more than just the name of a townAit is also Jesus' roleAveteran romance novelist Hatcher liberally sprinkles clues in the form of biblical quotations . Still, the predictable plot is entertaining, and Gabe and Akira are appealing, albeit somewhat one-dimensional, characters. (June) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. From the Inside Flap A Man with a Past...For ten years, Gabe Talmadge languished in prison, convicted of a horrible crime. Now, he is free once again but unable to find work in the midst of the Great Depression. In desperation, Gabe returns to Ransom, Idaho, hoping that his uncaring father will give him food and shelter, if not love. But the prodigal son is not welcomed home. Hudson Talmadge, who virtually owns the town of Ransom, despises his youngest son as much as ever-and Gabe is as powerless to win his father's approval as when he was a child. A Man with a Future...Hungry and hopeless, Gabe is rescued by the owner of a sheep ranch south of Ransom. Incredibly, Akira Macauley gives him a place to live and work to do. More than that, she gives him hope that he can receive forgiveness for his past-and perhaps even love.A Man with a Choice...But just as Gabe comes to believe that happiness may be within his grasp, tragedy strikes Ransom once more. As his life begins to unravel, Gabe must either sink again into an abyss of hopelessness or cling to a hope, faith, and love stronger than any he has ever known. About the Author Robin Lee Hatcher is a bestselling author of over eighty books. Known for her heartwarming and emotionally charged stories of faith, courage, and love, she is an eleven-time finalist and two-time winner of the prestigious RITA® Award. She is also a recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Romance Writers of America® and American Christian Fiction Writers. A mother and grandmother, she makes her home on the outskirts of Boise. For more information, visit RobinLeeHatcher.com.Eve Passeltiner is an audiobook narrator who trained in New York and Italy as an actress and has performed on stage in New York, New England, and the Southwest. The voice for multiple women in The Washington Post’s Webby Award Nominee The Women of Kabul, she has a passion for narrating stories of gritty women, capturing their wry humor, intellect, and passion. When she is not narrating, she can be found dancing, playing and watching tennis, or in the glass studio.