Bible and a .44
Setting: Idaho 1932
A past to redeem, a love to reclaim, and a faith to guide the way.
Jesse Graham returns to Kings Meadow a changed man, determined to atone for the mistakes of his wild youth. He longs to rebuild his relationship with his widowed mother and make amends to those he wronged—especially Willow Foster, the pastor’s granddaughter who once loved him despite his wicked ways. Willow has spent years trying to forget Jesse, guarding her heart against the pain he caused. But his return stirs emotions she thought she’d buried, and she must decide if she can trust the man he’s become.
With a heart surrendered to Jesus, Jesse faces the consequences of his past while serving the community he once shamed. As he works to prove his transformation, he finds himself falling for Willow in a new and lasting way—and hoping for a future that holds more than her forgiveness.
[Bible and a .44 was first published in the novella collection, From This Moment On.]
Awards & Recognitions
- Finalist, ACFW Carol Awards (Novella)
- Winner, FHLRCA (Novella)
Endorsements
“Bible and a .44 is a story full of redemption and hope. Hope not only for wayward sons and daughters, but for the people who love them as well. With her gift of storytelling, Robin Lee Hatcher brings a Great Depression-era small town in Idaho to life, where a cast of characters live out a story that is both believable and inspiring, reminding us that no one is so lost they can’t come home.” — Michelle Shocklee, award-winning author of All We Thought We Knew and Appalachian Song
“In Bible and a .44, Robin Lee Hatcher crafts a moving story of uncertain homecomings, redemption, and the power of grace. With heartfelt storytelling and richly drawn characters, this novella beautifully captures the struggle of facing one’s past and the freedom that comes with forgiveness. A tender and uplifting read, it’s a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of love, faith, and second chances.” — Karen Barnett, award-winning author of Where Trees Touch the Sky and the National Park Novels
