Letters from War
A Novel
with: Travis Thrasher
INSPIRED BY THE ORIGINAL HIT SONG
When Beth Thompson’s only son, James, goes missing in action in Afghanistan, she is left with her prayers, hopes, fears . . . and letters.
Mother and son have been writing since boot camp. James writes of his struggle to become a confident soldier and of his concern for his young wife and their unborn child. Beth, like any mom, praises her son’s courage even as she frets for his safety.
Even after James disappears, Beth is comforted by a daily ritual of writing him about her feelings, faith, and attempts to maintain a normal life when nothing is really normal but the waiting.
Based on platinum-selling singer Mark Schultz’s hit song “Letters from War,” this powerfully emotional and timely story reveals how faith sustains in even the darkest of circumstances.
When Beth Thompson’s only son, James, goes missing in action in Afghanistan, she is left with her prayers, hopes, fears . . . and letters.
Mother and son have been writing since boot camp. James writes of his struggle to become a confident soldier and of his concern for his young wife and their unborn child. Beth, like any mom, praises her son’s courage even as she frets for his safety.
Even after James disappears, Beth is comforted by a daily ritual of writing him about her feelings, faith, and attempts to maintain a normal life when nothing is really normal but the waiting.
Based on platinum-selling singer Mark Schultz’s hit song “Letters from War,” this powerfully emotional and timely story reveals how faith sustains in even the darkest of circumstances.
Choose a format:
Buy from us:
- Howard Books |
- 288 pages |
- ISBN 9781451674415 |
- June 2012
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Praise
“Mark Schultz has touched millions with his song, ‘Letters from War.’ Now Mark’s novel will take you deeper into the story, grabbing your imagination and taking you on an unforgettable journey of the heart.”
– Karen Kingsbury, New York Times bestselling author of Unlocked and Leaving
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“Mark Schultz has touched millions with his song, ‘Letters from War.’ Now Mark’s novel will take you deeper into the story, grabbing your imagination and taking you on an unforgettable journey of the heart.”– Karen Kingsbury, New York Times bestselling author of Unlocked and Leaving
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“The first time I heard Mark Schultz's song, 'Letters from War,' I was speechless. Now, seeing the heart of that message poured into a full-length novel, I’m not just speechless, but amazed at the sacrifice our men and women in uniform--and their families--so willingly make to protect our freedom. Thanks, Mark, for reminding us all of the cost of liberty.”– Dave Ramsey, host of The Dave Ramsey Show, bestselling author of The Total Money Makeover
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“A compelling story of the love a mom, dad, and bride have for their soldier. Letters from War graphically reminds us of the price our soldiers and their families pay to protect our nation. You’ll not be able to put this book down.”– Dr. Dennis Rainey, president of FamilyLife
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“The first time I met Mark Schultz I heard him sing in Estes Park. He closed out his set with ‘Letters from War’ accompanied by a very moving music video. I wept when I listened and watched the story unfold. What makes Mark special is that he is an advocate through song and story for the forgotten people of this world. He causes us to see our story in theirs, uniting through brokenness and hope. Letters from War is a must read.”– Sandi Patty, Women of Faith speaker, most awarded female vocalist in Christian music history
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“As Americans we understand and admire the courage and strength of our military, but now Mark Schultz has taken us into the hearts of these freedom fighters. We, as the reader, can almost feel the love, worry, and pain that they and their families experience during their service.”– Lee Greenwood, multi-platinum-selling recording artist, Grammy Award winner, composer/singer of "God Bless the USA"
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“As a friend and a fan of Mark Schultz, I have always been amazed at his ability to tell a great story through his songs. With his new book, Letters from War, Mark shows that his storytelling extends far beyond his music. Once again, Mark tells a compelling story that is going to touch the hearts of those who read it.”– Matthew West, Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter
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“Mark Schultz is the ultimate storyteller. Through his music and now his book, Letters from War touches our hearts, lifts our spirits, and honors our country.”– Tommy Spaulding, New York Times bestsellling author of It's Not Just Who You Know
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“An infusion of hope and warmth to all who read, Letters from War is sure to leave an imprint upon your heart.”– Josh Olds, TheChristianCritic.net
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“A true master at storytelling, whether in song or in prose, Schultz has written a tale that will bring a tear and lift your spirit, all while honoring the service of our military families.”– BookPage
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“Travis Thrasher teams up with Dove Award winning artist Mark Schultz to breather new life into Schultz’s 2003 hit song, 'Letters from War.' Thrasher’s writing style mixes perfectly with this touching message of hope and sacrifice that so many American military families can relate to. . . . Thrasher and Schultz bring us an emotional ride to be sure, but one that will warm the heart and remind us all of the sacrifices our soldiers make each and every day to ensure our freedom.”– Jake Chism, fictionaddict.com
Read an Excerpt
Prologue
THE LAST LETTER
The soldier wrestles to write words he knows will be his last.
He searches his heart, trying to find what he wants to say. After so many letters, this one needs to count.
This one needs to last.
There is no one definitive sentence or theme he needs to write. Yet he wants his family to know that he will always be there, that he will always love them.
Just because he is gone doesn’t mean he has left them.
There is so much he wants to say. Things to share. About the places he’s seen, the journey he’s been on, the road... see more
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Book Reviews
Reading Group Guide
A Conversation with Mark Schultz
How did you come to write the song “Letters from War”? When did you first have the idea of using the song as the basis for a novel?
My great-grandma had three sons involved in World War II. My great-uncles have always been heroes to me. Several years ago as we were cleaning out her attic, we found the letters they had written her as well as her diary from the 1940s. Several of the entries brought me to tears, and I knew that I wanted to write a song that would honor both my great-grandmother and her sons.
What was your involvement in the U.S. Army’s Be Safe—Make It Home campaign? Why was it important for you to be a part of the campaign?
The army approached me with the idea of making a video for “Letters from War” so that they could show it in conjunction with their Be Safe—Make It Home campaign for the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was an amazing experience, and it has also allowed us to perform at the Pentagon as well as at several army bases around the country. Those concerts have been some of the most memorable of my career.
What can you tell us about collaborating with Travis Thrasher to write Letters from War? What are some of the differences between writing a novel and writing a song?
Well, I think we both learned a lot about the creative process and collaboration. Both Travis and I primarily do our craft without see more
How did you come to write the song “Letters from War”? When did you first have the idea of using the song as the basis for a novel?
My great-grandma had three sons involved in World War II. My great-uncles have always been heroes to me. Several years ago as we were cleaning out her attic, we found the letters they had written her as well as her diary from the 1940s. Several of the entries brought me to tears, and I knew that I wanted to write a song that would honor both my great-grandmother and her sons.
What was your involvement in the U.S. Army’s Be Safe—Make It Home campaign? Why was it important for you to be a part of the campaign?
The army approached me with the idea of making a video for “Letters from War” so that they could show it in conjunction with their Be Safe—Make It Home campaign for the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. It was an amazing experience, and it has also allowed us to perform at the Pentagon as well as at several army bases around the country. Those concerts have been some of the most memorable of my career.
What can you tell us about collaborating with Travis Thrasher to write Letters from War? What are some of the differences between writing a novel and writing a song?
Well, I think we both learned a lot about the creative process and collaboration. Both Travis and I primarily do our craft without see more
