By: Charles Martin
ISBN: 978-1455554669
Publisher: Center Street
Publication Date: 9/2/2014
Format: Hardcover
My Rating: 5 Stars + Top Books of 2014 Twelve years ago Matthew "the Rocket" Rising had it all. Married to his high school sweetheart and one of the winningest quarterbacks in the history of college football, he was the number one NFL draft pick. But on the night of the draft, he plummeted from the pinnacle of esteem. Falsely accused of a heinous crime with irrefutable evidence, it seemed in an instant all was lost--his reputation, his career, his freedom, and most devastatingly, the love of his life.
Having served his sentence and never played a down of professional football, Matthew leaves prison with one goal--to find his wife, Audrey, whom no one has seen since the trial. He returns to an unwelcoming reception from his Gardi, Georgia, hometown to learn that Audrey has taken shelter from the media with the nuns at a Catholic school. There she has discovered a young man with the talent to achieve the football career Matthew should have had. All he needs is the right coach. Although helping the boy means Matthew violates the conditions of his release and--if discovered--reincarceration for life, he'll take the chance with hope of winning back Audrey's love.
My Review
A Life Intercepted by Charles Martin is a deeply moving and powerful story of big dreams— lost and found, unwavering faith, hope and forgiveness; one of never ending love, and redemption. “Love did what hatred could not and never will.” South Georgia, 34-yr old Matthew Rising “Rocket” loves football, and has made his way to fame, by hard work, drive, and determination. With two Heisman trophies, top NFL draft pick, TV appearances, financial security, front covers, a town who loves him, offering the key to the city— with roads, and children named after him, and best of all his supportive and strong best cheerleader wife, Audrey by his side. However, when he leaves his New York hotel room the night of the draft, to get to the gym at 3am, for training, everything in his world comes crashing down, and he loses it all. Accused of a horrible crime, an enemy, a lost memory, and evidence which sends his promising career, his celebrity status, his wife, and his entire life in a downward spiral to the inside of a prison, losing everything. Having served twelve long years in prison, he is out to win back his wife, Audrey. As a sex-offender status, he definitely has challenges, making the transition back to the same hometown, as the hero who has lost his crown. With former agent /best friend-Woody, a former coach-Ray, a beaten dog-Tux, a troubled teen football player, Dee who needs his help, and a wife hiding away in a convent yearning for the truth, Matthew may just stand a chance, against all odds. Although helping the boy means Matthew violates the conditions of his release and–if discovered–he will go back to prison for life, he’ll take the chance with hope of winning back Audrey’s love. “When a man wins everything only to lose it, he recognizes the love of his life is the only thing worth having.” A Life Intercepted, narrated by Matt, is a combination of Jerry Maguire, The Blindside, and Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook, with an uncanny and unique style only Charles Martin can bring! (the video even brought chill bumps). Football fans will devour and appreciate the wit and commentary. (Loved the doves and its symbolic meaning and Martin’s poetic like prose. Funny, Ginger’s character reminds me of Nichole Kidman in Jerry Maguire). When I read my first book by Charles Martin, years ago, I knew he would be one of my favorite authors, from Chasing Fireflies, and Crickets Don’t Cry—having now read all ten of his books—each including a life lesson, with a thought-provoking take-away. Loved the inspiration behind the novel (included at the end of the novel) and the video trailer. A message to his own son, and best friend, failures of our idols and need for forgiveness, especially when so undeserved. Charles Martin, a master storyteller, uses strong women, and flawed characters, as he writes from the heart, and skillfully crafts a captivating novel of unconditional love, inner strength, and forgiveness. Martin cleverly uses the game of football as it relates to the game of life and love.
“My favorite moment in the game occurs in the huddle, when the faces behind those face masks are all staring back at me. Silently, intently, asking me what I’m prepared to do. Amid their pain and sweat and often the reality of getting their tails kicked, they want to know if they can believe in me. If I’m worth their hope. Strip away all the exterior polish, the gloss, the commentary, and the conversations, and that’s the wonder, majesty and magnificence that is the game we call football. The ones I love need to hear something from me, and what they need to hear is not where things went wrong, not where something could have happened that didn’t, but what I know to be true.” Page 267 “Hatred is a commodity I couldn’t afford in prison. Too expensive then. To Expensive now.” From the stunning front cover, to the final end, A Life Intercepted grabs you by the heart and hooks you to the end. Movie worthy!
Martin's writing is up there with the "best of the best" for a winning touchdown!
Praise
"A beautiful story of love, redemption, and football. A winning combination."―Library Journal
"Martin is the new king of the romantic novel. . ..A Life Intercepted is a book that will swallow you up and keep you spellbound."―Jackie K Cooper, Book Critic, The Huffington Post
"This deeply personal labor of love has all of the hallmarks of Martin's amazing writing....[D]on't miss this wonderfully written book."―RT Book Reviews
"A touching tale of love, loss, and redemption."―Booklist
"Charles Martin's latest, A Life Intercepted, takes the football novel to the next level....A modern classic."―The Florida Times-Union
About the Author
CHARLES MARTIN is a New York Times bestselling author of ten previous novels, including his most recent book A Life Intercepted. His work is available in 17 languages. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and their three sons. Read More
