Contact: Josiah Williams, Executive Marketing Director, WinePress Publishing, 360-802-9758, josiah@winepresspublishing.com
ENUMCLAW, Wash., Feb. 8, 2011 /Christian Newswire/ -- In author Dwight Burkholder's new novel, "The Preacher's Dear" (WinePress 2011), a country preacher is confronted with the fears and uncertainties of his congregation when a convicted sex offender moves into the area.
Set in the mountains of Pennsylvania, the story centers primarily on Jim Black, an unmarried pastor and his best friends, Andrea and George Jackson. Weary from the constant tension within his congregation, Jim wrestles with how to lead and counsel his fellow Christians while enjoying an annual hunting trip.
Layered between the story of young love and camaraderie, Burkholder wanted to lend a sense of urgency and relevancy to the book.
"The subplot of my book deals with how to handle a sex offender who gets out of prison and wants to reconnect with the church. How do you make the congregation feel safe? How do you protect the offender as well?"
Pastor Jim and other characters ask these and other poignant questions such as, "How could anyone who has experienced the saving grace of Jesus Christ be so unwilling to forgive someone else of his or her sins?"
Burkholder acknowledges the dangers, difficulties, and genuine concerns of parents. According to Family Watchdog, there are currently over 558,945 registered sex offenders in the United States.* The recent passage of Chelsea's Law in California (named after a 17 year old victim, Chelsea King), confirms the Burkholder's book and message is a timely one for many families.
An avid reader and hunter, Dwight Burkholder has hunted extensively throughout the United States and South Africa. His hobbies include playing golf, singing, and playing the fiddle. He and his wife are active in their local church in Virginia and are proud parents of three adult children.
For more information, to request a review copy or to schedule an interview, please contact Josiah Williams by phone at 360-802-9758, by email at josiah@winepresspublishing.com, or by fax at 360-802-9992. To purchase a copy of this book visit www.winepressbooks.com or call 877-421-7323.
* www.familywatchdog.us/OffenderCountByState.asp; September 7, 2010.
