A Turn to Windward

This is my CLF and CCRG Review:

I like the references to ships and storms within the story and how they relate to life. The knowledge you have of sailboats and sailing adds such dimension to the story. And you have so many themes integrated into your chapters such as the honorable military, runaways, teen pregnancies, racial prejudice, forgiveness and marriage. It makes the story very interesting.

I felt a close relationship with the characters from the moment I heard Rachel’s story. This is a three-dimensional plot and your characters breathe life. You take time to set up your scenes, so they play out very realistically, at a well-tempered pace.

I love the Chief’s message to Manny about healing, God’s timing and will being his own. Tears came to my eyes after Rachel sang and Sachi offered her love and support. I like the straightforward, plain-speaking Christian message of redemption and love, which permeated throughout your work. It didn’t feel forced, but real.

I’m not sure why the boys and Rachel are thinking of putting her photo on an album, when she’s hiding out from someone going to kill her. But, maybe it is for future times after the witness protection program is dropped. I loved the scene where Rachel goes to church and is touched by Cameron’s sermon and freed from the demons. This was powerful. Frank’s proposal was sweet.

I think this book would appeal to a wide audience. You have all the elements of a great story, adventure, romance, fast-paced action and dialogue.

Kara
A Gate Called Beautiful

Beautiful book: your imagery is so vivid - just outstanding - especially of sailing to the island on the 'Windward' - I could feel the breeze myself and wished I could be on the boat with Chief, Sachi, Frank, Joe, and Rachel. Or, I would have been satisfied to be on either of the other two boats: Chase One with irish, Charlie, and Terry; Chase Two with Manny, Bill, and Vince. You worked a bit of magic in your story and captivated this reader with your description of the 24-foot cutter, 'Windward.'

Your faith and love for the Lord really shines through without being pretentious or "in-your-face" at all when the Chief is talking to Manny and Irish or when Sachi talks to Rachel about God loving her. The dialogue between them is natural, authentic, convincing and profound and will touch the most insensitive heart.

I love the message of your story - it is the epitome of redemption and joy and hope. Rachel who has run away, become a prostitute, witnessed a murder, and now pregnant, is taken into the care of her grandfather, Chief, a former Navy Seal and a marvelous Christian man who shares the love of God with all of those around him: Kimberly Jones, Rachel's decoy; Todd Wilson, and Bill Gooding. Sachi, Dr. Sachiko Thornton, who treats Rachel, and Sachi's sons, Frank and Joe are also beautiful Christians as is Rachel's mom and stepfather: Dee Dee and Gary.

I became so absorbed by your story that I failed to notice any typos or other errors needing correction - I'm sorry. And the only suggestion that I can come up with is that you might want to break your chapters up into smaller, but more numerous, chapters (if you find when finished with your manuscript that you have too many chapters, you can always break your book up into two books). The pace at which your plot moves is very good but would be even better with shorter, more concise chapters.

Overall, Robert, this is an standout book regardless of which genre you put it under. The imagery, the plot, the dialogue, and the characters are all well written, vivid, mesmerizing. I really enjoyed reading your first 8 chapters and wish you total success in seeing this published. This is a very good book!

Smooth, crisp, engaging narrative with great dialogue, all wrapped up in a compelling story of redemption. My kind of book.

This is a very interesting book. I find it dramatic and well-written. I found myself continuing to read because I wanted to know what was happening. You've done a nice job!
God bless you!!!
Elizabeth Kathleen
"If Children are Cheaper by the Dozen, Can I Get a Discount on Six?"

Hey Robert
I read the comments you wrote to Faith as I've always supported Faith and that's what led me to look at your book. I hope you don't mind me asking what Christian comp you've entered or where I can find out about comps. I too did not make the first round of the ABNA. I will comment on your fine book soon -I am working to a deadline on 27th for a children's Scottish novel -the Kelpies Prize.
Take care
Olivia Hope -Being led by the Holy Spirit

Very well done! You write a clean story with great detail, dialogue and characterization. You also end the chapter in a way that pulls the reader to read the next one.

I read through the first three chapters, and I was genuinely impressed. You have a great story line, good dialogue, and a developing plot. Your writing style is excellent, and as far as I could tell, very few editing problems. I wish you all the luck with this book. I would like to keep this on my watchlist to see its progress. You have a good book here. I hope it gets the attention it deserves. Thank you for your support of December Gold.

Hello Robert...this is my CCRG review of A Turn to Windward.

First, I read all 31 chapters. This is the second book by Robert that I have read in the last couple months...his other book on Authonomy, Until Shiloh Comes, is a first-rate western with Christian characters and themes that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Robert is a very polished and professional writer. A Turn to Windward I would characterize as a blend of WEB Griffin's Marine's series without the bad language and sex, with just a pinch of the suspense of a Robert Ludlum book. As a Christian, this is the type of book I would have wanted to be able to read twenty years ago along with Clancy, Follett, Forsythe, Cussler, DeMille, WEB Griffin, and Grisham. Robert weaves a strong and clear Christian message, with admirably strong Christian characters, into a story that has all of the depth and excitement of these other well-known authors.

I personally think that the large publishers like Harper Collins are missing a huge reading market. Like recent successful Christian movies that bypassed Hollywood, there are tens of millions of Christian readers out there like myself who would like to have access to the many fine Christian books represented on Authonomy like A Turn to Windward and Until Shiloh Comes. Some ingenious and enterprizing editor needs to come up with a busness plan that skirts around this archaic "agent" bottleneck regarding looking for one auther and one "best-selling" book at a time, pitched by one agent. Even at my casual pace of reviewing a few books at a time on Authonomy over the past year, I could come up with a group of 30 books that "as a group" would generate enough sales for advances and royalties for the authors, and profits for the publisher. If, in my local Barnes & Noble bookstore HC had an individual bookrack having 40 or 50 authors under the series title "Harper Collins Contemporary Christian Classics" or some thing like that, in a conspicuous location in the store, Christians would go to that bookrack just like people go to the New Releases Fiction bookrack.

Of course every book needs some literary and grammatical fine-tuning...even the big-name author's books have text and story editors. But in the Christian genre, the market is there, and the quality of writing and storytelling are there...at least in my judgment as an avid reader and a long-time Christian. Some enterprising publisher needs to aggressively think outside of the box to reach this huge market. The Christian books are already here on Authonomy.

Just my thoughts after reading such high-quality books recently on Authonomy as A Turn to Windward. God bless you. Bart Jahn

This is an excellent poetic read and very hard hitting at times, Highly starred

Cathy

CLF and CCRG

Robert...I love when I read something that sweeps me up in the tale...lingering long after I'm done. You made me fall in love a few times myself...smiles. Every time I hear "Chief", I'll see him through the vision you created of him. You create characters that are sooooooo real that I forget they aren't alive...that's a gift. Add to all of that, the warmth of your faith that is laced into the fabric of your words...and that, my friend, was like the sun coming out after a long day of rain. Six stars and a smile for all the happy endings for my new friends.
God bless..
Linda

I've just read the first 6 chapters of your book and I must say that I'm being sucked into the story. The charactors are introduced at a pace that one can follow; I don't like to be given too many charactors at one time.

Perhaps DeeDee's statement of love and forgiving for Rachel was a bit repetitive in the first few chapters. The numerous references to God and Christ have made me begin to wonder if the book is intended to be entertainment or to further the christian agenda. I have my own beliefs and ordinarily I would put aside a book that I thought had too much of a religious overtone. Despite my suspicions, I will read on due to the fact that I like your writing style very much.

I am looking forward to arriving on Orcas Island and setting sail. I have some familiarity with sailing the waters of the Salish Sea, and I am eager to see the images you paint with words. Judging by what I've read so far, I don't expect to be disappointed.

Ron Fugere
Hummingbird Has Spoken
Taking the Time to Live: the Healing Voyage of Pato Feo

Oh, I also love the title of your book, you may add a description in it somehow, somewhere for your readers.

Hello, this is a great read Robert. One suggestion on page 4 if I may reword the part about newborns, they don't relate to drug problems. The opening page will be stronger if you give a descriptive name to the tunnel at the airport where one gets off a plane, terminal or jet bridge?. How ever this is a minor suggestion to the real action that is happening in this story. High starts! and I will be watching.

Roslyn
Scribe-Lings for your child like heart
"I Am" Through the Ages for your seeking heart

Nice job with this. I'm 59 myself, but alas not in the condition of your hero. Still, it's fun to read! I like your plain-spoken writing style, and that you get right down to business, establishing character quickly by showing, rather than telling, us what he's about, at least for the most part, and you end chapter one with a good hook to keep us interested. You do a good job applying technical knowledge based on your life experience to make the details feel authentic, and I like the underlying reinforcement for positive behaviors. Best of luck with this. And if you have any interest in kids' literature, you are invited to take a peek at the Lost Wink!
Thanks!
Tod
http://authonomy.com/books/40646/the-lost-wink/

Eight chapters are read.We are ready to fly away from NY, dear Robert, and I can admit that it was like the beginning of an action movie.The book is really interesting.The plot hooks you from the very start and the bridges you build between chapters make it impossible for the reader to stop and put the book aside. The main character is very bright. The reader can't but feels sympathy with him. BTW, he has much in common with me. I'm no kind of a SEAL, nevertheless, like him, I don't like cities,I'm running three kilometres a day, I like to build boats and I'm only four years younger than he is. Funny?
I like the way you visualize your narration: all scenes, all images are well planned and depicted. The dialogues sound quite natural. I'm sure, this book will find a great number of readers.

My congratulations, six stars and my WL till I can back .

Val But

I can't wait to continue reading this. Your first chapter was very captivating. I am very interested in this story, as I am an activist in anti-human trafficking. Your writing is compelling, and draws the reader in. Best wishes

Tammy Belzile
Self Imposed Prison

A Turn to Windward is a gritty read. I liked the quick intro of characters and the snappy, short Chapters that encouraged me to read on. Jacob's grand-daughter, Rachel, is a complex character with a myriad of social and family problems. I think Jacob is a strong character (I liked the early physical descriptions) and his understanding of misguided youth/family in his senior years is endearing. DeeDee, Rachel's sister is also interesting - a good counter balance against Rachel. Robert, your knowledge of sailing and the sea is apparent and lends harmony to your story - a well constructed and engaging plot. best regards, Andrew Esposito / Killing Paradise

This is my CLF and CCRG Review:

I like the references to ships and storms within the story and how they relate to life. The knowledge you have of sailboats and sailing adds such dimension to the story. And you have so many themes integrated into your chapters such as the honorable military, runaways, teen pregnancies, racial prejudice, forgiveness and marriage. It makes the story very interesting.

I felt a close relationship with the characters from the moment I heard Rachel’s story. This is a three-dimensional plot and your characters breathe life. You take time to set up your scenes, so they play out very realistically, at a well-tempered pace.

I love the Chief’s message to Manny about healing, God’s timing and will being his own. Tears came to my eyes after Rachel sang and Sachi offered her love and support. I like the straightforward, plain-speaking Christian message of redemption and love, which permeated throughout your work. It didn’t feel forced, but real.

I’m not sure why the boys and Rachel are thinking of putting her photo on an album, when she’s hiding out from someone going to kill her. But, maybe it is for future times after the witness protection program is dropped. I loved the scene where Rachel goes to church and is touched by Cameron’s sermon and freed from the demons. This was powerful. Frank’s proposal was sweet.

I think this book would appeal to a wide audience. You have all the elements of a great story, adventure, romance, fast-paced action and dialogue.

Kara
A Gate Called Beautiful

I very much like the new cover it has more color to it and the lines are more distinctive.
Good work.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

A TURN TO WINDWARD
This is a book with a dramatic beginning: news a young girl has witnessed a murder. The Chief is a good main character for the story; gives everything an older and more experienced opinion on things. Rachael is equally good; she’s likable because she’s part of Chief’s family and sympathetic because of all the trouble she’s had in her short life. The contrast between the two is a good set up for conflict as they try to live together. Makes this a good read. I’m starring it and adding it to my shelf. Mark/Wanttobeawriter: Who Killed the President?

Robert,
A very professional piece of work, I dare say, and I can already envision Tommy Lee Jones playing "Chief"' in the movie version. I find the dialogue truly effective in conveying backstory while helping with characterization and the mood of the moment. It certainly fleshes out the narrative framework you've set up to support the plot. The bond between Chief and Rachel is inspiring to behold and a confirmation of good old values. Thank you so much for the captivating read.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

Robert,

I've re-read the first six chapters of A Turn to Windward to look at your edits. In general I think it flows much better now. The shorter chapters help keep the reader hooked. Chapter One stands out particularly now - short but full of character and leaves us with that final hook - 'A Murder'. I also had the feeling it all read more smoothly where there were punctuation issues before, and the general impression is very professional now.

One very very minor niggle that you've probably noticed is the small 'copyright' out of place at the very beginning. Obviously nothing to do with the writing but I thought I'd point it out as no doubt you want it to be perfect!

This is a grown up action thriller with a Christian leaning. It deals with a number of issues that may be disterbing, but we are guided through by the main character, 'Chief', a strong paternal figure who we trust completely (could there be an embedded religious parallel there somewhere?). I think it has the potential to do very well within it's intended market and is well worth a read.

Regards,

Robert

Hi Robert, Your short pitch caught me! I thought it was very good!

This is a little picky but I think it may help if you reloaded the first chapter to get rid of the white space before your story starts. If you want to keep your book's name & copyright info you can probably add it at the top of your 1st chapter's page to eliminate so much white space. Just an idea ..

I see others like the beginning of the book so I'm hesitant to say this but I would rather see you start with either the 5th or 7th paragraph and weave those beginning paras in later in the book. The reason I say this is because I haven't been able to read enough to get interested in the book & those first paragraphs are about building a sailboat. Building a boat is just not very interesting to me but I can definitely see it being a good family/neighbor project later in the book! But as I said, other comments like the beginning so it may just be me. Please feel free to ignore the idea!

Your writing is excellent and I was impressed with the protective measures Chief took to guard & bring Rachel home. You've made it evident he is clearly a capable man with a take charge & a gentle side. I will agree with another comment on the Christian content. I had the same issue and chose to tone it down some in my book. It's unfortunate but true that quite often it does put readers off.

I've only read to Chapter 4 but I think your book has a lot of potential. If I weren't so tired right now I would read on! Your plot is intriguing and already your writing shines! Best of Luck! High Stars!

Jane Lawry
The Genealogists: On Holy Ground (Christian Horror)
http://www.authonomy.com/books/44825/the-genealogists-on-holy-ground/

Hello Robert:

I read the first couple chapters of A Turn to Windward and was impressed by this book on several levels:

1. First, I like your rich descriptiveness, which really enhances the character development in the narrative.

2. Second, the first chapter introduces a plot in such a way that the reader is drawn into the story and compelled to continue reading.

3. Third, it is clear through the dialogue that you are a man who understands the reality of spiritual warfare.

4. Finally, your book uniquely appeals to male readers via the military and sailing jargon, yet carries an intimate, relational tone of love and forgiveness.

Well done and may God truly bless this novel.

James

A Turn to Windward by Robert M. Starr
Thrilling from the start. Your opener is amazing because it pulled me in. The characters are so deep and real that is hard not to be put in there places.
You have a great pacing and development. It keeps the reader interested in what is happening without dull lapses in between.
I like the whole sea and sailing angle.
You have a real talent with writing.
The mix of Christianity is well weaved through the story to even thrill non believers.
Amazing work with this.

Shelby Z./Driving Winds

P.S. Please take a look at my Christian pirate adventure Driving Winds.

Backing this book for now - seriously, people, this is good enough to get at least some people - why won't you put it on your shelf?? (I'm new so maybe I'm missing something...)

This is the first book I have read on authonomy. It held my interest from beginning to end. At first I thought there were going to be far too many characters but somehow, they generally all fit in. Terms unlikely to be familiar to those of us with no military knowledge were summarized without giving a person a textbook feel. At first I was concerned that with all of the military references and the given situation that there would be more violence than I care for but it was a good, clean story and that is hard to come by. Aside from infinitesimal grammar issues, this book could go to print. As a side note: I skipped when I came to any demonic references but other than that I read the entire manuscript.

Robert,

I've read the first couple of chapters of A Turn to Windward. In general I like the writing style and I think this could be a very interesting, grown up, story (though see final comment). A few specific observations follow.

*You use 'And' to start the second sentence. I know conjunctions are often used incorrectly like this in creative writing (I've done it myself) but in the second sentence I find it a bit ungainly.
*Sometimes I feel that slightly more punctuation (commas) could be used from time to time to make the descriptions (of people/clothing etc) flow better. This is particularly true in the first, prologue, part.
*her blue eyes flashing in icy fury... a little more required, considering the emotional content of the following paragraph. DeeDee is her mother and I'm sure she would be VERY emotional as she said these things. Either stress this more to begin with or break the paragraph to describe her reactions.
*a minor point: cherry desk... makes it sound bright red to my ears. would cherry-wood desk be better?
*I could never belong to their group, but I learned to welcome their teammates into my home... Unsure of the meaning and if this fits in here. The paragraph works for me without it. Also, the statement about walking the Earth as a Jew - if the judge is of a different faith she may find this insulting.

Probably a good proof-read, tightening up the punctuation etc and hearing it all again will solve these problems. I particularly liked the structure, letting the facts out and introducing characters in the order that you do. I can imagine a whole series of 'Chief' books, with Tom Clancy style covers, on the bestseller shelf.

OK, now to my final point, which is highly controvercial. I hope you won't be offended. I'm British and I'm not religious - I'm not anti religion, it's just not my thing. I've been amazed since I've been on authonomy just how religious Americans are!
Your book is good, in terms of style and pace, but in my eyes the religious content limits its appeal. Certainly in the UK it would only sell in specialist Christian bookshops rather than mainstream stores.
Perhaps the religious aspect is the message you are mainly desirous to give and I hope you'll forgive me, but It does seem a shame to limit your audience. What about a more secular version to tie into the mainstream thriller market? You could still deal with some important issues and maybe slip in a religious addition here and there...

Anyway, I hope you find something positive in this. Thanks for reading Horizons. I've put an updated Chapter 1 on-line now and if you're still talking to me I'd be interested in your impressions...

Regards,

Robert

The story is very good and it is very well-written. I enjoy the character of Chief, I love men like that, ones that make you feel safe just being around. I have some issues with the plausibility of Rachel's story, but I read it's the one that DeeDee got from Rick, so I'm thinking maybe that's not quite how it went down. Also, a problem with that ex parte conversation with the Judge.

The story is easy to read, it has a good flow and holds your interest. I think instead of asterisks, new chapters are in order.

Many stars and I'll keep you watchlisted to put on my shelf.

Great job.

Abby

Robert, I’ve read the first ten chapters tonight. Once I got into the story, I found myself more and more absorbed; I had intended to read several chapters in each of your books tonight, and I ended up spending all my time here. I wish I didn’t have to quit reading. This is great!
The only thing that needs improving is that it needs a good dose of proofreading. For example, there are some misplaced apostrophes, commas missing, and the most consistent problem, using an entirely hyphenated “thirty-eight-years-old” instead of the proper “thirty-eight years old”?
And it is nice to find someone with “normal” theology. That’s getting all too rare now.
~Hannah

Hi, James—one of the reasons I like visiting all the newest members is that I get to be among the first to see all the wonderful new books being posted!

I was attracted to your story because I also write Christian fiction. And my story is about a teenage girl.

I love the way you begin with the scene of the father and the sons working together. We see the kind mentoring of the father and the interest of the sons in working with him. It does more to tell us of the dad’s character than any description.

I went to high school in Spokane; the D in Coeur d’Alene is lower case.

Some of the first conversation between Dee Dee and the Chief is a bit too expository and makes their conversation less realistic. He could reflect on their relationship and their mission to find Rachel while trying to sleep on the red-eye, or upon waking.

I love the way the judge asks Dee Dee about her willingness to accept a mixed-race child, and I like even better the way Dee Dee responds.

When the judge mentions Washington, it’s the first time you mention where the Chief lives except for the allusion to Cd’A, which few people will recognize. Maybe show us his drive from home to SeaTac or Geiger?

I really appreciate the juxtaposition of the sailing/carpentry images with this story of a child seeking God’s love with the additional layer of criminals vs. patriots. It’s very well done. So much of today’s stories have a tremendously liberal slant. I imagine most writers and publishers don’t even realize it’s there. It’s nice to read one with a Christian slant.

Please visit the forums and look for our two Christian crit groups. In one group, members all read the same book each fortnight and post their reviews to the thread. You’ll find it at http://www.authonomy.com/forums/threads/90961/christian-lit-forum/ In the other forum, members choose a book from the membership list to review with a goal of reading one per month. It’s at http://www.authonomy.com/forums/threads/84425/christian-critique-and-review-group/.

Best wishes to you here on Authonomy!!
~AudreyB
Forgiveness Fits

Beautiful book: your imagery is so vivid - just outstanding - especially of sailing to the island on the 'Windward' - I could feel the breeze myself and wished I could be on the boat with Chief, Sachi, Frank, Joe, and Rachel. Or, I would have been satisfied to be on either of the other two boats: Chase One with irish, Charlie, and Terry; Chase Two with Manny, Bill, and Vince. You worked a bit of magic in your story and captivated this reader with your description of the 24-foot cutter, 'Windward.'

Your faith and love for the Lord really shines through without being pretentious or "in-your-face" at all when the Chief is talking to Manny and Irish or when Sachi talks to Rachel about God loving her. The dialogue between them is natural, authentic, convincing and profound and will touch the most insensitive heart.

I love the message of your story - it is the epitome of redemption and joy and hope. Rachel who has run away, become a prostitute, witnessed a murder, and now pregnant, is taken into the care of her grandfather, Chief, a former Navy Seal and a marvelous Christian man who shares the love of God with all of those around him: Kimberly Jones, Rachel's decoy; Todd Wilson, and Bill Gooding. Sachi, Dr. Sachiko Thornton, who treats Rachel, and Sachi's sons, Frank and Joe are also beautiful Christians as is Rachel's mom and stepfather: Dee Dee and Gary.

I became so absorbed by your story that I failed to notice any typos or other errors needing correction - I'm sorry. And the only suggestion that I can come up with is that you might want to break your chapters up into smaller, but more numerous, chapters (if you find when finished with your manuscript that you have too many chapters, you can always break your book up into two books). The pace at which your plot moves is very good but would be even better with shorter, more concise chapters.

Overall, Robert, this is an standout book regardless of which genre you put it under. The imagery, the plot, the dialogue, and the characters are all well written, vivid, mesmerizing. I really enjoyed reading your first 8 chapters and wish you total success in seeing this published. This is a very good book!