Need a great beach book?

 Wondering what to read this summer? 

How about some action-packed page-turners, exciting stories from a Christian worldview? Both adults and teens will find these tales fascinating. You won’t have to wash your brains out after reading one of these exciting novels—but you will find it hard to put them down. Of his novels Cobb says, “If I don’t make you miss your bedtime, I’m not doing my job.” All titles are available locally (Greenville, OH) at the Bread of Life Bookstore, or on Amazon in print and Kindle format. You can find Cobb at chcobb.com.

Falcon Down

(military/espionage thriller, book one of four)

Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you!

The chief test pilot for a highly classified F-16 weapons-development project, Major Jacob “Falcon” Kelly is shot down and captured by the Soviet Union in a hi-tech kidnapping during the Cold War. They intend to interrogate him to learn the secrets of the new weapon. His captors have detained him at a secret GRU facility in Siberia. Holding on to him might prove difficult, however, because Kelly has some skills of which they are unaware . . .

Kirkus Reviews: “Cobb has clearly done his research on multiple counts and, like Tom Clancy or Dale Brown, masterly intertwines military technology and behavior into a tightly plotted narrative in which every development follows logically and smoothly from what came before. This deft touch extends to the characters . . .”

The Candidate

(political thriller)

It began as a blog. It became a political firestorm.

Henry Marshall is a principled Christian conservative blogger who is convinced that both major parties have abandoned the Constitution. His intention is to be nothing more than a political gadfly, but his friends won’t allow him to stay on the sidelines, and his enemies don’t intend to allow him to live.

Journalist/author TJ Martinell: “Penned before the 2016 election cycle . . . , The Candidate is a political thriller that unwittingly earns a place within the alternative history genre for its exploration of how far a man can go armed only with a message – and how far those within the establishment will go to stop him. . . . [M]any of the aspects of the plot seem prophetic, rather than slightly fanciful.

A pastor by trade, Cobb’s writing reflects extensive background knowledge of mainstream media, political strategy, the military, and of course constitutional history; . . . . The technical preciseness gives vital story subplots a sense of authenticity and realism.”

Outlander Chronicles: Phoenix

(post-apocalyptic action/adventure, book one of three)

From the ashes of a world past . . .

Eighty years after a smallpox pandemic has reduced the global population to eight million, a young man (Jacen Chester) experiences the tragic deaths of his entire family and community. Wrestling with grief and anger, he commits himself to establishing a new community (Phoenix) that will advance beyond merely subsisting on the remains of the former world.

He meets a mysterious wanderer who decides to help him accomplish his dream. Together the two gather a small community and set their sights on the empty interior of the continent—1800 miles away—where they can escape the murderous gangs of the east and pursue their project in peace.

But hatred and bitterness from within and lethal attacks from without threaten to destroy the growing Phoenix community. A painful lesson in forgiveness and tolerance is required to save Phoenix from itself.

Captivated Reading Book Blog: “With two incredibly strong main characters, Phoenix tells a story of a world lost and people who are desperate . . . I was completely enthralled in this story from beginning to end.”

Amazon Reader Review: “I loved reading this book and I can't wait for more of the story! It gave me so much to think about, which I love in a book, and it was an exciting read, too! It raised ideas I had never thought about before, as well as presenting familiar ones in a new way. Cobb is very effective at evoking a world that is both radically different from our own, and also not so distant in possibility. . . . Although I disagree with most of Cobb's views as I ascertain them from the story, I really enjoyed the debates and discussions the characters have, which I think says a lot about Cobb's talent as a writer as well as his even-handedness as a thinker. . . . Bring out a sequel, please!!!”

A Prayer of Moses: A Devotional Commentary of Psalm 90

(non-fiction)

The Church has rendered God safe.

His wrath is a matter relegated to days of antiquity. It seems rare that we connect the brevity and frailty of this existence with His overflowing anger at sin. Unfortunately, having dispensed with His wrath we’ve also diminished His holiness and His majesty, and made the Cross less necessary.

This study invites the reader to take a second look at God and His wrath—and His Christ—through the eyes of Moses. Suitable for individuals or groups.

John L. Marshall, Ph.D, Christian Studies/History Department, Eastern University: “Pastor Cobb's exposition of Psalm 90 combines two sets of ingredients that make it a joy to read: on the one hand, exegetical precision together with the sweep of redemptive history; on the other, technical mastery with warm, personal application. There are Scriptural studies in which the author maintains a safe distance from the reader. Pastor Cobb allows us to get to know him along with the text he is expounding. This, in my opinion, is the best way to do pastoral theology.”

Why you—and your teens—should read The Candidate

 First, it’s an exciting tale about a Christian conservative who suddenly finds himself an unlikely independent candidate in the presidential election. Filled with action, intrigue, and characters you will love, the novel provides a fascinating (fictional) behind-the-scenes look at the machinations of national campaigns and the agenda-driven reporting of mainstream media.

More importantly, the tale is a teaching tool about the Founders’ intention standing behind the text of the Constitution. In addition to reading books and articles on presidential campaigns and contemporary constitutional issues, while researching the story I also read the Constitution (of course!) and the Federalist Papers. The Federalist Papers, a series of articles written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay in 1788, was an effort to explain the thinking behind the Constitution and to encourage the states to ratify it. Each chapter of The Candidate is headlined with a relevant quote from the Federalist Papers, or other significant historical documents.

Readers will gain a fundamental working knowledge of our three branches of government and the checks and balances written into the Constitution. The Candidate will also provide responses to several of the slanders the modern progressive movement throws against the United States and its history.

The pacing of the book might cause you to miss your bedtime, and by the end of the story you’ll be wishing Henry Marshall was an actual choice on the ballot. I certainly wish he was! The tale is written from a biblical worldview, contains no obscenities or sex scenes, but does have a few scenes of violence. Available in print or ebook format from Amazon or from your favorite bookstore through the Ingram catalog. Signed print copies are available from me.

Comments from Amazon readers:

• “I recommend The Candidate, with one warning. It's hard to put down.” -Laura V

• “I skipped class today so that I could finish the book. I've read all Cobb's books and this one is near the top…” -T Setliff

• “I started reading books by C. H. Cobb a few years back. His works are really what got me back into reading. The Falcon series being the first and then on to the Outlander Chronicles, with his unique writing style and outstanding attention to detail of the locales and characters in his novels. The Candidate is no exception. . . . While it is a novel, it's obvious that the author has once again done his research into what our founding fathers intended as they formed our nation, wrote the Constitution, and established the three branches of government, specifically as it relates to the federal government. A definite must read.” -C Denlinger

• “Just finished this last night and was sad to see it end as it was such an interesting read. While it is a novel, it was also very educational about our Founding Fathers and the Constitution. A very believable plot and set of characters. So real, in fact, I wish we could have Henry Marshall as an actual candidate.” -A Nilsen

• “Excellent and thought provoking read that I could not put down!” -J Mattheis

 

Enjoy the beach, the lake, or the recliner with a good book!

Are you looking for some fun summertime reading?

Would you like some action-packed page-turners that don’t require you to wash the filth out of your brain when you’re done with ‘em? Maybe something with a little more substance than your average pulp fiction? Let me suggest a few ideas. By the way, if you are already ON vacation and forgot to bring a good book, all of these can be ordered on Kindle and enjoyed on your tablet or smart phone using the free Kindle App. You could be reading in ten minutes!

MILITARY/ESPIONAGE THRILLER: The Falcon Trilogy: Falcon Down, Falcon Rising, Falcon Strike.

Major Jacob “Falcon” Kelly is shot down by the Soviet Union and captured in a hi-tech kidnapping during the Cold War. He is the chief test pilot for a new, super-secret F16 weapons package, and the Soviets intend to interrogate him to learn its secrets. They’ve detained him at a secret GRU facility in Siberia, but whether or not they’ll be able to hold on to him is another matter. He has some skills of which they are unaware.

Of Falcon Down, Kirkus Reviews said:

“Cobb has clearly done his research on multiple counts and, like Tom Clancy or Dale Brown, masterly intertwines military technology and behavior into a tightly plotted narrative in which every development follows logically and smoothly from what came before. This deft touch extends to the characters . . . .”

An Amazon reader says of Falcon Rising, Book 2 of the Falcon trilogy: If you want a book you can put down, this might not be for you! I loved this book and the first book (Falcon Down) in this series as well! C.H. Cobb transports and entangles you alongside his characters with such vivid detail. I felt like I was one step behind them the whole way through this action-adventure. Can't wait for the next one!

Of Falcon Strike, an Amazon reader says: Cold War Russia in the 80's with all of the intrigue and eavesdropping, plus the US military at its very best. The reader gets a front row seat for the back room discussions of both sides with clear descriptions that provide a vivid mind picture of all the action. Plenty of unexpected twists and turns with several places to hold your breath waiting for the worst to happen.

Another reader comments: The third book in the Falcon series does not disappoint! It was as engaging as its predecessors. I could not put it down. The final battle was epic. Make sure you read all 3.

POLITICAL THRILLER: The Candidate:
Henry Marshall is a principled Christian conservative blogger who is convinced that both major parties have abandoned the Constitution. His intention is to be nothing more than a political gadfly, but his friends won’t allow him to stay on the sidelines, and his enemies don’t intend to allow him to live.

Journalist and author TJ Martinell said:

“Penned before the 2016 election cycle and the Trump phenomenon, The Candidate is a political thriller that unwittingly earns a place within the alternative history genre for its exploration of how far a man can go armed only with a message – and how far those within the establishment will go to stop him. . . . [M]any of the aspects of the plot seem prophetic, rather than slightly fanciful.

A pastor by trade, Cobb’s writing reflects extensive background knowledge of mainstream media, political strategy, the military, and of course constitutional history; each chapter begins either with a Bible verse or a passage from the Federalist Papers. The technical preciseness gives vital story subplots a sense of authenticity and realism.”

POST-APOCALYPTIC ACTION/ADVENTURE: Outlander Chronicles: Phoenix.

The year is 2120, but life in the USA—and around the globe—has been reduced to primitive survival. Eighty years earlier, a biological weapon of mass destruction caused a global smallpox pandemic, leaving only eight million survivors scattered around the entire globe. Jacen Chester, living near the ruins of Philadelphia, PA, decides that there must be more to life than mere survival. He determines to restart civilization and culture. He is aided by a mysterious stranger, and opposed by murderous groups.

One reader remarked about Phoenix: Dystopian fictions are so extremely popular and common right now that I made the mistake of lumping Phoenix in with all of the other ones, before having read it. What this book offers, from the beginning, is what others have a hard time offering. And that is a message of hope. [Amazon reader review]

Outlander Chronices: Pegasus
Book 2 of the Outlander Chronicles series. The Phoenix community has the mistaken notion that upon crossing the Mississippi west into Iowa, their troubles will be over. Little do they know that the worst challenges lie ahead of them.

[Pegasus is due for a June 15 release (print version) and July 10 (Kindle version). It will be available in print and Kindle versions, from Amazon and bookstores everywhere, as well as from my website.]






NON-FICTION DEVOTIONAL STUDY: A Prayer of Moses.

Psalm 90 is explored paying particular attention to the backdrop of the remarkable life of its author, Moses. Two themes in the psalm create a dramatic tension: divine wrath and grace. Jesus Christ is shown to be the necessary answer to Moses’ prayer. Suitable for groups or individuals.

Chris Cobb’s exegesis of Psalm 90 is solid and sobering. In a world that takes sin lightly, Christianity needs to hear the message of this Psalm which Chris Cobb has brought to life. [Dr. Brent Aucoin, President of Faith Bible Seminary,

Lafayette, Indiana]

All the books above can be purchased in print or Kindle format on Amazon, or can be ordered at your local bookstore (in Greenvlle, OH, at Bread of Life Bookstore). You can order signed print copies from me at www.doorwaypress.com or chcobb.com

Colorado Adventure, Part 7 (Last)

When we got up yesterday in Rinker Cabin at Mount Elbert Lodge, the weather report said it was 13 degrees in Leadville, but felt like 7 because of chill factor. Oh, boy. Do we really want to attempt Mt. Elbert today?

We both got our daypacks ready. Multiple layers of clothing, water, food, and all the gear you bring for the unexpected. We wore international orange vests: big-game season is underway, and I really wouldn't want some hunter mistaking my bald head (white, round) for the backside of a big horn sheep (also white, round). Doris is not susceptible to that sort of problem, but I am.

We probably had way too much stuff, but I've done enough in these mountains to know that when you get careless, you often wind up regretting it. Plus, neither of us are in the best condition and we don't move too fast.By the time we left the cabin it had warmed up to 23 degrees, a nice, reasonable temperature.

We had explored the 4WD road to the trailhead several days before, and concluded we couldn't get all the way up and would have to park below and walk to the trailhead. Much too rugged, rutted, rocky, and just plain undo-able.

That was before we did Weston Pass. Having done Weston Pass, I looked at the road with new eyes. No problemo. We went all the way to the trailhead and did not leave any oil pans, axles, differentials, bumpers or mufflers on the road. Success. Sweaty palms, but success.

Next problem. We got to the trailhead sometime around 10 AM. It's four miles up. That also means it's four miles back. I do not want to drive this road in the dark. So we've got to keep a careful  eye on the clock, and turn around with enough time to get back the car and down the road before dark.

After an easy half-mile on the Colorado Trail, we got to the South Elbert Trail. It took off to the west and immediately began climbing steeply. Really steeply. Really, really, really steeply.

We ascended through multiple stands of aspen trees; the floor of the forest was carpeted in the gold leaves that had fallen. It was beautiful. And, really, really steep. Some sections of the trail had a trace of snow.

There was very little, almost none, of the trail that was flat. It was a steep climb all the way up. Think about the stairs in your home. Then think about them being four miles long, a virtual unbroken climb. Then think about them being up from 10,000 feet to 14,000 feet, where the air is thin. Now you've got the picture. Needless to say, we were in granny gear the whole way.

Okay, enough belly-achin', complaining, moaning and whining. The flip side of the coin was that every step was drop-dead-beautiful. (I actually thought I would drop dead. Several times, in fact.)

Under the brilliant mid-day sun (temp was now high-40s, low 50s, very comfortable), the mountains looked like burnished silver.

I had no problems with my leg at all (remember the stress fracture?). Felt great, was very pleased. Until the walk down, Doris had no problem with her knees. But we were moving slowly and the clock was not. Mount Elbert was getting closer, but we were still two miles to the summit, and according to the hikers that passed us going down from the summit, the hardest part of the trail was ahead of us.

A look at the clock, our condition, and remembering that we still had a very steep walk down (if you've done much hiking, you know that a steep downgrade can be as tiring as a steep upgrade--uses different muscles), I made the call to stop for a late lunch and then turn around. Conquering Mt. Elbert will have to wait for another year.

But the view from where we were was amazing. We were just under 12,100 feet up (the summit of Elbert is around 14,440). Click any of these pictures for a larger view.

We could see forever, even into South Park in one direction. The farthest distant mountains, faintly visible above the landbridge between the lakes, are actually the mountains bounding the far side of that section of South Park.

In my Part 3 post, I included a telephoto picture of the trail up Mt. Elbert. While eating lunch on the shoulder of Mt. Elbert, we were sitting in that photo, just below the horizon on the right side of the picture. Here's a telephoto of the Dexter Cabin from where we ate lunch.

I made the right decision to turn around. The shadows were long and our legs were rubber when we finally got back to the vehicle. I wish we could have gone all the way, but neither of us were in adequate shape to do so. But it was a GLORIOUS walk, and I'm so glad we did it.

In a few minutes from now, we'll be starting to pack up the cabin for an early getaway tomorrow morning. Hats off to Mount Elbert Lodge, and Scott and Laura, for a wonderful, refreshing stay. I love this place!

Tomorrow night, Kansas City. The next night, Greenville, Ohio. It has been a fabulous vacation, and it makes me realize how blessed I am. I serve a great Creator God who has redeemed me thru Jesus Christ, I have a wonderful wife, and I serve a great church. It is far more than I deserve!

Colorado Adventure, Part 5

Okay, look, the last time I went four-wheeling I was in Geology school at Colorado State University, and I hung my Ford Maverick in the middle of a stream while I was on the way to check out an old mine. "Wait a minute," you protest, "the Ford Maverick wasn't a 4WD vehicle!" Right. I suppose that could have something to do with why it hung up in the stream.

Anyway, Doris has heard the Maverick story. Wonder if that was why she was a little nervous when I announced we were going to head for Kite Lake via Weston Pass? Let's just say the road ain't paved, and leave it at that. Speaking of leaving, I was concerned that I might be leaving my oil pan or differential on this little drive, but last time I looked under the car, they were still there. You want a high-clearance vehicle for this little trek.

The pictures don't do it justice--it's a very steep grade. And no, Doris isn't walking because she's afraid to ride with me--she's just shooting a few pix.

There were multiple places where it was so deeply rutted with large rocks sticking up in inconvenient places, I didn't think we'd make it. It wasn't until I was crawling carefully through a boulder field masquerading as a road that I realized, "There's no cellphone service up here. If I get this baby stuck, I can't just call AAA. Nobody will find us until June!"

Kinda sharpens the concentration, ya know?

I reckon this fella got his wagon stuck, and decided he'd just go ahead and stay, build himself a home.

The colors, the clouds, the sky up here are just knock-your-socks-off beautiful. The glory of God on display.

Just shy of the pass I took this panorama,  probably about 180 degrees. Click it to enlarge.

Finally, after passing through much fear and many deep valleys we finally gained the pass. Okay, they were really just deep ruts.

Temp was in the low 40's, and it was very windy. Flat out cold.

After many difficult  roads that tried the soul, the AWD, and the clearance (my Vue has 8"), at long last we arrived at Fairplay, from whence we traveled straight to Alma, our sights set on Kite Lake. Kite Lake would be our final stop on the Henry Marshall Tour portion of our trip.

Actually, we stopped first at the District Ranger Office in Fairplay where we were once again informed that the Kite Lake road was really more of a high-clearance-vehicle road. Oh, joy.

The road started off pretty tame, the scenery beautiful.

There's some active mining going on near the lake. The red is iron, there's a lot of yellow coloration as well, probably some sulphur minerals. I found some samples of iron pyrite in the area (an iron sulfide also known as fool's gold).

 The road didn't stay tame. We actually had to abandon the Vue several hundred yards shy of the lake--the ruts were too deep, the rocks too big.

It. was. COLD!!!! The wind was blowing hard, the temp in the 30's. Brrrr! Click to enlarge the image. Kite Lake appears in The Candidate, in a little episode Henry Marshall had there. It was fun to visit in person something I'd only visited in Google Earth up to this point.

On the way home we took Highways 285 and 24. Did not want to try Weston Pass in the dusk--no, thank you!

My next update will involve some Colorado ghost towns we've been haunting the last couple of days.

Tomorrow we are going to attempt Mt. Elbert, using the easiest walk-up of all the routes (the South Elbert Trail). We're going to get as far as we can, but neither of us are expecting to summit the peak--we just aren't in good enough shape. But we'll have fun no matter how far we get!

Colorado Adventure, Part 3

Tuesday morning dawned with solid overcast, wisps of clouds on the mountains, drizzle at our elevation and snow above the timberline. It was cold! This was taken from our deck.

Anticipating that we’d both experience a touch of altitude sickness, Tuesday had been planned as a cabin day—a day to get settled in and just enjoy being here. Eventually the weather cleared and the day turned gorgeous.

Both of us had mild symptoms of altitude sickness, headaches and mild stomach troubles. But the day turned so beautiful we decided that we’d try to hike a mile or so up the Black Cloud Trail just to check out our gear and to help our conditioning. We loaded up our daypacks with everything we’d be taking on longer hikes. By the time we were ready to go it was drizzling again. No problem—we brought rain gear! We decided to do the hike in the rain. As we gained elevation the rain turned to alternating sleet and wet snow. It was a great hike, the rain gear worked well, and when we returned to our cabin we were still dry—though it was still raining.

Wednesday was beautiful. We threw our packs into the car and drove down to the trailhead for the path to the historic site of Interlaken. Interlaken was a late 1800s resort for the well-heeled of Colorado. Click the link to read about it. It is an abandoned site accessible only by boat, or by hiking several miles in the wilderness.

On the way, around every turn, we had a good view of our nemesis--Mt. Elbert.

 Here and there we'd run across an aspen tree that still had its golden leaves.

We finally arrived at the Interlaken Historic site.

Various groups have banded together to do the work of restoring the site, but no work has been done on it for the last 5-6 years. It was deserted (though a few other hikers passed by occasionally). The Dexter Cabin, shown above, was unlocked with a sign encouraging visitors to enter. The restored woodwork inside was beautiful. 

After poking around the various abandoned buildings on the site, we ate lunch outside, and I took the opportunity to glass Elbert with binoculars. Managed to find the South Elbert Trail, which we will be attempting in several days. The first picture below is of Elbert. Notice the bald shoulder on the lower right, just above a dim grey stand of aspen. You can barely identify the trail we'll be on by the wisp of snow outlining it. The second shot is of that shoulder with a telephoto, and you can see the trail easily.

Interlaken was a great little hike, with a fascinating bit of history.

Thursday we hiked up the North Fork of Lake Creek, right below Independence Pass. In the distance you can see the road to the pass.

Although it was a short walk (a little over a mile) it was a little more rugged than the day before. We were both glad to stop for lunch.

 

I carried my fishing gear, to attempt some fly flailing. I mean, fly fishing. My dad was a master fly fisherman. I never attained to his level. The three pictures that follow, Doris shot. Family members will notice a resemblance to some shots we have of dad years ago. It was completely unplanned. I am wearing dad's fishing vest, though.

 Let me say a word about my feet. I had removed my hiking shoes, and was wading in a pair of sandal-type open footgear. It. Was. FREEZING! After a few minutes of fly flailing, I felt like I had blocks of ice attached to my ankles, instead of feet. OH, that was cold!

Ya wanna know how cold that water was? Take a gander at this photo, shot a mile downstream of where I was fishing. And YES, that white stuff is EXACTLY what you think it is! And I was wading in this water, essentially barefoot.

Anyway. Could not buy a strike on any of the flies. But a little later, further downstream, I did pick up a nice ten-inch brookie on a spinner, and threw another, smaller one back.

Frozen feet notwithstanding, it was a beautiful day.

Stay tuned for Part 4 . . .

Colorado Adventure, Part 2

Monday morning began in Fort Morgan. Grocery shopping was our immediate task. To our already grossly overloaded car, we added about two weeks of groceries, and continued west. I do believe that if we get snowed in, it will be Christmas before we need more food. Never, never go to the grocery store when you're hungry.

Never, never ride with me in a car in Colorado if I am driving. The last thing I'm looking at is the road. God protects fools, consequently I am not writing this blog post posthumously (which would be quite a trick).

First stop was part of our Henry Marshall tour. Here is the fateful Starbucks frequented by Tim Hardy. South Table Mountain is visible in the background.

Busy Jackson street is where Aries and Viper attempt to eliminate some more evidence, much to Hardy’s dismay. It is a little different than it appears on Google Earth. I mistook the bicycle lane for a third lane of traffic. Across the street you can see 1600 Jackson, Marshall’s campaign headquarters.

We grabbed coffee at Starbucks (without getting run over) and headed down US 285. After attaining Kenosha Pass, we stopped at the same overlook where Marshall paused.

This gorgeous view of South Park has been indelibly stamped on my brain since I first saw it in the 70’s—and little has changed (except the speed limit, which is now 65 mph, not bad for a two-lane road). South Park is huge: the scale of this high valley between mountain ranges is hard to comprehend. Take a gander at this panorama. You can click it (or any of the pictures) for a larger view.

In Fairplay we stopped to get a picture of the District Ranger Office, where Ranger Randall fired up the Snow Cat for a rescue attempt.

 Above Buena Vista we paused to get a picture of the picnic table where Jackson and Trujillo had their secret meeting.

The road into Buena Vista is visible from the edge of the overlook.

And last we stopped at the Roastery, where Marshall explains the impact federal money has on college tuition rates. Right now Dor and I are sitting in the Roastery doing online things (like this blog, etc). I'm enjoying a cup of coffee and a MASSIVE peanut butter cookie. Dor is enjoying a bottle of something called Izze. Don't ask. Haven't the foggiest.

On Monday night, we finally arrived at the cabin, grateful to the Lord for safe travel and beautiful scenery.

Stay tuned for Part 3 . . .