Justin Bennett
June 2003

He told NewsMax, "I hadn’t read a novel since high school, and I had an opinion about fiction: It was a big waste of time! As far as books went, all I cared about was history and law, politics and religion. What else mattered?

Farrell continued: "Then Mom passed away. And all I could think was, 'I'm just not sure if there is a more binding social contract than a dying request from mother to son.' My heart softened; I purchased a novel — a used one — and I began to read.

"I started with Louis L'Amour's book 'Bendigo Shafter' and, to my surprise, I absolutely loved it! I could identify with the main character and it struck a chord with some of the traditional male roles I grew up trying to emulate.

"By the time I moved up to the far more serious and challenging 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, I found out that good novels, classic novels, have the ability to stroke intellectual, emotional and spiritual heartstrings in a way matter-of-fact, nonfiction or in-your-face political editorials never can.

"All in all, the more I thought about Mom's request and the more I thought about this 'new' and exciting form of communication, I began to wonder if perhaps I was missing the boat with my writing, that perhaps there was a better, more memorable way to get my point across.

"I swallowed my pride and gave it a try. 'Dark Rose' is the result."

"Dark Rose" is an inspirational story about one woman's lonely journey through bitterness, hate and despair to faith, love and hope; one boy's voyage through panic and peril to sympathy and service; one drunk driver's arduous ascent through uselessness to redemption and mercy; and one father’s inspired insight pointing the way, but can Dad walk the walk?

For the reader tired of themes or surprises that undercut family and Christian values, here is a book guaranteed to touch the heart and bring hope to all who read it, a book brimming with Christian values and worthwhile lessons about faith and family and life in general that leaves the reader shouting hallelujah with its triumphant finish.

The novel is unique and wonderful in other ways. Most of the chapters are stand-alone essays, focused on one provocative thought at a time. Equally refreshing is the author's reintroduction of a technique early classic writers employed, that of carrying on a conversation with his readers.

"Dark Rose" is no Pollyanna approach to faith and family. The author successfully demonstrates that the pathway to happiness and virtue is jam-packed with treacherous mountain passes on land, crashing tidal waves at sea, costly civil wars in every heart, and devils and jackals of every sort set to do their worst to block the way.

Farrell's story persuades the reader that those who fight on through the darkness, or until the rising sun reveals what the darkness hid, are those who see evidence everywhere that friends and family, kindness and charity, God and angels, and a litany of common miracles surround them aid them, and carry them home safely to their destination — and that all this "terrible" opposition was but for their own good.

For a first effort from an author who, only recently, believed novels were not worth his time, "Dark Rose" is worth the time of every reader.

Click Here to purchase "Dark Rose."

What Other Reviewers are Saying about Steve Farrell's "Dark Rose":

"An enchanting story of faith and family that is as enlightening as it is encouraging."

- Jon Dougherty, WorldNetDaily

"A modern version of the 'morality play,' Steve Farrell's writing style is reminiscent of the 19th century literary form which was best expressed by writers like Charles Dickens and other classic writers of that era — a style of writing which has, more or less, disappeared in this country. Interesting and refreshing!"

- Dr. Jon Dolhenty, President, Center for Applied Philosophy

"Dark Rose" is a simple story offering an incredible amount of depth ... bursting with lessons in faith, forgiveness and family ... it is a modern classic that will be enjoyed and passed along to friends and family for years to come."

- Shane Cory, Editor, The Washington Dispatch

"Dark Rose" is a story of faith and hope from a writer known for his Biblically based political and social commentary. ... Steve Farrell carefully crafts a love story that communicates spiritual truths to the reader."

- W. James Antle III, Senior Editor, Enter Stage Right

"The most riveting, thought provoking book I've read in years."

- Jeffrey Bennett, talk show host, World Wide Christian Radio