Ben Dawson, widowed pastor, takes a bullet from an assault rifle triggered by an anti-abortion protester at a women’s health clinic; further unanticipated events land him in the national spotlight. Colorful characters, including a brilliant and glamorous woman, are influenced by Ben’s local progressive church, at which people of all spiritualties find purpose and meaning. Woven into the story is romance, adventure on the high seas, and a sensational dog.

Salt of the Earth brings to light social issues such as addictions, gun violence, wealth distribution, and gender equality. Villains scheme to bring heroes down. Who will win?

“Salt of the earth is a thought-provoking narrative, which brings to light numerous issues plaguing our society and today’s mainline Christian communities. Set primarily in the Pacific Northwest, with frequent mention of Portland’s cultural landmarks, the vibrant character’s personalities seize the reader. The novel evoked my emotional responses including: compassion for hardworking nurse Megan, married to workaholic and sex addicted navy officer Brandon; loathing for the arrogant Palmer who thinks expensive diamonds can buy love; and disgust for closeminded Ray Fish with his prejudice judgments. I cheered for Pastor Ben Dawson as he fell in love with Alex, applauded executive assistant Teresa for her astute business sense and honored Navy Chaplain Bill Wilson for his caring insights. . . and I loved Lizzie the dog! This is a well-researched, fast paced story, which will leave you asking for a sequel.” ~Amazon Reviewer, Noakark2

 

“I am so glad I read this book! It had the perfect combination of thoughtful, serious themes and laugh-out-loud moments that came just when you needed them. There were characters I loved, characters I loved to hate and also characters that were mixed and complex. Redemption and forgiveness are central themes of this book, which gave it a hopeful quality that was truly inspiring. I teared up at the story of the lonely, elderly veteran who bonded with a sweet dog; I laughed at loud at the rom-com-style misunderstandings; I sat on the edge of my seat at the suspense and military action; and I choked up at the story of a very real family torn apart by absence and addiction. I’ve never been particularly religious, but this book showed a side of religion that was more than repeating prayers and believing in the impossible. It showed a diverse group of people who all came together to accept one another and love one another. A truly inspiring read, I couldn’t help but think what an engaging movie this book would make. Serious but uplifting, politically and socially aware, it didn’t fall into the typical traps of gender and racial stereotypes that you find all over the place. Well-researched accounts of the Navy and the Philippines grip the reader and take your emotions on a roller-coaster. It is a very real story about people who deal with very real issues. Couldn’t recommend it enough!”~Amazon Reviewer

Read a Huffington Post Review here

About the Author

The Rev. Dr. James Asparro is a retired U.S. Navy chaplain who deployed in the Western Pacific several times during the cold war, and served as a navy chaplain with the fleet Marines. He was stationed stateside, in Iceland, and on sea duty in the Mediterranean. He has worked as a chaplain at Oregon State Hospital, Linfield College, and in the VA Health Care System. He was the pastor of an American Baptist church for four years before going on active duty with the navy. He holds degrees from University of Portland, Yale Divinity School, and Claremont School of Theology. He lives in a suburb of Portland with his family.

Visit the website here: www.jamesasparro.com

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