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Twelve years ago Matthew "the Rocket" Rising had it all. Married to his high school sweetheart and one of the winningest quarterbacks in the history of college football, he was the number one NFL draft pick. But on the night of the draft, he plummeted from the pinnacle of esteem. Falsely accused of a heinous crime with irrefutable evidence, it seemed in an instant all was lost—his reputation, his career, his freedom, and most devastatingly, the love of his life.
Having served his sentence and never played a down of professional football, Matthew leaves prison with one goal—to find his wife, Audrey, whom no one has seen since the trial. He returns to an unwelcoming reception from his Gardi, Georgia, hometown to learn that Audrey has taken shelter from the media with the nuns at a Catholic school. There she has discovered a young man with the talent to achieve the football career Matthew should have had. All he needs is the right coach. Although helping the boy means Matthew violates the conditions of his release and—if discovered—reincarceration for life, he'll take the chance with hope of winning back Audrey's love.
"This deeply personal labor of love has all of the hallmarks of Martin's amazing writing....[D]on't miss this wonderfully written book."—RT Book Reviews
"A touching tale of love, loss, and redemption."—Booklist
"Charles Martin's latest, A Life Intercepted, takes the football novel to the next level....A modern classic."—The Florida Times-Union
"Could easily be ripped from today's headlines. A moving story of lost dreams, unending love, truth seeking and in the end, inspiring redemption. This one is not to be missed!"—Michael Morris, author of Man in the Blue Moon and A Place Called Wiregrass
"Martin's story charges headlong into the sentimental territory-and best-seller terrain-of The Notebook, which doubtless will mean major studio screen treatment."—Kirkus (starred review) on Unwritten
"A spellbinding novel...Charles Martin took the threads of his storyline and wrapped them around my heart. His unforgettable characters captivate as they confront their hidden pasts and build upon their futures with faith, friendship, and grace." —Elin Hilderbrand, author of Beautiful Day on Unwritten
"Charles Martin's latest novel brings to mind the storytelling traditions of Nicholas Sparks and John Grisham. UNWRITTEN is a novel for the heart but it's also one of adventure....UNWRITTEN is a page turner and has all the ingredients to become a box office smash."—Michael Morris, author of Man in the Blue Moon on Unwritten
"I found Unwritten one of those strangely beautiful, exotically original novels whose substance dawns slowly to the reader's consciousness like a glorious sunrise. Do not start this book unless you have time to savor, reflect, and renew. Do, if you have space to fit a memorable reading experience into your life."—Leila Meacham, author of Tumbleweeds on Unwritten
"Martin is the new king of the romantic novel. . ..A Life Intercepted is a book that will swallow you up and keep you spellbound."—Jackie K Cooper, Book Critic, The Huffington Post
Charles Martin is a New York Times bestselling author of nine previous novels, including his most recent book Unwritten. His work has been translated into seventeen languages. When not writing, his hobbies include bow hunting, working out (a blend of old school stuff and martial arts, called Fight Fit), and Tae Kwon Do, in which he currently has a black belt, though he notes he is "the least flexible person you've ever met." He lives with his wife, Christy, and their three sons in Jacksonville, Florida.
Anonymous
Posted Fri Sep 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Another fantastic book! You must read the others written by Charles Martin too- his stories are moving and heart wrenching.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Sep 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Take a young man--a man of great talent and impeccable morals and accuse him of a heinous crime at the peak of his career. Destroy every relationship he holds dear, with a lie, and then send him to prison. And finally, set him free, 12 years later, while binding the reminder of falsehood around his ankle in the form of an ankle bracelet monitor--a tether, and a reminder to others that he is a "threat."
Take a man who is willing to risk his own freedom in the pursuit of lifting another young football player by training him to be great. A man whose true desire is to heal the wounds borne by his wife, to remove the shame, heal the heartbreak, no matter the cost.
Once again, Charles Martin has written a book that is carefully crafted, thoroughly researched, and impossible to put down. It is a love story at heart. A story of redemption, sacrifice, humility, and hope. Don't miss this book!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Well all hope that when we walk this path called life, that adversity will somehow overlook us, that it will happen to the "other" guy and not us. We'd prefer it that way but so often it does happen to us and begs us to ask the question, now that this has happened, how will we manage? Will it change the course of our lives so much that we don't move forward, that we forget how to live without that title, that salary, that marriage, that family any longer. What truly defines who we are inside? Certainly not our circumstances as one man is about to find out.
In the latest novel from Charles Martin, A Life Intercepted, takes us through the struggle and adversity of what happens to the rising football star Matthew "the Rocket" Rising. He was the greatest thing to ever happen to Gardi, Georgia. From his high school career as quarterback it was as perfectly scripted as you would hope a life as a quarterback would be. The back to back wins throughout his years in high school, back to back wins subsequently in college, and the hope of a future with his wife and high school sweetheart Audrey. He was much different than all the other football heroes because he refused to take any personal credit for the teams wins, instead emphasizing that it takes an entire team and not just one man.
That was what set him apart from everyone else. He had his heart and mind in the right places and not just on his skills as a football player. Even his wife supported his game from the humble beginnings to the cusp of success. But just before he got to the top of his future game, just when it looks like all his dreams would come true, the lights would be turned out and his life would take a turn he never saw coming and all those who truly believed in Matt's character would begin to doubt they ever knew him at all. Now the only thing facing him would be 12 years behind bars at prison for a crime he didn't remember committing and one that would change how the world would forever label him including his wife Audrey. This is Matthew's story of what happened and how he would attempt the come back of his life.
I received A Life Intercepted by Charles Martin compliments of Center Street Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Groups for my honest opinion. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions in this review are strictly my own. I've been a huge fan of Charles Martin's novels because they truly cut to the core of who we are as humans and this is no exception as he begins to strip away Matthew Rising from his humble beginnings to his pinnacle of success. What dedication he has to encourage and motivate his fellow teammates and to showcase the true unconditional love he has for his wife Audrey. I couldn't imagine how painful this was for her and even his close friends. This is a fictional novel but based on the Author's Notes at the end, shows the true inspiration of this idea for the novel. It truly shows the power of forgiveness and creates an inspiration for those areas in our own life where we might need to exercise forgiveness and just what it really means for us. For fans of football fiction with a side of romance thrown in for good measure or if you are just a fan of Charles Martins' novels, definitely pick this one up. I would rate it a 4 out of 5 stars.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.sunshineladyfl
Posted Sat Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
I am reading A Life Intercepted at this time and cannot put it down! Every one of his books are wonderful, descriptive, exciting, and leave you with a new thought about life. Charles Martin started his book tour on September 2 in his hometown of Jacksonville, FL and what a treat to be there to hear him review his new book. If I could give him 10 stars I would!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Sat Sep 06 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Wish I could tell everyone that I met Charles Martin, but I had to work during his book signing, so my sweet husband went for me. Got this one on Wednesday, finished it on Friday. It's that good. I'm still working on the lessons taken from this book, but like all other Charles Martin books, this was so beautifully written and is an amazing story. .
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Fri Sep 05 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Wonderful story full of hope, heart, and redemption, and forgiveness. No one can write like Charles Martin. There is so much that can be taken away from each and every one of his books. This is book I could not put down. Loved it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted Wed Oct 08 00:00:00 EDT 2014
One of my all time favorite books. Could not have been any better. Great inspiration tips for help with any skill one wants to master. I am going to remember this book as i practice the piano. Thank you, Charles Martin!!
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Posted Mon Sep 22 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Another great read by a master storyteller.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted Mon Sep 22 00:00:00 EDT 2014
All athletes should read this book not just football players. I love all of Charles Martins books.
Have your tissues ready you will need them.
Anonymous
Posted Mon Sep 22 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Great Read. Whenever I read a Charles Martin book, I want to be a better
person.
Ed60
Posted Fri Sep 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This is a good read and as usual, heartwarming and uplifting. My favorite Martin books were from Where the River Ends, backward. While this book has merit, I find myself just judging it on believability. The last third of the book is predictable and not very believable, especially the ending, which was meant to tug at your heartstrings. In my mind, it tried too hard and came off as cheesy. However, I liked it enough to give a 4 rating and offer this caveat, suspend your belief and take the story for what it is, a feel good story.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DoodlebugSH
Posted Fri Sep 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This is his best book ever and the others are great. Master story teller!!!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I was captivated from the first page by the characters and story. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the training
and football action. So much Christian fiction today is just fluff, but not Charles Martin's novels.
I would love to see of movie of A LIFE INTERCEPTED.
Anonymous
Posted Fri Sep 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
What perfect timing for this book to come out, during football season! I appreciated the details about the game of football and the roles of some of the positions (I now understand what an audible is:) ). I also have a new found respect for the game and especially for QB's!
I've read all of Charles Martin's books and they've all touched my heart in some way. It amazed me how this book (like many of his others) made me feel so many emotions while reading it. I was happy, excited, angry, sad, bitter, confused, and yet felt forgiveness, encouragement and joy.
Charles Martin has woven together another beautiful story with A Life Intercepted.
I'm grateful for the transparency of his personal struggle that lead to the creation of this book.
There's something wonderful to be said about those who are open and real with others. He took this book to a very personal level, for himself and also for his readers. I've never played football or been in prison,
but Charles wrote this story in a way that I was able to relate to every emotion the characters felt and showed in the story.
A job well done by a brother in Christ.
Eliscomin10
Posted Tue Sep 16 00:00:00 EDT 2014
Once again Charles Martin hits a home run (well it's a football book, but "throws a game winning TD pass" just didn't sound right!). Here's a book you just can't put down. The story of the best HS/college QB in the nation (think Tim Tebow mixed with a little Peyton Manning) who is falsely convicted of a horrible crime and how he perseveres through his faith., and has to rebuild the trust of his friends and wife. He does so by devoting his time to the next him (he's Matthew the Rocket Risling, the new kid is Dalton (Dee) Rogers, whom his wife has nursed as an orphan at the convent she ran to to escape the Rocket's problems. Martin, a former D1 football walk-on at Georgia Tech, whose own son, Charlie is a promising HS quarterback takes you inside the world of high school, college, and pro football as well inside the mind of his narrator as only he can…A MUST READ for any Martin fan, or football fan, or avid reader alike!
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Posted Sat Sep 13 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This book is by far the best book I have read in a very long time and I do read a lot of books. I cried the last 50 pages but loved the ending. I have been a fan of Charles Martin since I first read Chasing Fireflies but this is definitely his best.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.BibliophileExtraodinaire
Posted Tue Sep 09 00:00:00 EDT 2014
This latest read from one of my favorite authors is many things: a fictional work about one of the (if not THE) most beloved sports around--football; a fictional work that illuminates many life lessons about God's grace and the importance of forgiveness and loyalty; and, a love letter to the author's son, who is currently playing football in high school. Yes, "A Life Intercepted" contains quite a bit of football, but how can it not when the protagonist is a record-breaking quarterback? And, I must admit I'm not a big football fan, but after reading about the discipline and devotion an athlete must possess to be successful, I have a newly found respect for the sport.
That being said, I was quickly intrigued by how and why Rising (the main character) would commit such a heinous crime when he had the world at his feet as a successful, celebrated quarterback. To throw what seemed as a secure future away did not appear logical at all. But, Martin has a way with storytelling that keeps the reader paying attention (even when the characters actions seem somewhat inconceivable). Although the story is a gut-wrenching depiction of betrayal and heartbreak, Martin has included some vital moments of grace and redemption that are healing in the end.
I've read this latest work from Charles Martin twice in the last few days. And, like all of his books, I'm feeling a bit sucker punched by a book that teaches me more about God's grace (through a story) than many of the sermons I've heard over the years. His work continues to provide examples of believable characters who act with integrity and honor, even when faced with the most heartbreaking dilemmas. Buy this book--you won't be disappointed!
A Life Intercepted by Charles Martin is a deeply moving and powerful story of big dreams— lost and found, unwavering faith, hope and forgiveness; one of never ending love, and redemption. “Love did what hatred could not and never will.”
South Georgia, 34-yr old Matthew Rising “Rocket” loves football, and has made his way to fame, by hard work, drive, and determination. With two Heisman trophies, top NFL draft pick, TV appearances, financial security, front covers, a town who loves him, offering the key to the city— with roads, and children named after him, and best of all his supportive and strong best cheerleader wife, Audrey by his side.
However, when he leaves his New York hotel room the night of the draft, to get to the gym at 3am, for training, everything in his world comes crashing down, and he loses it all. Accused of a horrible crime, an enemy, a lost memory, and evidence which sends his promising career, his celebrity status, his wife, and his entire life in a downward spiral to the inside of a prison, losing everything.
Having served twelve long years in prison, he is out to win back his wife, Audrey. As a sex-offender status, he definitely has challenges, making the transition back to the same hometown, as the hero who has lost his crown.
With former agent /best friend-Woody, a former coach-Ray, a beaten dog-Tux, a troubled teen football player, Dee who needs his help, and a wife hiding away in a convent yearning for the truth, Matthew may just stand a chance, against all odds.
Although helping the boy means Matthew violates the conditions of his release and–if discovered–he will go back to prison for life, he’ll take the chance with hope of winning back Audrey’s love. “When a man wins everything only to lose it, he recognizes the love of his life is the only thing worth having.”
A Life Intercepted, narrated by Matt, is a combination of Jerry Maguire, The Blindside, and Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook, with an uncanny and unique style only Charles Martin can bring! (the video even brought chill bumps).
Football fans will devour and appreciate the wit and commentary.
When I read my first book by Charles Martin, years ago, I knew he would be one of my favorite authors, from Chasing Fireflies, and Crickets Don’t Cry—having now read all ten of his books—each including a life lesson, with a thought-provoking take-away.
Loved the inspiration behind the novel (included at the end of the novel) and the video trailer. A message to his own son, and best friend, failures of our idols and need for forgiveness, especially when so undeserved.
Charles Martin, a master storyteller, uses strong women, and flawed characters, as he writes from the heart, and skillfully crafts a captivating novel of unconditional love, inner strength, and forgiveness. Martin cleverly uses the game of football as it relates to the game of life and love.
From the stunning front cover, to the end, A Life Intercepted grabs you by the heart and hooks you to the end. Movie worthy! Martin's writing is up there with the "best of the best" for a winning touchdown!
Anonymous
Posted Fri Sep 19 00:00:00 EDT 2014
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
Twelve years ago Matthew "the Rocket" Rising had it all. Married to his high school sweetheart and one of the winningest quarterbacks in the history of college football, he was the number one NFL draft pick. But on the night of the draft, he plummeted from the pinnacle of esteem. Falsely accused of a heinous crime with irrefutable evidence, it seemed in an instant all was lost?his reputation, his career, his freedom, and most devastatingly, the love of his life.
Having served ...