James Asparro - Adventure Suspense Romance novels
Book Excellence Awards Finalist 2023
What's the Book About?
- In Turnaround, Theo Hall emerges as a violin prodigy, major composer, and national hero in this sequel to Salt of the Earth: A Portland Story and Obsessed.
- Claire Devine, a new character in the series, has had a forever crush on Theo since grade school; they come of age in this thrilling novel.
- Claire Devine wins the hearts of millions as a brilliant and glamorous actress, successful entrepreneur, and fierce Tiger Lady.
- Between high school and adulthood, Theo and Claire go their separate ways; they encounter danger, adventure, and heartbreak. Is romance in the offing for them?
- Woven into the story are social ills like homelessness, violence against women, LGBTQ+ and refugee discrimination, drug abuse, evangelical republican selfishness, and gun violence.
- Meanwhile, several characters who you loved to hate in prequels Salt of the Earth and Obsessed make big turnarounds.
- Rev. Dr. Ben Dawson’s wisdom and progressive values, as always, shape the narrative.
Badass progressive minister targeted by the alt-right for supporting equal rights and respect for everyone.
What's the book about?
- In Obsessed, the sequel to Salt of the Earth, A Portland Story, the stakes are raised when progressive minister Ben Dawson is confronted with the dangers that follow those who preach love over hate.
- Ben and his new wife Alex are suddenly famous and pulled into a mysterious turn of events. With the help of Detective Jeremy Smith, they race to find answers.
- Meanwhile, a transgender teen seeks community and acceptance.
- A bitter ex-fiancé plots revenge with an unlikely ally.
- A refugee family bravely overcomes hardship. Catastrophe strikes.
- New love blooms.
- A colorful cast of characters will lead readers to laugh, cry, and keep turning pages in this heartfelt new adventure.
adventure, suspense, and romance -- Colorful characters explore and live progressive issues.
what's the book about?
- Ben Dawson, a 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 are romance, adventure on the high seas, and a sensational dog.
- Salt of the Earth brings to light contemporary issues such as addictions, gun violence, wealth distribution, and gender equality.
- Villains scheme to bring heroes down. Who will win?
- It doesn’t take much salt to flavor humanity. At the heart of Salt of the Earth is the notion that progressive churches can make a difference, in spite of smaller numbers. These churches embrace science, celebrate diversity, and want for a more just, sustainable and participatory society.
- Progressive churches interpret the bible in light of the historical milieu in which it was written and strive to make it relevant and meaningful for the twenty first century.
- Salt of the Earth is a novel that, through a compelling and contemporary story, speaks to questioning Christians and curious readers alike.
Book Excellence Awards Press Release for Turnaround
- James Asparro, Author of Turnaround, Honored as a Finalist in International Book Contest
- Turnaround is recognized for its outstanding writing, design and overall market appeal out of thousands of books submitted into the Book Excellence Awards.
- Turnaround by James Asparro is a captivating work of contemporary fiction and part of The Ben Dawson collection with other works including: Salt of the Earth: A Portland Story and Obsessed. An immersive coming of age drama, the story follows brilliant musician Theo Hall and glamorous actress Claire Devine, as they learn to make big turnarounds in their lives through heartbreak, determination, and hard work. Turnaround was named a Finalist in the Fiction category of the Book Excellence Awards. The Book Excellence Awards is an international book awards competition dedicated to recognizing both independent and traditionally published authors and publishers for excellence in writing, design and overall market appeal. Previous Winners and Finalists have been New York Times’ best-sellers, spoken at the United Nations and TEDx, and have had their books optioned by movie studios.
- “Book Excellence Awards is a well-known international award…I was thrilled when informed that I was a finalist,” says author James Asparro. An acclaimed author and retired U.S. Navy chaplain, Asparro bridges the gap between religion and gripping, visionary fiction to approach his writing from a fresh perspective. The result is thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of creativity, storytelling and philosophy. “Progressive ideas like reason, science, and compassion can provide solutions and hope for people of faith and no faith. Turnaround addresses societal issues, solving them with progressive values, under the page turning umbrella of mystery, suspense, romance and humor.”
- In Turnaround, Theo Hall emerges as a violin prodigy and the star performer for the Portland Youth Philharmonic. Claire Devine, who has been in love with Theo since grade school, becomes a brilliant actress and successful entrepreneur. As they move into adulthood, tragic circumstances change their life trajectory. Under the guidance and wisdom of Rev. Dr. Ben Dawson, the characters move from a place of desolation to a place of transformation, learning to appreciate their gifts and give back to others who may be in a less fortunate position.
- Asparro’s heart-pounding novel boasts more than just page-turning excitement. Turnaround offers startlingly poignant social commentary that calls into question how far we’ve really come as a society. The book tackles difficult subjects like homelessness, violence against women, discrimination and abuse, with grace and acuity, shedding light on how our actions and their consequences shape our lives and future. These hard-to-swallow ideas are complemented by Asparro’s captivating style of writing, with many scenes that will keep readers on edge, waiting to find out what happens next. The main characters, Theo and Claire, are compelling role models that readers will look up to and be inspired by. In addition, themes of perseverance, accepting vulnerability, and finding purpose and meaning in life by making mistakes, tie the work together in a memorable way, showing that through dedication and hardwork, you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.
- Turnaround has received positive reviews from well-known literary organizations, experts, and reviewers around the world. Rev. Peter E. Bauer writes, “James Asparro masterfully tells a story regarding how progressive faith and reason can make a positive difference. He weaves this theme in a unique setting of the performing arts. Turnaround is a great book, with several constantly moving plots and intriguing characters.”
- Complex and engaging, Turnaround is an extraordinary work of contemporary fiction. Turnaround is available for sale on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Nook. Fans of adventure, suspense, and romance are encouraged to purchase their copy today: https://jamesasparro.com/purchase
- Readers are especially encouraged to purchase the audiobook of Turnaround on Audible. Reminiscent of a 1940s radio drama, author James Asparro has narrated the book in a masterful cinematic style, with special effects and music that make the book come alive. A free sample can be heard by visiting: https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Turnaround/dp/B0BMWBR859/
- About the Author
- 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 worked as a chaplain at Oregon State Hospital (for the criminally insane), Linfield College, and in the VA Health Care System. He was the pastor of a Christian church for four years before going on active duty with the navy. He has a BA in biology, philosophy, and history from University of Portland, a Master of Divinity (M. Div.) from Yale Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry (D. Min.) from Claremont School of Theology. He grew up in Portland, Oregon and lived there for many years with his family. To learn more, please visit: https://jamesasparro.com/
- Connect with James Asparro on Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/jamesasparro
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/asparro/
Working on it for 2025
Copyright © 2020 James Asparro - All Rights Reserved.