Alumnus wins national writing award.

Henry McLaughlin, a member of the class of 1965, has received a national award for his first novel, Journey to Riverbend. He placed first in the 2009 Operation First Novel contest sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers and the Christian Writers Guild. First prize is a publishing contract and a $20,000 cash award. His novel will be released in February, 2011.

About the book:
A chance for redemption was something they never expected.
A chance for love was something they never dreamed of.
Sometimes the journey is only the beginning . . .

Michael Archer made a promise he intends to keep. Though he was unable to save Ben Carstairs, Michael is determined to carry out Ben’s dying wish: to be reconciled with his father. What he doesn’t know is that Sam Carstairs—one of the most ruthless businessmen on the frontier—has no use for his own son, much less a man of God seeking reconciliation.
Soon after arriving in the booming town of Riverbend, Michael meets the stunning Rachel Stone while waiting for Sam to return from a business trip. Beautiful yet guarded, Rachel is running from a past as dark as Michael’s, and the last thing she expects—or thinks she deserves—is a chance at love. Yet there’s a spark between them neither can deny.
When word reaches town that Sam has been kidnapped on the stage coach home, Michael joins the search posse. But the trail ahead is more dangerous than any had imagined, and making it back alive will require Michael to face his past and overcome his deepest fear.

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“We’re so proud of Henry and his award-winning first novel. This one grabs you from the first sentence and never lets go.”
Jerry B. Jenkins, New York Times best-selling author and owner of the Christian Writers Guild

“A powerful first novel that weaves the consequences of a person’s choices with the lawlessness of the old west.”
DiAnn Mills, Christy Award-winning author of the Call of Duty series

“Journey to Riverbend is a superb debut novel. Faith, romance, action—they're all here in abundance. I look forward to more from Henry McLaughlin.”
James Scott Bell, best-selling author of Try Darkness