The Messenger of Magnolia Street: A Novel

Twelve years have passed since Nehemiah Trust left his hometown of Shibboleth, Alabama. Now a successful aide in Washington DC, Nehemiah is shocked when his brother Billy and high-school girlfriend Trice show up on his doorstep warning that something is stealing the life of what should be their idyllic hometown. Billy and Trice are convinced that only Nehemiah can help. As the three friends join together to save the place they call home, they learn the solution may require a willingness to sacrifice everything.

Michael Lee West, author of Mad Girls in Love

“River Jordan had me at hello. This is wonderfully written, a dazzling debut.”

Terry Kay, author of To Dance with the White Dog

“This is a book that inspires as well as it entertains -- and that is a rare achievement.”

Joshilyn Jackson, author of Gods in Alabama

“[L]ike A Wrinkle in Time for grown-ups...a story filled with light.”

Eric Wilson, author of Expiration Date and Dark to Mortal Eyes

“If Harper Lee and Dean Koontz joined their talents, they might come up with something as beautifully riveting as Messenger.”

Lynne Hinton, author of Friendship Cake and The Arms of God

“This is a magical novel.”

Lisa Tucker, author of The Song Reader

“[A] story full of southern dirt, courage, biscuits, faith, old trucks, old dogs, old friends - and love.”

“Jordan has woven the mystery of redemption into the backdrop of the smalltown South…in the rich tradition of Flannery O’Connor.”

Booklist

“In the best tradition of Stephen King and Peter Straub, Jordan creates an eerily sinister landscape….”

Kirkus Reviews

“A beautifully written, atmospheric tale.”

Crossings Book Club

“When a new year starts with a novel this good, it bodes well for the whole year....”

Grand Rapids Press

“A remarkable book. One is reminded of the film It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Southern Living

“This is a tale of wonder … Immerse yourself in River Jordan’s wondrously redemptive tale.”

Tampa Tribune

“Jordan’s prose, dazzlingly sparse in places, conjures up the traditions of Flannery O’Connor, Harper Lee and Peter Straub….”

From the Back Cover

Twelve years have passed since Nehemiah Trust left his hometown of Shibboleth, Alabama. Now a successful aide in Washington DC, Nehemiah is shocked when his brother Billy and high-school girlfriend Trice show up on his doorstep warning that something is stealing the life of what should be their idyllic hometown. Billy and Trice are convinced that only Nehemiah can help. As the three friends join together to save the place they call home, they learn the solution may require a willingness to sacrifice everything.

About the Author

River Jordan is a storyteller of the southern variety and spent ten years as a playwright with the Loblolly Theatre group. She now teaches and speaks on "The Power of Story" around the country. She is currently completing a new work of fiction and a collection of essays.

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