This is a short story I recommend. I enjoyed reading it. I mean if you want more then you are going to feel you are missing out but think about it. This is just because you enjoy it. I liked the idea of this story and how it was presented. I also enjoy a historical setting and this has it. It brings us to the American Revolution.

This might not be a top read for everyone, but give it a chance. It is a good story that has a charming idea. If you are looking for a short story that might take you off guard a little this is a nice read for you. It is a well-written story that could surprise you. I would enjoy reading more from this author and yes, while this was a short story it would be great to have more. If you like family, heirlooms, and fly-fishing stories then this is a great fit for you.

( received complimentary copy for review )

This title was a quick read for me. Enjoyable, and I will probably re-read it again on a slower pace, as I feel like I may have missed a point to two,

The Inkwell by Tim Brown
Publication Date: August 4, 2020
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Description from NetGalley...
“An Inkwell, a family heirloom and relic from the American Revolution, becomes the unique focal point of a fly-fishing trip. This antique glass bottle becomes a much-debated topic of conversation between long-time friends. But it is so much more. It becomes the essence of a miracle, an unwanted reason for family introspection, and a spotlight on a lifelong struggle with faith.

On most matters, they have widely differing opinions. Fly fishing, however, is the spirited high ground the four men share. Their playful banter about those differences runs throughout this tale with good-humored purpose, until a superseding event directs their attention in a surprising new direction.

The Inkwell celebrates family connections, current and ancestral. If Grandfather Reed hadn’t escaped from British captivity in 1777, this 21st-century tale could not be told.
Tim Brown tells it with humor and wisdom.”
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Thank you to NetGalley, Zimbell House Publishing, IBPA for the digital ARC in return for my honest review.
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My thoughts...
This reads more like a short story; it was a quick read and straight to the point. But, it may have been too succinct. The concept of a family heirloom, where stories of miracles are connected to its’ existence, was interesting. But, the story seemed to lack emotion or contemplation from the characters especially after experiencing a traumatic event. However, I do not want to take away from the book’s message of friendship. And, that miracles do happen because God is always there for us.

“There are too many unexplainable circumstances in people’s lives to deny the God is working with us daily, and he wants us to know it.”

Tim Brown has written a very unique book. It’s a story about friendship, an inkwell, fly fishing, thin places and God.

While I’m not a fisherman, it was the mention of an inkwell in the title that caught my attention. I happen to have an inkwell on my desk along with a variety of fountain pens.

But it’s a thin place experience that drives this story on.

It’s a place, or in this case, an event, where one can sense the glory, power, care and love of God.

Do they really exist? We know from the Bible that God visited with man on earth: Moses on Mount Sinai, Jacob’s ladder with angels ascending and descending, Solomon in the midst of God’s glory cloud during the Temple dedication. These are just some of the times when God breached the spiritual curtains of the heavens.

As a given in this story, thin places still do exist. In this case, it’s an event when God graciously reaches out to ones who need more than faith.

The Inkwell tells the story of those who cry out, “Why?”

And of the God who answers them.

I would recommend this book to someone who wants to explore the understated spiritual and miraculous events that invade our daily lies.

This is a shorter story, easily readable in an evening or two. It incudes book club questions, so it’s perfect for a group who wants to talk about how God shows himself to us.

Not a favorite of mine. I love the idea of miracles and the thin spot theory, but this book just fell short for me.. I did like the group of friends, one being non-Christian and the others gently nudging him.

The Inkwell by Tim Brown is a story of an inkwell that has been in Jerry’s family since the American Revolution. Jerry has been the keeper of the inkwell during his generation. He and his wife, Mary, are writing their wills and he is struggling with which child will be the next person to take the responsibility. When he can’t make a decision he calls his fly fishing buddies to go fishing and think.

This is a wonderful, quick read story of the importance of family and family traditions. It also shows the strength people get through their friendships. I really enjoyed the way the men interacted with each other. One of the parts that stands out to me is how they react with catching a fish and how long they keep them on the line before getting them in their nets. Their teasing is fun in nature but also touches on important issues like faith.

I received an ARC copy of this book from Zimbell House Publishing through NetGalley, this is my honest review.

ISBN: 9781643901596 (Hardcover)

9781643901602 Paperback: Release Date: November 10, 2020

9781643901626 ePub: Release Date: August 4, 2020

A well-written opening, which hooks one right in (& you’ll get the pun once you begin reading...) This was an unexpected book, which says just enough to plant seeds for thought which will germinate over time. There is much I would like to comment on, however I do not want to spoil the story : suffice to say it is worth your reading, & I look forward with interest to new volumes from this author.

Another excellent book by Tim Brown - a pleasure to read. Brown explores important issues of friend ship, family history and resolving a profound family dilemma. The story is told with humor and a deep understanding of fly fishing and friendships. I developed a true empathy for each of the characters. Highly recommended.

What a charming book! Short, easy to read, interesting, and a super good story. It really touched my heart. It was totally original, I have not read anything quite like it before. As a fly fishing fanatic myself, it reminded me of the playful banter that takes place between my close fishing friends.
If you are looking for something to take your mind off all the Coronavirus madness engulfing us, this would be a great way to do it!

A family-history quandary becomes a fishing-trip surprise, which, in turn, becomes a catalyst for spiritual reassessment . The fishing trip itself is fun. Four men, who know each other well, fish for trout and answers to one man's dilemma that began with his ancestral grandfather's escape from the British during the Revolutionary War. Fast forward seven generations. You have a wonderful family tradition that becomes problematic -- and miraculous. Witnessing the character's reactions to the miracle is entertaining and insightful. It is a meandering, easy read that is full of surprises.