By Jimmy Cochran
Contributing Writer 

  “I lived the first half my life as a taker. Always thinking only about myself. I want the last half of my life to be different. I want to try giving something back,” said Cole Matthews, the latest character in “Forgotten Road,” Randall Arthur’s latest book.

Bestselling, local author Randall Arthur has published a new book entitled “The Forgotten Road.”             Photo by Jimmy Cochran

  Henry County has many writers and poets; however, few are as well-known as bestselling author, Randall Arthur. Arthur is a native resident of Stockbridge, yet his literary works are known across the globe. Best known for his trilogy of “Wisdom Hunter,” “Jordan’s Crossing,” and “Brotherhood of Betrayal.” 

  While the earlier works by Arthur tell captivating stories which warn of legalism and ultra-conservatism in the church, his newest work deals on the bad choices we make in our lives and that God is always ready to forgive and help us move on. Based on personal experiences, his earlier novels grab you from the first page and remain in your mind long after you have finished. His newest novel has the same compulsion from the very beginning phrases until the last word.

  Arthur and his wife have served as church planters and missionaries to many European countries since 1975, including the Scandinavian countries found in his first novels. He continues to lead groups in European mission efforts several times a year as well as finding the time to write his novels.

  “I’m a very slow writer,” said Arthur. “I write every paragraph out by hand, study it, edit it, revise it and once I am finally pleased with it then I will type it in my computer. Then I start the process over again. I write when I’m waiting at the doctor’s office, at red lights, anywhere I have a few minutes to get thoughts on paper.”

  “Forgotten Road” focuses on a Nashville fiddler, Cole Michaels, who had risen to the top of the music charts. However, success and bad choices led Cole onto an unplanned road where he was forced to re-examine all that he held dear. The surprise cross-over appearance of a well-loved character from Arthur’s prior books marks a turning point in Cole’s life.

  “I was at a point when I began writing my earlier books when I needed a mentor, someone to give me guidance and support,” said Arthur. “I had no one like that in my life at the time, so I wrote him into my books. He was the ideal mentor that could help me and could hopefully help my readers during their struggles.”

  In a departure from his adult fiction, Arthur has now published his first book for children. “ABC’s On the Move” is a progressive reader that teaches children the alphabet along with 26 animals and 26 ways of transportation. Written by Arthur and illustrated by local graphic artist, Timothy Stripling, the book has already been a hit with local educators and libraries.

  “Timothy and I have already had several readings for schools and children’s groups and were excited by the turnout and enthusiasm,” said Arthur. “I definitely have more books planned and hope to be able to see my dreams accomplished someday.”

  Arthur’s books have been translated into many languages to further spread his message of God’s love and hope across the world. All of his books are available from Amazon.com and “Forgot-ten Road” is now available for Kindle. To find more information about Randall Arthur and his books, please visit his website at www.randallarthur.com. If you would like him to speak at your church, school, or any other group and if you would like to set up a book signing event, please contact him at lifeimagepublishers@gmail.com.