Release of Chet: Strength Beyond Our Own

I’m excited to announce that the much anticipated second book in the Chet series is live as of today (September 29, 2014). Book two picks up where the first book in the series left off and will take you deeper into the lives and adventures of Charles, David, Julie, Kristyn and of course Chet.

You’ll find the synopsis is available wherever Strength Beyond Our Own is offered for sale so I won’t repeat it here. What I would like to share with you are a few of the comments from readers of the Chet series.

I confess, I fell in love with Julie (and her famous cookies), admired young David and his commitment to his mother, and of course, Charles, the main character, and his struggle to accept others into his life after his tragic loss of loved ones. Charles’ wisdom, after a lifetime of toil, is one of the great treasures of this book. As he teaches others in the story, he teaches the reader of the book too.
Terry Johnson

I used to read a lot, not so much anymore due to busy life, but I picked this up at the recommendation of a friend. I actually looked forward to my evening reading time each night before sleep because this book left me wondering what was going to happen next, yet left me with things to think about until the next evening. Not a fast paced action thriller, but a very well written enjoyable read about relationships and deep seated love. I think the book is a great script for a Hall Mark Special or family movie and won’t be surprised if it turns out that way. Murray has put beautiful balance in the pages and I am looking forward to his next book.
Steve Davidson

The story is heartfelt, the descriptions of rural farm life are accurate, and the author makes you feel as if you are right there witnessing the events in this book as they unfold. This is not just a story about an old truck, but in reality, a love story that spans a lifetime. Can’t wait for the next one!
Barry Hanson

I am gratified by such positive reviews and I’m happier than I can express that you, my fans, are enjoying the stories I’m telling. As an independent author and publisher, you the reader are the ultimate decision makers when it comes to whether or not I am successful. I hope you’ll continue to spread the word about Chet and his friends so I can continue to tell their stories.

Strength Beyond Our Own is currently available in eBook and can be purchased from major bookstores including Amazon, Apple iTunes, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and Kobo. The print version is in process and will be releasing soon in a trade paperback. Keep watching here for the announcement when it becomes available.

Chet II Cover Reveal

Cover image for Chet: Strength Beyond Our Own
Click to view a detailed image.

For my fans who have been anxiously waiting for an update on the release of the second book in the Chet series, I finally have some news.

I know it’s been a while, but writing and publishing a book is a process. The amount of activity one perceives is largely dependent on one’s perspective. While you’ve been waiting and wondering what is taking me so long, I’ve been scrambling to bring the second book to life.

The closest analogy I can come up with is that it’s a lot like watching a family of geese swimming across the river behind my house. The amount of activity and effort you perceive depends on your perspective. From above the water, the mother and father seem to be floating leisurely across the water as their goslings bob along sandwiched between their parents. The tranquil image they present is an illusion. I swam the river once when I was much younger and I can tell you that even though it looks placid, there’s still plenty of current and the goose and gander are working their feet furiously to keep them and their babies from being carried down the river and into the rapids rumbling away a few hundred yards downstream.

To make a long story short, my artist and I started working on the cover artwork on the 31st of March. Brian was able to dedicate a surprising amount of time and effort to the project and he wrapped up the illustration on the 25th of April.

Around my editing Chet II and writing Chet III, the cover was finally completed in July. Now that Chet: Strength Beyond Our Own is finally firmed up and going through the final polishing and formatting steps, the time has finally arrived to give you a glimpse of the cover.

I hope you like it.