The Road to New Hope: A "Charlie Odel" novella

A compelling yet humorous journey through life, seeking to answer the question of what really matters. Charlie and Harley Odel are two brothers joined at the hip as youths, until a cataclysmic event separates them as adults. One is a pastor, the other a free spirit, yet their divergent paths lead them to the same ultimate dissatisfaction with their lives. Join them on their journey through life!

Charlie Odel is a small-town Southern Baptist preacher in New Harmony, NC. He finds himself at a crossroads professionally and personally, thanks mainly to an estrangement from his younger brother Harley. Unbeknownst to Charlie, Harley is also suffering anxieties as he takes account of his life.

As youths, Charlie and Harley were inseparable. As adults, a gigantic chasm exists between them, stemming from one incident years ago. Charlie has become a Southern Baptist preacher and is looking towards God for the answers to his dilemma. Harley, meanwhile, has taken the exact opposite approach, looking to his fellow man. Ironically, neither of them find satisfaction in their efforts.

"The Road to New Hope" explores many of the themes with which we struggle in our daily lives, including anger, resentment, forgiveness, and the ultimate meaning of love, through subtle looks inside the minds of the main characters and continued revelation of their developing thoughts and feelings.

Their efforts to answer life's questions lead the reader to attempt to do the same. Join them on their mental, emotional and actual journey.