Because ‘burn-out’ is such a problem for those in the helping professions, this novel blurs the line between fiction and non-fiction to identify with all who need to rediscover the “why” of what they do.
     —Gloria Gaither
     Author, Speaker and Songwriter

We live. We love. We doubt. We believe. We suffer. The ride can be confusing, even frightening. And sometimes, we run.
While it may be true that no two journeys of faith are alike, Pastor David Hayes hits on essential, common conflicts within each of us, between ourselves, our families and God. Pastor Hayes has never been afraid to let his heart speak, whether from the pulpit, at his blog site, or alongside a friend in pain, which I have been. The Runaway Pastor is a fictional vessel for this gifted communicator to surface a message of truth that resides deep within our hearts and resonates with those of us who wish to somehow find and know grace.
     —Jeff Stoffer,
     Editor
     American Legion Magazine

Loved Runaway! It read like a Grisham novel. Exciting and fast paced! Couldn’t stop reading.

I read it with tears because some days I would like to disappear and have a new identity. It will strike a nerve in most everyone…because perhaps most everyone is caught up in the world of survival.

I started reading this late in the evening. I didn’t stop till I finished the 7th chapter at 2:30 AM.......Can’t wait to finish!

I can’t wait for the rest of the book. I love the characters, their development, their back-stories…very three dimensional.

This book has hope bleeding through each page.

Where is chapter 8, and the rest? I’ve gotten sucked into this story!

My pastor-dad gave his life to the church. While he was doing this, I was playing baseball, soccer, playing in the band at school, in plays, etc...and he missed most of them. This story is taking me back to priorities.

I just can't tell you how moved I am. I loved it!

Thanks for a vivid, at times raw (emotionally) presentation of the complex issues that can drive a pastor to despair.

(For several months the first seven chapters were posted online.)