TEMPEST AT DAWN By JAMES D. BEST

TEMPEST AT DAWN By JAMES D. BEST

Book Review by Allen Ball
For Beaufort Observer Online
http://www.beaufortobserver.net/

Why have we not thought of humbly applying to the Father to illuminate our understandings? During the war with Great Britain, we prayed daily in this room, and our prayers were graciously answered. Have we forgotten that powerful friend? Do we imagine that we no longer need his assistance? If a sparrow can't fall without his notice, can we raise an empire without his aid? If we don't seek his guidance, governments will only be created by chance, war, or conquest. I move that clergy-led prayers be held in this assembly every morning. --BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, from TEMPEST AT DAWN, A Novel, by James D. Best, Copyright © 2010 James D. Best.

*****

At this critical juncture in time, in our nation, except for spirited tea parties, that are springing up across America, I find little to inspire hope and confidence that I our nation will rise above and survive its current radical upheaval. However, I find hope and confidence in the wonderfully written Tempest At Dawn, by James D. Best. I would have written this review ealier if not for all the highlighting I did, on almost every page. In his novel, Mr. Best sheds light on another critical juncture of our nation---a time when it was neccessary to revise the Articles of Confederation or write a new constitution. He does it with eloquence. I wanted to read Tempest At Dawn, from cover-to-cover, after reading the first couple of pages. I'm a great admirer of our Founding Fathers, which made Tempest At Dawn all the more difficult to put down.

After battling the British for eight years and winning it's independence, the United States stood on the precipice of dissolution. The instablity of the United States government threatened its very existence. Like a vulture, Europe was perched to pounce the fledgling nation at the first opportunity. The privileged elite plotted to overthrow the government. It was imperative that the United States create a stable government to avert these lurking dangers.

Fifty-seven delegates convened in Philadelphia, in 1787, for what was known as the Federal Convention, to hammer out a document to provide the means to maintain a durable, strong, and lasting government. It was the goal of these men to create a strong national government, while maintaining state sovereignty. Slavery was another issue that posed a major problem as well.

As I read Tempest At Dawn, I felt as though I was present at the proceedings of the Convention and the private and secret meetings of James Madison, George Washington, Robert Sherman, and others.You cannot help but feel pride as an American, as Tempest At Dawn reminds us of the seemingly impeccable integrity of our Founding Fathers---George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison, to name a few. The words "protocol" and "etiquette" come to my mind, while reading how they and the delegates of the Federal Convention regarded one another with utmost respect and civility.

Our Founding Fathers have been maligned and denigrated in recent years by liberal press and others with a progressive agenda. If you want to know the truth about the character of those gentlemen and you want to learn about the evolution of one of the greatest documents ever created by man---the Constitution of the United States---relax in your bed, favorite chair or recliner, and enjoy Tempest At Dawn, by James D. Best.