Can Christians and Gays Peacefully Co-Exist?

"Bait", a new novel to be published in May, 2005, is a story of love, loyalty, faith, and betrayal, set in both Center City Philadelphia and rural Pennsylvania Dutch country. When Danny Madigan, an evangelical, fundamentalist Christian longtime country bachelor introduces his girlfriend, Jenn, to his urban lesbian feminist sister, JD, a simple relationship turns complicated. Aside from Danny, JD has not been in regular contact with the rest of her family for over a decade, but her brother's beautiful, intelligent girlfriend gives her a reason to return.


As the whole Madigan family comes together for the first time in years, long-buried tensions rise to the surface between the conservative Christian parents and siblings and the free-thinking lesbian sister/daughter. What's more, the outsider Jenn is hiding secrets of her past which could jeopardize everything that Danny has hoped and worked for, over long, long years of seeking his soulmate. Many assumptions held dearly, fall by the wayside, and the glaring differences between family members become all the more apparent as they ride a rollercoaster of love and loyalty and broken promises. Each one in the conflicted Madigan family must decide how they will react and interact with one another, while staying true to their faith, their conscience, and their integrity. Weighing questions of sin and redemption… love and sibling rivalry… secrets and revelation… each member of the family must decide for themself how far they will go, to save each others' souls. They must decide how best to be a family.

"Bait" will be published in May, 2005. Prior to publication, the Website (http://www.baitbook.net) provides updates on the status of publication and related information. A Blog (http://baitblog.blogspot.com/)sheds insight on the story and issues, as well as links to related content and websites. A Yahoo Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/baitbook/) has also been created to keep readers abreast of developments and give readers a forum in which to discuss the issues and material. Visit www.baitbook.net for links to both the Blog and the Group. Samples from the book will be made available at www.baitbook.net later this spring, and the author is available for print and radio interviews.

Reviewers should contact the publisher at info@baitbook.net to reserve a review copy. Electronic versions of the book will be available, as well as print. Please indicate format preference (electronic or print) and the publication for which "Bait" is being reviewed.