"The Defenders" is the second book in "The Circuit Rider" series and chronicles the struggles of the ministry of Jesse Lane and Tom McKelroy as they fulfill what they believe to be God's will for them despite the hardships created by unknown forces including a mysterious fire and an attack on the home of the church-planters. The novel contains lots of action, humor, romance, suspense, and a murder mystery all set during 1880 in the Panhandle of Texas. The central theme emphasizes the faith and courage of the main and minor characters and allows readers to identify with the problems and decisions faced by the Lanes and the McKelroys and their friends in their determination to bring the Gospel to the "most cussed hell-hole in Texas." Author Profile Edit] Bill Wood was born and raised in a small town in Texas. He grew up watching classic Westerns on television during the 1950's and 1960's and developed a love for Western stories, art, and culture. Bro. Bill, as he is known by the folks at Central Baptist Church in Stamford, Texas, taught US history in public and private schools over a period of 31 years in Texas, Louisiana, and California, sometimes while pastoring small Baptist churches. When not preaching or studying or writing, he enjoys visiting antique stores, festivals, and historic places. This Texas pastor has been known to pick and grin some in church. "The Defenders" is Bill Wood's third book to be published through Xulon Press.