Into the Fire

When you need a release from common fiction, you can count on James Scott Bell to deliver. His "Habit" series will amuse, warm your heart, bring out that "justice served" desire in you, and make you want to learn Krav Maga (at least it did me). 

Sister Justicia Marie, aka former child star and actress Brooke Bailey, barely survived her Hollywood career, her dad living his fantasy through her, drugs and alcohol, and making it through re-hab, before finding her Lord Jesus Christ and becoming a nun. However, she's discovered her training for a character in a Steven Segal film which never finished production has come in exceptionally handy – much to the disdain of the Catholic church. So to avoid further conflict with the head Sister where Sister Justicia was suspended from teaching children, she purchases an abandoned building in the heart of NoHo (North Hollywood) where no one with any common sense wants to spend time. She opens it as a shelter for the homeless, mentally impaired, and those seeking help.

When another conflicted Sister joins her at the shelter and pleads with Sister Justicia to teach her this self-defense, Sister Justicia is torn between what is right and good and what is . . . not. But, believing in her last result purpose of using her defensive skills, she agrees to teach the younger sister her moves and the two of them found The Order of the Sisters of Perpetual Justice.

This four part series presents all kinds of opportunities for Sister Justicia to meet with head gangster "the Pope of Los Angeles", her long lost father, Father Dom whose "Hoo boy" at her confessions is a hoot, and a variety of unsuspecting, lawbreaking members of the Los Angeles community. So many lawbreakers in fact that she becomes known as the "kick-butt nun" much to her chagrin and the embarrassment of the local Cardinal who deems she should be sent away to meditate on her penchant for violence. The dialogue is crisp Bell and often hilarious. The premise is thought-provoking although often clothed in humor and church hypocrisy. 

So much fun to read. 

Father, you know the stories you have for Jim to tell. I pray your continued blessing over his sterling career and may he honor you in all he does and writes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.