John Gray’s new novel “The Carpenter’s Son” offers a timely exploration of faith and skepticism in a world seeking hope
April 1, 2025 — At a time when the world is wrestling with uncertainty, loss, and an ongoing search for meaning, bestselling author and Emmy-award winning anchorman John Gray delivers a thought-provoking novel that challenges the boundaries between skepticism and belief. The Carpenter’s Son (ISBN 9781640609662) takes readers on an extraordinary journey that asks life’s hardest questions while offering the possibility of transformative faith.
Brooklyn Sterling is a hard-nosed investigative journalist with a reputation for exposing fraud. A self-proclaimed atheist hardened by personal tragedy, Brooklyn is determined to reveal the truth behind a string of so-called “miracles” occurring in Boston. But her quest takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a mysterious carpenter’s son—a man who seems to defy all logic and reason. In an astonishing twist, Brooklyn is given the chance of a lifetime: to spend a day with Jesus and ask him the questions that have haunted humanity for centuries.
“In a world where people are grappling with faith, doubt, and what it means to believe, The Carpenter’s Son invites readers into a deeply personal exploration of those very struggles,” says Gray. “Whether you come to this book as a believer or a skeptic, it offers a journey of discovery that speaks to the heart of our times.”
A Novel that confronts questions about faith, science, and the unexplainable
The Carpenter’s Son is more than a work of fiction—it’s a mirror reflecting the very questions millions are asking. In an era where AI-generated content and deepfake technology blur the lines between truth and deception, Brooklyn’s journey to uncover what is real resonates deeply. Her story is a reminder that, no matter how advanced our world becomes, the search for truth remains timeless.
Praise for The Carpenter’s Son
“If you’ve ever wished you could travel back in time to the days of Jesus and ask all of the most difficult questions, this is the novel for you. The Carpenter’s Son brings Christ into our modern world and will fill the reader with love, hope, and faith in, not just God, but a better world.” — #1 New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans
A Book for Seekers and Believers Alike
Drawing comparisons to The Shack and The Case for Christ, The Carpenter’s Son is perfect for readers seeking a gripping narrative that wrestles with faith, doubt, and the power of redemption. Whether you are a believer, a skeptic, or someone caught in between, Gray’s novel offers an invitation to explore the possibility of something greater than ourselves.
Available April 1, 2025
The Carpenter’s Son (Trade Paperback | 5.5 x 8 inches | 256 pages | $22.00) will be available at major bookstores, online retailers, and in e-book format.
John Gray is an Emmy Award-winning television journalist and columnist in upstate New York. He is the author of three popular children’s books, God Needed a Puppy, Keller’s Heart, and Sweet Polly Petals, and the Chase Harrington novels: Manchester Christmas, Chasing Manhattan, and Chasing Rome and now his first faith-based journey in The Carpenter’s Son. John’s books have captured the hearts of readers around the world. He always donates a generous portion of book sales to help others. John is a father of three and lives near Albany with his wife, Courtney, and their several rescue dogs with special needs.
Interview Questions:
- What made you want to write a faith-based novel after years of television journalism?
- How did your own religious upbringing play a role in crafting this story?
- Did anything surprise you in telling this story?
- You place Jesus in several confrontational situations. For example, having him meet up with a famous atheist author or having a character in the book bring him to the cancer wing of the children’s hospital to face questions about suffering. Talk about that a bit.
- How did prayer play a role in your writing ritual?
- Your full-time job for three decades has been as a journalist. Given how many of your fellow journalist are liberal and/or agnostic, was there any reservation on “outing” yourself as a Christian with this novel?
Contact: For media inquiries, interview requests, or review copies, please contact Danielle Bushnell at danielleb@paracletepress.com.
