Gene Johnston Collection
Gene R. Johnston
A Life Out of Time
Mesmerizing science fiction novel tells the story of Charles H. Tailgunner, a man born in the 30th century who finds himself stranded in 1978, an era of vibrant culture, social upheaval, and unforgettable music.
The Resounding Heart
From the acclaimed author of You Inspire Me, A Change of Seasons, and A Life Out of Time, comes The Resounding Heart—a soul-stirring collection of poetry that speaks directly to the human spirit.
Each poem within these pages offers a gentle whisper of encouragement, a powerful reminder that love, faith, and resilience can carry us through life’s most difficult seasons. Gene Johnston’s heartfelt words reflect personal reflection, emotional depth, and timeless truths that echo the beauty and pain of the human experience.
Whether you are facing sorrow, seeking peace, or simply longing for connection, this book will touch your heart and remind you that you are not alone.The Resounding Heart is more than a poetry collection—it is a companion of hope.
VaLori Dutton And The school of Calligraphers
VaLori Dutton is no ordinary child. Born with the gift to shape reality with her words, she can summon fire, grow
trees, and even bring her imagination to life — but such power comes with risk. At eleven, a letter arrives that will
change her life forever: an invitation to Shénshū Academy, the ancient school of magical calligraphy, where words
are not just written, but wielded.
A Simple Life
She was running from her past. He was hiding from his.
Neither expected to find grace in the middle of nowhere.
When Jessica Kimble disappeared into the wilderness, she wasn’t looking to be found. Haunted by what she had done—and what had been done to her—she wandered into a world beyond roads, beyond rescue. What she found instead was Sam Hill: a quiet former game warden with a weathered cabin, a gift for healing broken animals, and a past he’d rather leave buried.
Sam asks no questions. Jess offers no answers. But the woods have a way of revealing the truth—and the danger Jess left behind is closer than either of them imagined.
As cartel shadows close in and old scars reopen, Jess and Sam must decide whether to keep surviving alone—or risk everything for something more. In the quiet of the glade, with a wild doe at her side and a wounded fox in her arms, Jess begins to believe that maybe, just maybe, broken things can still be made whole.
A story of survival, redemption, and the quiet grace of second chances.
The Simple Life is a deeply human journey into the wilderness, where healing moves slowly, hope runs wild, and second chances are possible for even the most fractured hearts.
The Perfect Wife
She has the perfect life. The perfect home. The perfect children. And a husband everyone admires.But behind closed doors, perfection is just another cage.
Elizabeth Whitaker has spent years crafting a life that looks immaculate—graceful dinner parties, pristine
holiday cards, and children who always say please and thank you. Her husband, Thomas, is a successful
architect with impeccable taste and a relentless need for control. To the world, he’s charming. At home,
he’s something else entirely.
In the quiet sanctuary of her attic, Elizabeth keeps a journal—her only safe place to breathe, grieve, and
wonder what happened to the woman she used to be.
When tragedy strikes and Thomas dies suddenly, Elizabeth’s world tilts. Grief tastes a lot like freedom—
but freedom comes with a heavy price.
As the years pass, Elizabeth rebuilds a new life for herself and her children—one not governed by fear.
But when a young detective begins asking questions about the past, and her private writing mirrors real
events too closely, the walls of her carefully crafted story begin to crumble.
THE LETTER THAT GOT LOST
Some letters never reach their destination.Some stories stay buried—until silence finally breaks.
Terry Lynn’s life has been shaped by absence: a grandfather she never knew, a mother who won’t speak
of the past, and a faith that feels more distant with each unanswered question. But when she stumbles
upon a box of forgotten sermons—and the letter she once wrote but never mailed—she is pulled into a
legacy marked by shame, silence, and a grace too deep to ignore.
As she uncovers the story of the man her grandfather became, Terry must confront painful family truths,
wrestle with the cost of forgiveness, and decide whether to preserve a voice the world was never meant
to hear.
The Letter That Got Lost is a quiet, courageous exploration of truth, repentance, and the grace that dares
to reach both the wounded—and the ones who’ve done the wounding.
For anyone who’s ever wondered if healing is possible, this story is an invitation to believe that even the
most broken lives can still be redeemed.
SEASONS of CHANGE
A Season of Change is more than just a reflection on life’s inevitable changes–it’s an invitation to see the world and yourself in a new light. Through personal stories of hope, joy, love, and loss, this book reminds us that transformation is possible, even in the darkest times.
You Inspire Me
You Inspire Me is a powerful collection of poems seeking to permeate feelings of love, hope, and peace throughout the reader. While most of the poetry is written in prose, this unique free writing format clearly gives the text rhythm
Biography
About The Author
Gene Johnston
From an early age, my first real reading experience was with Jaws. Ever since I discovered the slim
possibility that I might be related to Robert Louis Stevenson, even though I’ve never been able to trace
that connection in my family tree, I’ve been captivated by the magic of transforming 26 simple letters
into some of the most beautiful creations.
Book Reviews
This remarkable anthology of inner thoughts and prayers, masterfully penned in prose, presents a profoundly rejuvenating experience. Author Gene Johnston adeptly employs a style that artfully engages both direct and indirect approaches, ensuring that each reader is individually addressed. With every written passage, an extraordinary bond formed between the author’s words and my own existence. Within these pages, a tapestry of love and hope seamlessly weaves together, serving as a guiding light during the most challenging moments. The author’s dialogue with God and the divine presence in their life fortifies their resilience, enabling them to navigate any tribulation they encounter.
Certain poems within this collection left an indelible mark on my soul, evoking such intense emotions that tears flowed unabatedly. Particularly, “Never Stop” and “Without You” resonated with great poignancy. Johnston’s ability to establish an intimate connection with every reader through their poetic compositions is a testament to the profound impact of their work. I am genuinely convinced that the author’s authentic identity, palpable within these verses, will captivate you as it did me. Each poem compels introspection on life, prompting contemplation about the need for change and the potential divergence from our personal missions in this world. In every verse, Johnston encapsulates the indescribable surrender to God—a sentiment that often defies adequate expression but finds solace within these poems. Most strikingly, the palpable adoration for life imbues these verses. The author’s profound gratitude to God radiates through each sunrise, rainfall, sorrow, and boundless joy. Simultaneously, he deftly acknowledges life’s fragility, embracing each fleeting moment with unbridled appreciation. This profound sentiment is inescapable within his work.
I am truly grateful for the privilege of immersing myself in this collection, for it has profoundly influenced me in ways beyond my current comprehension. These poems unquestionably deserve the attention of discerning readers, offering an experience that surpasses imagination.
Anonymous Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Gene Johnston’s Life Out of Time reads like the best of hard science fiction combined with the emotional honesty of classic character dramas. Through the eyes of Colonel Tailgunner, readers are transported to the awe-inspiring yet haunting world of Haven Station—a floating city where humanity clings to survival. The author’s writing shines in moments of introspection: “Some things should never be tampered with—time travel chief among them.” That single sentence captures the book’s haunting theme—the price of progress and the fragility of existence. Johnston balances high-concept science with deep humanity, making this more than just a space odyssey; it’s a meditation on destiny, accountability, and what it means to be human when time itself becomes unstable.
Kirkus-Style Editorial Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Few debut novels demonstrate the mastery and emotional resonance of Gene Johnston’s Life Out of Time. His protagonist, Colonel Charles Tailgunner, is one of those rare characters that feel both heroic and painfully real. From the first chapter, readers sense his quiet strength, his moral compass, and his vulnerability as he navigates the enigmas of time, loyalty, and loss. The dialogue crackles with realism, and the visual imagery—such as the breathtaking description of the Aurora spacecraft and its doomed launch—is cinematic and unforgettable. Johnston doesn’t merely write about time travel; he captures the very essence of regret and hope intertwined. This is a book destined to stand out in the canon of modern science fiction for its courage, intellect, and heart.
Readers’ Favorite Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We are thrilled to give Seasons of Change by Gene R. Johnston our highest recommendation, awarding it a well-deserved five stars! This remarkable collection offers profound insights that will resonate deeply with anyone seeking comfort, reflection, and inspiration in their lives.
Johnston skillfully intertwines moving prose passages, each accompanied by thoughtful illustrations that enrich the themes of faith, trust, resilience, love, loss, and the enduring strength of hope. The opening segment, perfectly titled after the book, beautifully encapsulates the essence of life’s challenges and the promise of transformation that comes with change.
In this remarkable collection, Johnston skillfully invites readers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing. Each piece not only reflects his personal experiences but also encourages others to delve into their own memories and emotions. Through insightful prompts and reflective questions, he fosters a space for introspection and spiritual enrichment.
Seasons of Change is an exceptional resource for anyone seeking guidance through life’s challenges, making it a must-read for both individual contemplation and group discussions. The book’s poetic language and uplifting narratives resonate deeply, offering encouragement and hope. Johnston’s unique ability to articulate the intricacies of love, loss, and the transformative power of faith creates a profound connection with readers. This collection is sure to inspire and uplift, fostering a supportive community as individuals navigate their personal seasons of change with newfound strength and confidence.
Reviewer
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Life Out of Time by Gene Johnston is a masterfully constructed sci-fi epic that fuses futuristic technology, moral reflection, and emotional humanity in one compelling narrative. The story of Colonel Charles H. Tailgunner—“C.T.”—is gripping from the first line: “I’m writing this from the year 1978, though I was born sometime in the future—perhaps the 30th century.” This opening immediately grounds readers in a paradox that defines the entire book. Johnston’s world-building around Haven Station is intricate yet immersive, with details such as “the rhythmic clang of tools and hum of machinery” painting a vivid sense of place. What makes this story stand out is its blend of military discipline and philosophical exploration. It’s a book that doesn’t just imagine the future—it challenges how we understand time, leadership, and sacrifice.
Literary Titan Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Johnston’s Life Out of Time takes readers on a bold, imaginative journey that questions the limits of human exploration and the dangers of scientific ambition. The story’s intricate layering of mystery, moral struggle, and action creates a page-turner that lingers long after the final chapter. One particularly powerful sequence—where the test ship’s failure sends shockwaves through Haven Station—reminds readers of humanity’s fragility in the face of the unknown. The tension and atmosphere are skillfully handled, but it’s Johnston’s exploration of resilience and faith that elevates this from standard sci-fi to a truly visionary work. Life Out of Time will appeal to fans of Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, and anyone who believes that science fiction should provoke thought as much as wonder.
Pacific Book Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Seasons of Change
by Gene R. Johnston
Gotham Books
book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
“Yes, the season of change has come upon me with subtle beginning and the scent of a promise of change.”
Johnston’s thoughtful observations range from feelings of earthly love, a sense of loss and sadness, and the joy of eternal, spiritual caring in this work. He shares his belief that life should be lived “here and now,” and since change is inevitable, each one must choose how to live, whether in bitterness or compassion. Most offerings are prose vignettes of one page, accompanied by a drawing that serves at times as an introduction to the subject being explored. An opening segment, bearing the book’s title, reminds readers that despite the many upheavals, both in nature and within oneself, there is always the expectation of ameliorative, positive developments arising.
A picture of a supplicant kneeling before Jesus opens a segment about the comfort of God’s guidance. Johnston’s love objects include his mother who prayed for him, a baby held in his arms, his father and caring sister, and most often, someone he began to love on their first meeting. The voice of the “loving wife” declares her feelings for the author. Johnston has clearly grasped the conviction that though life may bring grief at times, hope can evoke the determination to live in the fullest and most positive way and encourage others to do the same.
The author has arranged this emotive material with the intention of sustaining his own deep memories while combining them with subtle messages to others who may have had similar experiences, loves, and disappointments and who may need the encouragement to live in hope. He ends this well-considered collection with brief questions and suggestions about allowing God into one’s life. His writing is delicate, inspirational, and sincerely Christian in essence, stressing the joy of giving one’s soul into God’s care. For these reasons, Johnston’s book can be a centerpiece for group contemplation and personal dedication.
Gallery
Gene with Books
