Aspiring author Michael Warner comes by his writing talent honestly. He is the grandson of Pulitzer Prize-winning and multi-published author Gerard Warner. THE DISCOVERY opens in the present day. Gerard has just passed away, and Michael and his new wife, Jenn, along with his other family members, are attending the reading of the will, in Charleston, South Carolina. In addition to inheriting more money than they know what to do with, Michael and Jenn are now owners of his grandfather’s huge estate, including the home where Gerard wrote all of his bestselling novels. Michael hopes to follow in his grandpa’s reputable footsteps and build a name for himself in the literary world.

"THE DISCOVERY is yet another moving and impressive novel for the keepsake shelf.... If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks, WWII stories, or if you simply love a good romance, THE DISCOVERY may just result in your discovering a new favorite author."

For some time now, Michael’s sister, Marilyn, has been digging into their family history. But much to her frustration, she hasn’t been able to uncover any information on their grandfather. Gerard never talked about his past, refusing to grant any interviews, and there aren’t even old photos of him to refer to. Michael wonders if he’ll come across anything in the mansion that might give them a glimpse into their grandfather’s background.

He doesn’t have to wonder for long.

When Michael finds an old, yellowed, unpublished manuscript hidden inside an old typewriter case, he assumes it is just another novel that his grandfather wrote but hadn’t published before his death. With wife Jenn back in Florida for a few days, wrapping things up at work, Michael wastes no time delving in.

THE DISCOVERY jumps back and forth between the past and present. Probably two-thirds of the book is the story within the story --- that is, Michael’s grandfather’s unpublished novel --- which quickly engages the reader, pulling us back into the 1940s, the era of World War II. We’re treated to a bit of suspense, action, intrigue and romance, along with a reminder of the harsh reality and repercussions of war, as well as interesting --- and not-so-pleasant --- facts about Nazis, spies and German operatives.

As his grandfather’s novel unfolds, Michael is not only swept up in the story, he also realizes this is more than just another book written by the great Gerard Warner. It just may contain the details of the historical puzzle his sister has been trying to piece together.

With his fifth full-length novel published by Revell, author Dan Walsh once again lives up to his Nicholas Sparks comparison. I can imagine THE DISCOVERY on the big screen every bit as much as some of Sparks’ novels. With over 90% of the romance novels on bookstore shelves today written by women, it’s pretty cool to see such a touching and realistic love story written by a man. As with his other novels (THE UNFINISHED GIFT, THE HOMECOMING, THE DEEPEST WATERS and REMEMBERING CHRISTMAS), romance is by far the strongest element. In this book, however, action and suspense play a more prominent role, giving it more male appeal. Not that women won’t enjoy these aspects as well, but Walsh has crafted a story for an even broader audience than his first few novels.

THE DISCOVERY is yet another moving and impressive novel for the keepsake shelf. Woven throughout are messages of faith, patriotic loyalty, and selfless love. The main characters of both present and past will jump through the pages and into your heart, where they’ll likely stay for a long time to come. If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks, WWII stories, or if you simply love a good romance, THE DISCOVERY may just result in your discovering a new favorite author.