It was April 1969, and nineteen- year-old Jerry Shepherd stared in his rearview mirror as two policemen approach his car. The chase was over - he stepped from the car to face the consequences of what he had done. Author Ann H. Gabhart shares Jerry's amazing journey as told to her years later, by a now free and spiritually devoted Jerry Shepherd in "Angels at the Crossroads." Honored as a finalist in the Reader Views Literary Awards 2006, this book's strong message of the redeeming power of God's love is well suited for anyone needing a profound measure of inspiration on their journey through life. Jerry's rough childhood is one that he didn't understand as a child, but left him indelibly marked with an all-encompassing feeling that he wasn't good enough. Still a teenager, his life spiraled destructively downward. Incarcerated in a maximum-security facility, with no choice but to move forward, Jerry was forced to find his way through the jungle of prison life and to the self- acceptance he desperately needed.

Angels at the Crossroads: Jerry Shepherd's Story of Redemption and Love

Ann H. Gabhart
iUniverse (2006)
ISBN 9780595387076
Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (01/07)

When Jerry Shepherd stole a car he accidentally killed the owner.  The police caught up with him after a high speed chase.  Jerry hoped the officer was a good shot for he did not wish to continue his life.  Just as he was about to exit the car he heard the quiet words, “Peace Be Still.”  A great sense of calm came over him and from that moment on he belonged to the Lord.

Jerry Shepherd was raised in Kentucky not far from Louisville.  His home life was rough.  His mother was unforgiving and never seemed satisfied with anything he did.  He ran away from home more than once. Once after returning home again, his father met him with open arms but his mother turned her back and walked away.  It seemed that no matter where he ran God always placed an angel in his path.  There was always someone to direct him back toward home.  Jerry didn’t want to continue his life and sought death more than once.  After pleading guilty of 2nd degree murder Jerry spent time in prison. 

Jerry turned his life over to the Lord and was never the same.  His life had new meaning.  His book is an introspective look at his life before and after coming to know the Lord.  Jerry went on to sing with the gospel quartet “The Patriots.” 

“Angels at the Crossroads” by Ann H. Gabhart was an inspiration to me.  Jerry’s life story is beautifully told.  I could picture the young man constantly on the run and not always sure what he was running from.  The plot flowed smoothly, telling of the turning point in Jerry’s life and then looking back at his past.  The cover is beautifully done with a sun peaking through the clouds.  It made me think of hope that we each need.  It is with honor that I highly recommend this book to all.  For everyone needs the hope that Jerry found when he looked in his rearview mirror at the law and then heard that small quiet voice that said, “Peace Be Still.”