Breaking Point (The Threefold Cord)

How much abuse can the human spirit take before it either breaks free or simply breaks? Breaking Point, the fourth book in the Threefold Cord series, continues to explore this question and tells the story of the damage done to children raised in abusive cults. Twins Kevin and Robert and their younger brother Jonah had previously found permanent sanctuary as adopted sons in the loving home of the Adamson family. Danny and Matthew, two eleven-year-old child refugees from an abusive fundamentalist sect, are recent additions to the family, and they have to deal with a number of issues related to their troubled past. Some of the more fanatical adherents of that particular sect, the Philadelphia Brethren, are furious with the Adamson family, especially Danny and Matthew, for speaking out against their church and influencing some of their members to leave. Now they seek revenge. Not only that, Matthew's girlfriend, eleven-year-old Melissa, is still trapped in the cult. After having to endure years of abuse from both her deranged parents and the church, Melissa is nearing her breaking point. She can't take much more.

The boys and their adoptive parents search for ways to help Melissa, and a tense situation escalates further after the church holds "that troublesome Adamson family" responsible for even more defections from their congregation. The family is in danger, and soon the life of one young Adamson will hang in the balance.

Set in the early 1960s in rural Saskatchewan, Breaking Point is not only an insightful look into the damage that can be caused by extreme religious cults. It is also a celebration of the power of an accepting and loving family and a nostalgic look at experiencing adolescence and young love in simpler times.

James Anderson began writing fiction to bring to light the effects of cults after he and his wife had their own experience with an exploitative church. In addition to Breaking Point, he has written three previous books about Jonah and the twins: The Threefold Cord, Rebirth, and House of Refuge. The fifth book in the series, Menace From the Past, will be published at a later date.

A retired professional engineer, who was involved in telecommunications for over thirty years, James is also an electronics hobbyist and holds an amateur radio license. He also enjoys outdoor activities such as camping, canoeing, and especially cycling on his mountain bike. He lives with his wife Julie, with whom he will soon celebrate his fortieth anniversary, in Winnipeg Manitoba.