(Revell Books, September 5, 2017)

Third Day guitarist Mark Lee is no stranger to heartache and hopes deferred; the road to success is never traveled without missteps along the way. Life is messy and uncertain and full of surprises. And one of the best things he's ever done is let go of his expectations about how life should be in order to embrace life as it is: a moment-by-moment walk with God.

Hurt Road is the engaging true story of a man who, as a teen, found in music a refuge from the uncertainties of life. Who set out to discover a better way to live than constantly struggling to make sure life turned out the way he planned it. Who stopped substituting what's next for what's now and learned the truth--that coming or going, God's got us.

Poignant, funny, and thoughtful, Hurt Road dares anyone feeling knocked down or run over by their circumstances to give up control to the One who already has the road all mapped out. Includes black and white photos.

Endorsements

"Mark's music has meant so much to me as a follower of Christ. His life, his faith, and his quest to know God are as real as they come. Mark realized early on the myth of happily ever after--but it's what he replaced it with that makes his book worth reading. In a style as thoughtful as it is entertaining, he offers great insights on how to stop chasing the 'what's next' and 'what-ifs' in order to experience God right now, even in the midst of a difficult situation."

Candace Cameron Bure, actress and author

"I have spent time with Mark Lee and his family, and he is truly the real deal. The story of his journey in Hurt Road will definitely inspire you to take your faith to the next level."

Mark Richt, head coach of the Miami Hurricanes football team

"If you've been blessed and inspired by Third Day's music, as I have for so many years, Hurt Road will take you along on Mark Lee's personal journey. Mark shares honestly and openly his heart and how his personal faith has enabled him to overcome some of life's toughest hurdles. We are all different and yet, in many ways, we are the same. There are lessons we can learn from Mark's experiences that can be applied in our lives and our walk with the Lord Jesus. The bottom line is this: if we are truly his children he will never leave us nor forsake us. We can always count on Roman 8:28: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.'"

Steve Bartkowski, two-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons

"Each of us has a story to tell, and Mark is kind enough to capture his for us to read. I've known Mark for well over two decades. Each time I am with him, I walk away encouraged and inspired. I'm confident that reading this book will do the same for you."

Max Lucado

"I have shared the stage with Mark Lee many times and have been inspired by his love for God and his genuine love for people. Hurt Road is a great read and gave me insights into Mark's life that were fascinating and inspiring. It is a gentle call to a moment-by-moment faith that will continue to resonate with you long after you read the book."

Michael W. Smith

"Hurt Road is a fascinating and moving story from my friend Mark Lee. It's one worth picking up, reading for yourself, and then sharing with someone you know would love it too. When people dig into their own story on behalf of the book, it always changes the reader. This book did that for me, and I'm thankful for the hard work Mark did."

Annie F. Downs, bestselling author of Looking for Lovely and Let's All Be Brave

"Over the past few years, as I've been privileged to get to know Mark Lee, I've been struck by his unassuming, straightforward nature despite significant accomplishment. In Hurt Road, as Mark takes us on a journey through his life, we gain insight into how high school friends formed a band that became an industry giant (hint: it's as amazing a story as you'd have imagined). But like the band Third Day, which at its core is a group of men who love Jesus and love to make good music to honor him, Mark's personal story is so much more than the success. Told with characteristic humility seasoned with humor, his recounting of life lessons learned along the way and of a man's maturing faith are challenging and at the same time most encouraging."

George Schroeder, national college football writer, USA TODAY Sports Media Group

"Mark takes us all for a walk in Hurt Road. I could see the images of people and feel the moments of his story. As I read, I found myself going back to my own story of 'landmarks' that ultimately took me to a place of simple trust and obedience. Hurt Road will make you laugh, smile, say 'Oh, I remember that!' and get a bit choked up at times. But most of all, even when your road doesn't always make sense, this book will inspire you to lift your head--and just keep walking."

Pete Hixson, pastor of Polaris Church

"Happily ever after. That's the dream for many from our earliest days, and for most it remains just that--a dream. Mark Lee points toward a different path--more pain, more surprises, more difficulties, more joy, and ultimately more true to life and more fulfilling than even our most perfect dreams. Drawing from his own experiences, Mark serves as an excellent guide for all who find themselves following God down their personal Hurt Road."

David Eldridge, pastor of StoneBridge Church, Marietta, Georgia

"I've always been impressed by the talent and creativity of Mark Lee, but to know more of the story of what God has brought him through has left me amazed at both Mark's faith and God's faithfulness."

Laura Story

"I remember being a young, aspiring artist traveling to Atlanta to see a band who was already at the top of the mountain I hoped to soon climb. Third Day was headlining this particular night and I remember being absolutely blown away by the show, the music, and the ministry. Little did I know I would have the honor of calling Mark Lee friend and having the chance to watch and learn from someone who had worked so hard and achieved great success but always stayed humble. This book is going to give you the same window into Mark's world that has blessed me so much. I know these pages and Mark's story will encourage you wherever on this life's road you may find yourself."

Matthew West

"I have been and will be a Third Day fan for life, and getting to know Mark and hearing his story has made me come to love these guys even more. God has brought Mark through much, and his story will remind you of how big our God is!"

Mark Hall, lead singer of Casting Crowns

"For many years I've known Mark Lee as a great guitar player, a great friend, and a truly great man. What I didn't know was what a great story teller he is! Thank you, Mark, for sharing your story and your journey with us."

Steven Curtis Chapman

"I have known and respected Mark Lee all the way back to the early days of Third Day. He is a monster on guitar with a gentle heart and never lacks passion. It is amazing how God takes us on all kinds of journeys, and Mark's is one that you will want to read about."
TobyMac

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