Shield of the Mighty ~ Review

Shield of the Mighty
The King's Men #2
By Connilyn Cossette

 Zevi's whole life is focused on serving as a soldier and getting vengeance on the Philistines. He's never forgiven them for the pain they put him through. Rather ironic as the man he calls father is a Philistine, but it is what it is. And now he is returning to the town that sent him away as a child - Maresha. He needs to convince to supply men to serve in King Saul's army and to supply skilled workers for Saul's court.

Maresha has suffered loss as men lose their lives in service to a king they don't accept. Yochana lost her husband mere months after they were wed. She is no fan of a king who would squander the lives of his men, and she has no intention of using her skills as a perfumer in his court. And she'll gladly see Saul's recruiters gone. 

But when events force Zevi and Yochana to see events from a different perspective, the Lord might give them peace and new beginnings more than they ever expected. But they must both let go of the resentments they stubbornly cling to.

This is a fascinating step back in time that doesn't rely on gimmicks to hold one's attention but on research and attention to detail. Both characters have compelling stories that elicit sympathy, and their growth moves the story forward. The story, though the second in the series, is complete and does not leave one hanging waiting for what comes next. This an excellent read and one I highly recommend.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:
Captured by the Philistines as a young boy, Zevi has grown into a formidable warrior. As a captain in King Saul's army, he is assigned a crucial mission: Recruit soldiers, gather tribute for the royal coffers, and find talented artisans for the king's court. But when he is sent to Maresha, the town he was forced to leave as a child, he faces a startling truth--the elder council rejects King Saul and his campaign against their enemies.

Yochana, a widow and skilled woman of business, is captivated by a stranger who enters her perfume shop. Upon discovering he is not only a soldier but a captain responsible for enlisting young men to die in battle, fury and pain from her past loss resurfaces, threatening to consume her. But when Zevi's actions in Maresha entangle Yochana in his radical scheme, they're forced to confront present dangers and past scars.

Embark on a journey through ancient Israel with bestselling and award-winning author Connilyn Cossette in this exhilarating tale of vengeance, justice, and healing.

The Sisters of Corinth ~ Review

The Sisters of Corinth

The Emissaries #2

By Angela Hunt

 

This is an interesting read. In this book we are taken to first century Corinth to the home of Narkis Ligus, who is Chief Magistrate. Narkis's home is a blended one and an example of the admonitions about an unequally yoked marriage as he and his daughter, Prima worship the gods of Rome, while his wife, Hester and step-daughter, Mariana worship the Jewish prophet Yeshua.  

This is a story that finds the faith that Hester and Mariana claim to be facing opposition from the Roman Empire, an empire threatened by the love and devotion that the followers of Yeshua don't offer to Rome. Meanwhile the home life of these women mirrors the growing threat as Prima's jealousy and dislike drives her to greater status through a marriage to the local governor's son. And when Prima's hopes are thwarted, well let's just say she is nasty in her dealings to make those in her way pay.

It is interesting watching as these two "sisters" take different paths in life and see the resulting aftermath of their choices. Hope and despair ; love and hate. 

This is the second book in The Emissaries series. Now I will admit I did not know this was the second book in the series and I had no problem getting into the story from the beginning. So don't let that 2 scare you away if you haven't read book one. This was a good book but also sad as one sees the results of Prima's choices, choices made out of jealousy. Highly recommend to those looking for historical fiction about the First Century Church.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

When the new provincial governor arrives in Corinth, the esteemed Chief Magistrate Narkis Ligus, father to Mariana and Prima, is delighted. He sees a golden opportunity to propel himself to greater power and fortune by uniting his and the governor's households through the marriage of one of his beautiful unwed daughters to the governor's firstborn son.

Yet complications quickly arise in Narkis's own family. Mariana, his stepdaughter, holds steadfast faith in Yeshua, rendering her hesitant to marry a man devoted to the Roman gods, despite Narkis's urging. On the other hand, Prima, his daughter by birth, yearns for a life of wealth and status and is willing to go to great lengths to secure a marriage that fulfills her desires--even if it means betraying Mariana to do so.

The Ark and the Dove ~ Review

The Ark and the Dove
The Story of Noah's Wife
by Jill Eileen Smith

The Ark and the Dove is the story of Noah's wife. Zara has been married to Noah for many years and they are among the very few who even acknowledge that there was much less is a Creator.  Idol worship has become rampant, and God has had enough of humanity's disobedience and their embrace of any and every form of wickedness. For years, Noah has been speaking out, trying to divert his family, friends, and neighbors from the path of destruction that they are on. But nothing Noah has said has made any difference other than to earn him and his family scorn and ridicule.

Zara and Noah have three sons, two of whom are married. When word comes that God's wrath will soon destroy everything, Zara knows they need to find a wife for their youngest son, Ham. But finding a wife for Ham is not easy, though they manage to locate a young woman who will make do. 

As time grows short, Noah, Zara, their sons, and daughters-in-law must work together to fulfill God's command. The ark they build will house them and the animals God provides, as well as the supplies they will need while the earth is cleansed of all its wickedness. 

But people being people, sin is still in the hearts of those who survived the flood. This will challenge them as they live in the confined space of the Ark and later leave it to begin a new life again on dry land. And will the children and grandchildren of Noah and Zara find favor in the eyes of God? All of these are things that trouble Zara as the world she's known faces the wrath of God. She knows God created everything and that as time has gone by, even her own friends who had once believed have turned to other worldly pursuits, finding displeasure in God's eyes. Trusting the Creator after all that she has witnessed seems like it should be an easy thing, but can she protect her children and grandchildren from the evils that they witnessed before the end of everything?

This was an interesting read. Biblical Fiction is a tricky genre, as the author needs to walk a fine line between what is known and what could have been. The author has done so with this book. She's presented a story that could easily follow the daily lives of Noah and his family without stepping out too far by changing the known to fit her story. This book covers decades of time with noticeable jumps to move the story from point A to point B, which is fine - it takes a long time to build an ark that will have to be sea-worthy for who knows how long. If you like Biblical Fiction you may want to give this one a try. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished, and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.

Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story ~ Review

Daughter of Eden: 

Eve's Story

By Jill Eileen Smith

First off, let me just say, Biblical Fiction isn't really my thing as it is so subjective to imagination to fill in the in-between bits that may or may not be plausible in my opinion (or denominational upbringing). But I was curious about how Eve's life would be portrayed. 

We are first given a glimpse of Creation with the waking of the angelic beings, specifically Michael, and from there, the world we know, but in its infancy - perfect and unmarred. When Adam was brought forth he worked this new world, enjoying its beauty, naming the animals he lived with, and talking with the Creator. His singleness resulted in one last creation - the first woman. Together she and Adam tended the world and animals around them, enjoying perfect joy and love, no strife until Lucifer sought to inflict great pain upon the Creator. Through deceit, he convinced her to disobey, to eat what was forbidden, and to offer Adan the same.

What follows after takes us through a narrative of Eve's life - her pain, her struggles, her shame, and her guilt. Everything changed, including her relationship with her husband. No longer the happy, loving man she had always known, their relationship is now laced with guilt and blame.

I will admit when I first started reading it I was a little surprised that the author had Adam and Eve competing with one another as they ran or swam. Competing seemed out of place in a world that was perfect and without greed or strife. But after the first sin, it made more sense because now there was resentment. Eve was now under Adam's authority, whereas before, they had been equals, partners.

This book is Eve's story, the story of humanity's story, but it is also the story of the unseen. The birth and fall of Creation and humanity were entwined from their earliest moments. Both fell when jealousy was allowed to grow within Lucifer; he stoked it - desiring more for himself than what was given. This is the story of the ultimate longing of the heart, the separation of what should be.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The first time she opens her eyes, Eve gazes on One whose beauty nearly blinds her, whose breath is in her lungs. Her Creator takes her hand and gives her to one like her and yet different. Together, she and Adam experience pure joy as they explore Eden. But her favorite moments are when the Creator comes to walk with them, day after day.

Until everything changes. With one act of disobedience, Eve finds that her world is no longer a friendly place. With remorse in her heart, she must face the unknown future--the births, the deaths, the sacrifices, the loss of the one home she has ever known. Perhaps worst of all is the loss of trust, not only with her Creator but with the man who shares her life. How will they ever survive out of Eden?

Bestselling biblical fiction author Jill Eileen Smith imagines the life of the first woman to ever live, unspooling a story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

Dead Sea Conspiracy ~ Review with Giveaway

 

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Dead Sea Conspiracy 

by Jerry B. Jenkins, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Dead Sea Conspiracy

Dead Sea Chronicles #2

By Jerry B. Jenkins

Nicole Berman is in Saudi Arabia leading an archeological dig that, if successful, could change what we know via historical artifacts what is known about the Middle East and the three religions that lay claim to the land. As the first woman to lead such a project in Saudi Arabia, she knows that eyes will be watching her closely. And the very nature of her dig will draw challenges, but Nicole is prepared. In fact, her whole life has been preparing for this moment. But the challenges she's about to face could prove to be more than she was expecting. Does she have the endurance and strength to take on what is coming?

Terah has given up more than he thought possible when he refused to give up his idols and his service to King Nimrod. His wife Belessunu has left, taking their son Abram on a journey to learn more about the God of their forefathers. Is it too late to change and return to the One True God? Belessunu prays that her husband will give up his idolatry and return to the faith of his youth.

The Dead Sea Conspiracy takes one to the Middle East - present day Saudi Arabia and ancient Ur. We are taken to site of Nimrod's most notable work - a tower that would reach to the heavens, an attempt to show his supreme being, his godhood.  Could this be what the present day dig will find, or is it something else? There is an interesting bit of intrigue involved in the present day portion of the story as Nicole works to preserve the integrity of her work and thwart any challenges to it. But someone is determined to undermine her work - the only question is who.

I really liked the back-and-forth between the past and the present. I think it adds an interesting depth to the story as it progresses. And, I for one, find the details concerning the dig to be fascinating as this will probably the closest I'll ever get to one. There is not so much detail as to slow the story down but just enough to keep and engage this reader's attention. The characters have a depth to them and the settings come to life on the page - truly a picture painted through words.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Dead Sea Conspiracy
Series: Dead Sea Chronicles #2
Author: Jerry B. Jenkins
Publisher: Worthy Books
Release Date: August 23, 2022
Genre: Christian Suspense, Dual Timeline (Biblical & Contemporary) 

In Book 2 of the Dead Sea Chronicles, archaeologist Nicole Berman is about to discover the key to unifying three major religions, if a dangerous and evil enemy doesn’t stop her first. 

She is the first woman to be awarded a permit to lead a dig in Saudi Arabia and believes what she hopes to discover has the power to rewrite history. She assembles a team that will ultimately surprise – and in some cases – betray her. In a parallel storyline, readers are launched back to ancient Ur where young Abram is sent to learn from his forebears, who tell him firsthand stories of being on the ark during the Great Flood.

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound | Christianbook | BookBub

 

MORE BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Jerry B. Jenkins' books have sold more than 73 million copies. Twenty-one of his titles have reached the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Wall Street Journal best-seller lists. The phenomenally best-selling Left Behind series inspired several movies, one starring Nicolas Cage and another starring Kevin Sorbo. Jenkins has been featured on the cover of Newsweek and his writing has appeared in Time, Reader's Digest, Guideposts, and dozens of other periodicals. Jenkins owns the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, through which he trains thousands of aspiring writers. He is a member of the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame and chairs the Creative Writing major at Colorado Christian University. He and his wife, Dianna, have three grown sons, including Dallas, creator and director of The Chosen TV series.

Connect with Jerry by visiting jerryjenkins.com to follow him on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive signed & personalized copies of Dead Sea Rising (paperback), Dead Sea Conspiracy (hardcover), and a $50 Visa gift card. 

(9) additional winners will receive signed & personalized copies of Dead Sea Rising (paperback) and Dead Sea Conspiracy (hardcover).

 

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on August 16, 2022, and will last 

through 11:59 PM EST on August 23, 2022. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

The End of the Magi ~ Review

The End of the Magi
By Patrick W. Carr

This book is one you won't want to put down once you start reading. So just block off some time, get out a don't disturb sign, and pull out your largest mug filled with your favorite hot beverage (in my case tea). And just read away.

The End of the Magi opens on Daniel in 537 BC Babylon just as those captive Israelites able and willing to return to the Land of Promise are given the choice. But returning to the home of his fathers' is not an option for him. Daniel feels led to make sure that the prophecy of the coming Messiah is not lost to the people of Israel when they once again fall away. To do this he must remain in Babylon directing the future of the Magi.

More than 530 years have passed since Daniel gave the Magi the task of searching the skies. Myrad, a young Persian man who has been taken in by Gershom a Hebrew Magi, has a dream. This dream will forever change his life - a star that isn't a star forever holds its place in the heavens. Hearing of Myrad's dream, Gershom knows that his son by choice is to be counted among the Magi. But the Magi are about to be betrayed by the very king they advise and Myrad will be left with no choice but to flee all his knows and fulfill the last request of his father.

In his escape, Myrad took something of great value to those who betrayed the Magi. And this something has him being hunted and he will need to gain allies who will help him understand his dream and fulfill Daniel's mission for the Magi - to make known the coming of the Messiah.

The End of the Magi doesn't conclude with the birth of Yeshua (Jesus) but rather another 30 years pass and the child they found has become a man. And this man has come under the wrath of the leaders of the very people who claim to be awaiting him. But Yeshua isn't what they wanted - rather than a kingdom born of the sword to overthrow those in control he has come to fall to the sword.

At less than 400 pages this book seems more than that just because it is so moving. In no way does the story drag or lag - it is just that there is so much to it that one can't believe that it fits into such a few pages. In no way does the telling fill crimped as if something was cut to make it fir but rather it is a well-rounded reading that is perfect for the Christmas and Easter seasons.

Having read Patrick Carr's previous fantasy series I was delighted that this book that is not fantasy was just as excellent. This book falls into the Biblical fiction genre and it is excellent. This one doesn't feel like a little of this is borrowed from here or there to make the story work. This book is complete and most definitely a standalone title.  Excellent reading that I would highly recommend.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Centuries before the magi arrived in Bethlehem,

a prophecy sets a young magus on his path . . .

Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel calls forth a select group of men who will count down the calendar until the arrival of Israel's promised king. Centuries later, as the day draws near, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are slain by a ruthless Parthian queen.

Equipped with very little, in haste Myrad escapes the city and, searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is keeping secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable asset, an epic journey filled with peril, near captures, and dangerous battles begin.

With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can't forget, and the promise that the world will never be the same.

Dead Sea Rising ~ Review

Dead Sea Rising
Dead Sea Chronicles #1
By Jerry B. Jenkins

Nicole Berman has a theory that she thinks will change the history of the Middle East as we have always believed it to be. But to prove her theory she needs the permission of Saudi Arabia to lead an archeological dig to find the evidence she is sure exists. But will the Saudis allow a woman to lead a dig, though she has the experience she's never before lead a dig?

When tragedy strikes her mother all thoughts of a dig are momentarily put on hold. But when a perceived accident turns into an investigation with both Nicole and her father, Ben number one on the police suspect list both are naturally surprised. Who could possibly want to attack Virginia Berman?

As the present day is played out the reader is offered two additional story-threads that are important to what is unfolding in Manhattan. We are given glimpses of Ben Berman's life as an angry 18-year-old, who in an attempt to prove something to both his parents and himself enlists and is sent to Vietnam. Vietnam is rough as Ben is assigned to a hospital tasked with getting the injured stabilized and shipped out to other out of combat hospitals or back on duty.

The other story-thread is set in 2000 B.C. in Shinar, Mesopotamia, which is under the rule of Nimrod, who has taken the name of Amraphel for himself. The main focus of this thread is on Terah the chief officer of Nimrod and his life. Terah and his wife Belessunu are finally expecting their first child, which couldn't come at a worse time as Nimrod fears, due to the words of his soothsayers, that a coming male child will threaten his reign! As Terah plots and prayers to the gods he carved, his wife prays to the God of their forefather Noah for the son she knows she carries.

It is interesting as these various threads progress to the conclusion of the book, which is the first in a series. The conclusion of the various threads in not reached as they are integral to the additional books if I'm reading the story correctly. If you like mysteries, historical and contemporary fiction you've found the perfect combination in this book. I highly recommend this book for longtime fans of Jerry's and for those new to him and his work. I for one can't wait until book 2 comes out to find out what happens next!


About the Book:

A heart-stopping adventure of

Biblical proportions

Nicole Berman is an archaeologist on the brink of a world-changing discovery. 
During her first dig in Jordan, she believes she has found concrete evidence of
a biblical patriarch that could change history books forever. But someone doesn’t
want the truth revealed. While urgently trying to connect pieces of an ancient puzzle,
a dangerous enemy is out to stop her.

Shelter of the Most High ~ Review

Shelter of the Most High
Cities of Refuge #2
By Connilyn Cossette

Sofea loves the sea and this very love is what finds her far from the land of her birth and her people. It is this very love that finds her in a distant land with no way to communicate with the people who have taken her into their home. What is she expect? Is she now a slave to be punished at the whim of a cruel master and mistress? All these thoughts fill her very being as she tries to protect and care for her cousin.

When strangers take Sofea and Prezi to the walled city of Kedesh, they little realize that it is a city of refuge - a place of sanctuary for those who are guilty of crimes. Crimes that Sofea's own father would have had them put to death for.

Eitan has called Kedesh home for eleven years, the mistake he made during his childhood has marked him though few know the reason he never leaves the safety of the city. Eitan longs for the day he can leave the city but the threat to his life and the lives of those he holds most dear is ever present, waiting to claim vengeance.

Shelter of the Most High is the second book in the Cities of Refuge series but it can easily be read on its own. It is really quite interesting to learn about the cities of refuge that were established by God. This is a part of the Old Testament that was never dwelt upon in any classes or sermons that I've ever been blessed to hear or take part in. I don't think I ever truly realized that the cities of refuge were to protect someone after they killed another not in anger but by accident.

The characters are engaging and the story is well-written so that the reader is easily caught up in the story. I like how the perspective is told mainly from Sofea and Eitan's viewpoint as it offers a more rounded story. This is first and foremost Biblical fiction but there is a touch suspense as Eitan and Sofea get caught up in a plot that, if it succeeds, could free all who must stay within the city. This book is one that you could read on your own or would lend itself well to a book club setting.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own. 


About the Book:

The daughter of a pagan high priest, Sofea finds solace from her troubles in the freedom of the ocean. But when marauders attack her village on the island of Sicily, she and her cousin are taken across the sea to the shores of Canaan.

Eitan has lived in Kedesh, a city of refuge, for the last eleven years, haunted by a tragedy in his childhood, yet chafing at the boundaries placed on him. He is immediately captivated by Sofea, but revealing his most guarded secret could mean drawing her into the danger of his past.

As threats from outside the walls loom and traitors are uncovered within, Sofea and Eitan are plunged into the midst of a murder plot. Can they uncover the betrayal in time to save their lives and the lives of those they love?

The Soldier who Killed a King ~ Review

The Soldier Who Killed a King
By David Kitz

A true retelling of the Passion

Marcus Longinus has lived for years in the Judean region doing his duty for Rome. But this year the Passover celebration in Jerusalem is unlike any he has before experienced. The city and the people seem to be on the verge of an uprising. A most unlikely man is being heralded as if he were a conquering king - a man who has a most disconcerting ability of appearing to see into the very core of a person.

But the favor this man has found among the people is not shared with those who rule the spiritual and commercial aspects of the Jewish people. And this lack of favor is about to drag all who rule into its net. The week that follows is one that will make Marcus question what he has always believed.

The Soldier Who Killed a King is a look at the week leading up to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus seen through the eyes of the man who is charged with seeing the will of Pilate carried out. This is an emotional journey that takes the reader on the journey of Christ's final Passover, one that would change the world forever.

I have to say this is an emotionally moving work. The pain that Jesus must have suffered in His sacrifice is portrayed in such a way that I can say I felt sick at just what He suffered. David Kitz has truly brought this week to life. His portrayal of Herod, Pilate, and Caiaphas and the actions of each man to try to work and manipulate the outcome of events is remarkable.

I recommend this book - it is graphic and horrific,  but to truly appreciate a sacrifice one must to be able to comprehend the cost and The Soldier Who Killed a King can bring this home.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.  

About the Book:

A stunning story of Holy Week through the eyes of a Roman centurion

Watch the triumphal entry of the donkey-riding king through the eyes of Marcus Longinus, the centurion charged with keeping the streets from erupting into open rebellion.

Look behind the scenes at the political plotting of King Herod, known as the scheming Fox for his ruthless shrewdness.

Get a front-row seat to the confrontation between the Jewish high priest Caiaphas and the Roman governor Pontius Pilate.

Understand as never before the horror of the decision to save a brutal terrorist in order to condemn the peaceful Jew to death.

If you've heard the story of Passion Week so often it's become stale, now is the time to rediscover the terrible events leading from Jesus's humble ride into the city to his crucifixion. The Soldier Who Killed a King will stun you afresh with how completely Christ's resurrection changed history, one life at a time.  

The Dog Who Was There ~ Review

The Dog Who Was There
By Ron Marasco

This is an Easter book unlike any I have ever read. This is an emotionally moving book that follows the journey of a small dog by the name of Barley. Barley's life takes several dramatic turns throughout the story. There are flashes showing Barley's early life and how he came to be where he calls home when the book opens. The book is set in Israel on the outskirts of Jerusalem during the final days of Jesus life.

The book is told entirely through Barley's perspective. And due to an unforeseen happening Barley finds himself in Jerusalem at the same time as the Teacher that everyone is speaking of. Barley observes the brutality of a land under Roman rule as well as unexpected pockets of kindness. And he observes the transforming power of the Teacher, the triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, and the cruelty of the Crucifixion.

The loyalty, the love Barley displays is touching even to the point of moving the reader to a tear or two. These two emotions are the catalysts that propel the story to its conclusion - a conclusion that will leave the reader satisfied and rejoicing in the transforming power of Messiah's message. This cover perfectly depicts this book.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Fiction Guild with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:
No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.

Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman occupied Judea.

On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.

The Prophetess ~ Review

The Prophetess: Deborah's Story
Daughters of the Promised Land #2
By Jill Eileen Smith

In a time where woman were viewed as little more than possessions, Deborah is given a vision from God.  Her vision is a warning to the nation of Israel to forsake the idols that they have taken into their homes, into their hearts.  But who would listen to the warnings of a mere woman?

The land is ravaged by the might of Canaan.  The people not killed or enslaved have been broken and have taken to hiding within their own lands.  A champion is needed who will unite and lead the people to victory, but without the favor of God they have little chance of succeeding.  But God has spoken and the idolatry must be driven from the land.

Based upon the verses that can be found in Judges 4 and 5 we are introduced to Deborah a young woman who becomes known as a judge of Israel.  This is the story of a nation who turns against her God, becoming yet again unfaithful.

We also get to know the man chosen by God to lead His people to victory against the Canaanites. But Barak's own doubts and fears resulted in the true victory against Sisera coming from the hand of a lowly woman.

This is an interesting fictionalized accounting of the life and times of Deborah.  In a culture in which women were seldom acknowledged God yet again brings one to prominence so that millennia later her name is still one known and spoken of.

Combining literary skill with known historical and Biblical accounts Jill Eileen Smith weaves together a story that both seems plausible and reads well.  There are three main focuses of this book that move towards the climax - the village that Deborah calls home, Barak and his troops, and the Kenite family that has found itself caught in the middle.  This is historical fiction that offers some interesting insights into a world that finds itself caught up in the trials and anguishes of war.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher Revell in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Canaan has ravaged Israel. The people are in hiding. 

All that stands between surrender and hope is one untested woman. 

Deborah will never forget the day her father and brothers left to worship at the Lord's tabernacle--or the wails of her mother after finding their bodies at the city gates. The memories of Canaan's cruelty haunt her and all of Israel. Now in this dark time, the Lord calls on Deborah to lead His people away from the idols of other nations and back to Him. 

Deborah never asked to be a prophetess or a judge over God's people. Still, she cannot deny His voice or the visions that accompany it. Can her family ever understand? Will her people believe God's calling on her life? And can the Canaanite menace be stopped?

With her trademark impeccable research and imaginative storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the story of Israel's most powerful woman in this intriguing and inspiring novel.

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Wives of King David series and The Crimson Cord, as well as the Wives of the Patriarchs and the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Jill loves to hear from her readers. Contact her at www.jilleileensmith.com, or follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith or Twitter @JillEileenSmith.

The Crimson Cord ~ Review

The Crimson Cord
Rahab's Story
Daughter's of the Promised Land - 1
By Jill Eileen Smith

Rahab, one of four women mentioned in the lineage of Jesus, is a woman not expected to be in this lineage.  She was not Hebrew by birth.  She was a harlot in a city brought down by God when the Children of Israel retook the land given to Abraham.

But who was this woman who received such notice?  The Crimson Cord is her possible story.  A story of slavery that brought safety to the spies of Israel and new life to both her and her family.  This a story of mercy and redemption.  A story of promise.

The basics of this story are well-known to most people who attended Sunday school.  But Jill Eileen Smith takes it beyond the basics, bringing humanity to this woman.  A woman who would have been disdained for her situation and yet was in demand.

The Crimson Cord looks into the heart and mind of Rahab.  A woman sullied and unclean by even her own examination.  A woman who viewed herself unworthy of mercy, of grace.  A woman confused by the God of Israel - a God who demands blood for sin and yet offers life to one such as her.

Though a work of fiction, the story that portrayed is entirely plausible and believable.  A woman whose husband's debt has forced her into a life of servitude - a life of prostitution.  A woman who sees that these spies of a wandering people are a way out of a despised life.

This is a book that will open your eyes to the ancient world of the Old Testament and the blood sacrifices.  This is a book that will touch your heart and bring empathy for this woman who was redeemed.

I was provided a copy of this book by Revell through their Blogger Program in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime.

In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls-- or if she will ever know the meaning of love.

Under Jill Eileen Smith's talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity--and a permanent place in your heart.


Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and The Desert Princess, first in the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.

Click here to view an excerpt of this book