Showing posts with label Biblical Fiction. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Rescued Heart by Angela Hunt

About the Book

Book: Rescued Heart

Author: Angela Hunt

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: October 7, 2025

In Ur of the Chaldees, Ishcah faces the daunting prospect of marrying Abram, a man she has never met and who renames her Sarai on their wedding day. Their union tests her as she grapples with uncertainty and Abram’s devotion to an unseen God. Her skepticism toward seemingly impossible promises grows, and only a miracle can prove Adonai’s faithfulness.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In Rescued Heart we are given a fictional account of Sarah, the wife of Abram, and a detailed look at how her life might have been. The author has notes and answers several questions in the back of her book as to why she took some liberties and why she wrote certain scenes.

I have always enjoyed author Hunts's detailed fictional reads, and this one was no different. Though it does take creative license, I did enjoy getting into what Sarah may have been thinking, what her life was like before marriage, during marriage, and her walking alongside Abraham as his wife. Things like her extraordinary beauty and giving birth well past her time and into her old age makes her a very unique person. Her rocky relationship with Hagar and all the drama that came from that. She was also married to a man who was destined to be the father of many.

After the flood, and Noah and his sons, Abram picks up the one true message of the only God to bring to a world that has forgotten him yet again. There is always a witness and bringing in all the well-known parts of Genesis made this a riveting read.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with 5.5 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens.

More from Angela

Can you please provide a brief summary of your novel Rescued Heart?

Rescued Heart is the story of Sarah—taken from Scripture and another ancient manuscript, the Book of Jasher. Scripture tells us relatively little about the first matriarch of our family, so this novel explores more of what her life might have been like.

What drew you to write about Sarah as the first subject in your new MATRIARCHS series?

I have been writing biblical historical fiction for a few years now, and I had yet to go back this far in history. It’s a challenge to find authentic history about the bronze age, but when you can find something, it’s fascinating.

How did you research daily life in ancient Mesopotamia and the nomadic existence Sarah would have experienced?

As I mentioned above, I used the Book of Jasher to fill in many of the details that Scripture does not give us. Jasher does not claim to be inspired Scripture, but it does give us ideas about what daily life in that age could have been like.

Sarah faces many difficult situations in her journey, including barrenness in a culture that deeply valued fertility. How did you approach writing about her emotional struggles?

Writing about infertility was easy for me, as my husband and I personally experienced it— though not nearly as long as Sarah did. I simply took what I knew and multiplied it by decades of years.

The relationship between Sarah and Abraham spans decades. What challenges did you face in portraying their evolving relationship over such a long period?

A marriage, like any relationship, goes through seasons—the honeymoon phase, the getting to-know you phase (especially in an arranged marriage), as well as various struggles regarding finances and leadership. Sarah put up with a lot—Abraham’s lies about their relationship, for one thing, and Sarah’s twice ending up in harems of foreign kings—yet they remained committed to each other.

How did you balance staying true to the biblical account while creating a full narrative with dialogue and interior thoughts?

Whenever I write in this genre, I aspire to 1) never contradict the biblical record, 2) never contradict the historical record, and 3) fill in the rest with what fits with what we can know about society, environment, governments, and technology at that time. The rest is emotional, because human nature does not change.

Sarah is often remembered for her laughter when told she would bear a son in her old age. How did you interpret this pivotal moment in her story?

Wouldn’t you laugh if someone told you—at ninety—that in a year you’d be nursing your own baby? I would! Sarah was not only old, but she had also been through menopause, so she thought of herself as a dried husk, no longer a woman. No wonder she laughed.

What surprising insights about Sarah did you discover during your research and writing process?

I don’t know if I “discovered” this, but I portrayed her as a woman who trusted in God through her husband. After all, Abraham was the one who talked to God, saw Him, prayed to Him—Sarah simply believed in her husband, who believed in God. But when God told Abraham to sacrifice Sarah’s beloved son, she had a real crisis of faith, and Jewish tradition holds that the shock of that realization was what resulted in her death. If you examine Scripture, you’ll see that Abraham and Isaac left Beersheba, where the family had been living, and went to Mount Moriah for the sacrifice . . . but Sarah doesn’t die in Beersheba, where she must have been living, but at Mamre, where Abraham had built an altar. And that’s all I can say without spoiling the ending of the book.

What do you hope readers take away from Rescued Heart?

That our relationship with God must be personal, not secondhand.

What are you working on next?

I am currently writing Righteous Heart, the story of Rebekah. Loving the research.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 10

Mary Hake, October 10

Inspired by Fiction, October 11

Devoted Steps, October 12

Texas Book-aholic, October 13

She Lives to Read, October 14

Pause for Tales, October 14

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 15

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 16

Lily’s Corner, October 17

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 18

For Him and My Family, October 19

Stories By Gina, October 20 (Author Interview)

Book Butterfly in Dreamland, October 20

Cover Lover Book Review, October 21

Holly’s Book Corner, October 22

Leslie’s Library Escape, October 23

The Bookish Pilgrim, October 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/3d278/rescued-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

My Thoughts on Noble by Mesu Andrews

About:

Princess Maakah of Geshur is duty-bound to create a political alliance for her father through marriage. The cancellation by King Saul of her betrothal to his fourth-born son compels Maakah's father to send her to the rebel David ben Jesse, a shepherd-warrior anointed years earlier as Israel's future king, to propose a marriage between them. Taken aback by stories of David's ferocity and lowly birth, Maakah considers the match a degrading fate but obeys her father's wishes out of duty as her nation's only heir.

To her relief, David rejects the offer of marriage, but circumstances make it impossible for Maakah to return home, and she must stay with David's people until it is safe for her to travel again. Facing prejudice and suspicion from the Israelites, Maakah navigates the delicate balance between her noble heritage and her growing respect for David's faith and leadership. In a land torn by war and divided loyalties, she must choose where her allegiance lies: with her Geshurite people, or with an extraordinary destiny alongside David that beckons her from within.

My Thoughts:

This is the second novel in the series King David's Brides which I have found so fascinating. The rich historical research, the political machinations, the Biblical implications, and a glimpse into the hearts and minds of these characters. Please note this is fiction dealing with real life historical people. I think author Andrews does a great job of explaining her research and the reasoning behind her writing in notes both in the beginning and the ending of the novel. She is one of the few Biblical authors I enjoy reading. Not only that but bringing to light, even if only fictional, the other wives of King David has been an enlightening adventure.

I found as I got to know these characters and keeping my Bible close at hand, knowing the fallout and the circumstances that were coming, raised a lot of pondering questions in my mind. This would make a great read for a book study group and to really dig into the Word of God. What a time to be alive, certainly not the way I would have wanted to live.

I was provided a copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

Saturday, August 9, 2025

My Thoughts and More on More than Conquerors by Carole Towriss

About the Book

Book: More than Conquerors (Planting Faith Series Book 2)

Author: Carole Towriss

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: March 25, 2024

Kassandra‘s privileged and pampered life explodes when she meets a woman with next to nothing. When a glimpse into the lives of those less fortunate turns into a mission to help them, her father offers a choice: act like the daughter of a politarch and marry the man he has chosen––or leave home forever.

Unimaginable loss shakes Jason‘s world to its foundation, and he struggles to keep his faith in the Jewish God. He faces losing everything generations of his family have built, and one of the city’s elite seems determined to make that happen.

A visiting Jewish preacher shakes up the synagogue—and then the town—with outrageous claims. Paulos’s teachings fascinate Kassi but contradict everything Jason believes. As pressure amps up on every side, they must decide how much they are willing to risk to follow The Way.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

In this story we are taken to Thessalonica where we get a glimpse of the culture that Jason and Kassandra live in. Jason is the main lead in this story; this is the same Jason that is briefly mentioned in the Bible. We don't know a lot about him, so through fiction the author has given us his story.

I found this story interesting for both characters, Jason a Jew and Kassandra a Greek. Both of them live and for the most part abide by the rules that is set before them. Mostly by family, religion, and culture. However, both have their eyes opened and a new and better path is opened before them. As they begin to trust in God more, their paths cross and their new priorities line up with one another.

This was an interesting look at a time when the apostle Paul was spreading the Gospel and the persecution that took place from all around.

I was provided a copy of this novel by the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Carole Towriss is a Californian living on the East Coast. When she isn’t writing, researching, or editing her latest book, you can find her (and her cat) watching British television, googling obscure facts, or talking to one of her four kids.

More from Carole

More than Conquerors is the second book in the “Planting Faith” series. Each book is set in a city where Paul established a church. Book 1, Sold into Freedom, took place in Philippi and featured the woman with the spirit of prophecy and the jailer. I’m currently writing a novel set in Athens, and I hope to follow that with one set in Corinth.

I like to write about people who are mentioned only a few times in Scripture. Jason is mentioned only once, in Acts 16, and Kassandra is one of the ”prominent women” who came to faith under Paul. Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke, and Lydia are all here, but they are minor characters.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Jason and Kassandra, and experience what it was like to be part of one of the earliest churches.

Blog Stops

Holly’s Book Corner, August 5

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, August 6

She Lives To Read, August 6

Devoted Steps, August 7

Texas Book-aholic, August 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, August 9

Pause for Tales, August 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, August 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, August 11

For Him and My Family, August 12

Devoted To Hope, August 13

Locks, Hooks and Books, August 14

Stories By Gina, August 15 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, August 15

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, August 16

Life on Chickadee Lane, August 17

The Bookish Pilgrim, August 17

Lily’s Corner, August 18

Cover Lover Book Review, August 18

Giveaway

T0 celebrate her tour, Carole is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54268

Thursday, April 17, 2025

My Thoughts and More on The Daughter of Rome by Angela Hunt

About the Book

Book: The Daughter of Rome (The Emissaries Book 3)

Author: Angela Hunt

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

Release date: March 4, 2025

In Nero’s Rome, Calandra helps her father, a renowned sculptor, complete the most significant commission of his illustrious career. But then a catastrophic fire nearly destroys the imperial city, leaving Calandra reliant on a group of Christians–unusual individuals unlike any she has encountered before. Intrigued by their worship of the Son of an invisible God, Calandra grapples with her mistrust, only to find herself indebted to these believers as they help her rebuild her shattered world.

When Emperor Nero begins constructing his opulent Golden House, the people of Rome grow resentful, suspecting him of starting the fire in order to clear the land for his immense palace. Needing a scapegoat, Nero points at those who follow the Jewish Messiah, forcing Calandra to make an impossible choice between right and wrong, friends and family, love and death.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This book was a flood of emotions for me. Taking place during the time that Rome burned, it really showed some people's resilience to survive, those prone to desperation and give up, and those whose faith surmounted even the cruelest of deaths that they were forced to endure. During this time, Rome was run by a crazy, ever-changing cruel ruler and those closest to him knew it. This was a time when no one was really safe from Nero's whims and fancies. What he wanted he took, even setting fire to Rome.

Calandra is a poor sculptor's daughter, whose father has just been chosen to create a surprise for Nero. Unfortunately, she and her father must survive the fire first. Throughout their ordeal and the aftermath, they must come to terms with their belief system, what they now known as truth, and the devastating decisions that are forced upon them. And lastly, the forgiveness and mercy that is waiting no matter what they have done.

Hadrian is a senator's son, and he is tasked with checking on the Christian prisoners, the ones later blamed for Nero's own fire. He is also very enamored with Calandra, even though they are so far apart on the social class scale. However, he is also about to have his eyes opened and he will also be confronted with truth.

I have only read the previous story. This could certainly be read as a standalone. If you read the previous stories, be prepared to have tissues handy.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens.

More from Angela

Dear Reader:

Thank you for joining me on this blog tour for THE DAUGHTER OF ROME, book three in the Emissaries series. The book stands alone, but it includes characters from books one and two, so people who have read those books will have a fuller understanding of who those people are. But no worries! If you haven’t read the first two books, you’ll still have no problem reading THE DAUGHTER OF ROME.

When I shaped the idea for this series, I had just finished The Jerusalem Road books, which centered on Jews who lived during Jesus’ life and ministry. I wanted to keep writing in this time period, so I shifted my focus from the Jews to the Gentiles—specifically, the people who came to faith through Paul’s ministry.

The first book in the series, THE WOMAN FROM LYDIA, is concerned with the seller of purple who hosted the Philippian church in her home. The second book, THE SISTERS OF CORINTH, features two competing sisters who lived, naturally, in Corinth. And the third book, THE DAUGHTER OF ROME, is about a young sculptress who lives in Rome during the time of Nero.

I have been fascinated by this time period ever since reading THE SILVER CHALICE and THE ROBE in my childhood. What would it have been like, I wondered, to live in a time when you could be executed simply for saying you believed in Jesus? Americans don’t really know what that’s like, but people in other parts of the world still deal with that danger today. The Bible tells us that this kind of danger is not going away—it will be prevalent during the end times as well. So I wanted to explore the world of the ancient Romans, and hoped to pull some lessons from it that will apply to us today.

I’ve also been amazed at what we can still see of ancient Greek and Roman art—how did they sculpt those massive statues? One such work, the Colossus, was so large it stood in the harbor and ships reportedly entered beneath it!

THE DAUGHTER OF ROME features one other fascinating element—a question that garners as much debate as “who killed JFK?” The story takes place during the time that the Great Fire of Rome nearly leveled the entire city, and to this day, no one is certain how it began. The people blamed Nero, Nero blamed the Christians, and it may have been a kid illegally cooking his dinner at the racetrack.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading the story as much as I did writing it. Thanks for coming along on the tour!

Angela Hunt

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 4

Batya’s Bits , April 4

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 5

Mary Hake, April 5

Texas Book-aholic, April 6

Inspired by Fiction, April 7

She Lives To Read, April 7

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 8

Lily’s Corner, April 9

Lots of Helpers, April 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 11

EmpowerMoms, April 11

Devoted To Hope, April 12

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 13

Books Less Travelled, April 13

Devoted Steps, April 14

Sylvan Musings, April 15

Holly’s Book Corner, April 15

Cover Lover Book Review, April 16

For Him and My Family, April 17

Pause for Tales, April 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize of a $25 gift card to Baker Book House’s website and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54192

Monday, April 14, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

About the Book

Book: Dawn of Grace: Mary Magdalene’s Story

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

Release date: February 18, 2025

From her earliest days, Mary Magdalene has known fear and loss at a level so deep she has no hope of surfacing. Bound to the demons within her and incapable of freeing herself, Mary walks in shadow–until one day she encounters a healer, a rabbi who is radically different from the religious leaders and family members who could do nothing to help her. One touch from Jesus and Mary is never the same.

Now Mary’s one mission in life is to serve the one who freed her. She is determined never to leave his side, fearing that if she loses him, she’ll return to her former bondage. Even when the unthinkable happens and her savior is arrested and sentenced to execution, she cannot abandon him as so many others did. Let her be buried in his tomb, for she cannot live without him.

On the brink of despair, Mary is about to discover that while the life of faith is never perfect, perfect love casts out fear–and Jesus makes all things new.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was a riveting story and fictional account of Mary Magdalene told through her eyes of her life and times and how that was changed when she met Jesus of Nazareth. Please note, what we know of her factually is in the Bible, so the author does take artistic liberty in telling her story, especially her young life.

Starting from a young girl, we see Mary struggling for want of love. I also was curious how the author would handle the demon possession. I found the author's take on Mary messing around with things she should never have been in contact with, very apropos to children's lives. It was also very scary when the demons would take over Mary's body and speak through her. Mary's thoughts of trying to control them, instead of the other way, showed how much of a prisoner she really was.

I enjoyed reading this story during the Easter season as Jesus not only changed Mary, but the whole world.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, Miriam’s Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, Daughter of Eden, and The Ark and the Dove. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in Michigan.

More from Jill

Dawn of Grace, Mary Magdalene’s story, is a biblical novel based on the life of Mary Magdalene. Step into first century Israel during the time of Jesus Christ and meet the woman whom Jesus healed from demon possession. See how her life went from one of despair to one of grace.

We learn, through Mary’s point of view, what it might have been like to follow the rabbi, Jesus, throughout Galilee and Judea for at least part of His ministry. She is with Him as often as possible, and one of the few women in His circle who stayed with Him all the way to the cross—and watched Him die.

In her grief, Mary learned where they buried Him and determined to return after Shabbat to anoint His beloved body one more time. But when she arrived, He was not where they had lain Him. Distraught, Mary searches for answers until she hears Jesus call her name. She is the first to see the resurrected Messiah, and she is never the same again.

In Dawn of Grace, we imagine how the things we read about in the gospels might have played out through Mary’s eyes. The Bible tells us that she helped support His ministry out of her means, and she is mentioned often as one of His devoted followers. What emotions did she experience as she went from learning about a coming kingdom to hearing her Messiah speak about His coming death and resurrection? The men didn’t understand. Did she? What did she feel in that moment when she thought all hope was lost?

I hope you will gain a new perspective of what it might have been like for one of the New Testament’s most famous women, one who lived in a world where women were not given much notice or status. Yet Jesus included them, and even elevated them. The Scriptures tell us that there is no difference between male and female in God’s eyes. He loves us all. Mary got the chance to see God’s care for her and all women in a way she never expected. God’s love for all is the same today.

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, April 3

Lights in a Dark World, April 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 4

Texas Book-aholic, April 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 6

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 9

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 9

Stories By Gina, April 10 (Author Interview)

Devoted Steps, April 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 11

Cover Lover Book Review, April 12

For Him and My Family, April 13

Pause for Tales, April 14

EmpowerMoms, April 14

She Lives To Read, April 15

Holly’s Book Corner, April 16

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jill is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54191

Sunday, April 13, 2025

My Thoughts and More on Before the King: Joanna's Story by Heather Kaufman

About the Book

Book: Before the King: Joanna’s Story (Women of the Way Book 2)

Author: Heather Kaufman

Genre: FICTION / Christian / Biblical

Release date: January 21, 2025

Joanna’s wealthy family aspires to Herod’s inner circle, but when her father’s esteemed position in the Sepphoris Sanhedrin is threatened, her family harbors a dark secret. Entangled in the complexities of aristocratic life and an impending arranged marriage, Joanna is caught between her own desires and maintaining appearances. When tragedy strikes, Joanna grapples with a new future that challenges her sense of duty and hope for love.

Years later, Joanna is forever changed when a rabbi comes preaching a new kingdom and healing the sick. As she contributes to his ministry, Joanna treads a perilous path between a court that mocks Jesus of Nazareth, disciples who view her with suspicion, and a husband who guards his own secrets. With pressure increasing on all sides, Joanna must decide where her allegiances lie and protect her relationship to the Christ, whose message is as compelling as it is dangerous.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

This was an enthralling and engrossing read about Joanna, a follower of Christ who is mentioned in the New Testament a few times. Please be aware, that since we do not know more of her than what is mentioned in the Scriptures, this is a fictional account.

As the title suggests, this is Joanna's story, and we follow along in her footsteps starting as a young girl living in a well to do Sadducee household. This is where we see her life is altered and she is thrown on a course of life by no choice of hers. As she grows into a young woman, we see that that continues for a while.

I was interested in the relationships formed of the people she met, the circumstances she saw, and her meeting with Jesus as all of these shaped her life, and more importantly her faith. From the political drama surrounding King Herod to the dangerous liaisons and people in the court. I liked that the author gave us an explanation of the Sadducees' views and that we saw some of the happening's kind of like an insider, through Joanna's eyes.

Again, this was a riveting read, and though fictional takes us back to the Bible and to the One who gives hope to us all. Great for an Easter read or anytime.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Reviews for writing “a charming and well-crafted tale.” She delights in highlighting the goodness of God through storytelling. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

More from Heather

Hello, Fellow Book Lover!

My heart behind the Women of the Way series is to highlight the beauty of Jesus through the eyes of some of his lesser-known female followers. In Before the King, we behold Jesus through the eyes of Joanna. Although she’s only named twice in Scripture, the little we do know about her is compelling. In Luke 8:1-3, we discover that Joanna was healed by Jesus of an infirmity and then followed him, supporting his ministry from her own means. What’s so shocking is that she’s the wife of Chuza, Herod Antipas’ steward! During my research, I discovered that her husband’s position is better translated “procurator,” someone in charge of financial affairs. Such a position suggests that Chuza was a prominent man within Herod’s administration. But the surprises don’t end there! My research also indicated that Chuza was most likely Nabatean. Nestled just southeast of Herod’s own territory of Perea, Nabatea was a major world power at the time of Christ.

The more I researched, the more my jaw dropped to the ground. How did a Jewish woman married to a prominent Gentile within Herod’s administration come to support Jesus of Nazareth? Did her husband know? Did he approve? Did Herod himself ever find out? You’ll have to read Before the King to see just where my imagination took me!

I depict Joanna as caught between two courts—that of Herod Antipas and that of Jesus Christ. She chooses to risk everything for her faith and that choice pays off. The second time we see Joanna in Scripture is in Luke 24:10 as an eyewitness to the empty tomb. Not only did she behold the empty tomb, she gazed upon the risen Christ, for in Matthew 28:9 we read that as the women left, they encountered Jesus himself. What an amazing privilege to be one of the first to meet the risen Lord in the flesh!

I hope Joanna’s story encourages you to live a bold faith that clings to Christ, despite opposition. Our world now isn’t so different from hers then. Christ’s Kingdom is still advancing in the midst of political unrest, social division, and rampant greed. May we pin our hopes upon King Jesus, who is worthy of our devotion. Like Joanna, may we place all we have within his hands, deeming him worthy of the cost.

While you read, consider listening to the Before the King playlist! It’s full of inspirational music that ties into the themes from the book. Give it a listen HERE. Happy reading (and listening)!

Surrendering with you to Him,

Heather

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, April 2

Stories By Gina, April 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, April 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 5

Life on Chickadee Lane, April 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 7

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, April 8

She Lives to Read, April 8

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impression, April 9

Cover Lover Book Review, April 9

Lily’s Corner, April 10

Bigreadersite, April 11

Inspired by Fiction, April 11

For Him and My Family, April 12

Pause for Tales, April 13

EmpowerMoms, April 13

Holly’s Book Corner, April 14

Inklings and notions , April 15

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Heather is giving away the grand prize of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54190

Friday, December 6, 2024

My Thoughts and More on The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

The Queen’s Cook JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Queen’s Cook

Series: Queen Esther's Court #1

Author: Tessa Afshar

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.

About the Author

Tessa Afshar

Tessa Afshar's award-winning biblical fiction has been on Publishers Weekly, CBA, and ECPA bestseller lists and has been translated into twelve languages. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. Tessa is a devoted wife, a mediocre gardener, and an enthusiastic cook of biblical recipes.

Connect with Tessa by visiting tessaafshar.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

My Thoughts on Brave by Mesu Andrews

About:

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

My Thoughts:

History is what history is, even the parts that we may find distasteful. King David was a man chosen, protected, and loved by God. He was in no way perfect, but he was part of God's plan. This story and actually the series deals with his wives. The parts the Bible does not expressly tell us, the author uses her imagination. This story is Ahinoam's story. From what I understand, she is David's second wife after Michal his first whom he had to leave due to Saul trying to kill him. This takes us through Ahinoam's story and up until David marries Abigail, one of the more famous wives.

Knowing how this story goes, especially the romance, I was pulled into the story anyway with all of the characters' struggles as David lives as a hunted fugitive. The family dynamics that were positive and the family discord we get hints of in the scriptures. Even knowing the story, I was pulled in and riveted to the pages of author Andrew's storytelling.

I am invested in this series, and I look forward to the next books that gives us glimpses, even though somewhat fictional, into David's lesser-known wives. The culture, the terrain, the war and strife all set up showing what it might have been like to be on the run from the corrupt king, knowing you were God's anointed and that someday He would place you on the throne as He promised. However, it was a long road for David, and we get to see glimpses of that journey through the eyes of the women who were closest to him. Keep your Bible handy, I recommend referring to it often.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling author of biblical novels and devotional studies, whose deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the Bible alive for readers. Her heritage as a "spiritual mutt" has given her a strong yearning to both understand and communicate biblical truths in powerful stories that touch the heart, challenge the mind, and transform lives. Mesu lives in Indiana with her husband, Roy, where she stays connected with her readers through newsy emails, blog posts, and social media. Visit her at MesuAndrews.com.

Monday, July 1, 2024

My Thoughts and More on The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt

About the Book

Book: The Sisters of Corinth (The Emissaries: Book 2)

Author: Angela Hunt

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: May 21, 2024

”Angela Hunt takes her craft to new heights–and depths–as she fully immerses us in the lives and struggles of first-century followers of Yeshua.”–Tamera Alexander, bestselling author on The Woman from Lydia

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.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Well, it has been a bit of time since I read an author Hunt story. Her stories always stand out to me as sweeping dramas that really put her characters through some tough situations. And this one was no exception.

My first thought was sisters, how lovely, I hope they rely upon one another in the tumultuous time of Roman history that they live in. No. That is certainly not what happened. First off, they are stepsisters and apparently not very close. Think Cinderella. Also, Mariana and her mother are believers in Yeshua, while Prima and her father still very much worship the old Roman gods.

While this is a story of sister pitted against sister, it is also a spiritual story of the one true God pitted against the idols. I enjoyed seeing the comparisons between the two, the loving and the good against the evil and destructive. And destructive they are as Prima seeks their help in stealing her sister's happiness away, all because she believes it belongs to her.

There are some shocking surprises that took place. Even though Prima was not a believer, she was still the daughter of a great Roman, the Chief Magistrate to be exact. Her behavior still surprised me. Please note she takes drastic steps to secure what she believes belongs to her. Lots of twists and turns in this one.

The ending also has me very anxious for the next in the series.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Angela Hunt is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 160 books, with nearly 6 million copies sold worldwide. Angela’s novels have won or been nominated for the RWA RITA Award, the Christy Award, the ECPA Christian Book Award, and the HOLT Medallion. Four of her novels have received ForeWord Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and Angela is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from both the Romantic Times Book Club and ACFW. Angela holds doctorates in biblical studies and theology. She and her husband make their home in Florida with mastiffs and chickens.

More from Angela

Hello!

Thank you for helping me kick off the book tour for THE SISTERS OF CORINTH. This book is the second in my Emissaries series, but don’t worry—it reads like a stand alone.

The series features Gentiles who became believers in Christ through the ministry of Paul. The first book was about the woman called Lydia who lived in Philippi, and this book is about two step-sisters who lived in Corinth, the “Vegas” of the Roman Empire. What happened in Corinth stayed in Corinth, if you get my meaning, and there was a LOT going on in that pagan city.

I couldn’t help but think of Cinderella’s story as I wrote the opening of this book. The novel begins when the two sisters hear about the new governor coming to Corinth. He has a handsome and eligible son, and Narkis, the head of their family, is determined that one of his daughters should marry him. Prima is like her father, power-hungry and pretentious, while quiet Mariana is a believer in Yeshua. There’s a great deal of primping and preparing, scheming and scowling as the banquet draws near, and you’ll never guess which daughter the young man chooses—or maybe you will.

I hope you enjoy THE SISTERS OF CORINTH and thank you so much for taking part in this book tour. I am so grateful!

Always,

Angela Hunt

Blog Stops

Inspired by Fiction, June 19

Lots of Helpers, June 19

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 21

Devoted To Hope, June 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 22

Texas Book-aholic, June 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 23

Batya’s Bits, June 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 25

She Lives To Read, June 25

Stories By Gina, June 26 (Author Interview)

Dee S White, June 26

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 27

Lily’s Corner, June 27

Bigreadersite, June 28

Cover Lover Book Review, June 29

The Lit Lady, June 30

Holly’s Book Corner, July 1

Pause for Tales, July 1

Labor Not in Vain, July 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Angela is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of The Woman from Lydia and The Sisters of Corinth and a $15 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/2c069/the-sisters-of-corinth-celebration-tour-giveaway

Monday, April 8, 2024

My Thoughts and More on Up From the Dust: Martha's Story by Heather Kaufman

About the Book

Book: Up from Dust: Martha’s Story

Author: Heather Kaufman

Genre: Biblical fiction

Release Date: January 23, 2024

Martha of Bethany is no stranger to adversity. After her mother’s untimely death, Martha shoulders the responsibility of raising her siblings–quiet and studious Lazarus, and wild and rambunctious Mary. She finds solace in friendship and the beginnings of first love, but just as Martha begins to imagine a new future, hardship strikes again and her dreams crumble into dust.

Ten years later, Martha’s friend pleads for the new teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, to come and heal her husband. When Martha discovers that the carpenter-rabbi is connected to her past, she’s not sure she can trust him with her future. But as he continues to perform miracles, the invitation to believe becomes harder to resist, renewing Martha’s hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.

Click here to get your copy!

My Thoughts:

Biblical fiction can be hit or miss for me, especially when the author is writing on a specific and known character straight from the Bible. For my preference, I mainly prefer stories with fictional characters that live during Biblical times or interact with a Biblical person. This story is not like that. This is a fictional account of Martha, the sister of Lazarus and Mary, the siblings who were friends of Jesus.

This story is divided into two parts. The first part is the fictional story of the siblings, some things that might have happened to have developed them into the people that they become. Even though fictional, this part was an engrossing read and moved rather quickly. The second part sends us more into the time of the Biblical part.

The author's notes explain why she made certain decisions with the storylines she followed. When we get to the Biblical parts, their interactions with Jesus, the sisters' side of when Lazarus died and Jesus did not come, their brother coming back to life, Mary's offering, and finally the death and resurrection of the Messiah was told very well. We are right there with Martha a living breathing woman as her faith is tested and questioned and she sees the Almighty at work. Knowing the Biblical account and reading this story gave me much to think about and to be greatly thankful for.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Heather Kaufman is the author of multiple books and devotions, praised by Kirkus Review for writing “a charming and well-crafted tale.” She delights in highlighting the goodness of God through storytelling. When not reading, writing, or accumulating mounds of books, Heather can be found exploring new parks with her husband and three children near their home in St. Louis, Missouri.

More from Heather

Up from Dust: Martha’s Story is the first of three books in my new series, “Women of the Way.” Each book focuses on a female follower of Christ, diving deep into her history before touching upon the events we know from Scripture. Book one is on Martha of Bethany, the sister of Lazarus and Mary.

Let me ask you a question: What comes to your mind when you think of Martha?

Busy? Angry? Worried?

How about: Teachable? Trusting? Strong?

I’m afraid we’ve distilled poor Martha down into a personality type, turning her into a cautionary tale for Christian women. When Scripture as a whole presents a much different picture.

The seed of this story was planted in my heart during an Easter sermon in 2016, when I was startled into a deep admiration for this remarkable woman of faith. “Why haven’t I been encouraged to be more like Martha?” I wondered. Martha . . . a woman who learned from her mistakes and took the living God at His word. A woman who confessed Jesus as the resurrection and the life while her brother was four days dead in a tomb. Her trajectory in Scripture from worry to radical trust is one to emulate and it led me to ask: What happened in this woman’s heart?

In Up from Dust, I linger over Martha, imagining what her life was like before Christ. The story traces all the “many things” that worried and troubled Martha’s heart and the Christ who pinpointed her pain, met her in the midst of it, and lifted her up. We watch Martha come of age as she works through her mother’s death and the heavy responsibility of raising her siblings. We journey with Martha as she experiences first love and learns to shoulder the mantle of womanhood, even while coping with a father who is stuck in his loss. When grief comes to Martha’s own heart, she is presented with a choice. Will she cling to her hurt more than to Adonai, the way her father has done? Or is there a better way forward?

May this story encourage you to remain openhearted even when life feels unbearably hard, to pin your hopes to Jesus, the only One able to lift you up from the ashes of grief.

While you read, consider listening to the Up from Dust playlist! It’s full of inspirational music that ties into the themes from the book. Give it a listen HERE. Happy reading (and listening)!

Surrendering with you to Him,

Heather