Category Archives: Biblical Fiction

The End Of The Magi

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Carr, Patrick W. The End Of The Magi. Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers. 2019.

SUMMARY:
Though facing adversity from several different angles, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, joins the caravan of Wisemen following the star leading to the Christ Child. In a Biblically-based novel, The End Of The Magi traces the journey from a unique, thought-provoking perspective. While set in motion many years earlier, the current timetable of the story takes place just before the birth and includes some very personal events and challenges which Myrad must encounter. Complete with Bible verses, accuracy and historical relevance, author Patrick W. Carr pens a Christmas story that intrigues, teaches and explores the coming of the Messiah.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Perfect for the upcoming Christmas season, The End Of The Magi is so much more than just a light seasonal story. Never having read anything from this author previously, I was unsure what to expect other than a Biblically historical novel. Already familiar with the Wisemen’s story, I was ready for the altering message which actually caused me to consider variances to the usual story told. Though it took me a bit to really appreciate Patrick Carr’s writing style, I was soon able to grasp the flow and immerse myself in the book. Having now read it, I must admit I will pay a bit more attention to the Bible story this season rather than just accepting what was already familiar. Definitely a book to read; definitely an author I will read again.

RATING:
4 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of The End Of The Magi from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

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Shelter of the Most High

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Cossette, Connilyn.  Shelter of the Most High: Cities of Refuge, Book 2.  Bloomington, MN: Bethany House Publishers.  2018.

SUMMARY:
Wanting to spend just a few more minutes in her favorite place- the ocean, Sofea and her cousin, Prezi, dive down one more time. However, upon surfacing, they find themselves captives to a group of marauders who torched their village. Forced to travel aboard a ship across the ocean to Canaan, Sofea meets Eitan, who must remain in the city of Kedesh due to a childhood secret he harbors. Faced with hauntings of the past, caught in a present betrayal and pondering their mutual attraction, Sofea and Eitan need to decide how to approach their challenges while protecting their safety.  Author Connilyn Cossette writes an intriguing, soul-searching, deeply moving story in her newest book, Shelter of the Most High.

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
With a stunningly gorgeous cover and a beautifully written story within, Shelter of the Most High was absolutely breathtaking. Not able to put the book down once I started, I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, although, I did close it briefly every once in a while to gaze at the beautiful cover again and again. Written fictionally about an unfamiliar Biblical time in history, the author’s notes and conversational questions at the end of the book complete this inspiring story. Though book 2 in the Cities of Refuge series, I had no problem reading it without reading book 1, A Light on the Hill, but do look forward to learning more about the involved characters. A new author for me, I am thrilled she has written previous books which I definitely plan to read.

RATING:
5+ (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Shelter of the Most High from Bethany House Publishers for my honest review*

Redeeming Grace

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Smith, Jill Eileen. Redeeming Grace: Ruth’s Story- Daughters of the Promised Land series- Book 3. Grand Rapids, MI: Revell Publishing. 2017.

SUMMARY:
Following the Old Testament story of Ruth, Boaz and Naomi, Redeeming Grace beautifully depicts the loss, grief, longing and hardship associated with Ruth’s story yet also the redemption, love and fulfillment ultimately experienced. Filling in fictionally the missing parts of the Biblical story, author Jill Eileen Smith, through apparent research, stays true to the story’s time in history. As the story unravels, redeeming grace identifies Ruth through her actions while she also receives it…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
So timely for me to read Redeeming Grace; I had recently heard a sermon regarding relationships with Ruth and Naomi as examples. Already knowing the story, it was interesting to have the pieces filled in even if only fictionally. Staying true to the time period of culture, customs and ways of life, this story seemed to flow smoothly. My favorite of the series thus far, I look forward to more in the series as well as by this author. Perfect for a women’s Bible study, group ministry or sermon series, I will return to this story again while sharing it with others, too.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Redeeming Grace from Revell Publishing for my honest review*

Land of Silence

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Afshar, Tessa. Land of Silence. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers. 2016.

landofsilence

SUMMARY:
With a name meaning “My God has favored me” given to her by her father, Elianna lives a life consumed with guilt over the death of her younger brother. As trial after trial burdens her life, Elianna continues to live with shame, guilt and the heaviness of her circumstances. Making decisions which are both devastating yet heart-felt, she learns of the man whose garment can heal through touch; thus, sharing the story of the woman was lived unclean for 12 years yet found healing in so many ways…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
As a Christy award-winning author, author of several Biblical-fictional works, and a highly recommended author, it is hard to believe this is the first book by author Tessa Afshar that I have read. With a previous book of hers on my to-be-read stack, I am now sorry it slipped towards the bottom of the pile. As a fictional account of a woman from the Bible, I believe it was done with respect, emotion, knowledge and substance. With Bible verses beginning each chapter with a hint of what was to follow, I became emotionally involved with the lead character, Elianna, and felt each crushing event along with her. Definitely a well-written novel from an author I will now search out, moving her previous book upward in my TBR collection.

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Land of Silence from Tyndale House Publishing for my honest review*