Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt

From Amazon: 
Seeking peace and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she can rest easily. But the land is ruled by Antiochus IV, descended from one of Alexander the Great's generals, and when he issues a decree that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws upon pain of death, devout Jews risk everything to follow the law of Moses.

Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long?

The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage . . . and sacrifice.

Continuing in my search for good historical fiction, I found another amazing book by Angela Hunt. The first book I read and reviewed was the first in the Silent Year series called Egypt’s Sister, and because of her vivid writing and descriptive characters there are certain points of the story that still stick in my mind. Judah’s Wife is no different, and I was thrilled to receive it as a review copy.

The Silent Years are, well, silent, and we don’t know much about them, but Hunt takes the life of Judah Maccabees and surrounds it with courage, passion, and sacrifice through the eyes of his wife and himself. While many of the female characters were fictional (in the sense that we don’t know anything about them), Leah was a beautiful picture of redemption and hope throughout the story. Raised in an abusive household, Leah’s mental and spiritual thoughts are twisted by a father who beats his wife but appears righteous in public. Leah also struggles to understand her role as a wife since all she saw in her home was her mother submitting to the abuse from her father.

Through the turmoil and political unrest in Judea and surrounding Israel, Leah desperately wants peace, and finally finds some measure of security and rest in her marriage. But that is about to change. Hunt write this book alternating points of views for each chapter between Leah and Judah, and I love reading the different perspectives. Judah isn’t a particularly ambitious man in the sense of leading a nation of men, but he’s courageous and is willing to die for his faith. He doesn’t seek a fight, but yet will give his all when HaShem’s glory is blasphemed. I also love that once Judah finds his purpose, he waits for God’s moving in his heart before he acts, and nothing dissuades him from doing HaShem’s will.

I’m guessing that the research and history necessary to flesh out Judah and Leah’s life must have been fascination. I knew the name of Judah Maccabees and the political unrest during that time was somewhat familiar to me, but to finally see a glimpse inside a potential family’s life was so insightful.

Angela Hunt writes for older minds and includes war and romance scenes. They are real (and war includes death), but neither are overdone. I appreciate finally seeing good romance between husband and wife, as I have always been uncomfortable reading intimate scenes between non-married couples or just flirtatious behavior in general. 

This book is powerful as it recounts Hebrew history as it intertwines with the struggles and battles that it will always face. Judah faces his calling and gives his all for it and Leah finds purpose in a God who loves her perfectly. A well written book with detailed history among fiction and non-fictional characters. Can't wait to read more from Angela Hunt! 

*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes

From Amazon:
Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.

Ever since I heard about Nadine Brandes and the Out of Time series, I have wanted to read them. Well, I haven't read that trilogy yet because some country's (*coughCanadacough*) shipping is ridiculous, but I just got a review copy of Fawkes--Nadine's latest novel. And, oh my goodness, it's beautiful. The cover is captivating and intriguing, and I really didn't read anything about the book before plunging in. After reading the book, I just sat back and marveled at the way Nadine placed history and fantasy in the same book and how skillfully they were woven together. And yes, there is a deeper meaning to this story, than just the Keeper-Igniter war.

Thomas character was special. He struggles with the Stone Plague, but even more so with his purpose, mission, and loyalties. He seeks to love his father and be worthy of him even though he's been hurt badly by him. And when he finally makes his own decisions about right and wrong, he realizes that it may cost some people their lives.

I love the idea of color masks as a way of showing people's unique gifts and talents. The characters of England each have a color power, granted to them only by the color test and by a individual mask created and formed by a parent. The child is raised to learn to mold with his mask and use the colors he/she has bonded with to bring peace (and war where necessary) in the world. Thomas doesn't have a mask yet, and to gain one will take more courage, risk, and sacrifice than he imagined. But he has the strange advice of the White light, along with Emma's counsel and his father's experience to guide him.

I love the relationship between Thomas and Emma. It's definitely not forced and it grows and strengthens because of challenges. And in the end, both Thomas and Emma see that being vulnerable and honest with each other leads to love in a way they didn't expect.

This book is packed with meaning for the Christian, and is captivating and full of history. But looking back at history, we can also learn something for today and for our futures.

Thank you, Nadine! Now I really want to read the Out of Time series. ;)

Movie Review: Samson

Storyline from MovieInsider:

A Hebrew with an unusual gift of strength must respond properly to the call of God on his life in order to lead his people out of enslavement. After his youthful ambition leads to a tragic marriage, his acts of revenge thrust him into direct conflict with the Philistine army. As his brother mounts a tribal rebellion, only Samson's relationship with a Philistine temptress and his final surrender - both to the Philistines and to God - turns imprisonment and blindness into final victory.

So I requested this movie, not realizing that I would only be able to view a few scenes within a 26-minute span. If I had understood that, I wouldn't have requested it because I'm not sure I can give it a fair review without the whole picture. 

Based on what I can see, the acting is well done and the couple scenery shots are amazing. I have always dreamed of seeing Israel, so movies and stories set in that period are special to me. In Scripture, we aren't told of many emotions or thought-processes of the characters, so viewers will be cautioned that there are dialogues and conversations that are definitely added in. From what I could see, I thought the main parts were true to Scriptural events, so that was encouraging. 

Samson has never been a favorite character of mine. I always thought he was too flawed, though I recognized that God mightily used him to bring the Israelites to repentance. In my judgment of him, these movie clips showed me that as an Israelite himself, Samson would have recognized the One true God and would have prayed to God. One scene I especially loved was Samson's anointing as a judge. 

Judges were often given supernatural power and this movie also portrays that. It also demonstrates some of the judgment that God's people went through due to their rebellion and unbelief in God's power. The Philistines were not kind masters and it is likely that they suffered as the movie portrays. I'm not sure I liked the relationship between Delilah and Samson, only because they portray her as one compelled and forced into a relationship with him in order to trap and catch him, but then actually ends up loving him in the end. While there is no indication in Scripture for or against Delilah's love for Samson, it throws a somewhat unneeded emotional aspect into the scenes I previewed. But I cannot say for certain what my entire opinion is on that, as I did not see the entire show. 

One thing I had trouble comprehending was the fact that Samson was indeed powerful. While I have read his account in Scripture and mentally realized that he was strong, the movie demonstrates that visually. For me, it's easy to say "Oh, that's just the movie" or "Oh, that's just graphics". But no, Samson's strength was probably demonstrated in similar ways as the movie actually shows. So that was indeed a good reminder. 

The movie is rated PG-13 due to the fighting scenes, and as I have no seen the entire movie, I cannot say for sure what my opinion is, but I am interested in seeing the finished product. This movie releases February 16th.


*Film montage has been provided courtesy of Pure Flix and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Where We Belong by Lynn Austin

From Amazon:
In the city of Chicago in 1892, the rules for Victorian women are strict, their roles limited. But sisters Rebecca and Flora Hawes are not typical Victorian ladies. Their love of adventure and their desire to use their God-given talents has brought them to the Sinai Desert--and into a sandstorm.

Accompanied by Soren Petersen, their somber young butler, and Kate Rafferty, a street urchin who is learning to be their ladies' maid, the two women are on a quest to find an important biblical manuscript. As the journey becomes more dangerous and uncertain, the four travelers sift through memories of their past, recalling the events that shaped them and the circumstances that brought them to this time and place.

I have a Lynn Austin book on my shelf that's been sitting there for several years now. But I haven't read it yet. See, I'm one of those people who doesn't read a series unless she has all the books and has done research to make sure they're worth reading. And since that book is the first in the series, I still haven't read it yet. Thank goodness Nuts for Books decided to put a stand alone book up for review, otherwise I might not have discovered some good, deep historical fiction. 

I wasn't exactly sure what to expect of Austin's writing...after all, how could two rich girls who have no memory of their mother, go off running about the world, ending up in the Sinai desert...how could that be managed from a writer's point of view without compromising Christianity? Well, I'm not sure yet that I like the way all the ethics and morals are handled in this book, but even when situations are handled in a questionable manner, the characters' focus is on God and what His purpose is for them and mankind. 

Rebecca and Flora have been born wealthy. That's all they know really, but that doesn't stop them from finding adventure and begging their father for international trips. They have little recollection of a mother in their life, but their father does a decent job of caring for the young girls. I really appreciated the way he interacted with them and reared them. Some readers might think he's distant and uninvolved and to a certain extent he is, but he is always willing to listen to them and provide them with whatever he can to broaden their education and mature them. In plain, he treats them as adults, and while the sisters may not always act like adults, the father's training does more to influence them and teach them than they probably know. 

Later on the father remarries, much to the girls dislike. I don't appreciate that the "evil stepmother" character is used, because I think there are some good stepmothers out there, but Mrs. Worthington's character is needed to point the girls in the direction of  their future. Rebecca is a thinker and knows that God has a plan for her even though she doesn't know what it is yet. Flora is gentle and sweet and doesn't want to offend or hurt anyone. But she's a follower and often allows her sister to lead. Mrs. Worthington brings with her all the ideals of the wealthy and precious little about faith in God. Flora acquiesces to her demands and decrees, but Rebecca notes that none of it is important for finding God's will for your life. And yet despite the fact, that the girls' lives are order about (for a time) by a proud stepmother, they don't allowed the fact that they are wealthy to turn them into snobs. In fact, one time they dress up as if from part of the slum area of town and get hired in a factory to see what the conditions are like, in order to attempt to understand how to help the poor people better. 

This book is divided into four parts, each written from the view of one of the main characters: Rebecca, Flora, and then their two servants, Peterson and Kate. It tells all of their faith journeys and includes a bit of their past history, but this doesn't interfere at all with the natural flow of the story. 

I could tell immediately that some of the refutes for Christianity and research of the Scriptures came from Lee Strobel's books The Case for Christ and The Case for Faith, as Austin notes in her Author's note. It brought a refreshing reminder of the truth of Scripture to the whole book and an example of how to witness to the unsaved. 

There are some elements of lying in the book that I don't agree with, and some other ideals that I'm not sure I'd practice in my own life, but they are not big situations, and all in all Where We Belong is a book of growing in the Lord and seeking His will for your life despite what authority and society might desire. Join Rebecca and Flora through their adventures as girls and later as grown women as they navigate marriage, relationships, the Lord's will, and personal safety in order to mature into the women that God would have them be. 

*Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Seeds by Rachel Starr Thomson

Book Description:
In the fantasy world of Kepos Gé, a young woman flees her past by joining a frontier settlement on the edge of the wilderness. But she can’t escape the threats abroad in this new world — or the wild things growing in her own heart.

Something is deeply wrong in Jerusalem Valley, where the persecuted religious faction called Tremblers are trying to create a new society. As Linette Cole struggles toward acceptance and newfound faith, friends turn to enemies and enemies become friends.
Soon Linette will face the greatest challenge of her life:
Because words have been spoken.
And words grow.
SEEDS is page-turning Christian fantasy — a novel about a wild frontier, monsters in the shadows, and a world trying to hold onto a fragile peace even as dark forces conspire against them.

It's another book, friends!! So very excited to review this book before it releases on the 18th, Lord willing! Rachel Starr Thomson is publishing again and this is an amazing story. 

The prologue introduces us to two differing factions, Sacramenti and Puritani (Pure People), who were each convinced in their own minds that they were following the Truth about the Kaion and all mankind. The Kaion consisted of Father, Son, and Fire Within. From the main factions of Sacramenti and Puritani, smaller divisions broke out and the Imitators and Luminaris (Tremblers) were born. 

In the New World, Herman Melrose, a Trembler, was weighted with the responsibility for raising up a new order in the unknown land. The Imitators also had their own plans however. Linette Cole opens the first chapter while she embarks into this new land, not knowing who friends or enemies are, and still not yet ready to face her past. And Herman struggles to lead a colony in peacefully welcoming and accepting anyone despite their faction or belief. Serena, too, being lit by the Fire Within receives her own task--one that will take courage, bravery, and sacrifice. 

I love this book because I can see how it parallels the truth divisions today. I have personally experienced the difficulty in witnessing to people simply because of their misunderstandings of the different beliefs that all Christians hold. In this book and in the series that will come later, I believe Rachel is trying to address that in Kepos Ge and its citizens. While each of the characters is human having hearts and veins, they also have seeds and vines, showing how they differ and also bringing them a special gift that they can use to benefit others. Of course, like in our real world here and now, there is much darkness and evil to be fought against. There is terror and pain. There is the threatening past and sorrow. But in it all, despite the prisons, the inquisitions, the death, and betrayal, characters learn to love, to sacrifice, and to accept. Rachel also paints a beautiful picture of salvation, and also of renewal in a Christian's life. 

The book closes with challenges ahead, with more pain and sorrow, yes, but also with the promise that the Father, Son, and Fire Within would guide and help those who sought to live the Truth of the Kaion. 

Another must read from Rachel, and I can't wait to hold the completed series in my hands one day. Well done!

While I haven't reviewed many of Rachel's books yet, she is one of my favorite authors, and you can find out more about her and her books and Lifetime Readers' Club HERE. I think there are also a few free books on her website as well. So go take a look! :) 

The Trust Protocol by Mac Richard

From Amazon:
Trust makes everything better. It's the glue that binds people together. From our families and friendships to our companies and communities, we know that trust is the fuel that drives long-term success and impact. But we also know what betrayal feels like. We know that trust is a fragile, vulnerable gift that can be abused, broken, and exploited with devastating consequences.

In The Trust Protocol, Mac Richard challenges conventional wisdom with biblical insights, humor, and passion as he explains how to

· process the pain of betrayal
· prioritize relationships and work
· discern who to trust
· decide when and how to move on
· deploy trust in even the harshest environments
· develop active integrity

The Trust Protocol provides a clear path not just to manage these tensions but to embrace them in order to experience the genuine connectedness and effectiveness we're created for.

Before I started this review I scanned the last two chapters and the table of contents again to refresh my memory. I was surprised to find that I could remember at least one example or story from each of the chapters just by reading the title again. Mac Richard writes in a compelling informal lecture style, as if you were sitting there at a coffee table with him and he's sharing his passion with you. The Trust Protocol opens with a catching Forward and a heart-warming Acknowledgements. In contrast, the Introduction recaps a mind-blowing account of deceit and lies...all in preparation for chapter one. The trust protocol can't be defined in one single definition (which is why a whole book was written ;), but Richard tells us three things right off the bat: it works, it's hard work, and it will get messy. Oh, and a fourth, it's "absolutely worth it".

He takes us in the next few chapters through his own life examples or accounts of friends, coworkers, or other acquaintances, and shows us how relationships and trust go together. How a specific set of behaviors, actions, and thoughts, lead to a certain result. "The more trust you build, the more influence you have." Many people have asked "why" regarding some situation in their life, and Richard shows us how our blind spots and Scripture and counsel lead us to a place where we come to our knees in worship.

He talks about accountability, pain, (the gift of) betrayal, and responsibility. One section I found most helpful was the latter on responsibility. Some of us tend to take responsibility for things we shouldn't: all of the problem, blame for things we didn't say (or could have said), and other people's choices. Speaking the truth, along with the section on grace and truth at the end of the book were also helpful in clarifying concepts that society in general and Christian circles like to redefine subconsciously, leading us to wrong ways of dealing with people. The chapter "How Many Can You Do When You're Tired?" reinforces the principle of grit, tenacity, and perseverance when relationships get tough. Richard uses Daniel as an example of his GRIT acronym (God-honoring, relentless, intentional, tenacity). And Richard also brings us the sense of community in chapter ten, while he exhorts us to unswervingly hold to the hope we possess--"no matter what".

He concludes this book with a chapter on Staying Power. Not the power to stay, but the power that comes from staying. It's powerful enough to survive suffering, pain, betrayal, and anything else that the real world might throw at you. The Trust Protocol works because it's a part of God's nature, and when we live life the way God intended us to, it works.

"The power of the Trust Protocol--credibility forged through integrity and action--grows through struggle. Rather than being stifled or stymied in challenging situations and environments, relationships grow deeper and get stronger when they're tested and survive to thrive. Every time."




*I received this book free from Baker Books Publishing. All opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review. 

Happy New Year! // 2017 Book List

Happy New Year, fellow readers and writers! What are some of your favorite books from last year? What books taught you the most? I didn't read as many books as I hoped to, but I still managed to find many favorites and read some previous treasured stories. I also searched out some new genres and authors this year. Another one of my goals was to read more of my Kindle books, and I think I achieved this one. While I love to hold books in my hand and stare at the beautiful covers, I also recognize that some books I'll buy on Kindle first to see if they are good--and then I buy the paperback. Well, there are several new paperbacks on my wishlist now. ;)

Reading List 2017

1. Hand of Vengeance by Douglas Bond (1/11)

2. Worlds Unseen by Rachel Starr Thomson (1/19) [Kindle]

3. Rise of the Fallen by Chuck Black (1/22)

4. Light of the Last by Chuck Black (1/26)

5. Burning Light by Rachel Starr Thomson [Kindle]

6. Coming Day by Rachel Starr Thomson (2 /5) [Kindle]

7. Abbadon’s Eve by Rachel Starr Thomson (2/11) [Kindle]

8. Come the Dragon by Rachel Starr Thomson (2/11) [Kindle]

9. Beloved by Rachel Starr Thomson (2/11) [Kindle]

10. A Sparrow in Terazin by Kristy Cambron (2/27) [Kindle]

11. The Real God by Chip Ingram (3/3)

12. Ella Dethroned by Brandon Barr (3/3) [Kindle]

13. Legend of the Celtic Stone by Michael Phillips (3/7)

14. An Ancient Strife by Michael Phillips (3/13)

15. The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson (3/21) [audio book]

16. Taerith by Rachel Starr Thomson (4/1) [Kindle]

17. Visual Theology by Tim Challies and Josh Byers (4/9)

18. Reap the Whirlwind by Rachel Starr Thomson (4/9) [Kindle]

19. The Called by Justin Price (4/17) [Kindle]

20. The Butterfly and the Violin by Kristy Cameron (4/28) [Kindle]

21. Between Heaven and the Real World by Steven Curtis Chapman (4/30)

22. Grace is Greater by Kyle Idleman (May)

23. War Room by Chris Fabry (6/21)

24. Egypt’s Sister by Angela Hunt (6/26) [Kindle]

25. The Last Sin Eater by Francine Rivers (6/26)

26. Embers by Ronie Kendig (7/5) [Kindle]

27. High as the Heavens by Kate Breslin (7/9)

28. A Name Unknown by Rosanna M. White (8/9)

29. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl Written by Herself by Harriet Ann Jacobs (8/27)

30. Pendragon’s Heir by Suzannah Rowntree (10/1)

31. There and Back by George MacDonald (10/5)

32. Hitler’s Cross by Erwin Lutzer (11/10)

33. Lion of Babylon by Davis Bunn (11/13)

34. Rare Earth by Davis Bunn (11/18)

35. Strait of Hormuz by Davis Bunn (11/22)

36. Where the Wild Rose Blooms by Lori Wick (11/26)

37. Ruth by Ellen Gunderson Taylor (11/27)

38. War of Loyalties by Schuyler McConkey (12/6)

39. Whisper by Lauren K. Lotter (12/10) [ebook]

40. The House on Foster Hill by Jaime Jo Wright (12/15)

41. The Trust Protocol by Mac Richard (12/31)


Short Stories and Other Readings
1. Kneeling at Bethlehem by Ann Weems (12/10) [ebook]

2. Noelle’s Gift by Amanda Tero (12/10) [ebook]

3. Peace, Be Still by Amanda Tero (12/10) [ebook]

Hoping for another year of good reading finds and many more books to add to my bookshelves! How was your last year of reading?