The Cyprus Journal, A Kedoshim Story by author Matthew James Elliott is a Christian Biblical Fiction. The author has a unique perspective of what might have happened in those early first century days of the church. The World of Kedoshim (Holy Ones) is purely made up, inspired by Biblical Events, but the author does reference actual biblical people and things.
This is the story of John Mark’s first hand experience of serving God and the early church. John Mark was the young cousin to Barnabas the Encourager and the son of Mary, who opened her home to Jesus and His followers. Barnabas is also his mentor. He provides encouragement and direction.
The author has a unique style of writing. It took me a little bit to get into the book, but soon I was engaged in the story and could almost feel the struggles John Mark faced. The characters were expertly crafted and believable. It is obvious the author did much research in order to make this as accurate as possible. I appreciate that.
This is a thought-provoking book that causes readers to examine their own journey of service and walk with God. It is rich in history and biblical culture. I gleaned a lot of information from reading this book. The message of hope and faith are prevalent throughout the novel offering inspiration to not only the characters but readers, also.
I highly recommend this poignant tale of a shy man that overcomes obstacles to fulfill God’s purpose for his life. It is a wonderful book that will make readers consider the many possibilities God has to offer. I had trouble putting it down. It gets a 4.5 star rating from me. A copy was provided, but these are my honest words.
Available at Amazon on Kindle Unlimited.
About the Author:
Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a dedicated writer with a strong passion for spreading the word of Christ. Matthew has spent 15 years serving in different types of ministries, both as a volunteer and a minister of the Gospel. Although he was never ordained, his experiences have given him a deep understanding of what ministry is all about and how it has evolved over time. His degree in Biblical Studies is from Oklahoma Wesleyan University and emphasizes Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.
Matthew is happily married to Traci and they have three delightful children: Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. Matthew’s books aspire to minister to believers with love, equip them for service in God’s glory, and nurture the body of Christ with edification through His work. He hopes that all who read his content will feel the loving touch of God’s encouragement and guidance.
Matthew’s collective works include Ahavah Writings for the Journey (Author), Reflecting Christmas (Author), Reflecting Christmas: Reimagined (Author), The Petros Journals (Author), Devotionals for Men (Contributor), Wrestling for Your God-Given Name (Co-Author) and an Original Series Entitled Finding Philemon (Author), which is currently being published.
The World of Kedoshim:
Kedoshim (Holy Ones) is a fictional world inspired by Biblical Events. Within Kedoshim, you will discover the stories of historical figures, both well-known and lesser-known, who contributed to building the Early New Testament Church. This is their journey, and the roots of those who are more widely recognized, shaping the world as we know it today.
Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin by author Dennis Conrad is a Christian children’s picture book and Book Two in the In God We Trust series. Delightful illustrations are done by Courtney Smith. This is a fabulous book for children ages three to ten years of age that are interested in learning about coins and ancient times of when Jesus walked the Earth. This is a 52 page hardback book that is also available in kindle and audible.
This is the tale of a young, awkward boy named Marcus. His excitement and bubbly personality jump off of the pages and encourage readers to join his adventure. He is afraid that he is going to do something wrong and disappoint his father on their mission to deliver coins to Jerusalem. Marcus learns many things on the trip like how silver is mined and coins are minted. He has a few mishaps, too.
Children will enjoy the thrilling adventure Marcus and his father have. The illustrations are cute and go along with the story perfectly. The writing in simple and easy for children to follow and understand. After the story is a small glossary of terms used as well as scripture. The author has included questions about the story to help engage children. This is not only an entertaining book, but an educational and inspirational one, too. It provides a great faith message for children.
This is a lovely book. It is perfect for a Sunday School, Children’s Church, DayCare, and every home library. Many children could get their start in coin collecting by reading this brilliant series. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin
Author: Dennis Conrad
Genre: Christian Children’s Picture Book
Release date: October 30, 2023
Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is an exciting adventure in the Ancient Roman Empire at the time of Christ. Eight-year-old Marcus and his father are on a mission for the Emperor and visit a mine and a mint where coins are made. Marcus himself makes a denarius, a coin with the emperor’s image.
Marcus goes to Jerusalem where he sees Jesus hold a denarius saying, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What will seeing Jesus mean for Marcus, and will he ever be the same again?
A former coin collector for over fifty years, Denniscombines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.
Dennis retired as a professor of speech communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.
Dennis became a sustaining member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1979. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.
Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.
More from Dennis
How to Turn a Penny into a Teachable Moment
Dennis Conrad
Connect with your child or grandchild by starting a coin collection.
Start with the penny, also known as the Lincoln Head Cent. The coins were first minted in 1909 because it was the 100th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth.
Use the coin to help your child make the connections with who Lincoln was, what he did, and when he lived. Reasons why Abraham Lincoln is featured on a coin include the following:
Lincoln is often at the top of the list of America’s greatest presidents.
He helped to preserve the Union during the American Civil War.
His Emancipation Proclamation freed the slaves.
The Gettysburg Address ranks as one of the best speeches of all time.
Now, Look On the Back (the Reverse)
Go through change to find the different images on the backs of pennies.
There are wheat ears (1909-1958) and the Lincoln Memorial (1959-2008).
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth, the U.S. Mint issued coins with four different images on the back. The Lincoln Bicentennial (2009) coins include a log cabin, Lincoln sitting on a log, Lincoln standing in front of the state capitol of Illinois, and an unfinished U.S. Capitol Building (the way it was when he was president.) For the past several years, there has is a shield on the back representing the preserved union (2010-Present).
Add one of each reverse to the child’s collection.
Don’t forget to mention the words, the date, and the mintmark.
The words include “One Cent,” “In God We Trust,” “Liberty,” “The United States of America,” and “E Pluribus Unum” which means “Out of many, one.”
Also, look for and find the year minted and the mintmark.
Find and add a coin from the child’s birth year to the child’s collection.
Look at the mintmark. It is a letter on the front of the coin under the date. The “D” is for Denver, the “S” for San Francisco, and the absence of a mintmark means the coin was minted in Philadelphia.
Add coins with the different mintmarks to the child’s collection.
Keep the collection safe in a small box or a Ziploc bag. Have fun. Add to the collection as time goes by.
Free Resources
Want to encourage the child in your life to learn more about coins? Sign up at https://dennisconradauthor.com so your child can become a Junior Coin Collector. Receive free, monthly activity sheets like a crossword puzzle. There is a Coin Hunt section where children can search for and find coins in change for their collection, and a Vocabulary Buildersection with coin collecting terms.
Gimme Some Sugar, 90 Devotions to Sweeten Your Day in a Godly Way by author Linda Kozar is a delightful 90 day devotional. It has a small, soft back, sweet blue cover that is ever so inviting. The convenient size is perfect to slip into a purse or bag.
Each daily devotion is short, only two pages. It includes pertinent phrases, scripture, a story, and commentary. Readers will be able to easily finish each day within about five minutes. This is perfect for beginning your day positively or sharing some inspiration with a friend.
I highly recommend this lovely book. This would make a very nice gift. It gets a 5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Gimme Some Sugar: 90 Devotions to Sweeten Your Day in a Godly Way
Author: Linda Kozar
Genre: Devotional Book, Nonfiction
Release date: April 2, 2024
A perfect start to a joyful heart.
Good things from God can calm the soul and fill you with confidence. In Gimme Some Sugar, award-winning author Linda Kozar brings her southern wit and wisdom to sweeten your life with spiritual nourishment to ponder, perspective to pray about, and a touch of joy to put a smile on your face. This 90-day devotional will encourage you to set your heart and mind on God’s Word while having fun along the way. Each devotion includes
an engaging saying,
inspiring insights from Scripture,
practical advice for daily life, and
a sprinkle of homespun humor.
Brighten your day with a spoonful of biblical encouragement and reminders of God’s enduring love, hope, and peace.
Linda Kozar is an award-winning multi-published author of traditional and indie-published fiction and nonfiction books with a Southern flair. Linda and her husband Michael live in The Woodlands, Texas and enjoy spending time with their two grown daughters, their wonderful son-in-law, two grands Eden and Wesley, and Gypsy their rascally Jack Russell Terrier.
More from Linda
The Southern life is simple, savory food, sweet tea, and family. Whether you have a twang or a drawl, or nothing at all, if you’re Southern at heart these devotions will perk you up, give you a scriptural truth to ponder, and a spoonful of inspiration to sweeten your day.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line your baking sheets with parchment or silicone sheets. Break out your box grater and go to town grating that sharp cheddar cheese on the fine side of the grater. When finished, (usually when your arm starts to hurt), cover and let it come to room temperature.
Add the butter and cheese to a stand mixer bowl and paddle beat for about ten minutes until creamed together.
Add salt, flour, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper l and mix on medium speed until fully combined.
Transfer dough to a cookie press fitted with a star tip (if you want your straws to look fancy). Or you can hand-roll long thin strips and cut into uniform lengths (about 3 inches) with a knife.
Bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly-browned. Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Night Falls on Predicament Avenue by author Jaime Jo Wright is a dual time Christian mystery thriller with a light romance. Sounds like something for everyone, doesn’t it? Well, it absolutely is even if it gets a bit dark at moments.
This is the story of Euphemia (Effie) James in 1910 and Norah Richman in present day. Their stories center around 322 Predicament Avenue in Shepherd, Iowa. Polly, Effie’s sister, and Naomi, Norah’s, are important characters in this tale. Effie is a single young woman living at home with her family. Norah runs a Bed and Breakfast which was not her dream.
The author has an alluring style of writing. I do not normally read this genre but after a few pages I was captured in its web. All I wanted to do was read. The characters are all artistically crafted with defects, flaws, and mysterious ways. They were believable and easy to imagine. The twists and turns are astounding. I appreciated the message of faith and hope. The Christian message is woven lightly throughout, but it gives readers biblical inspiration in a somewhat gothic story.
I highly recommend this riveting page-turner. It would make a chatty choice for any book club. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Night Falls on Predicament Avenue
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Release Date: April 9, 2024
In 1910, Effie James is living a dream for two. Her younger sister is harboring a secret that has left timid Effie determined to fulfill her daring sister’s grand plan of seeking out adventure in their small Iowa town. When a British gentleman arrives, disrupting their peace with efforts to find the wife many claim lived her final days at the now abandoned house at 322 Predicament Avenue, Effie is thrust into intrigue she couldn’t have prepared for. But what she finds inside will forever link her to the scandal staining the house’s walls and to a woman whose secrets promise a curse.
A century later, Norah Richman is living out her late-twin’s dream of running their great aunt’s bed-and-breakfast on Predicament Avenue–a place Norah believes nothing good can come out of after her sister’s abduction and murder thirteen years ago. Her first guest is a crime historian and podcaster, and Norah resolves to stay far away from the charming and enigmatic man–until another guest is found dead. As they dig deeper, something sinister unfurls that will reveal an ominous unknown far greater than the possibility of death itself.
Jaime Jo, the coffee-fueled and cat-fancier extraordinaire, has entwined her life with the legendary Captain Hook, residing serenely in Wisconsin’s rural woodlands.
Her literary vocation involves penning Gothic tales, a baffling change from that of Austenites, with a preference to the master of dark, Edgar Allan Poe.
More from Jaime Jo
True crime did NOT just become popular in this century! Scour the old newspapers for a full and detailed telling of the latest crime. That’s how I got the idea for Night Falls on Predicament Avenue! Yes! I read an old newspaper article from the late 1800’s in which they described in quite delectable detail, the crime scene of a murder in a house with questionable history. That being said, it’s also important to note, that forensics DID just recently become popular in the last 50-100 years. In the 1800’s, if you were murdered, it was common for your neighbor to tour and trample over your crime scene out of curiosity and/or the hope they might be of service in solving the crime. More likely than not, they were merely wanna-be podcast listeners of true crime shows simply born too early for that technological advancement.
To celebrate her tour, Jaime Jo is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 gift card to Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, MI and an autographed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Love’s Winding Road by author Susan F. Craft is a Christian Historical Romance. It is book one in the Great Wagon Road series. Set in 1750s this story is a marriage of convenience that includes danger, suspense, faith, and adventure.
This is the tale of Rose Jackson. She and her family, all Irish immigrants, have joined the wagon train to South Carolina. They are hoping to make a new life here. Daniel Fordham is the wagon train’s scout. He is half Cherokee and half white.
The author has a nice style of writing. Her story drew me in quickly. I felt anxious with the travelers as they encountered dangers. I rejoiced with them in their triumphs. The details made me feel like I was on the journey with them. It is obvious a lot of research was done before penning this novel.
All characters were finely crafted and believable. It was easy to become invested in them. The author did a phenomenal job developing them. They struggled with unfair issues that some people still face today.
There are twists and turns and a faith element sprinkled throughout this book. Often Rose prays for protection and safety. The suspense had me turning page after page until the end. It is a well writing novel that is poignant and will stay with readers.
I highly recommend this to mature readers. Due to the subject matter young teens probably would find it difficult to read in some sections. Historical fiction readers will love this. It gets a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: Love’s Winding Road
Author: Susan F. Craft
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release Date: February 27, 2024
They were forced into this marriage of convenience, but there’s more at stake than their hearts on this wagon train through the mountain wilderness.
When Rose Jackson and her Irish immigrant family join a wagon train headed for a new life in South Carolina, the last thing she expects is to fall for the half-Cherokee wagon scout along the way. But their journey takes a life-changing turn when Rose is kidnapped by Indians. Daniel comes to her rescue, but the effects mean their lives will be forever intertwined.
Daniel prides himself on his self-control—inner and outer—but can’t seem to get a handle on either when Rose is near. Now his life is bound to hers when the consequences of her rescue force them to marry. Now it’s even more critical he maintain that self-control to keep her safe.
When tragedy strikes at the heart of their strained marriage, they leave for Daniel’s home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. As they face the perils of the journey, Rose can’t help but wonder why her new husband guards his heart so strongly. Why does he resist his obvious attraction for her? And what life awaits them at the end of love’s winding road?
Susan F. Craft retired after a 45-year career in writing, editing, and communicating in business settings.
She authored the historical romantic suspense trilogy Women of the American Revolution—The Chamomile, Laurel, and Cassia. The Chamomile and Cassia received national Illumination Silver Awards. The Chamomile was named by the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance as an Okra Pick and was nominated for a Christy Award.
She collaborated with the International Long Riders’ Guild Academic Foundation to compile An Equestrian Writer’s Guide (www.lrgaf.org), including almost everything you’d ever want to know about horses.
An admitted history nerd, she enjoys painting, singing, listening to music, and sitting on her porch watching geese eat her daylilies. She most recently took up the ukulele.
More from Susan
Colonial American medicine fascinates me. The shortage of doctors made it critical for women to maintain medicine kits that included remedies brought with them from Europe as well as those shared with them by Native Americans.
In Love’s Winding Road, my character Rose falls into river rapids and suffers serious scrapes and bruises. Daniel, the half-Cherokee scout of her wagon train, rescues her and makes witch hazel flowers into a paste.
With gentle movements, he spread the ointment on her arms, legs, and neck. When he dabbed some on several raw places on her scalp where her hair had been ripped out, Rose clenched her teeth until her face hurt. With her hand trembling, she reached up to touch her hair.
“Don’t worry. It will grow back. Just thank the good Lord, for though it may be distressing and painful to have lost some of your hair, the strands helped me keep track of you.”
Rose’s father suffers from arthritis in his hands, so he chews on the twigs of black willow trees (not weeping willows) and drinks the tea his wife prepares from the bark also used to treat back pain, headaches, and inflammatory conditions.
When a mountain lion attacks Daniel, Rose stitches the laceration. She cleans the area with whiskey and offers it to him as a painkiller.
She threaded her needle with her finest flax fiber, and holding her breath, she began the first tiny stitches.Think of it as cloth. Think of it as cloth. She repeated the words over and over in her head.
Sometimes doing research can be amusing.
The night before I was to see my doctor, I’d read a resource book, Indian Doctor – Nature’s method of curing and preventing disease according to the Indians. I showed my doctor the Indian cure for my problem.
What a hoot! We had such fun looking through the book. Seems as if every cure involved mixing something with wine, ale, beer, or liquor. We came to the conclusion that with enough alcohol, even if you still had the problem, you wouldn’t care anymore.
Two weeks later, I saw my doctor for an earache. Of course, we looked up the Indian cure. It involved lily onions, marsh mallows, oil of violet—all taken with wine. And then, bleeding.
I’ll stick with antibiotics.
I pray that my Great Wagon Road series honors the Lord and the gifts He has given me and that you will love my characters as much as I do. Soli Deo Gloria.
Up from Dust: Martha’s Story by author Heather Kaufman is a tender account of what might have been the lives of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, three siblings. My attention was immediately captured after starting this beautiful book. I appreciated that the author stayed as true to scripture as possible in this novel.
Set in Bethany, Israel, this is the story of Martha, including her sister Mary and brother Lazarus. The author provides details on not only the time and place, but also on what facts are known about their lives. My heart went out to the three children right from the beginning. I liked the author’s perspective on Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. I feel like I have a better understanding of them.
The author has a beautiful style of writing. It is easy to read and inviting with a depth that touched me. I was taken back to ancient times and became friends with a family that I knew from scripture. Her perspective was plausible and made the people come alive on the pages. I love the dedication and reverence followers from that era had for Jesus, and the author captured it perfectly.
Filled with lessons on family, sorrow, redemption, and love, this story is thought provoking and has stayed with me long after I finished it. I highly recommend it to all lovers of Biblical Fiction. This would make a great book club choice. It receives a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
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.
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)!
Never Fall Again by author Lynn H. Blackburn is a Christian contemporary novel. It is a suspense, mystery, action, romance that takes place in the mountains of North Carolina’s Gossamer Falls. While it is a very good book, it took me a long time to become invested in the story and characters.
This is the story of Landry Hutton. She has hired former marine and contractor Callum Shaw to build a house for her and her daughter, Eliza. Unfortunately, bad things start happening to discourage that.
The author’s style of writing started out a bit slow but picked up. She skillfully crafted her characters. They are unique, relatable, and believable. Some were kind and lovable and others not at all. The action scenes are tense. There are a few twists and a mystery to keep readers guessing.
The Christian message is not hidden. Not only is it about trusting God and His plan, but also deals with the topic of people professing to be Christians but not acting in a Christlike manner. It is very thought provoking.
I definitely recommend this book for contemporary fiction lovers. It has a little bit of everything, including a darling girl and sweet dog. This would make a nice reading group choice. There is an abundance to discuss. I give this a 4 out of 5 star rating. A copy was provided by the publisher, but these are my honest thoughts.
Back Cover:
Landry Hutton has spent three years rebuilding her life behind the secure gates of The Haven, an exclusive resort on the outskirts of Gossamer Falls, North Carolina. After serving as the artist-in-residence, Landry is finally ready to settle in permanently to give her daughter, Eliza, a safe home in which to grow up.
Former Marine Callum Shaw always knew he would someday join his family’s construction business in Gossamer Falls. He longs for a family of his own but has almost given up on that ever happening. The beautiful artist who has hired him to build her new house is funny, gifted, and everything Cal could ever want in a partner, but he vows to keep his distance. He’s loved–and lost–someone like her before.
When Landry’s pottery is destroyed in a suspicious fire, it becomes clear that Landry and Eliza are in grave danger–but from whom? Cal will have to risk his heart again if he has any hope of protecting them.
Revell Publishing, March, 2024
Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook:
A Hope Fulfilled by April Gardner is a Biblical fiction based on the minor prophet Obadiah and the fall of Edom. The author offers her perspective on what might have happened. It is a captivating and fast read that made me want more.
I am only a fan of Biblical fiction that does not stray from the facts presented by scripture. This one seemed to do just that. Since I am not very proficient on this chapter, reading this novella sent me to my Bible to compare them. I learned that Obadiah is one of the shortest books in the Bible. The author did an imaginative job penning this tale. Her characters and descriptions transported me to a time and place that I had never been.
This is the story of Tikvah, a woman of faith. I loved how she spoke to God. As she tells her story it is easy to become invested in it. She is fiery, impulsive, and an important part of Obadiah’s prophecy.
Filled with faith, mystery, danger, twists, and intrigue this was an interesting take on the events in Obadiah and a quick read for me. At times it felt a bit rushed, and I wanted more – details, chapters, and intensity. Overall it is a very good book. At the end is information on Knowing Obadiah, a Christian Woman’s Bible Commentary, by author Gardner.
I do recommend this for those readers that love Biblical Fiction. For me it brought the fourth smallest book of the Bible to life where I could imagine what might have happened. It would make a nice reading group selection. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
About the Book
Book: A Hope Fulfilled
Author: April W Gardner
Genre: Biblical Fiction (Obadiah)
Release Date: November, 2023
One Hebrew slave’s courage and faith opens the gate on Edom’s demise.
Tikvah, a Hebrew slave in Edom, lives in hope of once again seeing Jerusalem, the Holy City. When a Babylonian general and his dashing Jewish liaison arrive at her master’s house, whispering plans of Edom’s destruction, she senses Yahweh at work. After all, there’s a prophecy foretelling His justice upon the kingdom. Tikvah clings to that promise while obediently following the call of service into the heart of danger. If only there were a promise she would come out the other side alive.
April W Gardner is an indie author whose great passion is historical romance with themes of Native American and Southeastern U.S. culture. Copyeditor, mother of two grown children, and non-trad college student, April lives in South Texas with her husband and two German Shepherds. In no particular order, April dreams of owning a horse, learning a third language, and visiting all the national parks.
More from April
So…Obadiah? Who ever heard of Obadiah as the backdrop for biblical fiction? I hadn’t. But that’s not where A Hope Fulfilled began…
In late December 2021, while deciding on a Bible reading goal for the upcoming year, I pondered which sections of the Bible I knew least. The minor prophets came to mind right off, then camped there as I asked myself what I knew about these little books.
I’d heard a million sermons preached from one or another of them over the years, but could I give even a one-sentence summary on any of the twelve? That question required a moment’s thought, which produced Jonah and the big fish, Hosea and his harlot wife, Joel and the locusts, Amos and… Uh, er, uh…
This was a problem. After burning some brain cells on the matter, I finally hung my head and admitted I was a minor failure. If I’d been tested right then on the minor prophets, I would have received a big red F.
How was this possible? I’m a missionary’s kid who never missed a church service, for goodness’ sake. This was unacceptable. I had an MK reputation to uphold.
Kidding, kidding. But the point remains. After 4.5 decades in church, I should be able to state every book’s title and theme. At a minimum. Anything less is spiritual laziness.
With that challenge in mind, I hitched up my trousers and set to work. My task? One minor prophet a month. I would read each one again and again, really drilling them home, absorbing their messages and banishing my spiritual “shame.”
By April, and my fourth read of Obadiah, I stared at my Bible, the verses swimming before me, and admitted to a second problem—despite my faithful rereading, the first four books were all running together in a mental smear of prophety messages.
Warning, judgment, doom, gloom. There was hope in there, too, of course. Praise God. And a harlot wife. I had that one down. But I was no closer to being able to distinguish them, to really understand the books with any kind of true ownership.
Since I’m a goal-girl, it made me a little sad to set aside my twelve-prophet year, but there was no getting around it. If this was going to work, I would have to go deeper, get messier, put on my work gloves and knee pads, and start digging.
New goal! Understand Obadiah. I’d worry about the rest once I had this one down. Fifteen months and three written books later, here we are, celebrating the release of my first biblical fiction, A Hope Fulfilled.
So, how did I get from studying a minor prophet to writing biblical fiction? The journey from point A to point B wasn’t very long. The series (A Fire and a Flame) started out as a Bible commentary for women, but when I got to exploring the history around Obadiah, my fiction brain kinda took over. It does that sometimes. Silly brain.
I did finish the commentary, but as soon as I allowed myself to ponder all the what-ifs of the event, the novella practically wrote itself.
Obadiah gives a fiction writer almost no details to build on. So, A Hope Fulfilled is what one might call an artist’s rendition of what might have happened during the fall of Edom. There were probably Hebrew slaves in Edom. One of them probably knew the prophecy of Edom’s doom. And that somebody might have, just might have, longed to help God’s justice play out.
Thus, Tikah and her story, A Hope Fulfilled, were born.
If the Boot Fits is Book Two in the Texas Ever After Series written by the incredibly talented author Karen Witemeyer. This Christian historical romance may easily be read as a standalone. It is an imaginative, fun retelling of the classic fairytale Cinderella only in Texas with a reverse twist.
This is the story of Samantha Dearing. Her father has planned a large welcome home dance for her return from finishing school. It is also the tale of Asher Ellis, the Cinder-fella in this clever story. Everything about this is amazing. I loved the subtle references to the original fairytale. There is an inspiring Christian message woven throughout as well as thoughtful words of wisdom. The romance is sweet and the hero yummy.
The writing is superb and swept me away to Texas of yesteryear. It was easy to imagine the characters and what was happening. I was invested immediately in this page-turning story. This book offers so much, lessons on family, adventure, mystery, faith, and a love stove.
I highly recommend If the Book Fits. It is absolutely delightful. A copy was provided by CelebrateLit, but these are my honest opinion. It receives a 5 star rating from me.
About the Book
Book: If the Boot Fits
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: March 12, 2024
One fateful night will change their destinies forever. . . .
Convinced that his stepmother and half brothers have been wrongfully evicted by cattle king Eli Dearing, Asher Ellis uses the cover of an extravagant ball to break into the Three Cedars’ ranch house to search for proof. On the verge of discovery, he flees, but a boy’s cry compels him to make a daring rescue.
Spunky and independent Samantha Dearing balks when she learns the ball her father is hosting is nothing more than a matrimonial ambush. Taking a break from unwanted suitors, Samantha spots a thief fleeing her home. When the stranger ends up saving her brother’s life, she hides the only clue to his identity left behind–his boot–and resolves to find him herself.
When Samantha encounters the older brother of a student she tutors, all thoughts of the bootless mystery man vanish. Asher values family above wealth, a rare trait that opens her heart. Afraid she will discover his past misconduct, Asher tries to keep his distance, but when a series of suspicious accidents befall her, he vows to protect her, even though saving her life could mean losing her love.
Voted #1 Reader’s Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction magazine, bestselling and Carol and Christy Award-winning author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. She and her husband make their home in Abilene, Texas.
More from Karen
Character Names and Word Games
One of my favorite parts of writing any book is finding the perfect names for my characters. Names are so important. They carry meaning and expectation. They add historical flavor and help create a picture in the reader’s mind about who that character is. They can also add hidden joy to a story for me as the author that may or may not be realized by the reader.
If the Boot Fits was inspired by the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. I give it a fresh western twist and mixed up the plot a bit, but it was important to me to fill this tale with subtle nods to the version I loved as a child. One of the main ways I did this was through the naming of my characters.
I worked hard to create names that would harken back to the original while still carrying meaning of their own. Instead of Cinderella, we have a hero named Asher Ellis—Ash being a synonym of Cinder, and Ellis playing off of Ella. For our heroine, I wanted something to play on the “charming” motif without being too on-the-nose. I ended up selecting Samantha Dearing—Dearing like endearing or charming. Samantha is the feminine version of Samuel which comes into play in the story since her father’s name is Eli. The three key older ladies of the story all of names inspired by royalty, as befits a fairy tale—Regina, Elizabeth, and Victoria. Asher’s step brothers are named Jonathan and Fergus. However, Jonathan goes by Jack, giving a nod to the mice from Disney’s Cinderella, Jaq and Gus. Asher’s horse is named Bruno in honor of the dog who saved Cinderella from the tower room. We have a cattle king with a foreman named Duke as well. Whether readers catch all of these nods or not, they made me as the author smile while writing the story.
Here’s another way to have fun with names and other key story elements. I’ve created a word search for you to enjoy. Have fun!
Letters of Wisdom by the gifted storyteller Wanda Brunstetter, is book three in her Friendship Letters series. This is a contemporary Christian Amish series that tackles series issues that everyone, not just Amish, might face. This book was the most intense.
Irma Lapp’s story is told in this captivating novel. Her story of physical and emotional abuse was often difficult to read, but it was true to life. The characters were skillfully crafted. They were believable and made the story come to life. This story is one of repeated behavior, forgiveness, and second chances. It pulls on your heartstrings.
I was totally invested in Irma’s story and at times wished I could hug her. Through the deft pen of the author, my emotions soared and plummeted with the characters’. This tale is full of surprises and kept me turning pages well into the early morning hours. I was fascinated with this poignant story.
After the story ends, there are author notes, recipe, and discussion questions. I highly recommend this riveting Amish novel. It would make a great book club choice. Even though it is book three in the series, it could easily be read and understood as a stand alone. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by the publisher but these are my honest words.
Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess 