The book is a biblical love story magnified greatly!
590107
Hello, I would just like to comment on one of greatest books I have ever read in my life. An old friend gave my this book to read one day to give me a better look on what love,romance and  passion is in a relationship  between two people that love each other inspite of culture,destiny and  tradition. I was so blessed by this book that I made a copy of the whole  book (laugh). the book as that book. I am a 23 and married to a wonderful  husband and we are going to go into evangelism but, this book has really  touched my heart and it's great to read a love story that is in the word of  God come to life. I hope you enjoy this book because I really did.
567802
They Walk Among Us is a gorgeous, heart-warming love story spanning Earthly and other-worldly realities. If you ever wanted to explore the mystery of angels and higher dimensions  while immersing deeply into LOVE  this book is it!! There is also a mysterious and intriguing hummingbird who introduces beautiful universal concepts. Once you start reading this wonderful book, you will not be able to put it down. Fabulous teachings for lovers and spiritual seekers!
3890235
The Story is an excellent book that gives a big picture view of the Bible.  It is basically the Bible written in a novel format.  Our church is studying The Story and our family has been reading it and watching the DVD series.  This has completely enhanced our understanding of the Bible and our walk with the Lord.  They have a teen series and a children's series as well.  I recommend this to everyone!
97079
Other reviews do a pretty good job of telling you what this story is about.  I won't bore you with repetitive details; I'll just tell you what I think of it.
LOVE this book!  I've already read it more than once.  It took me a bit the first time through to get my head wrapped around the story.  Not because of the writing, but because I'd always heard/read Bible stories as small, standalone chunks.  Looking at it all from the perspective of one, big story took some readjustment on my part.  I think the author did a wonderful job of telling such a huge, epic story.  I'm quite a fan of biblical fantasy and biblical historical fiction, and this is my favorite.  I can't wait for the sequel to come out!
2661533
A young mom with four kids recommended this Bible to me for my grandchildren. It is terrific! I love reading it! The illustrations are captivating! Every story whispers the name of Jesus as Rescuer. It's all part of the greatest love story ever! I'm buying copies for all the children I know!
3837854
This story is an incredible modern-day parable. Somewhere around the middle it started to seem like it was just dragging on, but then the plot started moving--no, racing--toward an amazing climax. The best part of the book is the very end, where everything starts to make sense and the spiritual dimensions are made clear. The ending is the best part!  I spent a week reading this book, and that same week I happened to be studying John 1:5.  Little did I know that the story was spun from this verse!  For those who are not fainthearted, House could be excellent material for a Bible study group. Check out Westbow's Reader's Guide.  I hope that Peretti & Dekker team up again soon!
1641735
4.5 out of 5 stars

Confession: I don't read biblical fiction -- unless it's penned by Mesu Andrews. She has a way of putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard and crafting some of the most complex and yet altogether interesting and captivating stories you will read. Even if you don't normally enjoy biblical fiction, her stories are completely captivating and her latest book, In the Shadow of Jezebel, just proves why she's at the top of the genre. As per usual with this author's books, I basically requested this one to review without even reading the back cover blurb. When it comes to Mesu, you just know, you know? ;-)

I have to be completely honest and say that this one didn't quite grab my attention as quickly as Love's Sacred Song or Love in a Broken Vessel. It started out slowly with Jehosheba and Jehoiada meeting only after 1/4 of the story passed. From the title I thought that Jezebel would play a prominent part in this story, but she was mentioned only a few times in passing. I think since the characters are a little less familiar than those of her previous novels, this story did have more of a "fresh" feel. I did love that this book had a more understated look at life, love, and faith in the ancient times. It really makes you think how difficult life was when growing up surrounded by those whose only worries involved making plays for power no matter who got in the way, including one's own flesh and blood! It was very interesting to take a peek into what life may have been like for a young princess, in such tumultuous times and under the power of such wicked rulers, who came to learn of true love from God and her new husband.

In the Shadow of Jezebel has earned its spot on my keeper shelf and has just affirmed that Mesu Andrews will keep her spot as one of my go to authors when I want to read an excellent story. If you've never read a book by this author, I hope you will consider this or any of her previous novels and enjoy them just as much as I have! Happy Reading!

*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I express are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*
4006717
Once in a while I read a book that captures my emotions and my imagination in a special way.  My Brothers Keeper by Bill Kassel did just that.  My wife and I read it together, and we agree that it is one of the finest books we have every read.  It weaves a fascinating page-turning tale into the familiar biblical narrative.  It is a novel, and the author makes clear at the beginning that it is not intended as a revision of biblical history.  However, many of the people in his story are taken from the bible narrative and the settings of his story are often the same as described in the bible.  His descriptions are so vivid that we felt like we were actually present.  This book provides a different perspective on the life of Jesus, without attempting to discredit the biblical narrative.  It relates the life of Jesus from the perspective of those around him.  Did his family or friends accept his virgin birth?  Did they believe he was really the promised Messiah?  How did the temple rabbis react to his preaching?  James, who is depicted as a half-brother to Jesus, is the real focus of the story, as he attempts to be My Brothers Keeper.  A fascinating read.  We were sorry when we finished it.  Bud & Gloria Vear (Hillsdale, MI)
195047
I was riveted by the development of the character David in the book because it is reminiscent of my journey and struck so many chords.  In these difficult times, this book is about hope, love, and salvation that is available for anyone to have.  It uses actors and theater to play out the repeating script of the Bible which is more alive today than it has ever been.  The message is that each person can have that personal proactive relationship with the Lord through the Holy Spirit.  You can't stand by and be passive when called upon to act.  Each character that David talks to helps expand your understanding of what was meant in the Bible in both the Old and New Testament verses and through people, such as Jacob, Luke, Jonah, John, Mary and others.  I would highly recommend this book to anyone searching for there calling and as a way to change their life.  Dennis Cole has laid out the path for you.
3869357
Finally, a Bible story book with objectively lovely illustrations and text that focuses solely on God's love His children!

Love Letters from God is a wonderful gift of a book. As soon as I saw the premise- a love letter with a Bible story- I knew I wanted to have this book in my hands.

Glenys Nellist has re-written almost 20 Bible stories using words and phrases that will capture the imagination and convey the character's feelings to a child. I love the titles she chose. There's "The Tiny Tax Collector" - we know he's the one who climbed the tree! "The Little Boy Who Listened" - Samuel, who falls asleep confident that God knows his name!

She takes us from the very beginning in Genesis to Joseph's bravery and David's trust in a big, strong God. Then she takes us to Jesus, born in Bethlehem, and to the one lost sheep that the Shepherd treasured, and to Communion, when Jesus said "Remember me."

And every story on it's two page spread is illustrated all over the page. I don't know how to describe it, but the illustrations include fabric and buttons and paintings and sketches and leaves and coins and tissue paper and flowers. And it's like a collage on each page, especially because you have a lift the flap letter, where God assures the child of His love, care, presence, and protection.
Sophie Allsopp did an incredible job with the artwork.

What a lovely way to talk about Jesus and His Abba. We all need to take the Love Letters here to heart. Our God will never leave us. Knows us fully. Loves us dearly. Stays with us always.

I can't wait to use this book with children, and to give it as a gift.

 Thank you Zonderkids and Booklook for my review copy. This one's going on my children's shelf!
3351599
About The Book:  In Daughter of Jerusalem, readers will quickly identify with Mary Magdalene - a woman of deep faith who used her wealth and influence to serve Jesus.
This fictionalized story of Mary Magdalene is, in the truest sense of the word, an inspirational novel for modern people who are looking to renew in themselves the message of Christ. It's the greatest story ever lived, told by one of the most famous women who ever lived, and it's a page-turner. Joan Wolf's years of success as a novelist enable her to combine storytelling and a faith plot in this beautifully written biblical fiction.

About The Author:  Joan Wolf has lived most of her adult life with her husband in Milford, Connecticut, where she raised two children and an assortment of horses, dogs and cats. Along the way she also managed to write forty-six published novels, the writing of which profoundly enriched her life.

My Thoughts About The Book:  I am a huge fan of biblical fiction and every now and then I am so blessed to come across a book where the words and characters seem to come to life before my very eyes. It is one of those books where  every  scene, every character, every emotion, everything is felt by the reader.  The story does not completely follow the story of Mary Magdalene from the Bible but the key word here is that it is fiction.  One of my favorite biblical characters is Mary Magdelene.  Daughter of Jerusalem tells a very sad fictionalized story of Mary Magdalene.  We meet Mary as a young girl who is forced to leave her home because she does not get along with her step-mother.  She endures the trials of an arranged marriage,  which was very common at the time, and finds herself living in the town of Sepphoris.  It is during this period of Mary's life that she  strays away from the God she has known and loved in the past.  Mary finds herself in the city of Capernaum. It is here that Mary hears of a young man named  John the Baptist who shows her the way to Jesus. The characters are all fictional, yet are they?  Many of us can probably find a little bit of Mary Magdalene in our own walk with Jesus.  Wolf portrays beautifully on the pages of the novel that no matter how far we stray we can be renewed.  The God we know will continue to love us and show us favor.  I would highly recommend the book, especially if you are a fan of Mary Magdalene.

Disclaimer:  I was provided Daughter of Jerusalem by Worthy Publishing for a fair and honest review.  Thank you for the chance to take part in this blog tour.
1786818
The Book of Ruth - A Story of Love and Redemption tells a story of love that goes deeper than what we see today.  It starts with Ruth's love for Naomi, how Ruth came to love and trust God through her mother-in-law, and how God rewarded her faith by providing someone to love and provide for her.  It is a deeper story than the love of a man and a woman; it is a story of love for family and God and how God takes care of those that are faithful to Him.  Ruth's declaration that "thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God:" set the stage for God's blessings for Ruth and for Naomi and for all of mankind.

This book would make a great study series for individual or group Bible study.  It includes questions and topics for discussion and challenges for all readers.  I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good Bible study with applications for today.
3676388
Figs, Pomegranates, and Special Cheeses is described as a love story, but it is much more than that. Faith, forgiveness and feminism are the themes that inform this story.  Mona Gustafson Affinito has written a unique interpretation of the trials of Job, told from the perspective of his wife whom Affinito chooses to call Dara (wisdom).  While it is fiction, the author describes it as true to the Biblical story.  The  joys and adversities that Job and Dara face are set amidst realistic details of the historical time. The author doesn't just recreate characters from Bible stories, but living, breathing, feeling people. And seeing these events interpreted  through the eyes of a strong woman made the story especially appealing. Affinito's interest in the psychology behind the story and her extensive research described in the Addendum added an interesting dimension. I came away from the book with a more mature understanding of the Biblical story, and of faith, integrity, justice, and God's power over good and evil.
3294807
This is a story of hope, love, perseverance and faithfulness.  I think that everyone that reads this book will see themselves in this story.  It is incredible to me how Pastor Sun Hui East has successfully taken a story that was written over 2000 years ago and has brought it to life and made it relevant to 2008.  You will be pulled into the mystery of the Old Testament and encouraged by God's love for his people.  This book is for everyone!

I highly recommend you to purchase this book as a personal treasure or to share it with someone special this Christmas!
4780787
I LOVE anything that Mesu Andrews writes!  She is an extremely talented and gifted writer that somehow transports the reader into the story.  This latest novels tells the story of Judahs King Hezekiah and Queen Hephzibah and the Prophet Isaiah during a time when the northern kingdom of Israel has turned to pagan worship and the southern kingdom of Judah struggles to maintain their faith in Yahweh. Throughout this novel we get a front row seat to see a budding romance that develops from childhood to marriage, the politics of the Kings harem, on-going drama in palace courtrooms, the cruelty of King Ahaz (Hezekiahs father) and the Assyrians, and daily life and customs during this time in history.

While the beginning of the book had my head spinning trying to understand all the different characters and geographical territories, I quickly became immersed in the world of Ishma, the orphan-girl who narrates the story for us.  By the time I had finished the story I had a deeper understanding of the relationship between prophet and king (sometimes contentious), womens role in society, and Gods gracious hand over His people and His great desire for their redemption.  Although the events in this book take place a few thousand years ago, it provides hope today that even through our difficult times God has a plan, purpose and a deep desire to see His people restored.

I was disappointed when I was finished reading this book and cant wait for Mesu Andrews next novel.  She has a unique gift for bringing the Bible to life and helping me to see the story from a fresh perspective.  Im excited to go back and read the actual Biblical account of King Hezekiah, Queen Hephzibah and the Prophet Isaiah to understand it in a completely new way.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging for Books in exchange for my fair and unbiased review.
1378180
If the married life possess love and virtue, these will be both its duty and reward  Thiruvalluvar

Author Mona Gustafson Affinitos latest book Figs & Pomegranates & Special Cheeses: A Love Story retells the story of biblical Job from the point of view of his wife. Enter a mystical and exotic land of great happenings as Mrs. Job a.k.a. Dara takes you behind the scenes in a unique first person narrative. We follow her journey from childhood to adulthood as she tackles varied themes of friendship, love and faith in her life. This is not just the story of Jobs wife; it is a story about a woman who showed unparalleled courage in the face of multitudes of change that rocked her life. Its an inspiring story that encourages you to have faith in your own core beliefs and values.

Diving deep into biblical times and the lives of its inhabitants, author Mona comes up with a highly detailed and descriptive narration of an extraordinary story. Christian or otherwise, everyones bound to have heard the story of Job and his tryst with God because of the storys wide appeal and relevance in popular culture. While Mrs. Job gets only a fleeting mention in the bible, this historical fiction puts her at the center of the action and tells the story from her point of view. From the time of her betrothal and subsequent marriage ceremony, Dara loved Job and stayed with him through thick and thin.

This novels basic premise of presenting this lone woman as a fallible and yet living and breathing soul in a patriarchal society deserves much appreciation. It is a well researched book but at the same time the narration doesnt get lost in the details. Even though the characters in this novel are your favorite immortalized ones from the bible, here we get to see them in a different and unique setting. Speaking about the setting, it is one of those things that go unnoticed while reading a book. Story writers simply narrate a story while story-tellers manage to take readers straight into the world of the characters they create. Mona lets them tell their own story; it is they who compel the plot to move forward and not the other way around.

There is an appropriately titled section called story behind the story at the end of this book. It is akin to a directors commentary on your favorite movies DVD. But here its an author who opens up about her craft and her book. It is a must read if you are a bibliophile or even someone who wants to know more about the inner workings of a writers mind.

Mona Gustafson Affinitos passionately created portrait on the lives of Dara and Job appeals at so many different levels. It is intrinsically humane in its approach and turns out to be an inspiring read that you will keep coming back to.
4566699
I ventured out into a genre I rarely read. Biblical Fiction. There's a reason I don't read it often and it has nothing to do with a lack of great story or writing. I am always hesitant when taking Biblical characters and "adding to" or "projecting upon" a story already told in the words God chose to tell it--whether we find it lacking content or not. SO, with the disclaimer that I firmly believe Biblical fiction is a projection of what MIGHT have occurred and certainly not a retelling of actual events, I will proceed with my review. :)

Mesu Andrews is an amazing writer, descriptive, captivating and intriguing. In the Shadow of Jezebel, it tells the story of Jehosheba, daughter of the King of Judah who has married Jezebel's daughter. The story is filled with intrigue as Jehosheba, trained to be a priestess for Ba'al is instead married off to the high priest of Yahweh.

The book was easy to read and it read fast. It's a captivating conjecture of times of the nation of Judah under pagan influence, cruelty and manipulative power plays. The characters are well developed, from Queen Athaliah to Jehosheba's half brother "Hazi". Romance is palpable and it has a definitive middle-eastern flair for sabotage.

The Old Testament is a volume ripe with story, wars and the woven thread of a God serving justice and love to a people He had chosen. In the Shadow of Jezebel, is a unique take on the divisive times of Jezebel and how her influence traveled into generations of wickedness against Yahweh, the God of Israel.

Read this as a highly fictionalized concept of the life and times of the southern Kingdom of Judah and a beautiful princess torn between two worlds and the g(G)ods they serve.