Book Review: Until My Name is Known

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

The Exodus of the Jews from Egypt is a love story between God and His people. God woos His people to Himself as He prepares them to leave. Before leaving, God must fight Pharaoh for possession of His people. See how God changes all people: some for the better, others not. None stay the same. How will He change you? Can you trust a God Who destroyed a nation before your eyes? Would you want Him as your Friend?

See God free His people from Egypt's bonds before a watching world. Trace His Finger in the lives He touches. The time: 2450 BC. The Place: Old Kingdom of Egypt where Pharaoh is god. His people worship him. Israel's God arrives. He challenges Pharaoh. His power touches all people. They must change. Some do not concede. They suffer. Others yield. They find freedom.

Until My Name Is Known brings all to see the one true God. Read it to see Him. Today's historians and archaeologists puzzle over the fall of the Old Kingdom of Egypt, But the world at that time heard of God. The world knew that He is the Lord. His Name was proclaimed in all the earth.

About the author:

Growing up with five sisters, Sonya Contreras asked God many questions, even when she did not like His answers. Graduating from Cedarville University and Institute for Creation Research with a Masters Degree in Science Education did not stop her questions. Marrying her best friend and homeschooling their eight sons, she found that dreams do come true, in spite of unanswered questions.

My Opinion

I am really starting to LOVE Bible History fiction books because of how much I learn from them and how much closer I feel to God after reading them!

This book from Contreras may be my favorite Biblical Fiction book that I have read so far!

This book was so well researched and so accurate both in history and Biblical elements. I learned so much from this book about the Exodus and Moses and it made me want to read the account from the Bible all over again to really remember how amazing it really was!

This book made me understand the historical times, understand how AMAZING God is and was for Moses and the Jews and makes me bow at the feet of God humbled and Amazed at everything he has done! She made the story COME ALIVE for me and put me right there to experience it all - the pain of the Jews, the stress and nervousness of Moses, the anger and stubbornness of the Pharoah and so much more!

This book was written so well and drew me into the story while also staying true to facts of history and the Bible. Sonya Contreras is definitely an amazing author and I can't wait to read more in this series!

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Buy It:

You can purchase Until My Name is Known for $13.36 from Amazon.com

*Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: I Was There When the Giant Fell

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the Book:

During the turbulent and tragic reign of Israel’s first king, Benaiah, an outcast from the village of Pirathon, turns his back on his troubled past and the love of his life and seeks fame and acceptance in the king’s army. There he faces fears and foes that loom larger than life and experiences one of the most famous battles recorded in Scripture. When the dust settles will he have the respect he craves and the woman he loves or will he lose all he holds dear?

I Was There When the Giant Fell imagines a life story for Benaiah of Pirathon, a man mentioned in only 3 verses in the bible. He is listed as one of David’s mighty men. The book follows him as he leaves behind the disrespect and abuse he has experienced in his home town and becomes a soldier in King Saul’s army. There he experiences firsthand the famous battle between David and Goliath and is forever changed. Follow him, his girlfriend, Hannah, and his mother, Serah, as they struggle with faith, love, rejection and abuse and seek comfort and strength in the only real God.

About the Author

Adam Nitz is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, WI and a former pastor. He regularly contributes to the website breadforbeggars.com. He has always had a love and passion for writing. He lives with his wife and children in North St. Paul, MN. You can learn more about him and his writing and follow his blog at adamnitz.com.

My Opinion

I used to be all about the romantic historical fiction books and I would read nothing else. But lately I have really been searching out and reading historical biblical fiction because I have found them to be so intriguing, a great way to strengthen my faith and understanding of the Bible and, overall, just really interesting!

If you are looking for a new Biblical Fiction book to read, then let me recommend I Was There When the Giant Fell by first time author Adam Nitz. You would never know this is his first book by the way he writes so descriptively, the way the book flowed so smoothly and how detailed the story line and characters were. I was swept away into the story line and character's lives from the very beginning of this book and didn't want to put it down until I found out what happened with all the characters!

We have all heard of David and Goliath and heard the story from David's prospective but it was really interesting to imagine how others would have viewed the situation! It really gave me a new perspective on the David and Goliath story and I will never read that story the same way again! Adam Nitz gave a great historical portrayal of what times were like back then - in war, in the army and with the Philistines. I really loved reading the historical aspect of what life was like back then!

This book had it all - romance, conflict, history, Bible lessons, a great reminder to trust God's plan for our lives and it was really well written! 

The only slight thing about this book that was hard to follow was that it had a lot of characters, especially towards the beginning. It was hard as I was trying to get into the book at the beginning to keep track of all the characters as he switched between them with each chapter. However, as the book continued, the switching around of characters slowed down and I could really get a grasp for each one and understand each one's role in the book and story. 

There was also a lot of violence so I don't recommend this book for young children or people who don't like the violence of war or abusive relationships. But this also really gives credit to Nitz as an author because the way he wrote the book so descriptively, I was seriously cringing at many situations throughout the book that he described so vividly. However, I also know he was only describing the truths of war and relationships of these Bible times. 

If you are looking for a way to strengthen your understanding of the Bible and the historic happenings surrounding David and Goliath, this is a definite MUST READ! I can't wait to read more books in the "I Was There..." book series from this up and coming new author!

Buy It: 

You can purchase I Was There When the Giant Fell for $14.99

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Keepers of the Covenant

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book:

The Old Testament Comes to Thrilling Life in the Latest from Lynn Austin

In one life-changing moment, the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon are thrown into confusion and despair when a decree arrives from the king's palace in Susa. It c alls for the annihilation of every Jewish man, woman, and child throughout the empire on the thirteenth day of Adar, in less than one year. Ezra, a quiet Jewish scholar and teacher, is suddenly called upon to lead the community as they seek God for a reason for this catastrophe. When a second decree arrives, authorizing them to fight back, Ezra is thrust into the role of military leader as they defend themselves against their enemies.

When the battles come to an end, Ezra's brother Jude is dead and Ezra is required by the Law he so diligently studies to marry Jude's widow, Devorah, and provide an heir. Fatherhood changes Ezra, and he asks God to make a way for him and the other exiles to leave Babylon for good and return to Jerusalem. His prayers are answered and the exiles move to Judea to revitalize worship at the temple---but the fight to keep God's Law is never easy. As more and more of his community are tempted, a new battle emerges . . . this one for the survival of God's covenant and the souls of His chosen faithful.

About the Author:

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

My Opinion

I am a HUGE fan of Lynn Austin and her Biblical fiction books, especially the first book in The Restoration Chronicles series! I have been waiting patiently (or not!) for the second book, Keepers of the Covenant, to come out since I LOVED the first one!

And the wait was well worth it! Keepers of the Covenant was just as good as the first one and told a great, mostly unknown story of Ezra. It was extremely interesting and really made me go back to my Bible afterwards and re-read the story of Esther and Ezra and the return to Jerusalem by the Jews.

Lynn Austin has the amazing ability to transform some facts from the Bible that many people would just read over quickly (and not really think about) into an amazing story that draws people in and really enhances the story and characters to help the reader imagine that time and place in Bible time.

Buy It: 

You can purchase Keepers of the Covenant for $11.62 from Amazon.com

Lynn Austin is back with the next book in The Restoration Chronicles series, Keepers of the Covenant. Austin weaves together the struggles and stories of both Jews and Gentiles, creating a tapestry of faith and doubt, love and loss. Here, the Old Testament comes to life, demonstrating the everlasting hope displayed in God's unwavering love for His people.


Lynn is celebrating with a Kindle HDX giveaway and a live author chat webcast on October 21st.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle HDX
• Keepers of the Covenant by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 21st. Winner will be announced at the Keepers of the Covenant LIVE webcast event on October 21st. Connect with Lynn for a fascinating evening centered around God's unwavering love for His people. She'll be hosting a Biblical fiction book club discussion, giving away prizes, answering your questions, offering an exclusive peek at the next book in The Restoration Chronicles, and much more!

So grab your copy of Keepers of the Covenant and join Lynn and friends on the evening of October 21st for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 21st!

* Thank you to Salba Chia for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: The Queen's Handmaid

A book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book: 

From the servant halls of Cleopatra's Egyptian palace to the courts of Herod the Great, Lydia will serve two queens to see prophecy fulfilled.

Alexandria, Egypt 39 BC

Orphaned at birth, Lydia was raised as a servant in Cleopatra's palace, working hard to please while keepi ng everyone at arm's length. She's been rejected and left with a broken heart too many times in her short life.

But then her dying mentor entrusts her with secret writings of the prophet Daniel and charges her to deliver this vital information to those watching for the promised King of Israel. Lydia must leave the nearest thing she's had to a family and flee to Jerusalem. Once in the Holy City, she attaches herself to the newly appointed king, Herod the Great, as handmaid to Queen Mariamme.

Trapped among the scheming women of Herod's political family---his sister, his wife, and their mothers---and forced to serve in the palace to protect her treasure, Lydia must deliver the scrolls before dark forces warring against the truth destroy all hope of the coming Messiah.

About the Author: 

Tracy L. Higley started her first novel at age eight and has been hooked on writing ever since. She has authored many novels, including Garden of Madness and So Shines the Night. Tracy is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Ancient History and has traveled through Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Italy, researching her novels and falling into adventures.

See Tracy's travel journals and more at: tracyhigley.com

My Opinion

I am a HUGE fan of Biblical fiction books because they really put Bible stories and parts of the Bible into perspective for me and make me look at them differently.

This was especially true with The Queen's Handmaid, especially reading it this Lent season when you hear a lot about the rulers in Jesus' time. I learned so much about them and the time period right before Jesus was born - the time of Herod, Caesar Augustus, Cleopatra and others!

The book was a great mix of historical facts, fiction and romance and I find myself wanting to learn more and more! It was written so well that I never once was bored with facts and a time period that could be boring - Tracy just made it come alive!

I highly recommend The Queen's Handmaid if you want to learn more about the Bible, the historical period and rulers of the day, and get a great book all in one! It has been on my mind every day since I finished reading it!

Buy It: You can purchase The Queen's Handmaid for $11.71 from Amazon.com

Tracy L. Higley is celebrating the release of The Queen's Handmaid with a fun giveaway.

Retailers + Resources gave it this glowing review: "Rich in historic detail, Higley’s vivid writing brings to life the plots and intrigues that swirled through the ancient world as alliances were built and broken on the calculated schemes of power-mad monarchs." 

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Queen's Handmaid by Tracy L. Higley

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 19th. Winner will be announced April 21st on Tracy's blog.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by Tracy's blog on April 21st to see if you won.

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Book Review: Return to Me

A product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.

About the book: 

From the Acclaimed Author of Chronicles of the Kings

After decades of exile, the prophesies are coming true---King Cyrus has declared the Jews may return to Jerusalem. Iddo, a priest, is sure this is a sign of God's renewed favor. For too long they've remained in Babylon, and many, including Iddo's sons, are losing the faith that sets them apart. And so only a few choose to lea ve everything to return---return to their home and their God.

Nothing about their journey to the Promised Land is easy. As hardships mount, even the faithful, like Iddo's beloved wife, Dinah, question the sacrifice of following God's leading. Zechariah, Iddo's oldest grandson, feels torn between his grandfather's ancient beliefs and the family they left behind. But one life-changing encounter with the Holy One gives him insight that will change Zechariah---and history---forever.

Bringing the Old Testament to vibrant life, Return to Me tells the compelling story of two men living by faith in the midst of doubt, the women who love them, and the faithful remnant struggling to rebuild their lives in obedience to the God who beckons them home.

About Lynn: 

Bestselling author Lynn Austin has sold more than one million copies of her books worldwide. She is an eight-time Christy Award winner for her historical novels, as well as a popular speaker at retreats and conventions. Lynn and her husband have raised three children and live near Chicago.

My Opinion

If you like to learn more about Bibles lessons and Bible history, then Return to Me is a MUST!

Return to Me brings to life the story of Zechariah and the Jews return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple. It was such an interesting look into life back then, Bible promises, and characters in the Bible that I would normally overlook if I was reading through these chapters in the Bible.

I loved re-reading these chapters in the Bible after reading Return to Me and really knowing the characters and realizing their part in the plan of Jesus return to Earth! It was also so refreshing and comforting to realize that people that long ago faced many of the struggles, troubles and sins that we experience today. And with God's help they got through it - just like we do today!

This book was written so well and the characters were really brought to life in this book! Lynn Austin has done it again!

Buy It: You can purchase Return to Me for $8.99 from Amazon.com.

Lynn Austin is celebrating the release of Return to Me, the first book in her new Biblical fiction series, The Restoration Chronicles, with a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a Facebook Author Chat party.

One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• Return to Me by Lynn Austin

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on October 22nd. Winner will be announced at the "Return To Me" Facebook Author Chat Party on October 22nd. Connect with Lynn and friends for an evening of book chat, biblical trivia, prizes, and get an exclusive look at the next book in Lynn's Restoration Chronicles series!

So grab your copy of Return to Me and join Lynn on the evening of October 22nd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word — tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on the 22nd!

* Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*