Tag Archives: historical fiction

Book Review: Isaiah’s Legacy @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner #sponsored

Isaiah’s Legacy @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner #sponsored

Isaiah’s Legacy takes a wild ride through history with Israel’s king, Manasseh, and those intertwined in his life. Throughout his lifetime, Manasseh earned the title of brutal, fierce and wicked. However, Mesu Andrews asserts, his is “the greatest prodigal journey in Scripture.”

Mesu Andrews is the Christy Award–winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter and numerous other novels, including The Pharaoh’s Daughter, Miriam, Of Fire and Lions, and Love Amid the Ashes. Her deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren.”

I sat on the edge of my seat, waiting to see how the story would be redeemed. Yet, the plot darkened. I grieved with characters over the fight for power and prestige, yet, the wicked kept winning. Is this how God grieves over our decisions that separate us from Him?

Isaiah’s Legacy highlights the darkness of following one’s own counsel and rejecting wisdom from the Lord. Like those of long ago, we find cracks in our faulty theology and hope for a return to faith in the one, true God. When faced with unimaginable terror, God’s followers find unexplainable peace, and we remember He uses good and bad as instruments in His hands. If you’ve ever wondered how the Israelites could so easily be led astray, read this narrative of how events could have been arranged. It’s eye-opening and puts flesh and bones on vague names and missing faces. You, too, will agree with the Queen Mother, “I don’t understand why Yahweh allows evil to win,… but of this I’m absolutely certain. My God is good. He has a plan. And His victory will somehow be bigger than our sorrow.”

Isaiah’s Legacy is absolutely a must-read for your library!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: No Ocean Too Wide

No Ocean Too Wide @WaterBrookMultnomah #Partner #sponsored

No Ocean Too Wide begins in the Spring of 1909 in London, with Katie McAlister racing down a rickety stairway into a dark alley. Why is the 14 year old in a hurry?

In this moving story, Carrie Turansky weaves a tale around the practice of moving orphans from England to Canada. Author of 20 novels and novellas, Carrie has won the ACFW Carol Award, the Crystal Globe Award, and the International Digital Award. Take a stroll around her website for the back story of production!

I love the use of fiction to wrap teaching lessons and opportunities for grace extended. When Laura is locked out of her family’s flat, Mrs. Graham says, “Ethel Palmer still hasn’t recovered from the loss of her husband and young son. She’s angry about the past and fearful of the future. And I’m afraid that makes her say and do things that are thoughtless and hurtful at times.”

We learn about the Golden Rule through Katie’s kindness to Jenny. And we learn about finding a friend, through Katie’s gift. “She glanced at the Bible in Jenny’s hand, her heart warming. If she found Jesus in the pages of that Bible, she would have a friend who would never leave her side…and that was what she needed most for the journey ahead.”

I also love the use of historical fiction to teach about the past. I had never heard of child emigration from England, and it was eye opening to see the differences of opinions surrounding that movement. Carrie paints word pictures showing both sides with compelling arguments, and in the end, exposes the pitfalls of any agency that becomes institutionalized.

Family wins in this enjoyable read. Get a copy and escape into a time of hardship and love!

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the WaterBrook/Multnomah book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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