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Of Such Is The Kingdom
A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 Parts
James M. Becher
2020 Finalist
324 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Of Such Is The Kingdom is a work of literary fiction subtitled ‘A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 Parts’, and was penned by author James M. Becher. Generally suitable for readers of all types, with the exception of a few violent scenes, this sweeping epic work takes on the historical ambiance of the Roman era and combines it with literary considerations that bring biblical times and stories to life. The central conflict of the novel focuses on Herod’s foster brother, Manaheem, a wayward non-conformist tasked to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate. The people he recruits for this ominous task have their own quests to undergo, and their own struggles to endure.
A combination of powerful Christian fiction and compelling historical intrigue and drama, author James M. Becher has created a work which will suit many different tastes and approaches. The central plot with Manaheem and Barabbas showcases two very different men who find themselves in dire times, steeped with political intrigue and facing their own trials during the last days of Jesus Christ. Alongside this, many other figures are featured and given excellent character development to create a holistic view of ancient Palestine and its nature as a powder keg of intolerance and blood. Becher recounts some gory action moments superbly well and mediates these with tender, emotive scenes where his characters are put to the test to find their own deeper purpose. Overall, Of Such Is The Kingdom will satisfying readers on many inspiring and interesting levels.
Of Such Is The Kingdom is a work of literary fiction subtitled ‘A Novel of Biblical Times in 3 Parts’, and was penned by author James M. Becher. Generally suitable for readers of all types, with the exception of a few violent scenes, this sweeping epic work takes on the historical ambiance of the Roman era and combines it with literary considerations that bring biblical times and stories to life. The central conflict of the novel focuses on Herod’s foster brother, Manaheem, a wayward non-conformist tasked to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate. The people he recruits for this ominous task have their own quests to undergo, and their own struggles to endure.
A combination of powerful Christian fiction and compelling historical intrigue and drama, author James M. Becher has created a work which will suit many different tastes and approaches. The central plot with Manaheem and Barabbas showcases two very different men who find themselves in dire times, steeped with political intrigue and facing their own trials during the last days of Jesus Christ. Alongside this, many other figures are featured and given excellent character development to create a holistic view of ancient Palestine and its nature as a powder keg of intolerance and blood. Becher recounts some gory action moments superbly well and mediates these with tender, emotive scenes where his characters are put to the test to find their own deeper purpose. Overall, Of Such Is The Kingdom will satisfying readers on many inspiring and interesting levels.
Recommend this book:
The Emperor Strikes Back
Frederick II's War against his Vassals
Helena P. Schrader
2020 Bronze Medal
433 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
The Emperor Strikes Back: Frederick II's War Against His Vassals by Helena P. Schrader is a historical novel with a strong setting and compelling characters. Jerusalem is under the control of the Christians, thanks to the successful campaign of Emperor Frederick II. However, the barons are not happy with the Emperor's dictatorial approach to power and the common man holds him in great contempt. The Sultan is resolved to drive the Christians away after the ten-year-truce. The Emperor is determined to destroy the family that has inspired a sense of independence in the people: the Ibelins. But the Ibelins are a resilient family that has learned to survive the rough times and to build strong allies. Can they withstand the wrath of the Emperor with the full support he has?
Bloodshed, political machinations, conspiracy, and subterfuge are some of the characteristic features that accompany the action to drive the plot forward in The Emperor Strikes Back: Frederick II's War Against His Vassals. Helena P. Schrader doesn't just craft a beautiful story but also reinvents a historical period that quickly feels real to her readers. The exquisite prose combines with strong plot points to create a story that is page-turning. The political and historical as well as religious elements of the setting are written with a unique approach to detail and a rare sense of imagery. It is fast-paced and delightful, a real treat for fans of historical novels. I enjoyed the strong writing, the great pacing, the in-depth character treatment, and the overall entertainment value of the narrative.
The Emperor Strikes Back: Frederick II's War Against His Vassals by Helena P. Schrader is a historical novel with a strong setting and compelling characters. Jerusalem is under the control of the Christians, thanks to the successful campaign of Emperor Frederick II. However, the barons are not happy with the Emperor's dictatorial approach to power and the common man holds him in great contempt. The Sultan is resolved to drive the Christians away after the ten-year-truce. The Emperor is determined to destroy the family that has inspired a sense of independence in the people: the Ibelins. But the Ibelins are a resilient family that has learned to survive the rough times and to build strong allies. Can they withstand the wrath of the Emperor with the full support he has?
Bloodshed, political machinations, conspiracy, and subterfuge are some of the characteristic features that accompany the action to drive the plot forward in The Emperor Strikes Back: Frederick II's War Against His Vassals. Helena P. Schrader doesn't just craft a beautiful story but also reinvents a historical period that quickly feels real to her readers. The exquisite prose combines with strong plot points to create a story that is page-turning. The political and historical as well as religious elements of the setting are written with a unique approach to detail and a rare sense of imagery. It is fast-paced and delightful, a real treat for fans of historical novels. I enjoyed the strong writing, the great pacing, the in-depth character treatment, and the overall entertainment value of the narrative.
Recommend this book:
Acts of Faith
Part 1 of the Inquisition Trilogy
Martin Elsant
2020 Silver Medal
306 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Acts of Faith is a work of historical fiction focusing on mysterious events brought about by the activity of the Portuguese Inquisition, penned by author Martin Elsant. In the first novel of The Inquisition Trilogy, we find ourselves in Europe of the sixteenth century where religion is highly important and the faith one practices can result in life or death, depending on who has the power. The person in question here is Diego Lopes, who dies in an auto-da-fé (heretic burning), or at least he’s supposed to. Elsant explores the beliefs on either side of the divide of religion from those who viewed Lopes as a sinner or a saint.
Not knowing a great deal about this area of history, I was delighted to find myself so well entrenched in the world of sixteenth-century Portugal right from the opening of this excellent tale. Author Martin Elsant pays attention to detail and creates a great atmosphere with the word images which are painted through every scene. Perhaps the strongest element of this history-come-to-life is in its social awareness and character development. The players of the tale reflect authentic attitudes and beliefs of the time, and they feel the pain of oppression, suspicion and the power of the Inquisition with palpable emotional energy. The story is one of struggle and conflict, but also of love and the search for the truth. Overall, top-quality writing makes Acts of Faith a highly recommended read for fans of world history.
Acts of Faith is a work of historical fiction focusing on mysterious events brought about by the activity of the Portuguese Inquisition, penned by author Martin Elsant. In the first novel of The Inquisition Trilogy, we find ourselves in Europe of the sixteenth century where religion is highly important and the faith one practices can result in life or death, depending on who has the power. The person in question here is Diego Lopes, who dies in an auto-da-fé (heretic burning), or at least he’s supposed to. Elsant explores the beliefs on either side of the divide of religion from those who viewed Lopes as a sinner or a saint.
Not knowing a great deal about this area of history, I was delighted to find myself so well entrenched in the world of sixteenth-century Portugal right from the opening of this excellent tale. Author Martin Elsant pays attention to detail and creates a great atmosphere with the word images which are painted through every scene. Perhaps the strongest element of this history-come-to-life is in its social awareness and character development. The players of the tale reflect authentic attitudes and beliefs of the time, and they feel the pain of oppression, suspicion and the power of the Inquisition with palpable emotional energy. The story is one of struggle and conflict, but also of love and the search for the truth. Overall, top-quality writing makes Acts of Faith a highly recommended read for fans of world history.
Recommend this book:
Army of God
Dennis Bailey
2020 Gold Medal
396 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Army of God by Dennis Bailey is transporting and utterly gripping, a fictional rendering of the biblical story of Noah and the ark with interesting plot twists. When I read up on the author, it wasn’t surprising to find that he’s been a police detective and an investigator because one sees in the story the manifestation of a sharp intellect and a creative imagination. Noah has barely escaped massacre from powerful enemies, thanks to the aid of a beautiful maiden. He succeeds in fleeing from the city of Eden. When he receives the revelation from God that He will destroy the entire human race, Noah begins to build the ark, but the project is not welcomed happily by all, and he finds opposition both within his family and from his own people. But the greatest challenge comes from the army of five thousand men sent by his arch-enemy in Eden to destroy the ark. The resistance will surprise the enemy as well as readers.
This is a very interesting story and readers will enjoy how imaginative it is. Dennis Bailey doesn’t wait to introduce the conflict and characters like Noah, Malluch, and Bohar, as well as a host of others that are very compelling. The narrative exudes a strong spiritual atmosphere, features religious and political themes, and pulls readers into a rollicking adventure that makes them wonder if the Bible tells everything they need to know about strong biblical characters. While offering readers great entertainment, this novel is thought provoking — Noah’s leadership, inspired by his relationship with God and his mission to protect life from the flood, comes across powerfully. On a deeper level, this isn’t just the story of Noah and the ark, but a story about the environment and, in the final battle, everything that Noah fights to take into the ark is involved in the battle for survival. Army of God is a memorable story with relevant environmental and spiritual themes for contemporary readers.
Army of God by Dennis Bailey is transporting and utterly gripping, a fictional rendering of the biblical story of Noah and the ark with interesting plot twists. When I read up on the author, it wasn’t surprising to find that he’s been a police detective and an investigator because one sees in the story the manifestation of a sharp intellect and a creative imagination. Noah has barely escaped massacre from powerful enemies, thanks to the aid of a beautiful maiden. He succeeds in fleeing from the city of Eden. When he receives the revelation from God that He will destroy the entire human race, Noah begins to build the ark, but the project is not welcomed happily by all, and he finds opposition both within his family and from his own people. But the greatest challenge comes from the army of five thousand men sent by his arch-enemy in Eden to destroy the ark. The resistance will surprise the enemy as well as readers.
This is a very interesting story and readers will enjoy how imaginative it is. Dennis Bailey doesn’t wait to introduce the conflict and characters like Noah, Malluch, and Bohar, as well as a host of others that are very compelling. The narrative exudes a strong spiritual atmosphere, features religious and political themes, and pulls readers into a rollicking adventure that makes them wonder if the Bible tells everything they need to know about strong biblical characters. While offering readers great entertainment, this novel is thought provoking — Noah’s leadership, inspired by his relationship with God and his mission to protect life from the flood, comes across powerfully. On a deeper level, this isn’t just the story of Noah and the ark, but a story about the environment and, in the final battle, everything that Noah fights to take into the ark is involved in the battle for survival. Army of God is a memorable story with relevant environmental and spiritual themes for contemporary readers.
Recommend this book:
The Sugar Merchant
James Hutson-Wiley
2019 Finalist
378 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley thrusts the reader into the historical period towards the last part of the eleventh century, an era witnessing an economic revolution. Thomas Woodward loses his family at the age of eight to one of the raids conducted by Tostig, an outlawed son of Godwin and brother of King Harold. He loses his family to a raid, but is rescued from hunger and hopelessness by a monk and brought to the abbey of Eynsham, where he spend the next twelve years of his life training to be a scholar, merchant and spy, with a mission to develop commerce in the Muslim world and act as a spy for the Holy See. Thomas’s life is set for adventure as he travels through different lands, and knows love and loss and heartbreak. With complex challenges besetting him and his personal demons, can he accomplish the mission successfully?
James Hutson-Wiley captures the soul and spirit of the era in a brilliant way in the narrative, allowing readers to relive the religious, cultural, and political tensions of the time. He weaves themes of espionage, religious intrigue, and the personal struggles of a man into a story that takes readers across different distinct cultures. The historical elements of the setting are skillfully knitted into the narrative and the author uses them to enrich the conflict. I was fascinated by the compelling social and cultural commentaries that paint a vivid image of the time. The use of the epistolary style enhances the plot points and the conflict while helping to deepen character development. The Sugar Merchant is a great achievement and a page-turner for fans of historical novels; a story with powerful themes, compelling characters, and a gripping plot.
The Sugar Merchant by James Hutson-Wiley thrusts the reader into the historical period towards the last part of the eleventh century, an era witnessing an economic revolution. Thomas Woodward loses his family at the age of eight to one of the raids conducted by Tostig, an outlawed son of Godwin and brother of King Harold. He loses his family to a raid, but is rescued from hunger and hopelessness by a monk and brought to the abbey of Eynsham, where he spend the next twelve years of his life training to be a scholar, merchant and spy, with a mission to develop commerce in the Muslim world and act as a spy for the Holy See. Thomas’s life is set for adventure as he travels through different lands, and knows love and loss and heartbreak. With complex challenges besetting him and his personal demons, can he accomplish the mission successfully?
James Hutson-Wiley captures the soul and spirit of the era in a brilliant way in the narrative, allowing readers to relive the religious, cultural, and political tensions of the time. He weaves themes of espionage, religious intrigue, and the personal struggles of a man into a story that takes readers across different distinct cultures. The historical elements of the setting are skillfully knitted into the narrative and the author uses them to enrich the conflict. I was fascinated by the compelling social and cultural commentaries that paint a vivid image of the time. The use of the epistolary style enhances the plot points and the conflict while helping to deepen character development. The Sugar Merchant is a great achievement and a page-turner for fans of historical novels; a story with powerful themes, compelling characters, and a gripping plot.
Recommend this book:
Song of the Boricua
Olivia Castillo
2019 Bronze Medal
337 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo is a début novel describing the lives of three generations of women; Elena, Josephina and Maria. A generational curse binds the women, causing irreparable damage to each family. Will the curse ever be lifted and peace finally be upon the family? Puerto Rico provides the backdrop to this book which depicts love and betrayal on a grand scale. Song of the Boricua affords a glimpse into the rich history of the island, and the culture and lives of the Puerto Rican people.
Song of the Boricua contains a large cast of characters and spans most of the twentieth century, beginning in the early 1930s. The book deftly switches between different time periods, describing the hope and subsequent tragedy of different generations of women. Olivia Castillo writes a darkly atmospheric and bewitching tale. However, she can also evoke passion and enchantment. Song of the Boricua, which is the Puerto Rican spirit or pride, is a theme which runs throughout the book.
There is a strong musical influence with song words from each era providing a further layer of interest. The racial tensions, political problems, domestic violence and the hardships suffered by the families are all vividly depicted. The complex relationships between the main protagonists and the men they become involved with are sharply defined and very memorable. I enjoyed the many references to the music which spanned the generations, and I learned a lot about the culture and history of Puerto Rico.
Song of the Boricua by Olivia Castillo is a début novel describing the lives of three generations of women; Elena, Josephina and Maria. A generational curse binds the women, causing irreparable damage to each family. Will the curse ever be lifted and peace finally be upon the family? Puerto Rico provides the backdrop to this book which depicts love and betrayal on a grand scale. Song of the Boricua affords a glimpse into the rich history of the island, and the culture and lives of the Puerto Rican people.
Song of the Boricua contains a large cast of characters and spans most of the twentieth century, beginning in the early 1930s. The book deftly switches between different time periods, describing the hope and subsequent tragedy of different generations of women. Olivia Castillo writes a darkly atmospheric and bewitching tale. However, she can also evoke passion and enchantment. Song of the Boricua, which is the Puerto Rican spirit or pride, is a theme which runs throughout the book.
There is a strong musical influence with song words from each era providing a further layer of interest. The racial tensions, political problems, domestic violence and the hardships suffered by the families are all vividly depicted. The complex relationships between the main protagonists and the men they become involved with are sharply defined and very memorable. I enjoyed the many references to the music which spanned the generations, and I learned a lot about the culture and history of Puerto Rico.
Recommend this book:
Ripple Effect
Because Of The War
Jenny Ferns
2019 Silver Medal
370 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
Veronica is a hardworking, serious young woman when Ripple Effect: Because Of The War by Jenny Ferns opens. Her sister Rachel is not as responsible but instead is always looking for a good time and running to Veronica whenever she finds herself in trouble. Richard is the young soldier that wins Veronica’s heart and quickly becomes her husband. As the war heats up and battles become fierce, Richard is send to Africa. Rachel finds herself pregnant and Veronica is the strong one keeping everyone together. As the London bombings get worse and worse, Veronica moves to the country and, because they are evacuating all of the children, Rachel sends Susie to live with her aunt. Rachel is killed in one of the bombings, leaving baby Susie motherless, but, adopted as a toddler by Veronica, she soon forgets Rachel and her past. Richard fights many battles and sees many awful things but finally the war is over and they all are trying to put their lives back together.
Ripple Effect: Because Of The War by Jenny Ferns takes the reader through an English family’s life during World War II. I really felt as though I were part of the family and felt all of their joys, pains and sorrows. Ripple Effect portrays the horrors that families had to endure, the effects on the soldiers fighting against Hitler and the Germans, and so much more. Troubles plague each of the characters and each must fight their own demons. Jenny Ferns expertly wrote a story of historical fiction that I found impossible to put down. Ripple Effect is a five star winner. Perfect for fans of war time novels, historical romance, drama and realistic fiction.
Veronica is a hardworking, serious young woman when Ripple Effect: Because Of The War by Jenny Ferns opens. Her sister Rachel is not as responsible but instead is always looking for a good time and running to Veronica whenever she finds herself in trouble. Richard is the young soldier that wins Veronica’s heart and quickly becomes her husband. As the war heats up and battles become fierce, Richard is send to Africa. Rachel finds herself pregnant and Veronica is the strong one keeping everyone together. As the London bombings get worse and worse, Veronica moves to the country and, because they are evacuating all of the children, Rachel sends Susie to live with her aunt. Rachel is killed in one of the bombings, leaving baby Susie motherless, but, adopted as a toddler by Veronica, she soon forgets Rachel and her past. Richard fights many battles and sees many awful things but finally the war is over and they all are trying to put their lives back together.
Ripple Effect: Because Of The War by Jenny Ferns takes the reader through an English family’s life during World War II. I really felt as though I were part of the family and felt all of their joys, pains and sorrows. Ripple Effect portrays the horrors that families had to endure, the effects on the soldiers fighting against Hitler and the Germans, and so much more. Troubles plague each of the characters and each must fight their own demons. Jenny Ferns expertly wrote a story of historical fiction that I found impossible to put down. Ripple Effect is a five star winner. Perfect for fans of war time novels, historical romance, drama and realistic fiction.
Recommend this book:
Rebels against Tyranny
Civil War in the Crusader States
Helena P. Schrader
2019 Gold Medal
456 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
It is the 13th century, and a match between Sir Amaury Barlais and Sir Toringuel sees Amaury defeated. This failure sparks even more hatred from Amaury and this time he swears his revenge. Barlais and his two supportive friends, Cheneché and Bethsan, leave and later befriend Frederick II Hohenstaufen, feeding him lies about the Ibelins. Balian, the eldest son of John, Lord of Beirut, is still young when he witnesses the match. Being the eldest, his father is continuously hard on him, knowing that Balian will inherit his position as Lord of Beirut and head of the Ibelin family. When Balian encounters Frederick II, he is appalled at the monarch’s indifference to his uncle’s death and that of his own wife, Yolanda. This is the first of many encounters of Frederick’s inhumanity in Rebels against Tyranny by Helena P. Schrader.
The characters in the novel are very well drawn. Even though they are many in number, each of them fits into the plot and their roles are well expounded. The plot ties together and is brought alive by the vivid scenes and descriptions. Helena P. Schrader presents the way of life in the Crusader states and the turbulent battles the Ibelins forged against the tyrant. As much as historians point to Frederick II with much admiration, Schrader’s work helps in illuminating the more objective accounts written by Frederick’s contemporaries. The beautiful strand of romance in the plot made the book even more appealing. Rebels against Tyranny: Civil War in the Crusader States by Helena P. Schrader is a must-read for all lovers of history. It is not only revealing but also entrancing.
It is the 13th century, and a match between Sir Amaury Barlais and Sir Toringuel sees Amaury defeated. This failure sparks even more hatred from Amaury and this time he swears his revenge. Barlais and his two supportive friends, Cheneché and Bethsan, leave and later befriend Frederick II Hohenstaufen, feeding him lies about the Ibelins. Balian, the eldest son of John, Lord of Beirut, is still young when he witnesses the match. Being the eldest, his father is continuously hard on him, knowing that Balian will inherit his position as Lord of Beirut and head of the Ibelin family. When Balian encounters Frederick II, he is appalled at the monarch’s indifference to his uncle’s death and that of his own wife, Yolanda. This is the first of many encounters of Frederick’s inhumanity in Rebels against Tyranny by Helena P. Schrader.
The characters in the novel are very well drawn. Even though they are many in number, each of them fits into the plot and their roles are well expounded. The plot ties together and is brought alive by the vivid scenes and descriptions. Helena P. Schrader presents the way of life in the Crusader states and the turbulent battles the Ibelins forged against the tyrant. As much as historians point to Frederick II with much admiration, Schrader’s work helps in illuminating the more objective accounts written by Frederick’s contemporaries. The beautiful strand of romance in the plot made the book even more appealing. Rebels against Tyranny: Civil War in the Crusader States by Helena P. Schrader is a must-read for all lovers of history. It is not only revealing but also entrancing.
Recommend this book:
Storm Coming
A Novel of the Civil War in Western Virginia
Jack W. Lewis
2018 Finalist
384 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite
I have always known that there is a state named Virginia, and a state named West Virginia. But in all my reading of American history, even Civil War history, I had never found out when this happened or even why it happened. Now I know. Storm Coming by Jack W. Lewis and Carol S. Lewis is a novel of the Civil War in western Virginia. I never realized how much of that story took place before Fort Sumter. Some of my favorite general officers from that war are featured here, including Stonewall Jackson. The history is told from the angle of big events and smaller, more personal happenings. I think this is what makes Storm Coming such a great book.
The looming Civil War is always on everyone’s mind in this well written novel, but authors Jack and Carol Lewis are also good at telling the story of everyday life too. Wars come and go, but boys fall in love with girls and want to marry them, whether there is a war coming or not. Alexander Swaney is no exception. I like this character. I believe he is typical of the honest young men of his time. All the characters are done well in Storm Coming, and the plot is taken right out of a real situation in history. Perhaps this is why Storm Coming is such a great read. It is based on true events and real people. That adds a certain power to the story. If you are a Civil War buff, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.
I have always known that there is a state named Virginia, and a state named West Virginia. But in all my reading of American history, even Civil War history, I had never found out when this happened or even why it happened. Now I know. Storm Coming by Jack W. Lewis and Carol S. Lewis is a novel of the Civil War in western Virginia. I never realized how much of that story took place before Fort Sumter. Some of my favorite general officers from that war are featured here, including Stonewall Jackson. The history is told from the angle of big events and smaller, more personal happenings. I think this is what makes Storm Coming such a great book.
The looming Civil War is always on everyone’s mind in this well written novel, but authors Jack and Carol Lewis are also good at telling the story of everyday life too. Wars come and go, but boys fall in love with girls and want to marry them, whether there is a war coming or not. Alexander Swaney is no exception. I like this character. I believe he is typical of the honest young men of his time. All the characters are done well in Storm Coming, and the plot is taken right out of a real situation in history. Perhaps this is why Storm Coming is such a great read. It is based on true events and real people. That adds a certain power to the story. If you are a Civil War buff, you definitely don’t want to miss this one.
Recommend this book:
Lydia
Woman of Philippi
Diana Wallis Taylor
2018 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
While her father is a proud citizen of Rome, her mother believes in the Jewish faith and is allowed to teach and take Lydia to the temple.
Lydia’s marriage is arranged when she is only fifteen to a man she does not love and at many times during the marriage doesn’t even like. When her husband dies, Lydia’s only choice is to return to her parents' home to live with her young daughter. Her father has a very successful business making beautiful purple cloth and hopes to leave the well established dye business to his son. His son is not at all interested in the smelly business of dying cloth, but prefers the life of a soldier. Lydia, therefore, becomes next in line to inherit the factory and shops. As time passes and her father dies, circumstances force Lydia and her mother to leave their home and relocate in Philippi. Lydia works behind the scenes to keep the business alive and flourishing. Lydia and her mother go the river to meet other believers and, while there, Paul, Silas and Luke approach the crowd and share with them the story of Jesus. The rest of the story is taken from the Bible, plus Lydia’s trials and tribulations of daily life, perhaps imagined, perhaps very accurately shared concerning her mother, her daughter and grandson, Nikolas, the man she has come to love, and her new found religion.
Lydia, Woman of Philippi brings the word of God to life and adds a fictional side that made this book great. There is much in the book that quotes the scripture and verses of the Bible accurately and in the right context, but the best part is that it brought Lydia to life and made her a real person with a very real life. Lydia should be on the reading list of every Christian and Jew because author Diana Wallis Taylor has written a beautiful story dating back to the days of the Romans, Greeks and Paul’s biblical journey. I highly recommend this book; it was both enjoyable and factual and well worth reading on both levels. Please do not pass Lydia, Woman of Philippi by.
While her father is a proud citizen of Rome, her mother believes in the Jewish faith and is allowed to teach and take Lydia to the temple.
Lydia’s marriage is arranged when she is only fifteen to a man she does not love and at many times during the marriage doesn’t even like. When her husband dies, Lydia’s only choice is to return to her parents' home to live with her young daughter. Her father has a very successful business making beautiful purple cloth and hopes to leave the well established dye business to his son. His son is not at all interested in the smelly business of dying cloth, but prefers the life of a soldier. Lydia, therefore, becomes next in line to inherit the factory and shops. As time passes and her father dies, circumstances force Lydia and her mother to leave their home and relocate in Philippi. Lydia works behind the scenes to keep the business alive and flourishing. Lydia and her mother go the river to meet other believers and, while there, Paul, Silas and Luke approach the crowd and share with them the story of Jesus. The rest of the story is taken from the Bible, plus Lydia’s trials and tribulations of daily life, perhaps imagined, perhaps very accurately shared concerning her mother, her daughter and grandson, Nikolas, the man she has come to love, and her new found religion.
Lydia, Woman of Philippi brings the word of God to life and adds a fictional side that made this book great. There is much in the book that quotes the scripture and verses of the Bible accurately and in the right context, but the best part is that it brought Lydia to life and made her a real person with a very real life. Lydia should be on the reading list of every Christian and Jew because author Diana Wallis Taylor has written a beautiful story dating back to the days of the Romans, Greeks and Paul’s biblical journey. I highly recommend this book; it was both enjoyable and factual and well worth reading on both levels. Please do not pass Lydia, Woman of Philippi by.
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