Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith | Biblical Fiction

Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story

Jill Eileen Smith

Biblical Fiction

When the greatest joys she has ever known are stripped away, the first woman must find the courage to face an unknown future

The first time she opens her eyes, Eve gazes on one whose beauty nearly blinds her, whose breath is in her lungs. Her Creator takes her hand and gives her to another like her and yet different. Together, she and Adam experience pure joy as they explore Eden. Her favorite moments are when the Creator comes to walk with them, day after day.

Then everything changes.

Through one act of disobedience, Eve finds that her world is no longer a friendly place. With remorse in her heart, she must face the unknown future--the births, the deaths, the sacrifices, the loss of the only home she has ever known. Perhaps worst of all is the loss of trust, not only with her Creator but also with the man who shares her life. How will they ever survive out of Eden?

Bestselling biblical fiction author Jill Eileen Smith imagines the life of the first woman to ever live, unspooling an epic story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I have to admit that I am always a bit hesitant to read Biblical fiction. It stresses me out that the author may take too many liberties (according to my standard) and I'll be left disappointed. The exception to that are stories by Jill Eileen Smith. She is meticulous about accuracy yet gifted with imagining how it might have been.

Daughter of Eden is glorious. I found myself at times weeping at the profound sadness of the Fall. But then I also couldn't help but smile at the beauty of creation and the Creator Himself. As you can guess by the title this is Eve's story. The time span is from her creation to her death.

The details pack in between those two dates are fascinating and thought provoking. Think about this . . . when Adam and Eve are removed from the garden they are suddenly thrust into a world that is completely unknown to them. How did they know to make fire the first time? Or weave a basket to use as a container? Ms. Smith uses these instances to show God Himself teaching them and reminding us that He never left them.

I can't recommend this book enough. It's beautifully written and I think it will leave you longing for a deeper fellowship with the Creator. 

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: © J. Lynn Perry Photography

www.JillEileenSmith.com

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith | Biblical Fiction Review

Miriam's Song

Jill Eileen Smith

Biblical Fiction

She has prayed for deliverance from Egypt.

But perhaps the greatest liberation happens within the heart.

From the very beginning, Miriam has lived in her younger brother's shadow. Thrust into the role of protective older sister before Moses was even born, she will grow up into a woman who not only keeps her family's secret but bears the burden of leading a new nation.

In her mind, she knows that she is serving both her God and her people. But in her heart, Miriam yearns for more. She longs to experience the privileges Moses has--to talk with God face-to-face. But when God finally does speak directly to her, the outcome is not at all what she expects.

With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic novel to fill in the gaps in Miriam's story, following her from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfillment as she learns that what God promises He provides--in His own perfect timing.

Read An Excerpt

My Thoughts

Miriam's Song may be Jill Eileen Smith's best book yet! I've read all of her other biblical fiction and I am always impressed with the detail and accuracy she brings to each story. If you've not yet read one of her books you need to treat yourself soon.

In the biblical account Moses is the main character, as he should be. Miriam is his older sister and we meet her with the account of her brother's birth. After that the story shifts primarily to Moses. But who is Miriam? What was going on in her life in the intervening years between Moses' birth and the time when the Israelites are set free?

Jill fills in the gaps with information we know and what we can assume was taking place.  Before I read one of her books I like to read over the biblical account so I can keep in mind what is fact and what is fiction. Every time I have been impressed with her ability to merge the two while remaining dedicated to the historical record.

If you've never read biblical fiction because you are hesitant about the fiction aspect I urge you to give Miriam's Song a try. I think you will lose yourself in the beauty of the story of a woman chosen by God to uphold His servant Moses. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading many more by her.

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: © J. Lynn Perry Photography

www.JillEileenSmith.com

Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Twitter

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Revell to facilitate my review.

 

The Prophetess: Deborah's Story (Daughters of the Promised Land, #2) by Jill Eileen Smith {Book Review}

The Prophetess: Deborah's Story

Daughters of the Promised Land, #2

Jill Eileen Smith

Historical Fiction/Biblical Fiction

Canaan has ravaged Israel. 

The people are in hiding. All that stands between 

surrender and hope is one untested woman. 

Deborah will never forget the day her father and brothers left to worship at the Lord's tabernacle--or the wails of her mother after finding their bodies at the city gates. The memories of Canaan's cruelty haunt her and all of Israel. Now in this dark time, the Lord calls on Deborah to lead His people away from the idols of other nations and back to Him.

Deborah never asked to be a prophetess or a judge over God's people. Still, she cannot deny His voice or the visions that accompany it. Can her family ever understand? Will her people believe God's calling on her life? And can the Canaanite menace be stopped?

With her trademark impeccable research and imaginative storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the story of Israel's most powerful woman in this intriguing and inspiring novel.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

I remember way back in my early Sunday School days learning about Deborah. I was so fascinated by her story. Up until this point most of the women in the Bible were ordinary but suddenly there was Deborah, chosen by God to be a judge for her people Israel. That's exciting type stuff for a young bossy flossy type girl like me.

When I received Jill Eileen Smith's new book The Prophetess: Deborah's Story I couldn't wait to dive in. I knew it would be good but I wondered how she was going to expound on the little we know about Deborah from Scripture. Deborah's story is riveting but it is told in two chapters, Judges 4:1-5:31.

Jill begins Deborah's story by introducing us to Deborah and her eventual husband Lappidoth when they are young teenagers. I appreciated how she set the stage by letting us imagine with her how their personalities were. Eventually we meet Barak and others that are also mentioned in Scripture. 

As I said earlier I am familiar with Deborah's story but it has been a while since I have read through the book of Judges so some of the details were a bit foggy. After I finished the book I grabbed my Bible and reread the story of Deborah. Jill nailed it. Every detail mentioned is told in her story exactly. Yes she added new characters and dialogue but the basics of the story are the same. She masterfully took the skeleton of Deborah's story in Judges and added muscle and flesh and in essence breathed life into the characters. 

I have a high standard for Biblical fiction. I have no use for a book that deviates from the original story just for the sake of heightening the story line. In my opinion it must be accurate above all else. As with all of her other stories The Prophetess meets and exceeds my expectations. 

If you are looking for an accurate account of Deborah's story this is it. Through the telling of this period of Israel's history we're reminded of the cost of turning away from God. But the best part is that we also see the joy of repentance and restoration. There is much to be learned from the life of Deborah.

If you happen to be in a book club I would highly recommend this book to your group. You can find a Reading Group Guide on the Baker Publishing Group's website.  

Other Reviews For This Author

The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story

Rachel

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: © Amanda Matilla Photography

www.JillEileenSmith.com

Facebook  -  Twitter  -  Pinterest  -  Goodreads

On This Foundation (The Restoration Chronicles, Book 3) by Lynn Austin {Historical Fiction Review}

On This Foundation

The Restoration Chronicles, Book 3

Lynn Austin

Historical Fiction / Biblical Fiction

Stone by Stone,

the Wall Will Rise Once More

Around God's City

When news reaches him that Jerusalem's wall is shattered and its gates burned with fire, a distraught Nehemiah seeks God's guidance in fasting and prayer. Granted an unexpected leave from his duty as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah sets out for Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall--never anticipating all the dangers that await him on his arrival.

The leaders of the surrounding nations become his fierce enemies, plotting to assassinate him and stop the wall's reconstruction forever. A drought, meanwhile, has left the country impoverished, with many families resorting to selling their children as bondservants just to keep from starving.

Capturing the rebuilding of the wall through the eyes of a number of characters, On This Foundation is the powerful conclusion to The Restoration Chronicles. This exploration of faith in the midst of oppression offers hope that, in spite of appearances, the gracious hand of God is upon those who believe.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Do you know how I can tell an historical book is good? I know it's good when I'm very familiar with the story being told and yet I continue to eagerly read to find out what is going to happen as if I didn't know the outcome. That is exactly what I did with On This Foundation.

On This Foundation is the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of the wall around Jerusalem. I grew up reading my Bible and going to Sunday School so I cannot possibly tell you the amount of times that I have read the story of Nehemiah. Let's just say it is enough to be pretty familiar with the account.

Reading Lynn Austin's fictionalized version was like having dessert after dinner. She took the bones of the story and fleshed it out with added storylines that we only get a glancing view of in the Bible. She did a masterful job at sticking to the Biblical account while adding in narrative and content that would enhance the story but not take anything away from it.

I've enjoyed Lynn's writing across the different genres but it is my hope that she will delve into more Biblical fiction stories because she did such a wonderful job with this series. While each of the books in the series are considered stand alone titles don't cheat yourself by not going back and reading the previous two in the series. You'll be glad that you did.

Connect With The Author

Photo Credit: Photo courtesy of The Picture People Studio

www.LynnAustin.org

Facebook  -  Goodreads

Eve by William Paul Young {Book Review}

Eve

William Paul Young

Fiction

WHEN A SHIPPING CONTAINER washes ashore on an island between our world and the next, John the Collector finds a young woman inside--broken, frozen, and barely alive. With the aid of Healers and Scholars, John oversees her recovery and soon discovers that her genetic code connects her to every known race. No one would guess what her survival will mean . . .

No one but Eve, Mother of the Living, who calls her "daughter" and invites her to witness the truth about her story--indeed, the truth about us all.

Eve is a bold, unprecedented exploration of the Creation narrative, true to the original texts and centuries of scholarship--yet with breathtaking discoveries that challenge traditional beliefs about who we are and how we're made. As The Shack awakened readers to a personal, non-religious understanding of God, Eve will free us from faulty interpretations that have corrupted human relationships since the Garden of Eden.

Eve opens a refreshing conversation about the equality of men and women within the context of our beginnings, helping us see each other as our Creator does--complete, unique, and not constrained by cultural rules or limitations.

Thoroughly researched and exquisitely written, Eve is a masterpiece that will linspire readers for generations to come.

My Thoughts
This is a tough review for me. I'm torn with what to say because I don't want to disparage Mr. Young but I also don't want to be false in my assessment of the book. I went into the reading of this book with the knowledge that Mr. Young was a talented writer. I've read some of his previous endeavors and enjoyed his writing style. In Eve I once again enjoyed his mastery of words and story. But unfortunately I couldn't separate the fiction from the Biblical account.
If Eve truly were a work of fiction based solely upon the authors imagination I would rate it higher and say that it was a good story just not quite to my liking. However, the story crosses over into Biblical fiction and that takes it to another level of scrutiny for me. 
Even though Mr. Young proclaims extensive research into the original texts the story of Eve deviates from it over and over in quite extreme ways. Mr. Young also states that he wishes to take a look at gender equality in a new way but I perceived it as more of a shifting of blame onto Adam rather than Adam and Eve equally disobeying God. Many of the themes throughout the book lean to an ultra feminist agenda that just don't sit well with me and seem to be contrary to Scripture.
Eve is a book that I would personally recommend skipping. While the author is quite talented the subject matter in this book make it impossible for me to recommend it to anyone. It is my hope that Mr. Young will continue to use his talents but in areas that aren't as controversial. 
Connect With The Author

www.WmPaulYoung.com

Facebook  -  Pinterest  -  Instagram  -  Twitter

The Friends of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury {Book Review}

The Friends of Jesus

Life-Changing Bible Story Series, Book 2

Karen Kingsbury

Biblical Fiction

THIS SECOND BOOK in Karen Kingsbury's Life-Changing Bible Story Series deals with the friends of Jesus. This cast of characters traveled with Jesus and assisted Him with His ministry on a daily basis. They were the people He taught most often and who saw lives changed most dramatically. Yet among them was one who would question Christ, one who would doubt Him . . . and one who would betray Him. In every case they each have a compelling story to tell. A story that will draw you closer to Christ . . . closer to the Scriptures . . . and closer to each other.

• Experience Simon the Leper's humble gratitude
• Believe again with Martha
• Remember what matters most with Jairus
• Understand Mary Magdalene's devotion
• Witness Peter's redemption
• And learn from John's humility

Often we struggle the most with our friends, those people who spend time with us and know us best. This Bible story will give you a deeper understanding of the friends of Jesus as you learn what the Bible has to say about these fascinating relationships.

My Thoughts
Karen Kingsbury follows up her initial foray into Biblical fiction with another dynamic hit. Last year I read the first book in her Life-Changing Bible Story series, The Family of Jesus, and loved it. I eagerly anticipated this second book, The Friends of Jesus. 
As I said in my review for The Family of Jesus, I am quite picky about Biblical fiction. I don't mind adding background characters and scenery but I do not like it when an author takes too much license with the known facts. Kingsbury has again done a masterful job at presenting well-known stories by fleshing them out and adding dialogue to the scriptural accounts.
I know the first book was a big hit and I anticipate that this one will be as well. The story of Simon the Leper left me heartbroken when he at first lost everything that he knew. He was a Pharisee and prided himself on living to the letter of the law. Then the unthinkable happens and he is struck with leprosy. Talk about the ultimate doom for a Pharisee. He not only lost his standing in the community he lost his home and his family. His family was instructed to think of him as dead. Can you even imagine?
The story moves along and continues to weave in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jairus, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and then my favorite John. In her quintessential Kingsbury way Karen has taken these six seemingly separate stories and woven them together to give us a beautiful view of those that were the closest to Jesus.
Even though the stories were a fictionalized version it was easy to be drawn in to the ministry of Christ and revel in His miracles and teachings. I enjoyed this second book every bit as much as the first. 
At the end of the story there is a section of discussion questions that would work well with a book club or reading group. Another great resource to use as a follow up to the book is The Friends of Jesus Bible Study. It is a workbook and video teaching series by Karen Kingsbury.
Connect With The Author

www.KarenKingsbury.com
Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Goodreads YouTube  I  Pinterest  I  Instagram

The Tomb: A Novel of Martha by Stephanie Landsem ~ Biblical Fiction Review

The Tomb: A Novel of Martha

The Living Water Series, Book 3

Stephanie Landsem

Biblical Fiction

NO ONE KNOWS THE WORRIES that weigh on Martha, the burden she has carried for seven years. The townspeople call her the holiest woman in Bethany, but Martha's perfect reputation protects a secret that could destroy everyone she loves.

Only two men know the truth: her brother, Lazarus, and Simon, the strict Pharisee Martha is bound to marry. Lazarus's only wish is to follow his cousin Jesus, but Simon will stop at nothing to ensure that Jesus is exposed as a fraud and blasphemer. When Lazarus falls ill, Martha must decide if she will send for Jesus to heal her brother, or defy Simon, who threatens to expose her shame. Must she remain bound in her tomb of secrets and watch her brother die?

On the southern shores of Galilee, a tortured man roams, possessed by a legion of demons. When Jesus frees him, he finds that seven years have passed since he promised to return to the woman who gave him her heart. He sets out for Bethany, hoping he is not too late to reclaim Martha's love.

Full of doubt in the one her sister calls the Messiah, Martha risks all to send for Jesus. But will Jesus prove worthy of her trust, or will he--like the man she once loved--forsake her?

My Thoughts

Stephanie Landsem continues to captivate me with her Biblical fiction. If you have ever found the Bible to be a dull read check out one of her books. I can almost guarantee that you will want to dig deeper into Scripture to discover more about the people and places she has fictionalized in her stories.

The Tomb centers on the story of siblings Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. While Landsem has chosen to take a bit of license with the timeline of events and added in some what ifs, the story itself allows these well known historical figures to blossom. She has added in supporting roles that may very well have been accurate but we don't know because Scripture doesn't say. For instance we know a bit about Mary, Martha, and Lazarus but virtually nothing about their relatives and neighbors. I found the addition of these characters to enhance the story without detracting from the truths that are contained in Scripture.

I particularly enjoyed exploring the facets of Martha. Why did she act the way she did? Who was she besides Mary and Lazarus's sister? Did she ever marry? Did she have children? I could also ask those same questions about Mary and Lazarus. Frankly we don't know. Landsem has done a masterful job of walking the tightrope of historical fiction. She stays fairly accurate on known facts but allows her pen to put down some intriguing what if scenarios. I enjoyed the story immensely and look forward to reading many more of her books.

If you are interested in reading about what I thought of The Thief  by Stephanie Landsem go here.

Connect With The Author

www.StephanieLandsem.com

Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Pinterest

Google+  I  Goodreads

Esther: Royal Beauty (A Dangerous Beauty Novel, Book 1) by Angela Hunt ~ Biblical Fiction Review

Esther: Royal Beauty 

A Dangerous Beauty Novel, Book 1 

Angela Hunt 

Biblical Fiction

When an ambitious tyrant 
threatens genocide against the Jews,

an inexperienced young queen 
must take a stand for her people. 

When Xerxes, king of Persia, issues a call for beautiful young women, Hadassah, a Jewish orphan living in Susa, is forcibly taken to the palace of the pagan ruler. After months of preparation, the girl known to the Persians as Esther wins the king's heart and a queen's crown. But because her situation is uncertain, she keeps her ethnic identity a secret until she learns that an evil and ambitious man has won the king's permission to exterminate all Jews--young and old, powerful and helpless. Purposely violating an ancient Persian law, she risks her life in order to save her people...and bind her husband's heart.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Biblical fiction done well is one of my favorite genres to read. Angela Hunt is one of the best Biblical fiction writers that I have read. She adheres to the historic and Biblical accounts but manages to bring her own storytelling magic to the mix.

The story of Queen Esther isn't new to most of us. In fact it is one of the first stories young girls learn to love in Sunday School. An ordinary girl is elevated to queen. What could be more worthy of daydreams? But behind that romantic notion lies a lot of heartache, deception and danger. 

In this retelling of this historical story we are allowed to glimpse more than just the fairy-tale ending. Angela Hunt uses the first person perspective of Hadasseh (Queen Esther) and a eunuch named Harbonah. As the chapters flip between the two characters we are allowed to draw deeper into the story and experience the events through the eyes of these two. 

My particular favorite about this book is the lead up to Hadasseh coming to the palace. Through accurate historic accounts Angela has woven a past for the girl that we come to know as Esther. Suddenly she becomes flesh instead of a mysterious person that just appears on the page.

When you've finished the novel you really must treat yourself and read the author's note. It gave me such a deeper appreciation to all that went into this very engaging story. The author has also included a set of discussion questions that would be a great added bonus if you use this book in your local book club.

Connect With The Author

www.AngelaHuntBooks.com

Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Goodreads

A.D. 30 by Ted Dekker ~ Historical Fiction Review

A.D. 30

Ted Dekker

Historical Fiction / Biblical Fiction

A sweeping epic set in the harsh deserts of Arabia and ancient Palestine.

A war that rages between kingdoms on the earth and in the heart.

The harrowing journey of the woman at the center of it all.

Step back in time to the year of our Lord . . .

A. D. 30

The outcast daughter of one of the most powerful Bedouin sheikhs in Arabia, Maviah is called on to protect the very people who rejected her. When their enemies launch a sudden attack with devastating consequences, Maviah escapes with the help of two of her father's warriors--Saba, who speaks more with his sword than his voice, and Judah, a Jew who comes from a tribe that can read the stars. Their journey will be fraught with terrible danger. If they can survive the vast forbidding sands of a desert that is deadly to most, they will reach a brutal world subjugated by kings and emperors. There Maviah must secure an unlikely alliance with King Herod of the Jews.

But Maviah's path leads her unexpectedly to another man. An enigmatic teacher who speaks of a way in this life that offers greater power than any kingdom. His name is Yeshua, and his words turn everything known on its head. Though following him may present even greater danger, his may be the only way for Maviah to save her people--and herself.

My Thoughts
When I embark upon a reading of a Ted Dekker novel I have certain expectations. I expect to be entertained. I expect there to be a plot full of unexpected twists and turns. And I expect for there to be an underlying message that reaches beyond the page and into my life. With A.D. 30 Ted has not only met those expectations he has exceeded them.  Maviah is a character that can represent any of us, whether male or female. She has been rejected and abused by those who should have shown her love. She has spent her life just surviving. She has sworn allegiance to idols that are silent and have never come to her rescue. The result has been a growing and deep-seated fear. Fear of not being worthy of anything. Fear of failing. Fear of death. In the midst of some of her strongest turmoil she meets Yeshua and He speaks peace to her weary soul. She drinks in His teachings that bring strength and comfort to her fears. Through her encounters we can also learn from Yeshua. We learn that everything that we think will save us is really what binds us.  In the beginning of the book is a note from the author entitled My Journey Into A. D. 30. Ted speaks of his journey through writing this novel and how deeply it has affected his life. After reading the book I know why. You cannot have such a personal encounter with the Creator and come away unchanged. It is a book that I had to read and put down and absorb what was being presented and then pick it back up and start reading again. The truth that is being presented is that in Christ we have nothing to fear. Even death only puts us in the very presence of our Savior. So if there is truly nothing to fear then the only alternative is to live in freedom. The problem is that we often forget that simple truth. I so enjoyed my journey through the desert with Maviah. She is the epitome of who we all are, flawed, broken, and bitter. But the beauty is that redemption is being extended to us all. We must only believe.
Connect With The Author

www.TedDekker.com

Facebook I Twitter I YouTube

Goodreads  I  Instagram

The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury ~ A Biblical Fiction and Bible Study Review and Giveaway

The Family of Jesus

Heart of the Story, Book 1

Karen Kingsbury

Biblical Fiction/ Bible Study

Back of the book:

Meet the family closest to Jesus . . .

Joseph,

his stepfather: the protector of Jesus

Zechariah,

                his uncle: a priest who waited on God

Elizabeth,

                his aunt: a woman who faithfully believed in the impossible

John the Baptist,

                his cousin: a man whose whole life meant dying for Jesus
James,

                his brother: a man whose regret turned to joy

Mary,

                his mother: a woman desperate to save her son from the one mission she couldn’t stop

These are their stories.

Each has a compelling tale to tell. Based on the Bible and interspersed with emotionally gripping fictional details as well as historical and theological insights, the stories of Jesus’s family will shed new light on God’s word.

Read and imagine the Bible like never before.

My thoughts:
With The Family of Jesus, Karen Kingsbury uses her talent to take her fans in a new direction. She has embarked on a storytelling journey into the realm of Biblical fiction. In my opinion it is some of the best work I have seen from her in a long time. That is not to say I haven't enjoyed her recent works, it is just that this book feels like her original writing. It is very engaging in its simply told stories. 

I'm a very picky reader when it comes to Biblical fiction. I think there is a fine line that shouldn't be crossed and I'm happy to say that Karen stayed on the correct side of that line. In fact at the very beginning of the book she explained the parameters that she stuck to in telling the stories.

"From the beginning as I undertook this project, I felt compelled by my love of the Bible to stick to some hard-and-fast ground rules. The most important was this: The stories had to be anchored in Scripture. In a way, I took the Bible verses on these real-life characters and stuck them like tent stakes in the desert sand. Nothing could ever violate those truths.

Then I researched the cultural and geographical accuracy and made absolutely sure the tent of the stories didn't billow beyond that.

But otherwise, I let the tent blow in the wind a little."

So with that in mind I'm pleased to say that this was a wonderful journey through the life of Christ as seen through the eyes of those closest to Him. The story begins with Joseph and winds through Zechariah, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, James and then ends with His mother Mary.

The stories are so well told that I found myself contemplating things that I had never really considered before. Such as how did Mary and Joseph's families feel about the situation. What kind of shame would be heaped upon Zachariah for remaining childless all those years? After all he is a priest and his offspring is expected to carry on that priestly line. What would John the Baptist be like as a child? The Scripture says he was filled with the Spirit from birth. How would that affect his actions and decisions? As you can see there is lots and lots to ponder during the telling of this line of stories.

The second half of the book is made up of a six week Bible study that takes each of the characters presented and spends five days delving deeper into the background of that person. Each week then ends with a Group Discussion session. This book would make an excellent small-group study or even an extended Book Club read and discussion.

READ AN EXCERPT!

Connect with the author:

www.KarenKingsbury.com

Facebook

Twitter ~ @KarenKingsbury

Goodreads

The Giveaway:

We have partnered with Family Christian to offer two of our readers a copy of the book The Family of Jesus. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Tuesday, July 29, 2014. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

a Rafflecopter giveaway