Jill Eileen Smith is a must-read author for me. Her Biblical Fiction is without question some of the best in the genre, and her newest release from Revell Publishers is one of her most impressive works so far. “The Prince and the Prodigal” is a sweeping masterpiece that spans decades of time, and dives deep into the lives of two brothers who most likely you are familiar with… Joseph and Judah, two of the twelve sons of Jacob – patriarch of biblical times. Continue reading
Erica Wiggenhorn has a special gift for bringing characters from the Bible to life, and making their stories, struggles, and strivings become relatable to our own lives. Her new book from Moody Publishers, “Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck And How Surrender Sets You Free” is a bit of a deviation from the last three Bible studies she’s written; instead this book is written in a basic 16-chapter format. At the end of each chapter is a section to help us pause and reflect, apply, and pray about the content we just read. Continue reading
In the acknowledgements at the end of the book, Jill Eileen Smith claims that she has been certain a couple of times before that she had just completed the hardest book she’d ever write… but now, without question, “Miriam’s Song” is her most challenging book to date. From the flip side, I keep thinking that Jill’s latest Biblical fiction story simply can’t be beat, but the next time I pick up a new story with her name on it, she has outdone herself once again! “Miriam’s Song” is a sweeping saga spanning decades of one of the most remarkable and well-known stories in the Old Testament, but is told through a different set of eyes than we normally view the book of Exodus – those belonging to Moses’ sister, Miriam. Continue reading
Angela Hunt’s masterfully written biblical fiction always exceeds my expectations. As we step into the pages of the story, we are carried back in time to Israel before the birth of Jesus, and can see, hear, smell, taste, and almost touch the ancient setting that envelops us. Ms. Hunt’s newest novel is just as incredible (and based on historical fact) as her previous works, and is a continuation of her “Silent Years” series. “Jerusalem’s Queen: A Novel of Salome Alexandra” is the story of one of Judea’s greatest rulers, who lived in the time period between the writing of the Old Testament and the New Testament. In fact, Salome Alexandra’s reign ended only a few years before the Messiah was born, and her peaceful influence over Jerusalem (after a time of unrest and horrific atrocities from the leaders of the nation) paved the way for Jesus’ lifetime. Continue reading
With novels written by Lynn Austin and published by Bethany House, I’ve learned that you can generally count on three unique features:
– an unusual storyline that often spans several decades and is told from multiple points of view;
– fascinating characters who experience unique challenges in unheard-of-before circumstances;
– and themes that will inspire, challenge, and cause you to think more deeply about your own journey through life. Continue reading
Prairie Sky Book Reviews 