In this Lenten season my husband and I are reading a devotion each evening from 40 Lives in 40 Days: Experiencing God’s Grace through the Bible’s Most Compelling Characters by John MacArthur. On Sunday mornings we have a class discussing the devotions.
Other books have taken me around the world. I have enjoyed the following books.
I enjoy the Biblical, historical fiction by Tessa Afshar. Her characters are on a journey of faith in stories inspired by the Bible. The Royal Artisan is set in the time period when Esther was Queen of Persia. An edict was made by the underhanded work of Haman, and it was approved by the King. The edict instructed the killing and annihilation of the Jewish people.
Two Jewish young adults are looking for a copy of King Cyrus’ decree that freed the Jews to return to Israel. The copy had been preserved and hidden for many years by the young Jewish woman’s parents, now deceased. When Shoshanah’s friend, Jadon, learns of the copy he is determined to find it. When Shoshanah questions the value of the edict, Jadon responded with faith.
He explained that God had directed King Cyrus’ decree. He reminded her of Jeremiah’s prophecy. God’s promises are faithful and true.
Another book that I have enjoyed by this author is Jewel of the Nile. This story gives a glimpse into the Kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire around 60 A.D.
The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan is a historical fiction book, inspired by a radio program during WWII. As women in England tried to feed their families despite food shortages and rationing, a British radio program was started to provide recipes and cooking tips.
In the novel, Ryan has designed a cooking contest that leads to recipes shared for The Kitchen Front. Women were the soldiers on the home front. Throughout the book there are recipes, some from the author’s grandmother. I enjoyed the example of creative substitution in recipes, the benefit of foraged ingredients. I was pleased to see the use of elderberries in recipes.
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I would be interested in learning about other religions I’ve read books like this before. I’m really interested in the Kitchen Front. My mom and nan lived through WWII
Great reviews Carol. I always appreciate learning of new reads and recommendations.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month Sweet friend.
I’ve only read a few novels by Tessa Afshar but have loved every one. I haven’t read The Royal Artisan but would love to. Adding it to my list. Visiting from BookWorms Monthly – Happy Reading!
Enjoy! Thanks for visiting.