Of Fire and Lions

By Mesu Andrews / WaterBrook

Mesu Andrews masterfully shares a great story with us. Characters come to life as if you’re going through their day with them. The dialogue flows easy and the family dynamics are so realistic. The scoundrels and evil doers say and do just enough to make them loathsome. Some readers don’t care for books filled with ancient Babylonian names. There is quite a roster of them in Of Fire and Lions, but don’t let it be an obstacle to this recent release. The character list at the opening is a great resource.

The starting point for this book is the Bible’s Book of Daniel. There are some gripping events that are accurately told in this historical fiction book. Three Jewish exiles survive a fiery furnace. Lions with insatiable appetites take no action, even though Daniel is sealed inside as easy prey. As you walk through these events with the characters you are drawn into an epic story that gives you new insight into the Babylonian Empire. Andrews’ research leaves no stone unturned.

Of the author’s three most recent releases, I have to say Miriam was my favorite. I read Isaiah’s Daughter and enjoyed it. Miriam was a Christie Award finalist two years ago, and Isaiah’s Daughter won the top award in historical fiction last year. This newest release, Of Fire and Lions, covers a lot of ground. Seventy years of captivity to be exact. A consistent, impressive story thread throughout the story is Daniel’s rock solid faith in his one true God. He remains steadfast despite being surrounded by a culture that is is hostile to his beliefs. This is captivating enough, but the transformation of some of the fictional characters is just as gripping.

In her author notes, Mesu Andrews writes that she hopes her fiction will drive readers to Scripture to delve deep on Daniel and the experience of the exiles. I know I turned to Ezra to look further into the historical record of Sheshbazzar and his role in the return to Jerusalem.

My goal was to finish this book by its release date. I was on track until I found myself savoring the book and not wanting it to end. This behavior is familiar to all readers who just don’t want to have to say goodbye to a good book. I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. #OfFireandLions #NetGalley

Under the Midnight Sun #3 By Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse / Bethany House

I read the first and last book in the Heart of Alaska trilogy.

Now I’m compelled to find Book 2 and read the series in its entirety. The setting grabbed me first. The characters enjoy the majestic Alaskan outdoors with plenty of hikes and riverside walks. Then there’s the bustling activity level at the Curry Hotel. The cast of characters wins you over immediately. You’ll just want to keep reading to find out how things turn out for them.

Just this week, I was reading the devotional publication titled Our Daily Bread. The verse at 1 Thessalonians 5:15 was featured: Here it is: “Always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.” NIV When I read that I thought, “Wow…. this describes how the main characters in “Under the Midnight Sun” behaved exactly. They rallied around each other and offered words of encouragement when needed. When more than a listening ear was needed, they met that need. Sometimes babysitting was needed. At other points, characters tied on aprons and helped prep meals for the Curry Hotel’s many guests. At the story’s close, we see Thomas and Allan go above and beyond to protect Tayler, and allow her to keep working in a job she loves. The generous characters who thought of others thrived. While the unsavory types who were selfish and driven by unworthy ambitions fared miserably.

The authors, Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse, state at the opening, that this last installment is dedicated to telling Thomas’ story. What a story! We first met Thomas when he was an awkward, young orphan taken in by the Curry Hotel Staff. His mix-up’s and bungled attempts at completing tasks caused eyes to roll and many snickers. In Book 3, Thomas is a mature and caring man. You’ll love how his story ends. Tayler is a smart sophisticated young woman who is blazing her own trail. She is a protagonist to hold in high regard; one that is most deserving of a happy ending!  At the conclusion, some story threads come together as expected. More than a few resolve in a manner that will catch you by surprise.

I read an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.