Editorial Review

The red tent is the place where women gathered during their cycles of birthing, menses, and even illness. Like the conversations and mysteries held within this feminine tent, this sweeping piece of fiction offers an insider's look at the daily life of a biblical sorority of mothers and wives and their one and only daughter, Dinah. Told in the voice of Jacob's daughter Dinah (who only received a glimpse of recognition in the Book of Genesis), we are privy to the fascinating feminine characters who bled within the red tent. In a confiding and poetic voice, Dinah whispers stories of her four mothers, Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, and Bilhah--all wives to Jacob, and each one embodying unique feminine traits. As she reveals these sensual and emotionally charged stories we learn of birthing miracles, slaves, artisans, household gods, and sisterhood secrets. Eventually Dinah delves into her own saga of betrayals, grief, and a call to midwifery.Read more

Reviews (1279)

Perfect for Mills and Boon
A vacuous hypothesis based on Biblical times.The book is without any real story, no depth and lacking in any intelligence whatsoever.It should have been published by Mills and Boon.

A tremendously intuitive and insightful story
I thought this book was incredible.If you're looking for a work of fiction that tells a woman's story, this is it.It expounds on little known women of the Bible and tells a richly woven tale of the secret intimacies, thoughts, feelings and reflections of what life was like for women during Biblical years.I love this story and would highly recommend it.I thought the audiobook was especially enjoyable because I would've otherwise struggled with the pronunciation of names I am not familiar with.

Investigative Tabloids of Dinah
Dinah explains from the first chapter that if you want to know about a woman you must ask her about her mother, then wait and listen attentively.Since she had four mothers: Leah, Rachel, Zilpah and Bilhah--the wives of Jacob (Israel) she builds us up for a thick and complex story.Hebraic devices like the "selah" and touchstones of narrative lifted from Genesis point to the original scaffolding: an ancient, revered document: The Torah.
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Subjects:  1. (Biblical character)    2. (Biblical figure)    3. Bible    4. Bible.    5. Dinah    6. Fiction    7. Fiction - Religious    8. Genesis    9. Historical - General    10. History of Biblical events    11. O.T    12. O.T.    13. Religious - Biblical    14. Women in the Bible    15. Fiction / Religious    16. Modern fiction    17. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

While the Bible may be the word of God, transcribed by divinely inspired men, it does not provide a full (or even partial) account of the life of Jesus Christ. Lucky for us that Christopher Moore presents a funny, lighthearted satire of the life of Christ--from his childhood days up to his crucifixion--in Read more

Reviews (353)

A Messiah and miracle worker with a sense of humor
Moore created a tough challenge for himself as a comic writer by putting a fictional spin on the life of Christ, especially the years between His childhood and ministry that are a wide gap in the Gospels. Yet he succeeds brilliantly in giving the iconic Messiah and miracle worker a human personality with a trait some of His most dour, so-called followers centuries later still lack - a sense of humor. The number of grammatical errors and occasional factual goof (in his epilogue Moore refers to the Book of Revelations, instead of Revelation) are disappointing. Yet, overall, his research is meticulous. For me, the narrative stalled in the middle - where Moore has the Messiah in the Middle East learning Eastern philosophy from the three wise men. Still, "Lamb" is memorable and thoroughly enjoyable.

Delightful and fun!
I couldn't put it down! The scene in the garden, where Joshua first encounters the procrastinating angel, had me laughing so hard.. and then, every time I thought about it. Biff and Joshua are typical boys, growing up and venturing forth in the world. Biff knows his buddy is special and he's always there to cover Josh's back, to encourage and protect, and to discuss those things universal to young men. It's a fun book you'll want to share.

Tooo funny for words!
Are you tired of all the depressing news in the world today? Well, now you can escape for a while by reading Lamb:The Gospel According To Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. I was leary about purchasing this book because of my staunch Catholic upbringing. However, I trusted the Amazon reviewers and once again was rewarded with a fantastic read. Christopher Moore is my kind of nut case. His imagination is incredible and this book was almost impossible to put down. I have already ordered another one of his books and will most likely read every one that he has written. It feels so good to laugh...thanks Christopher! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible.    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Historical    5. Friends and associates    6. Gospels    7. Historical - General    8. History of Biblical events    9. Jesus Christ    10. N.T    11. N.T.    12. Religious - General    13. Fiction / General   

Reviews (1)

riveting thriller
At Preston College, biblical archeologist Michael Murphy receives another letter from Methuselah that contains a riddle.After figuring out what it means, Michael travels to the underground funhouse in Charlotte where he battles and defeats Ninja killers.He finds another riddle that he deciphers that focuses on Aaron's Rod and the Golden Jar of Manna that was in the Ark of the Covenant before it was lost to the Philistines.
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Subjects:  1. Archaeologists    2. Biblical scholars    3. Dagan (Semitic deity)    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. Religious - Apocalyptic    7. Religious - General    8. Suspense    9. Fiction / General   

Reviews (208)

Amazing Story: Amazing Writer.
Readers must applaud Ms. Rice for her courageous and highly educational historical-oriented 'Christ The Lord: Out Of Egypt'.The research conducted by Ms. Rice, combined with the necessary rudimentary style of dialogue, the ability of the author to dive into the soul of a young boy coming of age while creating accurately the atmosphere and setting that took place during the early years of Jesus is astonishing.Simply put, I loved this book.
When did Christ know that He was the Messiah?
This is the question posed by this wonderful novel by Anne Rice. I had never read anything by Ms. Rice before this, but I LOVED this book. Her scholarship and research are excellent. She places you right in the first century amid the sights, sounds, political tensions and emotions of the Jews at that time. You really get a sense of what the people were like and how devout they were.
Fascinating and Inspiring
I was enraptured with this novel.I have always wondered what Jesus' childhood may have been like.I feel that she has captured the innocence, mystery, confusion, and everyday life of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and their extended family.In addition, the details with which Anne Rice speaks on Jewish traditions, the Temples, and their faith shows her love of research and need for realism in her novels.
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible.    3. Biographical fiction    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Historical    6. Historical - General    7. History of Biblical events    8. Jesus Christ    9. N.T    10. N.T.    11. Popular American Fiction    12. Religious - Biblical    13. Religious - General    14. Rice, Anne - Prose & Criticism    15. Fiction / General   

Reviews (13)

A good Story regardless of if you believe
These books tell a great story whether or not you believe what's behind them. I have been loaning them out to friends and family after I have been through with them. A good price and a good story.

Wowowowowowowowwow!
I read the entire series of these books within 2 months. My son brought it home one day, the next day my boss just happened to ask if I had read 'Left Behind' series. I said 'what?' He showed it to me...said I had to read...my son and I had a race until the Glorious Appearing. (My boss had all twelve in his desk cabinet)I think that even though this book is fiction, it gives an excellent picture of what could happen. Because...none of us truly know. I enjoyed this book because it enhances the reader to follow Jesus, what it truly means to have faith and be a follower. Excellent and irreplacable!!!

Book of Revelations come alive
The lefty behind set of books is some of the most exciting and enjoyable books I have ever read.As a very slow reader because I'm very dyslexic, I find my self just glued to the books and can not put them down.The series is fiction but so credible and the authors keep you interested throughout the book with many twist and turns. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Religious - Biblical    4. Religious - General   

Editorial Review

With Read more

Reviews (49)

A REVISIONIST BIBLE STORY
In the introduction to THE FIFTH MOUNTAIN, Paulo Coelho quotes himself by saying:"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it."This is something he believes with all of his heart.This is a profoundly religious attitude, and shows an absolute trust in God.Such a trusting attitude is especially impressive when one considers that Coelho's father dismissed his son's Personal Legend as insanity and had him institutionalized and subjected to shock therapy.Although as this revisionist story of the prophet Elijah demonstrates, it is not what "you" want, but what God wants you to want.
Another Fabulous Read from Coelho
I LOVED the Fifth Mountain as much as The Alchemist and The Pilgrimage.This story of prophet Elijah was particularly inspiring and has left quite an impression on me in the months after reading it.While I wonder "why" and "what if" questions in my mind, I am continually reminded of Elijah's struggles and his own quest to understand his larger purpose as Coehlo so artfully portrays it.Coehlo's signature simplicity made this a wonderful, easy read too.Very enjoyable & very highly recommended.

Wonderful read
Coelho's writing can only be described as Genuis.Hes a natural and will certainly touch your heart, mind, and soul.He inspired and motivated me with every word that he has written throughout the years.Word in a review cannot begin to describe the writing of this brilliant man.All of his books are highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Biblical prophet)    2. Elijah    3. Elijah (Biblical prophet)    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. General    7. Literary    8. Religious - Biblical    9. Spanish: Adult Fiction    10. Fiction / Literary    11. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

Her name meant "date palm," and like her namesake, Tamar hoped to survive the harsh environment she was placed in: to bend but not to break. Rubbed with scented oil and arrayed in wedding finery, 14-year-old Tamar is thrust into a world of abuse, betrayal, and disillusionment when she is given in marriage to an evil, idol-worshiping man. In the face of her suffering, she must make choices: Will she let her new husband, Er, destroy her innocence and corrupt her? Will she leave the religion of the Canaanites and embrace the God of the Hebrews despite the life of misery she is cast into? Or will she fall into despair and become as wicked as her husband and his brothers?Read more

Reviews (45)

Gets Weak Near the End
Warning: This review contains some spoilers if you don't already know Tamar's story. Rivers proves her strong writing ability in this book about Tamar, a woman victimized by the men in her life and who, in my opinion, is one of the strongest women in the Bible. At the tender age of fourteen, she is sent from her family to marry Judah's oldest son, who soon proves his selfish and wicked nature when he refuses to give her his seed and thus enable her to bear children (as a woman of the times, Tamar's one hope in life is to bear children for her father-in-law's household). After the sudden death of Judah's oldest son, Tamar is married to the second one, only to find that he is equally cruel and selfish. Before long, her second husband dies as well, and Judah, blaming her for both their deaths, furiously casts her out of his house with the vague promise that he will send for her in the future so she can marry his third and youngest son. After returning to her father's house in shame, Tamar spends the next few miserable years waiting for Judah to keep his promise and bring her back. When she is finally convinced that he will never accept her back to his house, desperation drives her to take the only option left to her: seducing Judah himself. She does this by disguising herself as a prostitute. Rivers' portrayal of Tamar's plight is wonderfully engaging and suspenseful. Tamar proves to be a woman of indomitable strength and hope who refuses to be kept down and Rivers has us rooting for her every step of the way. So why the absent fifth star? In spite of Tamar's strength, she crumbles at the end of the story. A few months after her succesful seduction, when she finds that she is, indeed, pregnant with Judah's child, word gets to Judah himself and, not knowing the child is his, he decides to rid himself of her once and for all by executing her for fornication. When she is brought to him to be executed, she secretly reveals to him that she deceived him by seduction and that he is the father of her child. When this happens, Tamar, for some unknown reason, goes from being a fierce wildcat to a sniveling mass by weeping and begging his forgiveness for her deception. Um, WHY? Judah let both his sons abuse her, let his wife practically spit on her, cast her out of the house in shame, then was about to kill her in one of the most horrible ways possible just to be rid of her! And she apologized to HIM?! Yes, he apologized to her, but only after she bowed at his feet and actually wept, "Forgive me, my lord." What the heck?! He was not her lord and he should have been groveling at her feet, not the other way around! She did was she was driven to and didn't even humiliate him like he deserved by making her deception public. I much prefer Liz Curtis Higg's version of Tamar, a bold woman who triumphantly laughed in Judah's face instead of weeping at his feet when he threatened her with death. I also can't understand why Tamar kept staunchly referring to Judah's household as her home; why would she do this when not a SINGLE member of his household or family was remotely decent to her? Other than this distasteful weakness of the heroine, the book's good.

Hope From Dark Places
A gripping story by one of my favorite story-tellers! This book grabs you and doesn't let go. Life is depressing, unfair, dark, and without hope --- and then it gets worse. Out of that, and by making some difficult choices, a young woman emerges into wisdom.

Awesome!!!
Tamar's story taught me a lot about being abandoned and abused.It also taught me about letting God be my protector and not myself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible.    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Religious    5. Genesis    6. History of Biblical events    7. O.T    8. O.T.    9. Popular American Fiction    10. Religion    11. Religious - Biblical    12. Religious - General    13. Tamar,    14. Women in the Bible    15. daughter-in-law of Judah    16. Modern fiction    17. Tamar   

Reviews (39)

The Book of Esther Brought to Life With Only Minor Embellishments
This movie provides an excellent overview of the Book of Esther, and does so with only minor extraneous distortions. The scenes are excellent. There is the one-eyed eunuch, and there are the columns of horses, the swordfights, and the apartness of royalty. The look on the face of Haman, as his self-flattering plan backfires and he is forced to publicly extol Mordecai, is priceless. There is a humorous scene of a queen-candidate repeatedly falling off her horse. (This recounts the awkwardness of Cinderella's older sisters as they vainly tried to impress the prince). The apartness of royalty prevents a commoner from even seeing the king or approaching the king without the king's invitation. This helps the Christian appreciate the Lord's teaching about gentiles wanting to lord it over others, while the man esteemed of God instead is a servant of all. It also helps Americans appreciate the fact that their society is based on the premise that "all men are created equal".
The Faithfulness of God
St. Paul wrote in the letter to the Romans regarding the Jews, ch.11, v. 28, "...as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarch." The Jehovah God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, time and time again, never fails to show his faithfulness to the covenant people whom He foreknew. I have not read the book, but the movie is beautiful. What is particularly memorable to me was when Mordecai read from Isaiah 40:31 to a Jewish gathering to rally them to plead to God for deliverance from Haman, and of course, Esther's resolution to go to the king Ahasuerus and plead for the cause of her people despite her own life being at stake, "If I perish, I perish." And there was a reference to the coming of the LORD Y'shua HaMashiach as all Old Testament books do, when, (I think it was Haman) accused the Jews of plotting to overthrow the Persian kingdom because they believe there is a King coming to rule over all kings. Give thanks to YAHWEH for He is good; his love endureth forever, Amen! One Night with the King is a clean, meaningful, educational, God-exalting movie for the whole family, a rarity indeed in our days.

Amazing
This is an amazing book.I thought it got a little slow in the beginning but I pushed through and I'm so glad I did.It makes the characters come alive.After reading this book I went back to Esther in the Bible and you can see how the events could have actually happened.Another thing I found amazing is it didn't change my view of the Bible Esther at all it actually enhanced it.Excellent read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Movie / TV Tie-Ins    3. Movie-TV Tie-In - General    4. Religious - Biblical    5. Religious - General    6. Fiction / Religious    7. Modern fiction   

Editorial Review

Writing in the trademark style that has won her countless fans, award-winningauthor Francine Rivers explores the courageous life of Ruth, a biblicalancestor of Jesus, in Read more

Reviews (24)

An Interpritation of the Life of Ruth
This is Francine Rivers' telling of the story of Ruth, and she tells it in her usual amazing fashion. Readers will easily grasp the fullness of Ruth's faith and devotion to God, her mother in law, Naomi, and eventually her husband, Boaz. Follow the journey of how this Moabite woman returned with Naomi to Bethlehem, how she vowed to never leave her side, supported her through her toil in the fields, and would eventually become a part of our Lord's lineage.
Excellent Book!
I have read all but two of the Lineage of Grace series, and as usual Francine rivers does an excellent job of bring to life the characters in the Bible. Not only that, she allows the reader to understand some of the possible issues that were being faced by each of the women in the Series so that you can identify with their issues even in a modern context.
Unshaken
I was actually very disappointed in this book. Familiar as I am with the story of Ruth, I was hoping for fresh insight and perspective. There's a lot of potential for allegory and characters with depth in the story of Ruth, but this is exactly where this book fell flat. It felt shallow; I never really understood Naomi's pain, even though the book spent considerable time explaining and rambling about it; Ruth was irritating rather than inspiring in her faith, which I suppose I thought was shallow because she never experienced the sort of internal and daily conversion, take-up-your-cross struggle that every person of faith is so familiar with. For her, especially as a former pagan, this should have been evident and a powerful theme. The book also deals extensively with Ruth's having to overcome rejection in a strange land, underscoring prejudice and gossip, which unfortunately are ideas that go nowhere.
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Subjects:  1. (Biblical figure)    2. Bible    3. Bible.    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. History of Biblical events    7. O.T    8. O.T.    9. Religious - Biblical    10. Religious - General    11. Religious - Historical    12. Ruth    13. Women in the Bible    14. Modern fiction   

Reviews (41)

The Book of God
I started to read this book at my brothers house when I was visiting.I fell in love with it and had to get me a copy to finish it.I love this writers way of writing and hope he does more of this type book.I will buy them all....

Author takes liberties with accuracy of New Testament
I actually enjoyed some of the historical references in the Old Testament because I am not that familiar with it and I trusted that the author had used reliable sources to flesh out Biblical text.I became somewhat suspicious with the treatment of the story of Tamar because I could only find limited Biblical references. I also realized that David's character had became sullied from what I had previously read of him in the actual Bible.However, I am very familiar with all of the New Testament stories and have read the Gospels several times. I thought the author took so many liberties with the characters of Zechariah, Mary and Joseph that I decided not to read the rest of the book.The Bible referred to Zechariah as having had the respect of his community - the author depicted him as someone far less respected, and drew a connection between him and Herod which is not in the Bible and for which he does not give other sources other than fiction.The author depicted Joseph, husband of Mary, as being insolvent (unable to pay a dowry) and toung-tied as he tried to speak with Mary's father.The Bible shows him as a successful carpenter who again, was well respected and mature.Mary, who the Bible describes as a pure young maiden who sang songs to God, is depicted by the author as an outspoken young woman, who speaks back to her father in defense of an inarticulate Joseph.To me this is a gross misrepresentation of the characters of the Bible, and I do not wish to fill my mind with further erroneous depictions.

Well done
I admit that it has been awhile since I read this book, but I found it to be very well done. It is a real "page-turner" - once you start you find it hard to put down. It is a great way to help you "get into" the Bible and see how the Bible is such a fascinating, relevent book today. (As a rather irrelevent side note, I now attend the university that the author teaches at and have heard him lecture on occation).
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Subjects:  1. Bible    2. Bible - Stories - General    3. Bible Commentary    4. Bible stories    5. Bibles - God's Word    6. Biographical fiction    7. Fiction    8. History of Biblical events    9. Popular American Fiction    10. Religion    11. Religion - Biblical Studies    12. Biblical concordances & commentaries    13. FICTION GENERAL HISTORICAL    14. Fiction / Religious    15. Modern fiction   

Reviews (22)

Nice Read
Book was a nice read. It was relatively short, and so ended quickly (unfortunately).But, because of the length, I have time to read the others in the series now.
One of Francine Rivers' Best!
Judged by other people, turned away by her own family, a woman makes redeeming choices in spite of everything. Realistic, sad, but at the same time hopeful and encouraging --- that regardless of what life may bring, our own choices can lift us out of the pit. No wonder Rahab's story has been handed down through the generations; Rivers brings it to life here with her usual skill and grace.

A Woman Who Was Unashamed to Openly Love God
Francine Rivers does an excellent job creating a novel around Rahab, one who is mentioned only briefly in the bible.After reading this book one can see what the typical customs and practices were and how Rahab could have gotten into the position of being the town's prostitute. It also portrays the hard-heartedness of the people of Jericho and God's judgement upon them.
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Subjects:  1. (Biblical figure)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Religious    4. Popular American Fiction    5. Rahab    6. Religious - Biblical    7. Religious - General    8. Modern fiction   

Reviews (35)

Entertaining, educational AND Interactive
I love this series because it causes me to verify stories in my long unopened bibles.Plus I reasearched Mount Ararat on the Internet and compared with current scientific developments. Awesome and very interesting!

A bit predictable...
Though still a decent book, this one didn't quite catch my interest like the first book in the series. However, it did keep me interested enough to want to know what else happens to good ol' Michael Murphy (who is still a bit too good to be true, but come on, you can't help but like him!).

Exciting Action-Adventure!
This is a really good action/adventure book!Mr. LaHaye has done a wonderful job.I had forgotten who was this book's author, and I knew I wanted to read the next book in this series.When I found my copy of The Secret on Ararat and saw it was Tim LaHaye, I was a bit surprised!I didn't know that he had other great books of fiction, besides The Left Behind Series.He did a great job on this book!I couldn't put it down! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ararat, Mount (Turkey)    2. Archaeologists    3. Biblical scholars    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. Noah's ark    7. Religious - Apocalyptic    8. Religious - General    9. Suspense    10. Fiction / General   

Reviews (19)

Mary- A Very Blessed Woman

A Fresh Look at Mary
This is the final book a series of novellas looking at the women mentioned in Jesus' genealogy.This book tells the story of Mary, Jesus' mother.
Mary mother of Jesus!
This was a very good book and a fast reading.I never was really much into religion and to me Jesus had seem more friendly then Mary, I don't know why?Maybe it's because when I was young I saw a movie about Jesus and Mary seem to severe but in this book Mary seem like any other women and now I see her more friendly and she's the one who bring me back to believe more in God.After reading this book I became more interested also about the old and new bible.I sure understand her to feel upset and sad when Jesus said, "Who is my mother, who are my brothers?"You can very well feel Mary pain and confusion about all that.She said often, "God I am sorry to think he his my son, he his yours."I was thinking, no Mary you got every right to feel bad and upset.The book keep saying the same things, I would had put less stars but I think it deserve a 4 because it was a fast reading, you know more about Mary and she bring back my faith in god.Mary is like any other human and to me now she seem more real! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Biblical figure)    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Religious    4. Literary    5. Rahab    6. Religious - Biblical    7. Tamar,    8. Women in the Bible    9. daughter-in-law of Judah    10. Bathsheba    11. Mary    12. Modern fiction    13. Ruth    14. Tamar   

Subjects:  1. Bible.    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Religious    4. History of Biblical events    5. Jesus Christ    6. John,    7. N.T.    8. Religious - Biblical    9. Religious - General    10. the Apostle, Saint    11. Fiction / Religious   

Editorial Review

Of all the women in the Bible, perhaps no one's presence has been as constantly reinterpreted as that of Mary Magdalene. Was she a prostitute? A prophet? In Margaret George's epic historical novel, Read more

Reviews (89)

A mixed bag -- I expected better
Because I enjoyed Margaret George's "Henry VIII," I was interested in seeing how she'd treat Mary of Magdala. I was disappointed in the effort.
A Journey to Be Enjoyed....
'Mary, Called Magdalene' is not just a read, it is a journey back in time.It was very easy for me to slip into Ms. George's evocation of Mary's world and I felt very much as if I were looking over her shoulder through most of the book.It does what all good historical fiction should, it pulls you in and will not let you go easily.
Perfect Fiction book based on facts
I love writings by Margaret George.She takes what is known to be true and does plenty of research on the times and writes a story surrounded by the facts that are known.I love reading her novels.I also recommend Memories of Cleopatra, Mary Queen of Scotts and Henry the Eighth ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Religious    3. Historical - General    4. Mary Magdalene,    5. Religious - Biblical    6. Saint    7. Fiction / Religious   

Reviews (3)

Bible Stories Made Interesting
I'll admit it. When I read my Bible, I tend to skip the minor prophets. Except for Jonah, I don't think the majority of people can even remember their naems. Luckily Francine Rivers has made Amos into a novel (Book 4 in her Sons of Encouragement series) so we can learn about his story. Amos is a shepherd who is appalled at the way God's people have become in the days after the nation has split. God gives Amos visions of what will happen to the enemies of his people and to his people themselves. When Amos goes to Bethel to tell them, they first rejoice at hearing of the destruction of their enemies but then after hearing what will happen to them, they turn against Amos. Even though near death at times, Amos stays true to his word warning the people to repent and leave the ways of the false gods and priests. The people don't listen and God sends down his punishments.
4th in Sons of Encouragement series
The Prophet by Francine Rivers is the fourth book in the Sons of Encouragement series and features the story of Amos, the Old Testament prophet.I don't know much about Amos' history, so I'm unsure of how much is fiction within this book, but the story follows Amos from shepherd in hills of Judah to condemning prophet in the kingdom of Israel and back to shepherd.Amos suffers much from being a prophet: beatings, hunger, even his brothers turn their backs on him.I've read the other books in the series, and I was a little disappointed in this one.The beginning of the book with Amos as a shepherd shines.Reading about his loving care for his sheep gave me new understanding of Jesus as my shepherd, and I was deeply moved.But the radical transformation to wild-eyed prophet wasn't handled as well.I kept waiting to connect with Amos the Prophet the way I had with Amos the Shepherd, but the connection never happened.

delightful biblical biographical fiction
The sacrifice demanded by the Priests required using only the best most perfect sheep; yet though a child he is confused and somewhat appalled to observe his family insures that a flawed animal is given to the Priest.He wonders why as his father and older brothers tell him to keep quiet; they state why give away a perfect animal for sacrifice when damaged goods will do the trick.Amos does not understand as during this period of plenty his family has prospered.He concludes his family and the priests have cheated God; soon he believes a day of reckoning will come for those who prosper from their ill gains.
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Subjects:  1. (Biblical prophet)    2. Amos    3. Bible.    4. Fiction    5. Fiction - Religious    6. History of Biblical events    7. O.T.    8. Popular American Fiction    9. Religious - Biblical    10. Religious - General    11. Religious fiction