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The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

The Painter’s Daughter involves a girl and two brothers, it could have been fairly predictable, but Julie Klassen has written a beautiful story of forgiveness, loyalty and love.

            Stephen is noble and trustworthy, like Nathaniel, but with the added distinction of being a war hero. There's an edge-of-your-seat combat scene it really brings home what these British soldiers who fought Napoleon's troops were up against. Because of Stephen’s responsibilities he comes across as gruff at times. He's thoughtful and courteous along with it, and there's always a sense that his softer, romantic side might be just about to bloom.

            As for Wesley, he was more than just another shallow and despicable brother, but is shown to have some scruples. A good portion of the story is told from his point of view, making it easier to understand how things appeared from his perspective.

            The secondary characters and sub-plots add to the story’s charm.  The little mysteries kept the pages turning. How did Stephen get his facial scar? Who was Jenny? What grudge does the mysterious Miss Angela Blake from next door carry?  How about the old, retired nurse, Winnie, who lives on the top floor? Does she really possess second sight? What lies in store for the boys' younger sister, Kate?

            When Sophie agrees to marry Stephen, she doesn’t know him, but since the father of her child has left her, he seems to be her only hope to give her child a name and family and save her from scandal. A few short weeks are spent together at Overtree Hall before Stephen must return to his regiment to fight against the French. There’s a big chance that he will not return and leave Sophie a widow. 

            Lots of tension and twists and turns and the drama of Sofie and the Overtree brothers’ makes this book an   “I can’t put it down story”.  A lovely story and I highly recommend the Painter’s Daughter. Also great for a book club read and a great gift for someone who loves historical fiction.

I received a copy of book from Bethany House Publisher through Net Galley for my review. 

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The Third Target by Joel C Rosenberg

In The Third Target, the action starts immediately. At the beginning it’s actually a flashback. The Associated Press reporter, A.B. Collins, is suddenly granted an interview with His Royal Highness, the King of Jordan, who will meet him at the Dome of the Rock; the meeting with the King, however, does not go according to plan. The plot is executed with well-paced precision, includes a mysterious Israeli love interest named Yael, and has more than enough to satisfy those who love over-the-top action.

Rosenberg spins a vivid tale of politics, intrigue, deception, and betrayal in this edge of your seat thriller. The story follows the terrifying and bloody trail left by ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Woven into this heart pounding tale is an underlying thread of modern Middle Eastern history told from the perspective of a talented author and Washington insider. A chilling picture of what the Middle East might look like if current trends continue. Told from a Biblical Christian world view this novel offers a unique take on current events that will leave you thinking long after you've finished the last page.

Rosenberg's well-earned reputation for compelling, action-packed prophetical fiction thrillers like The Twelfth Imam, The Tehran Initiative, and Damascus Countdown continues.   The Third Target is an adrenaline-laced tale of international intrigue, religious fanaticism, and End-Time prophecies and impossible to put down. The well-developed cast of likeable characters, the subtle sprinkles of romance, family entanglements, and edge-of-your-seat suspense demands to be read cover to cover.  Does The Third Target foreshadow future events? Only time will tell. In the meantime I recommend this award winning read. I received copy of book from publisher for my review.

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Iscariot: A Novel of Judas by Tosca Lee

         

   Judas Iscariot of Kerioth is one of the most reviled men of all times; hated for his betrayal and cursed in death. But what if we aren't so different from him? Given his background, his hopes, aspirations, disappointments, grief, and internal suffering would we have done the same thing? Tosca Lee asks this question in her novel, Iscariot.

           

           So far I love every book I have read by this author.  Lee has a way of spinning a story and making it feel as if you are experiencing the story as it unfolds. I was concerned at first about making Judas a sympathetic character. This man that the church has condemned for years was about to take center stage in a book and the author was planning to make him likable? That's risky. After all, the story depends upon the reader and their willingness to consider an alternative perspective. I was concerned that the story would make you believe the bible was wrong to paint him as a villain. This story of fiction was expertly written on what life might have been like for this apostle chosen by Jesus.  Iscariot was going to be brilliant or a bust.  I think it is brilliant!

          

             Lee takes one of the most infamous men in history and does what no one has done before, made him human.  In this story it is a fictional account of Judas, but a true account of Jesus. It takes what Christians know, but presents it in a new and inspiring way. It asks us to examine ourselves and decide how different we are from Judas.  A story about Judas, it reminds the reader of Jesus--the paradox that he was and is. "How he shocked us with his compassion. With his unwillingness to restore a nation, preferring to restore individuals instead. They called him a madman. They called him a liar. As had I, but now I know him as the face of God. Who does not save us from the Romans. But saves us from ourselves."-Iscariot
 

             Lee is very successful in telling this story. There is much to take away from Iscariot, not the least of which is a greater appreciation for Jesus' purpose and goals while on earth. Gaining a better grasp of the time in which Jesus lived, the anticipation of the Jewish people for the Messiah, and the oppressive governing of the Romans.  Seeing through the eyes of Judas, the backdrop of Jesus' unconventional nature, the reaction of the crowds, leaders, and disciples are given new life and truly leave an impact on the reader.

            I wholly recommend this book and others that Tosca Lee has written. I couldn't put the book down. From the very beginning I was drawn into the tragic story of Judas' life as Lee portrayed it, my heart breaking with his and my mind wondering perhaps he really didn't mean to betray Jesus like he did, as we think he meant to. Masterful story telling that keeps you pondering long after the end.

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