The Hidden Flame

I loved this book as much as I loved the first one in the series, The Centurion's Wife. I felt I could easily relate to the doubts and fears that Abigail dealt with on an almost daily basis, even though her world is far different from mine. Her humility and compassion are something for me to admire and aspire to, and I sympathized with her feelings of helplessness both in her struggle to work and her imminent betrothel. This book helped me to understand better the differences between the Pharisees and the members of the Sanhedrin, as well as the political climate of that time. I cried twice while reading the book, first while reading about Peter's shadow healing the sick and mamed as he walked and then at the point of Stephen's death. Despite the runny nose, I count this as a mark of well-written literature. It's exciting to see how all of the names I know so well from Bible scriptures are introduced into the plotline of the novel, and it feels like taking a fresh look at events that I have read and studied over and over again, such as what happened to Ananias and Saphira. I feel like I am looking behind the scenes to what happened in between the lines of scripture, such as the events that led up to Stephen's death, the daily tasks of the members of the fledging church, as well as how the Apostles went about their daily lives, manifesting miracles as easily as shaking hands but still never taking for granted what Power worked through them. I appreciate the delicate nature of interpreting these Scriptures in a fictional text, and while there are some I know that would consider doing such as verging on blasphemous, I feel that such works serve a purpose in the "grand scheme" and hold merit.

Some books are merely for the pleasure of reading, while others leave you impacted in a lasting way. This book accomplished both for me. Set in the days after Jesus has ascended and the Holy Spirit has filled the believers, the story follows the life of Abigail, a young woman whose hand is sought in marriage by two suitors who couldn't be any more different. The Hidden Flame excellently portrays the political and cultural setting of the time, while giving a look into life was like for the early Church. What impacted me the most was what it meant then to be a follower, that the cost was truly everything dear in this life. I highly recommend this book, both for its historical and spiritual value. (I received a copy of this book free from Bethany Publishers.)

Set in Biblical times, immediately following the death of Jesus and the birth of the "church" The Hidden Flame is a book that will stir your heart. Follow the life of young Abigail and her brother Jacob, Judean orphans under the guardianship of Alban, a Roman centurian, follower of Christ. Abigail works hard in the new Christian community, serving the widows and orphans, a community that is growing by leaps and bounds, as Peter, James and Stephen and other Biblical leaders teach and preach the saving grace of the Messiah. Young Abigail's beauty catches the eyes of two men, a rich Judean and a high ranking Roman guard. They both wish to take her as wife, however she doesn't desire to marry either, they are not servers of the Messiah. Follow this story to see the fate of Abigail. Poor Jacob, her younger brother has dreamed of nothing more all his life than becoming a legionaire in the Roman army. He struggles to balance out the faith he wants to follow, and his life's dreams. A wonderfully written story, that will hold your interest, The Hidden Flame is Book 2 in the Acts of Faith Series, but it stands alone, with out reading Book one, it does however leave you anxious to read Book 3. 394 pages $14.99 US 5 stars. This book is available at your favorite seller of Bethany House books. This book was provided from Bethany House, free, for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

This second in the Acts of Faith Series is truly a work of art. I love everything that T. Davis Bunn has written. He has a flow to his writing that draws the reader in and he paints the imagination with words and phrases which makes it so easy to read. Add his ability to that of Janette Oke's romantic largess and you have a wonderful read. This is well worth the money and it is a keeper. Even though this is the second novel in the series, you do not feel like you've walked into the middle of a movie or that the story opens in the middle. Almost before you realize it the story of Ananias and Sapphira unfolds. Peter, James, Stephen, and all the others have cameos and you find yourself smiling because the way they are depicted you think, "Ah, yes. That is how I pictured them." I found the second one so much better than the first one was. This story runs smoothly like a well-tuned, high performance car. It is fresh and breezy as if you've let the top down and the sun is warmly caressing you as you speed down the storyline. You can purchase it here.

Biblical fiction, when done well, makes you crave Scripture anew. It makes you grab your Bible off the shelf and want to read the stories all over again with brand new eyes and open ears to what God wants you to hear. Davis Bunn and Janette Oke have accomplished that again with their second book in the Acts of Faith series, Hidden Flame. Unlike Centurion's Wife the first book in the series (and is on sale at CBD), which was set in the time period when Jesus is crucified and resurrected, Hidden Flame opens during the days of the early church following Jesus' ascension into heaven. The book centers around Abigail. The opening scenes of the book find you in the midst of a wedding ceremony (which was so beautifully describes the historical customs the day) of Alban and Leah. The wedding is interrupted when it is found the couple is in danger and they must run for their lives. Abigail is left behind. Such a simple thing in today's world, but so complicated in the culture of that day. Two suitors begin to ask for Abigail's hand in marriage. Neither of which she feels is right for her because they are not followers of "The Way" (Christians). Her life is intertwined with the lives of Martha and Peter. You will not only recognize people such as Gamaliel, Ananias, Sapphira, and even Saul, but you will "see" them. However, most important you will discover that her life has significant meaning with Stephen, the first church martyr.