The Patmos Deception... a book review

Bethany House Publishing: a division of Baker Publishing Group

Available: November 2014

ISBN-13: 9780764211393

Fiction / Christian / Suspense

Publisher’s Description:


An Ancient Island Holds an Ancient Secret . . .

Nick Hennessy, a young Texas journalist yearning for his big break, finds himself in Europe--his assignment, to investigate the alarming disappearance of invaluable Grecian antiquities. Nick has the credentials--and cover ID--to unearth the truth. And he knows just the researcher to help him...



Carey Mathers, fresh from her studies in forensic archeology, has accepted a job with the prestigious Athens Institute for Antiquities--a dream come true, really, particularly when the Greek isle of Patmos, where the Apostle John received his vision of the Apocalypse, was a particular focus of her research.



Dimitri Rubinos, for whom the Greek islands represent his life, holds on by his fingernails to the family charter boat business. But his country's economic chaos isn't the only thing that has turned his world on its head...

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 Oh. My. Gosh, what a terrific book!  Not only did it delve into the mystery surrounding the island of Patmos, but it also weaves in numerous, fast-paced, intriguing storylines for the main characters.

Set against the backdrop of Greece’s economic downturn, the reader steps back in time – a time when John the Apostle writes the book of Revelation in the New Testament Bible.  What would be worth killing for?  What would be more profitable than antique treasures?  

I love how Davis Bunn created characters to which everyday people could relate.  Casey’s character reminded me that my happiness does not depend on my circumstances… always a good reminder!  T. Davis Bunn left one of the storylines hanging.  Does this mean a series in the works?!?!

My rating: A

4.5 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of The Patmos Deception from Bethany House Publishing for my honest review. 

Blessings,

     Ellen

The Heretic... a book review

Available: September 26, 2014

Lion Fiction Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-78264-095-0

I love good, historical fiction; fiction that bring life to bygone eras.  I looked forward to reading The Heretic from Henry Vyner-Brooks which opens in March 1536 during the reign of King Henry VIII – a time when true Christians suffered for their faith.

This book is written and published in England.  The style of writing is much different from the style of many American writers.  The Heretic is written in third-person which allows the reader to “read the thoughts” of the characters; yet, at times, you may come across numerous paragraphs of just the character’s thoughts.  Further, Henry Vyner-Brooks  assumes the reader knows the bigger historical context while he focuses on the day-to-day storytelling. 

The publisher’s description states:  “The Heretic is based on historical events and real people.”  It would be wonderful if the author added a preface with historical details of the times and a more in-depth description of the main historical characters.  This would be especially helpful for those unfamiliar with English history regarding the Christian church.

Overall, the novel sheds light on the daily hardships of the believers during the mid-1530s.  It is not a light read, but needs to be read intentionally.

My rating: 3 out of 5 stars             B-

I received a complimentary copy of The Heretic from Kregel Publishing for my honest review.

Blessings,

    Ellen