Publisher's Description
"Hannah Pratt dreams of starting a school for the Bedouin clan she grew
up with as a missionary kid, and finally her hopes are coming true. But
shortly after she returns to the desert from her college years in the
U.S., she discovers her parents have received threats from their Muslim
neighbors. As the danger escalates, Hannah finds she’s in the middle of a
battle no one seems to understand. She must decide to what lengths
she'll go to stay faithful to the mission to which God has called her.
Even if it costs her everything.
As sheikh, Karim Al-Amir feels
the weight of responsibility as the leader of his people. When a
mysterious illness ravishes the clan’s flocks and threatens to destroy
their centuries-old way of life, locals believe the American doctors and
their daughter, his childhood friend, Hannah, are to blame. Karim must
do something to keep them safe—even if the only solution can be found
within marriage vows.
In a society where the line is drawn
between us and them, Christianity is outlawed, and foreigners are
mistrusted, will their union heal wounds or inflict the final fatal
blow?"
My Review
The Esther Paradigm, by Sarah Monzon, is an
extremely unique and compelling work of contemporary inspirational fiction. I
am an avid reader, yet I have never read a book quite like The Esther Paradigm.
I was not sure what to expect from a romantic love story between a Muslim and a
Christian, yet as the author skillfully parallels the biblical story of Esther,
this novel is very successful and thoroughly entertaining on many levels.
Page after page, this well-researched and
thoughtfully written story captured my attention and engaged my senses. The
author’s writing style has an expressive, lyrical quality that appealed to me
greatly. The myriad of beautifully written sentences simply thrilled my heart. The
desert setting is described in such glorious detail that I could almost feel
the sand on my skin and the heat against my face. The camels, so full of life
and personality, became essential secondary characters themselves. I was
captivated by the characters as they wrestled with insecurities and responsibilities,
as they coped with dangers and unknowns, as they struggled with their faith and
convictions, and as they fought for their love and devotion.
This uncommon love story surprised me, thrilled me,
and held me in rapt attention page after page. I highly recommend this novel
and I look forward to reading other books by this talented author.
My Reflection
I was intrigued by the main character’s journey as
she sought to live within God’s will, choosing to risk danger and even death in
order to honor and obey God’s call upon her life. I was encouraged by her faith
and her determination to follow God’s leading even though it meant making
unconventional choices and difficult decisions. I was reminded of the
beautiful, bewildering truth that God accomplishes much through the unexpected
and the surprising, and that he does great things with humble faith and small
beginnings.
*I was given an early copy of this novel by the
author/publisher. The review I have freely written, whether positive or
negative, contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Love your review
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Lori!
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