Tracy GrootCritiques

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An American fighter pilot shot down over Nazi-occupied France. A prostitute determined to gather intelligence for the Allies. And the looming of D-Day during World War II in Flame of Resistance by author Tracy Groot.

At first it was a challenge for me to make heads or tails of this loose retelling of a well-known biblical figure's story. I wasn't yet used to the novel's rhythm, and while its unpredictability kept me on my toes at times, other parts felt a little too expected, and some of the characters seemed pretty naïve here and there.

But then, they've never been through this war before.

It wasn't too long before I got a feel for the author's skilled hand and the poignancy of the different characters' stories. By two-thirds of the way through, I was riveted, feeling on edge through the story's (sometimes merciless) turns.

I'm going to remember the characters as well as the flashes of brilliance in this grave but redemptive wartime novel.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book, for which I've given an honest review, through a rewards program from the publisher. I received no monetary compensation.

I lead a combo Bible study/book club at my church. Our Faith And Fiction group was concentrating on the healing miracles of Jesus and chose Madman by Tracy Groot as the complimentary novel. The book is based on the Biblical account of the Gerasene demoniac. While the book received mixed reviews from the members of the study, I found it a challenging and viewpoint-expanding read. Complex in structure as well as characterization, Madman is a book that must be read slowly to experience all that it has to offer. It is Biblical fiction like no other I have encountered. Told from the perspective of a servant of a Greek philosopher, a student in his own right, Madman gives the reader a look into the Gentile life of Palestine. Should you read it? This one is not for someone who wants a quick, easy, or even light read. Its subject matter is madness and demonic possession and the power of Jesus to reach into both and set the captive free. If you are up for a challenge, then I urge you to give this one a look.

Tallis has been sent by his master, Calimachus, to the Decapolis in Palestine to find out what has happened to the philosophical school that had been founded in his name. What Tallis finds is mystery and danger and a tormented man who lives in the tombs.

The story is told from the third person point of view of Tallis and letters to his master back in Athens. Tallis has scars from a childhood trauma that make him vulnerable to both human and spiritual attack. But as he receives warning after warning to go home, Tallis is determined to find the truth. Supporting characters are interesting and unlike what I am used to in traditional Biblical fiction. Part of that may stem from the fact that all of the characters are Gentiles, descendants of Greek colonists that now make the Decapolis their home. The Decapolis is very definitely not a Jewish enclave. Its cultural life is based upon its Greek origins and includes the pagan rites and worship foreign to their Jewish neighbors. It is this paganism that I found the most interesting. While the Greeks prided themselves on rational thought and discourse, parts of their society clung to worship of gods that demanded much from their adherents. Tallis must deal with the whys of the man’s demonic possession, something that is missing from the Biblical record. The reader soon discovers that pride, arrogance, and the search for god-like power and knowledge leave more than the man in the tombs vulnerable to demonic attack. The entrance of Jesus into the story comes late in the book, but there is a great anticipation of his arrival that is felt throughout. I found the portrayal of the demoniac’s torment and his ultimate deliverance especially powerful.

Madman is an early book by Tracy Groot. This Christy Award winner for historical fiction has just been recently re-released. While I am not sure my reading experience was one of enjoyment, I am glad I read this riveting novel.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

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I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.

Confederate soldier Emery Jones captures a Union soldier and delivers him to Andersonville prison. Only after arrival does he become aware of the horrors of the place, and realizes he needs to make it right. From the prison’s stockade wall, confederate sentry Dance Pickett has seen thousands of men starving to death within the overcrowded prison. Commanded not to interfere, he wonders how to get the soldiers the help they need. Feeling as if no one wants to help, Dance is at his wit’s end.

Violet Stiles has worked tirelessly to help Confederate soldiers with various causes, and has learned to hate all Yankees. After visiting Andersonville, she is sickened by the horrific conditions. Emery, Dance and Violet are determined to make a difference, feeling they can get their fellow townspeople to band together for the soldiers. Though accused of treason, scorned by others, and facing extreme opposition, the three are committed to loving their enemies.

Before reading this book I had vaguely heard of Andersonville. After reading it I will never forget the prisoners who languished behind its walls. Tracy Groot’s extensive historical research on the appalling conditions tells how and why 13,000 Union soldiers died within its walls in 1864. I found many similarities to those who closed their eyes to evil, justifying their own blindness, during World War II as millions of Jews were killed. This was why townspeople were forced to tour concentration camps, after they were liberated, to look at what they had allowed to happen and see if it made a difference in their souls. I wonder if it did.

Highly recommended for Adults.

Book review link: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress.com/2017/07/11/the-sentinels-of-andersonvil...

The stars of this book for me were the characters, specifically the main stars of Brigitte, Tom, and Michel. They breathed with life in all their complexity. I felt connected with all three in a way that I don't see very often. I loved to see how Brigitte was able to find some hope in a very jaded life, how Tom approached everything with such a huge sense of honor (though not a very strong strategic mind), and how Michel was able to rise above the tragedy of a lost loved one and lost opportunities. If for no other reason, read this book for the people in it.

The actual plot of the novel, on the other hand, was engaging but boy were some of these Resistance operations not very well thought out! I'm surprised as many of the operatives survived as actually did (and everyone didn't survive). The suspense and excitement present in the novel did make up for the poor planning to a degree, but if actual Resistance cells operated like this, the Nazis would have won. Even the characters themselves admit more than once that they were operating on the fly!

Despite the heavy material of the book (i.e. WWII Resistance, torture, and war), there is a nice undercurrent of humor that I felt was special to this novel. Tom's uneasiness with Brigitte's occupation and scenes like Resistance members and German officers sharing cheese and laughter made me smile more than once. Some of the turns of phrase also were very smile inducing.

After all is said and done, this novel was an enjoyable and emotional journey to WWII France. I enjoyed the characters, the humor, and the main plot. Despite some hiccups with operations that stretched the bounds of believability, I'd definitely recommend this novel to any WWII Resistance buff or really anyone who enjoys a good historical fiction novel.

A great book - suspense and intrigue kept me engaged from page 1. The only thing I wish had been different was the epilogue. Rather, I wish there had been a pre-epilogue. I liked the epilogue and found it very fitting to the book, but there was a huge gap between when the story ended and the epilogue began. No details were given in the epilogue to fill in that gap - I needed those details after being with these characters throughout the pages of the book.

This is one of my first books I downloaded on my Kindle a couple years ago. I really enjoyed reading the book. I like to get the prospective on the average French citizen during the Nazi occupation of France and how they where able to resist the Nazis and fight back. Some of the women had to be "friendly" with the Germans so there family could just eat. The two women in the story are very brave to have a German soldier billeted in their home and one of the women fell in love with one. The consequences of getting caught are very dangerous. These women were very brave. Even though the story is Fiction it read like it could have really happened because the French women during that era put themselves and their families at risk to save their county.

This is one of my first books I downloaded on my Kindle a couple years ago. I really enjoyed reading the book. I like to get the prospective on the average French citizen during the Nazi occupation of France and how they where able to resist the Nazis and fight back. Some of the women had to be "friendly" with the Germans so there family could just eat. The two women in the story are very brave to have a German soldier billeted in their home and one of the women fell in love with one. The consequences of getting caught are very dangerous. These women were very brave. Even though the story is Fiction it read like it could have really happened because the French women during that era put themselves and their families at risk to save their county.

The entire history of the world is about to change as Hitler marches his troops across Europe. Can the actions of one person make a difference?

Clare Childs has mysteriously inherited the Maggie Bright. Her suspicions that Maggie holds a secret are proven when a thief comes aboard. Clare is suddenly thrown into the middle of a Scotland Yard investigation that could finally expose one of Hitler's darkest schemes. While on the other side of the channel, Private Jamie Elliot has been tasked with the mission of returning a wounded captain home. The captain has suffered a head injury and the only words he speaks are quotes from John Milton's Paradise Lost. When Churchill calls for civilians to help rescue the stranded British Army from Dunkirk, Clare knows that Maggie must go. Piloted by William Percy, a detective inspector and Murray Vance, a world renowned cartoonist, the Maggie Bright goes to war.

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” - C.S. Lewis

Never have these words rung more true for me than when I finished reading Maggie Bright. I wish the story would go on and on. I absolutely love reading about World War II. There is so much evil during this period, but there is also hope and light. Nations coming together with a singular purpose. Fighting and dying side by side. I am ashamed to admit that most of my knowledge of WWII begins with D-Day and America's involvement. My eyes have been opened wide with England's trials at the beginning of the war. I cried four times while reading this book! The horror is real, the fight unbearable, yet the men and women who sacrificed everything did so for us today. So that we might have hope and know that no matter how dark things become, we shall press on to victory.

"God towards thee hath done his part, do thine" - John Milton, Paradise Lost

I received a free copy of Maggie Bright from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

With my two book clubs and reviewing schedule, I read a lot of books. A. LOT. And sometimes I get a bit weary of the same old same old — books that are good, just not great. A few weeks ago I was ready for great and I got it. Maggie Bright by Tracy Groot is not only great, it is excellent, exceptional. Set amidst the defeat of the British Expeditionary Force in Europe and its retreat to Dunkirk, the novel can certainly be labeled historical fiction. But with its imaginative plotting, inventive writing style and unforgettable characters, Maggie Bright is a literary gem that will appeal to all book lovers. This one is easily rated Very Highly Recommended!

There are two parallel, yet connected story lines in Maggie Bright. Private Jamie Elliott cannot believe the British Army is in retreat. Charged with safely delivering an injured Captain back to England, Jamie is faced with an army in full retreat, attacks by the Germans from the air and on land and a broken man who can only communicate in verse. He, along with a motley group of fellow soldiers, makes his way to the city of Dunkirk hoping against hope for rescue. On the home front, Clare Childs, American Murray Vance and Detective William Percy (as well as other minor characters) are swept up in intrigue and espionage as they face the chilling truth of Hitler’s ideals. Ordinary people are called to extraordinary efforts in a fight of good against evil.

Maggie Bright is a novel to be savored, not rushed through. Tracy takes her time developing the story and her characters. Her characters are the finest of men and the most courageous of women. Her research is impeccable and her writing finely crafted. Several things stand out in this novel. Most of the book is dialog — an interesting means of revealing emotions and motives. Tracy’s use of John Milton’s Paradise Lost quoted by Captain Milton as point and counterpoint to the action going on in Northern France is truly impressive. She is also able to convey the determination, courage, tenacity and grace of the English people as they are faced with holding the line against tyranny and injustice.

Prayer is an essential part of the story of Maggie Bright. Very few of the characters pray on a regular basis, and many are not even sure of who God is. The description of King George’s call to prayer and the British response is very moving. Sacrifice is also a major theme. I loved that the actions of the men of the Dunkirk rescue are described as love disguised as duty.

There is so much more I could say about Maggie Bright, but I will leave you with just one thought — read this book!!

Very Highly Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

Great for book clubs.

(Thanks so much to Tyndale and Tracy Groot for review copies of this book. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Title: Maggie Bright (A Novel of Dunkirk)
Author: Tracy Groot
Website: http://www.tracygroot.com/
Pages: 368
Year: 2015
Publisher: Tyndale
My rating is 5 stars out of 5
Tracy Groot’s novel is a deeply compelling work of fiction based on the historical record of the approaching Nazi troops at Dunkirk. Yet, there is deeper story of the faith, humility and bravery shown by the civilians during a time when England faced her greatest challenges. When youngsters hear about events, there is a certain amount of innocence still left as children often look at brighter moments in their world. Now, as people age, those events take on a deeper meaning and spur us on to action doing whatever it takes to save our nation. In Maggie Bright we see what the citizens of Britain did when facing demise some at the highest cost of their lives. Yet, they continued on fighting to protect life, country and preserving it for those who are yet to be born.
Knowing Tracy’s penchant for detail and thorough research, I was drawn immediately to her novel based on events at Dunkirk. Each step of the way contains quotes from various sources left behind for the next generation. The tale told is a heart-gripping one where characters seem alive and my imagination allowed med to see the action through their eyes. After I read the Author’s Note, I was simply silenced to think of the cost paid when they were engaged in WWII.
Novels like this should stir our hearts and call us to action in defense of the nation we live in as that mantle was passed to us by our forefathers. Men went to war not because they enjoyed the job they did, but because their hope was that the next generation would have a better life and America would shine brightly!
So read this novel to understand what happened at a point in history that called for a nation to pray, and then to act as He would lead. Above all, at the end of the novel, one spritely lady reminds us over and over again that our enemy is not flesh and blood but spiritual. We must fight on both fronts spiritually and physically with faith as well as courage. Why? So we can leave behind a legacy that says we fought the good fight of faith and by His strength we too can defeat any foe who seeks to destroy America.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457

This was hard to put down. What these men went through was horrific. If you are faint of heart you may not want to read. I knew how bad it was supposed to be but never knew it was that bad.it is hard to understand how people in a town right next to this place could let this happen. The characters in this from both sides of the war are well done. I received a copy of this book from bookfun.org for a fair and honest opinion.

January 18th was Sanctity of Human Life Sunday in the United States. Proverbs 24:10-12 was included in our Sunday School class lesson —

If you do nothing in a difficult time,
your strength is limited.
Rescue those being taken off to death,
and save those stumbling toward slaughter.
If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,”
won’t He who weighs hearts consider it?
Won’t He who protects your life know?
Won’t He repay a person according to his work?

As I read these words I was reminded of Tracy Groot’s Civil War era book, The Sentinels of Andersonville. In this gripping novel, the characters must come face to face with what they really believe — are all men worth saving, or only those we call our brothers? Both of my book clubs read Sentinels this month because we are hosting an Author Meet And Greet for Tracy Groot. She is in town to take part in Museum Night at the Andersonville Historic Site just 45 minutes from my home town. I am beyond excited about meeting her and hearing about how she came to write Sentinels. To say the novel is moving and thought-provoking is certainly an understatement. One of By The Book’s members told me it was the best historical fiction we had read in the 12+ years of meeting. If you have not read this book, by all means pick it up and move it to the very top of your TBR pile.

Three young Southerners come face to face with the horrors of Andersonville Prison in the last year of the Civil War. Sherman is advancing on Atlanta and the prison population has increased to 28,000 men in the 26 acre camp. Conditions can only be described as hellish, yet there are glimpses of hope and help amid the darkness. Violet Stiles, an Americus belle, Dance Pickett, guard at the prison and Emery Jones an Alabama soldier seek, to rally the people of Americus to alleviate the suffering at the prison. But their new group, the FAP – Friends of Andersonville – is met with varying degrees of dismissal and open hostility. It is hard for a town that has faced so much loss at the hands of an invader to find compassion for the misery of the enemy.

Tracy Groot has written a book that needed to be told. Fair-handed on both sides of the issue, she reveals the true heart of the conflict between the North and the South. Characters, both major and minor, are well-developed. The dialog of the characters advances the story, but also fleshes out their personalities, motives and feelings. I especially liked Violet’s character. A true Southern belle, she has been shielded by the harsh realities of the prison by her father. But when she comes face to face with the truth, she falters only a moment, then gathers her will to do what is right. A member of Page Turners said that Violet was cross between Scarlet and Melanie from Gone with The Wind. I also liked the relationship that develops between Emery and the Union soldier, Lew, he condemns to the prison. And Dance’s sacrifice to uphold a promise made me wonder what my own response would be if faced with a similar situation.

As always when trying to review a truly wonderful book, I find my words are inadequate. So I will leave you with this one admonishment — read this book!!

Very Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

A Poignant Story Well Told

Andersonville. Just the mention of the name brings to mind so many haunting stories of the horror visited upon so many Union soldiers during the American Civil War. I have had a life-long interest in this tragic time period and have read numerous non-fiction books about Andersonville. In The Sentinels of Andersonville, Tracy Groot tells the story of this prison camp in a very touching way. I was interested in the story from the first page to the last. I will say that this novel is not for the faint-of-heart. It is deeply moving, describing in vivid detail the heartbreaking, tragic conditions suffered by those imprisoned in the camp. It is not a sweet and fluffy romance. It should not be. Ms. Groot has done her research and has written a story in which doing the right thing is not the easy thing.

There are three main characters in the book. Violet Stiles is a Southern belle who lives near Andersonville prison. Her father is a doctor at the prison and treats Union soldiers even though he is loyal to the Confederacy. Violet visits the prison one day and sees the inhumanity with her own eyes. She is appalled by the conditions and is determined to do something to help the Union soldiers. Violet lives in the town of Americus, where many residents have lost fathers, husbands, and sons at the hands of the Yankees. They have no sympathy for anyone being held in Andersonville. Will Violet be able to change the views of the townspeople? She is well respected, but she might be going too far, expecting support for her mission.

Dance Pickett is a sentry at the prison, keeping watch over the soldiers. He is deeply affected by the neglect he sees every day. Dance cares for Violet and helps her with her plan to aid the prisoners. Dance has become friends with a Confederate corporal, Emery Jones, who has just delivered a Union soldier from Pennsylvania to the prison. He, too, is shocked by what he sees at Andersonville. Emery decides to join the efforts of Violet and Dance. Will their mission to aid the prisoners be successful, or will all of them be hanged as traitors to the Confederate cause?

The book is full of suspense and the characters are strong and endearing. The ongoing message throughout is one of right prevailing over wrong and the need to take action rather than sitting back and ignoring evil. The actions of one person can make a difference. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are interested in the Civil War years. It is a well told story about a very sad situation. You will not be able to read this book without being deeply touched.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.

This novel is set in France during the days before D-day. The Nazi leaders as well as the French Underground know that there will soon be an invasion and the Nazis are working to prevent it while the underground is hoping to facilitate it. An American pilot shot down over France helps the French underground out. The story was exciting and I loved the ending. The only reason that I am giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is that I found it difficult to keep up with all the people during the first half of the book. I had to keep checking back to see who everyone was until I finally made a list. Despite that, it was definitely a fantastic book and well worth reading.

This book is a powerful history of Andersonville prison during the Civil War. I had read a lot about the Civil War before this but never about the prisons and this book was very detailed and much of the detail came from actual diaries left by men who had been at the prison. The inhumane conditions at Andersonville prison in Georgia caused the deaths of over 13,000 Union soldiers in a little over a year. The people in the nearby town knew what was going on and this is the story of what some of them tried to do to make things better. To me it was more than a book about the Civil War but it was a book about all wars and the way that we treat other people during war. I think it is a book that should be read by everyone.

Title: The Sentinels of Andersonville
Author: Tracy Groot
Pages: 368
Year: 2014
Publisher: Tyndale
One of the best novels I have read was also written by Tracy called, Flames of Resistance. Now readers can add The Sentinels of Andersonville. Here, without a doubt, is a heart-gripping, nonstop action story with suspense that carries readers back in time to a focus on Andersonville Prison. The characters are written with such heart, faith and thought it keeps readers engaged until long after the sun goes down.
Dr. Stiles and family are southern to the core, but once they begin to see the horrors of men not cared for life begins to take a dangerous turn for the Stiles. Then, Violet, the daughter, decides action must be taken. The guards of the prison just try to make it through their duty to get home in order to flee the sights and smell of the prison camp. One man decides he must act upon his conscience when a fellow southerner challenges him with coded bantering that others cannot understand. The desire to care for the men by those in the town of Americus is hard to conjure up when the townsfolk focus more on their losses than seeing the human aspect.
Tracy Groot has penned a wonderful, heart-compelling tale that shows the audience that while change may not happen from those in leadership, every character in the story faces the quandary in deciding to be a conduit of compassionate acts or not. The tension I mainly picked up was the battle within each character to face what was really happening and what needed to happen because the loss of lives at the prison was astounding. Overcoming their own losses of sons, husbands or brothers in order to allow love to come though so as to comfort those men who they could, was a big challenge for the people who lived a little over ten miles from the camp. On a windy day, they could smell the wretched odor or bad water from the prison where thousands of men lived without sanitation.
In the conclusion of the book, readers will be given some leads as to how to learn more about Andersonville Prison and those who left behind journals of their life there. I was also encouraged by the words Tracy leaves that are, I believe, a challenge to action that anyone can do something no matter who is in leadership. When it comes down to it, the government of any nation is a nonliving entity, but we who are saved and called by Christ can touch lives in any number of ways. Please grab a couple of copies, share the story and perhaps even see if there isn’t some way God speaks to you!
My rating is 5+ stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457

Tracy Groot’s novel, Flame of Resistance, won a Christy Award last year and there is no wondering why. This gritty portrayal of occupied France during the last days of WWII has it all — realistic and well-developed characters, a great sense of place, historical accuracy and a faith message that is not preachy, but resonates with one’s spirit. The January selection for my church’s book club, Page Turners, it was also a big winner with our members. We highly recommend this novel.

Flame of Resistance takes place in Normandy just months before the D-Day Invasion. There is a sense of desperation that four long years of enemy occupation can produce. With the rescue of Tom, a downed American pilot, a new sense of purpose and hope energize the resistant workers. Brigitte, a prostitute in a Germans-only brothel, also feels the change and is determined to finish the war as something other than a pariah in her community. Her glimpse of freedom embodied in Tom gives her hope of a future.

Groot wrote Flame of Resistance as an impressionistic retelling of the story of Rahab. And while there are many similarities, her novel is a work unto itself. We had a wonderful discussion about the hardships of war, the terrible choices it forces on people and the need for resistance against evil. This is a great book for a book discussion group.

So if you are a fan of historical novels set during WWII, or are just a fan of great writing, pick up Tracy Groot’s Flame of Resistance.

Highly Recommended.

An avid reader of all things World War II, I found Flame of Resistance a wonderful tale! Fiction interspersed with fact, drawing the reader into the French Resistance and the daring they performed for liberation by the Allies!
One cannot feel that danger is imminent at every turn. And when that danger becomes very real, one wonders how the Resistance will hold up to interrogation, and even torture.
A vivid look into how one American and a small handful of the Resistance changed the course of history for one area.
I give Groot’s writing style a high five! Her storytelling is captivating and keeps one on the edge of their seat. And when the book comes to a genteel end, one is left wanting more!
I give Flame of Resistance FIVE STARS and a big THUMBS UP!

****DISCLOSURE: This book was provided by Tyndale Publishers in exchange of an independent and non-biased review.

The Nazis have occupied Brigitte's homeland of France for years now, and out of desperation she has turned to an occupation despised by her own people. As a prostitute who caters to the Nazis, she has access to information that can help the French Resistance, but she does not see that there is a future for her beyond the war. When Tom, an American pilot, is shot down over occupied France, he joins the Resistance. Although their backgrounds are worlds apart, they begin to realize that their feelings for one another are more than just a wartime romance.

This was an excellently researched novel. Ms. Groot has visited the places she speaks of in the book and studied the history of the area during the War. My only problem was that there so many characters that I had trouble keeping track of all of them. All in all, it was still a 4 star novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blogger Network book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Honestly--this is one of the best books I've ever read. I definitely didn't see the end coming and I enjoyed the dark and thrilling storyline. Highly recommended.

The publishers of this book Moody Publishers states their mission:"...to equip and motivate people to advance the cause of Christ by publishing evangelical Christian literature and other media for all ages around the world..." Given that, this book was remarkably free of "evangelical" language. Jesus is treated as a real person - the oldest brother of a large family and the "resurrection" is treated with skepticism by the main characters. The story does have a theme, but it's a universal humanist one of the fallibility of people and the need for forgiveness - thus the reference to the "he who is without sin cast the first stone" in the title.

The writing was straight forward with appropriate historical detail; the characters, for the most part, were interesting; and the plot had enough tension (mostly around the palace politics) to keep me reading. It wasn't an outstanding historical novel, but a quick read.

Based on the ARC: A surprisingly good story that went to a different place. Very educational as well, and the author has a feel for the early Christian area community living that rings true. Worth picking up if you have an interest in historical mysteries and enjoy a bit of a thriller.

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts
Two people arrive in an ancient Israelite town, both in search of the same woman--Rivkah. Rivkah's son was killed and both Joab and Jorah know something of his death and have their own reasons to speak to her about it. Rivkah is a prostitute, however, and finding her and speaking to her proves daunting for the two young people. They both fall in with a local mosiac maker and become his apprentices. Through him and his wife they learn of Rivkah's whereabouts. They also meet a Roman official who is the steward in charge of administering the affairs of the palace. He too knows the stonecutter and Rivkah, who has been petitioning to have a tree planted in honor of her son saved. He decides to help Rivkah and another Jew which ends up backfiring and getting him in big trouble. He resigns himself to his fate--yet he doesn't know the power of a good deed not forgetten.






Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.
Groot creates engaging characters thrust into intriguing moral situations by their place in history. She captures the biblical setting well (though Joab and Jorah's ability to travel alone (Jorah as a woman) and interact with one another seems a bit too modern. I most identified with the story of the roman official, I loved how his story illustrated a man's deeds and kindness not being forgotten and becoming his salvation. Jorah is also portrayed as Jesus' sister and her musings about his death and probable resurrection are interesting.






How Good is it?
Memorable characters, a well drawn setting, and thought provoking scenarios.