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Started this book on the advice of a friend. What I found intriguing was that the author tied each of the twelve tribes of Israel to a personality trait and then had his main character recognize other characters in the book who shared that personality trait. In addition to recognizing this, he also recognizes his own prejudices and thoughts that have contributed to making it hard for him to love these people the way God loves them.

What results is a pastor who's less concerned with his church being a machine that expects people to serve it than he is with his church serving the people that come to it. So what if the woman who's always dreamed of singing her heart out to God in front of a congregation can't carry a tune? Let her sing to God--to Him, the sound is music to HIs ears. ( )

Okay, this will be a VERY short review. So short that I all I can say is I didn't finish this book. I couldn't. I have tried for a week to really get into this book and no matter how hard I try I can't get into it. There is something that is off, missing so to speak, and I can't put my finger on it. So, sadly, I am classifying this book as a DNF at this time. That's not to say, that later on down the road, that I will pick up again and sit down and fly right through it and it may end up being the best book I've read in awhile. However, I do encourage everyone to please give this book a try. Everyone's tastes are different, and while I didn't like it right now or couldn't finish it now, there are those of you out there who will love it. ( )

The Face Of God is a spiritual mystery thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Pastor Daniel Lawson is on a church pilgrimage with his wife Jill, when she is brutally murdered. Her last words will continue to haunt Daniel and set him on the course he finds before him. Before her death, Jill is given a stone with ancient inscriptions upon it and was told her husband would one day hear the voice of God. Daniel, along with his estranged son, Tyler, follow the trail that will lead them to a prophecy in which one day, all the stones of the 12 tribes of Israel will be reunited and change the destiny of the world.

However, Daniel isn't the only one searching for the stones, members of the Islamic movement under a jihad are also searching for them. They have a plan to destroy over 200 million inhabitants of the earth in order to cleanse it of the infidels. Daniel doesn't know who his friends and his foes are as he is removed from his element and placed into unknown lands and customs.

Dr. Helen Zimmerman, is a Middle Eastern archaeologist, an expert in her field, who is commissioned by the MOSSAD to befriend Daniel and his son and stop them from accomplishing their goals, but as she comes to know them, will she be able to continue her mission? Nayra Fazil is the daughter of one of the elite Islamic leaders and she has been honoured to serve for Allah in helping the religious cause, by becoming acquainted with Tyler and his dad. However, as she becomes more immersed in her duty, she finds her faith questioned and she is torn between what she knows is right and what she has been taught. As the parties involved move closer to their fates, will Daniel gather the stones before the world ends or will he become a warrior of God and set things right?

I really liked this story, it has enough violence to make it real and the bumbling antics of Helen were hilarious. I found all the characters to be believable and I highly enjoyed their interaction in the story. I enjoyed the pace and flow of the story, even though there were a couple of issues with time lines, the story was still great to read. I loved the history aspect of the stones and wished the author had given just a bit more information concerning each of the tribes of Israel. I thought how each of the characters came to grips with their own personal spiritual journey was well written and the grace in which God's touches each of their lives most thought provoking. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good religious historical mystery. ( )