Book Review for “An Accident of Birth”

I was given a copy of “An Accident of Birth” by the author in exchange for an honest review. I loved the story line of this book. A great Dystopian theme. I think I would have enjoyed it more if the characters had been “fleshed out” a bit, especially some of the secondary characters. Sometimes adding more length to the book is ok. More background story may have helped as well. I would read more of this author. This is his first published work and I am sure that his story telling talents will only get better. Due to a rape scene I don’t recommend for under the age of 17. I give this book 3 stars.

Consider Esther

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As I study the book of Esther, I can’t help but think she typifies the Church. Esther lived during the time that the Jews were living in exile from Israel. Nebuchadnezzar had taken the princes, royal family and the top of Jewish society with him to Babylon. Later the Medes and the Persians had taken over the territory of Babylon and King Ashasuerus (Also known as Xerxes) was sitting on the throne, ruling over 127 provinces. He decides to throw a great feast, inviting all of the princes of these provinces, chief officers of the Persian and Median military, the nobles and governors, all of the ‘who’s who’ of his society. Then he invites all the men, both great and small to come for seven days of parties. His wife, Queen Vashti, not to be outdone, does the same thing for the women.

At some point during the celebration the King calls for Vashti, wanting to show off her beauty. She point blank refuses. As a young Christian, I used to think “Good for her!” Fortunately, now I have a better understanding of the rebellion in Vashi’s heart. Ashasuerus is King. King’s have complete authority. Period. We have no reason to assume he was an evil king, in fact later in the book of Esther, we find information contrary to that fact. Here is where the spiritual implications come in.

If Jesus is my King, shouldn’t I obey His every command? Whether I understand His request, or agree with it? What if it is not convenient for me to do what He says, right when He asks? Vashti may have been beautiful on the outside, but inside she was a rebellious and disobedient woman. Her disobedience is a bad example to all the woman, great and small, in the 127 provinces who are witnesses of her actions. What example are we, the Bride of Christ, setting for the world?

Ashasuerus has not choice, he has to divorce her, put her away! Another queen must be found. Jesus turned from the Jews, and chose a new love to pursue, the gentiles. He chose us, just as King Ashasuerus chose Esther. Unlike him, God didn’t clean us up first, there were no beauty treatments to get us ready. He chose us in our mess and dirt. Our purification comes after, not before.

Esther is a woman of obedience. She obeys her Uncle Mordecai, who raised her. After she was taken into the harem of the king, she finds favor with the chief Eunuch, Hegai. It is safe to assume that her humble behavior and her submissive attitude is what bring her that favor. There are countless beautiful woman there, who are all virgins. There is something different about our Esther.

When the women are allowed to take anything they want with them when they go to see the king, Esther only took what Hegai advised her to take. She deferred to the one who knew the king. It paid off for her; she is chosen above all others to be queen in Vashti’s place. Once sitting in her place of honor, she continues to obey her uncle.
We are all familiar with the story of Esther. How evil Haman desires to destroy her uncle and all of the Jews, even getting the king to sign into law a day of Jew killing, with a reward. Doing as her uncle requests, she goes uninvited into the throne room, which was punishable by death. But the king in his generosity and love for his queen, offers to give her up to half of his kingdom. Through Esther’s bravery and obedience, not only is her uncle saved, but her people as well, and evil Haman is hung on the gallows he has built for Mordecai. She put her life in the hands of the King and won the right for her people to fight back against those who would harm her. The Jews celebrate Purim to this day, marking their victory.

As modern day Esther’s, we don’t have to fear for our lives. We can boldly come to the throne of our King. Unlike Ashasuerus, our King has given us all of His kingdom, not just half. Our obedience is important. We have the whole world watching us!

Are we going rebel like Vashti?
Or obey, like Esther?

Book Review For “Sleepless” Fiction

I was given this book by the author, Tracey Ward, in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book! Loved the storyline, A woman who “Slips” in her dreams to places she’s been before, who meets a military man who has issues. I love a good romance, especially minus the sappy stuff, plus I love all things military, a perfect mix for me!The book includes a good does of humor and insight into the characters. Good writing style. Nothing negative to say. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series and I added her other works to my “to read” list. There is some swearing and sexual references so I recommend for ages 16 and up. I give the book 5 stars.
Only .99 on amazon for Kindle version!

Book Review for “Public Garden Penny” Middle Grade Fiction

I enjoyed this book. It is written through the eyes of a ten year old boy. There is some humor, some sad parts and it is well written. However, I didn’t love it. There is a couple of swear words, one I happen to hate. This is intended for middle grade and up and I just don’t think swearing is necessary in a young person’s book. I have to take away one star due to this, of course if this type of thing doesn’t bother you then disregard the loss of one star. I give Public Garden Penny 3 stars.