The Hidden Flame

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From BooklistPopular Christian authors Bunn and Oke unite in the second installment in the Acts of Faith series (after The Centurion’s Wife, 2009) to tell the story of Abigail, who, in spite of being injured in a terrible accident, finds herself the object of desire for two vastly different, powerful men: Ezra, a wealthy merchant, and Linux, an officer in the Roman army. Neither of these nonbelievers pleases Peter, the leader of Abigail’s new religion, so he betroths her instead to the saintly Stephen, another follower of the Way. However, many influential men want to see the Christians annihilated, along with their iconoclastic beliefs, making life as one of the faithful increasingly dangerous. Oke and Bunn have re-created Judea in the time immediately following the crucifixion of Christ. Richly textured and filled with familiar New Testament figures, their novel also meticulously describes the political climate of the time, including the conflicts between the Romans, Zealots, and Hasmodeans. More than a simple love story, given miracles, martyrdom, and men on a mission, this is the perfect tale for readers who enjoy such biblical epics as Henryk Sienkiewicz’s Quo Vadis, Lew Wallace’s Ben Hur, and Lloyd C. Douglas’ The Robe. --Shelley Mosley Product DescriptionAbigail loses everything and is left with little promise of a normal life. When she discovers the Messiah and joins his followers, she also discovers new meaning and purpose. Maybe she does have a future after all. But increasing persecution is scattering the burgeoning group "to the ends of the earth." And Abigail may have given her heart to the wrong man.Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. One is a successful Hebrew merchant and widower looking for a mother for his children. On the other side is the Roman soldier Linux, who is captivated by her winsome charm and could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Stephen, one of the leaders of The Way, has a character and a faith that move her deeply, but his outspoken preaching has marked him for assassination. Will her faith and courage withstand a heartbreak beyond comprehension? And then a glimmer of hope appears, one she never would have foreseen.