Blog Archives
The Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ
Redemption’s Promise follows an orphaned teenager in Jerusalem during the time when Christ died, who is adopted by a Roman and uses his new identity to help continue his father’s work. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I originally wrote Redemption’s Promise as a play for our church’s Easter program. I wanted something that would present the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in a very dramatic, exciting, and original way. After our church presented it, I marketed the script to other churches through Dramatic Difference Publications, an in-house online publishing company I had started years before. When COVID struck in 2020, churches were no longer producing programs. It was then I decided to take my most popular dramas and turn them into novels! I expanded the story, adding details and emotions (that an audience would see while watching a stage play) as descriptions. The second half of the book was an addition to the original story, as were a few of the characters who became favorites of mine. They expanded the story and added extra plot twists and depth to the tale.
Jason hates everything the Roman empire stands for but must find a way to survive in this new situation and ends up on a soul-searching adventure. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The main thing that keeps Jason going is his hope of discovering what happened to his mother and being there for her if he finds her. Another would be his love for his people, the Jews, and to continue his father’s quest to relieve them from Roman tyranny. The realization of Who the Messiah really is and why He came to earth adds another dimension and ultimately changes the course of several of the characters’ lives, including Jason’s.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The major theme, as in my other books, is forgiveness. There are also themes of courage to stand for what is right despite what others do or think, strength and perseverance amid what appears to be insurmountable difficulties, sacrifice (particularly the sacrifice Jesus made to enable redemption), and loyalty.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am working on a sequel to Redemption’s Promise. The title will be Redemption’s Victory and will continue the stories of the main characters and some of the minor ones, too. It will also weave in snatches from the life of the Apostle Paul. I hope to have it available by Easter, but time will tell. I’m also working on sequels for two other books and another biblical fiction novel.
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Redemption’s Promise
Redemption’s Promise by Sandi Rebert is a captivating delve into the realm of biblical fiction. Set in Jerusalem approximately 2000 years ago, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young protagonist named Jason. From the exhilarating onset, we encounter Jason in the throes of evasion, desperately trying to escape Roman soldiers. But the stakes ascend swiftly as he is confronted with a heart-wrenching decision: what does it truly mean to choose life?
Rebert artfully intertwines Jason’s journey with the seminal events marking Jesus’s life, including His miracles and crucifixion. The brilliance lies in the gradual unveiling of their connection, allowing readers to ponder and anticipate its intricate weave within the broader tapestry of the tale.
One of the standout features of this work is the adept integration of biblical verses that seamlessly align with the unfolding plot. Rebert provides a historical lens, presenting the Romans through the eyes of the Jewish community. While the narrative is fictional, it provokes deep reflection. In a world where Jesus is largely celebrated, Redemption’s Promise serves as a poignant reminder of the contentious views held by the religious leaders of His time, prompting readers to critically engage with the subject of resurrection.
Marrying suspense with spiritual introspection, this book beckons its readers to not only immerse themselves in its riveting plot but also to delve deeper into the intricacies of biblical events. I recommend Redemption’s Promise to fans of biblical fiction and to those intrigued by the myriad possibilities that might have colored the epoch of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
Pages: 276 | ASIN : B09SB8ZWY9
By Design
After the death of her mother as a young teen, Anne Boyd has gone through life using her mother’s three-step plan to evaluate every decision to reach her goals. By using this three-step plan, Anne has her dream career as an interior designer and recently accepted a new and prestigious position at a high-end design firm in Atlanta. Her life seems to be on her planned trajectory until she meets handsome Dr. Brad Young, Jr., a client-turned-love interest. Then, Anne must decide what she truly values as she navigates burgeoning feelings while staying true to her convictions.
Author J Boykin Baker hits the mark for the religious romance genre with her release of By Design by weaving an engaging story of southern love. From the love of a mother for a daughter to a father for a son, readers will see the impact that relationships can have on life choices. Anne values her faith and uses that as a compass to guide her relationships and career; however, her values are tested after meeting Brad. Brad is handsome and has a steady and lucrative career but seems to flounder when it comes to committed relationships. Boykin succeeds in establishing a mutual attraction between the two characters and hooks the reader into being invested in the outcome of the relationship. Boykin also excels in vivid descriptions of different settings and her interior design knowledge.
Readers will appreciate the heartfelt message of the book and the emphasis on the importance of choices and relationships. By Design checks all the boxes for a captivating religious romance novel. The wholesome and idealistic storyline was as enjoyable to read as a Hallmark romance movie, leaving me feeling satisfied and entertained.
Pages: 414 | ASIN : B0B7CLNZ5B
Don’t Let Me Go
Don’t Let Me Go is a high school love story building up to marriage, but for Jenny and Adam, the true test starts after marriage. Jenny pushes Adam away for a reason unknown. Before she answers any questions, she gets kidnapped, and the chase starts. With Adam striving to find his love, a love who doesn’t want to be his wife anymore, this story will make you believe in real companionship.
Don’t Let Me Go by Jodi Artzberger is a romantic thriller that will keep you on your toes from the first page. The story starts with suspense and subtly weaves in romance while the plot maintains the thrill. The characters are relatable and interesting. Some parts will make you question the goodness of the characters. There is a clear distinction between good and evil, which supports the conventional story writing aspect but might lack the depth of characterization for some readers.
The author has taken her strong Christian values and infused her novel with a gospel-centered storyline. Faith plays a strong part in character development, as well as plot development. Readers that prefer a more Christian view on romance will find Jodie Artzberger has created relationships that center around God and model the values of the Christian faith.
As the story progresses, you can see faith building up. It aptly symbolizes how marital troubles are resolved in times of crisis. It also conveys that protecting our loved ones is done better by companionship. The book explores the themes of love, forgiveness, and faith. Many subplots run parallel to the main plot without interrupting its flow which adds depth to the narration.
Don’t Let Me Go is a suspenseful Christian mystery with a romantic story intertwined. The author is successful in building up tension and skillfully easing it out in the end. This was a great mystery, as well as a lesson on learning to forgive and trust the people you care about.
Pages: 251 | ASIN : B0B52F8T6T
Something We Never Imagined
Colton Dust is a talented young writer who lives in California and works for a respectable local news company. Colton’s sheer talent as a columnist, producing stories about his views, has created quite a stir within the community. Colton denies that there is any need for a God, if one exists at all. Emma Lee, a competent and charming young woman, enters the picture. Colton catches her attention in a chance encounter, but his attitude leaves a foul taste in her mouth. Days pass and Emma only finds out that she disagrees with his morals as well. Despite this, both characters are drawn to each other inexplicably, and it is only a matter of time until they cross paths again.
Something We Never Imagined, by Douglas J. Wemple, is a fascinating read about faith and love. Wemple’s work is centered around the young and ambitious Colton Dust and Emma Lee, a struggling but resourceful young woman of faith. Both characters are highly relatable and will quickly draw readers into their tale. Despite being raised in a Christian family, Colton believes that a person is accountable for their own destiny and should not believe or rely on a God he isn’t even convinced exists. Emma Lee, on the other hand, is a fervent believer that God not only exists but should be the focus of one’s life despite the fact that she’s constantly tested by life circumstances. The conflict of their principles is one of many factors of the book that captured my interest, and I became emotionally invested in both characters.
Wemple’s writing style is easy to follow, and it is also encouraging and uplifting, giving readers faith. The author seamlessly conveys the message that forgiveness and faith in God are essential for finding meaning in life.
Something We Never Imagined, by Douglas J. Wemple, is a heart-warming and eye-opening read I can highly recommend to those who enjoy contemporary Christian romance.
Pages: 377 | ASIN: B09ZF19P2J
LITERARY TITAN 