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Galatians 6:9
In Due Season follows a fourteen-year-old boy who escapes a life of abuse by stowing away on a ship bound for the colonies, where he grows deeper in his Christian faith. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I like to “hook” my readers from page one of my stories, and an escape scene does just that. I’ve always been a fan of Charles Dickens, so I wanted to start with an “Oliver” twist by setting the story in a London workhouse. Five chapters later, he ends up in Williamsburg, Virginia, which is my favorite place to visit! I love the colonial era of American history, and with the Revolution taking place during the time of my story, there was a lot of action from which to draw. I also decided on the five major characters, all living in one household: James, the father, a loyalist with a debilitating disease; Bradley, his arrogant patriot son; Rebekah, James’ daughter embittered by her blindness and recent jilting by her fiance; Elizabeth, the newly orphaned housekeeper who is also tasked with the impossible job of helping Rebekah out of her self-pity, and John, the mistreated indentured servant. I had a general plot in mind, but with the characters’ differences and unique situations causing internal and external conflicts, they practically wrote the story themselves!
John endures many hardships and setbacks, but these only strengthen his faith as he moves forward. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development and the development of his faith?
I love the character of John. He has suffered much, but because of a man who cares about his dire situation, he realizes God’s love for him and gives his heart to Christ. That decision, although he’s not perfect and struggles with anger, hurt, and bitterness, allows him to have the inner strength to face more difficulties. He grows in patience, love, and most importantly, the ability and desire to forgive.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Forgiveness is a major theme, not just in this book but in most of my stories. The title, In Due Season, is taken from the Scripture verse, Galatians 6:9 – “Be not weary in well doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not.” This is the promise Elizabeth clings to when the progress in helping Rebekah seems slow.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I never intended for this to be more than a standalone book. However, it is now Book 1 in a trilogy. Book 2, Season of Uncertainty, is scheduled to be released on October 1st! It covers 1778-1781. I was amazed when researching for the book how many things relating to the American Revolution happened in and around Williamsburg. It’s made for a very exciting story! The beloved characters from Book 1 are back, and some new characters are introduced. (There’s some sweet romance, too, as in all my books, but, as usual, it takes a back seat to the main plot.)
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In Due Season: A Story of Colonial Williamsburg
Set against the backdrop of colonial Williamsburg in the 1770s, In Due Season, by Sandi Rebert is an essential read for fans of Christian and historical romance. The narrative centers on John, who, after escaping a workhouse at the tender age of 14, discovers the love of Christ through a stranger’s life-saving act while stowed away on a ship. This profound encounter draws John closer to the Christian faith, but his newfound freedom is short-lived as he is sold as an indentured servant. Years later, his life takes a transformative turn when he meets Elizabeth, and together they grow in their Christian faith.
In Due Season is a beautifully crafted tale of salvation and finding solace in Christ. For John, who has endured a harsh life, God’s love initially seems an unreachable concept. Despite their vastly different upbringings, John and Elizabeth are united by tragic circumstances, and their shared faith becomes a strong bond. The book emphasizes key Christian values: kindness, courage, forgiveness, perseverance, and long suffering. I appreciated how it distinguished between mere church-going and living a true Christian lifestyle, illustrating how faith can be a profound source of comfort and strength during hardships. John’s struggles serve as a poignant reminder to Christians that in times of adversity, they can find solace in turning to God. It was heartwarming to witness each character’s journey to faith, their spiritual growth, and the realization that true freedom is found in God.
In Due Season, by Sandi Rebert, is a moving and inspiring novel that masterfully weaves together themes of faith, love, and perseverance. Through the trials and tribulations faced by John and Elizabeth, Rebert illustrates the transformative power of God’s love and the enduring strength found in faith. The rich historical setting, combined with the heartfelt narrative, makes this book a standout in the genre of Christian historical romance. Its simple yet compelling writing style ensures that readers are not only entertained but also deeply moved. This book is a testament to the enduring power of faith and love, making it a must-read for anyone seeking both inspiration and a captivating story.
Pages: 273 | ASIN : B08M127B83
Risking His Life For The Guilty
The Innocent for the Guilty follows a young man, his mother, and his sister, who settle in a ranching town in Wyoming, hoping to start a new life away from the tragedy of their past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Honestly, I don’t remember. I originally wrote this as a musical drama for our church’s 25th anniversary. That was nineteen years ago. I like stories that are exciting, with lots of action and memorable characters. Westerns have always been a favorite of mine, so I combined the two. I also like to include intrigue, which is why the reader doesn’t know why Troy is running until a few chapters into the story.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
I want my characters to be as real to my readers as they are to me. Giving them unique traits and accents helps set them apart from each other. I also like to get into my characters’ heads to help the reader see their motivation for how they act and what they say. In this story, that happens mostly with Troy, the main character. I’ve had readers express to me that they “felt” the story and that it was an “experience.” I believe that’s due to the fact that delving into Troy’s deep emotions makes the reader feel as if they are in his place.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
As in all my books, the theme of forgiveness runs throughout. However, the paramount theme is that of substitution. It’s expressed in the title, The Innocent for the Guilty, and in a dramatic scene where Troy is pleading with his outlaw father to change his ways before it’s too late. In the story, Troy is the innocent one, risking his life for the guilty (his pa). It is tied into the analogy of Jesus Christ being the ultimate innocent One giving His life for the guilty sinner.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, where will the story take readers?
I never intended for this book to be more than a standalone novella. However, at the end of this story, I’d become so attached to the characters that I knew there had to be more! Book 2, In Darkness and In Light, is available on Amazon (as an ebook, paperback, and on Kindle Unlimited). It introduces three new characters–two bumbling bounty hunters and a schoolmarm, Maddie Parker. Book 3, For Better or For Worse, releases as a paperback on February 22 and an ebook on February 26. It puts Maddie in a nightmarish situation and brings about some surprising changes–one tragic and the other wonderful! It also develops a romance that was hinted at in Book 2. I’ve already started writing Book 4!
The Innocent for the Guilty
Troy Daniels, his mom, and his little sister are on the run from those who refuse to believe Troy is innocent of the charges he is accused of. Set in the late winter of 1891, the family is forced to leave their home and travel west, where they end up in a small ranching town called Spring River, Wyoming. Troy was tried for murder and acquitted, but the family of the victim still believes he is guilty and will go to extreme lengths to get justice for their lost loved one. Can Troy’s family’s faith in God strengthen them as the truth about that dark night comes to light?
The Innocent for the Guilty by Sandi Rebert blends a heartwarming Christian romance with a thrilling Western novel. Rebert does a fantastic job with flashbacks and dialogue to tell the full story of how the family ended up where they are. This literary device keeps readers engaged because they feel like they are there listening to Troy tell his story and not getting it from a narrator. The author also has a captivating way of describing things. This passage stood out to me, “Time seemed to crawl by on the stumpy feet of a tortoise yet fly by on the swift wings of an eagle.” This writing style helps readers connect to the characters and the situation, allowing them to feel the deep emotions that this story brings out.
What set this novel apart for me in the Christian fiction genre is how the author used her characters to spread the word of God without coming across as a sermon. Instead, the power of faith is shown through Troy and his family’s unwavering faith and the gentle way they share their beliefs with others by being themselves, how they treat others, sharing their faith when asked, or through casual conversation. There is also the message of forgiveness that no matter what, holding onto hate only feeds darkness in the soul. The author shows that forgiveness is not easy but is essential for inner peace.
The Innocent for the Guilty is a story of faith, family, and forgiveness. The novel is for any reader who enjoys a heartwarming story set in the Old West. The quick pace and the relatable characters make this a great book to pick up when you need a story of hope for when everything seems like it is falling apart around you.
Pages: 175 | ASIN : B0B9QWPSZ3
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
LITERARY TITAN 