Journey of the Shepherd Woman

by Carlene Havel, Sharon Faucheux

Saul of Tarsus instigates persecution against followers of the Way, forcing shepherds from Bethlehem to run for their lives. Taking only a few provisions, Channah and her family escape to the seaport of Joppa. From there, they hope to make their way to Ephesus where Channah’s husband grew up. However, travel is difficult and sometimes treacherous. When disaster strikes, Channah relies on the mercy of a kind woman named Dorcas. Through many trials, the little family cherishes their goal of finding a place where they can freely worship Jesus.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2023

About the author

Carlene Havel writes Christian-themed romances and historical novels set in Biblical times. She’s lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and all over the United States. Carlene worked for a banana importer, a software development company, and everything in between. She attended several colleges and universities, including one that—surprisingly--granted her a diploma.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thos story continues from the first book. Persecution of The Way has made it unsafe for thr family to stay in Israel. One has relatives in Ephesus, which becomes their destination. Shipwrecks, unexpected pregnancies, attacks, sudden deaths, new adopted family members, long searches for the existing ones, test the faith of those who believe. Saul of Tarsus rages against The Way, whipping up mobs into a frenzy wherever he goes, protected by his Roman citizenship. As the family members arenl lost and found, make new friends, adopt new people into their ranks, the question remains - will they all ever be together again?

[Georgia Herod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux have written a lovely historical novel about a young shepherd family who must escape Bethlehem in the face of persecution at the order of Saul of Tarsus. Channah and her family head to Joppa. From there they plan to go to Ephesus, where Channah's husband grew up. In spite of danger and disaster, Channah makes her way, thanks to the mercy of Dorcas, a kind woman. How eager they are to find a place where they can worship Jesus and other followers of The Way. Channah grows in her faith and trust in God as they encounter trials in their travels.

[Lisa Conaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story of faith and love

I absolutley loved this story of Channa, John Simon, and their family as they lived as new Christians. Their abiding faith in God and Jesus was strong and well written. With Peter as an example of their new faith and the miracle he performed made the story even more exciting and believable. I will recommend this story and its authors to others who enjoy historical, well written tales of family, faith, and love of God.

[Monique Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Warming

Beautiful story of the way. Anyone looking to extend their imagination of the wonders of the followers of the way will absolutely enjoy this book. Loving care and kindness are the characters of this novel, a gem indeed. Feeling sad, depressed or forgotten, give this is book a go. It will lift your spirit and remind you of the blessings you hold in your hands. Great for all ages, as young as infants,as old as the second childhood. A sheer delight. Enjoy

[Deborah G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved loved loved this book!

The Shepherd Woman, Channah, and Dorcas, are friends I would love to have, to get to know, and whose lives I would love to be apart of! Reading their stories was fun, though heart stopping at times. I highly recommend this book and plan to read more in the series!

[Mr John Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

wonderful story

Beautifully told story of a family ripped apart and then reunited after many years. It includes Peter praying for Dorcas to be raised back to life after she died. I really loved the whole story.

Penny Callaghan

[maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this.

Very believable characters, plot twists and attention to detail. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys Biblical, historical fiction. Slightly abrupt ending, but otherwise a great read.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Musings

What an absorbing novel with characters you will fall in love with! It's so amazed was sad to come to the end. I am so grateful I found this one in Kindle Unlimited. A very happy reader!

[Faith Finch · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Book

Loved this story that tells of faith, hope, love, strength and courage, everything we as Christians should have in abundance.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the continuing story of this family. Lovely to catch up with Avram & his family. I soon got engrossed with all the Characters. I loved that Dorcas became a great friend to Channah and her family. It was heartbreaking at times, not knowing what was going to happen. Their faith in God was so evident throughout the book. I am sad to come to the end of this book. Generally, I am not a fan of Biblical Fiction, but I have learnt to read it as fiction and not think too much of what did or didn't happen. I will definitely look for more books by this Author. I would class it also as a Christian family saga. I own this on kindle.

[Julie Cosgrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well told story

I have read other biblical books by these ladies. This one is excellent as well. They do their research into the biblical times these people lived. If you like watching The Chosen, you will enjoy reading their books.

[brenda morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely storytelling

Although it is a bit predictable, I very much enjoyed the characters of this story. Good storytelling. I could imagine the scenes like I was there.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Great historical novel of the early days of the Church. Very well written. God’s faithfulness shines through during troubled times.

[Nanette Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Sweet Book

I felt like I was experiencing the way life was at that time. I enjoyed the love the sweet little family shared even though they went through so much.

[Margaret Mulligan · Rating 5 out of 5]

an uplifting and inspiring book

I couldn’t put this book down as I was drawn into the storyline and couldn’t help but identify with each of the characters.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and touching

I loved the details and history of the times. Thank you! More about the life of Jesus is the best reading and this book is wonderful.

[Rebecca Hyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Loved the characters. Pulled me in from the beginning. Really brought to life how early Christians lived. Their struggles and their triumphs.

[Karen L Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Read

I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Couldn’t put this or the 1st book down Highly recommend