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When the Rivers Swell #2

Where the Desert Blooms

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Fans of Christian Historical Fiction and Biblical Fiction Novels will love this dual perspective book about the Hebrews’ Wilderness Wanderings.

ON THE RUN. DESPERATE FOR TRUTH. ONLY THE GRACE OF GOD CAN SAVE HER.

After fleeing Egypt with the Hebrews for a chance at a better life, Egyptian street girl Seshat believes she’s leaving her past crimes behind. But, as she quickly finds, some crimes can’t be shaken.

She is saved by Gideon, a young Hebrew shepherd who causes her to reconsider her lifestyle, her heart, her religion. But relationships are never simple. When another boy, a scrappy young Egyptian, walks into her life, Seshat must decide whether to cling to her old ways or place her trust in the God of the Hebrews.

Gideon soon realizes he might be the only one who can lead Seshat to the truth.

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2023

215 people are currently reading
202 people want to read

About the author

Sierra A. Elliott

4 books79 followers
Christian fiction author of When the Rivers Swell, #1 New Release in Religious Biblical Fiction. Her passion for God’s Word as well as art, animals, and nature are all weaved into her stories. Currently, she writes full-time from her home in Florida, where she lives with her husband, Kyle, and dog, Rudy.

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5 stars
345 (70%)
4 stars
118 (24%)
3 stars
24 (4%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
Profile Image for Julia Shepherd.
17 reviews
October 13, 2023
Wow! This book is a beautiful telling of a young Egyptian woman who has a colorful past. I fell in love the protagonist Seshat. The story takes place during the exodus period of the Bible. Seshat sees how the plagues have devastated her people and decides to leave with her friend M and brother with the Hebrews to go to the promised land. But will what she’s running from back in Egypt past decisions come back to her haunt her as she tries to live this new life? Seshat has never lived among Hebrews before there’s customs and belief in one true God is puzzling for her. I love the redemption aspect of the story. You can never be too far from Gods love and forgiveness I especially love the bloody flower analogy. The writing is straightforward I think that it’s appropriate for middle school and up. No cursing or overly sexual references. If you are looking for a beautiful biblical fiction novel that will make you fall more in love with God this is the book.
Profile Image for Kayla Hamilton.
8 reviews
October 9, 2023
Sierra has a gift for bringing to life the journey of those who chose to leave Egypt and follow the God of the Hebrews into the wilderness. You will be moved and encouraged by the story of Seshat, an orphaned Egyptian with a complicated past who chooses to leave behind a place that has nothing else to offer her. Her story is filled with relatable pain, loss, and grief, but contrasted with the very true reality that Yahweh is the God who sees. Sierra paints a vivid picture of daily life in the wilderness weaved through the historical events of the Bible. This book has adventure, murder mystery, romance and so much more that will keep you hooked and wanting to know more! Most of all, Where the Desert Blooms will draw you closer to the God who sees you in desolate places and brings abundant life.
1 review
September 24, 2023
What a fantastic read! Sierra Elliott has done it again! Bringing Biblical history to life, this book travels the wilderness on the way to the Promised Land. Following the lives of an Egyptian and a Hebrew as they navigate through the crossing of the Red Sea, the blessings of Manna from Heaven, and even just what it was like to live amongst the thousands in camps, this story truly opens up the mind to what it must have been like to be a part of the Exodus. I can’t wait for her next book! What a thrilling way to make reading the Old Testament exciting again!
Profile Image for Jaymie.
77 reviews
September 17, 2023
Wow! I wasn’t sure what to expect as I have never read @sierraelliottbooks’s debut novel. As an avid reader of Biblical fiction, I had high expectations… and I wasn’t disappointed.

Sierra seamlessly wove Biblical events throughout the story and also made it easy to know and care about the lives of Seshat, Gideon, Aten, Deshret, Eden, Simon, Micah… I could go on and on. Watching Seshat’s struggle between her Egyptian way of life and the faith/customs of the Hebrews she now traveled amongst was fascinating. The characters all felt like family. I appreciate the author’s attention to the details of the culture of the Hebrews and the Biblical events as the story progressed.

Sierra wove a beautiful message of belonging, redemption, and God’s relentless pursuit of our hearts throughout this sequel. There were even a few moments that had my heart pounding as the mystery unfolded.

I definitely recommend this novel and will be sure to check out her other books. You can pre-order it now before it releases on October 10.
Profile Image for Melissa (christianbooksandcoffee).
781 reviews357 followers
October 2, 2023
Seshat, an Egyptian girl, has tagged along with the Hebrews after they left Egypt. She also has with her, her little brother. She hunts some of the Hebrew's sheep, to feed on but eventually gets caught. She is sentenced to be a slave for a man whose sheep she killed until the debt can be paid. There she meets Gideon, a Hebrew, and they become friends. She also meets a fellow Egyptian boy. As she starts living among the Hebrews, she has to make the decision to keep following the Egyptian gods or the one true God. But there may be a danger lurking around the corner if she isn't careful.

Great story! I love how many events from Exodus take place in the story. However, that being said, this is Biblical Fiction not the Bible so although there are biblical events in the story the main story is fictional. The author writes beautifully. Seshat and Gideon are great characters. You get both an Egyptian perspective and Hebrew one but it's more centered on Seshat than Gideon. Overall, a good story and I recommend.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
537 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2024
Another lovely Christian fiction, by this author.

For starters, it is clean (no swearing or cursing)
no lurid graphic sexual scenes.

There is sin ( stealing, killing etc.)
but that is life, in this world...
However, God can call a person, save and redeem them.

This happens to the main female character,
but sadly not for one of the male characters.

The characters are all well developed.

The novel takes place during the Exodus,
and follows scripture, and has many applications of Scripture.

I am looking forward to the next in the series.
Profile Image for Coriana Hope.
Author 2 books7 followers
September 28, 2023
***I received a free ARC version of this book in exchange for an honest review.***

When The Desert Blooms is part romance, part Biblical fictions and weaves a story full of rich culture and world building. It was easy to picture the setting and the hardships the people went through. The religious themes were an integral part of the story and woven seamlessly into the narrative. The spiritual journey of the main character was relatable and believable.

The author's writing style is straightforward, and I think people as young as middle school would be able to read and enjoy it. The book is well-edited.

Being critical now, the plot started off slowly. It took ~60 pages to really engage me. I did really enjoy it after that point though. The characters were not quite compelling or memorable enough for me to care deeply for them, and many actions the antagonist took seemed illogical, making the big reveal feel somewhat forced. Some humans do act illogically when they feel they have been wronged though, so maybe it's not as unrealistic as it feels.

Overall, this book was a refreshing read. It's hard to find stories that use the spiritual needs of the protagonists as a central theme in a way that doesn't feel cheesy or awkward, but this book did it well.
Profile Image for Frieda Thompson.
389 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2024
Where The Desert Blooms

While this is a really good book, I didn't enjoy it as much as the first of this series. Still 5 Stars, though. I think it was because I expected it to continue Hannah, Anipe, & Nia's story. They are present in the camp, but not protagonists this time around. I appreciate that it DOES continue to show that everything that happens to, & around, us has a purpose. That God can, & does, use everything in our lives for our good, IF we love & trust Him. It does a great job of showing how He protects us, provides for us, & leads us through this life, even when we aren't "perfect"! As the adage goes: Just because you don't believe in God, doesn't mean He doesn't believe in you!" I highly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates Biblical, Historical Fiction! That said, I found a few errors, mostly typos or poor word choices. However one section, according to several English translations, was different than what the Bible actually says. I won't describe it here, as it might be a big-time Spoiler, but you'll know when you get there.
Profile Image for Nikki.
68 reviews
October 10, 2023
📚Book Review📚

🌸Where the Desert Blooms by Sierra A. Elliot🌸

Set during the Exodus, Seshat has left Egypt with her little brother and friend, alongside the Hebrews in search of a better life.

Her life is saved by Gideon, a young Hebrew shepherd who she happened to steal from in an effort to stay alive.

Things I enjoyed:

🌸Dual POV - I absolutely loved hearing from both Seshat and Gideon.

🌸Set around Biblical events - I really enjoyed the inclusion of the escape from the Egyptians through the Red Sea, the provision of water and Manna from Heaven. I thought the author’s interpretation of how the camp would have been feeling during those moments was very well done.

🌸Found family - finding love and acceptance in the family she has to serve to repay her debt, romantic love (with a bit of tension before) and more importantly finding the Father’s love and being wanted to be part of His family regardless of anything she might have done.

This story of love, forgiveness and grace was such a lovely read and I would definitely recommend checking it out and it’s available on KU from today.

🌟 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✍️ Fave quote: “He has rescued us from slavery, given us gold we didn’t buy, provided sustenance when we complained against Him. We can’t work for His love any more than she can. To pay her debt, it would be a free gift, if she accepts it. What greater lesson is there about Elohim?”

#bookrecommendation #bookobsessed #booklovers #readmorebooks #ilovebooks #romance #fantasy #bookishlove #igbooks #bookreview #bookstagram #booklover #books #bookstagrammer #bookworm #bookrecommendations #reading #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #readersofinstagram #booksbooksbooks #bookcommunity #bookshelf #bookaholic #bookreviewer #igreads #booklove #goodreads #100booksinayear
2 reviews1 follower
October 7, 2023
Where The Desert Blooms is a wonderful book. The author got my interest straight away. Her character development was wonderful. I felt like that they were people that I actually knew. Traveling into the desert with Seshat and her brother as they escape Egypt and the street life they leave behind to reach the land of milk and honey is an emotional journey. As they learn to survive in the desert and connect with the Hebrews and witness the spiritual life God and Moses are leading the Hebrews on is an amazing journey.
Seshat’s struggle with making decisions about her spiritual choices, and accepting the religion of the Hebrews was very realistic and wonderfully done. I truly enjoyed this book. I did not hardly put down trying to see what would happen next to the characters. I can’t wait for her next book. It is so exciting to see a fictional story of the Hebrews as God moves them across the desert.
12 reviews
October 11, 2023

Wow! I throughly enjoyed this read and can’t wait to read more books from @sierraelliottbooks Not sure what I was excepting when I signed up for the ARC, but I am sooo very happy I did.

I loved the journey Seshat went through to find peace, redemption and forgiveness as she left Egypt and followed the Hebrews and their God. Wow. I don’t like to give much away in my reviews but I was captivated by each event and felt like this book was well written and engaging. Such a fun, adventurous fictional story to think possibly could of happened out in the wilderness during those 40 days. What day to day life could of been like as they followed the cloud by day and fire by night. Seshat is a true heroine and I especially loved her conversion.

“The desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. They shall see the glory of the Lord.”

Thank you @sierraelliottbooks for this wonderful book.
3 reviews
February 18, 2024
Beatiful love story between a Creator and his created, a Father and His adopted daughter

So many extraordinary images are drawn as Seshat's story progresses. This author has the gift of visionary writing, every scene described in such vivid detail, yet without any wasted words. It was easy to picture the story and surroundings as the author drew me in to Seshat's world, as well as her heart. I could very much relate to her feelings of unworthiness and her fears of rejection, not understanding why this amazing God would want anything to do with her. Her experience in the cave with the green-eyed man moved me powerfully, as her Creator showed Himself in the loving and fiercely protective form of a Father (one who physically resembled her), an influence she'd never experienced in her life! God always knows where and when to meet us in our need. I'm so grateful that God never allows our past to define our future!
6 reviews
June 21, 2024
Inspirational

I think i enjoyed this story more than the first. Initially, I can say I was a little disappointed that the story wasn't a continuation of Hannah and Anipe's saga. I really enjoyed the look into life during the plagues of Egypt and the way Moses was seen. But in the desert, the author described things I hadn't considered either. And the fact that it involves an outcast, one who is seen as "disposable" by society, that God reached her in spite of herself, it's so beautiful and inspiring. I would like to read a continuation of the desert journey, when rebellion and chaos rule. To be introduced to Aaron and Miriam when Moses is in the mountain with God, just to "see" the ones who still held on when hope seemed to be futile. Like maybe Deshret and Bennu's story ten years in the dessert. Just a thought...
Profile Image for Lori.
193 reviews
October 12, 2023
Loving Doesn't Always Come Naturally

I love the idea of these young Egyptians leaving with Moses because they have nothing left in Egypt. I know many foreigners left with the genes including one layer appointed to be a tribe leader.

It is amazing how the Exodus revealed more truths about God's plan to include all people willing to believe in Him as the One True God.

The story and character development were wonderful. The plot was vague enough to keep me guessing about the notices and plans of some of the characters. I had developed my own preferences for the way I wanted the plot to go and was literally biting my lips and thinking, "No! No! No!" at times.

It is a great story and I highly recommend it.
10 reviews
October 2, 2023
Sierra Elliott’s 2nd book, Where the Desert Blooms, is as uplifting and insightful as her first book. Once again Sierra uses her unique writing style to pull the reader into the characters’ lives and invokes a range of emotions as significant events unfold. Overall, I thought this book was biblically sound. I love how she unveils God’s truths, weaving in historical facts, while telling an entertaining and meaningful story with diverse characters. It inspired me to go back into the Bible to read more about the Israelites 40 years of wandering the desert in search of the Promised Land and what a blessing that was for me! This book would make a great gift for both young teens and adults. I look forward to seeing where in the Bible her next story will take place!
Profile Image for Kathryn Edwards.
68 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2023
Sierra Elliott is an up-and-coming author you NEED to know. This is the second Biblical fiction she's written and I read it off in like two days (that I know of). Her perspectives are fresh and her characters are well-developed. There was a sweet and clean romance, and an inspirational coming to faith story that will draw you closer to God. There's something about her books that I haven't read anywhere else, which is huge considering the amount of books I've read in this genre. She is going to be an author I keep coming back to, for sure.
1 review
September 24, 2023
Intense…edge of your seat status….heart breaking….emotion evoking….but best of all, beautiful in how it points to God and His redeeming love.

My current favorite genre is Biblical fiction, so I’ve read plenty. However, this book brings something unique to the table. The characters are not perfect, but it is shown how they are perfectly loved. The main character -Seshat- shows so much inner conflict that represents real human inner conflict, questions, and fears, which makes the ending very impactful. Oh yeah…THE ENDING!!!!

2 reviews
October 1, 2023
Where The Desert Blooms is a really well-written biblical fiction that puts the reader right into the everyday life of the expdus camp. The story is very engaging, the characters are relatable, the authors attention to detail is phenomenal - just little things like it could really take about 35 mins to butcher, skin, and process a ewe lamb, dung that was indeed commonly used for fuel, all shows the time put into researching the historical and cultural aspects of the exodus era. Overall, this was a really enjoyable read, highly recommend!
1 review
October 10, 2023
While Christian Fiction isn’t my go-to genre, this series may slowly be changing that. Where the Desert Blooms had me hooked from Chapter One and kept me hooked the whole time! Whether you’re familiar with the Exodus story or not, the second book in this trilogy provides a fresh per spective and sets readers right in the middle of the humanity that sometimes gets lost in this old tale’s re-telling. The story is full of detail but nothing could’ve prepared me for the ride this book would take me on.
44 reviews
November 5, 2025
Desert flowers are strong survivors

This story seems to start slowly, but the characters are worth knowing. I was taken back to what I knew about Egypt in Scripture, as well as other sources. This story brought Egypt to life, even more, as well as walking through the desert with the freed Hebrews and other slaves. It was exciting to better understand Bible stories and their meanings from the many episodes in the characters' point of view, and the intention of the author. It was like being their with them.


1 review
September 28, 2023
Absolutely loved this book!!
Made my heart feel all these different yet exciting emotions from sympathy to frustration. As a 17 year old, I felt a connection to Seshat, she reminded me how sometimes we find ourselves in a difficult situation where we may have lost our hope but we need to realise that God has a plan for us and that our God works in His own pace. The book allowed me to reflect on myself and deepened my understanding on how I can improve my relationship with God and myself. When you feel lost and in dire need of hope, this book can help and comfort you! Thank you Sierra A. Elliot.
2 reviews
December 9, 2023
Really liked the first book in this series and while the characters in the first book are in the second, they aren’t in most of it and they aren’t the main characters anymore.
The new main characters and their love triangle kind of takes over the book. If you’re reading this as someone who likes romance that’s one thing but the religious aspects of this book took a back seat. The first book was much more focused on he story of Exodus.
Still a good read just not as good as the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Shauna Crawford.
13 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2023
A love story

The love story of Jesus and his bride the church is shown as an example of how a Godly man loves his bride. This is a story of the Exodus and a beautiful time when God was present at night and day as he led the Hebrew and some Egyptians to their promised land. You are brought into their daily lives and their daily thoughts, hopes and fears along this incredible journey through the desert and biblical history.
Profile Image for Kassia Thompson.
11 reviews
May 18, 2024
The entire book was worth it to me for the ending. My eyes were swelled with tears at the image of the entire wedding representing Jesus coming back for us. How Gideon represented Jesus, preparing a place for us, and coming back for us. Loving us no matter how deep in sin we are, or where we come from. I was moved deeply. Thank you so much to Sierra for these novels. I’m touched by how much you study and how deeply you care to share Jesus with your readers. Please, please keep writing more!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
28 reviews
May 29, 2024
Where the Desert Blooms, the second book in this series, follows the Israelites and the "mixed multitude" as they continue their trek from Egypt to the promised land. Sierra Elliot does a fantastic job of reading between the lines of this old story. The main characters are an Egyptian street girl, Seshat, and Gideon, a young Hebrew shepherd. Seshat's skill set is thievery which has its consequences and makes for a very exciting plot! A clean read that could be recommended to YA and up.
1 review
September 28, 2023
I love love love this book. I didn’t know what to expect since I have never read any of your books. I wasn’t disappointed however. It is so relatable and so well written. It has been so much fun to see this story of redemption unfold in such a beautiful and inspiring way. I 100% recommend this book to anyone who likes to read.
1,066 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2024
A beautiful story of redemption, the restoration of lost hope; guilt, fear, want, need, cultures clashing and blending, and love - the love of God, the love of family (makeshift and by blood), and romantic love. And of the God Who woos us but never forces Himself on us. Told through the eyes of an Egyptian street kid who follows the Hebrews as the best option in her life.
58 reviews1 follower
June 17, 2024
Fantastic

I loved the first 2 stories Sierra Elliott wrote. Beautiful stories written in Old Testament time. Both stories are the story of Exodus when God brought Israeli out of Egypt. Following the Cloud/Fire of God to the promised land. I am anxiously waiting for the next book. Loved the characters and the story sets. I only pray Mrs. Elliott will write faster!!! ♥️
Profile Image for Kyle.
5 reviews
September 30, 2023
Very worthwhile read! I’ve been getting into Biblical fiction recently and have really enjoyed this series. Although you don’t have to read the first book to know what is happening in this one, some of the characters make an appearance, so I think it is helpful to read in order!
Profile Image for Lexi Hagaman.
102 reviews13 followers
October 5, 2023
This book is just amazing! Sierra Elliot does such a great job creating her characters and their struggles and successes. I thought her first book was so so so good and this second book is right up there with it! A MUST READ!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews

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