Woman of Flames

by Kim Stokely

Based on the life of a Jewish prophet, Woman of Flames is a sweeping epic of how faith, lust, and revenge can drive nations into war. As a child, Deborah must convince those around her that her visions are a gift from the Hebrew God, whom she is called to serve. As she matures, Deborah battles the prejudices of her people to achieve the position God has ordained, that of a spiritual leader for Israel. Growing in confidence and power, Deborah accepts God’s promise to use her to free the Israelites from their oppressors. One man stands in her way‒Sisera, general of the Canaanite army. With nine hundred chariots, thousands of soldiers and the help of a sadistic priest, Sisera relentlessly pursues his one objective—total annihilation of the Israelites. After he captures Deborah, his life is altered in ways he never dreamed possible. Attracted to her power and consumed by her beauty, Sisera’s single obsession becomes to possess Deborah, body and soul. Deborah fights against the temptations of her enemy, and her own fears, to ignite a fire of rebellion that could set her people free.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Christian, Christian Fiction, Historical, Inspirational

497 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 17, 2013

About the author

Born and raised in Connecticut, Kim has found herself transplanted to the geographic center of the country, Nebraska. She still wonders how it happened.

She's worked at everything from Microfiche photographer (look it up, it was before computers) to Assisted Living Recreation Assistant. She's grateful to be working from home now and writing!

Her favorite color is green and she loves all things chocolate (except for chocolate covered garlic peanut butter cups. Some things should never be mixed.)

Reviews

[Penny Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This book drew me in from the very first chapter and pulled me through to the ending! Such an enjoyable read! The beautiful relationship that Deborah has with the Lord was something we Christians should pursue! God would bless us too! There was the sorrowful reality of war and the poor appreciation of women displayed thoughtfully throughout the book. It's balanced well and repeated over and over how much the Lord loves us! Goodness those men can be so stubborn at the thought a woman can be used by the Lord to bless a nation. Thank you Lord for speaking your words through Deborah and sharing a creative and powerful story through Kim Stokely! I'm looking forward to reading more from her!

[Angela Prusia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kim Stokely’s Woman of Flames is a fascinating look at the life of Deborah, a little known woman in the Old Testament. As the drama unfolds between Deborah and Sisera, the general of the Canaanite army, the reader is quickly transported to a world different than contemporary society. Kim Stokely’s detailed research makes the story come alive without bogging down the reader with historical facts. Similar to Tessa Afshar’s Pearl in the Sand, Woman of Flames quickly draws the reader into a drama which is hard to leave. I didn’t want to stop reading the book until the last page. I highly recommend Woman of Flames.

[MLOW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - had trouble putting it down (I ended up finishing it in 2 sittings so I only put it down once because I *had* to).

A wonderful piece of biblical fiction that held true to bible accounts and the feel of the times and the story. The spiritual elements were handled believable and in keeping with how we see the gifts operate in the word (unlike Ann Burton's book about Deborah, which - though a good story - had a new age feel to the spiritual portions, they didn't align with scripture). These characters were well written and the story drew you in. Looking forward to more from this author!

[Jill Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was seriously one of the best books that I read this year. I came to love Deborah even more than I already did just from reading her story in Scripture. Stokely draws the reader in, allowing you to connect with Deborah and feel what she must be going through as she struggles to make sense of God, her calling and the world around her.

I can't say enough good things about this book. It's one that I did want to end and that I will absolutely read again. <3

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an enjoyable read and I was sad when it ended! I thought it was well researched and very well written. The characters seemed real and I found their actions and motivations believable. The plot was interesting and I loved how it fleshed out the Biblical story, which is not very long. I look forward to Ms. Stokely's next book! Bravo!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This I an excellent piece of historical biblical fiction. I was fixated from the beginning and could not put this book down. If you've enjoyed Francine Rivers historical biblical works or Anita Diamant's The Red Tent, this is a must read!

[Donna Gersting · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an awesome adventure. The characters are well developed. I was drawn in from the begining. You can tell that the author did her homework in giving a face to this time period in history. Heartily recommend.

[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highly fictionalised account of the retelling of the story of the Prophet & Judge of Biblical times, Deborah.

[Eva-Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some theological quibbles that I had with this novel (and some of the sexual content, though not as graphic as in a more secular book, was close to nausea-inducing). But Woman of Flames was still a well-written, interesting read. Especially for a self-published book. (I know that there are lots and lots of amazing self-published books out there! But some of them - especially Kindle freebies - aren't always of the greatest quality.)

[Deon]

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[Mary Pinkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best

I have read many Biblical fiction but this was the first where the author creatively crafted an interesting story that was imaginative and entertaining beyond the few Biblical references.

[Mary Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well-written and well researched and I liked the author's imagination to fill the story. Sadly, she did not keep her words true to the times. (My pet hate.) I am not American and had to stop and look up 'scoot' to find out what this meant. It is a modern American term which is not listed in dictionary.com. However, the word 'scoot' itself did not come into use until the 1700s AD
In my writing I spend a lot of time researching the origin of words and do not use words that would not be 'invented' until modern times.
The word brought my reading to a screeching halt while I tried to figure out the meaning. Subsequent uses of scoot and scooted, simply made me cringe.
If you are American and understand the word, and don't mind modern words in works of historical fiction, you will enjoy this.
I did. I thought the author did well with the story of Deborah, in spite of my problem with 'scoot.'

[DEBBIE AGUILAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read couldn't put it down!!

Stokely has done it again! Wow I felt like I was there. Her wording an expression it makes you live what your reading , I told my husband would you be tortured for months to protect me?? Of course he said ( I don't think so.) Barack was a great warrior an loved Deborah!! he would do Anything
to protect her unto death. What love is that unselfish Yes !!! What great men in this book but Deborah was my Gods chosen. To stop the people from serving Baal an Molech , people don't open there hearts to the One True God Yahweh from the first to forever. Enjoy

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating - I could not put it down!

As Deborah emerges as the Prophet of God, through pain & loss, we see how God uses the ordinary in extraordinary ways. A powerful story based on Biblical truths of how everyday life was for the Israelites living among the pagan & vicious Canaanites. Kim brings to life how God lead His people, through Deborah, to both redemption & freedom. A powerful story of God's grace & might and a reminder that each of us can be used in some way by God & for His glory. Thank you, Kim!

[Chelle Zemgulis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

I love the creativity mixed with the people, places, and events we all know from the Bible! One review I read about this book complained that nobody mentioned it was a work of fiction. That reader did not read the description prior to reading. I borrowed this book with Amazon prime and ended up buying it when I was about 90% through it! I will be looking for more Kim Stokely novels in the future!

[Katelyn Schesser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m kinda amazed how this author could include every person from Judges 4 and make the book come together so easily. Many may say that it was not biblical or was not right to write and change the story of Deborah but I saw it as her story gave the author inspiration, she did not mean to change Deborah’s story or add to it. It was a bit too graphic and intense for me which is why I didn’t add to my favs or half-favs but still a very good book.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Biblical fiction, you'll love this book.

I love Biblical stories, and although I prefer ones based more on facts, I did enjoy this book. I love that the author kept reminding us, through the heroine, that God wins our battles, and is in control even when we don't see it.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touching story of the life Deborah may have lived. The author takes little-known facts about the prophetess and weaves a compelling story that takes you back to her childhood and her longing to serve the Lord. Like any story where the information is sparse, the author has woven in things from her imagination, but it all comes together in a story that keeps you reading.

[Eleanor Donovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale from the Hebrew Bible about a prophet of God who was a woman. From childhood she worshipped YWH and he helped her to become a leader and save the Jewish people from the Canninites.
Slow at first, to bring the history of the peoples known to the readers, it moves at a quicker, more exciting pace.

[Donna Pingry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put this down until I finished it. The characters are well written, the plot closely follows the biblical account. The additional story that makes it fiction did not overpower the basic story line. I've got to find more by this author.

[KAREN RUTH ULLOM · Rating 5 out of 5]

A WONDERFUL STORY OF A WOMAN PROPHET WHO LISTENED TO GOD!

This faith-based story is about how God used a young woman who became a prophet and led HIS daughter to lead His chosen people away from war and famine when they chose to follow GOD'S leading.

[sherita clarke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read and it allowed me to really enjoy the bible in a most unique way. I would highly recommend it.

Awesome read and a great author cannot wait to read the rest of her books clean and well written. Great Author

[Gina Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excitingly good......

I have read about the prophet Deborah from another author but it was nothing like the exciting work of biblical fiction this author wrote. The heroine in this storyline sounded so real, that it could have happened.....loved it.

[Nancy Cashwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

In God's time

This takes you go back when the Blble stared and what a hard life they had.It was explained very well and I really enjoyed it I have read the book of Ruth an Anna

[Kathryn Spurgeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Very well written and especially insightful rendition of the story of Deborah. Easy to read with no lagging chapters. Certainly kept my interest. Worth reading.

[Haskell Abii · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I love reading as down time. As a Christian, It can be hard to find "appropriate" fiction books. THIS IS IT. A great, safe, page-turner. (Wife of Haz)

[Lana Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story of Deborah

Fairly good book on Deborah, the Judge of Israel. A but too much fictional drama regarding Deborah for my liking.

[victoria anne ramsdell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book because I loved it so much!

[Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly enjoyed this story of Deborah. Was exciting at every turn.

[Northern Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fictional account of Deborah who we know from the bible.
As a child there is hardship but God starts communicating with her. Of course this is frowned upon as surely God only speaks to men not a girl.
Her people are constantly under attack from the Canaanites she begins to tell her people to turn back to God.
A really interesting story which does feel at times that it could be accurate but of course we'll never know. It does show how hard it must have been literally living day by day.
The inner turmoil faced by anyone who is close to God is clearly shown here.
I did find at times that her youth makes it hard to believe the freedom she had
I recommend this book.