Cost & Crown

by Donna K. Stearns

“The kingdom of God has come to us, and our lives will never be the same.”

Rebekah sniffed the air and turned toward the sea. “Do you ever miss it, James—the smells, the sound of the water washing the shore?”

James gazed out across the waves, and tears welled in his eyes. “I miss Yeshua.”

Rebekah understood James’s heartache. Before Yeshua ascended into the heavens, he promised to return for his followers. Years passed. Persecution increased. Yeshua’s face grew dim. Remaining strong was easier when he walked by their side, when life remained simple, and persecution lived in the future not the present. Rebekah questioned the cup of suffering she would be asked to drink. Would her faith fail her when the cost meant more loss? Would the waiting crown be worth the present pain? Where would she find strength to endure?

Kindle Edition

Published August 24, 2024

Reviews

[Chris Posti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian Historical Fiction is a genre I have recently been reading and appreciating more and more. What I especially liked about "Cost & Crown" is the realistic depiction of what might have happened in those early years of Christianity, while still remaining Biblically accurate. The author has great skill in writing and develops her characters and the plot very well. It's evident she knows the Bible well. I particularly enjoyed seeing names from the Bible along with fictional ones, and how the author wove them all together to make a moving story with a satisfying ending. Having read this book gave me a greater appreciation for what the early church must have experienced.

I received an advance reader's copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion.

[Beverly Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was immediately drawn into the story of the apostles as they followed Jesus’ command to “go into all the world.” The urgency of their message to tell the world of salvation in Christ, and the danger they faced as they did so, was made real as the early days of the church came to life. Such a good account of what these first days of Christianity might have looked and felt like. The author has done her research. This story is full of characters and incidents straight from Scripture. I received an advance copy from the author. Opinions are my own.

[Amy Anguish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweet story that's a combination of truth and imagination. The author follows the Bible book of Acts fairly closely in the first part and then branches into what we believe happened to several of the apostles in the last part. While I don't think the imaginings of this book are completely accurate, it was nice to see some of the stories I know so well come to life in a different perspective. This story will make you think, stretch, grow, and feel for the early Christians.

[Peggy Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biblical fiction is a touchy subject. The Holy Bible contains facts, and many people don’t want authors messing with those facts. In Cost & Crown, Donna Stearns takes us to the first century and helps us “live” the lives of those early Christians. We have a better understanding of that turbulent time after Jesus ascended into heaven through Ms. Stearn’s faithful allegiance to Scripture. I highly recommend Cost & Crown. I received an advance copy from the author. The opinions are my own.