Simon

Servant Siblings #6

by Jenifer Jennings

Rebellion and martyrdom collide as Simon discovers freedom’s true cost.

Simon ben Joseph longed to see his dagger bathed in Roman blood. But with his father’s unexpected death and the responsibility of caring for his many siblings, his dreams of joining the rebellion against Rome were replaced by relentless days of hard labor.

When his older brother Jesus began preaching radical ideas, Simon’s hopes for overthrowing Rome and establishing a true nation of Israel were reignited. He envisioned following Jesus as a warrior-king, like their ancient ancestors. Instead, Jesus chose a path of martyrdom.

Frustrated by his brother’s sacrifice, Simon joined the Zealots, determined to fight for the freedom of his people. Yet, as he becomes deeply involved in the zealous struggle for liberation, Simon faces the grim reality that achieving peace might require a price he’s not prepared to pay.

Wrestle with pain, heartache, and the transformation of freedom in Simon, Book 6 of the Servant Siblings series.

Genres: Biblical Fiction

220 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Jenifer Jennings writes Historical novels that immerse readers in ancient worlds filled with Biblical characters and faith-building stories. Coming to faith in Jesus at seventeen, she spends her days falling in love with her Savior through the study of His Word. Jenifer has a Bachelor’s in Women’s Ministry and graduated with distinction while earning her Master’s in Biblical Languages. When she’s not working on her latest book, Jenifer can be found on a date with her hardworking husband or mothering their two children.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy Biblical fiction and Historical fiction and the sixth book in the Servant Siblings series, Simon, by Author Jenifer Jennings checks all the boxes. Biblical Fiction is not meant to replace the Bible. With the author's research and attention to detail it provides a background of life during Biblical times as well as traditions. Simon is a sibling of Jesus and is disillusioned that his brother did not overthrow the Roman government and take over as King. So, Simon rebels and joins the zealots led by none other than Barabbus. The zealots main goal is to have Roman blood on their daggers. Will Simon get in over his head or recognize the truth before it is too late? Will Simon emerge stronger and ready to continue a journey of faith with bravery and assurance for the truth? I am enjoying this series and recommend it highly.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. The opinions are my own.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Simon's story! Having read the other books in the series, I was anxious to know what Simon had been up to during his absence. Jenifer Jennings did not disappoint! This book is engaging and the plot is fantastic. We come to understand the "why" behind Simon's motives to reject his family and especially his brother's teaching. Simon's soul-searching and realizations are profound and emotional. Great Biblical fiction!

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

From a past of blind hatred to being changed from the inside out, Simon struggles through it all. A beautiful story of redemption and mercy. “Forgiveness doesn’t change the past. It’s not supposed to. It’s supposed to change the guilty.” This line sums up the change that God makes in His followers. A convicting story, beautifully told.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenifer did a great job with this book keeping it fast pace and interesting! It’s a real page turner.
Just like the previous books in this series, it tells the story of one of Jesus’ siblings…Simon. You see not only Simon’s life but the effect that being Jesus’ brother had on his life.
It had been a while since I read the last one but as I read this one, there were details woven into the story that quickly brought the previous books plot lines to the forefront of my mind. It is also written in such a way that if you haven’t read the others you can still enjoy this one.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best of the series so far! Author does a great job catching readers up on what’s been going on with Simon all the “missing time.”

Emotional transition from zealot to belief is rather abrupt and ending feels a bit rushed. Could benefit from more development process.

Nonetheless, I felt like I understood Simon’s state of mind much better and why he has been so angry. The backstory of his bar mitzvah trip with Jesus explains a lot of his motivation.

Looking forward to Salome’s story.

Disclosure: I received a free advance reader copy of Simon by Jenifer Jennings for honest review purposes. My opinions are my own.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment in the Siblings series is one that will stay with me for a long time, I’m sure. Simon is the youngest brother of Jesus, & his story, while fictional, is beautifully and skillfully woven into the actual biblical accounts of Barrabas, Ananias, & Saul of Tarsus. For Simon, as for so many other fellow Hebrews during Jesus’ time, the disappointment of discovering that the Kingdom that Jesus preached about wasn’t actually the earthly kingdom that he dreamed would overthrow the Romans, motivated him to join Barrabbas and his band of zealots, who wanted to take matters into their own hands. As Simon slowly realized that the path he was on would never lead to victory, and his fellow zealots could turn on him at any time and were not actually his friends, God began to work in his heart and his life to bring him to a knowledge of the truth, salvation, and true freedom. The grace and forgiveness he found was a beautiful thing to observe as a reader, and as a follower of Christ who has experienced that same grace and forgiveness. Many thanks to Ms. Jennings, who gifted me with a copy of this book, and has become one of my favorite authors. I look forward to reading the next book in this wonderful series!

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was well done. I liked how the author showed us how someone who thought Christ was going to be a military leader responded when he was a peacemaker. I liked seeing Simon’s journey from anger and violence to finally understanding who Christ was and finding peace as he let go of his hatred. I liked that it took time and trials for him to change and want to change. I think this showed how we all can be stubborn sometimes but the Savior is always there waiting for us to change. I thought the author did a great job taking us to right after Christ’s crucifixion and what was happening at the time.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon (Servant Siblings Book 6), my fifteenth read from Christian author Jenifer Jennings. A 220-page well-written fictionalized expansion of Biblical times. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll definitely be reading more from this author and look forward to Jenning's next book, Salome: Captivating 1st Century Biblical Novel (Servant Siblings Book 7) when it's published in May of next year. RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[MRS C MARSHALL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book and giving my honest review.
Fantastic book could not put this down:
What a beautiful story.
Shows how we can take a wrong path, then in time it's corrected.
Really moving, you want to help Simon to try and let him see the light, but in time with patience he came through.
I don’t want to spoil this you really must read , I know you will enjoy to the end.
Thank you again for Simon's story

[Joni Granrud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this sixth book in the series by the wonderful author Jenifer Jennings. She takes you on a compelling journey of each of Jesus’ siblings in all the books with great skill. This book, replete with historical and biblical study describes Simon as the zealot who fought to protect the Jews from the tyranny of Rome. His journey takes him in a direction he didn’t anticipate and begins to truly know his brother. I invite you to try these books. You will be delighted.

[Mr John Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

great novel

I have enjoyed every one of the siblings novels, each throwing a unique light on aspects of their lives with Jesus before and after his death. Each in turn recognised Jesus as Messiah and Simons path, although different from his siblings, was very believable. Look forward to the next in this series.

[Barbara Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

helping make the Bible stories come alive!

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Filled with Biblical narratives, the story weaves the truth among a novel platform. God’s Word is true and powerful! Lives are changed and wrongs forgiven by the Grace of God and the truth of Jesus our Savior!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy how the different siblings in this story allow for so many different perspectives of life in Jerusalem during the early days of the church as recorded in Acts. Simon's story shows a darker side but also redemption, as well as an unexpected connection at the end. I am looking forward to reading the final book in the series as soon as it is available.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

I didn’t get the complete fulfillment in this book that I did in the previous books. It was still a good book and brilliantly written, with the story of Saul/Paul put into it. I just wasn’t a big fan of Simon, one of Jesus’ siblings, and the things that he did like becoming a follower of Barrabus.
Still it was good work on the book Jenifer, thank you for it!

[Lana Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon was so good!! This sibling of Jesus is so confused and decides to make a name for himself with The Zealots. But, he is not so lost that he can’t be found! Another amazing “Sibling” book. I loved it and I highly recommend it to all of you!