Loss and Loyalty - Moabites

Light of Nations #5

by Christine Dillon

What makes someone family—blood, love, or something more?

Arielle believed she was an Israelite—until her brother confessed the truth: she was found as an infant on their doorstep in Moab. After tragedy strikes and the men of her household are snatched away, Arielle must leave the only land she’s ever known and any hope of finding her birth family to follow her adopted family to Bethlehem. But Bethlehem is not the land of plenty described in the stories of God’s promises once told to Arielle by her beloved adopted father.

Treated as outsiders, they must scrape together a life among people who barely tolerate them. The God of Israel is said to protect the orphan and the widow—but what happens when His people reject His laws? As Arielle wrestles with loss, identity, and the silence of a God she’s unsure how to trust, one question haunts her: if her own birth parents abandoned her, why wouldn’t a foreign God do the same?

To belong, Arielle must choose where her loyalty lies—between the past that shaped her and the God who might yet have a purpose for her future.

Abandoned. Unseen. Not forgotten.

The Light of Nations series features standalone novels, each centred on a different people group whose story intersects with Israel’s. While the books move chronologically through the Old Testament and include subtle connections between titles, each can be enjoyed on its own.

Set in the days of Judges and Ruth.

Unknown Binding

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Christine Dillon is an Australian author who has spent much of her life in East Asia.
She is passionate about Bible storytelling and helping readers engage with Scripture in fresh ways. Her Light of Nations series (five books and growing) reimagines the Old Testament through the eyes of the Canaanite peoples, exploring difficult questions about God's justice, mercy, and sovereignty.
Christine has also written contemporary Christian fiction (the 6-book Grace series) and nonfiction.

She invites readers to join her 'Storyteller friends' community for updates and free resources. Learn more at www.storytellerchristine.com.



Since 2004, Christine has been a Bible storyteller, and each year she's more excited by what she's learning. This is a tremendous way to communicate and make disciples.

Bible storytelling website & linked Facebook group: www.storyingthescriptures.com
'storying the scriptures' (closed FB group - so you need to ask permission to join)

BOOK TRANSLATIONS
* 'Telling the Gospel Through Story' was published in traditional Chinese in February 2015

* 1-2-1 discipleship was published in simplified Chinese in October 2015 and in traditional Chinese in January 2017.

* Verborgen Genade (Dutch translation of 'Grace in Strange Disguise), published in February 2020.

* Siegreich Sein: mit Gottes Wort (German translation of 'Sword Fighting') published December 2021.

* The Chinese translation of the Sword Fighting book was published in October, 2025.

Reviews

[Emily Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book by Christine Dillon. A very creative way to take a fresh look at a well known narrative. I loved how important themes of evangelism and mission were so beautifully and gently explored. Be warned -it's a bit of a heart-wrencher at the end, but in a good way!

[Beth Wyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book so far in the series.

I've always liked the Old Testament book of Ruth, and "Loss and Loyalty" created a context and setting that made it come to life. You'll find it hard to put down.

This book also incorporates all the Bible Storying techniques and models how to share Bible stories with those who don't know them.

[Heather Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written based on the Biblical story of Ruth, this novel explores what makes us part of a family. I loved the way Loss and Loyalty gave us a window into how sharing Bible stories can both introduce people to God and Jesus and also disciple them.
Another aspect of this book was its depiction of being persecuted for one’s faith. Why would someone remain loyal to Jesus? The novel gives a window into a society that is ungodly and resistant to those who live a godly life and the God they worship; at the same time this book showed the beauty of lives transformed by Jesus compared with the darkness of a society without Him.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the 'Light of the Nations' series. Have you ever wondered how God was at work among the nations before Jesus was born? Then come on this journey through the Old Testament stories as Christine imagines how he might have done just that. Loss and Loyalty is authentically researched. It's a family story of survival, full of tender relationships; and brings to life how God patiently works through the sadnesses and joys of life in a broken world. God's story is woven into Arielle's story and I came away richer from reading it. Enjoy!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favourite book in the series so far. While the story of Naomi and Ruth is a familiar one Christine has once again with the assistance of a fictional character fleshed out the details providing food for thought. It was a real page turner for me even though I assumed I knew what would happen. But as it turned out I had no idea where the story would go. I was invested right to the very end.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best yet in the series. A very natural narrative style, wrapped around known history and characters, with many opportunities to sit and ponder on the topic or theme raised in the story. This will suit those who like a good storyline and character development, as well as those who want to learn through what they read. Well done Christine Dillon. :-)

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to read this book for weeks and now I’ve had the chance. It was an excellent story and enjoyable to read. I really like the Light of the Nations series. Believable characters. A good story for those who enjoy Biblical fiction. This takes place during the time of the Judges. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

[Margaret Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey continues through the Old Testament. I was surprised by the ending

[Erin Laramore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great work of Biblical fiction by Christine Dillon! I'll give this one 4.5 stars as it took me a bit to get into due to the main character being a fictional sibling of actual Biblical characters, which pulled me out of the context a bit. The reasons for using that method were good and created an overall good story with a solid means for the POV of Ruth's story to be consistent, but it took a bit for me to get there. Arielle is the adopted daughter of Naomi and Elimelech and the story found in the book of Ruth in the Bible is woven in with Arielle's story. Once I got past that block, I enjoyed watching Arielle's faith journey and how she came to faith in God by watching Ruth and Naomi's faith journey. As she learned the early stories of how God created the world and led His people, she becomes an adept storyteller, pulling in the author's passion for Biblical storytelling. I enjoyed the outside perspective of the story of Ruth and Boaz and Naomi and the addition of Arielle's story, which was thoroughly enjoyable once I got out of my own way. It was also good to "see some old friends" from the previous story and to see how they were faring along the way (though if you haven't read any prior stories, you won't be lost - it's just an added bonus for fans of the series). The ending was not at all what I expected, but still altogether satisfactory. All in all, this was an enjoyable Biblical fiction work and one I would easily recommend to fans of that genre. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifth in the Light of Nations series, Loss and Loyalty follows the general outlines of the familiar story of Ruth and Boaz, with one major difference. It's the introduction of a completely fictitious character in Arielle, a Moabitess baby left on their doorstep, and subsequently adopted by Elimelech and Naomi.

This becomes it's saving grace, the unknown 'extra' in an already too familiar story. Christine's vivid word pictures and imagery of life in Moab, the arduous trek to Bethlehem and their life in Bethlehem make you feel a part of the ancient story.

In Bethlehem, feisty Arielle also comes to accept Yahweh as her God. However, this girl has a missionary heart that beats for her lost people. The father heart of God for all his creation to know him and enter into a relationship with him is evident through Arielle's heart for her people. She also longs to meet her birth parents and her natal family. Will she get her wish or will it end up destroying her?

The ending was one you suspected, but hoped it wasn't. It left me with mixed feelings; so many of them that were I to name them, I'd be giving away trade secrets!! Nevertheless, so very many days after reading the novel, Arielle and her choices still remain in my mind and heart and probably will linger long.

I was given a copy to read, but the opinions expressed here are my own

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite part of every Christine Dillon book is that it challenges me to grow in some way. To live well. To make the most of every opportunity. This book is no exception.

You’ll be taken back to the days of Naomi and Ruth, imagine what it would have been like to be among their household, suffering the same loss, embraced by the same loyalty, delighted by Boaz’s generosity. But this book also explores the why… why might God have led this family into Moab, and out again? How might that have fit His bigger purpose to see all the nations worship him?

All this done in a delightful narrative that draws you in to an ancient world.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Like other reviewers, I found it hard to get used to the main character, Arielle, being a fictional adopted daughter of Naomi, but once I got over that it was easy to enjoy the ride. I particularly appreciated the second part of the book, following Arielle on her journey back to her own people with the good news she learnt in Bethlehem. The challenges she faces, and the price she ultimately has to pay, is a reality for God's people in many parts of the world today. May Dillon's story move us to prayer and boldness!

[Stephanie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing retelling of the book of Ruth! It was like sitting right next to Ruth and Naomi experiencing everything along with them. Then after Ruth's story is complete the last few chapters are about what Arielle does with her life. The ending was not what i expected at all! You can tell the author puts a lot of research into her stories, as this one was very period appropriate as far as how the people lived in Moab. Be ready for an emotional ride with this one!

[D'anah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It starts off a bit dry, but that sets the foundation for the rest. When you persist, it gets to the deep and meaningful parts. It is a great book, as it addresses so many of life's questions. Gives you steps to help you apply the principles yourself. Liked how Ruth always prayed. Liked how ties in to the previous book too. It has a really good conclusion. Makes you want to be a good storyteller too.
Really well done, leaves you wanting more.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loss and Loyalty draws the reader into the Biblical story of Ruth. From the perspective of Arielle, an outsider, Christine Dillon brings the well-known characters of Ruth, Boaz and Naomi, to life. Helpfully and thoughtfully written - thank you for so clearly presenting the trustworthiness of Yahveh.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Dillon has done it again, bringing Old Testament places and people to life in ways that my modern Western mind can grasp. The plot pulled me along. The story also sparked worship and fresh appreciation of Yahweh ('God' to modern English-speakers like me).

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story of Ruth and really enjoyed reading this novel. Very interesting and challenging to consider what life and faith looked like in Moab and Israel at that time and what a difference it makes belonging to the true God.

[Betty Hindley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book to read. The story flows well and the characters become real. There a series of six books to read them all is well worth digging into the stories that make the word of God real
these books make very good Christmas presents.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the ending for this book. I would definitely recommend this for adults especially.

[Serene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece by Christine. God’s goodness to his people shines through the character of Boaz and this amazing tale.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully written book relating the timeless story in a fresh way.
Really enjoyed this fifth book in the series, and was so encouraged and challenged in my faith

[Takiah Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book!! Cried, laughed with joy. So beautifully written, and the way it shares the love of the Lord has been an encouragement.
Definitely a must read for all!!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. A wonderful retelling of the story of Naomi and Ruth. And what a cracking finish!! Could not put down the last few chapters!!