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.

Unknown Binding

First published October 1, 2025

About the author

Christine writes both Christian fiction and non-fiction.
Her debut novel, 'Grace in Strange Disguise' - was published 1 October 2017. The six-book series was completed in December, 2021.
In 2023, Christine changed genres and is now writing Old Testament-era fiction. The 'Light of Nations' series will be multiple books, starting with 'Wells and Wanderers - Amorites'.

Author website: www.storytellerchristine.com
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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.

Reviews

[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.

[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!

[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!

[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!

[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.

[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.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better. A wonderful retelling of the story of Naomi and Ruth. My kids are going to love this and I can’t wait to read it with them.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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