Anticipated

by Ida Smith

As the mighty Romans oppress his people, Uzziel's mind swims with the prophecies he believes will free them from their suffering. One-by-one those ancient predictions are fulfilled. Uzziel strives to prepare the way for his future king. Then, like wolves swooping upon a flock of helpless sheep, the Romans destroy Uzziel's greatest hope of liberation. Or did they? Anticipated tells the timeless story of Christ's birth, life, death, and resurrection from the viewpoint of Uzziel, a Jewish boy, growing up under Roman oppression. Though this does share the Christmas story, it is not recommended for young children.

108 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2015

About the author

Ida Smith writes character driven stories about people with jagged journeys, usually-but not always-from a historical setting. Ida enjoys reading stories with unexpected twists and turns that also teach her about other cultures, time periods, and personalities.

Because of her love of these types of stories, Ida also tries to write stories that show the jagged journeys our lives can sometimes take.

Ida lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family and a crazy dog named Taz where she enjoys hiking, photography, and scrapbooking.

Learn more about Ida and her stories at: idasmithbooks.com.

Reviews

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anticipated - I recommend this for younger readers, and everyone else, since Uzziel tells the story of Christ Jesus. From the nine-year-old boy who met Jesus at birth to the 42-year-old man who saw the crucifixion and Jesus risen, he tells all that happened including the Star, the Magi, Herrod, the Temple, the crucifixion as seen through Uzziel's eyes and life, and finally his understanding of what God's plan was for Jesus and His people. Interesting and easy to read and understand. For the complete and true story, The Bible tells the complete truth. Source: ARC. 4*

Sweet As Posies - You know Horace has something up his sleeve but this short story is interesting and fun to read. Entertaining with likeable characters, a few sorta slow between the ears, but still good folk. Set in the 50s, I am assuming. 5*

Guarding What Remains - A well written, well thought out story during the Depression years starting around 1929 with the Great Crash. A family facing great odds against them as their lives are destroyed by thieves beginning their battles for survival. This story reminds me of the books written by Pearl S. Buck and John Steinbeck, which told of human suffering and survival. The characters are interesting and realistic as are the story lines. The importance of God, family and giving weave together with survival and hope into an immersing fabric that makes putting down this book difficult. 5*

Neil Gatlin Thriller Series:
The Invisible Cipher, #1 - My first read by this author and I was surprised at the level of intrigue. Interesting characters and well written story lines made this an easy book to stay immersed in the story. While not a complex read, the story holds it own against others in this genre. Happy that there was graphic violence or any vulgarity, just good storytelling. 5*

Deciphering Invisibility, #2 - Begins exactly where The Invisible Cipher ends. I almost stopped reading when Neil did the wrong thing in the delivery truck. Sure he had bad luck but you defeat bad luck, not encourage its growth with more stupidity. Especially, when it happened before and he did not learn his lesson. Leave the past behind, it is done. Anyway, the story and Neil improved and was an interesting read. 4*
Neil Gatlin Thriller Series end.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story about 9 year old Uzziel hearing about the prophesies of a great King to come who would rescue the people from oppression. When he hears about a new born child and the strange happening around this child he is fascinated and follows him. It is a great read portraiting the belief and anticipation of the excitement and anxiety they go through waiting for things to happen for the betterment of life around them. I enjoyed this read . I am on the ARC team and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Maureen Koeppel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing novella

A great, thought provoking novella from Ida Smith. I enjoyed the main characters viewpoint.
Follow Uzziel from childhood in Bethlehem when a star appears and his uncle,a shepherd for the priests walks past his home to Uzziel as a father himself in Jerusalem at the time of Passover when a man named Jesus comes in and changes everything.

[Rachelle Bachiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read. Quick yet full of information from Uzziel's point of view. From 9 years old to 42 years old a lot had happened and very grateful that he finally was free from the guilt he carried with him all those years without any relief. Jesus takes away all that when we accept Him as our Savior and Lord.
Recommend to all that need freedom from guilt.

[Lynne Modranski · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice concept speculating the life of Jesus. I would four stars for the writing and the story line but I was disappointed in the lack of historical accuracy in the Passover celebration. Other than that, a short easy enjoyable read!

[Liza · Rating 2 out of 5]

dnf (less than 2 chaps)

It's an alternate story of Christ (birth of). I don't want to read religion.

I've read other books by Ms Smith and enjoyed them.

You may enjoy this book.