Deliverance

The Moses Chronicles #2

by H.B. Moore, Heather B. Moore

Experience the life of Moses as never before, following his journey from fugitive of Egypt to prophet of God. In this exhilarating follow-up to H.B. Moore’s biblical drama The Moses Chronicles: Bondage, the account of Moses’s flight from Egypt continues. Moses’s life as he knew it is over. He has chosen to stand for his beliefs at the cost of being cast out of his royal home and family. He is free of the wickedness of Egypt, but peace is not to be found, for Moses is as much an aimless wanderer as those in the nomadic tribe he encounters in the wilderness.

Exhausted by long weeks of travel, he nevertheless jumps to action when he observes a group of young women accosted by a band of Badrayan men at a communal well. These lovely daughters of Jethro are grateful for his help, and their Midianite tribe welcomes Moses with open arms. As he learns the ways of the Midianites, his kinship with Jethro grows—as does his admiration of one of Jethro’s daughters, Zipporah. But when Moses suddenly receives a burning call to free the very people he has long oppressed, will he have the courage to return to the land from which he has been exiled?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Christian Fiction, Lds Fiction, Religion, Biblical, Clean Romance

288 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2016

About the author

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than seventy publications. She writes historical novels and thrillers under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah. Heather is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret.

Please join Heather's email list at: HBMoore.com/contact

Blog: MyWritersLair.blogspot.com

Website: HBMoore.com

Twitter: @heatherbmoore

Instagram: @authorhbmoore

Facebook: Heather B. Moore All About Books

Literary awards: 2019 Maggie Award Winner, 6-time Best of State Recipient for Best in Literary Arts, 4-time Whitney Award Winner, and 2-time Golden Quill Award Winner

Alternate Goodreads Page: Heather B. Moore

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't read the first volume, but as I'm familiar with the basic key points to the story of Moses, I didn't feel that I was missing out on very much by jumping right into this one. I was just talking with my kids, not too long ago, and we were thinking about people who lived before us. We were wondering if our lives would be in vain or if people in the future would care about us, want to know us, and realize that we had lives, interests, friends, families, etc. Moses has also been just a prophet to me and this book really brought him to life. Although these thoughts and feelings may not be exactly accurate, they helped me understand him better and made him more real and personable.

I enjoyed the sequence of events that were portrayed in this book, as they were full of love, adventure, loyalty, devotion, and suspense. Times back then weren't easy, by any means, and I'm all the more grateful to live when I do. I loved the characters and getting to know them better throughout the story. I'm looking forward to the next installment. Although I know what's going to happen, I love getting the little details that transport me right into the story line.

Content: mild romance; mild violence (fighting, defending, killing-- not graphic); mild religious elements. Clean!

* I received a copy through the publisher in exchange for an honest review *

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and was excited to read more! It starts right where the first book ended. Moses has left Egypt and is wandering through the wilderness. He comes across some people who treat him well and others who don't. He meets Zipporah and Jethro and his life changes even more.

I liked how the chapters alternated between Moses and Zipporah. It was interesting to see the contrast between his life in the wilderness and as an Egyptian prince. He was happier in the wilderness and found a place to belong. Zipporah was having a hard time finding a man she wanted to marry until Moses came along. There were challenges for them to overcome but they were selfless, loyal and determined.

Once again, I thought the author did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life! I like that I know what will happen in general. This book is well-written and well-researched. The author adds details that help understand that time period better and at times, it didn't feel like I was reading fiction. I feel more of a connection with Moses and what he might have gone through. He didn't feel like he was important at all and planned to live in the desert forever. When he was called to deliver his people, he went, knowing that it would be difficult, but the Lord would guide him. I loved this book from beginning to end and am already looking forward to the next book!

I received a copy from the publisher for an honest review. My opinion is 100% my own.

Mel's Shelves

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, totally epic, amazing, compelling. I've never thought much about Moses' life between when when he was raised in Egypt to when he returns to set the Israelites free. I appreciated that this novel is based as much as possible on Biblical accuracy, the history and culture of the period, yet brings the story to life in such a vivid way that made me completely immersed in the world as I read. The story picks up where the first book left off, Moses wandering in the wilderness in search of a new life. His experiences with desert tribes are incredibly different from his upbringing in the royal Egyptian court, but he adapts and thrives, becoming a blessing to those he comes across. The feelings and emotions of Moses are explored as he reconciles his newfound knowledge that he is truly a Hebrew and learns from Jethro about worshiping the one true God and the importance of family. The story is told just as much from the perspective of Zipporah, and I loved the sweetness of their romance. She is strong, compassionate, and devoted to her family. Her life is full of hard work, but the love of her family relationships and faith in God bring her peace. The skirmishes and battles with an aggressive neighboring tribe bring tension and action to the plot, and Moses proves invaluable with his skills learned in Egypt. The book wraps up with the events leading to Moses' return to Egypt, and it was incredible to read about them from the perspective of a character I feel like I connected with, who was also a real person. It makes me want to study the scriptural account of Moses, his life and communications with God. Highly recommend!

(Thank you to Covenant Communications for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always been fascinated by the prophet Moses ever since the first time I saw the movie The Ten Commandments as a small child. I've read about this man in the Bible and studied about his life. It wasn't until I read book one in The Moses Chronicles that I felt I truly knew who this man was. Author H.B. Moore has a way of bringing historical characters to life that make you feel like you are reading a biography. I loved reading Book #1 Bondage about the beginning of Moses's life and him growing up in Egypt along side Ramses.

This second book starts as Moses has left Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster.You are immediately swept away to the wilderness where Moses meets Zipporah and her sisters at a watering well. He saves them from some Badrayen men trying to steal their sheep.The details are so vivid you can almost feel the heat and the strong winds stirring the sand in the desert. One thing I've always loved about this author is how great she is with descriptive writing. Whether it's the palace of a Pharaoh or in the Midianite tents in the desert, every scene is written with a unique power and appeal that evokes sights, smells, sounds, textures, and tastes as if you were there.

Along with Moses's journey as he finds his place in the world, away from the luxuries of Egypt, there is also a wonderful love story. We as readers get to experience the growing attraction and love between Moses and the beautiful Midianite woman Zipporah. I loved both of these characters equally. They were meant to be together as you easily see how well they complement each other and would do anything for the other, even give their own lives.

The last chapter of the book was a very emotional one for me as Moses is back in Egypt with his Hebrew family. The reunion of the son with his birth family was very moving. I got chills though when Moses was presented before the Elders of Israel and they realize that a long awaited prophet has finally come to free them. This second book was excellent and read very quickly, and leads up to the final book in the trilogy called Exodus. If it's as great as the first two, then I can't wait to read the concluding book about the life of the courageous prophet Moses.

-Deliverance gets 5 stars from me!!!

[Aimee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been looking forward to this book since I finished the first book in this series. The world that Heather Moore creates in these books are clear and rich and full of culture. I can so easily picture the places, characters and events in this book. I can feel the sun on my face and the dirt in my water. My mind is playing it all like a movie. I love that.

This book brings the story of Moses to life. So often in biblical stories, the people become lessons I learn from and I forget that there was a real human side to them. They were real people with real, every day struggles. They lived and loved. They laughed and cried. Books like this help me to remember and imagine those very human qualities. I know the author took many liberties in writing this book but the base of all the major events come right out of the bible.

This second book was different from the first in that the internal struggle for Moses was less. He is less conflicted and he isn't fighting against his conscience. This book begins with Moses wandering in the desert after fleeing his home in Egypt. He meets different people and eventually falls in love. He works and builds a new life with the Midianite people. This was more of a love story. It was also the important part where Moses grows up and learns more about his God. It lays a firm foundation for what is to come.

The next book though? It's going to be intense! I know what's coming and I can't wait to see how Heather Moore brings it to life for me.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compelling read from a talented author. DELIVERANCE picks up right where BONDAGE ends. Every turn of the page brings a new adventure, full of suspense and a great amount of action. The story is constantly moving and the pages turned fast as I was eagerly awaiting what would be next for Moses. The conflicts with the other tribes were intense and suspenseful. This is a very exciting story full of action. I loved the point of view switches between Moses and Zipporah. I enjoyed seeing what each character thought in certain situations. Moses's character leapt off the pages, as well as Zipporah's. I loved how she was her own woman, and knew what she wanted. Heather also took great care in writing the supporting characters too. I loved Jethro, Zipproah's father. He was a wonderful man full of compassion and trust. This book really got my thinking about who Moses really was and what an incredible man he was. Full of faith and strength. I loved his devotion to his new life in the desert, and how he followed the Lord to deliver his people. I am anxiously awaiting the last book in the series.
I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

H. B. Moore captures the both the divine inspiration and guidance that led Moses to become the man that would lead the Hebrews out of slavery while showing his humanity and frailties that marked his journey. Whenever I read stories based on scripture, I'm always a bit concerned with the fictionalizing parts, simply because the scriptures usually leave out a great deal about individuals such as Moses. And yet Moses as well as other biblical people both wicked and righteous have such compelling stories, how can we not wonder more about their experiences and personalities. I admire writers such as Moore who take that leap into the unknown in order to share some of the possibilities. I especially appreciate it when the story remains as faithful to the scriptural record as possible under the circumstances. In Deliverance, Moore has created just such a story. While obviously fictionalized in a lot of ways, the story feels very believable and does follow what little we know about Moses's experiences before he returned to Egypt on the Lord's errand. I especially enjoyed reading Moses's and Zipporah's love story and imagining what it may have been like. I think the author has done a fabulous job of doing just that.

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd installment in the Moses Chronicles. Deliverance deals with the time period from when Moses escapes Egypt after killing the Egyptian taskmaster to when he meets and joins the Midianites. Once he saves Zipporah and her sisters from a neighboring tribe of shepherds, he gets to know and eventually marry her. This book delivers a moving romance between the two characters with fictional battles and trials thrown in to make history come alive. It concludes with the burning bush and Moses being commanded to return to Egypt to deliver God’s people.

This is a well done piece of historical fiction from the Bible that helped me envision the time period a lot better. I like Moore’s books for that reason. She’s good at painting vivid pictures. Can’t wait for the last book in this series.

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

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!! I love this series and can't wait for the next!!

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great continuation of the Moses chronicles. I enjoyed reading this part of the story, Moses' time away from Egypt and coming to know the Lord and find a new family and place to call home.

I missed reading more about Miriam and Bithiah, I really enjoyed their voices and stories, but they were in Egypt so obviously not around at this point in Moses' life. But they will return in the next book.

With the absence of the two aforementioned female characters, we have a new main female voice, Zipporah. She has become another favorite character for me in this series. I loved her chapters! The book alternates between Moses and Zipporah's POV.

I really enjoyed watching Moses learn to adjust to his new life and how good and gentle he is, and yet a very efficient warrior and good teacher. Many sides of his were shown throughout this novel.

The love story between Moses and Zipporah was wonderful. Two great characters who recognize goodness in the other and come together to build a good life. They have many ups and downs and struggles, mostly due to their desert lifestyle. I loved the way they relied on the Lord to guide and protect and help them in their decisions.

The end of the novel has Moses returning with his family to Egypt to confront Ramses and ask for the release of the Hebrew slaves. I know this is a fictional retelling about Moses but the research and way the author portrays it was well done. I felt very connected to the story. I loved the scene where Moses speaks to the Elders of Israel when he returns to Egypt. (I don't feel like I'm sharing spoilers because I believe that most who will be reading this review will be familiar with the story of Moses in the Bible and this follows that) Moses uses his brother Aaron as his mouthpiece due to the lack of knowledge of the Hebrew language and yet near the end of speaking to the Elders, God had helped Moses' words be understood through the Spirit. I actually had chills and started tearing up thinking back to the actual Hebrews and how they may have felt hearing the message from God that he has remembered them in their tribulations and has sent the deliverer to them. I can't imagine the joy and hope that must have brought for them.

Very well done! I am excited to see how (even though I know what ultimately happens) the rest of this series comes together. Well written storyline, characters and settings.

As far as content, this is based on a Biblical story so it definitely contains religious aspects. The love story is clean. There is a fade to black wedding night scene that is not explicit at all. Some talk about the desert tribes attacking women of other tribes but nothing graphic. Some violence due to some skirmishes between tribes but again nothing graphic. I would recommend this to YA and adults.

Now onto Exodus, the final book in the series.

I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Happy Reading!!!

[Kbrebes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moses has fled Egypt into the wilderness after taking the life of an Egyptian taskmaster. First, he finds adventure with nomads, then he finds a home with the Midianites, where he takes a lovely bride and fathers two sons. The story is told from the point-of-view of both Moses and his wife Zipporah. As usual, Moore excels in bringing to life the couple’s attraction and romance, as well as making the reader fall in love with Zipporah’s entire family and community—right down to the very goats themselves. Then, on the morning after their wedding, Zipporah is kidnapped by the Badrayans, and the battle that began on the day Moses arrived in Midian, erupts anew to the point of near death for Moses. Years later, Moses sees the face of God, at which time he is commanded to return to Egypt to free the Hebrew slaves. This story—book 2—ends with his arrival in Egypt and the touching moments of meeting his biological family.

Moore’s writing is clear and easy to follow. Her depth of understanding of things both spiritual and historical is enlightening. I enjoyed the book, and I look forward to reading the entire series. The story left me invigorated and strengthened my desire to pray more and to heed the Lord to a fuller degree.

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

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way that H. B. Moore is able to make the scriptures jump off the pages and the characters become real people! I read this section of the Bible not very long ago and I think I understand a little bit better now that I've read this historical fiction novel.

I thought that the author did an excellent job of writing Moses' character. He seemed to really jump off the pages. I loved the way that I was able to see him as a man first, and then realize that he was just a normal man who Heavenly Father called to be a prophet after he had lived a normal life.

I loved Zipporah too. She is a pretty fearless character. I loved the way she was not afraid to let her family know that she didn't want to marry the man that she had been betrothed to. She listened to her feelings. I loved her selflessness in caring for her family and sisters not knowing if she herself would ever have a chance to be a wife and mother.

I loved the way that I was transported from my home to a land of sand, wind and danger around every corner and a time long ago and really foreign to me in my life of ease.

This is a great book. I loved reading it and I can't wait to read the next volume of Moses' story!

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel DeVaughn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 “Deliverance” picks up right where book 1 ended with Moses fleeing Egypt after killing a man. While wandering around the desert he meets Jethro and his family while rescuing them at the well. He is immediately drawn to his daughter, Zipporah and her quiet and caring nature. He begins to learn their language, as well as their belief in one God. The longer he stays with Zipporah and her family, the more he learns and the more at peace he feels.

I loved reading about Zipporah and how she cared for others and her falling in love with Moses. I also liked reading about Moses’s spiritual transformation and him meeting his Hebrew family.

I absolutely love biblical fiction and this story is the perfect follow up to book 1. It ends with a perfect lead into book 3 but I’m bummed I’ll have to wait for another book to come out to continue to read Moses’s story. This is definitely a series to read again and again!

Another thrilling, well written volume of The Moses Chronicles by author H.B. Moore!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review on my blog and social media-all opinions are my own.

[Taffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story based on Biblical events from Heather Moore. Her characters. setting, and story are fantastic.

The story alternates between Zipporah and Moses kept me intrigued and reading and falling in love with characters I know from the Bible but don’t really know. I loved reading about

Zipporah’s life in the desert and Moses’ transition from palace life to living as a desert nomad, how they met, and fell in love. Zipporah, Moses, Jethro, were all well-developed characters that I wished I could meet. The nomadic life was rich and full with yummy sounding food. The tribal wars were intense and realistic.

Heather always done a great job in her research and she writes in a way that weaves it all into a well-paced, tense, romantic story. Her writing is so good that sometimes I forget I’m reading fiction! BUT what if in the hereafter this story is close to the truth?

V: Tribal fighting
L: No
S: kissing

Thanks to netgalley for the advanced read in exchange for an honest review.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Moses Chronicles. In the first book we left Moses heading for the wilderness. We meet up with him again after he has wandered a few weeks into his journey, which he still doesn't know where he is going to end up.
Zipporah has lived in the wilderness all her life. That's all she knows. When Moses and her meet, they don't speak each others language, but actions speak louder then words.
This is a sweet love story, and that is what takes up most of this book (no complaints from me!). Towards the end is when he learns of his great calling, to lead the children of Egypt out of bondage. I am excited to read about the plagues and such in the next book. The end of this one leaves you hanging and wanting more.
If you love the story of Moses in the Bible I am pretty sure you will enjoy these books, that delve into the truth of one of our most beloved Prophets.

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.5 stars ***

This is the second book in a series, but the first that I have read. I didn't have a problem keeping up with the story, because I am familiar with the Biblical account.

This book begins after Moses left Egypt and wandered in the desert. I was amazed at how H.G. Moore brought the tribes of the harsh land alive for me. I thought about how it must have been to live during that time and circumstances. (I am very grateful for air conditioning, microwaves, etc.) It made me think about how the people who lived before us faced uncertainty and fought to survive every day.

The book made Moses and Zipporah human to me, instead of characters that I have to come to appreciate in the Bible. H.G. Moore has a gift at capturing emotion, description, and plot development. The book moved at a great pace and I liked that she had alternating perspectives between Moses and Zipporah.

This is a wonderful book to read. There is some violence between tribes and kissing.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great second book for the series. It took me forever to get through but only because life got in the way. The story was very well conceived and written and was engaging. The ending was powerful and I look forward to the next book in the series. When gardening season slows down, I look forward to reading many more books by Ms. Moore. I have yet to read one authored by her that I didn't like (throughout various genres with different pen names). For my 'clean read' friends, all of her books are clean (I believe).

I received a copy of this book to review but all opinions are my own. Honestly, I'll probably go through all of her books at some point and purchase all the ones I didn't receive reader copies of. ;)

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Moore's writing sucked me right in to this time period and the lives of the people in this story. Moses' world came to life for me like it never has before, even in THE TEN COMMANDMENTS. Of course I can't help but compare the two scripture retellings in my mind I love them both. Books always shed more light because we can hear the character's thoughts. Having the two stories to compare helps me try to sort out fact from fiction. I always learn so much about any culture that I read about in Moore's books. Her research and understanding is amazing. I love the characters too. They are dear to my heart. I am so glad this series will continue so that I can follow their story even further.

[Nari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in a series about Moses. I loved the first book so I was excited to read the second. I was not disappointed. The book took me on a journey through the desert with Moses as he fled his homeland of Egypt. I saw his struggles to survive and find his new path in life. I liked seeing Moses through Zipporah eyes and seeing her point of view. I enjoyed reading this book. It made Moses become more real to me. I look forward to the next book and would recommend this book to others.

[Nashellej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliverance is book 2 in the Moses Chronicles by Moore. I loved book 1 - Bondage - and I was so excited to read Deliverance. I missed reading about Miriam and Aaron, but this is Moses's story and it followed him into the wilderness as he left Egypt and found a new life in Midian. Deliverance really delivered. ;) It lived up to the standard set by book one and other books by Moore with an exciting plot, fascinating details about the lifestyle of the people, and lots of just plain good storytelling.

This is a book I would encourage for readers of all ages who like a good story.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Another wonderful book from Heather B.Moore. The second book from this trilogy and can't wait for the last one. The writing is so vivid and realistic. I feel like I'm back in ancient Egypt. I never knew the full story of Moses, but this book has made me live it. It sucks you in in and you can't put it down. I'm a big fan of this author. She knows how to transport port you into the story. I look forward to book 3 and hope the wait is not to long.

[Pennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful historical novel full of action mystery and romance. This story of what the life of Moses may have been like from the time he left Egypt until he returned. After leaving Egypt , Moses finds a new life with the sometimes fierce nomads of the desert. When the woman he loves is stolen by a rival tribe Moses will stop at nothing to get her back.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book picks up right where the previous book"Bondage" ends. Moses is traveling in the wilderness after fleeing Egypt. I really enjoyed the details of the story, especially the relationship between Moses and Zipporah. Heather Moore continues to write great historical fiction.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deliverance is the second installment to The Moses Chronicles series. What a fabulous follow up to Bondage. I really enjoyed the author's vision of Moses. I loved being transformed back to his time. Great historical details and great story.
5 stars.

[Cami Checketts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a huge H.B. Moore fan for years. I think her biblical fiction is the best of any I've read. The Moses Chronicles are so fantastic. I love the mix of the Bible story, action, family drama, and romance. I can't wait for the next release.

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this one!
Intriguing, capturing, could not put it down!
So well written--
This bible story will never be thought of the same again!
You MUST READ this one!

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The year is 1280 BC and we pick up right where "Bondage" left off. Killing a Hebrew taskmaster left Moses with no choice but to flee into the wilderness. He knows his true Hebrew heritage now but Moses has no idea of the life changing adventure that awaits him.
With the narration switching between Moses and the Midianite maiden, Zipporah daughter of Jethro, whom he is destined to meet, Heather Moore introduces us to many new characters in this entertaining tale of historical, religious fiction.
Get ready for romance, kidnappings, and hearing the voice of the Lord. Between milking goats and herding sheep, Moses' life will never be the same again!
Readers of the familiar Bible story and fans of "The Ten Commandments" will enjoy another artistic take on what the life of Moses might have been like. Once again the author did her research and did not disappoint in crafting another well told page turning story.
Appropriate for all readers old enough to understand the story, there is nothing offensive here. Read this and pass it on, along with the first book in this series.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to read volume 3, appropriately titled "Exodus."

[No, David! No! · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was interesting, and I enjoyed this one more than the first. I was very bothered by the timing. In Acts (in the Bible), it says that Moses lived in Egypt 40 years, then in Midian 40 years, and then in the wilderness with the children of Israel for 40 years. That doesn't line up at all with the story line in these books. At the start of the next book, there is an authors note that basically says, "I know the timing doesn't match, but I like it better this way." I was at least glad to see the awareness. I do think it would be nice though to see someone try to right Moses' story with the timelines given in the bible. It raises many interesting questions. (Did he have a family in Egypt first? How old was his Midian family when he went back to Egypt? etc)

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Moses Chronicles series. It has some things that aren’t for young readers, as it deals with some of the evils of the days, but other than that, It was a great series that really takes you through a lot of what it could have been like. I do recommend this series for those who like religious historical fiction.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed book two and can not wait to start number three. I love the way H.B. Moore brings the scriptures to life. The characters are endearing and beautifully developed. Thanks for another great read!