Second Touch

A.D. Chronicles #2

by Bodie Thoene, Brock Thoene

Discover the Truth through fiction.

The lepers in the Valley of Mak’ob hear the rumors--that a miracle healer is now walking the earth. Could this be the hope they have waited an eternity for? the healing they have longed for? While Lily, Cantor, and Rabbi Ahava courageously comfort the dying in the Valley, the leper Jekuthiel risks home and family, even when his baby is about to be born, to find out if the rumors are true.

In these somber, deceitful days, Peniel, the once-blind beggar, makes a gut-wrenching decision. Will it cut him off from the Light? Zadok refuses to back down from his claims about Messiah. And Pharisee Simon ben Zeraim hides a devastating secret.

During these dark and dangerous times, the people long for the transforming touch of the Messiah.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Historical, Adult

432 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

BODIE AND BROCK THOENE (pronounced Tay-nee) have written over 45 works of historical fiction. These best sellers have sold more than 10 million copies and won eight ECPA Gold Medallion Awards.

Bodie began her writing career as a teen journalist for her local newspaper. Eventually her byline appeared in prestigious periodicals such as U.S. News and World Report, The American West, and The Saturday Evening Post. She also worked for John Wayne’s Batjac Productions (she’s best known as author of The Fall Guy) and ABC Circle Films as a writer and researcher. John Wayne described her as “a writer with talent that captures the people and the times!” She has degrees in journalism and communications.

Bodie and Brock have four grown children—Rachel, Jake Thoene, Luke Thoene, and Ellie—and five grandchildren. Their sons, Jake and Luke, are carrying on the Thoene family talent as the next generation of writers, and Luke produces the Thoene audiobooks.

Bodie and Brock divide their time between London and Nevada.

Reviews

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, the Thoenes weave a fabulous historical yarn; this time, it centers on a leper during the time of Jesus' ministry, and gives a different perspective on events described in the Gospels. If you enjoy adaptations of the Bible such as the History Channel miniseries or The Chosen, you should check this out; it's in a similar vein, and even sheds light on some other parts of God's Word, including an Old Testament passage that had seemed baffling to me for quite a while.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book in the series. "Everything means something," you read over and over again, and in this book, you learn how the original language of the Bible has deeper meaning that we miss out on through reading a translation. Over and over the parallels between events in the Old Testament and the New Testament/life of Jesus are pointed out, to show that everything in the Bible truly does point to the only One who matters--Jesus.

[Amy Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Neil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Before I get into my review, I would almost say this book is about being blind, about not being able to see what is in front of you. I would say it is about how, even with healthy eyes that can "see," we can still be blind and not see what is really important.

This book was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It was an extremely slow read; I had no issues putting it down if something else came up. That being said, I was able to pick back up where I left off. The characters and subsequent development were okay; it brings back Peniel for a good chunk of the story; Marcus the Roman officer appears briefly in the beginning, and Zadok and his three "children" (orphan boys that he adopted) make a return as well. It is boring in parts and those parts move so SLOW. At the same time, it has some powerful moments that brought me to tears and some great insight, helping me to see some verses or moments in a different way I would not have considered or thought about otherwise. The "main" main character, Lily was annoying until I realized that the authors were having the character express honest feelings of anger, hopelessness, regret, doubt, frustration, and bitterness amidst questioning YHWH about her very existence. She has swings in her emotions, in how she handles each day, which are honest as well. Maybe it wasn't always written "the best," per se, but I think the character probably expressed herself in an honest fashion that some Christians would not want to admit feeling the same way themselves. In the end, though, she always brought herself back to her core beliefs - that her hope rests in YHWH and YHWH alone, and that she would submit to what He had for her, no matter what. The authors still do a nice job of taking fictional characters and blending them into various moments of Yeshua's ministry and how He could have been speaking more directly to those in the crowd than modern day readers realize.

It wasn't quite what I expected; it was oddly different-yet-similar to the first book. This book felt like it focused mostly on Lily and the leper colony where she lived as well as a Pharisee named Simon. Peniel also plays a good-sized part in the book, but he got to be annoying as a character to me at times probably because I expected too much from him, so to speak, and failed to take into account that people often times are "more blind" than they realize to what is going on around them. It just got annoying the 2nd or 3rd time that his friend and temple spy, Gideon, would say, "The next town up ahead is ______" and give the name of the town when he's supposedly never been outside of Jerusalem. I could see the first time Peniel asks himself how this can be is one thing, but to have it happen again and Peniel question himself again and blow it off again was a little too much for me to believe or accept. At the same time, I know there have been times when I have looked back at my actions and said to myself, "How stupid could you have been? How could you not see what you were doing?" or "see the consequences of what your actions might have been?", so I can be just as blind as others when it comes to not seeing what should be patently obvious. There are other moments, too, where he is "blind" to his behavior, how he is treating other people, which can be said of practically every person alive, that we are blind to our own failures and how we can mistreat people without necessarily realizing we are doing so. Lily's "ups-and-downs" drove me a little crazy, but then again, I have never experienced that pain that she has. At the same time, when I remember the times I have been sick, I know I have experienced my own sets of frustrations and doubts and "why is this happening to me?", so her expressions of her inner turmoil is probably more real and valid than I realized while reading. Zadok was fun in the book, as he seemed to be the authors' "mouthpiece" as it were as he would explain different customs or verses to his adopted boys and educating the reader in the process. He truly was a font of wisdom, and I enjoyed most of his moments in the book. Simon the Pharisee grew interesting over the course of the book. It seemed pretty obvious that he was dealing with the onset of leprosy early in the book, which made his hypocrisy over the course of the book somewhat funny. I had forgotten, however, that Jesus shared a meal with "Simon the Leper" in the Gospels, and this is the Simon with whom He shared the meal. There is also a nice tie-in towards the end, as Yeshua heals Simon and tells him to go and present himself to the religious leaders at the synagogue while warning Simon not to tell the leaders how he was healed. This ties into how the religious leaders threatened to excommunicate from the synagogue who professed belief in Yeshua or claimed to have been healed by Yeshua; excommunication was tantamount so social, religious, and economic suicide. This also ties into when Yeshua is recorded as healing the leper in the Bible and warns the leper not to tell the religious leaders how he had been healed while presenting himself at the synagogue.

It is funny how tiresome it is reading about assassins and whatnot. I feel like they should have been a non-issue since Yeshua could not have been killed before His appointed time. So it makes it funny and annoying and a bit of a non-issue to have assassins seeking to kill the Messiah. The reader already knows it is going to be foiled, somehow, that their plans will not succeed. Marcus Longinus and another Roman soldier foil an attempt early in the book, and then Simon foils a valid second attempt at the end of the book. The disciples are acting as guards against "further assassination attempts." I suppose assassination was a real threat, per se (especially to "normal people"), but I guess I do not consider them a threat to Jesus. I personally felt like the Temple assassins were a distraction to the story, myself.

Also, I did not quite understand why the Temple guards/soldiers/assassins did not know where Yeshua was heading next or why they needed Peniel and his group. Well, I suppose I could see why Peniel was "needed" (to be used as a distraction so Eglon, the lead assassin, could "get in close" to Yeshua), but I still did not understand why the guards would have zero idea where Yeshua was. One would think that travelers on the Roman roads would be speaking of where Jesus had been and the direction He was heading upon leaving a town. That was also a distracting part of the story, the whole focus on Peniel's group trying to find where Yeshua was headed next so they could hopefully catch up with him.

It "still bugs me" that Yeshua is portrayed as a "slender man" who is not well-built, yet His twelve disciples tend to be portrayed as bulkier than he is (especially those who were fisherman). I would think that having spent twenty-plus years as a carpenter (depending on when Joseph would have started putting Him to work and teaching Him the family trade) would mean that He had some muscles on Him, that He would not necessarily be "slender" or thin or having a slight build. It's funny, because I suspect Samson would actually look like or be similar to this "slender" person described in the book as being Yeshua and not the "muscle-bound hulk" that he tends to be portrayed as looking like in artwork and movies.

I think one thing this book brings home (drives home?) is the distance between cities, towns, and villages, and how LOOOOONG it takes to travel by foot. I have never really considered such things, especially having pretty much ridden in or driven a vehicle most of my life. Sure, as a child I used to walk everywhere and it never seemed a big deal, but now that I am older and have to travel greater distances to work, to church, to visit my family, I would not want to have to walk those distances. So while this book was "slow-going," it truly was moving at the pace of those walking in the book and I think helped demonstrate in an abstract way how much time and distance was involved in traveling between population nodes in the First Century AD.

There were some moments that either I "really liked" or had a strong impact upon me. I forgot to mark the pages, as they occur "later" in the book, but I found myself crying as the lepers were rejoicing over the birth of the healthy baby boy in their midst. It was a beautiful, powerful moment as they expressed joy over YHWH's grace, love, and mercy expressed to them via the birth of this beautiful baby boy. I also loved Simon's restoration with his family, including his father-in-law Zadok, as well as the grace, love, compassion, mercy, and forgiveness that Yeshua showed him at the end of the book (334-337, 338-339).

As much as having assassins in the book annoys me, I did enjoy how the authors blended in the assassins attempts to approach Yeshua from behind by climbing over the walls/fence of a sheep pen in order to walk through the herd with Yeshua's discussion about the Good Shepherd and how Yeshua will lay down His life for His sheep before taking it back up again, how no man can take His life before it is time for Him to die (23-25). That, and how Eglon grows pale when Yeshua looks at him. That was a "good moment."

I also liked Caiaphas' response to Eglon. Eglon is with Antipas and Caiaphas as they are discussing what to do about Peniel and Yeshua having healed Peniel from blindness. Eglon points out they can just remove Peniel's eyes and return his former blindness to him. If Peniel is shown to "still" be blind, it makes Yeshua a liar and unworthy of being believed. Caiaphas responds with, "And if Yeshua should heal him again?" (28) Nobody has a response to that question. It was beautiful.

There is what I felt to be a profound discussion regarding how leprosy is an outward expression of the condition of man's heart without YHWH on pp. 32 into 33, especially when Cantor says, A leper is the visible picture of what the human soul looks like when sin takes over a life. When a person becomes numb to sin, he is eaten alive by it. That's why Outside people fear us so. Our bodies are the external of corrupt souls. Cantor goes on to say how he believes that YHWH's mercy can forgive and heal such a heart, that YHWH can restore the feeling and bring back what has been eaten away by sin and corruption and death. Something I had never considered before (regarding leprosy).

I thought something Zadok said to his orphan boys and servants was pretty powerful after he was wrongfully accused and removed from his station as Chief Shephard. He said, It is not for me to show the justice of my cause or complain how I am abused. The sheep are His, my life is His, and what he chooses to do with either is for Him to say. My only concern is to commit my way and trust. All else is up to Him (123). I think this is powerful because of American Christians are so focused on "our RIGHTS" that we forget what is truly important and that God's ways are not necessarily our ways, that He can use suffering to glorify His Name in the end (even if we cannot see it at the time). Granted, this doesn't necessarily apply to when Christians have broken His commands and sinned; it seems today we want to avoid the consequences of our sins as opposed to avoiding the act of sinning itself.

I also liked the explanation behind the words used by Yeshua when He was discussing being "the Bread of Life" with the Pharisees (as explained by Zadok) (211-214). I thought it was enlightening and enjoyed Zadok's perspective and observations. He points out how Yeshua is not promoting cannibalism as much as He is telling those who are listening that they are to lose themselves completely in Yeshua's teachings, that we are to "drink deeply" in what He is teaching those who will listen; we are to be completely filled up with His life, His teaching(s), His Spirit. I realize this is something that tends to be taught in churches, but I liked the way it was presented in the book. It was done simply and in an easily understandable manner; it was well-done.

Finally, I enjoyed Peniel's "dream/vision" with Moses (Mosheh) (261-265). It is an interesting discussion about "Truth" and how "truth" is spelled in Hebrew. It is also an interesting point about how the word "Truth" defines YHWH, how YHWH is there at the beginning, at the end, and at every point in between the beginning and the end. Also, how in a human's life, there is a "beginning" and an "end" and how all of life happens in between these two points (and, my take on that is, how much better that middle may and can be with YHWH involved than without). My "brief explanation" does not do these four-to-five pages justice, but it was still a fascinating, enlightening discussion.

I also liked how the book shows how events in one part of the Empire (especially in Rome) can have some kind of impact upon places such as Israel. I think it is easy to forget that the actions that occur in one part of an Empire or region can truly have an impact somewhere else, or that multiple events can be happening at the same time in both different parts of the world or even "close to each other."

The book is a bit of a journey to finish, but I think, as I am writing this review and pondering what I have read, that it is well worth the journey. There are some great insights throughout this book, and I love how these first two books in this series have helped me see the Gospels and their time in a different light, how I think these two books have better illuminated aspects of the Gospels. I am not equating them with what is written in the Bible; I am just saying I enjoy how these books have opened my eyes a bit and helped me see things "differently" that through the normal lenses with which I view things. I was originally going to rate this as a "2-star" book because of how slow it was, but I think I will leave it as at least a 3-star; it was truly better than I initially realized after I finished it, but the amount of time it took me to read it I think detracts against it as well. I would probably rate it 3.2-3.3 stars, rounded down.

[Ann Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy to have access to this series on my device over here in Mali, West Africa. It's good reading. I love Biblical historical fiction and this series so far has been great. I feel like I am seeing the world I'm reading about out my window here. Not much has changed in this place. I have stepped back in time. The Thoenes are master story tellers.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peniel returns in the A.D. Chronicles' second book. While blindness is a recurring theme in First Light, leprosy stars in Second Touch. This novel explores the lives of those viewed as the living dead by society, as well as the hope that is found in Jesus, and the tolerance we should all learn.
Hope is thin for the residents of the Valley of Mak'ob, a colony of lepers seeking safety and shelter in numbers. Their paths are fated to cross with the One who has come to heal the broken of the world, though - and their journey is only beginning. Peniel, meanwhile, is struggling to understand his purpose in life and how to live in a manner worthy of his miraculous healing. While his eyes may be healed, Peniel still has much growth left, now that he sees the world with the judgment that comes with vision. In the broken city of Jerusalem, a couple hopelessly in love are yet to find the Truth that will save them. At what cost will they try to defy the Earthly powers that seek to subjugate them?
Although other reviewers have called Second Touch trite, predictable, and drawn-out, I found that the story was just as deep as the first. The characters continue to grow in each of the A.D. Chronicles in a complex way. Of course every character is driven to find mercy with Jesus (Yeshua): it is a thoroughly religious book with a compelling view of broken humanity and the Love that came to save us all. The characters face challenge after challenge, including ignorance, betrayal, isolation, and physical burdens (including death). But each challenge brings them a little closer to being open to Grace. How beautiful is that?
I, for one, will be reading all 12 books in the series, and I highly recommend that you too face the sometimes challenging writing in order to challenge your own faith. This book has compelled me to more closely study the Bible, and I think that alone (as well as the passionately built characters and intricate plot) is worth the read.

[Barbara Keigher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, top notch, superior, magnificent, premium, first rate Christian author and novel!!!

I highly recommend this novel.
Such wonderful application and insight to scripture!
I cried through parts of it...it touched my heart and spirit so deeply.

I used to be able to read their books ( husband and wife, or each separately),
from the library,
but the library has been closed and so doing an inter-library loan is out of the question right now.

but this novel was so so good! I wish I could read all her works, but alas. and alack....at age 75 and on just a tiny SS check ......well ...sigh!
I sound a little like Lily when she gets a bit down
Lily is of course, one of the characters in the novel LOL.

But if you can, I am sure you will enjoy every book they ever wrote, or will write

and book 3 in this series...
Maybe some day I will get to.

I feel blessed that this was on Amazon so I could read it!!

[Curt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Love their ability to tell you about God without beating you with the Bible or doctrine which might cause people to not listen

[Marsha Berry]

Imagine you had leprosy, especially during the first century. This book explores the issue; the illness, the fear, the isolation and the only hope for those who contracted this dread disease.

[Rachael Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is just slightly less brilliant than the first one and stylisticially a little different.
But the Thoene's are gifted writers and this story is no exception. Simon the Pharisee keeps every law - but is fighting off a dreadful disease. Lily cares for others among the 612 lepers in the Ma'cob Valley while faint rumors of the Messiah reach even there. Peniel struggles to bring friends to Jesus while assasins seek his life. Will the Messiah appear in time to rescue those in need?
Bodie's writing is beautiful. She manages to incorporate all of Scripture and interpret what Jesus does -without becoming didactic or pedantic. She beautifully weaves in the number symbolism of the Ancient Jews. I don't know where she finds her interpretations, but they feel very Jewish and are beautiful and touching. This is a thoroughly engaing book - but will also encourage you in your spiritual walk.

[Cindy]

Fantastic book! Make sure you have tissues nearby when reading this though. I cried tears of sorrow for some of the characters and tears of joy for them at other times. Obviously, the characters are very real. I don't believe everything I read in books about God and His Word, but if something sounds interesting I will research it to determine if it's true, using only resources that have been thoroughly vetted. I can say that everything I've checked that are in Bodie's books has turned out to be true. It's still always best to check for yourself before accepting something as truth though. (especially things about God and His Word). I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Jesus and anyone who's interested in learning more about Him, or who would like to meet Him. I just wish I had enough money to get all their books!

[Austin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Barely qualifies as a 2 star. Almost a 1. Vintage Thoene as far as I can tell. I have all the same complaints about this book as I do of almost all other books in the Christian fiction genre--lame, overly sentimental, lacks depth and gravity, drags out the conflict for too long, is far too predictable, and the characters are not really believable. Did not inspire me to read any more Thoene. Not even the sequel.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Touch - An Amazing Savior We Have!

I read First Light & Second Touch, along with he other books in this series by Brock & Bodie Thorne. If you are a Jesus Believer, You will enjoy this beautiful book of Christian historical fiction. The characters seem so real & of course Jesus & His messages are very real. The setting is in Israel in the ancient cities that still exist today.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible second installment to this series. I could geek out about it for hours...but you really do have to read it for yourself...
These books have given me a new appreciation for the stories told in the Gospels. Giving those who came to Christ for help names and struggles has made it easier to place myself in their shoes and see how I face those same struggles on a daily basis.
I already have the third book and look forward to reading it.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am never disappointed with the Thoene's books. I love the way they develop each character. Another hard-to-put-down read. I can't wait to continue the series. While the authors historical accuracy is superbe, I am also left feeling the eternal relevancy of these stories. They quicken the heart and fill one with hope!! I wanted to jump up and cheer after the final sentence was read.

[Ricki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite as good as the first. I feel like some weird choices were made (describing some of the Jews with blue eyes and blond hair etc., the valley that always had exactly 612 people living in it). But whatever. As always, I enjoyed all the little details about biblical scholarship. Happy to continue on with the series for now.

[James Dakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant and inspiring

Not only is Second Touch an amazing work of historical fiction, it is an outstanding example of spiritual inspiration as the characters develop throughout the book.
The authors made me feel like I knew the characters personally and was living the tragedies and triumphs of their lives right along with them.

[Nikki W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything God allows into the world has a purpose.

Each Theone parable challenges the reader to approach bible knowledge from a different perspective. This time around they addressed the scourge of leprosy and its purpose. Leprosy is a physical representation of spiritual decay.

[J Crossley · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this historical Christian book, a group of lepers hear rumors of a miracle healer. One of the lepers sets off to determine if the rumors are true. Others have to make difficult decisions. They all long for healing.

[Margaret Felts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough good things about the 12 books in this series. The Thoenes strive to teach truth through fiction, and while the books in the series are fictional, they provide an exciting insight into life as it may have been during the times described in the gospels.

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Familiar but not a you've had out before

A well written and thought out book, with some great Bible study tools at the Back. Familiar stories but from a new angle interesting and captivating i think you will enjoy it and the blessings will pour out from you Anna many others.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just Wow

I was fortunate to receive this book free from the authors during the lockdown. Just now got to reading it. It was a hard start, but about a quarter of the way through, I was hooked. Would love to talk with the author, so many questions. Thank you to the Thoenes, God bless you!

[Yeshua · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slow read, Grand ending
This is the 2nd book in the A.D. Chronicles

Wonderful story..... Appears to be a book of many complaints and sorrows however, each of the characters are wonderfully connected!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the series! I cannot wait to start the next one!

[Wendi (_readingismylovelanguage_) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another masterpiece by the Thoenes!!!! Praying God continues to shine His light through their talent. Moved to tears once again!!!

[Darla Cornelison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is another picture of God's grace and mercy and unconditional love for us. I love the historical aspects of this book. Can't wait for the next one!

[Karolyn Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book but it was a little protracted and slow moving. I’d still recommend it tho.

[Mona Randall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of the ugliness of the world during Jesus' time and His forgiving grace; this book touched me deeply. Highly recommended

[JL Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

no offensive content: Xn historical fiction

[Susan Featheringill · Rating 5 out of 5]

So touching and inspiring. How to look at ourselves through the eyes and minds of the characters. Do we really know what is in our own hearts?