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Anticipated
One man, one hope—two very different paths.
When 9-year-old Uzziel happens upon a small child in a manger, in his home town of Bethlehem, he knows instinctively that he has discovered something amazing. As he begins to piece together the ancient prophecies that are such an important part of his upbringing, he comes to the conclusion that the small child is the long-awaited Messiah.
His excitement at the discovery is soon ruined when the envious and suspicious Herod orders all the boys in Bethlehem under the age of two killed. In one morning of extraordinary violence, Uzziel’s younger brothers and cousin are just some of the many who are slain in the vain attempt to kill Jesus, which only cements and grows Uzziel’s hatred of the Romans.
As time passes, Uzziel’s support for those who would fight against the Romans does not diminish, but now he finds that his choices have been complicated as two very different leaders emerge, each with their own thoughts and their own distinct path to follow. But which way is the right one for Uzziel? And will either one help to rid his people of the oppression they live under?
Though this does share the Christmas and Easter story, it is not recommended for young children.
When 9-year-old Uzziel happens upon a small child in a manger, in his home town of Bethlehem, he knows instinctively that he has discovered something amazing. As he begins to piece together the ancient prophecies that are such an important part of his upbringing, he comes to the conclusion that the small child is the long-awaited Messiah.
His excitement at the discovery is soon ruined when the envious and suspicious Herod orders all the boys in Bethlehem under the age of two killed. In one morning of extraordinary violence, Uzziel’s younger brothers and cousin are just some of the many who are slain in the vain attempt to kill Jesus, which only cements and grows Uzziel’s hatred of the Romans.
As time passes, Uzziel’s support for those who would fight against the Romans does not diminish, but now he finds that his choices have been complicated as two very different leaders emerge, each with their own thoughts and their own distinct path to follow. But which way is the right one for Uzziel? And will either one help to rid his people of the oppression they live under?
Though this does share the Christmas and Easter story, it is not recommended for young children.
125 pages, ebook
First published December 3, 2015
11 people are currently reading
6 people want to read
About the author
Ida Smith
4 books24 followersIda 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 4, 2023
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.
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.
March 10, 2023
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.
December 20, 2017
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.
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.
November 2, 2025
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.
Recommend to all that need freedom from guilt.
July 4, 2022
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!
April 8, 2022
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews