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The Crowning Crescendo #1
A Still Small Voice
A timeless biblical truth and Christian romance exuding the power of God’s love and everlasting faithfulness.Jerusalem, an ancient city, is a land cloaked in mystery, legend, and intrigue. Within the heart of this age-old city dwells a lovely young woman. Julia, as whimsical and restless as the great city itself, has a head full of dreams of adventure, and romance—and a vision clouded by a daring young man of striking countenance, flashing eyes, and broad shoulders.Residing in a magnificent villa nestled comfortably within the imperial Upper City, Julia knows no other life than the plush, comfortable one she shares with her mother, her wealthy merchant father, and a vast array of household staff to meet her every need.But her perfect world is sure to be shattered if she insists upon wedding the handsome guard who protects her father’s wares—a reckless man with whom she has fallen hopelessly in love.Uncover the secrets of Jerusalem's ancient allure and embark on a heartfelt journey of love and devotion, where one young woman’s destiny hangs in the balance, caught between the enchanting whispers of adventure and the resounding echoes of a steadfast faith. Grab your copy and immerse yourself in an entrancing tapestry of historical Christian romance today!
540 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2020
280 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Rachael C. Duncan
11 books39 followersRachael C. Duncan is a passionate follower of Christ. She believes that God has gifted each of His children with different gifts to be used to strengthen the body of Christ and fulfill the Great Commission, and her desire is to share God's love through the gift of writing.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 8, 2021
A rich and exotic drama that will transport readers to the dusty streets of biblical Jerusalem.
This was such a compelling read! Following three individuals in particular, the story unfolds at a gentle pace that introduces readers to the culture these characters lived in and gradually wraps you within the folds of an intricate tapestry that is both thought-provoking and inspiring. So many times I found myself frustrated with a character on one page, only to find myself in need of the same correction they received on the next. Duncan has a way with words, revealing through fiction the reality of every individual's need for God's guidance and peace in their own personal life. I look forward to book 2!
This was such a compelling read! Following three individuals in particular, the story unfolds at a gentle pace that introduces readers to the culture these characters lived in and gradually wraps you within the folds of an intricate tapestry that is both thought-provoking and inspiring. So many times I found myself frustrated with a character on one page, only to find myself in need of the same correction they received on the next. Duncan has a way with words, revealing through fiction the reality of every individual's need for God's guidance and peace in their own personal life. I look forward to book 2!
March 24, 2022
Interesting
I found the start of the book to be a bit long. I wondered who the book would actually be about. It was an ok book. What I found disturbing was when the author had a character speaking about how God clothed Adam and Eve with the skin of a spotless, unblemished lamb. We all know this was the 1st sacrifice but no where in the Bible does it say what kind of animal it was. The character went on further to explain from then on sacrifices were to be made, and the reason Cain's sacrifice was not accepted by God was because he didn't sacrifice a spotless lamb, I believe the words went something along the lines of he couldn't bother to ask his brother for a lamb. But that was also the attitude of the character. The Bible doesn't say it needed to be a lamb and it was the way and attitude of Cain that displeased the Lord. Unless I'm reading the Bible totally wrong and the commentaries I read were wrong as well. I love reading Biblical fiction, and good Biblical fiction should lead you to read the Bible, however, writing incorrect information from the Bible isn't ok, if someone new to the faith read this, what if they took it for fact and didn't double check the Bible? People more familiar with the Bible know that people in Genesis did offer sacrifices but it was not God's law until Exodus! I hope Rachel Duncan reads this and in future books will proceed with more caution, especially if people newer to the faith read this and takes it as what the Bible means, it would not be good, it could also lead to people turning to the Bible, its a thin line but I'd rather see truth printed in Biblical fiction.
I found the start of the book to be a bit long. I wondered who the book would actually be about. It was an ok book. What I found disturbing was when the author had a character speaking about how God clothed Adam and Eve with the skin of a spotless, unblemished lamb. We all know this was the 1st sacrifice but no where in the Bible does it say what kind of animal it was. The character went on further to explain from then on sacrifices were to be made, and the reason Cain's sacrifice was not accepted by God was because he didn't sacrifice a spotless lamb, I believe the words went something along the lines of he couldn't bother to ask his brother for a lamb. But that was also the attitude of the character. The Bible doesn't say it needed to be a lamb and it was the way and attitude of Cain that displeased the Lord. Unless I'm reading the Bible totally wrong and the commentaries I read were wrong as well. I love reading Biblical fiction, and good Biblical fiction should lead you to read the Bible, however, writing incorrect information from the Bible isn't ok, if someone new to the faith read this, what if they took it for fact and didn't double check the Bible? People more familiar with the Bible know that people in Genesis did offer sacrifices but it was not God's law until Exodus! I hope Rachel Duncan reads this and in future books will proceed with more caution, especially if people newer to the faith read this and takes it as what the Bible means, it would not be good, it could also lead to people turning to the Bible, its a thin line but I'd rather see truth printed in Biblical fiction.
November 5, 2020
Two slaves and a young woman of privilege all live in Jerusalem during the time when Rome rules and Jesus begins his public ministry. Combining biblical and historical facts with fiction, Rachael Duncan has created a story that readers of biblical and/or historical fiction will want to read. I enjoyed it. It's the first book in a series.
May 12, 2021
Captivating
I enjoyed reading bible related stories. I enjoy getting to know the characters that want to follow Christlike attributes. I also enjoy reading how the people lived during the time of Christ’s ministres. Great read!
I enjoyed reading bible related stories. I enjoy getting to know the characters that want to follow Christlike attributes. I also enjoy reading how the people lived during the time of Christ’s ministres. Great read!
April 12, 2022
Very exciting and inspiring
This was a very exciting and inspiring book. Very Biblical and backed by Scripture quotes. I recommend this for anyone searching for answers to hurting hearts or just love God's Word!
This was a very exciting and inspiring book. Very Biblical and backed by Scripture quotes. I recommend this for anyone searching for answers to hurting hearts or just love God's Word!
September 19, 2025
I was moved by the realization that people and our natures are on Repeat
Rachael weaves a story around the times and history of biblical teachings. Her characters are both real and fictional but believable. Their circumstances and situations are familiar to us even though we don’t have slaves in most countries in today’s time. We have and know people who are poor, we know people who are middle income and wealthy and we know powerful leaders who are at the very top of the food chain.
So we recognize the people in this story. Mostly we all know that still small voice. We’ve heard it. We’ve disobeyed it or rejected it and suffered the consequences and we’ve obeyed and been blessed with a peaceful heart and mind.
These kinds of books teach and entertain. This is a worthwhile read and time well spent.
Rachael weaves a story around the times and history of biblical teachings. Her characters are both real and fictional but believable. Their circumstances and situations are familiar to us even though we don’t have slaves in most countries in today’s time. We have and know people who are poor, we know people who are middle income and wealthy and we know powerful leaders who are at the very top of the food chain.
So we recognize the people in this story. Mostly we all know that still small voice. We’ve heard it. We’ve disobeyed it or rejected it and suffered the consequences and we’ve obeyed and been blessed with a peaceful heart and mind.
These kinds of books teach and entertain. This is a worthwhile read and time well spent.
July 19, 2022
A very well done novel, in so many ways.
I loved the scriptures and their applications.
The history and the culture of the times were also well done.
It was heart rendering, to just know, the sad path young Julia was going to take,
and yet, there is still the hope that God will work it all out for good.
Thus I will be reading the 2nd in the series.
I loved the scriptures and their applications.
The history and the culture of the times were also well done.
It was heart rendering, to just know, the sad path young Julia was going to take,
and yet, there is still the hope that God will work it all out for good.
Thus I will be reading the 2nd in the series.
February 16, 2023
interesting
I like the main characters Medina, Malthus, and Julia. I despise the Barrabas character and recognize his red necked behavior though the ages. I’m really wrapped up in this story and hungry to see how they grow in their relationship with the GOD of the universe and his messiah.
I like the main characters Medina, Malthus, and Julia. I despise the Barrabas character and recognize his red necked behavior though the ages. I’m really wrapped up in this story and hungry to see how they grow in their relationship with the GOD of the universe and his messiah.
April 10, 2023
The whole series is something you won’t forget
I started reading the third book of the series 1st and it was so amazing especially reading it before Easter and then I had to back up and go for the first and second in the series and again so amazing so wound up buying all three novels to send to my grandkids so that they can enjoy this to awesome awesome Siri thank you
I started reading the third book of the series 1st and it was so amazing especially reading it before Easter and then I had to back up and go for the first and second in the series and again so amazing so wound up buying all three novels to send to my grandkids so that they can enjoy this to awesome awesome Siri thank you
January 21, 2025
well researched well written
I genuinely began to care for the people involved. I found myself second guessing who some of the characters were. Is Malcus the one of ear-gate? Is Simon the one that invited Jesus to dinner? Is the Alabaster jar going to make an appearance? I want to read on to find out. Five stars from me.
I genuinely began to care for the people involved. I found myself second guessing who some of the characters were. Is Malcus the one of ear-gate? Is Simon the one that invited Jesus to dinner? Is the Alabaster jar going to make an appearance? I want to read on to find out. Five stars from me.
January 25, 2022
Honestly a good book
The saga with Julia and her parents remind me of raising teens lol. They always think they know. The book takes a bit to get into it. But if you stick with it you'll enjoy the read.
The saga with Julia and her parents remind me of raising teens lol. They always think they know. The book takes a bit to get into it. But if you stick with it you'll enjoy the read.
June 30, 2022
Very good..
I enjoyed the characters, their struggles, especially Julia as she grew and changed. It was interesting to see them go from unknown to known from only brief mentions in the Bible.
I enjoyed the characters, their struggles, especially Julia as she grew and changed. It was interesting to see them go from unknown to known from only brief mentions in the Bible.
November 13, 2022
Very good book, well written just soo slow. I enjoy details but I could not get into this book long term. As soon as I would get to a good part it would tail off again.
3.75 if I could Give . To stars, injust think this one is not style.
3.75 if I could Give . To stars, injust think this one is not style.
January 9, 2023
An interesting read
I appreciate the Scripture shared in this book, and that the Gospel is clearly given. I think the story line could have moved along a little more swiftly. But overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more in this series.
I appreciate the Scripture shared in this book, and that the Gospel is clearly given. I think the story line could have moved along a little more swiftly. But overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more in this series.
February 28, 2023
Intriguing
This story is shaping up nicely. Rich in colorful descriptions and credible dialogues you can hear the still small voice. I could recognize that voice in my own life. I look forward to book 2.
This story is shaping up nicely. Rich in colorful descriptions and credible dialogues you can hear the still small voice. I could recognize that voice in my own life. I look forward to book 2.
February 12, 2024
I enjoyed the different characters giving various perspectives on life during the beginning of Jesus' ministry and the relatability even though it was so long ago. There were many opportunities to stop and reflect on my own life and I appreciated the amount of scripture used. Very well written.
December 4, 2025
I need more
I need more - the book didn't come to any satisfactory conclusions. Every story is incomplete. Im invested now, so will seek the next in the series, but I am disappointed.
I need more - the book didn't come to any satisfactory conclusions. Every story is incomplete. Im invested now, so will seek the next in the series, but I am disappointed.
June 4, 2022
Faith
The story leads us to how our Faith grows and how we learn to listen to God. Ms. Duncan keeps out attention throughout the story and presents biblical truths throughout.
The story leads us to how our Faith grows and how we learn to listen to God. Ms. Duncan keeps out attention throughout the story and presents biblical truths throughout.
November 9, 2022
Amazing!
I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m very aware of biblical stories and Mrs. Duncan does an awesome job of getting the story right. Spurs me to better thinking.
I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m very aware of biblical stories and Mrs. Duncan does an awesome job of getting the story right. Spurs me to better thinking.
November 14, 2022
You must read..
As a born again Christian I have a deep love for Goads chosen people. This is outstanding and very biblical. U
As a born again Christian I have a deep love for Goads chosen people. This is outstanding and very biblical. U
November 25, 2023
Delightful
A good read. Unfortunately I spread the reading out too far and couldn’t keep up with it. I really liked the plot even when characters made wrong choices.
A good read. Unfortunately I spread the reading out too far and couldn’t keep up with it. I really liked the plot even when characters made wrong choices.
January 3, 2024
Outstanding
Outstanding, I learned so much about myself through the story and scripture, I've cried so much.
Outstanding and emotional yes
Outstanding, I learned so much about myself through the story and scripture, I've cried so much.
Outstanding and emotional yes
June 19, 2024
Excellent
June 24, 2023
I hadn’t planned on writing a review for this book but after finishing the Series of 3 books, I just had to.
I gave this first book 4 stars because,honestly I thought it was slow moving. I didn’t feel like I would be able to “connect” with the characters. Boy was I wrong!
This series is like forming a relationship . The first book is like an introduction…the second a bond begins to grow as you get to know each other. By the third book, you have a full friendship!
The author skillfully weaves the stories of many people who lived during the time of the Gospels. You experience their emotions and all their hopes,fears and Joys!
I highly recommend this series!
I gave this first book 4 stars because,honestly I thought it was slow moving. I didn’t feel like I would be able to “connect” with the characters. Boy was I wrong!
This series is like forming a relationship . The first book is like an introduction…the second a bond begins to grow as you get to know each other. By the third book, you have a full friendship!
The author skillfully weaves the stories of many people who lived during the time of the Gospels. You experience their emotions and all their hopes,fears and Joys!
I highly recommend this series!
July 24, 2023
A beautifully written story that weaves together 3 unlikely friends: Melina, a Greek, sold with the only parental figure she has known, her grandmother, because she could no longer provide for Melina. Melina has ended up in the household of Herod the Tertarch and his brother Philip's now ex-wife, Herodias, and Herodias's daughter Salome, as a personal maid to the spoiled, promiscuous, and shrill girl.
The second is Julia, the youngest of 6 children raised in an observant Jewish household. Her father is a wealthy merchant. Julia has fallen for Barabbas, a disgruntled and embittered caravan guard who works for her father. She has occasional doubts about him, but is willing to defy her parents to marry him if necessary, based on emotions (though she doesn't see it that way).
Last is Malchus, whose father was a prophet who was treated the way the Jews, throughout time, have treated their true prophets - badly. He is rescued from a fire that takes his parents' lives, by a mysterious man in a white robe, one he had never seen before, and whom he has never seen since.
As the story unfolds, Melina has recently been promoted to go to the market for the things the cook, Elias, needs for the meals. That same day of her first foray into the upper agora, she literally runs into Julia, who has just had a meeting with Barabbas, and had shopping her mother had sent her to do. They agree on a spot to leave messages on when each will be there. Not much longer afterwards, Melina meets Malchus, who works for the high priest Caiaphus, lost in the corridors of the Palace while trying to deliver a message to Herod. She guides him to Porcius, head of the servants, and then guides him out. They end up meetong at the upper agora afterwards. Melina wants to know about the God of Israel. Malchus has given up on Him but still knows the stories, and Julia remembers them but isn't listening to God's message, but Melina is rapt. Melina soon ends up a regular prayer warrior.
The book is continued in the 2nd one in the series. It ends in a bit of a cliffhanger.
The second is Julia, the youngest of 6 children raised in an observant Jewish household. Her father is a wealthy merchant. Julia has fallen for Barabbas, a disgruntled and embittered caravan guard who works for her father. She has occasional doubts about him, but is willing to defy her parents to marry him if necessary, based on emotions (though she doesn't see it that way).
Last is Malchus, whose father was a prophet who was treated the way the Jews, throughout time, have treated their true prophets - badly. He is rescued from a fire that takes his parents' lives, by a mysterious man in a white robe, one he had never seen before, and whom he has never seen since.
As the story unfolds, Melina has recently been promoted to go to the market for the things the cook, Elias, needs for the meals. That same day of her first foray into the upper agora, she literally runs into Julia, who has just had a meeting with Barabbas, and had shopping her mother had sent her to do. They agree on a spot to leave messages on when each will be there. Not much longer afterwards, Melina meets Malchus, who works for the high priest Caiaphus, lost in the corridors of the Palace while trying to deliver a message to Herod. She guides him to Porcius, head of the servants, and then guides him out. They end up meetong at the upper agora afterwards. Melina wants to know about the God of Israel. Malchus has given up on Him but still knows the stories, and Julia remembers them but isn't listening to God's message, but Melina is rapt. Melina soon ends up a regular prayer warrior.
The book is continued in the 2nd one in the series. It ends in a bit of a cliffhanger.
June 9, 2025
I just finished book 7 in this series and came back to revise my initial rating of 4 to a 5. This is a series worth reading and although I would rate some books as a 4 and some as a 5 , I think the overall series deserves a 5 more than a 4. The series has helped me gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the difficulties early believers faced and has encouraged me to stand stronger in my faith. Further, I have enjoyed and at times shed tears (yes as a man) as I have read and pondered the love and faithfulness of our God. The author is a gifted writer and I encourage you to take the first step if you have not read this book and to continue the journey if you have.
October 29, 2024
I enjoyed both story lines separately and as they intertwined. The faith and faithfulness of a sweet slave girl that showed others the love of God and helped lead Julia to her lost faith. Julia’s story was gripping and gave light to what a change can take place when one trusts on Christ and how He can change even the most wicked sinners heart.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews