Evangeline

by Lane P. Jordan

Won the Romance Book of the Year Golden Scrolls Award!Take the beautiful, biblical story of Esther, change the lead character’s race from Jewish to biracial, place the location in New York City during the 1960s' era of turmoil at the time of the Civil Rights movement, and you have a modern-day parallel story to Esther.The book of Esther in the Old Testament is a similar story to Cinderella. With only ten short chapters, and God never mentioned, Esther reveals how God works in our lives always. He is in every detail.Nehemiah 7:5 says, “So my God gave me the idea ...”There are numerous good ideas, but occasionally, there is a God idea. I believe this brilliant work, Evangeline, by Lane Jordan is the latter. In a world often divided by color, culture, and class, she provides a unifying voice offering Kingdom perspective by reimagining and modernizing the timeless narrative of Esther. The story is creative and captivating and the truth transformative, leading us to truly seeing each other as God does and loving one another. —Jelani Lewis, Gateway Church, Plano, Texas Campus Pastor.

196 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2021

Reviews

[Lane Burday · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author of this book, I was reading the book of Esther and immediately saw this story differently! What about a young orphan hiding that she was bi-racial (instead of Jewish) and lived in the 1960's during the tumulus time of the civil rights movement? I wanted to share with every person that God creates everyone in His image and one day, every race and tribe will stand before His throne! I so pray this story will bless you.

[Carolyn Dale Newell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly Enjoyed this book

The author closely follows the book of Esther as she portrays a more modern day crisis. Set in the 1960’s we follow a story with a twist that captivates the readeeer. You won’t want to set the book down.

[Tori Corbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't always sit down to read fiction, but this one I did. I remember Lane telling me about this idea for a book that the LORD gave her: to tell the story of Esther in the 1960's during the Civil Rights Movement. I thought to myself, that IS a God-given idea!

It was beautifully written, so enjoyable, I had a hard time putting it down! It's tasteful and follows the Bible story very well (and creatively, too).

With the world we live in today, this book could not have come at a more perfect time. Bless Lane for being faithful and obedient to the idea God placed on her heart, and for writing this book for such a time as this!

[Donna K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Evangeline" is a 1960’s retelling of Esther's story from scripture, which the author did well. I'm wavering between a three and four star review. The research and descriptions created a picturesque setting. That being said, I felt the first half of the book moved slowly spending too much time developing the setting—too much telling without moving the plot along. The last half made up for the first half and kept me turning pages. The book ended very well. Because of the end I gave “Evangeline” a four star rating.

[Susan Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian suspense and romance

This beautifully crafted novel reimagined the biblical story of Esther, said against the backdrop of the 1960s during the civil rights movement. The heroine is a biracial young woman who navigates a world with racial tension and personal danger after the tragic loss of her parents. The characters are well developed, and the plot is infused with suspense and romance. I couldn’t put it down.

[Jan Thorburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book of Esther has always been one of my favorites and I loved the author's modern day version which is very timely given the racial tension we are experiencing today. Her vivid attention to detail of the fashion and pomp of the time period made me feel like I was part of the story. It is a quick and easy read and I highly recommend it!

[Charlene Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was beautifully written. The character development was brilliantly crafted. The parallels to the Bible was eloquently transformed into another time period. The author captured the essence of this biblical story and transplanted it by weaving the entertaining details of New York society into the reader’s imagination. It’s a wonderful read. Very entertaining with clever twists.

[Christina Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story about a modern-day Esther, Evangeline is also an orphan with a mysterious past that prepares her for a powerful future. The story line, characters and descriptions are all enchanting and I finished it in one afternoon. If you want an intriguing story about happily ever after, choose Evangeline.

[Kathy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lane P. Jordan took on a unique challenge of combining today's hot topics with the biblical story of Esther. I enjoyed the combined sweet romance and drama.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! I loved it! I'm so proud of my friend Lane!

[MaryEllen Loughren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful retelling story of Esther for modern times. The characters are rich in character and believable. Appropriate for any aged audience.