Amon's Secret: A Family Story of the First Christians

by Arnold Ytreeide

Best-selling author of family-tailored Lent and Advent books is back with a new adventure

Adding to his widely popular Advent and Lent series, well-known author Arnold Ytreeide revisits the Jerusalem of Jesus in this captivating follow-up to Amon's Adventure . This time, Ytreeide takes families into the life of one of the founders of the church.

Thirteen-year-old Amon has just watched Jesus ascend into heaven. What will Christ's followers do now? In the midst of Amon's confusion, the apostle Peter hands him an invent a way for the new Christian church to communicate and meet in secret. It must not be noticed by the penetrating eyes of Jesus' enemies who are still looking for anyone who dared call him the Messiah.

Amon's task quickly turns dangerous. The Sanhedrin, led by Saul, begins hunting down believers in "The Way," even stoning some to death. Now Amon must walk a treacherous line between finishing the job he was given and working safely around those who would kill him if they knew his secret. Can he dodge cranky Romans and angry Pharisees and find a way for the new church to survive?

With short, action-filled chapters, reflections for family devotions, and a foundation of archaeological evidence, Amon's Secret is a fun and powerful way to connect to the church's beginnings.

216 pages, Paperback

Published January 24, 2023

About the author

Arnold Ytreeide loves to make people feel. "My second film I ever made was for a high school history project. It made the teacher cry, right there in front of all the students. That wouldn't be a big deal except that my history teacher was also the varsity football coach. That was the moment I decided I love telling stories." He's been telling stories ever since, in film, television, books, radio, stage plays. And he tells them in all sorts of genres -- historical fiction, adventure, and books that make you think. Sometimes Christian - like his popular Jotham’s Journey Christmas series - sometimes for those not so inclined - such as Under My Teacher’s Desk and The Twelfth Privilege. He pours a “life of a thousand episodes” into every story. Next up? “More Mike Danford books, more Amon books, and I’m starting a new series about a girl who lives on the moon.” Former cop, former film & TV creator, and Professor Emeritus, Arnold and his wife Elsie Jo live to hang out with their two children and five grandchildren. “And their dogs. And cats.” He's always looking for the next story he can tell that will help people "feel the wonder of this wonderful life."

Reviews

[Aleena Grosjean · Rating 5 out of 5]

We did this as our Advent reading this year and I loved it. It is amazing to think what the early believers had to go through and what they overcame to spread the good news. I'm always kind of sad when I finish a Ytreeide book because I love the daily reading with my kid. Highly recommend everything by this author.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amos didn't believe at first, but when Jesus rose from the dead and Amos witnessed His ascension, Amos knew he had been completely wrong. Jesus is alive and who He said He is! Now Amos is among the many Believers who must be careful because of persecution. Amos is a friend of Saul of Tarsus who is obsessed with destroying any and all Christians he can find. Amos wants to lead his friend to the Lord, but it is so dangerous to reveal his belief to Saul. When Amos is assigned the task of figuring out a signal for Christians to safely identify other Believers, he learns that he is being sought - by Saul, who doesn't know the one he is trying to find is his friend.
This is such a good fictional story based in fact, for middle grade and up.
I chose this book for the52book 2023 reading challenge, prompt "a book about secrets."

[Christie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've enjoyed every one of these books! This one was extra fun because we were reading the book of Acts at home at the same time. It really helped us envision the lives of the early Christians even better. And of course, Yreetide always tells a riveting story.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our family loves these books. Arnold Ytreeide is a phenomenal writer. More please!!!!

[Karen O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for Advent.