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Acts of Faith #2
The Hidden Flame
Abigail loses everything and is left with little promise of a normal life. When she discovers the Messiah and joins his followers, she also discovers new meaning and purpose. Maybe she does have a future after all. But increasing persecution is scattering the burgeoning group "to the ends of the earth." And Abigail may have given her heart to the wrong man. Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. One is a successful Hebrew merchant and widower looking for a mother for his children. On the other side is the Roman soldier Linux, who is captivated by her winsome charm and could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Stephen, one of the leaders of The Way, has a character and a faith that move her deeply, but his outspoken preaching has marked him for assassination. Will her faith and courage withstand a heartbreak beyond comprehension? And then a glimmer of hope appears, one she never would have foreseen.
400 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2010
331 people are currently reading
2722 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
109 books1,034 followersDavis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
April 23, 2018
The adventures of the very first Christians continue in the second book of T. Davis Bunn and Janette Oke's Acts of Faith trilogy.
Alban and Leah, the titular centurion and wife from the previous installment, have fled Jerusalem and the wrath of both Pilate and Herod. But the action remains in the holy city, witnessed by Leah's best friend Abigail, Alban's army buddy Linux, and Ezra, a Pharisee whose generalized contempt for the nascent Church is about to get really personal.
Abigail is a cheery lass with a servant's heart, and considered a great beauty despite a slight limp (which would have discouraged most suitors in those days). All she wants to do is spread the Gospel and take care of her younger brother, Jacob, now a strapping and sulky teenager whose only interest in life is joining the Roman legionnaires. But Abigail, without being particularly aware of either man's existence, attracts both the lust of the bitter Ezra, and the earnest passion of hot-blooded Linux. Once she becomes aware of the intentions of the two rivals, she quickly dismisses the possibility of marrying the old Pharisee, but the handsome Roman with the piercing gaze spooks her on a level she does not yet understand.
Things are going to get better, but they're going to get very silly first.
In a good classic romance - in the tradition of L.M. Montgomery, etc. - the young lady who does not wish to marry would accordingly be left alone, and perhaps reevaluate when the better of the two suitors steps forward at the crisis point and proves himself a hero. Meanwhile we could get character development and other goodies.
But no, someone has to step in because Abigail cannot be allowed to make her own decisions. And by "someone" I mean Simon Peter, The Big Fisherman himself. You'd think he'd have better things to do with his time, being the head of the Church appointed by Christ Himself and all that, and you would be right.
Especially since the early Christians weren't big on arranging marriages. They believed that Jesus was liable to return and establish the Kingdom in Earth literally any day now, which would entail a certain amount of temporary chaos. "When you see The disastrous abomination set up where it ought not to be..." He had told them before His execution, "those in Judaea must escape to the mountains; if a man is on the housetop, he must not...go into the house to collect any of his belongings; if a man is in the fields, he must not turn back to fetch his cloak. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come!" (Mark 13:14-18). Not a good environment to start a family in; in fact Jesus seems to be strongly encouraging His listeners not to do so.
In fact, perusing the stories of the ancient martyrs, it appears that many young women joined the Christians partly to escape arranged marriages.
So if Peter were to step in at all, it would be to tell both Ezra and Linux to kindly back off. But nope, he decides for Abigail that she should marry neither of them, but instead an outspoken young believer named Stephen. As if on cue, Abigail abandons her plan to be a consecrated virgin and starts swooning over Stephen because he's so godly and non-problematic. Unlike Linux, who makes her stomach feel weird and might have cooties.
The real St. Stephen was 100% consumed with zeal for evangelization and probably had even less interest in marriage than his fellow Way followers. He could have been married before his conversion, but after? Yeah, not likely. Assuming that this far-fetched thing would happen, he and his wife would probably wind up living as siblings, marriage unconsummated. In fact, that's what I thought happened, until
While all this anachronistic nonsense goes down in the Christian neighborhood, Linux's army assignments send him across the province. He's in a fine temper, having found out that Abigail has been married off to someone else, and he's also grappling with the drastic changes in his old friend Alban. We get some good character development from him, as he confronts his anger against the world and eventually decides to follow Jesus.
Then Linux returns to Jerusalem and asks Peter to catechize him. Who does Peter assign this task to but Stephen, because that's not rubbing salt in Linux's sounds at all. Seriously, why would you do this?!? You want to make converts, not drive them away! And Linux, being a much better human being than any of the other characters give him credit for, actually comes to admire Stephen, despite this universe's Stephen being kind of smarmy.
The other Scriptural saints don't fare much better. Peter is largely bereft of personality, and as previously discussed, most of his actions are far out of character and unlikely in historical context. Mary Magdalene has vanished from the story. Mary, Mother of Jesus, and John the Beloved aren't even mentioned. Saul of Tarsus is a generic menace who only appears in a few scenes despite being responsible for the most important event in the story.
The one exception is Martha of Bethany, here portrayed as a Marilla Cuthbert-like character who keeps the congregation alive, being the only person who remembers that they still need to eat.The authors seem genuinely fond of her, and it was nice to see this unglamorous Biblical figure get some attention for once.
Unfortunately, the most pivotal events in the book - the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, the gladiator combat witnessed by Jacob, and the martyrdom of Stephen - are left entirely on-screen (off-page?). The scenes don't need to be gory, although the graphic portrayal of Stephen's death in Taylor Caldwell's Great Lion of God left an indelible mark on my imagination. But there's really no good reason to exclude them from the novel.
No content advisory needed.
Up next: The Damascus Way .
Alban and Leah, the titular centurion and wife from the previous installment, have fled Jerusalem and the wrath of both Pilate and Herod. But the action remains in the holy city, witnessed by Leah's best friend Abigail, Alban's army buddy Linux, and Ezra, a Pharisee whose generalized contempt for the nascent Church is about to get really personal.
Abigail is a cheery lass with a servant's heart, and considered a great beauty despite a slight limp (which would have discouraged most suitors in those days). All she wants to do is spread the Gospel and take care of her younger brother, Jacob, now a strapping and sulky teenager whose only interest in life is joining the Roman legionnaires. But Abigail, without being particularly aware of either man's existence, attracts both the lust of the bitter Ezra, and the earnest passion of hot-blooded Linux. Once she becomes aware of the intentions of the two rivals, she quickly dismisses the possibility of marrying the old Pharisee, but the handsome Roman with the piercing gaze spooks her on a level she does not yet understand.
Things are going to get better, but they're going to get very silly first.
In a good classic romance - in the tradition of L.M. Montgomery, etc. - the young lady who does not wish to marry would accordingly be left alone, and perhaps reevaluate when the better of the two suitors steps forward at the crisis point and proves himself a hero. Meanwhile we could get character development and other goodies.
But no, someone has to step in because Abigail cannot be allowed to make her own decisions. And by "someone" I mean Simon Peter, The Big Fisherman himself. You'd think he'd have better things to do with his time, being the head of the Church appointed by Christ Himself and all that, and you would be right.
Especially since the early Christians weren't big on arranging marriages. They believed that Jesus was liable to return and establish the Kingdom in Earth literally any day now, which would entail a certain amount of temporary chaos. "When you see The disastrous abomination set up where it ought not to be..." He had told them before His execution, "those in Judaea must escape to the mountains; if a man is on the housetop, he must not...go into the house to collect any of his belongings; if a man is in the fields, he must not turn back to fetch his cloak. Alas for those with child, or with babies at the breast, when those days come!" (Mark 13:14-18). Not a good environment to start a family in; in fact Jesus seems to be strongly encouraging His listeners not to do so.
In fact, perusing the stories of the ancient martyrs, it appears that many young women joined the Christians partly to escape arranged marriages.
So if Peter were to step in at all, it would be to tell both Ezra and Linux to kindly back off. But nope, he decides for Abigail that she should marry neither of them, but instead an outspoken young believer named Stephen. As if on cue, Abigail abandons her plan to be a consecrated virgin and starts swooning over Stephen because he's so godly and non-problematic. Unlike Linux, who makes her stomach feel weird and might have cooties.
The real St. Stephen was 100% consumed with zeal for evangelization and probably had even less interest in marriage than his fellow Way followers. He could have been married before his conversion, but after? Yeah, not likely. Assuming that this far-fetched thing would happen, he and his wife would probably wind up living as siblings, marriage unconsummated. In fact, that's what I thought happened, until
While all this anachronistic nonsense goes down in the Christian neighborhood, Linux's army assignments send him across the province. He's in a fine temper, having found out that Abigail has been married off to someone else, and he's also grappling with the drastic changes in his old friend Alban. We get some good character development from him, as he confronts his anger against the world and eventually decides to follow Jesus.
Then Linux returns to Jerusalem and asks Peter to catechize him. Who does Peter assign this task to but Stephen, because that's not rubbing salt in Linux's sounds at all. Seriously, why would you do this?!? You want to make converts, not drive them away! And Linux, being a much better human being than any of the other characters give him credit for, actually comes to admire Stephen, despite this universe's Stephen being kind of smarmy.
The other Scriptural saints don't fare much better. Peter is largely bereft of personality, and as previously discussed, most of his actions are far out of character and unlikely in historical context. Mary Magdalene has vanished from the story. Mary, Mother of Jesus, and John the Beloved aren't even mentioned. Saul of Tarsus is a generic menace who only appears in a few scenes despite being responsible for the most important event in the story.
The one exception is Martha of Bethany, here portrayed as a Marilla Cuthbert-like character who keeps the congregation alive, being the only person who remembers that they still need to eat.The authors seem genuinely fond of her, and it was nice to see this unglamorous Biblical figure get some attention for once.
Unfortunately, the most pivotal events in the book - the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira, the gladiator combat witnessed by Jacob, and the martyrdom of Stephen - are left entirely on-screen (off-page?). The scenes don't need to be gory, although the graphic portrayal of Stephen's death in Taylor Caldwell's Great Lion of God left an indelible mark on my imagination. But there's really no good reason to exclude them from the novel.
No content advisory needed.
Up next: The Damascus Way .
February 8, 2025
Another great historical novel from the Oke/Bunn duo. It brought to life the struggles that the early Christians went through, and did so quite well.
EDIT: Upon reading this again, I will say that one scene that should have been much more dramatic really wasn't. Other than that, I enjoyed it.
EDIT: Upon reading this again, I will say that one scene that should have been much more dramatic really wasn't. Other than that, I enjoyed it.
February 15, 2021
This is a story of Abigail, an orphan, who finds home at the followers’ household, where each new follower of Jesus is welcomed. She is given a role of an overseer, distributing food. It is set in AD 33. After the dismissal of Pontius Pilate from Judea, Marcellus takes over governing the province.
Ezra, a Hebrew merchant, learns about the prophet Jesus and his disciples. He offers his assistance to the new religious sect in order to gain knowledge about them.
Linux, a Roman soldier and friend of centurion (from Book I), is sent back from Rome to Jerusalem. As soon as he arrives in Jerusalem, he searches for his friend Alban (centurion). This leads him to the house of followers where he meets Abigail again.
The news Ezra was seeking come from unexpected source – his youngest sister. “Hearing that his own sister was a follower of this nonsense left him wanting to distance himself from her (…) Judea is filled with sects and people claiming to possess secret knowledge.” She arranges a meeting for him at the followers’ household, where he notices Abigail, “… a face of astonishing beauty… an inner strength and contentment…”
Now there are two suitors desiring Abigail’s hand in marriage.
The story is well-written. It is absorbing from the very beginning to the very end. Authors did a great job at bringing the atmosphere of anticipation, awaiting appearance of Jesus and the turmoil of the 1st century Judea.
Ezra, a Hebrew merchant, learns about the prophet Jesus and his disciples. He offers his assistance to the new religious sect in order to gain knowledge about them.
Linux, a Roman soldier and friend of centurion (from Book I), is sent back from Rome to Jerusalem. As soon as he arrives in Jerusalem, he searches for his friend Alban (centurion). This leads him to the house of followers where he meets Abigail again.
The news Ezra was seeking come from unexpected source – his youngest sister. “Hearing that his own sister was a follower of this nonsense left him wanting to distance himself from her (…) Judea is filled with sects and people claiming to possess secret knowledge.” She arranges a meeting for him at the followers’ household, where he notices Abigail, “… a face of astonishing beauty… an inner strength and contentment…”
Now there are two suitors desiring Abigail’s hand in marriage.
The story is well-written. It is absorbing from the very beginning to the very end. Authors did a great job at bringing the atmosphere of anticipation, awaiting appearance of Jesus and the turmoil of the 1st century Judea.
October 4, 2016
Where do I start? Every time I read this I expect not to like it as much, but every time I do!! I loved the first in the series, but this one absolutely astounds me. It grips and holds my attention so well. It's so glorious and sad. It makes me feel ashamed seeing how the disciples and followers of Christ openly and without shame proclaimed Christ.
I will say that there is more fiction concerning true events than the first book, especially surrounding Stephen,and Annanias and Sapphria.
But I love this book! I love the characters and the story line. Some reviewers have said that Ezra's POV didn't seem needed, but personally I felt his scenes were a great part to the story. Even at the end, as he seeks revenge, you feel the pull that he felt toward the followers of Christ.
In a way Linux and Ezra's lives are similar, but both make different decisions. They were angry for not receiving the woman they wished to marry and wanted revenge. But when they had to decide if they would accept Christ, that is where they were different. I loved everything with Linux's lifestyle. Soldiers are just so appealing somehow :) But his powerful nature is weakened as he fights against his conscience and the miracles he has witnessed.
Then Stephen. Oh my. I wrote recently in another review how I wished more authors would write about a godly young man that loved the Lord, but still had struggles. Stephen is that character I so wanted to read about. I was convicted by his love for Christ, his serving nature, his kindness, his prayer life, and his character. I've read the account of Stephen's stoning many times in Acts and each time I read it I am convicted by his service to Christ. The authors have shown that man extremely well!
And then Abigail. I love how her struggles are revealed, how she fears the coming storm, but yet how she turns to God. She didn't always understand, she couldn't always see what God was doing, but at the end of the day she trusted.
The romance was a little more than the first one, but completely appropiate (no kissing at all!). I appreciate how realistically the authors portray feelings and emotions. They focus on a relationship full of love and commitment toward one another, not desire!
Be warned. It is a "preachy" book, but that never bothers me because I love fiction that has so many lessons! I got so much out of this book.
Such a powerful, powerful book. The side story with Jacob is also interesting and is continued on the next book. I would not hesitate to list this book as one of my favorites!
I will say that there is more fiction concerning true events than the first book, especially surrounding Stephen,and Annanias and Sapphria.
But I love this book! I love the characters and the story line. Some reviewers have said that Ezra's POV didn't seem needed, but personally I felt his scenes were a great part to the story. Even at the end, as he seeks revenge, you feel the pull that he felt toward the followers of Christ.
In a way Linux and Ezra's lives are similar, but both make different decisions. They were angry for not receiving the woman they wished to marry and wanted revenge. But when they had to decide if they would accept Christ, that is where they were different. I loved everything with Linux's lifestyle. Soldiers are just so appealing somehow :) But his powerful nature is weakened as he fights against his conscience and the miracles he has witnessed.
Then Stephen. Oh my. I wrote recently in another review how I wished more authors would write about a godly young man that loved the Lord, but still had struggles. Stephen is that character I so wanted to read about. I was convicted by his love for Christ, his serving nature, his kindness, his prayer life, and his character. I've read the account of Stephen's stoning many times in Acts and each time I read it I am convicted by his service to Christ. The authors have shown that man extremely well!
And then Abigail. I love how her struggles are revealed, how she fears the coming storm, but yet how she turns to God. She didn't always understand, she couldn't always see what God was doing, but at the end of the day she trusted.
The romance was a little more than the first one, but completely appropiate (no kissing at all!). I appreciate how realistically the authors portray feelings and emotions. They focus on a relationship full of love and commitment toward one another, not desire!
Be warned. It is a "preachy" book, but that never bothers me because I love fiction that has so many lessons! I got so much out of this book.
Such a powerful, powerful book. The side story with Jacob is also interesting and is continued on the next book. I would not hesitate to list this book as one of my favorites!
December 18, 2024
Wow, an inspirational, faith-challenging novel by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn. Tension is brewing between the Followers of the Way and the religious leaders. This novel follows the story of Abigail, as well as Linux and Ezra. It was interesting to see inside the thoughts and lives of all the characters, but particularly Ezra and Linux. The authors did a fantastic job of accurately portraying the early church and the happenings that occurred. 'The Hidden Flame' was not only interesting, but challenged my own personal walk with God. Stephen was a real inspiration to me, and it was humbling to see his love and passion for God. His prayer was that he would remain faithful to the end, and I pray that this would also be my prayer.
The overall story was fascinating, and evidence of research and well-thought-out writing was clearly seen. The ending was satisfying, but definitely leads on to the next and final novel in the series. It was touching to see that although persecution could and did come, the followers of Christ continued to share the Good News of the Gospel. I was privileged to walk alongside the characters and read their story.
This novel is touching, challenging and deeply compelling. It left me thinking, long after I had finished reading it.
A novel that is really worth reading. I would highly recommend it.
The overall story was fascinating, and evidence of research and well-thought-out writing was clearly seen. The ending was satisfying, but definitely leads on to the next and final novel in the series. It was touching to see that although persecution could and did come, the followers of Christ continued to share the Good News of the Gospel. I was privileged to walk alongside the characters and read their story.
This novel is touching, challenging and deeply compelling. It left me thinking, long after I had finished reading it.
A novel that is really worth reading. I would highly recommend it.
December 27, 2017
Good story
This book continues the story of the believers who followed Christ after the day of Pentecost through the stoning of Stephen. It's interesting to imagine what it must have been like to live then. This story focuses on Abigail and her brother Jacob. It was an interesting read but harder to follow than the first book. It seemed more preachy and less of a story. Also, Abigail has three suitors and I don't feel like by the end of the book they tied that angle up. I don't think book 3 continues this story so I'm not really satisfied with the ending.
This book continues the story of the believers who followed Christ after the day of Pentecost through the stoning of Stephen. It's interesting to imagine what it must have been like to live then. This story focuses on Abigail and her brother Jacob. It was an interesting read but harder to follow than the first book. It seemed more preachy and less of a story. Also, Abigail has three suitors and I don't feel like by the end of the book they tied that angle up. I don't think book 3 continues this story so I'm not really satisfied with the ending.
February 15, 2020
I enjoyed this second book in the series a lot more than the first.
This story about the first church/Christians were interesting and made Acts come alive. For me I found the story more intriguing as I kept on reading and the last 30% really drew my interest.
Even though you know what is going to happen (all based on events in acts) I still found myself holding my breath by the end. The authors made Stephen come alive for me in a way I never thought off when reading the Bible.
This story about the first church/Christians were interesting and made Acts come alive. For me I found the story more intriguing as I kept on reading and the last 30% really drew my interest.
Even though you know what is going to happen (all based on events in acts) I still found myself holding my breath by the end. The authors made Stephen come alive for me in a way I never thought off when reading the Bible.
June 4, 2018
Life is dangerous for the Followers of the Way and Abigail is in turmoil. Two suitors seek her hand in marriage but she desires neither one of them. She is delighted when it was decided that she will marry Stephen, a devout, young deacon in the Church. Unfortunately sorrow soon awaits when he is tragically taken from her. This is a courageous story of faith even in the midst of persecution and fear.
May 9, 2023
I've lost it why am I reading romance
August 15, 2025
Nooo, that was sad😢 Bittersweet, really. I’m glad she found love, but I didn’t like the way it ended. Almost cried, and I wasn’t home while reading the end! Would’ve been embarrassed, fr. 🤣
April 5, 2022
Having very mixed feelings about this book...it was very well written, and I guess you could objectively say it was unique of the author to have a twist to the love story (triangle, rectangle...I have no clue). But I was annoyed consistently by the fact that Abigail has a romantic relationship with Stephen. Anyone who's read Act of the Apostles KNOWS what happened to him, so the entire book felt like a strange Christian version of a Greek play, where dramatic irony saturated every scene. In that way, it was extremely different. That's not always a bad thing, but this time, I struggled. I'm looking forward to another non-main Biblical character final installment.
July 17, 2015
Way too much romance (and uncomfortable in some cases) compared to the first book. Pretty disappointing.
March 21, 2024
The story continues with Abigail and the new Christians. I liked seeing Linus develop, and Alban's scenes.
The real story here is what choices the two men, Linus and Ezra, make, who are vying for Abigail out of lust. They are both exposed to Christianity, hear the stories of the followers of the Way, and see miracles. One chooses to join, whereas the other seeks to destroy what he doesn't understand.
What I disliked, as did others, was the romance between Abigail and Stephen, the first martyr. As a disciple in the days following the ascension of the Lord into heaven, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, it's ridiculous to assume Stephen was falling in love and marrying. He had a nation to convert.
The real story here is what choices the two men, Linus and Ezra, make, who are vying for Abigail out of lust. They are both exposed to Christianity, hear the stories of the followers of the Way, and see miracles. One chooses to join, whereas the other seeks to destroy what he doesn't understand.
What I disliked, as did others, was the romance between Abigail and Stephen, the first martyr. As a disciple in the days following the ascension of the Lord into heaven, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, it's ridiculous to assume Stephen was falling in love and marrying. He had a nation to convert.
May 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. I loved being able to get a glimpse into what the early church was like and what they faced. I also liked getting to know Stephen from the Bible a bit better, even though it was in fiction form. I do feel as though this book was slow in places, but when it picked up it was hard to put down.
June 6, 2025
This was book 2 in the "Acts of Faith" series, written by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke. It flowed on well from the first book. I enjoyed it very much though felt it wasn't as closely aligned scripturally as the first book.
March 4, 2021
Great book, didn't go as I thought it would which made for an interesting read.
April 30, 2025
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first in the series. I'm not sure if it is because it added so much storyline where the actual Scriptures are silent. I am looking forward to the third and final volume in the series though.
October 27, 2020
I loved the ending it was sooo unexpected.
June 21, 2015
The second installment in the Acts of Faith trilogy that takes us to the dawn of Christianity right from the pages of the Bible and spreads open the Acts of the Apostles. This is the story of Abigail, the orphaned young woman who works daily with the fledgling people of "the way" as they struggle to interpret and follow the risen Jesus in first century Jerusalem. Because of her striking beauty, two men vie for her hand, even having no dowry, parents, and working as a common laborer. One is Ezra, a wealthy Judean merchant widower, seeking a wife and mother for his two children and the other is Linux, a leader and soldier in the Roman army. Which one will she choose or will it be neither? Never has this reviewer read a story that so faithfully and accurately interweaves the factual accounts of the Book of Acts with the fictional stories of the major players in the spread of the Gospel! Virtually ALL of the heroes and heroines in the Book of Acts are in this splendid tale as they seek to survive the persecution by the Sanhedrin as well as the Roman authorities. As in the first installment, The Centurion's wife, the sights, smells, and sounds of first century Judea come dramatically alive with the most graphic detail. This is a story for anyone who loves a stirring romance full of mystery, suspense and faith. I cannot recommend this trilogy enough. Now, off to read the final installment, The Damascus way!
April 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this audio version of "The Hidden Flame" narrated wonderfully by Aimee Lilley - one of my favourite narrators to listen to. Her voices are varied & consistent for characters.
It's Jerusalem during the time of the early church in "The Acts of the Apostles". Pentecost has happened, & the Followers of the Way are growing. Persecution is looming, & Abigail has 2 suitors for her hand - one a wealthy merchant, the other a Roman centurion, & neither are Followers of the Way. Abigail is growing concerned, how will she avoid marriage to either of these men whom she does not wish to marry. Perhaps her disability is her protection from God. Then her rescue is provided in a wonderful way! - (& one I did not see coming!)
I enjoyed seeing the Book of the Acts from the end of chapter 2 to the beginning of chapter 8 come to life through this story, & will now be looking out for Books 1 & 3 in this series.
#1
#3
It's Jerusalem during the time of the early church in "The Acts of the Apostles". Pentecost has happened, & the Followers of the Way are growing. Persecution is looming, & Abigail has 2 suitors for her hand - one a wealthy merchant, the other a Roman centurion, & neither are Followers of the Way. Abigail is growing concerned, how will she avoid marriage to either of these men whom she does not wish to marry. Perhaps her disability is her protection from God. Then her rescue is provided in a wonderful way! - (& one I did not see coming!)
I enjoyed seeing the Book of the Acts from the end of chapter 2 to the beginning of chapter 8 come to life through this story, & will now be looking out for Books 1 & 3 in this series.
#1
#3
February 6, 2018
There are aspects of this book I like: a fictional history wrapped around a historical event, stories of faith, respect for scriptures, etc. in this case it regards the life of the Church shortly after the ascension of Jesus. It starts off continuing the prior book about a Roman centurion turned believer. It slowly shifts its focus over to Stephen, the first martyr. I particularly like the fictional back story to Annanias and Saphira.
However this is NOT a historical fiction. It is a romance novel set in that period. Not romance in the sense that 2 lovers finally marry in the last chapter. Rather an idealized (romantic) depiction of the Early Church. The impetuous Peter of the Gospels is now a self-assured pope-ish character whom I find flatter than the non-fictional account in the Bible. The Roman soldiers are emasculated. Moreover the dialog doesn't ring true of the period. If the book was priced 10cents for each "in his/her heart" it would be unaffordable.
It's ok to read. If you like to fantasize about the church depicted in Acts (which I also like to idealize) this is one writer's take on it.
However this is NOT a historical fiction. It is a romance novel set in that period. Not romance in the sense that 2 lovers finally marry in the last chapter. Rather an idealized (romantic) depiction of the Early Church. The impetuous Peter of the Gospels is now a self-assured pope-ish character whom I find flatter than the non-fictional account in the Bible. The Roman soldiers are emasculated. Moreover the dialog doesn't ring true of the period. If the book was priced 10cents for each "in his/her heart" it would be unaffordable.
It's ok to read. If you like to fantasize about the church depicted in Acts (which I also like to idealize) this is one writer's take on it.
February 28, 2017
Book # 2 is this series. I liked the first one better but this was Another simple and pure read. Abigail (brother Jacob) Stephen and Linux were main characters. set in the time of Pentecost and formation of early church. Was interesting to think about Saul / Paul's character before he became a believer. I liked the descriptions of conflicts between Rome and Judean leaders - that gave me some new thoughts to ponder about that. Mostly it was just a sweet read about the followers of the way as they learned to live after Jesus' ascension.... also had good description of learning to listen for the Spirit amid the earthly and selfish desires and thoughts we have.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2014
"The Hidden Flame" picks up right where we left our characters in book 1. This time the story focuses on the beautiful Abigail, who is a follower of the man called Jesus. The characters, both historical and fictional were well developed and the authors did a great job conveying life back in first century Jerusalem. Can I just say how much I love that biblical Martha is such a central figure in the lives of our characters. I have always loved Martha and felt that she is not interpreted well by biblical interpreters but I can tell that my authors appreciate her.
November 23, 2021
Review of the audio book, read by Aimee Lilly.
This…was not the story I was expecting. Honestly, after the first book, this one was rather disappointing. I did like the development of Linux’s faith, he is definitely the strongest character in the novel. But for Abigail to not give Linux a chance after the sparks flew between them?
And then she married Stephen? And at the end is pregnant with his child? Did they even consummate their marriage? It never seemed like it.
This…was not the story I was expecting. Honestly, after the first book, this one was rather disappointing. I did like the development of Linux’s faith, he is definitely the strongest character in the novel. But for Abigail to not give Linux a chance after the sparks flew between them?
And then she married Stephen? And at the end is pregnant with his child? Did they even consummate their marriage? It never seemed like it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2012
I would suggest that every Christian read this book (after the first book in the series, of course). The depth of love and devotion and even trust is truly amazing. I have been deeply moved, even ashamed of my life. Truly I am wanting to be carried to the skies 'on flow'ry beds of ease' instead of staunchly standing for the right.
As another reviewer wrote, this book has a soul.
As another reviewer wrote, this book has a soul.
September 24, 2012
This is a great book! The story is strong and exciting. It will draw you into the early church and make you feel like you are there. The part of this story that impacted me most was Stephen. He came off the pages of history and became real to me. The way the authors imagine and describe his life, love, fears, courage and faith will make you admire and respect the first Christian martyr.
October 29, 2017
A great read! This takes place following 'The Centurion's Wife' which was volume 1 of the Acts of Faith series. Both of these books would be good to read with the book of Acts. Many of the events in the book of Acts happen at the same time these fictional events take place and they attempt to bring awareness and color of what was happening at the same time.
December 27, 2011
I wasn't sure about this series when I started it, but I really like it. They're fictional accounts of people in the early church, some of them real and some imaginary. They keep getting more and more interesting, I think.
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January 23, 2017I liked this series. It takes you back to when the church first started.
February 14, 2013
I couldn't put the book down. Excellent storyline.
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