What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets of the Cross Trilogy #3
Ein anderes Leben
The Secrets of the Cross Trilogy by acclaimed author Elizabeth Musser, already a European bestseller, concludes with the American debut of Two Destinies, a story of forbidden love, passionate faith, danger, and intrigue . Now 1994, France faces unrest and rising poverty while neighbor Algeria is in the midst of a blood civil war. Risléne Namani, a French woman born to Algerian parents, converts to Christianity and falls in love with Eric Hoffmann, a Christian, committing the unpardonable sin in the eyes of her Muslim family. Eric must find a way to rescue her—from a forced marriage in Algeria, or even death. A powerful, relevant tale of social struggle, heartache, cultural conflict, and faith put to the ultimate test.
Hardcover
First published September 1, 2012
39 people are currently reading
435 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Musser
42 books707 followersELIZABETH MUSSER writes ‘entertainment with a soul’ from her writing chalet—tool shed—outside Lyon, France. Elizabeth’s award winning, best-selling novel, The Swan House, was named one of Amazon’s Top Christian Books of the Year, one of Georgia’s Top Ten Novels of the Past 100 Years and was awarded the Gold Illumination Book Award 2021 for Enduring Light Fiction. All of Elizabeth’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and have been international bestsellers. Two Destinies, the final novel in The Secrets of the Cross trilogy, was a finalist for the 2013 Christy Award. The Long Highway Home was a finalist for the 2018 Carol Award. The Promised Land won second place in Literary Fiction at the 2021 Georgia Author of the Year Awards and won the 2021 Carol Award for Contemporary Fiction. Elizabeth’s most recent novel, By Way of the Moonlight, is a Publisher’s Weekly Top Ten Pick in Religion and Spirituality for Fall Releases in 2022 and Parable and ECPA bestseller and was a finalist for the 2023 Christy Award.
For over thirty-five years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
Find more about Elizabeth’s novels on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Pinterest.
Sign up for her email list https://6231db35.sibforms.com/serve/M....
For over thirty-five years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
Find more about Elizabeth’s novels on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Pinterest.
Sign up for her email list https://6231db35.sibforms.com/serve/M....
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
December 7, 2016
I love the characters in this book and showing the struggle they have endured. BUT I am so disappointed that with the emphasis on basing their faith on scripture, that the author did not portray the scripture they actually would have been reading include Romans 6:3-5 and Acts 22:16. I am sorry that Ophelie and Rislene were putting value on obedience (page 361) but did not see how putting on Christ happens in baptism (Galatians 3:27).
September 19, 2021
Strong finish to the trilogy and yet another reminder that Christians in other places truly suffer for their faith. Thankful for all that I learned in this series about a recent era with so much conflict yet presented with the faith and hope of the Gospel.
August 8, 2023
Omdat het lekker makkelijk was voor onderweg toch doorgelezen. Het religieuze thema neemt toe, de rest blijft wat hetzelfde. Het Deus ex machina Principe is alom tegenwoordig, maar wordt ook letterlijk in God zijn schoenen geschoven.
April 18, 2025
“Two Destinies” by Elizabeth Musser | Conclusion and Book III of the ‘Secrets of the Cross” Trilogy | Sequel to Book II, “Two Testaments” and Book I, “Two Crosses”
RATING
3.75 stars for this third installment | 3.8 stars for the trilogy – my highest rating ever. I do not rate past 4 stars. 5 stars are for the Bible alone. The space between 4 and 5 is left empty, because nothing gets close to the Bible. It’s in a class all its own—the living, breathing Word of God.
REVIEW
Spellbinding. Riveting. Spectacular. Stunning trilogy.
Usually, credits in a book review are given in the conclusion of a that review; however, I open with mine, since that is where I would like the emphasis to lay.
Thank you to Elizabeth Musser for such an incredible and informative trilogy. I really can’t begin to imagine the work and labor that went into these three volumes.
I remember these events, specifically back in the 1990s, but did not have access to information concerning their progress or retrogress. Since I am of French descent, the whole situation was of concern to me. After reading this trilogy, I can better understand the horrific events that transpired during that time, though I am sure the trickle-down effect is far from over.
The first book of this trilogy, “Two Crosses”, was the most difficult to get through for me because of the boredom, as the author seemed to be laying a foundation for the trilogy. The second, “Two Testaments”, was a ‘happening’ volume and moved along at a consistent pace that had me glued to the pages. As mentioned in my review of this second installment, reading Book I is strongly advised.
This book, Book III, did not fail to deliver a strong finish about this controversial and distressing topic. I feel that I am spoiled now for future reads by other authors. It also presented heart wrenching and heartwarming love stories.
One needs only to employ a bit of patience when reading books of this caliber. They are not like some others, where you scarcely have to bring your brain to follow along.
I hope that your experience with this trilogy is as rewarding as mine was. All three of my reviews are posted here on Goodreads.
I deeply appreciated the strong Christian presence reflected in these books and the information and portrayal of the Islamic culture. This, I am sure, will help when I communicate with my Muslim friends and will also help me to encourage and inform my Christian brothers and sisters. My faith has been changed, challenged, and strengthened.
Really enjoyed the characters. One criticism that I have is that we were not given information as to what happened to the orphanage. After it being front-and-center for the first two volumes, we needed at least that much. Another is the mention of the fetuses in jars at the medical facility. Unacceptable. I know that such things take place, but this practice should have been challenged by the author somehow. These are babies that were murdered in the wombs of those tasked with providing the safest place on earth by God to love and nurture these precious ones, and by their very own mothers. Yes, there is forgiveness for this, but this barbaric act should have been vehemently opposed within the pages of this book.
RATING
3.75 stars for this third installment | 3.8 stars for the trilogy – my highest rating ever. I do not rate past 4 stars. 5 stars are for the Bible alone. The space between 4 and 5 is left empty, because nothing gets close to the Bible. It’s in a class all its own—the living, breathing Word of God.
REVIEW
Spellbinding. Riveting. Spectacular. Stunning trilogy.
Usually, credits in a book review are given in the conclusion of a that review; however, I open with mine, since that is where I would like the emphasis to lay.
Thank you to Elizabeth Musser for such an incredible and informative trilogy. I really can’t begin to imagine the work and labor that went into these three volumes.
I remember these events, specifically back in the 1990s, but did not have access to information concerning their progress or retrogress. Since I am of French descent, the whole situation was of concern to me. After reading this trilogy, I can better understand the horrific events that transpired during that time, though I am sure the trickle-down effect is far from over.
The first book of this trilogy, “Two Crosses”, was the most difficult to get through for me because of the boredom, as the author seemed to be laying a foundation for the trilogy. The second, “Two Testaments”, was a ‘happening’ volume and moved along at a consistent pace that had me glued to the pages. As mentioned in my review of this second installment, reading Book I is strongly advised.
This book, Book III, did not fail to deliver a strong finish about this controversial and distressing topic. I feel that I am spoiled now for future reads by other authors. It also presented heart wrenching and heartwarming love stories.
One needs only to employ a bit of patience when reading books of this caliber. They are not like some others, where you scarcely have to bring your brain to follow along.
I hope that your experience with this trilogy is as rewarding as mine was. All three of my reviews are posted here on Goodreads.
I deeply appreciated the strong Christian presence reflected in these books and the information and portrayal of the Islamic culture. This, I am sure, will help when I communicate with my Muslim friends and will also help me to encourage and inform my Christian brothers and sisters. My faith has been changed, challenged, and strengthened.
Really enjoyed the characters. One criticism that I have is that we were not given information as to what happened to the orphanage. After it being front-and-center for the first two volumes, we needed at least that much. Another is the mention of the fetuses in jars at the medical facility. Unacceptable. I know that such things take place, but this practice should have been challenged by the author somehow. These are babies that were murdered in the wombs of those tasked with providing the safest place on earth by God to love and nurture these precious ones, and by their very own mothers. Yes, there is forgiveness for this, but this barbaric act should have been vehemently opposed within the pages of this book.
December 27, 2016
This was a wonderful book to end out the year. Two Destinies is the final volume of the Secrets of the Cross trilogy by Elizabeth Musser. A mixture of historical fiction, romance and intrigue make the series an enlightening, educational and enjoyable use of reading time.
The time and setting of the first book is during the Algerian revolution to win independence from France during 1954-1962. Two Destinies is a generation later when the Algerian Civil War was in progress (1991-2002). As relationship between Christian and Muslim continue to corrode at the end of this year (2016) I was intrigued by the confluence of the various beliefs and cultures. The characters in this book are older than they were in the previous two books, and that's why I'd suggest reading each of them in order. But, each book can stand alone. Any gaps in plot are filled in through memory flashbacks of the characters. It just helps complete the circle by meeting Ophelie as a child in Two Crosses, and then in this book when she becomes marrying age.
Love, courage, war, sacrifice and devotion are all themes throughout the entire trilogy. These are all novels of people whose lives have been strongly affected through their faith in Christ, and yet it is not preachy. In "Christian" novels, frequently the author attempts to proselytize using a lame plot as literary coverage. Not so here! It is who they are, and what they stand for. And even though this is a work of fiction, it is an accurate portrayal of what happens to young women in the Muslim community who converts to Christianity and then marries outside of the Islamic tradition.
I can't rate this series high enough. It is excellent in all ways: literary quality, historical accuracy, and character development. Superb!
The time and setting of the first book is during the Algerian revolution to win independence from France during 1954-1962. Two Destinies is a generation later when the Algerian Civil War was in progress (1991-2002). As relationship between Christian and Muslim continue to corrode at the end of this year (2016) I was intrigued by the confluence of the various beliefs and cultures. The characters in this book are older than they were in the previous two books, and that's why I'd suggest reading each of them in order. But, each book can stand alone. Any gaps in plot are filled in through memory flashbacks of the characters. It just helps complete the circle by meeting Ophelie as a child in Two Crosses, and then in this book when she becomes marrying age.
Love, courage, war, sacrifice and devotion are all themes throughout the entire trilogy. These are all novels of people whose lives have been strongly affected through their faith in Christ, and yet it is not preachy. In "Christian" novels, frequently the author attempts to proselytize using a lame plot as literary coverage. Not so here! It is who they are, and what they stand for. And even though this is a work of fiction, it is an accurate portrayal of what happens to young women in the Muslim community who converts to Christianity and then marries outside of the Islamic tradition.
I can't rate this series high enough. It is excellent in all ways: literary quality, historical accuracy, and character development. Superb!
September 22, 2019
I didn’t finish reading this book. I’m afraid I borrowed the audiobook from the library because it was available. I didn’t know it was book 3 in a trilogy, but that’s not why I gave up.
This book is well-written and very evocative of its various locations. Once I realized that the story would focus totally on religious conflict, people who needed to hide their religion on pain of possible death, and about aspects of Muslim family “honor,” I lost interest. I don’t need to have a more negative opinion about those cultural practices. The gloom of the story, in today’s political world, was too much to bear.
I’ll have to check to see if this writer has examined other subject matters in her other works. I would have loved to continue reading such solid writing, perhaps I can, one day.
This book is well-written and very evocative of its various locations. Once I realized that the story would focus totally on religious conflict, people who needed to hide their religion on pain of possible death, and about aspects of Muslim family “honor,” I lost interest. I don’t need to have a more negative opinion about those cultural practices. The gloom of the story, in today’s political world, was too much to bear.
I’ll have to check to see if this writer has examined other subject matters in her other works. I would have loved to continue reading such solid writing, perhaps I can, one day.
March 29, 2023
I really enjoyed the first two but the 30+ year gap and subject matter felt like a turn into left field so I didn't finish it after the others. Years later, I've picked it up again and only dislike it more. The various plots are a hodge podge of Christian clichés that feel preachy (in a Christian social activist way, not gospel sermon way) and expositional rather than narrative. It may improve further in but after reading more than a tenth of the book with no improvement I gave up. 2 stars for telling us some of what happened with the original characters.
August 9, 2022
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster and yet it is one I would return to. These characters dealt with some hard things—homelessness, death, war, terrorism, and religious persecution. As I finished this final book I couldn’t help but think that we Westerners can’t truly fathom what true persecution looks like. And yet there is the redemption. I’m glad this author didn’t sugar coat things or make everything right in the end. This was a really good read.
March 2, 2018
Third book in trilogy. Set against the background of the challenges facing Algeria and its civil war this book continued in the same way as the other two. very predictable romance stories, all with a good end, everybody happy at the end. Still, it's good to read novels where faith in God is expressed and He being the one taking care of us in all circumstances.
July 17, 2021
A series of books with great depth
WOW! So impressed with this series. The author has delved in to the condition of the human soul with understanding, showing the need for the Savoir. At the same time she draws the reader into a story that seems so real. I will definitely be reading more of her books and recommending her books to friends and family. Karen
WOW! So impressed with this series. The author has delved in to the condition of the human soul with understanding, showing the need for the Savoir. At the same time she draws the reader into a story that seems so real. I will definitely be reading more of her books and recommending her books to friends and family. Karen
June 20, 2020
Part three of this trilogy skipped a generation and still the troubles in Algeria continue, now with the radical Islamists murdering Christians. The story has too much of the happy ending to make me ready to give it more than 3 stars, but I am glad I read it.
July 22, 2022
There are multiple story lines in this book, but the most compelling was a young Muslim woman who converted to being a Christian and seeks to escape a forced marriage. This third book in the Secrets of the Cross trilogy is my favorite.
November 8, 2017
Probably good for Hallmark channel. Fairy tale with happy endings for all. For a teenager it might be a good and fun read.
August 25, 2018
Too much of a bible beating book for my tastes.
November 21, 2018
Excellent! I recommend the whole series. I learned a lot about a country I was not familiar with and was challenged to greater appreciation of my faith and freedoms.
February 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this series on audio! The narrator had an excellent French accent. The author weaves a story of SO MANY together much like the tapestry she gives God credit for. So beautiful!
March 9, 2020
I stumbled on to this book. Enjoyed it quite s bit. I kept wanting to know what happens to the characters. Should be a movie.
December 31, 2024
Very well written. Good characters and story.
June 19, 2025
So good. This one might actually be my fav of the series - so much redemption!
November 11, 2016
Exciting with culture understanding.
December 11, 2012
Elizabeth Musser in her new book, “Two Destinies” Book Three in the Secrets of the Cross Trilogy published by David C Cook takes us into the lives of Risléne Namani and Eric Hoffmann.
From the back cover: Faith and love could cost them everything.
When Risléne Namani meets Eric Hoffmann in 1994 France, the spark between them ignites a firestorm of trouble. She fears the repercussions from her staunchly Muslim family for her attraction to a Christian. Yet Eric captures her heart. More than that, his faith captures her soul—a faith she comes to embrace. And it all stirs up a wasps’ nest of danger, mystery, and love that could cost her everything, even her life.
The risk is real, especially when Risléne’s family discovers her secret. Eric must save her from a forced marriage in Algeria. As the civil war in Algeria escalates in the midst of Ramadan, and poverty and social ills in France boil over, their lives become as tumultuous and uncertain as the world around them. Clinging to faith, they fight a battle as contemporary as today’s headlines.
I like history and Elizabeth Musser is doing her best to increase not only my knowledge of history but political and religious freedoms as well. The Algerian war of independence officially ended on July 3 1962, when France’s President Charles de Gaulle formally renounced his nation’s sovereignty over Algeria and proclaimed its independence. However strife seems to be in the air in Algeria and in December of 1991 Civil War broke out between the Algerian government and various Islamist rebel groups. This war would not end until 2002 and it is into this arena that we are introduced to Risléne Namani and Eric Hoffmann. “Two Destinies” is filled with danger, suspense, thrills and romance. Once again Ms. Musser has provided us a gripping adventure with plenty of action and memorable characters that you really care about. If you are looking for history you will find it here. If you are looking for a really good romance you will find it here. I liked this book and am really sorry that this series is over. The good news is there will be more stories from Ms. Musser that we can look forward to.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Faith and love could cost them everything.
When Risléne Namani meets Eric Hoffmann in 1994 France, the spark between them ignites a firestorm of trouble. She fears the repercussions from her staunchly Muslim family for her attraction to a Christian. Yet Eric captures her heart. More than that, his faith captures her soul—a faith she comes to embrace. And it all stirs up a wasps’ nest of danger, mystery, and love that could cost her everything, even her life.
The risk is real, especially when Risléne’s family discovers her secret. Eric must save her from a forced marriage in Algeria. As the civil war in Algeria escalates in the midst of Ramadan, and poverty and social ills in France boil over, their lives become as tumultuous and uncertain as the world around them. Clinging to faith, they fight a battle as contemporary as today’s headlines.
I like history and Elizabeth Musser is doing her best to increase not only my knowledge of history but political and religious freedoms as well. The Algerian war of independence officially ended on July 3 1962, when France’s President Charles de Gaulle formally renounced his nation’s sovereignty over Algeria and proclaimed its independence. However strife seems to be in the air in Algeria and in December of 1991 Civil War broke out between the Algerian government and various Islamist rebel groups. This war would not end until 2002 and it is into this arena that we are introduced to Risléne Namani and Eric Hoffmann. “Two Destinies” is filled with danger, suspense, thrills and romance. Once again Ms. Musser has provided us a gripping adventure with plenty of action and memorable characters that you really care about. If you are looking for history you will find it here. If you are looking for a really good romance you will find it here. I liked this book and am really sorry that this series is over. The good news is there will be more stories from Ms. Musser that we can look forward to.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 11, 2016
I lived in Algeria toward the end of 1993 when the insurgency featured in this book began. I found this novel quite accurate, not just in physical description of the country, but in the people depicted in that tragic nation.
The story is gripping in showing the terror that I saw in the beginning of the insurgency. The complete powerlessness of the average citizen of Algeria is well depicted. One felt for the women especially and for their bravery.
Rislene is an Algerian young women living with her Muslim family in France, attending school, who becomes a Christian. Her father and a sister are incensed. Rislene is tricked into returning to Algeria to visit her grandmother and then forced to stay while her grandmother arranges a marriage for her with a Muslim man. The Christian young man in France who loves her must do what he and his family can to try to rescue her before the marriage. This includes contacting Christian friends still in Algeria who attempt to carry on worship in secret.
The other main protagonists are members of the extended family depicted in Musser's two earlier books. They include a doctor who has become homeless after a tragic accident for which he feels responsible. A young women playwright, a Christian, loved him in the past but now must decide between the fallen doctor and another man to whom she is attracted who works with the homeless street people, including the doctor.
The plot switches between Algeria and Montpellier, France, as the reader traces the maturing of the characters as they attempt to follow God's will in trying circumstances.
I appreciate this book, one of the few written for American readers, about Christians who live other than in the United States.
The story is gripping in showing the terror that I saw in the beginning of the insurgency. The complete powerlessness of the average citizen of Algeria is well depicted. One felt for the women especially and for their bravery.
Rislene is an Algerian young women living with her Muslim family in France, attending school, who becomes a Christian. Her father and a sister are incensed. Rislene is tricked into returning to Algeria to visit her grandmother and then forced to stay while her grandmother arranges a marriage for her with a Muslim man. The Christian young man in France who loves her must do what he and his family can to try to rescue her before the marriage. This includes contacting Christian friends still in Algeria who attempt to carry on worship in secret.
The other main protagonists are members of the extended family depicted in Musser's two earlier books. They include a doctor who has become homeless after a tragic accident for which he feels responsible. A young women playwright, a Christian, loved him in the past but now must decide between the fallen doctor and another man to whom she is attracted who works with the homeless street people, including the doctor.
The plot switches between Algeria and Montpellier, France, as the reader traces the maturing of the characters as they attempt to follow God's will in trying circumstances.
I appreciate this book, one of the few written for American readers, about Christians who live other than in the United States.
December 24, 2012
Title: TWO DESTINIES
Author: Elizabeth Musser
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0501-1
Genre: historical
Forbidden Faith, Forbidden Love—a Family’s Rage
When Risléne Namani meets Eric Hoffmann in 1994 France, the spark between them ignites a firestorm of trouble. An Algerian Muslim, her attraction to him, a Christian, is forbidden. Yet he captures her heart. More than that, his faith captures her soul—a faith she comes to embrace. And it all stirs up a wasps’ nest of danger, mystery, and love that could cost her everything, even her life.
The risk is real, especially when Risléne’s staunchly Muslim family discovers her secret. Eric must save her from a forced marriage in Algeria. As the civil war in Algeria escalates in the midst of Ramadan, and poverty and social ills in France boil over, their lives become as tumultuous and uncertain as the world around them. Clinging to faith, they fight.
TWO DESTINIES is book three in the Secrets of the Cross series. Readers will want to read book one, Two Crosses, and book two, Two Testaments, first as this book doesn’t stand alone.
You will be drawn into the lives of these richly developed characters. This book is set in 1994 (still considered a historical) and centers around the terrorist activities in Algeria’s civil war as well as the homeless people in France, and those who are willing to help.
This book – and series – is a definite eye-opener. Full of details, you will be drawn in to the story, the plot, and the characters. $14.99. 340 pages.
Author: Elizabeth Musser
Publisher: David C. Cook
September 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0501-1
Genre: historical
Forbidden Faith, Forbidden Love—a Family’s Rage
When Risléne Namani meets Eric Hoffmann in 1994 France, the spark between them ignites a firestorm of trouble. An Algerian Muslim, her attraction to him, a Christian, is forbidden. Yet he captures her heart. More than that, his faith captures her soul—a faith she comes to embrace. And it all stirs up a wasps’ nest of danger, mystery, and love that could cost her everything, even her life.
The risk is real, especially when Risléne’s staunchly Muslim family discovers her secret. Eric must save her from a forced marriage in Algeria. As the civil war in Algeria escalates in the midst of Ramadan, and poverty and social ills in France boil over, their lives become as tumultuous and uncertain as the world around them. Clinging to faith, they fight.
TWO DESTINIES is book three in the Secrets of the Cross series. Readers will want to read book one, Two Crosses, and book two, Two Testaments, first as this book doesn’t stand alone.
You will be drawn into the lives of these richly developed characters. This book is set in 1994 (still considered a historical) and centers around the terrorist activities in Algeria’s civil war as well as the homeless people in France, and those who are willing to help.
This book – and series – is a definite eye-opener. Full of details, you will be drawn in to the story, the plot, and the characters. $14.99. 340 pages.
July 21, 2016
Audiobook--this is the first I've read of Musser. She is a Christian writer. Two Destinies is set in France and Algeria. One gets a good perspective of Christian persecution in Muslim Algeria and what the Christian house churches must do to survive. It is also a love story--or two love stories interwoven nicely. It is hard to put down and I couldn't wait to see where the story would lead next to the final conclusion.
Now 1994, France faces unrest and rising poverty while neighbor Algeria is in the midst of a blood civil war. Risléne Namani, a French woman born to Algerian parents, converts to Christianity and falls in love with Eric Hoffmann, a Christian, committing the unpardonable sin in the eyes of her Muslim family. Eric must find a way to rescue her—from a forced marriage in Algeria, or even death.
As one reviewer wrote, "There is so much good spiritual food to feast and think upon in this book I won't even begin to try to cover it all. But I believe that Musser beautifully portrayed the issues dealing with the homeless and of those Christians living in Algeria and even in France at this time. The issues of women living in a Muslim culture and of those that become Christians, with all they face are brought to light in this well written and thoughtful novel." I agree and want to read more!
Now 1994, France faces unrest and rising poverty while neighbor Algeria is in the midst of a blood civil war. Risléne Namani, a French woman born to Algerian parents, converts to Christianity and falls in love with Eric Hoffmann, a Christian, committing the unpardonable sin in the eyes of her Muslim family. Eric must find a way to rescue her—from a forced marriage in Algeria, or even death.
As one reviewer wrote, "There is so much good spiritual food to feast and think upon in this book I won't even begin to try to cover it all. But I believe that Musser beautifully portrayed the issues dealing with the homeless and of those Christians living in Algeria and even in France at this time. The issues of women living in a Muslim culture and of those that become Christians, with all they face are brought to light in this well written and thoughtful novel." I agree and want to read more!
November 15, 2012
TWO DESTINIES by Elizabeth Musser is a powerful inspirational historical. Book 3 in "The Secrets of the Cross Trilogy",but can be read as a stand alone. See, "Two Crosses", and "Two Testaments". Follow Rislene Namani,and Eric Hoffmann on a journey of faith,danger,struggle,intrigue,forbidden love, cultural conflict,social struggle,and love. Meet, Eric,a Christian and Rislene,a Muslin who to her family has committed the unpardonable sin to her Muslin faith, by falling in love with Eric. Follow their struggles,love,passion, heartache and ultimate test. What an emotional,compelling,and passionate story "Two Destinies" has been. Not only this story but the "Secrets of the Cross" Trilogy has been a uplifting trilogy for one and all. It gives its readers insight into another culture,their struggles,and their love of faith. What a powerful story! A must read for anyone who enjoys inspirational,uplifting stories with another culture,Muslin culture,and historical facts. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Wynn-Wynn Media. Details can be found at the author's website,David C. Cook, and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
April 19, 2013
(I told you so!!!)
Congrats on the 2013 Christy Award Nomination for sequels/series!
LOVED this series. Please DO NOT Read this book without reading Books 1 & 2 or you will not understand the profoundness of book 3.
Please be aware this series, beginning with Two Crosses, continuing with Two Testaments, and now ending with this title Two Destinies, is entirely focused on Algerian war which centers on Muslim ideas versus Christianity. This is not for the casual romance reader who does not have an interest in the history and plights of the religiously focused wars.
My review:
http://www.burtonbookreview.com/2012/...
Congrats on the 2013 Christy Award Nomination for sequels/series!
LOVED this series. Please DO NOT Read this book without reading Books 1 & 2 or you will not understand the profoundness of book 3.
Please be aware this series, beginning with Two Crosses, continuing with Two Testaments, and now ending with this title Two Destinies, is entirely focused on Algerian war which centers on Muslim ideas versus Christianity. This is not for the casual romance reader who does not have an interest in the history and plights of the religiously focused wars.
My review:
http://www.burtonbookreview.com/2012/...
April 2, 2013
Two Destinies is the final book in the Secrets of the Cross Trilogy, from acclaimed author Elizabeth Musser.
Eric Hoffman (Gabriella's son) meets Rislene Namani in 1994 France and the spark between them ignites a firestorm of prejudice and trouble. Rislene is Muslim and Eric is Christian. While Rislene fears the backlash from her Muslim family over dating a Christian boy, she is more afraid of what will happen when they find out she has embraced Eric's faith.
When Rislene's sister discovers her secret, she informs her parents, who spirit Rislene away to her grandmother's in Algeria, where she will be forced to marry a Muslim man. As the civil war in Algeria escalates, Eric must decide if he will risk his life and go into Algeria to rescue Rislene.
This book has it all and finishes up a series that I absolutely loved! Intrigue, danger, suspense and romance. It will keep you up into the wee hours of the night. I highly recommend it.
Eric Hoffman (Gabriella's son) meets Rislene Namani in 1994 France and the spark between them ignites a firestorm of prejudice and trouble. Rislene is Muslim and Eric is Christian. While Rislene fears the backlash from her Muslim family over dating a Christian boy, she is more afraid of what will happen when they find out she has embraced Eric's faith.
When Rislene's sister discovers her secret, she informs her parents, who spirit Rislene away to her grandmother's in Algeria, where she will be forced to marry a Muslim man. As the civil war in Algeria escalates, Eric must decide if he will risk his life and go into Algeria to rescue Rislene.
This book has it all and finishes up a series that I absolutely loved! Intrigue, danger, suspense and romance. It will keep you up into the wee hours of the night. I highly recommend it.
September 12, 2013
Two Destinies was a fantastic finale to the Secrets of the Cross Trilogy.
The story was so well written; it was incredible.
I absolutely loved how Musser was able to change her language so well to fit with the new time period as the novel is set a few decades after the first two novels in the series.
Many conflicts are present in this novel, but none are under-developed and all contribute to a fantastic read.
There was much love and hope. A Muslim convert and Gabriella's son fall in love but her Muslim family is horrified at her Christianity. They do all in their power to turn Rislene back to their Muslim faith and keep her away from Eric Hoffman.
Ophelie Duchemin has not yet found love, but an old flame returns to her life, except he is a different person - dark and scary.
So many other plots and characters existed in the book - all well explained and desireable! :)
I loved this novel and will re-read it again and again!
The story was so well written; it was incredible.
I absolutely loved how Musser was able to change her language so well to fit with the new time period as the novel is set a few decades after the first two novels in the series.
Many conflicts are present in this novel, but none are under-developed and all contribute to a fantastic read.
There was much love and hope. A Muslim convert and Gabriella's son fall in love but her Muslim family is horrified at her Christianity. They do all in their power to turn Rislene back to their Muslim faith and keep her away from Eric Hoffman.
Ophelie Duchemin has not yet found love, but an old flame returns to her life, except he is a different person - dark and scary.
So many other plots and characters existed in the book - all well explained and desireable! :)
I loved this novel and will re-read it again and again!
October 17, 2013
This is the third book in a trilogy - yet easily a stand alone read. Set in France and Algeria near the end of 1994, this historical romance is the story of the persecuted church in North Africa, the terrorist activities in the midst of Algeria's civil war, the desperate homeless people in France, and the courageous individuals willing to risk their lives to help those in need.
Elisabeth Musser has captured the basic human conflict of Islam's strict rules and loyalty versus Christ's followers freedom and desire to relieve others' burdens.
I enjoyed the historical context and found the characters wonderfully presented.
Elisabeth Musser has captured the basic human conflict of Islam's strict rules and loyalty versus Christ's followers freedom and desire to relieve others' burdens.
I enjoyed the historical context and found the characters wonderfully presented.
December 7, 2015
I was so sorry to have this trilogy come to an end. It was a bit challenging at first to remind myself where each character fit into the story, but I appreciated that the time period was different, although the theme was consistent. The next generation of the original families experienced the same life-changing conversions and difficult choices, scattered between edge-of-your-seat dramatic turns, that made it difficult to put this book down. Thank you, Ms. Musser!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews