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Between the Lightning and the Thunder: What Would It Take for You to See Your Brother as God?
Why are those closest to you the last to believe?
In this fictional account, James both looks up to and is perplexed and annoyed by his older brother, Jesus. Throughout his childhood, James witnesses amazing things but wonders why Jesus can’t just follow the rules like the rest of them. Why does Mama indulge him, especially after he begins leading that group of religious malcontents?
After Jesus is arrested and crucified, James stands at the foot of the cross in disbelief. In a moment of panic and regret, he flees and is thrown into a whirlwind of fear and confusion. As darkness descends on the city and lightning illuminates the heavens, James maneuvers through the chaos of Jerusalem and the Passover celebration. A mosaic of faces from the past reminds James of God’s love and grace—and the role Jesus played in getting them there. As James flees from doubt and uncertainty, could he be running into Jesus’s waiting arms?
In this fictional account, James both looks up to and is perplexed and annoyed by his older brother, Jesus. Throughout his childhood, James witnesses amazing things but wonders why Jesus can’t just follow the rules like the rest of them. Why does Mama indulge him, especially after he begins leading that group of religious malcontents?
After Jesus is arrested and crucified, James stands at the foot of the cross in disbelief. In a moment of panic and regret, he flees and is thrown into a whirlwind of fear and confusion. As darkness descends on the city and lightning illuminates the heavens, James maneuvers through the chaos of Jerusalem and the Passover celebration. A mosaic of faces from the past reminds James of God’s love and grace—and the role Jesus played in getting them there. As James flees from doubt and uncertainty, could he be running into Jesus’s waiting arms?
193 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2023
221 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 29, 2025
This is told through the eyes of James, the brother of Jesus. Each excerpt relating to something or someone James had experienced, witnessed or felt while unknowingly being taught by his brother. Sometimes only making sense during snippets while searching for his mother and sister after the crucifixion. Each time referring to the biblical verse for the origin of the event.
As an adult I would always wonder how authors could write children's stores of a few pages that were related in the bible in just a few verses. Later in life it wasn't just Sunday school stories, but full length novels. Now I believe God has spoken to each of the authors, giving them understanding to the times and cultures of the people and in turn they can
make it easier for us to understand.
B.F. Randall is one of these men who gave me many ah ha moments. I have also wondered why I take such different amounts of time to read various lengths of novels. Some long novels I read quicker than shorter books. While reading this book, I realised I was being taught not only about emotions and reactions, but that this is a part of the beginning of my history that put me where I am today. I'm often told to stop over thinking, but sometimes/most times I need that little bit more of an explanation.
I am so glad this book was put across my path with the nudge to purchase.
As an adult I would always wonder how authors could write children's stores of a few pages that were related in the bible in just a few verses. Later in life it wasn't just Sunday school stories, but full length novels. Now I believe God has spoken to each of the authors, giving them understanding to the times and cultures of the people and in turn they can
make it easier for us to understand.
B.F. Randall is one of these men who gave me many ah ha moments. I have also wondered why I take such different amounts of time to read various lengths of novels. Some long novels I read quicker than shorter books. While reading this book, I realised I was being taught not only about emotions and reactions, but that this is a part of the beginning of my history that put me where I am today. I'm often told to stop over thinking, but sometimes/most times I need that little bit more of an explanation.
I am so glad this book was put across my path with the nudge to purchase.
August 17, 2025
Interesting premise
I was intrigued by the premise of this story. Seeing things through the younger brothers eyes sounded interesting and I was particularly looking forward to what kind of things his mother allowed Jesus to 'get away with'. That was never really addressed.
The first part of the book was very disjointed. Even when it finally started to make sense, the time line was never clear. When was it day or night or dark from the neverending storm? The passing of time was confusing, especially as James kept thinking about the events of the day...not that day. Why would he think his mother would still be sitting at the cross 3 days later without food or water? Nonsensical. I never really got to know any of the characters well. Just a few details about each here and there. In many ways it was very vague and in some instances, somewhat contrived. Not what I expected. I did find it very interesting that characters Jesus met during His youth, became people He helped in the future. It ended very abruptly. However, based on the reviews, many loved it and you might too.
I was intrigued by the premise of this story. Seeing things through the younger brothers eyes sounded interesting and I was particularly looking forward to what kind of things his mother allowed Jesus to 'get away with'. That was never really addressed.
The first part of the book was very disjointed. Even when it finally started to make sense, the time line was never clear. When was it day or night or dark from the neverending storm? The passing of time was confusing, especially as James kept thinking about the events of the day...not that day. Why would he think his mother would still be sitting at the cross 3 days later without food or water? Nonsensical. I never really got to know any of the characters well. Just a few details about each here and there. In many ways it was very vague and in some instances, somewhat contrived. Not what I expected. I did find it very interesting that characters Jesus met during His youth, became people He helped in the future. It ended very abruptly. However, based on the reviews, many loved it and you might too.
January 4, 2024
If I hadn’t just read Iscariot, by Tosca Lee, I probably would have given this a five-star review.
I loved the way the author created connections between Jesus as a boy and the people he later interacted with during his three years of ministry. Randall’s imagination filled in those details in a gripping way.
I did, however, lose interest in the repetitive use of the lightning and thunder to draw James from his reveries of the past. I understand it was necessary to create the backstory, it just lost its impact after a while. And there was one reference when James had a confrontation with Romulus that didn’t ring true to me. It said, “I took comfort in the filth and muck that flowed from beneath the city walls. The damp sewage oozed over me, its coolness soothing both my mind and body.“ I find it a strain of credulity to consider flowing sewage, bringing any sort of comfort.
Despite knowing how the book would undoubtedly end, it still brought tears to my eyes to see how Randall skillfully showed Jesus’s constant love. I enjoyed this book.
I loved the way the author created connections between Jesus as a boy and the people he later interacted with during his three years of ministry. Randall’s imagination filled in those details in a gripping way.
I did, however, lose interest in the repetitive use of the lightning and thunder to draw James from his reveries of the past. I understand it was necessary to create the backstory, it just lost its impact after a while. And there was one reference when James had a confrontation with Romulus that didn’t ring true to me. It said, “I took comfort in the filth and muck that flowed from beneath the city walls. The damp sewage oozed over me, its coolness soothing both my mind and body.“ I find it a strain of credulity to consider flowing sewage, bringing any sort of comfort.
Despite knowing how the book would undoubtedly end, it still brought tears to my eyes to see how Randall skillfully showed Jesus’s constant love. I enjoyed this book.
June 18, 2024
Author B. F. Randall walks readers through the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus as through the lens of James, Jesus’ half brother. Though the book has a few minor errors that were missed in the editing process, Randall’s fictional account of the lives of James and Jesus clearly emphasizes the miracles Jesus performed in his life and provides readers with the feelings of brokenness and despair that Jesus’ loved ones likely had felt at the time of his crucifixion.
This book couldn’t have been more appropriately named as each chapter includes a direct reference to its title. Originally, this seemed predictable, but each of Randall’s chapters uniquely highlights key moments in the life of Jesus and what that may have looked like for James looking back.
It’s unlikely that every event in the crucifixion and resurrection occurred the way Randall explained, but his takes are rooted in scripture and capture the emotion, and power, of the events. Ultimately, Between the Lightning and the Thunder does a great job of pointing readers to Christ.
This book couldn’t have been more appropriately named as each chapter includes a direct reference to its title. Originally, this seemed predictable, but each of Randall’s chapters uniquely highlights key moments in the life of Jesus and what that may have looked like for James looking back.
It’s unlikely that every event in the crucifixion and resurrection occurred the way Randall explained, but his takes are rooted in scripture and capture the emotion, and power, of the events. Ultimately, Between the Lightning and the Thunder does a great job of pointing readers to Christ.
August 8, 2024
Between the Lightning and the Thunder is a Biblical fiction retelling of the events surrounding Jesus’ ministry and crucifixion. Each chapter dramatizes a story from the Gospels then ends with a Bible passage that relates to the story. The point-of-view character is James, the brother of Jesus.
James cracks me up. The book covers several years in his life, and he has all the eye rolls, dramatic teenage sighs, and then adult irritations of a typical brother who doesn’t “get” his sibling. But there were also tender moments between the brothers.
Randall writes in a rhythm that reminds me of oral storytelling. Turns out Randall is a pastor, so oral storytelling fits his writing style.
Since I knew the stories, the fun of the plot unfolding wasn’t there (so I took off a fish), but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a great book for someone else. I think it’d be especially engaging for those who find the Bible intimidating or who have never read the Bible.
I read Between the Lightning and the Thunder through Kindle Unlimited.
James cracks me up. The book covers several years in his life, and he has all the eye rolls, dramatic teenage sighs, and then adult irritations of a typical brother who doesn’t “get” his sibling. But there were also tender moments between the brothers.
Randall writes in a rhythm that reminds me of oral storytelling. Turns out Randall is a pastor, so oral storytelling fits his writing style.
Since I knew the stories, the fun of the plot unfolding wasn’t there (so I took off a fish), but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a great book for someone else. I think it’d be especially engaging for those who find the Bible intimidating or who have never read the Bible.
I read Between the Lightning and the Thunder through Kindle Unlimited.
May 3, 2025
Truly Wonderful
Remembering my life before knowing Christ as my Savior is truly a sad memory. But, one thing I have learned while walking with Christ for 36 years now is that my words, deeds, actions, and beliefs would not be that different from the religious leaders and family members of Jesus of I had grown up with Him in my lifetime except for the grace of God that called me by name to meet His One and only Son, my Savior, also giving me the measure of Faith needed for me to believe that He was my Savior and Redeemer.
I love all the people that James had met with Jesus that later Jesus would save, heal, and raise from the dead in this fictional story of His brother growing up with the perfect Son of God as a brother and knowing Him only as an annoyingly different older brother. It is both interesting and full of God's mercy and grace towards a man that grew up with Him while not understanding and/our believing Him to be Whom God said He was.
It is a very quick read. You will definitely be glad that you read it 🤗💕
Remembering my life before knowing Christ as my Savior is truly a sad memory. But, one thing I have learned while walking with Christ for 36 years now is that my words, deeds, actions, and beliefs would not be that different from the religious leaders and family members of Jesus of I had grown up with Him in my lifetime except for the grace of God that called me by name to meet His One and only Son, my Savior, also giving me the measure of Faith needed for me to believe that He was my Savior and Redeemer.
I love all the people that James had met with Jesus that later Jesus would save, heal, and raise from the dead in this fictional story of His brother growing up with the perfect Son of God as a brother and knowing Him only as an annoyingly different older brother. It is both interesting and full of God's mercy and grace towards a man that grew up with Him while not understanding and/our believing Him to be Whom God said He was.
It is a very quick read. You will definitely be glad that you read it 🤗💕
January 9, 2024
The Gospels indicate that Jesus' brothers were not among his disciples during his earthly ministry (Jn 7:3-5), but they were after his resurrection (Acts 1:12-14). In particular, Jesus' brother James became an apostle (Gal 1:18-19), the leader of the congregation in Jerusalem and author of the New Testament epistle of James, in which he emphasizes his brother's teachings.
What happened to turn James from skeptic to apostle? Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to James was probably a major turning point (1 Co 15:7). This novel follows James from the day of the crucifixion to the time of that post-resurrection appearance, imagining how the transformation in James' life might have happened. As James tries to deal with his brother's killing, he thinks back over his life and his memories of his brother. He also meets people whose lives had been changed by his brother.
I enjoyed this novel while not finding all of the details convincing.
What happened to turn James from skeptic to apostle? Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to James was probably a major turning point (1 Co 15:7). This novel follows James from the day of the crucifixion to the time of that post-resurrection appearance, imagining how the transformation in James' life might have happened. As James tries to deal with his brother's killing, he thinks back over his life and his memories of his brother. He also meets people whose lives had been changed by his brother.
I enjoyed this novel while not finding all of the details convincing.
March 30, 2023
Captivating
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. I read it in two days. Often eagerly waiting to get back to the pages to finish. B.F. Randall has beautiful written about the journey it took James, Jesus’s brother, to finally see who his brother truly was. The stories from past adventures brought you to the current sorrow James felt after the Roman’s brutally killed his brother. These pages offer hope and peace to anyone seeking Jesus. They also direct you right back to His words. I can not say enough about how beautifully written it is. So my friend, read it for yourself!
From the very first chapter, I was hooked. I read it in two days. Often eagerly waiting to get back to the pages to finish. B.F. Randall has beautiful written about the journey it took James, Jesus’s brother, to finally see who his brother truly was. The stories from past adventures brought you to the current sorrow James felt after the Roman’s brutally killed his brother. These pages offer hope and peace to anyone seeking Jesus. They also direct you right back to His words. I can not say enough about how beautifully written it is. So my friend, read it for yourself!
October 8, 2025
Review of Between the Lightning and the Thunder by B.F. Randall
Told through the eyes of James, the younger brother of Jesus, Between the Lightning and the Thunder is a moving and imaginative re-telling of the Gospel story from a fresh, deeply human perspective. Randall captures the struggle of doubt, the pain of loss, and the quiet transformation of faith with emotional honesty and poetic insight.
It’s a heartfelt and accessible read—perfect for those who love biblical fiction or want to reflect more personally on what it means to believe. A powerful reminder that sometimes, the hardest miracles to believe are the ones closest to home.
October 12, 2025
I'll explain
But first...thank you for your service to this great nation......
I've read other books by this author that I enjoyed very much......
This one I give a low rating because I believe he used way too much literary license..... The story is not bad and I realize it is a novel but its not all Biblical. As a Christian I believe any story like this that is based on Biblical characters should stay true to the Bible. In this story James, brother of Jesus in his late 20s is portrayed as a wimpy man......and the stories that are partially based on Jesus' life are not true to the same stories in the Bible.
But first...thank you for your service to this great nation......
I've read other books by this author that I enjoyed very much......
This one I give a low rating because I believe he used way too much literary license..... The story is not bad and I realize it is a novel but its not all Biblical. As a Christian I believe any story like this that is based on Biblical characters should stay true to the Bible. In this story James, brother of Jesus in his late 20s is portrayed as a wimpy man......and the stories that are partially based on Jesus' life are not true to the same stories in the Bible.
July 25, 2023
This was a beautiful representation of the brotherhood between James and Jesus. The people Jesus helped between His childhood and adulthood were some examples represented to James after the crucifixion. It was the mission Jesus sent James out with to understand Him now more. The pain, confusion, anger and love James felt for his brother was present and so vivid! But so was the love through all the characters Jesus touched.
November 1, 2025
Having Jesus as your elder brother
The story made you think how it would feel like having a brother who.could truly do no wrong. Top in his class perfect recall ect. Was he ever accused of being teachers pet? Top things off he was loving and kind so how could you get mad at him. Looking back in our time we know him as the son of God but they didn't know that except Joseph and Mary. Would love a book about Joseph perspective
D
The story made you think how it would feel like having a brother who.could truly do no wrong. Top in his class perfect recall ect. Was he ever accused of being teachers pet? Top things off he was loving and kind so how could you get mad at him. Looking back in our time we know him as the son of God but they didn't know that except Joseph and Mary. Would love a book about Joseph perspective
D
June 20, 2023
It is always very interesting to me to read how things might have happened in Biblical times. My frustration with this book was that I kept waiting for James to meet up with the disciples and be convinced by them of the truth of Jesus' message, but that never happened. Only in the last couple of pages did James do a 180 from skeptic to believer.
August 13, 2023
Wonderful!
This book shows you what it might have been like to grow up with Jesus as your brother. The author does a good job of staying away from anything that might go against scripture, while still allowing us to imagine what life with Him might have been like. I loved it and highly recommend it!
This book shows you what it might have been like to grow up with Jesus as your brother. The author does a good job of staying away from anything that might go against scripture, while still allowing us to imagine what life with Him might have been like. I loved it and highly recommend it!
April 17, 2025
Excellent novel. loved it. so well written.
Highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read Christian novels that grabs you and takes you into the Word in such a beautiful way of storytelling the true heart of the brother of Jesus our Messiah through the gift God gave this author to write this way.
Highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read Christian novels that grabs you and takes you into the Word in such a beautiful way of storytelling the true heart of the brother of Jesus our Messiah through the gift God gave this author to write this way.
August 20, 2025
Crucifixion through a brother's eyes
James, the brother of Jesus, was not a disciple. Yet he later became an apostle, evangelist, author of an epistle found in the Bible today. This is his "conversion story," set at the time of the crucifixion. Historical fiction with a cast of historical characters. How hard it must be to accept that your brother is God!
James, the brother of Jesus, was not a disciple. Yet he later became an apostle, evangelist, author of an epistle found in the Bible today. This is his "conversion story," set at the time of the crucifixion. Historical fiction with a cast of historical characters. How hard it must be to accept that your brother is God!
September 8, 2025
A unique perspective
This is the imaginative story of James, the brother of Jesus. Scripturally grounded, James walks through a series of memories and meets a variety of people touched by Jesus’ ministry. Through it all, he begins to understand why his brother is like no other man. Very satisfying read.
This is the imaginative story of James, the brother of Jesus. Scripturally grounded, James walks through a series of memories and meets a variety of people touched by Jesus’ ministry. Through it all, he begins to understand why his brother is like no other man. Very satisfying read.
January 28, 2024
There aren't enough words
to describe this amazing story. Biblical facts interwoven with fiction tells a wonderful story about the younger brother of Jesus and his struggle to see him as the son of God. I can't recommend this enough.
to describe this amazing story. Biblical facts interwoven with fiction tells a wonderful story about the younger brother of Jesus and his struggle to see him as the son of God. I can't recommend this enough.
May 20, 2024
WOW!!!
Yes, this is fiction based on biblical accounts. It is a wonderful testimony of Jesus and his love as seen through the eyes of his brother James. A very intense and emotional story. Loved seeing the changes in James as he searches.
Yes, this is fiction based on biblical accounts. It is a wonderful testimony of Jesus and his love as seen through the eyes of his brother James. A very intense and emotional story. Loved seeing the changes in James as he searches.
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July 30, 2025wonderful insight s
I loved this book because it gave you a peek into what James' life could have been like. That he was made aware that his brother was the Messiah. And how he accepted it.
Sweet story of a person that we don't hear about.
I loved this book because it gave you a peek into what James' life could have been like. That he was made aware that his brother was the Messiah. And how he accepted it.
Sweet story of a person that we don't hear about.
August 7, 2025
This was an interesting read, and another look at the life of Christ. I enjoy books based on biblical characters and themes, so this one was right up my alley. I believe this would be a good book to make into a movie - it would be able to reach many with the message of Christ.
April 12, 2023
Powerful!
Followers of Christ want to know what it was like to be there when Jesus walked the Earth. This book brings you there.
Followers of Christ want to know what it was like to be there when Jesus walked the Earth. This book brings you there.
June 10, 2023
One of the best books I ever have read!
You will not be disappointed in reading this book! You almost feel that you are the James! I will be to read more of his books
You will not be disappointed in reading this book! You almost feel that you are the James! I will be to read more of his books
June 11, 2023
Truly Enjoyed
I truly enjoyed this fictional book about James the brother of Jesus Christ. I hope you take time to read it also an enjoy it as much as I did.
I truly enjoyed this fictional book about James the brother of Jesus Christ. I hope you take time to read it also an enjoy it as much as I did.
July 6, 2023
Excellent
This grabs you from the start. You follow along with James as He comes to his understanding that the brother he grew up with is the Son of the Living God.
This grabs you from the start. You follow along with James as He comes to his understanding that the brother he grew up with is the Son of the Living God.
July 16, 2023
Book from mom written by previous pastor. Interesting to think about how the brother of Jesus would perceive him.
December 1, 2023
Interesting perspective. thoroughly enjoyed, pushed me back to the Bible and reflecting on what really happened and all the people involved.
May 28, 2024
𝓦𝓸𝓷𝓭𝓮𝓻𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯 𝓙𝓮𝓼𝓾𝓼 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓶𝓪𝔃𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯 𝓙𝓮𝓼𝓾𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓱 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓪𝓵𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓒𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓼.
𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓼𝓸 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓭 𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷!!!
𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓪𝓶𝓪𝔃𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓸𝓯 𝓙𝓮𝓼𝓾𝓼 𝓯𝓪𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓱 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝔀𝓪𝓵𝓴 𝓽𝓸 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓒𝓻𝓸𝓼𝓼.
𝓘 𝓪𝓶 𝓼𝓸 𝓰𝓵𝓪𝓭 𝓘 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 𝓸𝓯 𝓒𝓱𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓽 𝓡𝓮𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓻𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷!!!
July 25, 2025
not for me
This could have been a good story but he kept jumping back and forth in time without any real explanation. There didn’t seem to be any continuity at all.
This could have been a good story but he kept jumping back and forth in time without any real explanation. There didn’t seem to be any continuity at all.
August 2, 2025
This was a story told in bits, and was hard to follow at times. Also it was not really well written. However the scenario was a good one: James the brother of Jesus, and how hard it was to look past his brother to see God. Could have been much better.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews