Wells and Wanderers - Amorites

Light of Nations #1

by Christine Dillon

Sometimes freedom and family are found in unexpected places.

Inanna, an Amorite chieftain's daughter, craves to be free as the eagles that fly above her hometown.
Utu, her loyal twin, just wants to keep his wayward sister out of trouble.
Neither succeeds, and their dreams are uprooted as they're sold into slavery. During their forced travels, they encounter nations they’d only known from stories, palaces beyond description, and fickle kings claiming to be all-powerful deities.
Yet when serving the wandering household of Avram and Sarai from Ur, they encounter a mystery god intent on upturning national boundaries, calling new loyalties, and directing the eyes of his followers to dreams vaster than the star-filled sky.
But what has this god of unexpected paths and promises to offer two Amorite slaves?

Genres: Fiction

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2023

About the author

Christine writes both Christian fiction and non-fiction.
Her debut novel, 'Grace in Strange Disguise' - was published 1 October 2017. The six-book series was completed in December, 2021.
In 2023, Christine changed genres and is now writing Old Testament-era fiction. The 'Light of Nations' series will be multiple books, starting with 'Wells and Wanderers - Amorites'.

Author website: www.storytellerchristine.com
Subscribe via my website to become a 'storyteller friend' for updates and a free book.
Find 'storytellerchristine' on FB, Pinterest.
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Since 2004, Christine has been a Bible storyteller, and each year she's more excited by what she's learning. This is a tremendous way to communicate and make disciples.

Bible storytelling website & linked Facebook group: www.storyingthescriptures.com
'storying the scriptures' (closed FB group - so you need to ask permission to join)

BOOK TRANSLATIONS
* 'Telling the Gospel Through Story' was published in traditional Chinese in February 2015

* 1-2-1 discipleship was published in simplified Chinese in October 2015 and in traditional Chinese in January 2017.

* Verborgen Genade (Dutch translation of 'Grace in Strange Disguise), published in February 2020.

* Siegreich Sein: mit Gottes Wort (German translation of 'Sword Fighting') published December 2021.

Reviews

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I love about Biblical fiction is that it makes me think more about the stories in the Bible themselves and the people and the lives they lived. When reading only scripture, the stories can easily become familiar and "dry" if you only look at them at face value. This book looks at Abraham's story from a unique perspective. I do enjoy it best when authors make their main characters fictional and this book did that, making Inanna and Utu the main characters who encounter Abram in Egypt and join his household thereafter. I enjoyed seeing what happened with Abraham in his encounters with God and his faith and relationships from an outside perspective and it was enjoyable to read familiar tales from an external perspective and additional detail. In addition to telling the story itself, there were deeper themes woven in about forgiveness, God's pursuit of his creation, and what it means to be a true follower of God. I enjoyed watching both Utu and Inanna on their own personal journeys and seeing their character growth and development - both mental/emotional, and spiritual. I enjoyed a deeper delve into the stories of Hagar and Ishmael as well. My one complaint is that the last quarter of the book began to feel rushed as each chapter heading was several years later. I think that maybe would have been better captured in only one or two time jumps with some looks back to recap the in-between times, but perhaps that would not have captured the fullness of the story as well. But it made the last bit feel a bit choppy to me. Not enough to detract from the story itself, but enough that it was noticeable. All in all, this was an enjoyable story and one I would definitely recommend to fans of Biblical historical fiction. Special thanks to the author for an advance e-copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

[Sarah Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book! It made me laugh and cry many times as I followed the journey of the characters. I really identified with Inanna and her want to have freedom but never being able to find it until she found The Lord. I pray for my friends every day that they will one day find the same comfort I have and this book has only made me pray more! I loved reading about the biblical characters and exploring what they might have felt. Christine you did an amazing job in being faithful to what the bible tells us and how you have depicted them in this story. I went and read Abraham’s story in the bible as I was reading and I was so encouraged! I am looking forward to reading your other stories!!

[Stephanie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this perspective on Abraham. To see him through another's eyes, someone who was not related, but an outsider. I liked the take on Ishmael as well. Most of the time he is seen as almost villainous because of his descendents, but in this story he's shown as an innocent boy who was born into a very difficult situation. Hagar was also well represented in this aspect. This looks to be a promising biblical fiction series!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

[Angie Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Dillon did a great job staying true to the Biblical narrative in this historical fiction book, while creatively allowing us to enter into the story of other characters in the lives of Abraham, Sarah and their family.

I really appreciated how the author did not shy away from some of the more difficult questions in this time period. For example: why did Abraham send away all of his other sons (born to Keturah)? How was it fair to Hagar and Ishmael to not have Ishmael gain any of the inheritance? And she didn't attempt to give pat answers, but through it all she pointed to El-Shaddai's faithfulness and his good character. I also really appreciated that the story included the failings of Abraham (and others) that often aren't mentioned or highlighted in our telling of their stories.

I've been mulling over different events in this fictional story, and particularly the events grounded in the biblical narrative. They have made El-Shaddai more real and have made Abraham and Sara, Hagar and Ishmael and Isaac and others more real--more like me, human with flaws, but with an ability to still choose (or not) to follow and believe in a powerful and good and faithful God.

This is a great book if you'd enjoy a book that engages your imagination, but also points to God and causes you to see Him with fresh eyes.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are curious about stories in the Bible but don’t have the desire to pick up an actual Bible, Christine Dillon’s retelling of this classic story would be an excellent introduction for you. She keeps the facts from the Bible straight, but brings the story alive with modern narration. Her imaginative telling through the perspective of fictional minor characters (fictional but realistic in the roles they play) also make this an interesting read for those who already know the story of Abraham. You’ll have greater appreciation for the miracle of the promises God gave his family, and I have a feeling future books are going to show how those promises lived beyond Abraham himself.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. Love how it's accurate to the bible while still imagining what life was like back then with fictional characters. Already told some friends and they are reading the book too.

[The Bookish Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered how the help (if you have one), ever saw you? Did you ever wonder if it matches what you thought of yourself as a master or mistress?

Well, if Abraham or Sarah ever wondered, they'd not have far to look. Dillon's novel, Wells and Wanderers reveals it all! Even the secrets Scripture doesn't talk about! This has been the best kept secret of our times. Well, the cat's well and truly out of the bag now.

Kidding aside, Dillon's novel views Abraham and Sarah's stories through the eyes of their slaves: Inanna and Utu: a truly unique POV.

Inanna and Utu's own stories, hopes and dreams are skilfully woven into the old time favourite stories of Father Abraham. We learn whether Abraham was a good master or not. Whether Sarah was good to those who served her (we knew a little anyway from the Hagar story), but here, we learn more.

But most of all we learn more about the "God Who Sees", as Hagar named Him reveal himself, not just to Abraham and Sarah, but also to those whom nobody thought worth counting: Inanna and Utu.

Dillon has masterfully explored the motives, emotions and inner thoughts of their master and mistress through Inanna and Utu.

Inanna's childhood desire to be fully free of all the trammels of life and soar high, catching the downdrafts as an eagle does are beautifully chronicled in this narrative that's also about Inanna, the chieftain's daughter, now slave in Abraham's household.

Do Utu and Inanna find freedom? Do they find Adonai? Or does Adonai find them? Do they allow Him to find them? Does Inanna finally find the full freedom to soar high that she has been looking for all her life?

Buy the book, read it and find out. Who knows, you might also find something new, something different.

Available at Amazon India and the author's own store.

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I was given an ebook for my reading pleasure. This review is given voluntarily and the opinions are my own.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Christine Dillon's first historical fiction novel after previously writing a fiction series (the Grace series) and various practical non-fiction books. I've been following Christine's fiction writing journey since her first novel, and as with all of her books, this was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed her imaginative take on Abraham's life and household told from the perspective of two Amorite children, Inaana and Utu. At the time that I was reading an early version of the manuscript, I was also reading through Genesis, and it made my mind more sensitive to the unwritten details of people's lives and the impact of God's revelations of his character and his promises and faithful interventions.
I could sense the challenge of writing across such a long timeline (about a hundred years of Abraham's life) and, as other reviewers have noted, sometimes the reliance on the biblical narrative (which has some long gaps in the story) made the story links feel a bit forced. I noticed myself trying to work out characters' ages and whether the things they did and said matched their life stage or not, which was a bit distracting. Sometimes I also felt the characters were relating to each other with 21st century western sensibilities, but maybe that was necessary to help modern readers relate to the characters more readily.
I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and being challenged to see God in new ways through the perspective of outsiders from 'the nations'.
Disclaimer: I read an early version of the manuscript and received a free advance copy of the finished novel. I wrote this review of my own volition and the views expressed are mine alone.

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Wells and Wanderers, a historical fiction novel set during ancient times when events recorded in the book of Genesis took place. The twins, Inanna and Utu, are Amorites who were enslaved as young children and ended up working in Avram and Sarai’s household. Avram and his family didn’t own land and they wandered around the desert, setting up camps in different places for various lengths of time while awaiting God’s promises to come to fruition.

It was fascinating to walk in Inanna and Utu’s shoes and see their perspective on the choices made by Avram, Sarai, Lot and their family. The Amorite twins were raised in a dysfunctional household where they feared the demanding and fickle gods of their ancestors. Avram’s God was unlike any god they’d previously known or experienced.

Inanna had issues with the limitations imposed on women and she craved freedom. Her friendship with Hagar was beautiful and provided an insight into Hagar’s world and the unique challenges she faced in Avram’s household.

Utu walked a different path to Inanna. He was willing to consider faith matters and observed firsthand how Avram’s God was different to the other gods.

Being familiar with the stories in Genesis, I knew how certain events would play out in the story. The beauty was in how the story events impacted the characters and influenced their life choices. The story ending was satisfying and heartfelt. I recommend Wells and Wanderers to historical fiction readers who like Biblical era fiction set in ancient times with characters seeking truth and freedom.

[Mesu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christine Dillon is a new-to-me author, who’s written several contemporary fiction titles. Wells and Wanderers – Amorites (Light of Nations, Bk #1) appears to be her first stab at biblical fiction, and she’s wielded that Sword with skill and passion.

I loved that she chose to use a brother-sister twin combo to present the complex story of Abram’s (Abraham’s) and Sarai’s (Sarah’s) lifetime journeys! It’s the perfect picture of the debating voices in my own head—opposing, heartfelt convictions in flesh-of-my-flesh characters. They expressed their conflicting emotions and theological dissension, sometimes leaving hard questions unanswered and life circumstances unsolved. Readers have the privilege of feeling their discomfort and confusion, but those who know the biblical story also know the answer that’s soon coming.

I found a few historical details that varied from my own recent research on Abraham and Sarah. Nothing major, however, and not enough to detract from the story. Though I was engaged because of my recent research on these characters, I didn’t find myself as emotionally engaged with the story.

The hero’s journey and theme remained clear and consistent from beginning to end as did the characterization. Relationships were tender and believable. All-in-all, this is a beautiful story and one much needed. I haven’t seen many others tackle the fascinating story of Abraham and Sarah in such depth. Well done, Ms. Dillon! I’m looking forward to Plagues and Papyrus – Egyptians (Bk #2 in the Light of Nations series – Aug. 2023 release)!

[Milla Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I’d just peek at this book and read it another day, but I ended up devouring the whole thing.

I’ve already read Christine Dillon’s women’s fiction, so I knew she can write. She brings to her Biblical fiction a profound understanding of human nature, the deep wounds that scar us, and the emotional impact some of our most beloved Bible stories might have had on the people who lived through them.

In Wells and Wanderers, we follow the journey of Abraham, Sarah, and their family, seen through the eyes of Utu and Ianna, Amorite twins who were stolen from their home as children and later ended up as slaves in Abraham’s household.

From the first page, I was hooked. The book covers decades, moving on at a fast clip through familiar scenes from Genesis 12-25. It says a lot about Christine’s storytelling skills that she was able to bring these well-known stories alive.

She deals head-on with some of Abraham’s very questionable decisions, and I loved her analysis of his character and failings: “The man had so many good qualities, but his fears kept getting in the way.”

This is also a story about the main character Ianna’s very, very long journey to faith. Although she had a front seat to God’s miraculous dealings with Abraham, she also saw Abraham’s worst flaws and the many years it took for God’s promise to come to fruition.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys entertaining Biblical-era fiction that is true to Scripture.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wells and Wanderers by Christine Dillon is the first book in her Light of Nations series. It is an intriguing look into Abraham's household through the eyes of his slaves, and it is fascinating!

When twins Inanna and Utu are captured by raiders outside their home, they are taken back to Egypt to be slaves in Pharaoh's household. It is not clear how old the twins are when they are captured, but I pictured them as fairly young. When they are traded to Avram (Abraham), they begin to understand that not all slave masters are bad. And each character learns a little bit more about the God of Avraham as they grow older.

I loved how the author showed the spiritual growth of both characters and how they became part of Avraham's family, even though they were slaves. I also appreciated how the author showed that not everyone trusts God right away and that spiritual growth takes time for everyone.

The author was thorough in her research (which I also love) when it came to showing Avraham's many faults and failures. Proving that God uses flawed people all the time.

While I felt some sections were a little rushed, I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to those who like Biblical Fiction. I look forward to the next book in this series!

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book forms a story taking us through the lives of two twins who go from lesser children in a chieftain’s home, to lowly slaves in Pharoah’s home, to free servants in Avraham’s family. Utu, always content to being who he is and where he is, accepts the true freedom in God and finds rest and a home. Inanna, never settled and always longing for a freedom that never seems tangible, struggles with trusting in God. Finally, like a beautiful woven cloth that the back seems a mess until you flip it over and see the beautiful finished product, Inanna realizes that God orchestrated everything in her and Utu’s life protecting them and their fellow loved ones, even when it seemed messy. Not only did Dillon write a beautiful story full of God’s promises and showing how merciful God is when we fail, but she wrote a story that gave me a new soft spot for both Hagar, Ishmael , and Sara. All throughout this story Dillon also portrayed the awesome power of praying for those lost. Dillon showed a talent in writing a story spanning a 100 year timeline and making it seamless.

*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, only one that was honest. The opinions I have expressed are my own and personal thoughts on this book.

[Roe Kitchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading Christine’s first foray into Bible fiction. What an interesting read. She certainly has a talent for painting such a realistic context to life in the Old Testament. The power of the book is her blending of fictional characters with the Old Testament characters who help tell the story. This is certain to be enjoyed by Christians giving us a great reminder of the power, promises and faithfulness of our God. I look forward to a review by a non Christian. I loved the way Inanna was witnessed to by so many and her objections on the long journey to faith - an encouragement to us all I’m sure. Well done Christine.

I voluntarily read an a free early copy of this book. The ideas expressed in this review are entirely mine.

[Gilbert Ostini · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it's a fairly simple read that I got through in a few afternoons, I had to keep stopping and mulling over the spiritual insights (and challenges!) that are woven throughout. It's clear the author loves historical research and has put a lot of time and effort into it. This led to one of my favourite things about the book: because it's so rich in historical specificity, it makes these old, familiar Bible stories feel foreign, specific and living, giving a sense of the strangeness, power and awe of what God was doing in this very specific family story that's also linked into a much bigger narrative. This book also found me at a time when I was going through some specific spiritual struggles, so I felt very blessed by it.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful retelling of the account of Abraham and Sarah, in the Bible. The characters are brought to life. It’s thought-provoking. Is God trustworthy? Worth following? Does He truly know us and care for us? Ianana, a slave girl who is part of Abraham’s household, wrestles with these questions throughout her life, as she watches God interact with Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. This book is well worth the read. At the end, the point is made that our praying for loved ones over years, is a reflection of God’s love for them, and desire to know them. I had never thought of that. I received a free copy of this book, with no obligation.

[Lauren T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of biblical fiction and this is the first one I have read that focused on the Sarah and Abraham saga. I really enjoyed reading a fresh perspective on the story, through the eyes of two household servants. The story was well researched, biblically accurate and engaging. The story covers a long period of time, showing the development of the characters over their lifetime. I appreciated the 'realness' of the story - the journey to faith can sometimes take a long time and just because someone does trust God doesn't mean their life will be easy.

[Sashi Grayndler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broke my Lenten prohibition to get on FB so I could rave about this book. Hard to put down so I can do things, like work! Christine Dillon has done it again, creating interesting and engaging characters and a storyline which captures the Bible stories, entwines with fictional characters and draws you into the world of the Amorite twins. Their addition to Avram and Sarai's household and discovery of their One God transports you to a different time and place. you like Francine Rivers, you will like this book, the first in a standalone series!

[Sage · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars for me. A great read! I'm a big fan of Christine Dillon's, loving her previous series, Grace. I was really excited to read this one and it didn't disappoint. I was transported back in time and it brought the Bible stories to life, making me ponder and think more on these stories. It certainly pointed to God and His might, majesty, goodness and trustworthiness. I loved everything about his book. I'll be recommending it to all who enjoy biblical fiction. Up there with Cossette and Afshar for sure. Looking forward to the next book.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always Christine Dillon's book was a delight to read. I've appreciated the way in which she manages to give insight into the characters heads and explore the ways in which Israelites tried (and at times failed) to follow God and how this impacted on the world around them. I enjoyed travelling with Utu and Inanna and look forward to reading the next one.

Disclaimer: I was involved in proofreading this book, but all opinions are my own and I plan on purchasing my own copy.

[Aaron Yap · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the book brought the Biblical story to light from another angle, yet an angle that's faithful to the original text! It made me think more about the biblical story and what people like Abraham and Sarah went through. Just brilliant!

I think reading this book made me want to read the Bible more too - definitely worth a read. Familiarity with the biblical story did not make the book dull in the slightest!

[Margaret Weekley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not being much of a reader, I was intrigued with the storyline of this book – and I wasn’t disappointed. I found it all very fascinating and also how it brought the Bible story to life, through the eyes of two slaves. It’s a book which made me in some parts check-out the Bible to see if what was said was actually fact or fiction. A great story of God's faithfulness.
In all the chapters there are some short segments, which make it easy if there are reading-time restraints.
Margaret

[Mary Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It beautifully tells the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis. Christine has done an excellent job of weaving the biblical text and creative text together in such a way that the story comes alive. She has also brilliantly remained faithful to biblical truth particularly in relation to the character of God and who he is/ and how he works in the lives of others. It certainly moved me greatly and I can’t wait to read the next one in the “Light of Nations” series.

[Ebosereme Nwamu · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about the life and journey of Abraham after God called Him.

I liked how the faith of Abraham influenced the people around him and this book brought that to life so much. One man's faith becoming the faith of many.

The amount of research and work the author put into the book was evident in the pace of the book and development of the characters.

I highly recommend this.

I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

[Linda Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Biblical fiction book is set during the time of Abraham. It was very enjoyable to read. It made Abraham’s life easier to understand than the Biblical account. The characters were easy to identify with. Those who love Biblical fiction will love this story. I received a copy of this book from the author, and I was not compensated for this review.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

​I loved the fact that this story led me to reflect more ​on Abraham's growing relationship of trust in God ​and what life might have been like for all those living in that household. I ​enjoyed seeing the spiritual journey ​of Inanna ​and her interactions with the Biblical characters. I especially liked thinking more deeply about Hagar's experience of God as 'the one who sees me'.

[Rae-Ellen Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old testament brought to life

Wells and Wanderers has had a profound affect on the way I now read the bible. The characters, both the real ones from the bible, and the fictional, are incredibly well drawn. God's love and faithfulness, particularly to the women, is woven throughout. Highly recommended.

[Ming Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine is a great storyteller and as with her Grace series, I have really enjoyed the Wells and Wanderers. I can't wait to pass the book to my 11 yr old granddaughter to read. I particularly like the perspective from the Amorite slaves, while the brother found Avram and Sarai's God, the sister Innana struggled.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

An imaginative retelling of the life and journeys - physical and spiritual- of Abraham and Sarah from the biblical book of Genesis that made me consider my own journey. I was led to reflect on how much faith involves holding onto brief, sparse encounters with the God who created the universe, and to trust that others see one’s faith even as God sees them.

[Kerrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a refreshing retelling of Abraham's journey of faith. Using the perspective of a fictional outsider, the Bible story came to life in a new way. I especially felt for Hagar when Christine drew out her position as a slave in Abraham's household and the counterpoint of God's special care for her.