Tuesday, November 21, 2017

The Esther Paradigm by Sarah Monzon - Reviewed









About the book:

Hannah Pratt dreams of starting a school for the Bedouin clan she grew up with as a missionary kid, and finally her hopes are coming true. But shortly after she returns to the desert from her college years in the U.S., she discovers her parents have received threats from their Muslim neighbors. As the danger escalates, Hannah finds she’s in the middle of a battle no one seems to understand. She must decide to what lengths she'll go to stay faithful to the mission to which God has called her. Even if it costs her everything.
As sheikh, Karim Al-Amir feels the weight of responsibility as the leader of his people. When a mysterious illness ravishes the clan’s flocks and threatens to destroy their centuries-old way of life, locals believe the American doctors and their daughter, his childhood friend, Hannah, are to blame. Karim must do something to keep them safe—even if the only solution can be found within marriage vows.
In a society where the line is drawn between us and them, Christianity is outlawed, and foreigners are mistrusted, will their union heal wounds or inflict the final fatal blow?

You can purchase a copy HERE.


About Sarah Monzon:

Sarah Monzon is a Navy chaplain's wife and a stay at home mom to the two cutest littles in the world. Playing pretend all day with them isn't enough, she spends the evenings after their heads hit the pillow to create her own imaginary characters. When she isn't in the world of make believe, she can be found in the pine forests of western Washington taking care of her family, fostering friendships, and enjoying all the adventures each day brings.
Her debut novel, The Isaac Project, skyrocketed to Amazon bestseller status while her Sophomore book, Finders Keepers, won the 2017 SELAH award for contemporary romance.
http://www.sarahmonzonwrites.com/







My Thoughts:

The story of Queen Esther has to be one of the most known from the Old Testament. A young Jewish girl who is taken into the harem of King Ahasuerus and through trials saves the Jewish people. 
Ms. Monzon has taken the theme of the Old Testament story and created a beautiful story for today. 

Two people from two completely different cultures, one a Christian, the other a Muslim with a dilemma on their hands. For one the pressure to marry, the other a need for protection.

I fell in love with Hannah and Karim. They were so real I could reach out and touch them. The entire time I read this book I felt like I was in the middle of the desert, with camels, dangerous insects, the whipping of sand from sandstorms, and caves where breathless kisses take place. 

The beautiful part about this story is Ms. Monzon's ability to put human flesh on the Muslim culture showing not only a belief system but a person. I don't know about you, but I don't exactly run into many Muslims here in Nampa, Idaho, and reading this book gave me a new understanding. 

This is a definite must read! I highly recommend taking the time to read this.



Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 




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