Wolves Among Us by Ginger Garrett

The premise of this novel is intriguing and thought-provoking. We are embroiled into the middle ages' society of piety and witch-hunting zealots who are blinded by evil and malicious innuendo.

The characters are very well developed and completely believable. The hovels, the dirt, the plain food and clothes illustrate a world far beyond what we know today. The beliefs are so cursory the priests just say the words without reading the Bible everyday. How can one know God, if one doesn't visit Him, or read His word, or hear His voice in prayerful conversation?

The insights of this novel are still true today. We behave in the same manner as man did during the Dark Ages with suspicion, accusation without proofs, and the deep, underlying desire to "follow the crowd for approval". This story could have been contemporary, although the historic background is incredibly interesting. It's a keeper and I give it four stars out of five.

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Wolves Among Us David C. Cook; New edition (April 1, 2011) by Ginger Garrett


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginger Garrett is the author of the Chronicles of the Scribes series (In the Shadow of Lions, In the Arms of Immortals, In the Eyes of Eternity), Dark Hour, and Beauty Secrets of the Bible. Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA.


Focusing on ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women. A frequent media guest and television host, Ginger has been interviewed by Fox News, Billy Graham's The Hour of Decision, The Harvest Show, 104.7 The Fish Atlanta, and many other outlets.


A graduate of Southern Methodist University with a degree in Theater, she is passionate about creating art from history. Ginger resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.


ABOUT THE BOOK

This richly imagined tale takes readers to a tiny German town in the time of “the burnings,” when pious and heretic alike became victims of witch-hunting zealots. When a double murder stirs up festering fears, the village priest sends for help. But the charismatic Inquisitor who answers the call brings a deadly mix of spiritual fervor and self-deceptive evil. Under his influence, village fear, guilt, and suspicion of women take a deadly turn. In the midst of this nightmare, a doubting priest and an unloved wife—a secret friend of the recently martyred William Tyndale—somehow manage to hear another Voice…and discover the power of love over fear.


Dinfoil, Germany, 1538. In a little town on the edge of the Black Forest, a double murder stirs up festering fears. A lonely woman despairs of pleasing her husband and wonders why other women shun her. An overworked sheriff struggles to hold the town—and himself—together. A priest begins to doubt the power of the words he shares daily with his flock. And the charismatic Inquisitor who arrives to help—with a filthy witch in a cage as an object lesson—brings his own mix of lofty ideals and treacherous evil. Under his influence, ordinary village fears and resentments take a deadly turn. Terror mounts. Dark deeds come to light. And men and women alike discover not only what they are capable of, but who they are…and what it means to grapple for grace.


If you would like to read the first chapter of Wolves Among Us, go HERE

Washington's Lady

This week is a twofer week. I was promised to the FIRST and now it is time for the CFBA review.

Washington's Lady is a fictionalized account of Martha Washington's life in first person, through her eyes. After the first chapter, I was ready to let this one go with no comment whatsoever. I am not a fan of someone trying to get inside a famous person's head and tell their story. How can anyone know what another is thinking or why another acts the way they do?

There are certain givens, such as intense grief at the death of a child or spouse. Joy at seeing a child when he's been away for a long while. Uncertainty at what the future will bring, new love, enduring love for one's spouse.

Also, Nancy Moser has done a ton of research, reading letters, studying portraits, tramping over familiar landmarks so I'm pretty sure she's got a good handle on what was going through Martha's mind at most of the points covered in this story. Nancy admits to making up a couple of things because of evidence such as finding some exquisite bowls smashed at the bottom of the well at her father-in-law's house after he dies. It was no secret that he did not like his daughter-in-law.

I give this one a thumbs-up. It is entertaining and it gives an excellent insight to Martha Washington's world.

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

Washington's Lady
(Bethany House June 1, 2008)
by
Nancy Moser


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and eighteen novels, including Solemnly Swear, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest.

ABOUT THE BOOK


It has been said that without George Washington there would be no United States. But without Martha, there would be no George Washington. He called her "my other self."

Who was this woman who captured the heart of our country's founder? She dreams of a quiet life with her beloved George, but war looms...

Though still a young woman, Martha Dandridge Custis was a wealthy, attractive widow and the mother of two small children with no desire to remarry. But when a striking war hero steps into her life, she realizes that she is ready to love again. She is courted by, then marries the French and Indian War hero.

Yet she wonders whether this man, accustomed to courageous military exploits, can settle down to a simple life of farming and being a father to her children. Even as she longs for domestic bliss, Martha soon realizes she will have to risk everything dear to her and find the courage to get behind a dream much larger than her own.

Her new life as Martha Washington took her through blissful times at Mount Vernon, family tragedies, six years of her husband's absence during the Revolutionary War, and her position as a reluctant First Lady.

Known for moving first-person novels of Nannerl Mozart and Jane Austen, in Washington's Lady, Nancy Moser now brings to life the loves and trials of the First First Lady of the United States.

If you would like to read the first chapter, go HERE