Wednesday, September 10, 2008

In The Shadow of Lions by Ginger Garrett


This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing

In The Shadow Of Lions

David C. Cook; 1 edition (September 2008)

by

Ginger Garrett



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ginger Garrett is the critically acclaimed author of Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther, which was recognized as one of the top five novels of 2006 by the ECPA, and Dark Hour. An expert in ancient women's history, Ginger creates novels and nonfiction resources that explore the lives of historical women.

Her newest release is Beauty Secrets of the Bible, (September 11, Thomas Nelson) based on the historical research that began in her work on Chosen. The book explores the connections between beauty and spirituality, offering women both historical insights and scientific proofs that reveal powerful, natural beauty secrets.

A frequent radio guest on stations across the country, including NPR and Billy Graham's The Hour of Decision, Ginger is also a popular television guest. Her appearances include Harvest Television, Friends & Neighbors, and Babbie's House. Ginger frequently serves as a co-host on the inspirational cable program Deeper Living.

In 2007, Ginger was nominated for the Georgia Author of the Year Award for her novel Dark Hour. When she's not writing, you may spy Ginger hunting for vintage jewelry at thrift stores, running (slowly) in 5k and 10k races, or just trying to chase down one of her errant sheepdogs. A native Texan, she now resides in Georgia with her husband and three children.


ABOUT THE BOOK



"I am the first writer, The Scribe. My books lie open before the Throne, and someday will be the only witness of your people and their time in this world."

So begins the narration of one such angel in this sweeping historical tale set during the reign of England's Henry VIII. It is the story of two women, their guardian angels, and a mysterious, subversive book ... a book that outrages some, inspires others, and launches the Protestant Reformation.

The devout Anne Boleyn catches the eye of a powerful king and uses her influence to champion an English translation of the Bible. Meanwhile, Rose, a broken, suicidal woman of the streets, is moved to seek God when she witnesses Thomas More's public displays of Christian charity, ignorant of his secret life spent eradicating the Bible, persecuting anyone who dares read it.

Historic figures come alive in this thrilling story of heroes and villains, saints and sinners, angels and mortals ... and the sacred book that will inspire you anew. Fans of Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury will love Ginger's intriguing combination of rich character development, artful settings, and inspiring historical insights.

If you would like to read an excerpt from In The Shadow Of Lions, go HERE

MY REVIEW:

In the Shadow of Lions is a book that touches on a subject that is dear to my heart – the sacrifice that was made to bring the Bible to all people in their own language. So often, we do forget to look back and learn from these great sacrifices, and for that forgetfulness we pay a very great price. I pray that Garrett’s series – Chronicle of the Scribe – will remind many to look back and remember and then encourage them to look forward with renewed strength to cling to our precious blood-bought freedoms.


In the Shadow of Lions is written primarily from an historical point of view – inside the courts of Henry VIII – and more specifically from the chambers of his mistress, Anne Boleyn. Garrett also intersperses passages set in present day that are told from the point of view of an angel or Scribe, who is set to guard the descendants of the women who played a key role during this historical period. I have to be honest here and tell you that the modern story seemed to disrupt the primary tale at first, but by the story’s end you understand the common thread that the author is using to tie the two points of view together. Nevertheless, the story of Ann Boleyn and the inner workings of Henry VIII’s reign shine through. The Catholic Church held tightly to their power during that time, and freedom from the tyranny of the law was a battle not easily won.


Women did play a vital role in this battle despite the fact that they had virtually no voice of their own and many were crushed entirely along the way. Garrett’s novel vividly portrays this struggle, and has created a desire within me to look more closely into the history of my Bible and the lives that were sacrificed to preserve it. I pray that the example set before me will strengthen me should I ever be called upon to defend God’s Word.


In the Shadow of Lions is a strong beginning to a powerful series. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did. Please, purchase a copy here today! I eagerly await the next book in the series!



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