Christian fiction has added many dimensions to my life. It educates and inspires. It motivates and challenges me in my walk with the Lord, and if that weren't enough it is completely entertaining!!
Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. He has given me a wonderful husband and two children. He also allowed me work at a Christian-run bookstore for 8 years, before giving me the privilege and challenge of being a stay at home mom.
Mystery of the Puzzle Bones is a fun book. I do not read many books for this age group (8-12); my children are still a little young, but I will keep this one for when they are ready. The book centers around four young boys who make a hideout in some unused underground sewer pipes. One day they find a bunch of bones laid out in a pattern in one of the pipes. The next day, bones have been added, but then they disappear. The boys soon discover what the bones were and are off on an adventure! One of the boys, Caleb, shares his faith in the Lord with his friends throughout the book.
The design is great with the fun dog on the cover and the mystery and suspense will appeal to readers. The writing was fine, (although I think it could have used a little better editing). The plot is fun and fast paced. The characters are realistic. The theme is clear and strong, and there are scenes and messages that will make an impact on readers' lives.
I was a little worried when the boys started talking and worrying about ghosts and demons because I was afraid that it my cause fear in young readers; however, Caleb's strong faith in Jesus is a good example. This book has a strong Christian worldview. There is a theme of witnessing, faith, and prayer. It has action and adventure, as well as friendship and family issues. It is book 1 in The Adventures of the Boardunders Club, and I believe that kids will love the series. Although the main characters are boys, it will appeal to both boys and girls (I know my daughter will enjoy it someday--she is only 6). It would also be a great book to read together, parent and child. There are a number of great discussions that could stem from the story. I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I enjoyed reading this fictional retelling of the Biblical story of Job. I found nothing in the book that directly contradicted the Bible; however, being a work of fiction, there are added characters and assorted assumptions throughout the story. The book starts with the death of the patriarch, Isaac and Job taking Dinah home to marry his son. Dinah is there throughout the devastation that hits Job's household.
"Seeing" Job's actions in the flesh, especially as he reacts to his initial losses provides a powerful example of relying on and remaining faithful to God in the midst of heavy trial. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Jacob's daughter, Dinah, in Job's life, and I appreciate the author's notes about her research indicating that this relationship was entirely possible. There is a beautiful scene of redemption for Dinah, that she later shares with other characters.
The book is beautiful with an attractive cover and a synopsis that creates interest. The characters are well-developed and experience change and growth throughout the story. The classic plot-line has interesting and emotional scenes as well as a few twists added. And most importantly the theme is strong and has a powerful impact. I would definitely recommend this book, with the assumption that readers will also read the book of Job and the Biblical story of Dinah.
I have to admit that I am a fan of Colleen Coble. I have read many of her books, and I'm pretty sure that if I haven't read it, I have it on my TBR shelf!! Her books are enjoyable and easy to read. I found that Blue Moon Promise fits this description as well. With the interesting backdrop of the old west, the story includes strong characters, honest relationships, a bit of intrigue, and smooth writing. I would not hesitate to recommend this book. I am looking forward to the rest of the series! I received a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book:
Book Number One in the Under Texas Stars series
A love like Lucy and Nate’s only comes along once in a bluemoon . . .
Lucy Marsh's worldly resources are running out, but she's fiercely determined to care for her younger brother and sister. When she discovers that their father's recent death was no accident, Lucy is eager to leave town. She accepts a proxy marriage she believes will provide safe refuge. But trouble follows her to Texas where her new husband is surprised to suddenly have a wife and children to care for.
Nate Stanton always hoped he'd marry someday, but running the family ranch meant he had no time for romance. When his father deposits Lucy Marsh—a city girl—on his doorstep, with two siblings in the bargain, he expects ranch life will send her running on the first train out of town. But Lucy is made of tougher stuff than Nate imagined. When danger moves in, Nate finds he'd give anything to protect Lucy and the children he's grown to love. Even if it means giving up his ranch.
About Colleen:
Best-selling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, ACFW Book of the Year, RWA’s RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has nearly 2 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail. Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers and is a member of Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.
BlueMoonPromise is a story of hope, romance, and suspense . . . immersing the reader in a rich historical tale set under Texas stars.
To celebrate Colleen is teaming up with her publisher Thomas Nelson for a "BlueMoonPromise" Facebook Chat party where she will giveaway a KINDLE Fire and a Texas-sized gift basket (fabulous Texas treats and fun Lucy-inspired housekeeping products)!
Click the banner, RSVP today for the Facebook Party and mark the date on your calendar!
Invite your friends and don't miss Colleen's evening of chat, trivia, prizes, and more.
I find it quite ironic that I am posting about a book called The Beautiful Wife, when due to lack of sleep and being busy caring for my sick little one, I am feeling much more like an un-beautiful one(if that were a word!) The subtitle of this book gives me hope: Focused on Christ, Fulfilled in Marriage. The Beautiful Wife is not a handbook for being more attractive and alluring physically, although the author does touch on beauty and intimacy. It is a book about how being a Christ-centered woman and wife will transform your marriage. This book offers real advice and examples to get your marriage closer to what God intended. As with most books in this category, readers need to take the advice and tweak it to fit each individual situation. I really liked many of the ideas given. My favorite is to determine a vision for your role as a wife and for your children. I am currently praying for God's wisdom and direction in doing this for my family.
The Beautiful Wife is an easy-to-read book with some good ideas that any woman can use to improve her marriage. I also feel that the Mentor's guide and Prayer Journal are useful tools. The Mentor's Guide includes tips for helping other married women--walking together through the journey! And I love the Prayer Journal! It follows the book, chapter by chapter and gives space and topics to pray and journal about, as well as other practical tips to apply.
I did receive this book for free in exchange for my honest review...And now for the fun stuff...
Celebrate with Sandy by entering her Kindle Touch Giveaway and coming to her "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party {3/8}!
One beautiful winner will receive:
A Brand new Kindle Touch with Wi-Fi
The Beautiful Wife By Sandy Ralya
The Beautiful Wife Prayer Journal and Mentor's Guide
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/7/12. Winner will be announced at Sandy's "Beautiful Womanhood" Facebook Party on 3/8. Sandy will be hosting an evening of chat, laughter and encouragement - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, prayer journals and a live chat with Sandy for your Bible study or small group!
So grab your copy of The Beautiful Wife and join Sandy and friends on the evening of March 8th for an evening of fun.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 8th!
Embraced by God is a 21-day encounter that shares the unconditional love of God. "If you watch what the media says as to where we should find our identity--" says Babbie, "--money, beauty, power and technology--you'll just be confused about who you are and what your purpose is. As a culture we are trying to buy or sell what can only be administered to the soul by Jesus."
What a beautiful book! I am really enjoying it. Scripturally based, heart-felt, and down to earth, this devotional offers stirring reminders of God's love and truth. It includes the following themes:
God's Passion for you is Unconditional
God's Picture of you is Beautiful
God's Presence in you is Perpetual
God's Provision for you is Immeasurable
God's Plan for you is Exceptional
God's Power in you is Accessible
God's Promise in you is Incomparable
I was in tears before I had finished the introduction or overture. I could feel the Holy Spirit's Presence and the prayers that were on this book. Realistically, it may take you more than 21 days to complete this journey, but that's okay. It is not a one page per day devotional, and I highly recommend reading it! It would make a good book for a small group or book club as well.
I did receive this book free of charge in exchange for my honest review.
Celebrate with Babbie by entering her Nook Tablet Giveaway and coming to
her "Embraced Facebook Party {3/6}!
One beloved winner will receive:
A Brand new Nook Tablet with Wi-Fi
Embraced by God by Babbie Mason
Babbie's Embraced by God Music CD
Babbie's Embraced by God Note cards
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/5/12. Winner will be announced at Babbie's "Embraced" Facebook Party on 3/6. Babbie will be hosting an evening of chat, music, laughter, and encouragement- bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates,books, Embraced by God music CDs and Note cards, and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club.)
So grab your copy of Embraced by God and join Babbie and friends on the evening of March 6th for an evening of fun.
Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on March 6th!
SandyRalya is the founder and director of Beautiful Womanhood, a marriage mentoring ministry based near Grand Rapids, Mich. Her marriage testimony was the focus of a popular three-day interview on FamilyLife Today, TV's Walking by Faith, and Time Out for Women. Sandy is a sought-after speaker, presenting Beautiful Womanhood seminars to hundreds of women each year at MOPS groups, women's retreats, and church leadership conferences across the country and in Canada.Sandy and her husband Tom have been married since 1980, and have a growing number of grandchildren. www.beautifulwomanhood.com
Trust Leads to Romance
What stirs the embers of romance deep inside you?
Loving Words
Touch
A Night Out?
Maybe you haven’t thought about romance lately because of busyness, fatigue, disillusionment, or hopelessness.
I’ve been there too.
But romance with the man you love may not be as elusive as you might think.
Though we all desire romance—every woman longs to be
noticed, pursued, and adored—few of us realize that…
our words and actions may serve as stumbling blocks rather than
invitations for the man in our life to woo us romantically.
If this is true, then we’re sabotaging the very romance we desire. Reminds me of the saying,
“If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.”
Do you like what you’re experiencing in regard to romance?
If not, ask yourself if you’re more likely to trust OR control your husband.
You’ve seen the controlling type.
Most women on TV sitcoms struggle with control. They walk all over the men they’re with and it bothers us.
It’s easy to detect control in others, but are you guilty of similar actions?
Let’s look deeper and find out.
1. Do you correct your husband?
2. Do you instruct your husband?
3. Do you improve your husband?
Do you correct your husband’s pronunciation or perhaps the telling of a story when you know he’s got the facts mixed up?
When you correct your husband you’re telling him he did something wrong.
In this position you’ve become his mother. And that’s a romance killer if there ever was.
Do you instruct your husband when he drives, performs tasks, or helps out with the kids?
When you instruct your husband, you’re sending the message, “You don’t know how to do this.”
In this position you become the teacher who highlighted his ineptitude. Exposed, he’ll either shrink or strike back, rather than pursue.
Do you improve your husband?
In the past, I’ve tried to improve Tom’s appearance whenever possible. Once, when dressing for dinner at an elegant restaurant on vacation, I wore a vintage cashmere jacket with pearls and heels while Tom wore an improbable, wrinkled ensemble worthy of an episode of What Not to Wear. Yet, I didn’t say a word! (Some of you may be appreciating the restraint that required!)
If I’d shared my fashion-improvement advice with him, I would have sent the romance-spoiling message, “You could have done better.”
In what areas do you try to improve your husband?
When we correct, instruct, and improve, we justify our actions by saying we’re just trying to help when, in reality, the measures we employ have more to do with fear—the fear that we won’t get what we want or we’ll get it too late.
Whenever our actions are borne of fear, the results we experience will be disappointing
at best!
Give your fears to God and trust your husband with new words and actions…
It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old...or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!
You never know when I might play a wild card on you!
***Special thanks to Anna Patricio for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Anna Patricio is a lover of ancient history, with a particular interest in Egypt, Israel, Greece, and Rome. She is also intrigued by the Ancient Near East, though she has not delved too much into it but hopes to one day.
She undertook formal studies in Ancient History at Macquarie University. She focused mostly on Egyptology and Jewish-Christian Studies, alongside a couple of Greco-Roman units, and one on Archaeology. Though she knew there were very limited job openings for ancient history graduates, she pursued her degree anyway as it was something she had always been passionate about.
Then, about a year after her graduation, the idea to tackle historical fiction appeared in her head, and she began happily pounding away on her laptop. ASENATH is her first novel.
Recently, she traveled to Lower Egypt (specifically Cairo and the Sinai), Israel, and Jordan. She plans to return to Egypt soon, and see more of it. In the past, she has also been to Athens and Rome.
Anna is currently working on a second novel, which still takes place in Ancient Egypt, but hundreds of years after ASENATH.
In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered.
When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph.
Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace...and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master's wife and thrown into prison.
Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?
Product Details:
List Price: $13.99
Paperback: 222 pages
Publisher: Imajin Books (September 24, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1926997263
ISBN-13: 978-1926997261
AND NOW...THE FIRST CHAPTER:
Egypt 1554 B.C.
The Nile had just flooded, leaving the ground moist, rich and black. The children of our riverside village, I among them, frolicked about in the cool, gooey earth. In the distance, the ancient river circled the land, glittering with a thousand tiny dancing lights from the sun-god's Boat of a Million Years. A breeze blew, rustling the branches of the palm trees that surrounded our home. "Kiya!" No sooner had I looked than a mud ball pelted me hard across the stomach. "I'll get you for that, Menah." I bent down to gather mud in my hands when another ball landed on my back. He was a quick one, my best friend. I had just formed a mud ball and was about to raise my arm when Menah suddenly charged forward and pounced on me. "Now you'll get the tickle torture," he said in a mock evil voice. "No, Menah. Please, no." But I was overcome by uncontrollable laughter. "Menah! Kiya!" voices called out, interrupting our playful wrestling. Our mothers approached. "Come out now," my mother called. "It is time to prepare for the Feast of Hapi." Covered in mud from head to toe, Menah and I scrambled toward them. Mama shook her head, smiling. "You're such a mess." She led me back to our hut. "What is going to happen tonight, Mama?" I asked. "I mean, after we pray to Hapi? Will there be games?" Mama's blue eyes twinkled against her brown skin. "I see no reason why there shouldn't be." "And lots of food?" "All the food you could ever want." "May I wear my lotus necklace today?" Years ago, when I was very young, Mama had given me a beautiful carved lapis lazuli lotus pendant strung on a simple piece of coarse rope. She told me it had been in her family for many generations and that her grandmother had received it from Hapi himself. She ruffled my hair. "Of course. Today is, after all, a special day." As we entered our mud hut, which had been my home since birth, I saw my father mending one of his fisherman's nets. When he saw me, he pretended to cower in fear. "A mud monster has entered our house." I laughed. "It's just me, Papa." He leaned forward and squinted, as if trying to get a good look, though the gesture was comically exaggerated. "Is it? Let me see. Ah yes, it's my little Kiya." He leapt to his feet, picked me up and swung me around, ignoring the mud that soiled his hands. I squealed with delight. "Nakhti," Mama said. "I have to get her ready." "Yes." Papa set me down. He gave me a gentle slap across the back, motioning for me to return to Mama. "I get to wear the lotus today, Papa." He smiled. "I am sure you will look very pretty." Later that afternoon, four priests from a nearby town passed by our village. They shouldered on poles our patron god's idol, which nestled upon a bed of water lilies. A ray of sunlight bounced off the golden image and it flashed with brilliance. Behind the god was a small train of dancing priestesses. They rattled sistrums and twirled around, their white dresses billowing out like clouds. My fellow villagers and I were assembled outside our village, awaiting the god's arrival. When he appeared, we fell to our knees and touched our foreheads to the sandy ground. "Glorious Hapi," my father intoned. "We thank you for once again allowing your water to flow and give life. We thank you for nourishing our land and our people. We pray your sacred pitchers never cease to flow. We thank you, great god of the Nile." My heart swelled with pride. Papa was the most renowned fisherman in our village. Though he was quite an old man - many years older than my mother - he possessed skills and strength that surpassed even those of the younger generations. Everyone thus hailed him as the favoured of the river god. "Praise be to you, Hapi," I echoed along with the rest of my fellow villagers. As the idol trailed away, we rose to our feet and gathered up the amulets and flowers, which we would be tossing into the Nile as offerings. It was sunset now and sheer red-orange skies cast a fiery glow upon the river's rippling surface. From a distance, we heard the warbling of river fowl and the screeching of monkeys. We approached the riverbank. It was still soft and muddy from the inundation. We tossed our offerings in. All the while, Papa chanted hymns of praise. Afterward, we returned to the village for what we children had been anticipating the most - the games. A kind, respectable widow named Mekten, whom everyone called "Village Mother", held a game called the "statue dance." She played a reed flute while we danced and would stop at random moments without warning. We had to freeze as soon as the music stopped. Those who were still dancing were out of the game. My friends and I loved it so much that Mekten held several rounds of it. Unfortunately, I always lost, as I always got so caught up in the liveliness of the game. However, she awarded me a small spinning top as a prize for being the best dancer. I danced so much that I could barely keep my eyes open as we later sat down to the feast. Papa picked me up and carried me back to our hut. I was too tired to protest. As soon as he lay me down, I fell into a deep sleep. That night, I dreamt I was on a great winged barque sailing along the Nile. It was a bright day, with the white-golden Egyptian sun shining gloriously and flocks of ibises and herons gleaming against the clear blue sky. A group of friendly monkeys, like those who usually wandered near my family's hut, kept me company on the deck, entertaining me with their hilarious antics. Suddenly, the skies darkened and the water began to thrash against the barque. The monkeys leapt up and down, screeching frantically. I grabbed onto the rail. Thunder rumbled. Fierce white waves threatened to haul us overboard. The barque tipped to a dangerous level and I began to scream. Waking, I placed my hand over my heart, which was pounding fiercely. I was about to heave a sigh of relief when I heard the rumbling from my dream. I sat up, my chest constricting in fear once more. The noise sounded like it was coming from outside our hut. The rumbling stopped. I heard a strange voice shouting in a language I could not understand. My father appeared beside me. In the dim light, I could see the outline of his bony profile as he knelt by my side. "What's that noise, Papa?" He put his arms around me and before he could answer, a chilling scream sliced through the air. Other screams followed. Soon, the air was filled with a frightening cacophony - screams, cries and more shouts in that strange language. Papa's grip on me tightened. "Come, Kiya. We must hide you." The door of our hut flew open. Two enormous, fearsome-looking warriors towered like the tallest trees. Their faces were thickly painted in bright, garish colours. They wore loincloths made of animal skin and peculiar pointed headdresses that emphasised their unusual height. In their hands were spears that glinted threateningly. Mama screamed. One of the warriors shouted something, while waving toward us. Another dashed forward and snatched me out of Papa's protective hold. "Papa!" The monster hauled me outside. I kicked and flailed. "Papa!" "Kiya!" Papa hurried after me. Alas, though he was strong and agile, he was no match for these giants. They ran with such enormous strides that in no time he was out of sight. "Papa?" I writhed about in the warrior's iron grip. "Papa!" I felt a blow to the back of my head and the world turned black. Cold water slapped my face. When I opened my eyes, I was staring into the massive painted face of my captor. "Get up," he snarled. His breath was fouler than rotten fish. I struggled to my feet. Though I was still in a daze, I dared not disobey. The warrior grabbed my arm and led me through pitch-black darkness. I was certain he was going to kill me. My chest tightened with fear. He led me out into a brightly lit clearing. It looked like we were in the midst of a dense jungle. A campfire crackled at the centre where the warrior's comrades sat feasting and talking. Relief washed over me when I noticed my fellow villagers huddled together at the far end. Menah was with them. I smiled. "Menah!" The warrior slapped me hard across the face. "You are not to speak. If you do so again, we will kill you." I shuddered, though I was less frightened than before now that I knew I was not alone. The warrior dragged me over to the villagers and shoved me amongst them. "Stay with them. No talking and no trying to escape." He glared at us, then went to the fire to join the others. Menah took my hand. "Where are my parents?" I asked in a bare whisper. He looked at me sadly and shook his head. I knew what that meant. They were not there. I suddenly threw up. In a flash, the warrior was before us. "What's going on here?" No one answered. "She felt sick and vomited," our village mother Mekten said finally. The warrior turned to his comrades and said something in their language. They laughed boisterously. He shook his head and returned to them. Tears spilled from my eyes. Menah held me and rocked me, comforting me. I sobbed for a long time, eventually crying myself to sleep. What followed was an arduous journey through the jungle. The scorching sun was merciless and mosquitoes bit my arms, legs and face. The entire time, our captors threatened to murder us and I might have actually died with despair had it not been for the familiar faces around me. I do not know how far we travelled, but just as I thought we would perish, one of the warriors announced we had reached our destination. It was early evening. We were led toward a tribal encampment illuminated by a towering bonfire. Drumbeats pounded in my ears as we drew nearer. When we entered the camp, I saw tents made of dyed animal hides, as well as poles topped with the decapitated heads of people and animals. I averted my eyes, trying to erase the horrific images from my head. The drums were deafening as the tribespeople surrounded us. Like our captors, they were wrapped in animal skins. Their bodies were pierced in just about every part and painted in bright colours. I shuddered when a small child with painted teeth and a pierced nose came over and poked at my face. My fellow villagers and I were lined up in front of the bonfire. I thought for sure they would murder us. I whimpered as one of the warriors strode up to us. I recognised him. He had entered my family's hut. The warrior paced the length of our row. "Do you know why you are all here?" No one answered. He glared at us. "Many years ago, your Pharaoh murdered our chieftain. I am that chieftain's son and will now avenge my father's death. Until your king makes amends, we will continue to destroy your wretched country. If he does not, we will fight until Egypt is no more." As he reached me, he stopped pacing and smiled, revealing crooked yellow teeth. "What is your name, little girl?" His voice was gentle. "K-Kiya," I squeaked. "What a beautiful girl you are. Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?" I did not answer. "How old are you?" "Nine." "Ah. Perfect." His hideous grin widened. "You will be my slave, Kiya. And when your red moon comes, you will become my bride." I stared at him, too horrified to speak. He stepped forward. "That flower around your neck goes very well with your lovely face." He fingered the lotus pendant and I pulled back. "Where are my parents?" I blurted. "We left them behind, little one. We have no use for them." He laughed cruelly. My fear was replaced by rage. "I want my parents. Bring me back to my parents." One of the warriors rushed toward me, but the chieftain held up his hand. He stared into space for a moment. "Very well. If you work hard, I will send for your parents by the time you and I are ready to marry." My anger began to abate. "You mean that?" I looked into his dark eyes, which were surrounded by a strange painted pattern of dots. "Yes. So what do you say, little Kiya? Are you going to work hard?" I hated that he called me "little Kiya." It sounded like he was trying to replace Papa. But I knew that if I wanted to see my parents again, I had to be obedient and silent. I nodded. "Good," he said, turning away. "What is a red moon?" I asked. Some of my fellow villagers stared at me, aghast, while the tribespeople roared with laughter. The chieftain approached Mekten. "Be Kiya's advisor and explain to her what a red moon is. I am sure you know full well." He winked at her. I felt sick at that gesture, even though I did not understand what it meant. Mekten nodded in submission. The chieftain waved his arm, inviting his people to pick slaves from among us. A tall, thin woman with large bone earrings and a cold expression led Mekten and I to the chieftain's large tent. When we stepped inside, I nearly screamed. The place was festooned with more disembodied animal heads, as well as enormous wooden masks with frightening expressions. The dim light from torches cast shadows on the eerie things, making them look almost alive. The tribeswoman pointed to a dirty mat at the far end of the tent. "You will sleep there. Go now." Mekten and I headed for the mat, but the tribeswoman grabbed Mekten's arm. "Not you. You will stay here." I stared at them, confused, and the woman glared at me. "Go!" I hurried over to the mat as the tribeswoman extinguished the torch, plunging the tent into complete darkness. All was silent. Then the tent's flap rose, revealing the bulky profile of the chieftain. He shuffled inside and the flap swung closed. Not long after, I heard Mekten crying out in fear and pain. Heavy breathing followed. The louder Mekten screamed, the heavier the breathing grew. Though I had no idea what was happening, I knew I was hearing something bad. I covered my ears, but it was no use. Similar screams rose from the neighbouring tents. I slept amongst nightmares, waking at times to the sound of terrified cries and heartbreaking sobbing. The following morning, Mekten acted scared of everything and everyone, which wasn't like her. I wanted to make her feel better, but I didn't know how. Even the most trivial things I did frightened her. Throughout the day, I kept a distance from her. But at times, I tried to reach out to her. She was, after all, one of our dearest family friends. "Mekten," I said in a timid voice. "What is a red moon?" Mekten looked at me with sad eyes. Finally, she took a deep breath and explained everything in a shaky voice before breaking down.
My Thoughts:
I am extremely behind in my reading, so I haven't even started this one yet. Keep visiting, though, because it looks really good. As soon as things calm down here, this will top my TBR pile!!
