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NOVELS |
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Peculiar People • Aspen
Leaves • The
Whole is Greater |
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Peculiar People: Aquila and
Prisca |
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Synopsis •
Reviews •
Excerpts •
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• Maps •
Bible |
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Authentic and Insightful
Reviewer: Margaret Montreuil from Prior Lake, MN
Because I am a fellow author with the same publisher, I was
drawn to this book for that reason. Also, I have visions of
writing a sequel to my own novel, which is on the life of Jesus.
That sequel will, like Peculiar People, involve the story of
the early church. I took my time with Richard Soule's large
book and enjoyed it. As other reviewers have noted, this is
like two books in one. This modern story of a young archaeologist,
an unbeliever, but with a "calling" on her life, uncovers
the ancient story that recounts the beginning of the Church
of Jesus Christ. In places, I was so moved that I shed tears.
The book is quite long--the opposite of what publishers are
looking for these days. Christian publishers say busy people
want little books, quick reads. I don't think quick reads are
usually good reads. You get what you pay for -- and, I believe,
our investment of time works the same way. What a shame people
are too busy to read literature with depth! Richard Soule's
story certainly won me over, and I was happy to give it the
time it deserves. I think he did good job, considering the book
didn't have the benefit of a professional, seasoned book editor.
That's all that was lacking, and not by much. There are phrases
and pieces that probably should have been changed. But, in general,
I was truly captured by this book. The insightful ideas presented
about the challenges the early Church faced, and the believable
characterizations of Peter, Paul, Timothy, Aquila and Pricilla,
and others, are still memorable for me. (I finished the book
weeks ago.) My takeaway from Peculiar People has stayed with
me. That's a sign of a good read. The Jewish culture of the
first Church, and its struggles,confusion, plus the persecution
the believers faced, has been dramatically and accurately described.
I felt as though I was there and am thankful to this author
for his obedience to the Holy Spirit, which certainly inspired
him in this endeavor. Richard Soule is a wonderful storyteller.
Note: Margaret Montreuil is author of God in Sandals,
also published by Xulon Press.
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