In first-century Judea, the followers of the Way have burgeoned into a vibrant, growing community that cannot be ignored. Jerusalem is in turmoil as its religious leaders on one side, and their Roman rulers on the other, conspire to stamp out the fledgling Church. And Abigail, who thought she had finally found home and safety, is caught between the opposing forces.
Two suitors desire the lovely Abigail's hand in marriage. Ezra, a successful Hebrew merchant and widower with important connections among the Sanhedrin, is looking for a mother for his children. The Roman soldier Linux is fascinated by her winsome charm and possibly could offer the sanctuary--maybe even the love--for which she yearns. But her heart has been captured by neither of these. Will her faith and courage survive a heartbreak beyond comprehension as the followers face a gathering storm of persecution they never could have foreseen?
A glimmer of hope beckons Abigail forward•.
Reviews
"I've definitely added the series to my list of 'must-reads' as additional titles release. The authors are careful to depict Christ-like behavior in the lives of those with transformed hearts and diligently hold true to the historical facts of scripture while adding authentic cultural detail." --Jennifer Bogart, TitleTrakk.com
"I enjoyed the way Bunn and Oke expanded and fleshed-out Bible characters like Stephen, Ananias and Sapphira. The authors brought the fictional main characters — Abigail, Ezra and Lunix — to life by presenting each one's part of the story from her or his point of view. I found the historical and fictional characters alike interesting, complex and thoroughly explored.... All in all The Hidden Flame does a great job of bringing the Bible book of Acts to life." --Violet Nesdoly, BlogCritics.org
"Oke and Bunn bring a wonderful combination of creativity and masterful prose in the second installment in the Acts of Faith series. The vivid scenes and the gripping emotion, set against the backdrop of first-century Christian persecution, will have readers contemplating the strength of their own faith in traumatic times. This continuation doesn't have the same level of suspense as the first novel, but it's still enjoyable." --Jennifer Reyes, Romantic Times Book Reviews
"...a marvelous fictional romance that illuminates how turbulent the times were for Christians shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.... the authors do a fine job of fleshing out their characters and the day-to-day lives they lead fraught with danger and uncertainty. Abigail, an unlikely heroine, is in the inner circle as the apostles' travel through Jerusalem preaching the Word of God in outright defiance of the Roman Sanhedrin. Although her association with them puts her life in jeopardy, her faith and devotion to God surround and protect her. Linux, a Roman soldier, is sent to Judea to quell the rebels and is drawn into the very faith he's been sent to disband as he falls in love with the one woman he cannot have. As the reader is drawn through the intertwining storylines, they can almost feel the tension that permeates the air and the chaos that is history." --Connie Maier, CBA Retailers + Resources
