If I Perish: Historical Fiction Review

Reviewed by Rita Gerlach

Deborah Turner’s talent as a writer shines through the pages of her novel If I Perish. She took on the daunting task of writing a fictional account of the Biblical story of Queen Esther. Through vivid narrative and true-to-life dialogue, If I Perish is an excellent story that transports you thousands of years into the past, to the world of a young Jewish girl called of God to save her nation.

If I Perish, following the Bible’s account, is filled with intrigue, courage, and romance. The book opens with King Xerxes’ feast. He calls to him his wife Vashti, who refuses to obey the King’s command. Though the King loves his wife, he is forced to denounce her as his queen and send her away.

Pining away for Vashti’s love, the King slips into a depression. His ministers suggest he seek a new queen among the women of his kingdom. The young virgins are brought to the palace and placed under the watchful eye of Hagai the eunuch in the "House of Women". Here the girls are groomed and taught the graces most desirable to the King for a purification period of one year. Among them is Hadassah, a young beauty full of grace and charm, and niece of Mordecai the Jew.

Hagai sees something different in Esther, and she wins his favor. He takes her "under his wing’ so to speak, and teaches Esther all she needs to know in order to win the King’s heart. Unknown to the eunuch is Esther’s Jewish heritage.

Deborah Turner writes with sensitivity the meeting between King Xerxes and Esther. The King falls in love with Esther, and Esther returns to the King a tender love he never experience with Vashti. In If I Perish the author conveys the attitude that men had in that time period toward women, that a woman was a man’s property and subservient to men. But the King finds this is not at all true for his Esther. She becomes his confidant and lover, his friend and most loyal subject. Esther is chosen as Xerxes’ wife and queen.

Esther was advised by her uncle Mordecai not to reveal to the King her Jewish origin. Mordecai has grieved the loss of his dear Hadassah (Esther), yet believes that there is a great purpose for Esther.

Ms. Turner depicts Haman, the prime minister, as the Bible describes...an evil, self-serving man, bent on gaining all the power he can to the point he believes it is his right to be King. Haman hates the Jews, and his hatred is further flamed when Mordecai refuses to bow to Haman. Haman then persuades the King to rid the kingdom of all Jews, young and old, man, woman, and child. Haman does not know that Esther is a Jew and Mordecai’s niece.

The decree is issued. Mordecai becomes a target of Haman’s hatred, and Haman has a gallows built by another Jew, a gallows he intends for Mordecai. When Esther receives word of the decree, she faces the most challenging time of her life. She must speak to the King and reveal that she is a Jew, and then reveal Haman’s plan. No one, including the queen, could appear before the King without being summoned by him. To do so meant a sentence of death.

Esther risks her life to save her nation by entering the King’s throne room. She knows the King trusts Haman, but in spite of that, she follows through on a plan that had to be divinely inspired.

Before she goes to the King, Esther orders all Jews to hold a fast for three days and nights. She enters the fast as well with her servants

On day three, Esther dresses in her best royal attire. She then enters the King’s throne room looking beautiful and radiant. Xerxes is smitten by her each time he beholds Esther. She stands in the inner court of the palace, fearing for her life, not knowing what the King will do. Xerxes holds out his scepter. She is free to speak to him. Esther asks the King and Haman to attend a banquet she will have prepared. Haman is proud the Queen has requested his presence and has no idea what is in store for him. After the banquet, Esther asks the King and Haman to attend another banquet the following night, where she will reveal her secret.

At the feast, Esther tells the King she is a Jew, and about Haman’s plan to destroy her people. Esther begs the King to spare the Jews and to delve out punishment upon the evil Haman. Haman begs for his life. Xerxes is extremely distraught, and walks out to the garden, no doubt to think over what has just been revealed to him. He had trusted Haman all this time, only to discover the cruelty and hatred of a plan to destroy the Jews along with his beloved Esther.

While Xerxes is gone, Haman begins employing Esther for help. He goes so far as to lay his hand upon her, and when the King enters, Xerxes believes Haman was attempting to force himself on Esther. He then orders Haman’s execution...to be hung upon the gallows Haman had built for Mordecai.

If I Perish is a book that is a reminder that self-sacrifice for the good of others is not only honorable but also far-reaching. If you have never read the Biblical account, If I Perish compels the reader to do so.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it. In a world where most literature seems to be the same authors and the same kinds of stories, If I Perish is a refreshing change, with a fresh voice from a new writer who has great potential to take her readers into a new place. In your mind’s eye, you see the luxurious palace, and the richly colored silks that adorned Esther. The role of the eunuchs is made clear to the reader, for they, too, were men who sacrificed much in order to fulfill their duty to the King.

If I Perish reminds us to stand up for those in need, those in danger, and those who are persecuted. I give this book five stars!

If I Perish is available from Publish America and all online bookstores.

Reviewed by Rita Gerlach

Rita Gerlach is the author of three romantic historical novels. All of which have received five star reviews. The Rebel’s Pledge is her first book, a story of courage and love in colonial times. Thorns In Eden and The Everlasting Mountains are companion novels, set during the rise of the American Revolution and the Indian War of 1774. Both books have received rave reviews. She is currently writing another historical novel, The Sacrifice, which she hopes to complete by next year.
Reviewer's web site: http://users.starpower.net/rpkg/index.htm
Reviewer's email address: rpkg@erols.com

Zion Covenant: Vienna Prelude and Prague Counterpoint

Bodie Thoene's popular Zion book series includes the Zion Covenant series, published after the Zion Chronicles series, with a setting prior to the Chronicles. Beginning with Vienna Prelude, we experience the horrors of Nazi Germany in the late 1930s, not long before World War II. The first two books in the series vividly describe the political and social climate that allowed the Nazis to invade Austria and then Czechoslovakia.
Amidst this background is an interesting story about Elisa Lindheim, a Symphony Violionist who happens to be half-Jewish. Though she and her family are baptized Lutherans, and Elisa bears the Aryan blonde traits from her mother's side, she has no rights in the Nazi belief system. Elisa's friend Leah, concert celloist and full Jew, lacks false identity papers and is at even more risk.

Vienna Prelude vividly describes life in Austria immediately before the Nazi invasion, complete with the details of that takeover and the seemingly shocking apathy of Europe. Prague Counterpoint immediately follows, with the early days of Austrian occupation, streams of refugees fleeing into Czechoslovakia, and Hitler's scheming to conquer that nation (which would fall several months after Prague Counterpoint ends).

Other characters include Elisa's Jewish father Theo Lindheim. Also, Elisa's old boyfriend-turned-Nazi Thomas Von Kleistman, contrasted with a daring young American reporter, John Murphy, provide a background love interest. A rural Austrian family illustrates the tension experienced even within families, the division brought by Hitler, that would set a son against his brother and his parents. Yet perhaps there is hope for Otto Wattenbarger, the Nazi son who appears more prominently in the second book.

Several historical figures from the time have minor roles, especially the then-out-of-favor, banished Winston Churchill. Yet even American celebrities Charles Lindbergh and Clark Gable have guest appearances, for a greater, international view of the times.

These two books provide exciting adventures which make the historical period even more interesting, while providing great details of historical research. Prague Counterpoint also addresses the "old-news" story (having begun in Germany even before 1938) of the persecuted church in Germany, the Nazi efforts to remove Jewishness from the state church, even their plans to sterilize imperfect adults and kill defective children.

I'll Watch the Moon: An Inspiring Story from Ann Tatlock

It is 1948, and Minnesota (and the rest of the country) is in the midst of a polio epidemic. The situation becomes personal for 9-year-old Nova Tierney when her 14-year-old brother Dewey contracts the dreaded disease. Both children enjoy astronomy and watching the night sky – so when Dewey despairs, looking always at a hospital ceiling, Nova promises him that she will "watch the moon" for him.

Ann Tatlock’s inspiring novel, I’ll Watch the Moon tells a woman’s reminiscences of her life growing up in the post-World War II Midwest. Nova and her brother and mother live with Aunt Dortha, who runs a boarding house in St. Paul, MN. Beyond the close friendship of brother and sister, though, lies a deeper story about Nova’s mother; boarder and Holocaust survivor Josef Karski; and a child who longs for a father.

As with earlier Tatlock novels (such as All the Way Home), this fourth novel is told in a casual first-person style. Nova views the story as an adult piecing together all the pieces: her own memories, plus what her mother later told her before dying of cancer. We are easily drawn into the story and care about the characters, while learning some about polio epidemics, a scary thing before the vaccine was developed. As one who cannot remember the time, it was interesting to learn that – before people knew what caused polio – it was associated with summer activities, especially water and swimming areas. The characters also think the polio epidemic will end when the frost comes, as though it were caused by mosquitoes and killed off by the cold weather. The historical background also tells of the origin of the March of Dimes and FDR’s involvement, as a polio victim himself.

For a Christian novel, the religious element is weak (perhaps to reach a non-Christian audience?). I’ll Watch the Moon contains plenty of references to God, with some attention to the term Providence and its meaning -- but little mention of Christ or Jesus. An emotional incident relayed from Josef to Nova’s mother suggests that a Jewish (non-Christian) Rabbi found hope and something greater than himself (in his circumstances, the Holocaust) – and that is a major lesson learned. The story never goes beyond that point, toward any discussion of Christian beliefs or faith.

Still, this novel has an enjoyable story, a time-slice look at ordinary people in middle America, in the not-too-distant past. The characters, mainly adults, grow and learn from their experiences. The plot brings about a rather surprising and abrupt twist near the end, to show that real life, as in the story, does not always play out the way we expect it to.

Review: Thorns in Eden

Reviewed by Shirley Johnson

Thorns in Eden, by Rita Gerlach, is perhaps one of the most outstanding books I have read in quite a while. Set in 1773 in Fredericktowne MD and England, this novel takes you into the intimate world of the people trying to birth a free Nation, under God. You become one with their struggles and the very essence of their lives is etched in your heart forever!

The main characters are brought to life by the author to the point that you feel a deep kinship to each one. Rebecah Brent, the daughter of a slain British Officer who is thrust into the arms of her less than appealing uncle, Samuel Brent, who is given charge of her life. Rebecah is a young woman that is determined to taste liberty, not only in government but as a woman.

We have the uncle, Samuel, who harbors a deep resentment for his now deceased brother, the mystery of why has not yet been unfolded, although you are given several hints. His loving wife Kathryn, submitted to a harsh hurting man; his children, young Hugh, a lively wonderful boy who seeks out the love and attention of Rebecah. The two woman cousins, Lavinia and Dorian, who are as different as day and night. Dorian being quite stuck on herself and her beauty, does not like the idea of the attractive cousin coming to live, and sweet Lavinia immediately befriends Rebecah and a deep relationship is seared between the two. None of them realize how important each one will be to the other in this drama of their lives.

The author brings into light the one trying to win Rebecah's heart, and the one whom has been chosen for her, rich Cecil Lanley. I, like Rebecah, did not like this self-centered man and cheered when she refused his attention. However, she is reminded that a woman has no say so on whom she will marry. Rebecah had other ideas, good for her!

My favorite characters were the kindly Nash family, Lady Margaret, Sir Rodney and their son the young patriot John Nash, who was trying to make his life in the colonies.

Nash was a patriot, and was against the control that the British had on his new land, this was a death wish for him and his family, one that becomes the main focal point of this entire story.Through only the hand of a higher power, Nash and Rebecah find each other, but the battle is on, not just for the liberty of a new land, but for the liberty of a new love.

It isn't very often that you read a book where the author is able to blend the deep faith of the characters into the story without being preachy or religious. Rita has done just that, in a way that lets you understand all the decisions that they make, throughout this wonderful read, are based on their commitment to a Higher power that is leading their destiny. Only the hand of an exceptional writer could pen the words in this way, bringing to life the true heart of the people who gave their lives for our liberty.

Oh how this story twists and turns as the life of each player surfaces and merges with the others, like a muted sunset at the close of day.

Battles, emotional, physical and spiritual rage throughout the confines of these pages. Deep conflicts of the soul and spirit are wrestled within each character as they bring to life a novel that will draw you into the making of a nation, through the shed tears of the past. As I read the final pages my heart broke, not just for what was behind, but for what lies ahead for the characters I had grown to love.

If you only read one book this year, I recommend Thorns in Eden, a story of love, a story of faith, a story of freedom, a voice from our past, a prayer for our future! Outstanding!

Shirley Johnson/Reviewer
MidWest Book Reviews
Denise's Pieces

Highland Grace: A Moving Conclusion to the Blue Ridge Legacy

Gary Parker’s three-book series, Blue Ridge Legacy, concludes with Highland Grace. Continuing the story of 100-year-old Abby Porter, this final part tells of the Porter family during the years 1945 to 1974. Finally we see where Abby’s great-granddaughter, Lisa, fits into the family tree; and Lisa, the one learning the story from Abby, can make the family faith her own as well.

As begun in Highland Mercies, the previous book, the story now focuses on Abby’s children, as the post-World War II generation takes over from the previous one. Abby and Thaddeus are still around, but more in the background, and brother Daniel is soon removed from the scene. Much of this story revolves around Abby’s wayward younger son, Steve Waterbury. Now that Abby and her generation have their faith in God, the next generation must go through its struggles – and will Steve find his way back home?

The story is told in three sections: 1945 to 1946; 1946 to 195x; and from then to 1974 – but as with multi-generation stories, sometimes many years are skimmed over before more action occurs. Along the way the family lives through the turmoil of those years, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

The highlander ways have passed, as the first part of Highland Grace makes clear. This first part concludes lingering plot elements from the first two books: the long-standing conflict with the Clack family; and Daniel’s vow to get back his family’s land (now lost over 30 years before). After a few interesting plot twists, those two problems are resolved, and the story can move forward. Much of the next two sections deal with a familiar story theme: sibling rivalry between two brothers, with an inferior-feeling younger brother envious of the older.

Still, it is interesting to follow the lives of these characters, much like a real family with many relationships to each other. Even another Clack character comes around to play the brief role of villain, in Jim Waterbury’s brother-in-law (his wife’s side of the family). It also is neat to see the story come up to the present, to fit the modern-day Lisa into the picture along with her early life in the 1970s.