Book Review: The Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

"As the sound of their racing gallop over the cobblestones faded away, Abigail moved her head to see the entire community of believers standing in stunned silence. No longer the wedding music. No longer the laughter and camaraderie, the dancing and feasting. Once more their world had abruptly changed, and they were reminded of who they were, where they were. Aliens in their own land. Judeans, certainly, yet viewed as enemies by both their own religious leaders as well as the Roman conquerors." The Hidden Flame, pg. 17.

Abigail and her brother Jacob are left with the group of believers in Jerusalem when their guardians have to flee for their lives. There is growing unrest in the city. Religious leaders want to get rid of the followers of The Way. The Romans wish to quench the attacks of the Zealots, and the church continues to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Even with the power of the Holy Spirit moving and alive within them, Abigail finds herself an object of desire for two men. Both are unacceptable. Neither have trusted in the Risen Lord. Can she trust God with her future? Each day brings the early Church closer to persecution. Will they be ready? Who will throw the first stone?

The Hidden Flame is the second book in the Acts of Faith series. I have not had the opportunity to read the first book in this series The Centurion's Wife. I think it would be helpful to have read that novel before reading The Hidden Flame.

I found the story a little hard to follow at first, but attributed that to having missed the first book in the series. It was interesting to see how Bunn and Oke brought to life some very well known Biblical stories. I enjoyed meeting Peter, Stephen, Ananias and Sapphira as well as Saul of Tarsus. I think that the authors did a great job showing us the Jewish customs of courtship and marriage as well as the struggle that the early church went through in Jerusalem.

I would recommend this book to lovers of Biblical fiction.

(I received a copy of this book for the purpose of review.)