Meet My Friend:
The first time I “talked” to Jenna Van Mourik through a direct message was the last time we were strangers.
This precious girl was at first one of my dearest readers. She’s since become a valued and respected colleague. Jenna has done so much to expand the reach of biblical fiction into the overall Christian fiction market. As I understand her story, she began with a passion for writing in general. She then zeroed-in on biblical fiction and actually proposed it as the topic for her master’s thesis! (And it was accepted!)
This woman is professionally trained and instinctively gifted in the art and craft of writing. Not only that, she’s just plain fun to be around! I had the profound pleasure of meeting Jenna face-to-face a few years ago in Maryland at a readers’ event and am so glad I was able to personally thank her for the many years she’s supported me and been such a HUGE encouragement. It’s now my privilege to share her UH-mazing book with y’all, Antioch’s Daughter.
Book Description:
Forced from her home after the stoning of Stephen and persecution of believers in Jerusalem, Libi and her family now live in the city of Antioch. Days pass quickly in a community where the oppressed are in great need, and Libi finds every opportunity to serve alongside other believers despite growing obstacles and a lack of resources. All of this leaves little time to think about what she has lost, or the growing desire in her heart for what she does not have.
Cassius lives his life in the shadows after witnessing the impossible and deserting the Roman Army as a coward. While passing through Antioch, Cassius accidentally crosses paths with the followers of The Way—the same group of radicals that Cassius blames for his long-dead military career. Staying in Antioch could satisfy his thirst for revenge, but only if he can avoid Libi, whose presence has an effect on him that threatens to break down the defenses he has spent years building.
When a persecutor from Libi’s past re-emerges, Libi is forced to confront doubts she didn’t know she carried, and Cassius must also reconcile with his past if he ever aims to have a future. How far does grace go, and will they have the strength to find out?
My Review:
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 4 Smiles!
Though I hadn’t read the first book in the Generations of Faith series, book #2 in the series immediately grabbed my emotions. I cared deeply about Cassius, the tormented-child-turned-terrified-deserter. I was drawn in by the loving and sacrificial dynamic of Libi’s family.
Both main characters in Antioch’s Daughter were complex characters with multiple opportunities for pivotal life decisions. For the most part, they remained true to character. Libi’s extremely strong reaction to her past caught me a little by surprise, however. She did make a believable recovery, and the resolution of the story was satisfying. It wasn’t overly predictable, nor did it offer a “bow-tied” ending.
I’d recommend Antioch’s Daughter based on two important signposts. First, I contemplated this book (its story, characters, writing, etc.) in between reading times. Second, I referred to the book’s spiritual theme, “Jesus makes all things new,” in conversations after finishing the book. This tells me Antioch’s Daughter made an impact on my heart, not just my mind. Well done, Jenna Van Mourik! Looking forward to the next work in your series!
Short Bio:
Jenna Van Mourik graduated magna cum laude from California Baptist University with a B.A. in English, and received a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. Her debut novel, Jerusalem’s Daughter, was published in 2021 and is the first book in the Generations of Faith series.
When she’s not reading, writing, podcasting, or sharing her favorite books on social media, she’s spending time with her husband, Brandon, and toy Australian shepherd, Piper. She strives to live every day according to God’s purpose, with what she calls a “Now go!” mindset, in reference to her favorite passage of scripture, Exodus 4:11-12.
Connect with her at www.authorjennavanmourik.com or on social media at @jennavanmourik.
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