The Hidden Flame by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke

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?

Davis Bunn is an award-winning novelist whose audience spans reading genres from high drama and action thrillers to heartwarming relationship stories, in both contemporary and historical settings. He and his wife, Isabella, make their home in Florida for some of each year, and spend the rest near Oxford, England, where they each teach and write. Visit Davis' Web site at www.davisbunn.com

Janette Oke (pronounced "oak") pioneered inspirational fiction and is the leading author in the category today. Love Comes Softly, her first novel, has sold over one million copies. Janette is now the bestselling author of over 70 books, 32 of which have been translated into fourteen languages. Her books have sold over 22 million copies.

Janette receives fan mail from all over the world and answers each letter personally. She received the 1992 President's Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association for her significant contribution to Christian fiction, the 1999 CBA Life Impact Award and has been awarded the Gold Medallion Award for fiction. Janette and her husband, Edward, have four grown children and enjoy their many grandchildren. They make their home in Canada.

I was first introduced to the works of Janette Oke when I was in the 6th or 7th grade.  A friend loaned me Love Comes Softly and I was hooked! Over the years, I’ve gone on to buy every single book by Janette Oke that I’ve come across.  (Aside from a few that I’ve loaned out and never got back, I have them all!) 

I read the first book in this series – The Centurian’s Wife – and enjoyed it.  I do remember thinking it was a bit more “deep” than a typical Janette Oke book.  I don’t remember having a hard time getting into that book like I’ve been experiencing with The Hidden Flame.  I know it’s a good book; but I just can’t seem to read it right now. 

I’ll pick  this book up and revisit this review at a later date.

NOTE: I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.  My thoughts were not influenced in any way.