In The Shadow of Sinai by Carole Towriss

When I think of the biblical Exodus, I envision the beaten down slave working in the brutal sun, struggling to survive. I'd never paused to consider those with high-ranking or prestigious positions ... like Bezalel. With his artistic skill, Bezalel rises in prestige among the Egyptians, gaining the respect of Pharaoh himself, and yet, his gifting deprives him of what he longs for most--connection with his family and his people. Forced to work in the heat, the common slaves view Bezalel as a traitor. Trapped by his own gifting, Bezalel wonders if perhaps God isn't as loving as some claim him to be. His emotions are complicated further when the plagues brought about by God--those designed to bring liberation--hurts someone Bezalel cares for. Through Bezalel, we experience the plagues--the questions, the fears, the doubts--not only through an Israelite, but through the Egyptians, as well.

The road to faith is never easy, and sometimes we must hit what feels like an impenetrable road block, but in this beautifully crafted novel of hope brought from despair, we realize it is in our times of greatest trials that God triumphs.

This novel grabbed me from page one, and I truly loved each character presented. Carole Towriss' writing is fresh and engaging, and stirred my thinking long after I finished the novel. You don't need to love biblical fiction to enjoy this gripping story of redemption. Anyone who's ever shook their fists at God, anyone who's ever wondered how good could possibly come from their tragedy, anyone who longs to see God's love prevail, will thoroughly enjoy in the Shadow of Sinai. In the Shadow of Sinai is a beautiful novel of hope amidst despair, trust in the face of terror, and a love that binds. Debut author Carole Towriss turned a familiar story of liberation into an unexpected love story that resonates deep in the hearts.

Wow, incredible. A whole new meaning to the story of Moses and the 10 Plagues of Egypt! This behind the scenes look at Israel's slavery in Egypt is brought to life In The Shadow of Sinai. I felt as if I were in the thick of Bible times experiencing the 10 Plagues of Egypt firsthand. I had never read about the turmoil or anguish in such a way that you really felt sorry for the people. It makes you realize what a truly evil ruler Ramses was to allow his people to suffer so greatly.

I was spellbound as I read her gripping descriptions of the palace, and life back in those days, the slaves, the royalty, and the reactions to the plagues that both sides had. In the Shadow of Sinai is absolutely riveting and I couldn't put it down. I had to find out what happened with Bezalel and some of the other characters. I can't wait for more books by this talented author. If you like biblical fiction, you won't want to miss In the Shadow of Sinai.

 Through the eyes of Bezelalel, a Hebrew slave with a gift that makes him invaluable to the Egyptians but despised by his own people, we catch a glimpse of what life may have been like during the Exodus. In the Shadow of Sinai is a beautiful novel of hope amidst despair, trust in the face of terror, and a love that binds. Debut author Carole Towriss turned a familiar story of liberation into an unexpected love story that resonates deep in the hearts.

I highly recommend this novel!! Thanks Carole for sharing your talents with the world!

(I read this book well over a year ago...and have reread it since then...apparently, I had written this review prior to my hiatus, but had not posted it).