Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781524407711 |
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| Publisher: | Deseret Book Company |
| Publication date: | 08/01/2018 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Sales rank: | 494,549 |
| File size: | 1 MB |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Anna the Prophetess
5 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
4 reviews.
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Another winning Biblical fiction by H. B. Moore. We don't know much about Anna except what's written in Luke 2:36-38, and that she was a woman of great faith, and held the rare distinction of being called a Prophetess.
The book starts off in the present, but when Anna's great-niece, Julia, comes to stay with her it switches to the past as Anna relates to Julia how she met Josiah, her deceased husband and the early years of their marriage until his death in battle. Part of the flashback is from Josiah's point of view as he relates moving to a new village as a young widower, trying to fit in his new home, meeting Anna and finally asking her to marry him. Julia learns so much from her Anna about having faith, serving in the temple and seeking the Lord's will in her life.
The author has weaves many biblical stories into Anna's story--the new star in sky, Simeon who was promised he would not die until he saw the Savior, and the story of Elizabeth and Zacharias, the parents of the child who would become John, the Baptist.
I love these Biblical fiction books by Heather Moore because she does so much research it's as if I'm there watching the scenes take place like a movie. I learn about the culture and customs the people had to follow. Once I start one of these books it's hard for me to put it down. I can't wait to read the next book.
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I loved the way I felt completely immersed in the Biblical setting of Anna's story! The historical details are subtly woven into the narrative and built a world very different from ours, but familiar from reading the Bible. I was glad that Julia was a main character and that the story was told from her point of view as well as Anna's. She is a stranger to Anna when they first meet, but the family bond and respect allow the women to quickly grow closer together. Julia appreciates Anna's wisdom and unconventional perspective, based on inspiration from the Lord instead of village customs. Anna's role as mentor to Julia allowed me to share that relationship as well and I felt like I was learning from a spiritual giant. I loved the story of Anna's youth and how she met her husband, it was so gentle and sweet how they grew to care for each other. Anna's devotion to her father and brother painted a picture of her contented daily life filled with loving family, observing customs, and serving neighbors. There is some action and conflict that brought variety to the plot, and I felt like it was well balanced. Julia and Anna rely on the Lord's guidance as Julia seeks answers to her decisions about her future with Phillip, the man who she would like to marry but is not in the good graces of the small village because of a past family scandal. I loved the way her experiences with Anna shifted her perspective and gave her compassion for her family, and her tender feelings for Phillip brought more sweet romance to the story. The signs of the Messiah's birth excite and astound those who recognize them and seem to soften the hearts of all, bringing gratitude that the ancient prophecies have been fulfilled. I loved the way Anna and Julia are able to interact with other Biblical persons, such as Simeon, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph. The beloved Bible story came to life in my mind and heart as I read this book, and my heart felt full of love and gratitude as I finished it. Highly recommend!!!
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
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Have you ever sat and pondered, wondered, thought about the lives of the ancient people in the scriptures? I have. I've loved reading about them in the scriptures but usually we are only shown a small incremental amount of their lives. What about all that happened outside of those few verses? That's what I've pondered and wondered about. Yet, we can't know more than what is written down in those accounts at this point in time. I hope someday, of course not in this lifetime, to learn more about the men and women in the scriptures. But until that time I will have to be content with what has been given us.
I love reading historical fiction. I know it's fiction, but the historical aspects of the genre draw me in and leave me wanting more. Just like when I read the scriptures and want more. Heather B. Moore has studied and researched in great detail the many aspects that build and come together to write her historical novels. I have loved all of her books based on people from the scriptures. This one was no exception. Of course I know that a lot is speculation because as I said earlier, we don't know everything outside of the few verses given us. But this author has an amazing ability to bring these people to life and present what their lives might have been, what might have led them to making the choices they did and living their lives as they did.
The author starts us with Anna near the end of her life but brings family into the scene and we are given a flashback at what her courtship and falling in love with her husband of seven years may have been like. I really enjoyed that part of the story. But even more so, I loved the parts that were connected with the small glimpse we're given of Anna in the scriptures. I loved the touching scenes with Simeon at the temple and Anna watching and waiting for a glimpse of the Messiah. Those scenes were so beautiful, powerful and touching in a gentle way that had me tearing up. Very beautifully written and the Spirit behind the scenes of Elisabeth, Zacharias, Mary, Joseph, Simeon and Anna was very touching.
If you enjoy historical fiction and reading about scriptural characters, I highly recommend trying this one. My favorite books in this genre by this author would be, Ruth and Esther the Queen. I've listed my favorites, but honestly have enjoyed all books that I've read by the author .
Content: Clean. A few moments of peril but nothing graphic.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
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This was such an interesting story--I loved the look into Anna's early life as well as seeing her life as an older woman, serving God in the temple and looking forward to the birth of the Savior. The writing is terrific--I'm always impressed with how Heather Moore weaves in details of the day-to-day life that make you feel as if you're right there with the characters, and I was even more impressed with this book because she did an amazing job of conveying the peace that exudes from Anna, allowing the reader to experience that peace right along with Anna and her great-niece, Julia. (Seriously, how do you write PEACE? That takes some serious talent!) This is a great retelling from the Bible, with messages of faith and hope along with a sweet romance. Really lovely book.
I read a copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own.
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