Elizabeth Musser in her new book, “Two Testaments book coverTwo Testaments” Book Two in the Secrets of the Cross Trilogy published by David C Cook continues the story of Gabriella Madison.From the back cover: Love for war’s victims keeps them apart. Will love for each other see them through?The slightest spark will ignite an explosion. And the tinderbox of broken political and racial relations in 1960′s France and Algeria provides plenty of kindling. In the midst of the chaos, Gabriella Madison guards the orphans in her care while battling jealousy with Anne-Marie Duchemin, David’s former flame who has recently arrived in Castelnau, France. Even more problems arise when the townspeople start expressing their discomfort with the multicultural orphanage. They want it shut down…permanently.Meanwhile, David is trapped on the other side of the Mediterranean, caught in the turmoil of a country gone mad. He seeks a way to guard his life and, at the same time, protect the refugees he came to help. But even if he accomplishes his mission, can he get out of Algeria alive?I like history and Elizabeth Musser is doing her best to increase not only my knowledge of history but political and religious freedoms as well. The Algerian war of independence, begun in November 1954, is still raging as “Two Testaments” begins. We pick the story up in March, 1962 just a few months from when the war will officially end on July 3 1962, when France’s President Charles de Gaulle will formally renounce his nation’s sovereignty over Algeria and proclaim its independence. However there is still quite a bit of story to cover in these few remaining months. David and Gabriella are separated; she stays in Castelnau while David is in Algeria. Gabriella is defending the orphans, David is protecting the refugees. For this romance to really work these two are going to have to get back together. “Two Testaments” is filled with danger, suspense, thrills and romance. Ms. Musser knows a thing or two about France as she and her husband are missionaries there. Once again Ms. Musser has provided us a gripping adventure with plenty of action and memorable characters that you really care about. If you are looking for history you will find it here. If you are looking for a really good romance you will find it here. I liked this book and am really looking forward to where Ms. Musser will take us in the third and final book in this series.If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.orgDisclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Being captivated by The Two Crosses, I had to order the other two in the trilogy. Two Testaments was everything I'd hoped (and expected) it would be. Elizabeth Musser does not waste time writing trivial, sweet, preachy romance novels. I always feel like she respects her readers' intelligence and takes each of us personally into the setting & story. I appreciate the depth this series provides. This book is about war, life & death, relationships, finding God and His will while asking the hard questions many of us have asked of our God--"Are you there?" "Where is Your will in war and death?" "Can varying people-groups blend and live together despite their differences?" Through this story, she skillfully reminds her readers that our God is bigger than we can ever imagine, is faithful and loving even when we ask, what are to us, the "hard" questions--then He guides us to find answers--sometimes even using a novel to help us find the answers. As I closed the book today, I was left with further knowledge of a slice of world history for which I previously knew little, a smile for the growth and development of the characters I met in book one and a greater desire to read the final installment. Start with Two Crosses not this one--you will be glad you did because the story is so much fuller when you "know" the characters and settings.
I like reading a great, well written Christian fiction novel. Unfortunately not all books in this genre are well written. They are usually overly sappy, one dimensional and/or super whiny. So, I'm glad to say I actually liked this one. I liked the faith based story. Sometimes it felt a little preachy, but I actually needed 'preachy' today, so it worked. The characters were all nice, sweet people, striving to do the right thing. I wish there had been a little more depth in this area. For the most part though, they were strong enough to carry the story. Some of my favorite authors for this genre have been: Charles Martin, Lynn Austin, and W. Dale Cramer.
—Donna
Full of adventure, intrigue, mystery, drama and incredibly profound plotlines, Two Testaments picks up where the first book, Two Crosses, ended. Without even room for a breath, Musser takes us back into this detailed historical setting and leaves us overwhelmed once again. Powerful moments of introspection are partnered with hearts longing for the truth. It would be easy to take scenes of such raw emotion and play them heavy handed, yet Musser gives them a deft touch with masterful detail and beauty.I completely enjoyed this book. As with the first one, I was transported to this little known bit of history and found myself completely enraptured. I didn’t know much about Algeria and how everything ended up playing out in that country. Musser’s books ring with a fabulous sense of detail and proportion. Rather than giving us so much history it feels like a lesson, she gives us the characters and through their struggles, we are able to anchor the story in reality.People who love history, romance, adventure and intrigue will adore this series. I cannot wait to get into Two Destinies and see where Musser takes us next.Provided by David C. Cook – thank you Karen!
—Lori Twichell
I read this after reading the first book in the series. The characters were all really great, seemed really real. I knew most of them from the last book. My favorite characters were Gabriella, and Ophelia, and David probably. I felt sorry for Gabriella, especially when David was gone. I felt the the beginning of the book had a lot less about her in it than the last half. She was so kind, and loving, and struggling with her selfishness. She didn't know what would happen when Anne-Marie arrived, and she was fearful. She gave up her worries though, and I can't wait to read the next book to see how she did with her new role in the story. Anne-Marie was great, a character who was really strong, and yet sad. She was so nice, not selfish, she a very kind heart. Ophelia was so cute! Bouncy, bubbly, kind, and trusting. If it hadn't been for her the whole orphanage would've been in so much more trouble. I think she added more life to the story. David was great in this story like the last one. He was struggling with his faith after all he'd seen in Algeria. But it only strengthened his faith in the end. He was broken inside when he came back, and split between protecting his daughter and Anne-Marie, and marrying Gabriella. One way he'd be shattering Gabriella's hopes and heart, the other way he wasn't sure what would happen to his daughter. He had a funny side too, which made him even a better character. I wouldn't say this book had less action than the first book, but I found the other book more exciting. I think it was more of a mystery and the action scenes were very, very, dramatic you could say in the last book. This book wasn't as much of a mystery, but was still pretty intense! I found in a little confusing in the beginning when it followed so many different characters. But I figured it all out then it was fine. The way it was written was great again. Overall I would say you did an outstanding job again Elizabeth Musser! I can't wait to read the next book.
—Rachel
