"Not only trials & tribulations but also inner peace & hope..."

• ASIN: ‎ B0CRQLJC3N
• Publication date: ‎ January 6, 2024
• Language: ‎ English
• Print length: ‎ 275 pages
• Genre:  Religious Historical Fiction

The BookViral Review:

With a delicacy befitting the word of God, Sprowles crafts a fascinating and believable account from just one Bible verse – that of the stranger in the Garden of Gethsemane who flees on the night of Jesus betrayal, leaving his outer garments in the hands of his would-be captors. With close attention to scriptural accounts, he brings us Joshua, a young Samaritan, whose epic journey brings not only trials and tribulations but also inner peace and hope.

Set within a time of deep prejudice towards Samaritans, Sprowles frames his story beautifully as we follow Joshua in his quest to find the ‘I AM’. Whilst lacking understanding at the beginning of his journey, Joshua is propelled forward by the spirit of God, and that becomes ever clearer, until his meeting with Jesus sparks a deep and lasting connection.

Sprowles manoeuvres his protagonist expertly, creating touching scenes in which his relationships with ‘Mother’, his Uncle, Cyrus, and Journey, the mangy wild dog with whom he became inseparable, are explored on both an emotional and spiritual level as each plays a part in bringing him to his final destination.

Throughout his book, Sprowles reveals glimpses of Jesus’ teachings, both in the storyline and in carefully chosen dialogue, supported at all times by scriptural reference. He gifts the reader a deep sense of moving through the biblical time frame, imparting an appreciation of this most important time in humankind’s history, and an alternative and immersive experience of the months, weeks and days leading up to the death of Jesus.

Sprowles uses his obvious literary skills to good effect, demonstrating both his aptitude for writing and his deep faith in Jesus, as his words bring his life and ministry to life, encouraging others to be drawn towards the Word of God. A recommended read for those both curious and conversant in Bible knowledge.