Christianbook.com Ratings and Reviews

Customer Reviews for Bethany House Hidden Flame, The - eBook

Bethany House Hidden Flame, The - eBook

Abigail had lost everything--home--family, and left with little promise of a normal life. When she discovers the Messiah and joins his followers, she also discovers new meaning and purpose. Maybe she does have a future after all. But increasing persecution is scattering the burgeoning group "to the ends of the earth." And Abigail may have given her heart to the wrong man.

Abigail, an orphan, has found the young brother she had thought was dead. Along the way she also has found a second family--those brave followers of the Jewish prophet Jesus. Under attack from several groups who hate them for their growing influence, these new Christians are spreading out from Jerusalem, taking their life-changing message with them. This further enrages the religious elite, and they engage whomever they can to stamp out this powerful new sect called The Way.

Average Customer Rating:
4.783 out of 5
4.8
 out of 
5
(46 Reviews) 46
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (46 reviews)
5 stars
37
4 stars
8
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
15 out of 15100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Review 1 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

very good historical fiction

Date:March 1, 2013
Customer Avatar
Redshoe
Location:Cumberland, MD
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I love historical fiction and this book gives a wonderful perspective on the life of early christians. Taking people mentioned in the Bible and weaving them into the story gives them a depth character I hadn't considered before.
An enjoyable, faith building read. Good Job!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

fulfilled my expectations

Date:July 7, 2012
Customer Avatar
jahoody
Location:Petawawa
Age:Over 65
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
My first e book purchase and I am more than pleased. These are two of my favorite authors that I was able to take with me on a trip with limited luggage able to read at my leisure as my reader was in my purse.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:August 7, 2012
Customer Avatar
Gaury
Location:Castle Rock, CO
Age:Over 65
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
After our study group had just finished a nine-month search into the book of Acts, finding this trilogy felt like a reward for our effort. We all know the story of the leaders. Insights into the lives of the 'followers' in their extremely difficult, yet richly blessed, days at that time convinced me that we who love the Lord now are actually spoiled brats! He knows that, but He still puts up with us. Thank you, Bunn & Oke, and thank You, Lord!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
This review is fromThe Hidden Flame, Acts of Faith series #2 Large Print.
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:February 18, 2012
Customer Avatar
none
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
A very good book, hard to put down. Great historical fiction
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
This review is fromThe Hidden Flame, Acts of Faith series #2 Large Print.
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Enjoyed the book--used it in our book study

Date:January 25, 2012
Customer Avatar
PattiKat
Location:Arlington, Texas
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Great series--we used this in our church book study. We did the first book before Christmas and liked it so much we decided to do this one! It is very enjoyable and really makes you feel like you have a better understanding of the times and culture.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
This review is fromThe Hidden Flame, Acts of Faith series #2 Large Print.
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

I Love Historical Fiction

Date:December 2, 2011
Customer Avatar
Valerie
Location:Clarence, NY
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I have always wondered what life was like for Believers in the early days of the church. As I read this book ( the prequel "The Centurion's Wife" and the sequel "The Damascus Way" as well) I feel as though I am given a glimpse as to how it might have been. I read these books - knowing they are fiction - but the biblical and historical truths - that are in place within the stories - are eye opening and encouraging to me as I see over and over again - "there is nothing new under the sun" and the struggles new Believers faced then - are so similar to what we face now. Personally, I love this genre and time period. After reading the stories, I am compelled to reread the scripture that is referenced and try to find more historical data of the real to life characters.
I thought the books were very well done. I believe Christians are called to 'encourage one another' and these books are an encouragement to me and my faith. My time was well spent as I was transported to the early days of the Church in reading these books.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
This review is fromThe Hidden Flame, Acts of Faith series #2 Large Print.
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

EXCELLENT READING AND SO COMPATIBLE WITH THE BIBLE

Date:August 12, 2011
Customer Avatar
Grammy Jo
Location:ROANOKE, VA
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
LOVE THIS SERIES. MAKES THE BOOK OF ACTS COME ALIVE. I HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY BOTH BOOKS AND AM ORDERING THE THIRD. THESE ARE TWO WONDERFUL AUTHORS AND I CAN TELL THEY LOVE THE LORD AND KNOW THE BIBILE. NEVER HAVE I READ SUCH WONDERFUL BOOKS. I WISH I COULD AFFORD ALL THE BOOKS DAVIS BUNN HAS WRITTEN. I AM A NEW READER AND I CAN HARDLY PUT THESE BOOKS DOWN WHEN I START READING. GOD BLESS THE AUTHORS AND CBD. J.D.
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Continuing Drama with Surprising Results!

Date:July 2, 2011
Customer Avatar
BookBear
Age:18-24
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Title: The Hidden Flame.
Author: Davis Bunn and Janette Oke.
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Biblical, Romance, Sequel.
Plot: In this second installment of the Acts of Faith trilogy, the center of attention shifts to Abigail, the merry hearted but crippled beautiful young woman. Recently reunited with her brother Jacob whom she’d long thought dead, Abigail finds a new chapter in her life opening, beginning with the hurried departure of her dear friends Leah and Alban. An important new task is given Abigail within the growing community of believers that serves to occupy her hands and heart but not her increasing worries over Jacob and the rumors whispered on the streets of Jerusalem. Unbeknown to Abigail, she is about to face a loss so great it will shake her world and cause her to lean even more on the loving arms of God.
Two years after the events of The Centurion’s Wife take place two men enter the scene and both desire Abigail for themselves. One is a wealthy merchant named Ezra who wants a mother for his two young children and someone to take the place of his departed beloved wife. The other is Alban’s friend Linux who soon finds himself in a battle he never anticipated. Carrying new orders from Rome and hatred in his heart for his pompous older brother Castor, Linux will do anything to get back at Castor. But with threats against the growing community of believers increasing, from the Sanhedrin as well as the new governor, and Abigail’s worries over Jacob beginning to hit home, the Roman officer finds his world being torn in half.
And when tragedy unexpected strikes, will the believers’ faith be enough to see them through the times of peril and persecution ahead or will they break?
Likes/Dislikes: This was a very well written novel. It flowed well from all three main characters’ viewpoints and had just enough description to give you the setting without bogging down the whole book. The conversations between the characters were all very interesting as well. And it was a real treat to see Biblical figures I’ve long been familiar with, such as Stephan, Saul, Gamaliel, Sapphira and her husband, introduced and “fleshed out.” It was also nice to have Peter in several more scenes than in the prequel. I think Linux was my favorite character as he struggled with all his burdens. The tragedy is so sad but I admit I was too excited to see how all the characters reacted to cry with them.
Rating: PG-12 and up for reading level and a violent death though not graphic at all, thankfully.
Date Report Written: July 1, 2011.
I received this book free from the publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in the above review are my own.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Book #2 was great.

Date:June 26, 2011
Customer Avatar
charlie
Location:Winter Garden, Fl.
Age:Over 65
Gender:female
Quality: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Another one that I couldn't put down. Had to continue series to see what happens next. It was midnight before I realized that I had to put the book down. Next a.m. got cup of coffee and continued until I finished . Where is #3.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Different but good

Date:June 6, 2011
Customer Avatar
Lala
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
This was book was very good, but it was not really what I had expected! Their were some parts that I was iffy on, but overall a great story! Looking forward to the third book in the series!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Excellent historical fiction

Date:May 9, 2011
Customer Avatar
Mrs K
Location:Midwest
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is the second book in this series but the authors did a good job of catching the reader up on the events that were missed in the series debut. It is always interesting to me to read historical fiction set in Biblical times. I knew Stephen was going to die when he was introduced but hearing two author's interpretation on his life and the lives of the followers of The Way was intriguing and interesting.
I enjoyed this book very much and am looking forward to going back to read the series debut The Centurion's Wife and will anticipate future books in this series.
***I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House publishers. All opinions expressed are my own.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:February 23, 2011
Customer Avatar
Janet
Age:Over 65
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I loved the setting seeing how the Christians grew stronger in the harsh situations also how Jesus was lifted up.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

This book takes me back in time.

Date:January 2, 2011
Customer Avatar
granny m
Location:Ashland, PA
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I enjoyed vol. 1 & 2 of this series. I am anxious to read vol. 3. I like the historical aspect to the novels as well as the fiction. I purchased the series for my cousin for Christmas. Would I recommend them? You bet!
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:December 13, 2010
Customer Avatar
Robby J
Age:Under 18
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
The sequel to The Centurion's wife was even better than its predecesor. I loved the turn of events and the interweaving between the Biblical stories in the Book of Acts and the fictional stories of the characters. I truly enjoyd this book more than the first and cannot wait until the third installment of The Acts of Faith Series.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

A beautiful and unique tale of the Early Church

Date:November 18, 2010
Customer Avatar
Kris
Location:West Virginia
Age:Under 18
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
*The Hidden Flame* is a superb sequel to Book One in *Acts of Faith* series. The story begins were the first novel left off, only this time, the main viewpoint is from Abigail, Linux, Ezra, and later, Stephen. Abigail is a stunningly beautiful woman with a desire to please God and a heart of compassion for the less fortunate. After proposals from two unappealing men, Abigail finds love and marriage in Stephen, a fine, moral young man with one goal in life--to please his Savior and Lord. However, the followers' faith and dedication to their Lord is tested by unimaginable persecutions. Will Abigail and Stephen be able to withstand the trials ahead? A *MUST READ*!
I disliked only two things about this novel. First, I believe Mrs. Oke and Mr. Bunn should have delved deeper into Leah's life with Alban; her personal story truly captured my heart and I would truly have loved to read more about her. Second, the novel was somewhat predictable. As the storyline progresses, one almost expects the outcome. But all in all, it is a beautiful, superb tale that I would totally recommend.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:September 1, 2010
Customer Avatar
Lynn Mowrey
Just started reading a few days ago but going quickly. Fascinating how the two authors bring the early Christian church to life and makes me wonder how I would respond to the challenges they were faced with. Really like this series.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:August 20, 2010
Customer Avatar
Lisa7491
very good book. I loved that it is set in the time just following Jesus' death and resurrection. Very well written and the spiritual content was fantastic. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:August 7, 2010
Customer Avatar
Eleanor Knobloch
I have only read the first two books in this series. I enjoyed them immensely, and I felt it gave a beautiful look into the history of the Christian faith. There was much food for thought.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:June 26, 2010
Customer Avatar
Lyn
A little predictable, but mostly because the story uses persons mentioned it the book of ACTS. The fictional story expands and details life in that period and the real cost of being Christian, and leaves a hopeful future - for book 3? I look forward to it!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for Hidden Flame, The - eBook
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:June 21, 2010
Customer Avatar
Crystal
What a book! Historical fiction at its finest! Every time I picked this book up I felt like I was transported back to Bible times during the birth of the church in Israel. (I also had a difficult time putting it down!) I enjoyed meeting new characters mixed in with actual Biblical figures, Peter, Stephen, and others. They were woven together in an intriguing way. I quickly figured out that this was book two in the series. While the book can stand alone, they do make reference to events that took place in the first book in the series The Centurions Wife, which I have ordered and am looking forward to reading. This book helped me make a connection to those long ago days where just getting enough to eat was a daily concern. Where persecution of the young church was a real possibility, Romans were everywhere, and the faith of the Christians was enormous. I hope you as a future reader of this book will be as drawn in and touched by the people, places and events, both real and fictional, as I was. I would like to thank Bethany House Publishing for the opportunity to review their books and for the free copy that I received.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.