The Hidden Flame - By Davis Bunn and Janette Oke

The Hidden Flame - written by Davis Bunn & Janette Oke Published by Bethany House Publishers

The Hidden Flame is the continuing saga of the first century church. The "Followers of the Way" are growing by leaps and bounds. Thousands are being won to Christ, and many more are being healed by the Apostles.

Enter Abigail, a beautiful and mild mannered Follower who finally found home and family with the group of growing believers. Abigail had lost her entire family to the Romans - or so she thought. But, through a friend, Leah, and her husband, Alban, new followers of the Way, she has just been reunited with her brother, Jacob. She is also being mentored by none other than Martha and Mary, specifically Martha. She works hard despite a debilitating wound on her leg that causes her so much pain she can barely walk.

Two suitors are drawn to this beautiful, determined, yet orphaned young lady. One, Ezra, is a widower in need of a mother for his children. The other, Linux, is a friend of Alban's - a Roman soldier captured by her beauty and faithfulness. He could definitely provide protection for Abigail, and maybe even the love she desires.

But neither have captured her heart. As Abigail struggles with the uncertainty of being a woman who's future is in the hands of her guardian - Alban has the final say on who she will marry, and he will listen to Peter - she learns important lessons in faith. Will she be able to continue to trust God through this time of uncertainty?

And what will she do when the Sanhedrin and the Romans both see the Followers of the Way as a threat that needs to be stamped out? Will she survive with heart and faith intact as she faces persecution the followers never saw coming?

To find the answers, I recommend reading The Hidden Flame. But for even more enjoyment, and a fun history lesson on the early church, begin with The Centurion's Wife.

Both The Centurion's Wife and The Hidden Flame have me wanting to go back to the book of Acts to read more about the early church and the people God used to help it grow so much that even today, we are still affected by "The Followers of the Way".