"Freedom's Stand" by J.M. Windle ~ Tyndale House Book Review

Freedom's Stand By J.M. Windle / Tyndale House Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, but villagers and authorities in the hills of Afghanistan respond with skepticism . . . and even violence. Relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization-changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant, Jamil, weighs heavily on her heart. Former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Kabul's upcoming election. He's looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won't find it in Afghanistan.All three are searching for love and freedom in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant. But when religious freedom becomes a matter of life and death, they discover that the cost of following Jesus may require the ultimate sacrifice.

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When I ordered this book, I did so as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone of books that I am most likely choose and to broaden my horizons to explore different writers.

I was not disappointed.

Set in the country of Afghanistan, this fictional story uses the very real-life extremism, hatred and violence of a society in which I actually knew little about to spin a fast-paced tale, a page turner that was hard to put down.    I found myself pulling for and intrigued by the characters, wanting so badly for the happy ending that I hoped would come.  Although I'm ashamed to admit it, never before did I realize the depths of violence and corruption that exists in Afghan society.  Never before did I realize the horrors that a woman and young girls face each day.....and have been made more thankful for the freedoms that I take for granted.

The author manages to take the horrid truths of day-to-day life that occurs for those women and for those who follow Christ and weaves a story that will soften your heart to the plight of these people and strengthen your resolve to fight to see that we never lose the freedoms we so flippantly  possess.  It also causes one to ponder their own devotion to Christ, to what lengths would we go to, what plights would we suffer, what dangers would we face, and what price would we pay to remain true to the One who gave His all for us?

My only regret is that I didn't read the prequel to this book, "Veiled Freedom", first.  It will definitely not be long before I do.  It is a very good thing to step out of that comfort zone once in a while.....I'm very glad that I did.

This book was provided by Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.