Discover a friend of King David’s that
stuck closer than a brother.
Biblical Fiction from II Samuel, Chapters
15-19.
Book blurb:
When a
quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a
kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of
Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem
with six-hundred warriors.
Exiled commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking
refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his
leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman's niece in his caravan might prove
useful for finding shelter in a foreign land.
Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve
of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir's betrayal, will they be separated
forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his
rebellious son?
Extract: (Joab and Ittai prepare for war
against King David’s son Absalom)
“Mahanaim is too far from
Jerusalem for my cousin to amass a following with his lies. But he will come.”
Joab stared at the trees as if expecting a foe to be hiding in the branches.
“Absalom has been plotting this rebellion since he regained his father’s
favor.”
“From
the murder of his brother.”
“Half-brother.” Joab’s tone sobered. “You
know a lot about my family. Too bad there is not much to know about yours.”
Joab quirked a brow and stared with the smug expression of a conspirator.
“Why are you here?” Ittai raked
his tongue against his teeth and spit on the needle-strewn ground. Even the
hint of pine sap in the air could not calm the resentment rising in his gut.
Joab slumped on his mount as if he were ready to converse with a confidant.
Even in his casual stance, he looked about to hatch a scheme.
“The king is asking about your
whereabouts. I have been at his side for years, yet he worries about a
foreigner.”
“He shouldn’t worry. I marched
past Hebron and Etam unchallenged.” Ittai shouldn’t take pleasure in insulting
Joab’s tribesmen, but he did. “I’m not about to ride into an ambush.”
“Shut your mouth. I don’t have
time for your boasts.” This was the Joab of old. His former tormentor scowled.
“I need you at the city gate.”
Truly, he had heard the son of Zeruiah wrong. “You, need me?” A chuckle
gurgled from his throat. “Since when have you ever needed my help?” Ittai
sobered. Was this a test of God? Or had something happened to Rimona?
Barbara’s Bio:
Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and
loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Biblical
fiction and enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her
stories. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and Romance Writers of
America. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip
healthy strawberries in chocolate. Find out more about Barb and her books at http://www.barbarambritton.com/.
You can also connect with Barbara on
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbaraMBritton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara-M-Britton-173432342754243/
Instagram: Barbara Britton
(@barbarambritton)
Comments
Congrats and good luck and God's blessings!
PamT