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Defending David: Ittai’s Journey - Barbara M Britton

 



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?


 My Review:  Loved it. The characters and storyline were engaging and moved in a way that kept the reader guessing. Another winner.

 

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)

Amazon UK link


Comments

Carol James said…
This was a wonderful story of the faithfulness of a friend. I enjoyed it so much and highly recommend it. Congratulations, Barbara.
Carlene said…
Sounds like an exciting story!
Barbara Britton said…
Thank you Carol and Carlene. I had so much fun bringing Ittai to the page. With all the dysfunction in King David's circle, Ittai was a breath of fresh air. I'm glad you joined us.
Defending David sounds like another amazing book, Barbara.
Congrats and good luck and God's blessings!
PamT
Barbara Britton said…
Thank you, Pam. I had so much fun bringing Ittai to the page. I'm glad you joined us.
Gail Pallotta said…
I enjoyed this book, which brought the story of Ittai to life.
Barbara Britton said…
Thank you for joining us, Gail. I'm happy you enjoyed Ittai's story. He is someone I won't forget.

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