by Marion Ueckermann
Jonathan Tarquinius will steal your heart from the
moment you meet him as a fatherless boy of twelve trying to escape the village
bullies, to the sixteen-year-old son of a nobleman sold into slavery by his
cruel step-brother, and finally as the brave gladiator destined against all
odds to become the champion of Rome.
As you read Jonathan’s story, you’ll share in his
resentment and fury toward those who have wronged him, tortured him, used
him—from the lust-hungry wife of his master, to his greed-filled owner, and the
blood-thirsty crowds that throng the auditorium. You’ll weep for him. You’ll
love with him.
But will he ever find his way back to his father and
home? To the woman he loves? To freedom?
Amongst the injustice, hatred, envy, and lust, Award-winning
author, Nancy Kimball, weaves the beautiful story of redemption. The scarlet
thread is intertwined in the narrative and dialogue of Jonathan’s childhood
memories; through the love of a young slave girl who fight after fight
faithfully tends his injuries and pours salve onto his wounded soul; and in the
sacrificial death of a worthy opponent. No
greater love has a man than to lay down his life for a friend.
Set in ancient Rome in the era of gladiators and
slaves, Chasing the Lion is an
epic novel written in beautiful prose. For me, every word has been a sumptuous
feast and I’ve not wanted this banquet to end. Well done, Nancy. I’m so proud
to call you my friend.
BLURB:
From the
blood-soaked sand of the Roman arena, a divine destiny will
rise.
For as long as Jonathan
Tarquinius can remember, everyone has wanted something from him.
His half-brother wants him
dead. His master’s wife wants his innocence. The gladiator dealers want him to
fight—and die—for their greed. Rome’s most famous prostitute wants his love.
And the gentle slave girl who tends the wounds on his body and the hidden ones
on his soul longs for him to return to his faith.
What Jonathan wants is simple.
Freedom.
But God wants something from
Jonathan too—something more than anyone would ever imagine. The young warrior’s
journey will push him to the limits of human endurance and teach him that true
freedom is found within. The greatest battle Jonathan must ever fight will not
come in the arena, but deep within himself as he is forced to choose between
vengeance and mercy—with the fate of an empire and the life of the woman he
loves hanging in the balance.
Author, avid reader and
shameless hero addict, Nancy Kimball makes her home in Houston, Texas. She
loves history, great books with strong heroes, and doesn't understand the point
of white crayons. Her stories feature characters that must rise from brokenness
to triumph, with a little love and faith along the way, solidifying her brand
of storytelling, Fiction From the Ashes.
To stand a chance in the draw for an autographed print copy of Chasing
the Lion by Nancy Kimball, please leave a comment with your email
address by 13 June. Winner will be announced on 15 June in the Sunday Edition.
Watch the exciting book trailer.
Watch the exciting book trailer.
"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend
on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation
of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any
pertaining local/federal/international laws."
Marion Ueckermann’s
passion for writing was sparked in 2001 when she moved to Ireland with her
husband and two sons. Since then she has published devotional articles and
stories in Winners, The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter (Tyndale House
Publishers), and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miraculous Messages from Heaven.
Her debut novelette, Helsinki Sunrise, releases 22 August
2014 by White Rose Publishing, a Pelican Book Group imprint, Passport to
Romance series. Marion blogs for International Christian Fiction Writers and
Beauty for Ashes. She belongs to Christian Writers of South Africa and American
Christian Fiction Writers. She lives in Pretoria East, South Africa in an empty
nest with her husband and their crazy black Scottie, Wally.
Love to read more of Chasing the Lion! tatumlight@gmail.com Diane Tatum
ReplyDeleteIt's an awesome book, Diane.
DeleteSounds fantastic! Thanks for this opportunity to win this exciting book.
ReplyDeleteIt is fantastic, Kathleen. Should be on everyone's To Be Read pile :) (at the top!)
DeleteKathleen, could you please send your email address :)
DeleteI'd be very interested to read 'Chasing the Lion'--it sounds both exciting and challenging. Thanks for the opportunity to be in the running for a copy, Nancy and Marion. jobert[at]tpg[dot]com[dot]au
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that there are four opportunities to win - two on ICFW (yesterday and today - print and ebook) and on www.beautyforashes.co.za (Wednesday and today posts - also a print and ebook up for grabs). Comment on all four blogs to increases your chances to win a copy.
DeleteWhew! That description and blurb took my breath away. I love the passion that's coming through. What a memorable character! It reminded me a little of the film Gladiator, but with a strong spiritual element. Gotta admit I'd love to read this thrilling novel.
ReplyDeleteritagal at optusnet dot com dot au
Rita, it's a must read. I'm definitely going to read it again :) And I cannot wait for the next book from this talented author.
DeleteMarion, I like gladiator stories, and the premise for this story sounds fascinating. Thanks for sharing your thoughts :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a fascinating story, Narelle, and a great read. I presume you want me to add you to the draw? (fortunately I do have your email addy:) )
DeleteExciting time period. I'd love to read this.
ReplyDeleteleannehardy AT gmail DOT com
It's an exciting book, LeAnne. You will love it.
DeleteWould love a chance to win! Nancy is a talented writer, and I'm rooting for this book! Thank you for the opportunity! jy.foreman (@) Hotmail dot com
ReplyDeleteJanette, it's good to see you here at ICFW. You're right, Nancy is an extremely talented writer, and Chasing the Lion is an amazing story ... that's why I'm promoting it.
DeleteDon't forget, to increase your odds of winning, leave a comment at both ICFW posts as well as two posts on www.beautyforashes.co.za
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I'm posting a response on behalf of Denise Schneider, the lovely wedding coordinator who I dealt with at Oakfield Farm with my oldest son's wedding. Denise couldn't access the blog, so I emailed her the interview. She indicated that she'd love to be in the draw:
ReplyDelete"Thank you so much for taking the trouble sending to me again." Denise(at)oakfield(dot)co(dot)za