December 29, 2008
5 Minutes for Books — The Centurion’s Wife
Today one of the members of the 5 Minutes for Books’ team of reviewers will be offering up our weekly book review here at 5 Minutes for Mom. Lauren is a wife, a mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows.
On Thursday, we start a new year. To me, it seems that each year passes faster and faster. I am no longer a child who feels like time stands still. Instead, I just want to shout, “Slow down!” I know that our world has many problems, but I am thankful to be alive at this time, and I look forward to the coming year. I hope you do too.
Although I am glad to live here and now, I enjoy reading historical fiction. I am always up for a good story, no matter the setting; but I do appreciate learning how others lived in the past. In their latest novel, The Centurion’s Wife
I enjoyed this book. I am familiar with the Biblical account of these events, and it was fascinating to consider the thoughts and actions of the Jewish leaders, the Roman officials, and the followers of Christ through the eyes of these fictional characters. I appreciate fictional accounts of Biblical events because I find myself wanting to reread the stories in my Bible, and novels of this type help me to gain a better understanding of the everyday lives of the Biblical characters I have read about so many times. Of course, I do encourage you to read the accounts in your Bible. Even the most well-written narrative is not the equivalent of God’s word (and I am sure the authors would ask you to do the same).
The Centurion’s Wife
series, which is also set in the first century during the early years of Christianity. In my opinion, the characters in the Mark of the Lion
stories are more compelling (so far), but both series are historically fascinating. If you enjoyed the Mark of the Lion series, I recommend The Centurion’s Wife
If you would like to win a copy of this book (U.S. or Canadian shipping addresses) from Bethany House, please leave a comment. We’ll post the winner in next week’s column.
Due to legal restrictions, this promotion is not available in Arizona or Quebec. Please see our site’s Terms and Conditions of Use for a complete list of our Contest and Giveaway Rules.
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Christianity, Contests by Jennifer
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203 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — The Centurion’s Wife
#1 - Alicia @ Experiencing Each Moment @ 10:12 am
Definitely
#2 - Amber @ 11:00 am
I was just reading the reviews on this last week. Looks interesting - I loved the Mark of the Lion series!
#3 - Amber @ 11:00 am
I am subscribed to your feed.
#4 - Amber @ 11:00 am
I have your button linked on my blog.
#5 - Mama Zen @ 11:13 am
This sounds wonderful!
#6 - Mama Zen @ 11:13 am
I subscribe to the newsletter.
#7 - Angela C. @ 11:27 am
I would love to win. I loved the Mark of the Lion series and would like to read this version.
accoupons at gmail dot com
#8 - Kristi @ 11:49 am
Hello,
Great review - I love books that are in a series! Please sign me up for the giveaway!
Kristi
#9 - Michael Capp @ 12:22 pm
I’d love to win!
#10 - emily @ 12:23 pm
This sounds really interesting. Like you, I enjoy historical fiction quite a bit.
#11 - Denise @ 12:29 pm
This sounds really interesting. Count me in!
#12 - Kris @ 12:34 pm
A cold winter day and a good book, sounds like a great combination. Please sign me up!
#13 - Debby @ 12:36 pm
I love historical fiction. Sounds like a good read.
#14 - Brandy @ 12:41 pm
Ahhh, this book is on my Amazon wishlist! I’ve been wanting it for awhile now. Pick me, pick me!
#15 - Nise' @ 1:01 pm
Loved Mark of the Lion series and historical fiction. Thank you for the opportunity.
#16 - John Rasmussen @ 1:11 pm
sign me up
#17 - Cassidy @ 1:13 pm
I would love to read this. It sounds wonderful.
#18 - C. clemens @ 1:14 pm
enter me please thankssss
#19 - Deborah Wellenstein @ 1:20 pm
Thank you for this giveaway!
#20 - Melissa @ 1:26 pm
This book sounds so good!
#21 - Jenn S. @ 1:42 pm
This book sounds really interesting. Would love the chance to read it. Thanks!
#22 - Teresa @ 2:02 pm
My kind of book-would love to read this.
#23 - Baba @ 2:14 pm
I would love to read this! Thanks so much for the chance!
#24 - Stacie @ 2:17 pm
I’d love to win! Thank you!
#25 - Terra Heck @ 2:19 pm
I’d like to read this book.
#26 - Shirley Stubbe @ 2:25 pm
I love historical romances.
#27 - Shannon Baas @ 2:28 pm
I love to read. Please enter me.
#28 - Sherry B. @ 2:40 pm
I would love to read this! I am one of those “history buffs” who always wonders how the people surrounding a main character might have been affected by the actions of the person that we are learning about. This is right up my alley!
#29 - Linda Peters @ 2:58 pm
would love to read this, thanks
#30 - Christine @ 3:02 pm
Looks like a great read!
#31 - Kathy Scott @ 3:28 pm
I love to read and this looks like a good read.
#32 - Sandy @ 3:51 pm
looks interesting
#33 - Sandy @ 3:51 pm
subscriber
#34 - Kristy @ 3:52 pm
I would love to read this book!
#35 - Linda White @ 4:22 pm
i love Jannette oakes
#36 - karen c. @ 4:29 pm
I love good historical fiction.
#37 - susan varney @ 4:35 pm
love to have this one
#38 - Krista @ 4:38 pm
Ooo, I’ve read books they collaborated on before and they are good!
#39 - Sarah @ 4:50 pm
Great review! I now want to read a book that I probably would have never looked at before.
#40 - Richelle F @ 4:54 pm
Looks interesting!
#41 - Richelle F @ 4:54 pm
I’m subscribed to your feed.
#42 - Junglewife @ 5:03 pm
I saw this on 5 Minutes for Books and thought it looked very good - I’d love to win!
#43 - Janette @ 5:11 pm
I love Janette Oke’s work. She’s also the only other person I’ve heard of who has the same name as I do!
#44 - Deidre @ 5:21 pm
Ditto, what everybody else said! LOL
Deidre
#45 - Deb @ 6:01 pm
I’d love to win a copy of this book because I love biblical fiction.
#46 - Deb @ 6:02 pm
I’m subscribed to your feed, too! Pls enter my name!
#47 - Anne @ 6:10 pm
Sounds like a great read! I’d love to win and then pass it on!
Thanks
#48 - Jodi @ 6:10 pm
Hi Jennifer,
I write a blog entitled An American Mom in Tuscany: Jordan’s Cochlear Implant Story http://rallycapsdotnet.blogspot.com. I am also the co-author of the book RALLY CAPS which features a character with a cochlear implant just like my son Jordan. I would appreciate it if you could add this book to your list of books to review and if you would like me to send you a copy, email me at jodi@rallycaps.net
You can read more about the book at http://www.rallycaps.net
Thank you,
Jodi
#49 - Ann Fantom @ 6:18 pm
I would love to win this! Please enter me
#50 - Susan Smith @ 6:19 pm
Sounds like a good book
#51 - Mikki @ 6:23 pm
This looks like a great book! Count me in!
#52 - Sheila @ 7:09 pm
I love historical fiction and Janette Oke is one of my favorite authors!
#53 - Just Mom @ 7:19 pm
I’d love to win - count me in!
#54 - Lindsey@A Kindred Spirits Thoughts @ 7:42 pm
I have been really wanting to read this, and the Mark of the Lion series is my very favorite! Thanks for the giveaway, I would LOVE to win!
#55 - Angela@BecomingMe @ 7:51 pm
I love historical fiction…this seems like a great read.
#56 - Pat @ 8:13 pm
Thank ou for introducing me to this series. Seems to me it leads to more charitable and loving lives.
Thanks for the contest and best wishes for a prosperous 2009.
#57 - Aisling @ 8:45 pm
I enjoy reading fictionalized accounts of actual events also. It’s so interesting to see how a writer can flesh out details of long ago lives. Norah Lofts and Jean Plaidy were excellent practioners of that sort of writing and I miss them. This sounds like a good book and I’d love to win a copy.
#58 - Rhonda Struthers @ 8:55 pm
I would like to read this. Please enter me.
#59 - christopher h @ 9:10 pm
sounds like a really good read
#60 - Kathy Amos @ 9:33 pm
This looks great
#61 - Katherine Frazier @ 9:44 pm
sounds like a good read.
#62 - The Gang's All Here! @ 9:55 pm
A good NEW! book on a cold winter’s night would be so appreciated!
#63 - Amy W @ 9:58 pm
I would love to read this!
chrisandamyward(at)comcast(dot)net
#64 - jenna @ 10:21 pm
Sounds like a great book. I would love to read it. Thanks!
#65 - Shilah @ 10:26 pm
Oh, I love Janette Oke’s books! This sounds like another great one.
#66 - Linda @ 11:10 pm
This looks like a great book to read this coming
January in Canada.I am a subscriber.
#67 - Kim @ 11:13 pm
I’d love to read this!
#68 - Kari @ 11:16 pm
LOVE IT……WOW, cannot wait to READ this one!!! I love historical fiction with a smidge of romance! Yeehaw!!!
thanks girls!
#69 - Rebekah @ 11:18 pm
This looks like a wonderful book! I would love to win it - and if I don’t, I’ll be looking for it at the library
#70 - Marcia Freeman @ 11:42 pm
What a great way to start 2009. I would love to win.
#71 - Samantha R @ 12:01 am
This sounds like a great book!
#72 - Debbie B @ 12:07 am
i need a new book to read!
#73 - Serena @ 12:49 am
I’ve always enjoyed Janette Oke’s books. Historical fiction is my favorite!
#74 - Melonie (Momma & More) @ 1:23 am
Janette Oke is one of my favorite authors! Please enter me in this drawing. I don’t see most of the new releases here on base since we don’t have a regular book store and the book area in the PX/BXs is fairly limited in space. I hadn’t heard about this until you posted this review - it sounds amazing!!!!
#75 - Miss Heidi @ 1:58 am
I love to read. Thanks.
Heidi
sweet_soul_sistermi@yahoo.com
#76 - Jackie @ Our Moments Our Memories @ 2:08 am
I loved reading the Francine Rivers books, so I know I would enjoy this. Thank you!
#77 - Carol Lawrence @ 5:52 am
Interesting book,hope I win.
#78 - maryzell roberts @ 6:47 am
I study God’s word to us every day. I’d love to read this book. Maybe this centurion corresponds to Cornelius. I’s sure like to see.
#79 - maryzell roberts @ 6:48 am
I study God’s word to us every day. I’d love to read this book. Maybe this centurion corresponds to Cornelius. I’d sure like to see.
#80 - Susan @ 7:47 am
Sounds like a great book - I’d love a copy!!
Susan
#81 - Vickie Couturier @ 8:10 am
I love historicals too they are my favorite to read,so please count me in,thanks
#82 - david basile @ 9:38 am
a book my wife would enjoy
#83 - michele anne jaquays @ 9:41 am
would like to win this
#84 - FPresley @ 9:54 am
Intriguing title…I love historical romance and there are few good ones written about this time period.
#85 - Vicky Boackle @ 9:55 am
this looks so good.
#86 - Jodi @ 9:58 am
Sounds like a good read! Enter me please!
#87 - Susan C @ 10:29 am
I love historical fiction, it makes the facts come alive for me!
smchester at gmail dot com
#88 - Alexia @ 10:31 am
I love anything Janette Oke has her writing in - I would love to win!
#89 - Carol G @ 10:40 am
If it is written well, can be a good educational tool about the time as well as a good story.
#90 - Carol G @ 10:43 am
I have subscribed
#91 - Linda Howard @ 11:00 am
Please enter me. I would love to read this book. Thanks!
#92 - Wanda @ 11:05 am
I heart Janette Oke! My BFF turned me on to her good stuff several years back. I just love her!
So this is exciting to have a chance to win!
Thanks.
#93 - Christine Jensen @ 11:45 am
I would love to win a copy of this book!
#94 - Christine Jensen @ 11:45 am
I also am a newsletter subscriber (if that helps with this giveaway)
#95 - Karen Gonyea @ 11:46 am
Count me in please
#96 - Zoly @ 11:53 am
This is a good one.
#97 - Anita @ 1:54 pm
I’m always up for a good read!
#98 - Vicki Wurgler @ 2:09 pm
I would love to read this book
#99 - sito @ 2:58 pm
I’ve heard about this book and the reviews I’ve read have been good. I’d love to own a copy. Thanks for the giveaway.
#100 - Melanie @ 3:11 pm
Ever since reading Marion Zimmer Bradley’s “The Firebrand” I’ve fallen for historical fiction - having a story and characters makes getting a grasp of the time period so much easier and more interesting! This story sounds intriguing…and they don’t have this title at our library. : )
#101 - Marie @ 3:12 pm
Would love a chance to read this!
#102 - Susan Heim @ 3:22 pm
I would love to win this. One of my all-time favorite books is “The Red Tent,” another Biblically based novel. This book sounds excellent, too.
#103 - Andrea @ 4:01 pm
Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
#104 - Angela J @ 4:15 pm
I can use another good book to read.
#105 - Carolyn Nedrow @ 4:23 pm
I love to read good books!
cjnedrow@gmail.com
#106 - Carolyn Nedrow @ 4:26 pm
I am a subscriber!
cjnedrow@gmail.com
#107 - Sarah @ 4:45 pm
enter me!
#108 - Sally @ 4:53 pm
I love Francine Rivers & have read most of Janette Oke’s books - how awesome there’s a series that’s a bit of both worlds! Yeah!
#109 - DeeAnn S @ 5:27 pm
A book I’d like to have. Thanks.
#110 - MaryAnn @ 5:28 pm
I love historical fiction–especially Biblica fiction– and I LOVED the Mark of the Lion series. I can’t wait to read this.
#111 - Sweetpeas @ 5:34 pm
I love these authors!! Count me in!
#112 - Cherie J @ 6:05 pm
This book is on my wish list already so I know I would love to win it. Thanks for the chance.
#113 - Mike Weisberg @ 6:21 pm
I want to win
#114 - gracieo @ 6:35 pm
Sounds like a wonderful book. A lazy weekend with a good book is what I call relaxing. Crossing my fingers.
#115 - Shelley K @ 7:42 pm
I LOVE historical fiction books and this one looks like a good one.
Thanks for a great giveaway.
#116 - Shelley K @ 7:43 pm
Subscriber
#117 - veronica sandberg @ 8:51 pm
want to win this
#118 - Catherine copeland @ 9:24 pm
I’m so very excited about this giveaway
#119 - Melissa @ 9:36 pm
I love both of these writers. This book sounds great!
#120 - Ruby @ 10:04 pm
This books looks interesting. I would love to win this!
#121 - Anita Yancey @ 10:10 pm
Sounds like a good read. Please enter me.
#122 - Zoe Lee @ 10:18 pm
I would love to read this..thanks for the contest.
#123 - Heather S @ 12:03 am
Sounds good. I really enoyed Francine Rivers series, so if this is half as good, I’m sure I’d like it too! Thanks for entering me.
Lalycairn (at) gmail.com
#124 - Alli @ 12:37 am
I’d love this! Thanks!
#125 - Julie Donahue @ 1:09 am
I love Jenette Oke and T Davis Bunn!
#126 - Julie Donahue @ 1:10 am
I have your button.
#127 - Julie Donahue @ 1:11 am
I subscribe
#128 - Andria @ 9:16 am
I would love this. Looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance.
#129 - Lisa Fosses @ 10:02 am
I COULD USE A NEW BOOK TO READ
#130 - Andria @ 12:24 pm
I would love a chance to win. Thank you.
#131 - christin @ 1:33 pm
this looks great! thanks!
#132 - staceyk @ 2:06 pm
Looks like a great read! Thanks!
#133 - djp @ 2:10 pm
need a new read for night time
#134 - Renee G @ 9:35 pm
I’d love to read a copy of this.
#135 - Courtney from Mommie Blogs @ 10:03 pm
I’d really like a copy and to actually read a book again. I finally have evenings free to read away
#136 - Kim Smith @ 11:15 pm
This is a book I would love to read.
#137 - mindy @ 11:26 pm
looks sensational thanks
#138 - Rachael @ 4:11 am
I want to win! I like historical fiction and it sounds like it could be an interesting book.
#139 - Susan S. @ 9:35 am
This sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for spotlighting it!
#140 - Jennifer Barr @ 10:49 am
sounds good
#141 - Jill Miller @ 11:02 am
Sounds like a good book! I’d love to win it!
#142 - Jen @ 1:59 pm
The review makes me want to pick up the book and I truly enjoy historical fiction.
#143 - Jen @ 2:00 pm
I subscribe to your feed via email.
#144 - Jen @ 2:00 pm
I subscribe to our newsletter.
#145 - Jen @ 2:01 pm
Your button is on my blog.
#146 - Leslie @ 7:06 pm
Would love to read.
#147 - Jane K @ 8:14 pm
I would like to read this book.
#148 - Jennifer Hedden @ 8:41 pm
enter me
#149 - Kristinia - Loving Heart Mommy @ 11:43 pm
We’ve heard alot about this book, count me in!
#150 - valerie mabrey @ 12:53 am
count me in to win
#151 - Noelia Gutierrez @ 2:01 am
would love this, I love to read.
#152 - Bobv @ 3:03 am
Great prize, enter me please.
#153 - Jason Nickolay @ 12:29 pm
This sounds like a very interesting book, I hope to win
#154 - Sandra Riley @ 2:16 pm
Thanks for the giveaway!
#155 - Sandra F. @ 6:05 pm
sounds like a great read! thanks :O)
#156 - Sheila Pepe @ 8:56 pm
I would like to win this book! It sounds very interesting!
#157 - Karen P @ 9:30 pm
Great contest, please enter me.
#158 - Delores @ 10:22 pm
please enter me!
#159 - romero @ 10:23 pm
would love to be entered.
#160 - Mary Otis @ 12:32 am
Historical novels are definitely my favorites,
those touching on Biblical Times in particular.
Would love to have THE CENTURION’WIFE in my library.
#161 - April @ 12:41 am
thank you for the contest
#162 - Carrie Baird @ 2:02 am
I would love to read this! Thanks for the chance to win!
#163 - Jane Anne @ 2:24 am
Would love to win this one!
#164 - Erma @ 8:35 am
I would love the chance to win, thanks.
#165 - Adrienne Gordon @ 11:00 am
looks interesting
#166 - Janice Wright @ 11:22 am
I need some new reading material. Thanks for the giveaway!
#167 - salina munson @ 12:03 pm
i am an avid reader and am always looking for my next book. thanks for tjhe chance to win!
#168 - Amy Tucker @ 12:09 pm
Great blog and book. Please add me:
amyinkamloops @ gmail. com
Have an awesome day!
Amy
#169 - sarah b @ 12:27 pm
ive read some other oke books and loved them
#170 - Gina Stratos @ 2:03 pm
I’d love to win
gkstratos@yahoo.com
#171 - Cassandra @ 4:07 pm
Please enter me–thanks!
#172 - Cassandra @ 4:07 pm
Subscribed to feed–thanks!
#173 - John Deal @ 4:16 pm
I’d really like to win this.
#174 - Kathy D @ 4:16 pm
my mother loves Janette Oke
#175 - Ed Nemmers @ 4:45 pm
Happy New Year!
#176 - Marion B @ 5:05 pm
Please enter me!
#177 - Joyce Jacobs @ 5:24 pm
Thanks for sponsoring this giveaway.
#178 - Steve @ 6:26 pm
It sounds like a great book!
#179 - Melissa P @ 6:56 pm
I love Janette Oke and haven’t read this book.
#180 - Doreen @ 8:18 pm
I would love a chance to win.
#181 - Karrie @ 8:24 pm
Sounds really good
#182 - Jean F @ 8:59 pm
Thank you for holding such a great giveaway!
#183 - Hesper F @ 9:00 pm
I love Janette Oke’s books. Winning this would be fantastic!
#184 - Tamara Burks @ 9:14 pm
This looks like an interesting book.
#185 - Marilyn Brenden @ 9:23 pm
I would like to win this book. I enjoy everything Janette Oke writes.
#186 - Geri Nyland @ 10:10 pm
I have just gotten into reading again since my son is a little older now and he lets me…lol… This looks like a great book!
#187 - Kathy S @ 10:28 pm
Love historical fiction! Please enter me into this contest.
#188 - Mindie W @ 12:11 am
Love this author! hope to win
Thanks
#189 - Francine Anchondo @ 12:30 am
Thanks for the giveaway
#190 - Cheryl F. @ 1:06 am
I’d love to read this
*Thanks* for the giveaway!
#191 - Sherri Siler @ 1:22 am
Looks like a great book.
#192 - Melanie Miller @ 1:32 am
great to sit down with a good book like this on a colds winter night!
#193 - Chrysa @ 1:51 am
Looks great! Thanks for the giveaway!
#194 - Lara Aleff @ 2:56 am
I’d love to read this book!
#195 - Candace McCarthy @ 2:57 am
this book sounds great.
#196 - sharon @ 4:06 am
Sounds like a good read. Thanks!
#197 - Jeanine P @ 5:14 am
Nice prize! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the giveaway!
#198 - Candie L @ 9:41 am
I think it sounds very interesting and would definately give me a new persepective. Thanks
#199 - Christina Brunetti @ 11:00 am
Love to have this.
Thanks,
#200 - dorothy l @ 11:45 am
of course I would love to win
#201 - Roseann Kies @ 12:31 pm
I’d love to read this book! Thanks!
#202 - kathy pease @ 12:39 pm
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY
#203 - Amy Griffin @ 1:36 pm
She is a great author, I would love to win in.