Temporary? Insanity

Raquel has a secret. As the daughter of one of King Noah’s priests, she enjoys a luxurious life and the admiration of powerful men. But her heart belongs to a commoner, a man with no earthly wealth but rich heavenly gifts. When King Noah demands that Raquel join his harem, she flees the only life she has known and marries her secret love. His name is Abinadi. The couple finds abundant joy in their community of believers and in their firstborn son. But when the Lord calls Abinadi as His prophet, their faith is tested to the outermost limits. Abinadi’s commitment to the Lord requires them both to give their all—even unto death. Yet if Alma, the newest priest in King Noah’s court, chooses to overcome his troubled past and cleave unto the truth, their sacrifice may yield rich fruit. With vivid detail and poignant emotion, this historical novel pulls readers into a fiery tale of love, courage, and faith that is difficult to put down and impossible to forget.

I was fortunate enough to be one of the lucky ones to get an advanced copy of this thoroughly compelling book. It is no surprise to me that Heather B. Moore’s newest book is a finalist for The Whitney Awards.

I have to confess, historical books have never really been my thing. I lean more towards the Sci-Fi and Fantasy genres, preferring out of this world action to that based in truth. I’m learning why I have that preference as I read the works of authors such as Heather B. Moore. It is just so, so real. The characters come to life in a heart aching way. There is no feeling of detachment in reading Abinadi. No casual interest in the historical events represented in its pages.

I cried. Not in a sniffly-gosh-I-could-do-with-blowing-my-nose-now sort of way. I all out wept. Moore is an incredible story weaver, but it is the characterization that stood out most for me. I cared what happened to them. They weren’t just words on a page. Overall, it was a profoundly moving, and even spiritual experience for me.

I don’t say such things lightly, and highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn’t mind having their heart touched.