Finally, I could see ahead the habitation of cruelty; its steep walls of layered bricks seemed to be like a stone mountain that cast a dark shadow of death onto the street below." Esther was now at the place and time when she would ultimately understand what God had been preparing her for. Her journey begins when she is twelve and with her younger brother, Jacob, set out to find their missing father. When the desperate search leads the frightened children to the cross of Jesus, they are horrified to witness the death of their father, as the thief next to Him. Now homeless orphans, Mary Magdalene adopts them and becomes instrumental in Esther's developing faith during the dynamic events of the early Church, allowing us to witness the birth of Christianity through the eyes of this child. Even though she hears powerful lessons of God's truth taught by Andrew and other disciples, her faith struggles to grow hindered by adolescent rebellion that fantasizes about a life of luxury contrary to the one she imagines God has planned for her. Tempted by a gorgeous red silk fabric to follow her heart's desires, she is separated from Mary's protection and sin places her at the mercy of a dangerous ugly world. Her poor decisions cause her to make many mistakes, but as she overcomes each, she learns what God expects from her and finds His strength to prevail over any adversity even those inside her. Bending her will to His, she becomes fit for His service, giving her the spiritual fortitude to face persecutions, and the agonizing martyrdom of those close to her. The hand of God can be seen in each inspirational moment, as miraculous interventions unfold, eventually bringing her to a place and life she could never have imagined. | Esther's Story by P K Thomas, Paperback | Indigo Chapters