Zacchaeus: When God Stopped By

Author: Patty Froese Ntihemuka

List Price: $15.99

ISBN: 978-0812705034

Publisher: Autumn House Publishing

Release Date: December 2012

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Rating System)

Review by Bonnie Way

Zacchaeus is the well-known tax collector of Yericho, disliked not only for his occupation but also for his short stature—surely a result of some hidden, despicable sin of his mother. Zacchaeus’ only friend is his older brother Oshri, but now Oshri is dead, leaving behind his sour-tongued wife Tzofit.

As Zacchaeus’ parents plan a union that will solve two problems, other people in Yericho face their own problems. Benyamin is a zealot whose heart burns with anger at how the Israelites live with no thought to God’s laws. Benyamin’s sister tries to help support her family by selling bread, but she fears for the hatred she sees growing in her brother. And watching them all is the Roman centurion, who has hardened his heart to do his job.

Then, rumours about rabbi Yeshua begin circulating through Yericho… and each character has his or her own reasons for wanting to speak to the healer.

Zacchaeus: When God Stopped By is a look at what it would have been like to live in Yericho in Jesus’ day. Patty’s extensive historical research is evident in the story as she brings alive the smells, sights, and sounds of this first-century city.

Author Patty Froese Ntihemuka (http://pattyfroese.com/) writes with a keen eye for detail and a deep insight into human character. She is also the author of the Hyacinth Chronicles (for girls 6-9), several other Biblical fiction titles, and her newest eBook, Perfect on Paper.

Bonnie Way is a stay-at-home mom who lives in B.C. with her husband and two daughters (ages 4 and 2). She enjoys reviewing historical fiction, fantasy, contemporary fiction, biography/autobiography, and books for moms and wives (relationship books or self-help books). Bonnie blogs at http://thekoalabearwriter.blogspot.ca