If I Perish

Rating:
Summary: Well told story from the Bible
Review: "If I Perish" is the story of Esther and comes from the old testment. It is the tale of how a young Jewish woman becomes the wife of Xerxes and Queen of Persia. King Xerxes is tricked into ratifying an edict that condemns the Jews to death. The brave queen, with the help of Yahweh, is able to overcome the plot of a madman who wants to take the throne away from Xerxes and annihilate Esther's people.

The book has an intriguing plot that carries you through the novel and keeps you turning pages. Deborah usues multiple view points which gives you a well rounded idea of which each person thinks and feels. It is especially interesting to see the villain's motovation behind his deeds.

I think people who enjoyed "The Red Tent," will also enjoy "If I Perish." Turner has written a novel that gives you the feeling for the time and how people lived in that era. It also makes one apperciate living in the 21st century and in a free land. I enjoyed the book very much and look forward to her next novel.

Rating:
Summary: An Epic Adventure of Romance and Intrigue
Review: "I finished Deb Turner's book, If I Perish." WOW! It is a GREAT book! It is on the story of Esther in the Bible and the way [Mrs. Turner] unravels the story is unique. I stayed up til 3:00 one night and 2:00 the next just so I could finish this wonderful book. She tells the story so well, that you feel as if you are really there and you can see the vivid scenes play out right before your eyes. You get to know each character and go into the minds of Kings, Queens, and Murderers. You come to know Esther for her faith, integrity, courage, and loyalty.

Mrs. Turners'research must have been great, for the amount of detail her story unfolds. I absolutely loved this book! I really believe this author is headed for supreme success! I bow to this great weaver of stories! Now when I read my scriptures Ester's story makes so much more sense. Mrs. Turners' knowledge is truly wonderful."

Rating:
Summary: A Fight to the Death!
Review: A smoldering story of intrigue practically jumps from the pages with the reader fully involved in a time and place where fighting for the right to live shadows every moment. The characters in this story are so realistic that you want to either cradle their warmth and true goodness or kill them as they rightly deserve! Your emotions will run wild reading If I Perish!

Rating:
Summary: Esther....beautifully portrayed
Review: Author Turner has beautifully portrayed Esther from the Old Testament in her debut novel "If I Perish." The research has been done, but the author obviously took pains to interweave history, biblical truths and emotion in this timeless story brought to life brilliantly. Lost in this well written book is what potential readers have to look forward to when they decide to treat themselves to a great read. Outstanding!

Rating:
Summary: Esther....beautifully portrayed
Review: Author Turner has beautifully portrayed Esther from the Old Testament in her debut novel "If I Perish." The research has been done, but the author obviously took pains to interweave history, biblical truths and emotion in this timeless story brought to life brilliantly. Lost in this well written book is what potential readers have to look forward to when they decide to treat themselves to a great read. Outstanding!

Rating:
Summary: Life jumps out of this ancient tale!
Review: Deborah Turner takes a very old story, Esther, and breathes life into it for todays readers to enjoy! She draws you into the characters and scenes that only a great writer could. This is a must read!

Rating:
Summary: A New Voice in Biblical Novels
Review: Deborah Turner's talent as a writer shines through the pages of her novel If I Perish. She took on the daunting task of writing a fictional account of the Biblical story of Queen Esther. Through vivid narrative and true-to-life dialogue, If I Perish is an excellent story that transports you thousands of years into the past, to the world of a young Jewish girl called of God to save her nation.

Esther risks her life to save her nation by entering the King's throne room. She knows the King trusts the evil prime minister Haman, but in spite of that, she follows through on a plan that had to be divinely inspired.

If I Perish is a book that is a reminder that self-sacrifice for the good of others is not only honorable but also far-reaching. If you have never read the Biblical account, If I Perish compels the reader to do so.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it. In a world where most literature seems to be the same authors and the same kinds of stories, If I Perish is a refreshing change, with a fresh voice from a new writer who has great potential to take her readers into a new place. In your mind's eye, you see the luxurious palace, and the richly colored silks that adorned Esther. The role of the eunuchs is made clear to the reader, for they, too, were men who sacrificed much in order to fulfill their duty to the King.

If I Perish reminds us to stand up for those in need, those in danger, and those who are persecuted. I give this book five stars!

Rating:
Summary: Faithful to the Bible
Review: If I Perish is the rare book that transports the reader to another place and time. From the moment you pick the up this book, you are immersed in the world of ancient Persia. The people on the pages of the book not only come alive, but the reader is also there, reveling in the sensory delights provided by the author.

The story begins when the young girl who will become Queen Esther is living in the Jewish quarter of town. She is a beauty even before she turns thirteen years old, living under the protective and loving care of her uncle Mordecai who has taken care of her since the death of her parents. She is called Hadassah as a Jewish girl and grows up sure that she will one day marry her best friend's brother, Reuben. But fate has other plans in store for Esther. For after King Xerxes has allowed his queen, Vashti, unprecedented power and influence in his court, his princely advisors are none to happy about a woman having so much say in matters of state. They plot to get rid of her and manage to get her banished, but the king mourns her absence. The princes come up with the idea to have a beauty contest throughout the land to find the most beautiful girl who will then become the King's new bride. While this is transpiring, King Xerxes has begun fall under the influence of Haman, a rug merchant, who appears to be wise and loyal to the King. Xerxes, who is often much too trusting, soon elevates Haman to a position of power, which eventually leads him to become Prime Minister.

Reviewed by Nanacy Rechtman

To read the complete review & interview go to http://betsie.tripod.com/literary/id54.html

Rating:
Summary: A Beautifully Written Story
Review: The story line was enjoyable to read. I missed the story when I closed the back page. I was deeply pulled into the relationship between Xerxes and Esther and knew that it was written with truth to the story. Haman is incredible with his psychopathic love for himself which is seen in so many people today who are put in a position of power. I feel the book could have been longer with more show instead of telling, but that doesn't take away from the story. The author was only hindered by her publisher sticking such a high price to the story. It is hard to buy a $25.00 paperback book, but this one is worth the price.

Rating:
Summary: An Enthralling Journey
Review: This book is absolutely wonderful. Deborah Turner takes you on an enthralling journey to ancient Persia, into lives of servants and royalty and thoughts of greed, power, loyalty, honor, and romance. Deborah's vivid descriptions give evidence of extensive research, enabling the reader to visualize every scene. She gets inside the characters and convincingly conveys them to the reader. The story is well written and fast paced; each step is an experience you won't want to miss! I look forward to her next book.
Marcyle Taliaferro, Louisiana Author
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