Rating: 
Summary: A Voice in the Wind
Review: This book was loaned to me by a friend who gave it glowing reviews (she had loaned it out to several other people). She insisted that I read it. I have never been very interested in "historical fiction", so I relunctantly accepted the book, but put off reading it. Recently I felt guilty about not having read it and decided to start it. I struggled through the first four chapters and wanted to give up. The words and names were new and difficult to pronouce in my mind and slowed down my reading. I decided to make it through five chapters so that I could tell my friend that "I really tried to read it but could not get into it." Well, the fifth chapter did the trick and I was hooked! I couldn't wait to get to this book every evening. Several nights I stayed up until after midnight. It was GREAT! Now I'm looking forward to the reading the rest of the series. Thanks Annette!
Rating: 
Summary: The First two were great!!!
Review: Okay, the last one was great, too, but it took me much longer to get into it. I was so taken by Hadassah in the first two that I wanted to know more and more about her! The books kept me so engrossed and emotional that I would find myself getting furious and then happy and then I would be sobbing!The only reason I didn't give it five is because of the last book. Yes, it was an important part to have the conclusion in the way that it was (I'm trying not to give too much away in the review and spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it), but I didn't really care that much about the (relatively minor) character in the first two books to read an entire 3rd book devoted to him. The conclusion brought out in the 3rd book could have happened in a chapter or two in the 2nd book. Or brought together somehow with Hadassah and Marcus. Again, overall, I absolutely loved the books, I recommend them to people all the time, but you don't really need to have the 3rd book, just ask someone what happens!
Rating:
Summary: Very good books with minor annoyances
Review: I definately enjoyed these books and even stayed up until four in the morning to finish the first one. I loved the characters and discovered that I do have the potential to become a romanitic. Hoewever, there were some phrases that were so overused that they became distracting. The men "raking their fingers through their hair" and "smiling sardonically" nearly drove me crazy. There are synonyms for sardonically and other ways to show distress than raking your hair. I really did enjoy the books though and would recommend them to anyone who can stand some repetitiveness.
Rating:
Summary: The Very Best of Christian Literature! Must READ!
Review: I read this series two years ago on our Hawaiian vacation (I spent half my time reading!)and I still find myself thinking about Hadassah! I have lent these books to all of my friends and a few guys I know and they were absolutely amazed by them. For me, ancient Rome and that whole time period has been extremely hard to relate to. Not anymore, Francine Rivers brings everything to life, it makes you feel as though you have traveled back through time. Make sure you purchase all three books at once or you will be sorry you didn't! Beleive me when I say that these three books will deepen your faith.
Rating:
Summary: AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING!
Review: These 3 books in the Mark of the Lion Series are AMAZING. The trials and tribulations that these characters go through are so real and fit perfectly within the time period in which Francine Rivers writes these books in! The amazing stories of Hadassah, Marcus, Atretes, Rizpah and many more will captivate you and you wont be able to put these books to rest!
I recommend these powerful books to everyone! I would also recommend by Rivers: The Scarlet Thread, Atonement Child, & Redeeming Love.
Rating:
Summary: Mark of the Lion- series
Review: Awesome series. Rivers brings the story to life and gives the 'bible times' a realistic, understandable perspective. Be sure to have the next book waiting as you won't want to miss a beat finding out what happens next!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!
Review: At times when reading one of the books I would start jumping around in joy, and crying, and sighing like mad. My sister kept making fun of me, because of how I would react. River's makes her characters come to life, it's really amazing. Even though I wanted to strangle some of the characters at times, that makes the books all the better. It was really great for me just... how no one is perfect. The fact they all had thorns, and watching them overcome those thorns was really encouraging. "Watching" them struggle through fear, anger, unforgiveness, self-righteousness, a sharp tongue, pride, etc... and overcoming the devil's hold was truly awesome! How one little slave girl touched so many people's lives, it wakes you up to the fact that your life does make a difference. Hadassah had faith and she showed it in her life. I recommend this to everyone out there. Truly it is a marvelous work of fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Exceptional Reading
Review: The author takes you on a historical journey through biblical times using fictitious characters. The passion expressed through the eyes of a servant girl named Hadassa as she seeks to live for the Lord, despite the pain and suffering her family has endured. Yet she is richly rewarded for her obedience. AND captivates those she serves to have the desires of the Lord upon their lives. You cannot put this book down.
Rating:
Summary: Addicted to Francine Rivers
Review: The story and all the characters in The Mark of the Lion series really came alive to me. It kept me on the edge of my seat and made an impression on me. Hadassah was a major encouragement to me and my faith; she became like a hero to me, even though she's just a fictional character! I was relieved to see that none of the characters were perfect (a quality not always found in Christian fiction) and had their share of struggles. I really liked the time period as well. Ancient Rome really interested me and the book actually encouraged me to read through the entire Old Testament (the part of the Bible I always avoided) and learn as much as I could about Jesus' time. I think the setting is what separates this series from others. It was refreshing to read a book that wasn't about modern-day people yet seemed so applicable to my life and faith. The beginning of the first book is a little hard to get into. It takes a little time to develop and draw the characters together, but after that, there is no slowing down. Nothing I've read in the way of fiction (Christian or non) compares! I've read the series twice now and several others by Rivers. These books were probably the best thing that happened to me. They were an inspiration and an encouragement and left me addicted to Francine Rivers.
Rating:
Summary: It's been a long time since a novel kept me up at night
Review: I love to read, especially a good novel. But I dislike the sadomachism, bad language, and predictable plots of current best-sellers. Francine Rivers' books are masterpieces of writing -- fully developed characters and interesting plots, combined with meticulous historical background make them too good to put down. Unlike some Christian novels, she provides no simplistic answers. Her books are clean, but not so sanitized that they don't reflect real life. I've literally lost hours of sleep and dragged myself to work, so tired from staying up to read that I barely made it through the day. Such joy is rare in life.
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