What do you think?
Rate this book
Veiled Freedom #2
Freedom's Stand
Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, but villagers and authorities in the hills of Afghanistan respond with skepticism . . . and even violence.
Relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization―changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant, Jamil, weighs heavily on her heart.
Former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Kabul’s upcoming election. He's looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won’t find it in Afghanistan.
All three are searching for love and freedom in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant. But when religious freedom becomes a matter of life and death, they discover that the cost of following Jesus may require the ultimate sacrifice.
Relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization―changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant, Jamil, weighs heavily on her heart.
Former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Kabul’s upcoming election. He's looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won’t find it in Afghanistan.
All three are searching for love and freedom in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant. But when religious freedom becomes a matter of life and death, they discover that the cost of following Jesus may require the ultimate sacrifice.
464 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 2011
34 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Jeanette Windle
37 books68 followersAs the child of missionary parents, award-winning author and journalist Jeanette Windle grew up in the rural villages, jungles, and mountains of Colombia, now guerrilla hot zones. Her detailed research and writing is so realistic that it has prompted government agencies to question her to determine if she has received classified information. Curently based in Lancaster, PA, Jeanette has lived in six countries and traveled in more than twenty. She has more than a dozen books in print, including the political/suspense best seller "CrossFire" and the Parker Twins juvenile mystery series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
March 4, 2018
I did not know this book was a sequel until I read the interview with the author at the end.
That said, this book swept me off to a distant land, and really pulled back the curtain on the goings-on in the nation of Afghanistan. Reading the details of what goes on there on a daily basis, especially involving the young women, was heartbreaking. Jamil's story, however, was very inspiring, and Amy aka Ameera made for a likable heroine as well.
Suffice it to say: This is among the best and most eye-opening Christian fiction I've read in a while.
That said, this book swept me off to a distant land, and really pulled back the curtain on the goings-on in the nation of Afghanistan. Reading the details of what goes on there on a daily basis, especially involving the young women, was heartbreaking. Jamil's story, however, was very inspiring, and Amy aka Ameera made for a likable heroine as well.
Suffice it to say: This is among the best and most eye-opening Christian fiction I've read in a while.
August 9, 2011
The characters in this so book are so real, I feel as though I’ve made a friend. The story follows four lives – Amy, Steve, Jamil and Farah. Each one with a different viewpoint of life and each one tugging on your heart.
Amy Mallory, American relief worker, has a heart for Afghanistan and in particular the women of that country. She longs to see the women set free from their subservient obedience to the men over them and for them to live knowing the love of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ).
Jamil’s heart is to share the love of Isa with his countrymen, and he will do so regardless the cost. His testimony of faith and change from a bitter man full of hatred to a healer desperate to show the care of His Savior is a beautiful story leaving me cheering him to the very last page.
Special Ops, Steve Wilson is searching for his passion. He has watched Amy and Jamil and wants such conviction for himself. In the end, the lengths he will go to find such a passion is surprising even to himself. A man of integrity and strength, Steve will stand by his word even if it means his own death.
And last but not least, Farah. A young woman with a very troubled past must find forgiveness and love before bitterness tears her to pieces.
MY RATING
5 out of 5 stars
MY WARNING
This book is not for the faint of heart. It is not fluff and romance. It is real life circumstances and much of the book is based on true stories from people that Windle met while on her visit (under the radar) into Afghanistan. In fact, her writing was so realistic that it prompted several government agencies to question her regarding where she received classified information.
MY THOUGHTS
It is with both joy and sadness that I close the last chapter of this book. Jeanette Windle has the most amazing ability to weave this story in such a way that you are constantly asking if this is really fiction. She brings to light the struggles of the Afghanistan people and most specifically their women. Grab your passport and buckle on your sandals for a trip you won’t soon forget. Experience the joys, trial and every day life of the Afghanistan people in the stirring book about the fight for freedom in a troubled country.
Many thanks to Tyndale Publishers for a complimentary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
Amy Mallory, American relief worker, has a heart for Afghanistan and in particular the women of that country. She longs to see the women set free from their subservient obedience to the men over them and for them to live knowing the love of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ).
Jamil’s heart is to share the love of Isa with his countrymen, and he will do so regardless the cost. His testimony of faith and change from a bitter man full of hatred to a healer desperate to show the care of His Savior is a beautiful story leaving me cheering him to the very last page.
Special Ops, Steve Wilson is searching for his passion. He has watched Amy and Jamil and wants such conviction for himself. In the end, the lengths he will go to find such a passion is surprising even to himself. A man of integrity and strength, Steve will stand by his word even if it means his own death.
And last but not least, Farah. A young woman with a very troubled past must find forgiveness and love before bitterness tears her to pieces.
MY RATING
5 out of 5 stars
MY WARNING
This book is not for the faint of heart. It is not fluff and romance. It is real life circumstances and much of the book is based on true stories from people that Windle met while on her visit (under the radar) into Afghanistan. In fact, her writing was so realistic that it prompted several government agencies to question her regarding where she received classified information.
MY THOUGHTS
It is with both joy and sadness that I close the last chapter of this book. Jeanette Windle has the most amazing ability to weave this story in such a way that you are constantly asking if this is really fiction. She brings to light the struggles of the Afghanistan people and most specifically their women. Grab your passport and buckle on your sandals for a trip you won’t soon forget. Experience the joys, trial and every day life of the Afghanistan people in the stirring book about the fight for freedom in a troubled country.
Many thanks to Tyndale Publishers for a complimentary copy of this book. This review is my honest opinion.
August 18, 2014
An amazing journey through Afghanistan. Highly recommended, especially if you want to better understand the politics, religion, and culture of this area.
July 5, 2011
Shockingly compelling, Windle's words are prophetic proof of the rampant evil in the Islamic society.
I found myself constantly forgetting this novel is fiction as I traveled through Afghanistan with Amy, Steve and Jamil. These characters seem so realistic as you take in their daily struggles for a cause so dear a reoccurring theme to this very day in real life Afghanistan. In the U.S. we take for granted the freedom to worship freely and to share our thoughts and belief's with others, especially publicly if we like. For this very reason I was left with a feeling of shock and disbelief as I read this book even knowing what I am reading is true and common in this society.
The plot of Freedom Stand keeps you coming back for more as this is not a book one can read in one day. This thought provoking novel provides a sad truth of what many Afghanistan natives believe to be justified laws and it is quite disturbing. Relief worker Mallory has tried very hard to make life better for the women she has brought into the compound, while away on a short vacation to the U.S. she returns to find everything she has worked to establish changed. The main culprit one of the very women she thought a friend and who Amy invited to live at the compound, with her husband. Soraya has turned her back on Mallory her hidden selfishness suddenly turned into undaunted bitter and bold unrelenting pride. I found myself very angry at Soraya as she is an educated Afghan woman and you would think knowing how Islamic law treats woman, including treating them as a piece of property that can be sold off to the highest bidder, she would want things to be different. Instead Soraya helps her husband sell off woman and children at the compound while pocketing the money, to the terror of Mallory. Soraya's excuse that she only cares of the needs of herself and her own family, has given Amy a wake-up call she cannot find comforting, even if Soraya is following her customs and laws of Afghanistan. As Mallory feels anger, frustration the disappointed that she has failed, it really seeps into your soul.
Windle keeps the reader emotionally engaged throughout this book and you are on full alert never receiving a break from this fast paced novel. If you are looking for a relaxing novel for a pool-side read do not read this book. This novel is blood boiling action that will have you feeling all emotions even some you never knew you had. Providing a perfect perspective of real life in Afghanistan not only of its residents, but also of the relief workers and those who give up their comforts to go there to try and make a difference. Although fiction the portrayal of the danger and violence in Afghanistan not only feels real, but you know it is real, giving this story even more blood curling realism. This book is like a lesson wrapped up into a novel as I read I learned many more twisted beliefs the Islam religion holds that I did not know prior. In the process I was left with a sense of how much more God loves us than many know in this world and of a much more appreciation for our country our laws and our freedom here in the U.S.A.
I found myself constantly forgetting this novel is fiction as I traveled through Afghanistan with Amy, Steve and Jamil. These characters seem so realistic as you take in their daily struggles for a cause so dear a reoccurring theme to this very day in real life Afghanistan. In the U.S. we take for granted the freedom to worship freely and to share our thoughts and belief's with others, especially publicly if we like. For this very reason I was left with a feeling of shock and disbelief as I read this book even knowing what I am reading is true and common in this society.
The plot of Freedom Stand keeps you coming back for more as this is not a book one can read in one day. This thought provoking novel provides a sad truth of what many Afghanistan natives believe to be justified laws and it is quite disturbing. Relief worker Mallory has tried very hard to make life better for the women she has brought into the compound, while away on a short vacation to the U.S. she returns to find everything she has worked to establish changed. The main culprit one of the very women she thought a friend and who Amy invited to live at the compound, with her husband. Soraya has turned her back on Mallory her hidden selfishness suddenly turned into undaunted bitter and bold unrelenting pride. I found myself very angry at Soraya as she is an educated Afghan woman and you would think knowing how Islamic law treats woman, including treating them as a piece of property that can be sold off to the highest bidder, she would want things to be different. Instead Soraya helps her husband sell off woman and children at the compound while pocketing the money, to the terror of Mallory. Soraya's excuse that she only cares of the needs of herself and her own family, has given Amy a wake-up call she cannot find comforting, even if Soraya is following her customs and laws of Afghanistan. As Mallory feels anger, frustration the disappointed that she has failed, it really seeps into your soul.
Windle keeps the reader emotionally engaged throughout this book and you are on full alert never receiving a break from this fast paced novel. If you are looking for a relaxing novel for a pool-side read do not read this book. This novel is blood boiling action that will have you feeling all emotions even some you never knew you had. Providing a perfect perspective of real life in Afghanistan not only of its residents, but also of the relief workers and those who give up their comforts to go there to try and make a difference. Although fiction the portrayal of the danger and violence in Afghanistan not only feels real, but you know it is real, giving this story even more blood curling realism. This book is like a lesson wrapped up into a novel as I read I learned many more twisted beliefs the Islam religion holds that I did not know prior. In the process I was left with a sense of how much more God loves us than many know in this world and of a much more appreciation for our country our laws and our freedom here in the U.S.A.
May 31, 2011
Can the Afghan People Ever Know True Freedom?
Aid worker Amy Mallory returns from a trip stateside to find overwhelming and seemingly negative changes to the New Hope Compound. The rescued women have been put to work doing the backbreaking job of carpet-making, the area she secured to give them more living space has been turned into a business, and most troubling to Amy, several of the women have been married off to strangers.
Jamil has found peace traveling the countryside, using his medical skills as a healer and sharing the teachings of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ). When he is unknowingly filmed by a journalist and his faith is broadcast on YouTube for all the world to see, he finds himself behind bars in one of the most notorious prisons in all of Afghanistan. He is accused of apostasy, and all Afghans know the penalty for apostasy is death.
Condor Security operative Steve Wilson thought he had seen the last of Afghanistan and is busy planning an extended tropical beach vacation. When the young son of the friend who took over his assignment is diagnosed with Leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant Steve insists on filling in so the family can be together at this crucial time. If only Steve could find something to do that would fill his life with purpose...
The Afghan people still live without freedom ten years after the ousting of the Taliban. Regardless of outside intervention the country seems bent on destroying and imprisoning itself from within. Is there any real hope of freedom? Of love? Can anyone make a difference?
Freedom's Stand is the completion of the tale begun in Veiled Freedom. While it's possible to read the story alone, you will miss the depth of the story if you try to do so. This story is both riveting any meaningful. Many times you will find yourself on the edge of your seat, and yet you will also find your heart aching for the lives and love of the Afghan people. This is an important story that tells what life is like behind the news headlines.
The author, Jeanette Windle, has done her research well, including an under the radar trip to Afghanistan. In fact, her research is so detailed that it has prompted government agencies to question whether she has seen classified information. She brings this world of to life through her understanding of what it is like to work and live as a missionary in the "Hot Zones" of the world.
This book, and actually both books in this series, are five-star quality. I would highly recommend picking up a copy of both Veiled Freedom and Freedom's stand to add to your collection of fine literature.
Aid worker Amy Mallory returns from a trip stateside to find overwhelming and seemingly negative changes to the New Hope Compound. The rescued women have been put to work doing the backbreaking job of carpet-making, the area she secured to give them more living space has been turned into a business, and most troubling to Amy, several of the women have been married off to strangers.
Jamil has found peace traveling the countryside, using his medical skills as a healer and sharing the teachings of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ). When he is unknowingly filmed by a journalist and his faith is broadcast on YouTube for all the world to see, he finds himself behind bars in one of the most notorious prisons in all of Afghanistan. He is accused of apostasy, and all Afghans know the penalty for apostasy is death.
Condor Security operative Steve Wilson thought he had seen the last of Afghanistan and is busy planning an extended tropical beach vacation. When the young son of the friend who took over his assignment is diagnosed with Leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant Steve insists on filling in so the family can be together at this crucial time. If only Steve could find something to do that would fill his life with purpose...
The Afghan people still live without freedom ten years after the ousting of the Taliban. Regardless of outside intervention the country seems bent on destroying and imprisoning itself from within. Is there any real hope of freedom? Of love? Can anyone make a difference?
Freedom's Stand is the completion of the tale begun in Veiled Freedom. While it's possible to read the story alone, you will miss the depth of the story if you try to do so. This story is both riveting any meaningful. Many times you will find yourself on the edge of your seat, and yet you will also find your heart aching for the lives and love of the Afghan people. This is an important story that tells what life is like behind the news headlines.
The author, Jeanette Windle, has done her research well, including an under the radar trip to Afghanistan. In fact, her research is so detailed that it has prompted government agencies to question whether she has seen classified information. She brings this world of to life through her understanding of what it is like to work and live as a missionary in the "Hot Zones" of the world.
This book, and actually both books in this series, are five-star quality. I would highly recommend picking up a copy of both Veiled Freedom and Freedom's stand to add to your collection of fine literature.
June 6, 2011
There are books that are entertaining, and others that are important. And then there are books that are wonderfully both. It is no wonder that Freedom’s Stand by Jeanette Windle has just been nominated for the Golden Scroll Award. I wish I could rate this book highter than a 5.
Freedom’s Stand is sequel to Veiled Freedom where we catch up with American relief worker, Amy Mallory, and Steve Wilson, former US soldier now private security contractor in modern-day Afghanistan. Both Amy and Steve are torn in their hatred for what goes on in Afghanistan and their love for this beautiful culture and people.
From page one the reader is plunged into the reality of an extremist society where real people are living with—and dying from—choosing a faith other than Islam.
The story also deals head-on with the issue of abuse toward women. We see this through the life of young Farah who is living in the New Hope Compound that Amy set up to provide refuge for Afghani women and children. It’s through Amy’s eyes and Farah’s life that we see the atrocious cruelty going on every day and which is hidden beneath the burqa.
But Jeanette Windle has managed to tell a very human story, weaving heart-rending issues with the fast pace of an action and political thriller as well as a tender romance. I don’t know how many times my heart stopped as a prison door clanged shut on Jamil, who is a former Muslim extremist and suicide bomber, and who is now putting his life and freedom on the line for his new-found faith in Isa Masih (Arabic for Messiah Jesus).
As the story progresses, the stakes ratchet higher and higher until we are watching a modern-day Daniel in the lion’s den.
The author’s vast knowledge of Afghanistan is evident in each vivid scene so that I almost felt what it’s like to don a burqa and walk through the diesel-clouded streets of Kabul. You can hear the crack of a rifle shot, the sound of thousands of human voices raised in hatred.
This is not a light-weight romance, but a fast-paced thriller that also contains the sweetness of love on so many levels.
I’ve been a big fan of Jeanette Windle for some years, and her latest novel affirms that.
Freedom’s Stand is sequel to Veiled Freedom where we catch up with American relief worker, Amy Mallory, and Steve Wilson, former US soldier now private security contractor in modern-day Afghanistan. Both Amy and Steve are torn in their hatred for what goes on in Afghanistan and their love for this beautiful culture and people.
From page one the reader is plunged into the reality of an extremist society where real people are living with—and dying from—choosing a faith other than Islam.
The story also deals head-on with the issue of abuse toward women. We see this through the life of young Farah who is living in the New Hope Compound that Amy set up to provide refuge for Afghani women and children. It’s through Amy’s eyes and Farah’s life that we see the atrocious cruelty going on every day and which is hidden beneath the burqa.
But Jeanette Windle has managed to tell a very human story, weaving heart-rending issues with the fast pace of an action and political thriller as well as a tender romance. I don’t know how many times my heart stopped as a prison door clanged shut on Jamil, who is a former Muslim extremist and suicide bomber, and who is now putting his life and freedom on the line for his new-found faith in Isa Masih (Arabic for Messiah Jesus).
As the story progresses, the stakes ratchet higher and higher until we are watching a modern-day Daniel in the lion’s den.
The author’s vast knowledge of Afghanistan is evident in each vivid scene so that I almost felt what it’s like to don a burqa and walk through the diesel-clouded streets of Kabul. You can hear the crack of a rifle shot, the sound of thousands of human voices raised in hatred.
This is not a light-weight romance, but a fast-paced thriller that also contains the sweetness of love on so many levels.
I’ve been a big fan of Jeanette Windle for some years, and her latest novel affirms that.
May 19, 2011
What do a former suicide bomber, a relief worker, and a special forces veteran have in common? They’re all trying to live out the call of Isa Masih in the war-torn land of Afghanistan. Not familiar with Isa Masih? You probably know Him by another name: Jesus the Messiah.
Jamil, Amy Mallory, and Steve Wilson are characters from Jeanette Windle’s novel Freedom’s Stand. In one way or another, these characters pay a high price for following Isa Masih. Though their story is a work of fiction, the lives and events depicted serve as vivid reminders of what our brothers and sisters in Christ are undergoing in a volatile part of the world.
Just last summer, we here in New York were reeling over the death of Dr. Tom Little, a Christian optometrist from my hometown, who had spent more than thirty years bringing medical care to remote parts of Afghanistan. One day while returning from an arduous trek to a small village, Dr. Tom, seven other foreign workers, and two Afghans, were gunned down by the Taliban. I didn’t know Dr. Tom as my older sisters did, but I saw how an event that happened half a world away affected many back here in the States.
Not only is Freedom’s Stand highly relevant. It’s also a story that can strengthen faith as it entertains. Therefore, I would label Freedom’s Stand a must-read.
However, be forewarned that it is not an easy book to experience. Oh, there’s nothing graphic or gratuitous within its pages. However, knowing how realistic the plight of the characters was made the story difficult to bear at times. I especially ached when reading about one young girl named Farah, who at age sixteen had come to believe that love was an illusion, no man could be trusted, and pain and heartache were a woman’s lot in life. I was left wondering, how many others in the world feel the same? And how can we help them hear about Christ?
How would I describe this story? Suspenseful. Riveting. Convicting. Hopeful. Why hopeful? Because in the end, the love of Isa Masih changes lives, renews hearts, and gives meaning to every sacrifice. A few of the characters even experience romance. Just enough to remind us that God puts the lonely in families and gives helpmeets to share the load as His children journey through life together—no matter where in the world that might be!
Jamil, Amy Mallory, and Steve Wilson are characters from Jeanette Windle’s novel Freedom’s Stand. In one way or another, these characters pay a high price for following Isa Masih. Though their story is a work of fiction, the lives and events depicted serve as vivid reminders of what our brothers and sisters in Christ are undergoing in a volatile part of the world.
Just last summer, we here in New York were reeling over the death of Dr. Tom Little, a Christian optometrist from my hometown, who had spent more than thirty years bringing medical care to remote parts of Afghanistan. One day while returning from an arduous trek to a small village, Dr. Tom, seven other foreign workers, and two Afghans, were gunned down by the Taliban. I didn’t know Dr. Tom as my older sisters did, but I saw how an event that happened half a world away affected many back here in the States.
Not only is Freedom’s Stand highly relevant. It’s also a story that can strengthen faith as it entertains. Therefore, I would label Freedom’s Stand a must-read.
However, be forewarned that it is not an easy book to experience. Oh, there’s nothing graphic or gratuitous within its pages. However, knowing how realistic the plight of the characters was made the story difficult to bear at times. I especially ached when reading about one young girl named Farah, who at age sixteen had come to believe that love was an illusion, no man could be trusted, and pain and heartache were a woman’s lot in life. I was left wondering, how many others in the world feel the same? And how can we help them hear about Christ?
How would I describe this story? Suspenseful. Riveting. Convicting. Hopeful. Why hopeful? Because in the end, the love of Isa Masih changes lives, renews hearts, and gives meaning to every sacrifice. A few of the characters even experience romance. Just enough to remind us that God puts the lonely in families and gives helpmeets to share the load as His children journey through life together—no matter where in the world that might be!
July 5, 2011
Okay, I'll be honest. I was not excited at all about reading this book at first. Modern novels like this don't usually grab my attention. Well, I will say the author did a fantastic job of drawing me in from the very beginning. I wanted to read the book and find out what happened to the girl at the start of the story.
Unfortunately, the author lost me again as the next chapters came about. It became a chore to wade through all the characters and the story and try to fill in the missing pieces. I planned on giving it a 3-star rating for this reason.
As I continued to read, I realized that the author was merely giving me background pieces to the story, and I found myself emotionally attached to the characters. I struggled to put it down as I read through the halfway point and beyond. All the stories seemed to weave together in a wonderful way. I decided that a 4-star rating would be highly appropriate.
That is until I read the last 100 pages or so. I thought I had the book figured out, but the author added in some unique twists and turns that I was not expecting. I had found myself telling my mom all about the book. In fact, she was almost getting a play-by-play summary of it.
When it came to the end, my questions were answered, and it ended the way I wanted it to. It ended the way it had to. I so appreciated the fact that the author wrote a book that portrayed the truth of Afghanistan and its people. I honestly knew very little about this country, and it is clear the author held a special place in her heart for the people there--especially the women. I also loved the easy way that the gospel was presented in the book. It strengthened my faith and made me realize how blessed I am as an American woman.
So why did I rate it 5 stars? Because it was clear that what I thought was weakness towards the beginning grew and caused me to connect with the book in a unique way. Any book that is able to accomplish this goal certainly deserves my highest admiration.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.
Unfortunately, the author lost me again as the next chapters came about. It became a chore to wade through all the characters and the story and try to fill in the missing pieces. I planned on giving it a 3-star rating for this reason.
As I continued to read, I realized that the author was merely giving me background pieces to the story, and I found myself emotionally attached to the characters. I struggled to put it down as I read through the halfway point and beyond. All the stories seemed to weave together in a wonderful way. I decided that a 4-star rating would be highly appropriate.
That is until I read the last 100 pages or so. I thought I had the book figured out, but the author added in some unique twists and turns that I was not expecting. I had found myself telling my mom all about the book. In fact, she was almost getting a play-by-play summary of it.
When it came to the end, my questions were answered, and it ended the way I wanted it to. It ended the way it had to. I so appreciated the fact that the author wrote a book that portrayed the truth of Afghanistan and its people. I honestly knew very little about this country, and it is clear the author held a special place in her heart for the people there--especially the women. I also loved the easy way that the gospel was presented in the book. It strengthened my faith and made me realize how blessed I am as an American woman.
So why did I rate it 5 stars? Because it was clear that what I thought was weakness towards the beginning grew and caused me to connect with the book in a unique way. Any book that is able to accomplish this goal certainly deserves my highest admiration.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided you with a complimentary copy of this book or ARC.
June 5, 2011
After the Taliban’s defeat in Afghanistan, the country struggles to find a new leader and a new government. Corruption and religious intolerance plague the nation’s leaders. Caught in the middle are three followers of Isa Masih, Jesus Christ: Jamil, a healer, who has found Jesus after a life of jihad; Amy, a US woman who is called to minister to women and children in Afghanistan; and Steve, a Special Forces agent. Will they find love and freedom in the middle of a political and religious battle?
My thoughts: It took me a long time to read this book. The first 100 pages were dry and tedious to read. There was too much background information and irrelevant details. Once I waded through those first chapters, the storyline picked up, and I became interested in the book and its characters, which seemed underdeveloped for most of the book. The theme of religious persecution was a timely one as Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith.
The most interesting part of the book for me was the idea of the West’s involvement in the Middle East’s affairs. While freedom is a noble and just cause, what happens after the people are free? How involved should the US government be in establishing a new government? Thinking about that made me sad for the women and children who were “freed” only to have a new corrupt government take the place of the old one. What a great reminder that we are only free when we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
I received this book free from Tyndale for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
My thoughts: It took me a long time to read this book. The first 100 pages were dry and tedious to read. There was too much background information and irrelevant details. Once I waded through those first chapters, the storyline picked up, and I became interested in the book and its characters, which seemed underdeveloped for most of the book. The theme of religious persecution was a timely one as Christians around the world are persecuted for their faith.
The most interesting part of the book for me was the idea of the West’s involvement in the Middle East’s affairs. While freedom is a noble and just cause, what happens after the people are free? How involved should the US government be in establishing a new government? Thinking about that made me sad for the women and children who were “freed” only to have a new corrupt government take the place of the old one. What a great reminder that we are only free when we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
I received this book free from Tyndale for the purpose of reviewing. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
www.laurathebookworm.blogspot.com
July 24, 2013
Title: FREEDOM’S STAND
Author: J. M. Windle
Publisher: Tyndale
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1476-1
Genre: contemporary
Find something to believe in . . .
Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. But his new mission as an itinerant health worker in the hills of Afghanistan is met with skepticism and even violence.
Returning to Kabul, relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization—changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant Jamil weighs heavily on her heart.
Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Afghanistan’s upcoming election. He’s looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won’t find it in Afghanistan.
All three are searching for love and freedom. But in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant, the cost of either may be higher than they realize.
FREEDOM’S STAND is the sequel to Veiled Freedom. I didn’t read Veiled Freedom first and didn't realize that FREEDOM’S STAND doesn’t stand alone.
The subject matter is very real. The book is rather difficult to read as a result. It was almost like reading a true event and not a work of fiction. The author did an excellent job with conflict and resolution and real life scenarios. However, she did jump point of views a lot and without clear transitions. I had to back up a few times to figure out who was talking. This is a book that you might have to read slowly, not a quick read. $13.99. 454 pages.
Author: J. M. Windle
Publisher: Tyndale
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1476-1
Genre: contemporary
Find something to believe in . . .
Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. But his new mission as an itinerant health worker in the hills of Afghanistan is met with skepticism and even violence.
Returning to Kabul, relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization—changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant Jamil weighs heavily on her heart.
Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Afghanistan’s upcoming election. He’s looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won’t find it in Afghanistan.
All three are searching for love and freedom. But in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant, the cost of either may be higher than they realize.
FREEDOM’S STAND is the sequel to Veiled Freedom. I didn’t read Veiled Freedom first and didn't realize that FREEDOM’S STAND doesn’t stand alone.
The subject matter is very real. The book is rather difficult to read as a result. It was almost like reading a true event and not a work of fiction. The author did an excellent job with conflict and resolution and real life scenarios. However, she did jump point of views a lot and without clear transitions. I had to back up a few times to figure out who was talking. This is a book that you might have to read slowly, not a quick read. $13.99. 454 pages.
February 16, 2016
I would say this book was ripped from the headlines, only its not. The press rarely covers the emotionally laden issues of religious freedom and womens rights that Jeannette Windle exposes so well. Freedoms Stand is powerful! I loved the multiple points of view, each logical within its own system, that characterized Veiled Freedom. The ending left me longing to know what would become of the would-be suicide bomber. In Freedoms Stand we follow him as he takes his healing skills and infant faith into the hills of Afghanistan. Windle portrays followers of Isa Masih (Jesus Christ) who give me fresh insights into the gospel and what it means in the lives of people in a culture a million miles from my own. Guns cant change mens hearts. Democracy cant change hearts. Even American policy is powerless when it comes to character transformation. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.
Sometimes inspirational fiction tries too hard and doesnt make it compared to its secular counterpart, but Windle has crafted a page-turning thriller that wont let you down at the end. At the same time, she will make you angry against a worldview that demeans women and against American policies that rate support for the West over freedom and justice for all.
You can read this book without reading the first, but you will enjoy it more if you start with Veiled Freedom. You definitely want both books in your church library. There are discussion questions for book clubs in the back.
Sometimes inspirational fiction tries too hard and doesnt make it compared to its secular counterpart, but Windle has crafted a page-turning thriller that wont let you down at the end. At the same time, she will make you angry against a worldview that demeans women and against American policies that rate support for the West over freedom and justice for all.
You can read this book without reading the first, but you will enjoy it more if you start with Veiled Freedom. You definitely want both books in your church library. There are discussion questions for book clubs in the back.
June 27, 2014
I was going to give this book a lower rating because I finished Freedom’s Stand not knowing that it was the sequel to another book, Veiled Freedom. I wish I would have known it was a sequel because I had such a hard time getting into this book. It felt like the author expected me to already know characters and referenced or hinted at events that I was completely unaware of. That irritated me while reading it, but now, at the end, knowing there was a whole book before this I no longer hold that against the author and wish I read Veiled Freedom first. (Suggestion: putting a reference in the summary that it is a sequel would have been nice!) I’m not 100% sure how to rate this now since I feel like I’m missing key information, but I did loosely enjoy the plot. I didn’t care for the author’s writing style, but the message and research are both excellent. In the future I think I will look into reading Veiled Freedom and then re-reading Freedom’s Stand to better appreciate it.
December 17, 2016
This book is actually the second in a series, but written so that you do not need to read the first one (which I haven't) to understand what is going on.
It is kind of melodramatic and tiresome, but the characters are good, and I did want to know what happened to them. This is definitely a "Christianity Rules!" book, about a guy in Afghanistan who was once a terrorist but now wants to tell everybody how great Jesus Christ is. Of course, this gets him into trouble.
This has drama, action (from a mercenary who has to try to keep the other characters out of trouble, and then get them out of trouble when that fails), religion (Christ is great), politics (you can't go around telling people in Afghanistan that Christ is great), and current events. (Afghanistan is kind of a mess right now.)
I would recommend this book for people who like Christian fiction, or for people who want to read more about Central Asia, which is rather convincingly portrayed in a good amount of detail. But it does have a very heavy Christian message theme which sometimes gets in the way of the storytelling, and at times the drama is rather overdone.
It is kind of melodramatic and tiresome, but the characters are good, and I did want to know what happened to them. This is definitely a "Christianity Rules!" book, about a guy in Afghanistan who was once a terrorist but now wants to tell everybody how great Jesus Christ is. Of course, this gets him into trouble.
This has drama, action (from a mercenary who has to try to keep the other characters out of trouble, and then get them out of trouble when that fails), religion (Christ is great), politics (you can't go around telling people in Afghanistan that Christ is great), and current events. (Afghanistan is kind of a mess right now.)
I would recommend this book for people who like Christian fiction, or for people who want to read more about Central Asia, which is rather convincingly portrayed in a good amount of detail. But it does have a very heavy Christian message theme which sometimes gets in the way of the storytelling, and at times the drama is rather overdone.
December 7, 2011
A novel about the plight of women and children in Afganistan and of the conditions to which they are subjected and religious persecution. From working as carpet weavers, illiteracy to young girls being given to men as wives that are not of the girls choosing. Encompasses the lives of Amy Mallory from New Hope Foundation (a safe haven for women and children), Jamil a healer, Farah a girl who is looking for more in life and other prominant characters. This book does tear at the heart and will make the reader reflect on the hardships these people face everyday. I am happy that I live in a free country and have the freedom of choice.
This book does have excellent character development and starts out well but however I did have trouble staying into the novel a little ways through and am not sure it can be a stand alone type being second in a series it definately needs to be read in order. Dialogue and scene works and it challenged me in my faith. I would recommend it but only after reading the first.
This book does have excellent character development and starts out well but however I did have trouble staying into the novel a little ways through and am not sure it can be a stand alone type being second in a series it definately needs to be read in order. Dialogue and scene works and it challenged me in my faith. I would recommend it but only after reading the first.
June 14, 2011
Eager doesn't begin to describe my feelings waiting for Jeanette Windle's Freedom's Stand to release. The sequel to the excellent Veiled Freedom, picks up the lives of Jamil, Amy and Steve three weeks later, time enough for many things to have changed in their lives and in Afghanistan. Unflinchingly honest in her portrayal of political corruption and human rights abuses, the dilemmas and compromises faced by aid agencies and the positive and negative elements of Western intervention, Jeanette sheds light on the plight of the Afghan people in a confronting and challenging manner. Be prepared to experience a gamut of emotion as Jamil defends his new faith, Amy encounters heartbreaking reality and Steve acknowledges a truth that could shatter him. A gripping tale with a significant message, Freedom's Stand should not be missed by anyone who seeks to be engaged heart, mind and soul by a story.
March 3, 2013
I wanted to love this book, but I walked away just liking it. I've read several books about the Middle East, especially Afghanistan, that have grabbed me and made me read until the end, but this book wasn't one of them. The first several chapters were a bit confusing and just difficult to get into. It really wasn't until I was halfway into the book that I began to care what happened to the characters. Even then, it wasn't as compelling as I wished. However, I appreciated the Christian perspective and the reminder of how great a contrast the freedom I have compared to a typical Afghan woman. "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." I hope those in oppresive countries have an opportunity to experience true freedom.
April 28, 2014
The first book in the series (Veiled Freedom) captured my interest and intrigued me--as a romance, an exploration of faith and service, and a revelation of the cultural and political situation in Afghanistan. I fell in love with all the main characters and had to keep reading to find out what happened to them. I can't remember a time that I stayed up half the night reading to finish a book, then immediately bought the sequel and read it the rest of the night. The first book had a satisfying ending, but I wanted to read this book because I wanted to continue to follow the characters' journeys. This book and Veiled Freedom two of my all-time favorites.
September 8, 2011
Jamil is an Afghani who convert to the Christianity. Needless to say , this poses many difficulties in his life. He is imprisioned for his beliefs.Amy is a relief worker who works for women's rights. Steve is a special forces veteran. All three lives intertwine in a search for freedom and love.
Windle is a good author. Her style is easy. I do wish though there was a glossary of sorts to explain Afghani words.
Windle is a good author. Her style is easy. I do wish though there was a glossary of sorts to explain Afghani words.
May 23, 2011
This was more riveting than the first book....It lets you see the personal horror of young women and prisoners in Afghanistan by putting you in their point of view. It is certainly not a free country, and we should be thankful for our own liberties as well as touched by the plight of these people. There was a little more romance in this than the last, but still not much.
April 24, 2012
Wonderful in its handling of the trials Afghans face since being "freed". Jeanette brings out powerfully the challenges facing the common people and the most weak in their society, along with our own complicity in seeking only what is best for our country. Yet, I love how she brings out the fact that there is hope - when the hearts of people are changed.
November 20, 2014
Part of me wanted to rate this a 4 or 5, and part of it a 2. Though it was a good and well written story, I found it verged on religious (Christian) propaganda. Afghanistan does not need another religion to "save" it. Also, I believe many people have been oppressed in the name of Christianity, right in our own part of the world.
January 2, 2015
This book was very interesting, especially considering current events in the Middle East. Though it's fiction, it definitely gives the reader a better understanding of what's really going on over there. This it the first book I've read by this author. The story was interesting, I liked the characters, and I definitely recommend this book!
May 13, 2013
In short: I LOVED this book! I was already impressed with this book's predecessor, "Veiled Freedom", but this was even better than the first. In time, I plan to write a longer review (for this one and the first book) but for now I will say that it is well worth the read :)
January 21, 2014
I enjoyed this book much more than the first one. Even though the first one dragged it had all the history, this one took off and had some interesting situations as this lady lived out her life in Afghanistan. Read this one much quicker.
October 6, 2018
Freedom's Stand by Jeanette Windle is one of the most thought-provoking stories that I've read in a long time. It was so eye-opening in the way that it revealed the plight of women and children in present-day Afghanistan. I highly recommend this book.
August 3, 2011
I love this author and this one is set in Afghanistan. The author's parents were missionaries and her books always put how to find the love of God no matter what circumstances you might be in.
Want to read
February 17, 2012Goodreads.com giveaway not received yet.
August 19, 2012
Good book-great message. However, I do not agree with the reviews on the back that claim Freedom's Stand is the next Kite Runner-not even close!
January 14, 2013
this one made me cry a few times
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews