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Secrets of the Cross Trilogy #2
Two Testaments
The slightest spark will ignite an explosion. The tinderbox of broken political and racial relations in France and Algeria provides plenty of kindling. And the growing friction, especially in Algeria, will soon combust. A tentative ceasefire offers little to cool the heat. And in the midst of the turmoil, Gabriella Madison guards the orphans in her care, while battling jealousy when Anne-Marie Duchemin, David’s former flame, arrives in Castelnau, France. As they protect the little ones in their care amid rising discomfort in the community with the multi-cultural orphanage, each wonders who David will choose. Meanwhile, David is trapped in Algeria, caught in the turmoil of a country gone mad. He seeks a way to guard his life and, at the same time, protect the refugees he came to help. And escape seems impossible. Unable to predict what lies ahead, Gabriella and David learn that in life, waiting is the hardest part. The answers lie in two testaments.
496 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1997
63 people are currently reading
455 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Musser
42 books696 followersELIZABETH MUSSER writes ‘entertainment with a soul’ from her writing chalet—tool shed—outside Lyon, France. Elizabeth’s award winning, best-selling novel, The Swan House, was named one of Amazon’s Top Christian Books of the Year, one of Georgia’s Top Ten Novels of the Past 100 Years and was awarded the Gold Illumination Book Award 2021 for Enduring Light Fiction. All of Elizabeth’s novels have been translated into multiple languages and have been international bestsellers. Two Destinies, the final novel in The Secrets of the Cross trilogy, was a finalist for the 2013 Christy Award. The Long Highway Home was a finalist for the 2018 Carol Award. The Promised Land won second place in Literary Fiction at the 2021 Georgia Author of the Year Awards and won the 2021 Carol Award for Contemporary Fiction. Elizabeth’s most recent novel, By Way of the Moonlight, is a Publisher’s Weekly Top Ten Pick in Religion and Spirituality for Fall Releases in 2022 and Parable and ECPA bestseller and was a finalist for the 2023 Christy Award.
For over thirty-five years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
Find more about Elizabeth’s novels on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Pinterest.
Sign up for her email list https://6231db35.sibforms.com/serve/M....
For over thirty-five years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, two daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.
Find more about Elizabeth’s novels on her website and on Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, and Pinterest.
Sign up for her email list https://6231db35.sibforms.com/serve/M....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 2, 2015
I like reading a great, well written Christian fiction novel. Unfortunately not all books in this genre are well written. They are usually overly sappy, one dimensional and/or super whiny. So, I'm glad to say I actually liked this one. I liked the faith based story. Sometimes it felt a little preachy, but I actually needed 'preachy' today, so it worked.
The characters were all nice, sweet people, striving to do the right thing. I wish there had been a little more depth in this area. For the most part though, they were strong enough to carry the story.
Some of my favorite authors for this genre have been: Charles Martin, Lynn Austin, and W. Dale Cramer.
The characters were all nice, sweet people, striving to do the right thing. I wish there had been a little more depth in this area. For the most part though, they were strong enough to carry the story.
Some of my favorite authors for this genre have been: Charles Martin, Lynn Austin, and W. Dale Cramer.
July 19, 2021
Middle book in a series about a recent time in history that does not get much attention yet still has repercussions today. The events in Algeria and France in the 1960s on the heels of WWII were volatile and difficult. Two Testaments is a gripping story of those that brought light in some very dark times.
August 8, 2023
Er is iets vreemds met deze reeks, er zitten hele interessante stukken tussen over delen van de geschiedenis die ik niet kende, maar er zijn ook regelmatig tenenkrullende stukken en ook een overduidelijke zeer religieuze agenda. En ondanks al dat, is het toch ook meeslepend.
January 31, 2022
Fairly good book. Loved the historical information of Algeria in the 60's. I had no knowledge of that country's history with the Pied Noir and Harkies vs the Algerian Arabs. What a difficult and confusing time for so many with the terrible prejudices against groups of people who came from France, or were Arabs loyal to France.
My problem with this book was one of the main characters, Gabriella. I wanted to tell her off, often, and tell her to grow up and claim a little of that faith she espoused. She was annoying with her whining and complaining and incessant worrying or indignation, and jealousies. Most of the time she wasn't very loving. Why David loved her in the second book is beyond me. She was shallow and certainly never accepted God's will unless it was going her way. She was a much more likable character in the first book.
Aside from that (just like in the first book) how the main characters got themselves in any number of dire predicaments, and manage to get out of them was just astounding. It seemed like as soon as one capture was escaped, a shooting or stabbing occurred, or gun spray that they survived or from which they were saved.
A few incidents might have been believable, but one after another after another were a bit much. But it did lend itself to a lot of conflict and suspense.
Writing is quite good.
This second book was less like a history text or travel book, more first person explanations, or history expressed through conversations. I liked that.
Recommend? Sure.
Just ignore Gabriella most of the time. Ugh!
My problem with this book was one of the main characters, Gabriella. I wanted to tell her off, often, and tell her to grow up and claim a little of that faith she espoused. She was annoying with her whining and complaining and incessant worrying or indignation, and jealousies. Most of the time she wasn't very loving. Why David loved her in the second book is beyond me. She was shallow and certainly never accepted God's will unless it was going her way. She was a much more likable character in the first book.
Aside from that (just like in the first book) how the main characters got themselves in any number of dire predicaments, and manage to get out of them was just astounding. It seemed like as soon as one capture was escaped, a shooting or stabbing occurred, or gun spray that they survived or from which they were saved.
A few incidents might have been believable, but one after another after another were a bit much. But it did lend itself to a lot of conflict and suspense.
Writing is quite good.
This second book was less like a history text or travel book, more first person explanations, or history expressed through conversations. I liked that.
Recommend? Sure.
Just ignore Gabriella most of the time. Ugh!
January 18, 2017
Surprised by how much I enjoyed this second entry in the Secrets of the Cross trilogy , which leads me with anticipation toward completion. Much historical information and its impact on the personal lives of the characters I've grown to know over the length of this reading journey.
Enjoyed characterizations via narrator's capable accents and language individualization. Listened via hoopla audio.
Enjoyed characterizations via narrator's capable accents and language individualization. Listened via hoopla audio.
April 18, 2025
“Two Testaments” by Elizabeth Musser | Book II of the ‘Secrets of the Cross’ Trilogy | Sequel to Book I, “Two Crosses” and Prequel to the final installment, Book III, “Two Destinies”
3.75 stars (My highest rating is 4 stars.)
For those who have not read the first installment in this trilogy, it might enrich your experience to start with Book I, “Two Crosses”. My review of that book is posted here on Goodreads.
I mentioned in my review of Book I, “Two Crosses”, that reading that book was like taking a long drive on a flat highway with no scenery on either side of the road while travelling at the same speed. I also stated that I didn’t want to read this book, Book II, if it was going to have the same format. The good news is that it doesn’t.
This novel picks up where the other left off in the Algerian war and continues at a steady pace. It can be spellbinding. There is a lot of drama, guts and gore, a genocide and mass graves; unfortunately, this is based on a true event. I had no problems keeping up with the different characters, since I had read the first book.
It involves not only adults but children used in this war for mass and relentless slaughter. An orphanage is front and center in trying to save as many children as possible.
The plotline maintains a steady and consistent pace, not usually lagging, and I was invested in knowing how things would develop. I had no trouble keeping track. There are also a few love stories developing: at times, long distance.
The part I didn’t care for was when the young ladies went to Paris. It was dull as dishwater. I suppose the author could have inserted this for a bit of relief from all the drama (?), but I still didn’t like it.
There is enough suspense to keep you guessing, and I found the topic informative when at first, I thought it was oppressive. After doing some research on the Algerian war, I was even more intent on following the story.
The author’s inventiveness surprised me with a very interesting ending to this second book of the trilogy.
If you don’t mind investing a little of yourself, you might find this challenging novel a refreshing reprieve from other predictable, mindless works.
I appreciated the spiritual component to this book and the very real questions and struggles people faced when wondering where God was during the whole mess. Turned out He was there all along, while some railed….such a forgiving God in our weaknesses for those who place their faith and trust in Him, through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
3.75 stars (My highest rating is 4 stars.)
For those who have not read the first installment in this trilogy, it might enrich your experience to start with Book I, “Two Crosses”. My review of that book is posted here on Goodreads.
I mentioned in my review of Book I, “Two Crosses”, that reading that book was like taking a long drive on a flat highway with no scenery on either side of the road while travelling at the same speed. I also stated that I didn’t want to read this book, Book II, if it was going to have the same format. The good news is that it doesn’t.
This novel picks up where the other left off in the Algerian war and continues at a steady pace. It can be spellbinding. There is a lot of drama, guts and gore, a genocide and mass graves; unfortunately, this is based on a true event. I had no problems keeping up with the different characters, since I had read the first book.
It involves not only adults but children used in this war for mass and relentless slaughter. An orphanage is front and center in trying to save as many children as possible.
The plotline maintains a steady and consistent pace, not usually lagging, and I was invested in knowing how things would develop. I had no trouble keeping track. There are also a few love stories developing: at times, long distance.
The part I didn’t care for was when the young ladies went to Paris. It was dull as dishwater. I suppose the author could have inserted this for a bit of relief from all the drama (?), but I still didn’t like it.
There is enough suspense to keep you guessing, and I found the topic informative when at first, I thought it was oppressive. After doing some research on the Algerian war, I was even more intent on following the story.
The author’s inventiveness surprised me with a very interesting ending to this second book of the trilogy.
If you don’t mind investing a little of yourself, you might find this challenging novel a refreshing reprieve from other predictable, mindless works.
I appreciated the spiritual component to this book and the very real questions and struggles people faced when wondering where God was during the whole mess. Turned out He was there all along, while some railed….such a forgiving God in our weaknesses for those who place their faith and trust in Him, through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.
June 20, 2021
Picked this up because it was endorsed by a colleague who lived through these events and likely knew the author. Bit tricky to follow the plot and care about the characters without reading the first volume of this trilogy; this is number 2. But I caught on. Though the book has an unusual and interesting backdrop, in many ways this is a rather typical example of inspirational fiction - with some anachronistic thinking and behavior (E.g., lots of PDA) and plenty of preachy passages. Probably expected by the publisher/readers of Christian historical fiction. Otherwise well written and engaging. Originally published in 1997. I’m interested in picking up some of her more recent work and seeing how it compares.
March 21, 2020
Part II of this trilogy leaves plenty of room for more mayhem in volume III. Will wait awhile before I read that one though. How hard it was for the French, Algerians, and French people who had lived in Algeria for many years and lost everything when DeGaulle gave the independence, to understand each other and work toward integration into French society. Also, the amount of bloodshed as independence was declared seems unbelievable.
November 7, 2022
The story tells of the brokenness, hopelessness experienced in war. The setting is in the 1960s in Algiers and Castelnau, France, during the Algerian Revolution. The author did a great job weaving the tapestry of her character’s lives - showing God’s purpose and plan for them, each coming to know the Lord and being made remarkably new. It is a happy ever after type of story, filled with suspense and romance.
March 13, 2024
This was a second installment of a book I read several years ago that was just okay. It was in my Audible so decided I'd give it a try because I wanted to learn more about the war and independence of Algeria. Unfortunately, the presentation was way too melodramatic for my taste, though I'm sure the author was trying to convey the horror of the conflict. I'm giving it two stars (just barely) and won't be listening to the third installment even though I do own the audio of it also.
April 9, 2024
Well, I was disappointed in this book. For one, the romance was too much for me although others may appreciate it. I like historical fiction and this author has opened my eyes to the Algerian civil war and the situation in France at the time. Second, I knew what was going to happen without looking ahead. I prefer a story that keeps me turning the page. I just got bored.
I am not sure I will read the third book in this series.
I am not sure I will read the third book in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2018
This is one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors. Set during the Algerian War, it's full of intrigue, romance, excitement and beautiful God moments. This was my 2nd read of this book and I think I loved it more this time.
March 22, 2019
PG: audiobook
DNF - too many characters for me to be invested in, couldn’t really follow the story and had fairly little interest in it. Maybe reading the story might be better than listening with so many characters.
DNF - too many characters for me to be invested in, couldn’t really follow the story and had fairly little interest in it. Maybe reading the story might be better than listening with so many characters.
May 15, 2019
I totally loved this whole trilogy! Book #3 was a bit slower than the other 2, but written 30 years later. I was sucked in! I didn't know anything about the Algerian War, so the history was interesting and the story telling was excellent!!
October 5, 2022
A wonderful sequel continuing the story of Gabriella Madison, David Hoffmann, and their friends and enemies. I love the intertwining of each person's story and how they reult in a beuatiful tapestry showing God's grace and love.
March 4, 2019
Very good! This one caused tears.
January 21, 2020
A Christian Witness, so good.
December 10, 2022
This was a very long book and grim. War, orphans, death etc
March 7, 2023
It was too drawn out; I got bored waiting for the ending. There's such a thing as being TOO dramatic and spell binding.
January 26, 2025
Mooie informatie en lessen over geloof en andere culturen. Niet altijd even realistisch verhaal.
July 22, 2025
interessant om te leren over de geschiedenis van Algerije. spannende verhaallijnen
February 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this series on audio! The narrator had an excellent French accent. The author weaves a story of SO MANY together much like the tapestry she gives God credit for. So beautiful!
August 18, 2024
I loved this. The audiobook does have some missing parts, so that's a bit annoying.
Do want to find the last book, and I'll probably end up listening to it from Everand.
Do want to find the last book, and I'll probably end up listening to it from Everand.
November 4, 2012
I could only give this book four stars because it is not a stand alone. Therefore, I spent a great deal of time trying to understand events that occurred in the first book, even though I have not read it. In fact, it does not hit shelves until June, so I couldn't go and pick one up. This being said...
Two Testaments is a complex novel in the third person which switches viewpoints from character to character (almost like little vignettes that are in chronological order.) This makes the reading ebb and flow like the ocean between Algiers and France, depending on the length of each section. It also allows the reader quick little reading spurts if short on time. However, the book is nearly 500 pages. In addition, it is a love story (or multiple ones.)
While the book may be nearly 500 pages, there is never a moment that the reader is not fully engaged with the story. Set during the months between the Algerian revolution ceasefire and its official date of independence from France, Two Testaments describes the "pied noirs" exodus from Algeria to France and boths' struggle to accept and welcome, not just those expats, but thousands of Arab citizens, who sided with the pied noirs and the French during the war, who had to flee thier homeland. This part of the story follows three sets of couples, a Catholic orphanage, a conflicted teen assassin, and a vengeful militant as they navigate the volatile incidents occuring on both sides of the ocean.
While the majority of the story ends "happily ever after," it is important to note that the events in this story are not viewed through the proverbial "rose coloured glasses." The author thoroughly researched her subject. The violence and horror of war and its aftermath are laid forth in straightforward fashion, neither lauded nor condemned. However, the purpose of the book is to show God's love and faithfulness so do not expect a secular story. This being said, I did not feel as though God was being "shoved" down the reader's throat. Instead this author is able to "show" God's love in the story rather than just tell us about it. This means that the number of "verses" quoted is kept manageable. Still, near the end...all of the characters are reminding each other how God remained faithful through out the events. Most of it was not needed. the internal thoughts and feelings of the characters was more than enough to touch the readers' hearts.
I will read part three; a sample is given at the end of this book. But, I fully intend on getting part one and reading it first. I always felt one-step behind because the characters often referred to earlier events but there wasn't enough flashback or "catching up-to-date" for the reader, who got this book before the first in the trilogy.
I really enjoy Historical Romances and Historical fiction when the author has done his/her research. It is a delightful way to learn about the history of our brothers and sisters in other countries. This is true whether the book is Christian or secular, hinging entirely upon the author's storytelling ability and research. Musser has that talent.
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads Program!
Two Testaments is a complex novel in the third person which switches viewpoints from character to character (almost like little vignettes that are in chronological order.) This makes the reading ebb and flow like the ocean between Algiers and France, depending on the length of each section. It also allows the reader quick little reading spurts if short on time. However, the book is nearly 500 pages. In addition, it is a love story (or multiple ones.)
While the book may be nearly 500 pages, there is never a moment that the reader is not fully engaged with the story. Set during the months between the Algerian revolution ceasefire and its official date of independence from France, Two Testaments describes the "pied noirs" exodus from Algeria to France and boths' struggle to accept and welcome, not just those expats, but thousands of Arab citizens, who sided with the pied noirs and the French during the war, who had to flee thier homeland. This part of the story follows three sets of couples, a Catholic orphanage, a conflicted teen assassin, and a vengeful militant as they navigate the volatile incidents occuring on both sides of the ocean.
While the majority of the story ends "happily ever after," it is important to note that the events in this story are not viewed through the proverbial "rose coloured glasses." The author thoroughly researched her subject. The violence and horror of war and its aftermath are laid forth in straightforward fashion, neither lauded nor condemned. However, the purpose of the book is to show God's love and faithfulness so do not expect a secular story. This being said, I did not feel as though God was being "shoved" down the reader's throat. Instead this author is able to "show" God's love in the story rather than just tell us about it. This means that the number of "verses" quoted is kept manageable. Still, near the end...all of the characters are reminding each other how God remained faithful through out the events. Most of it was not needed. the internal thoughts and feelings of the characters was more than enough to touch the readers' hearts.
I will read part three; a sample is given at the end of this book. But, I fully intend on getting part one and reading it first. I always felt one-step behind because the characters often referred to earlier events but there wasn't enough flashback or "catching up-to-date" for the reader, who got this book before the first in the trilogy.
I really enjoy Historical Romances and Historical fiction when the author has done his/her research. It is a delightful way to learn about the history of our brothers and sisters in other countries. This is true whether the book is Christian or secular, hinging entirely upon the author's storytelling ability and research. Musser has that talent.
I won this book through Goodreads First Reads Program!
December 9, 2012
Elizabeth Musser in her new book, “Two Testaments book coverTwo Testaments” Book Two in the Secrets of the Cross Trilogy published by David C Cook continues the story of Gabriella Madison.
From the back cover: Love for war’s victims keeps them apart. Will love for each other see them through?
The slightest spark will ignite an explosion. And the tinderbox of broken political and racial relations in 1960′s France and Algeria provides plenty of kindling. In the midst of the chaos, Gabriella Madison guards the orphans in her care while battling jealousy with Anne-Marie Duchemin, David’s former flame who has recently arrived in Castelnau, France. Even more problems arise when the townspeople start expressing their discomfort with the multicultural orphanage. They want it shut down…permanently.
Meanwhile, David is trapped on the other side of the Mediterranean, caught in the turmoil of a country gone mad. He seeks a way to guard his life and, at the same time, protect the refugees he came to help. But even if he accomplishes his mission, can he get out of Algeria alive?
I like history and Elizabeth Musser is doing her best to increase not only my knowledge of history but political and religious freedoms as well. The Algerian war of independence, begun in November 1954, is still raging as “Two Testaments” begins. We pick the story up in March, 1962 just a few months from when the war will officially end on July 3 1962, when France’s President Charles de Gaulle will formally renounce his nation’s sovereignty over Algeria and proclaim its independence. However there is still quite a bit of story to cover in these few remaining months. David and Gabriella are separated; she stays in Castelnau while David is in Algeria. Gabriella is defending the orphans, David is protecting the refugees. For this romance to really work these two are going to have to get back together. “Two Testaments” is filled with danger, suspense, thrills and romance. Ms. Musser knows a thing or two about France as she and her husband are missionaries there. Once again Ms. Musser has provided us a gripping adventure with plenty of action and memorable characters that you really care about. If you are looking for history you will find it here. If you are looking for a really good romance you will find it here. I liked this book and am really looking forward to where Ms. Musser will take us in the third and final book in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Love for war’s victims keeps them apart. Will love for each other see them through?
The slightest spark will ignite an explosion. And the tinderbox of broken political and racial relations in 1960′s France and Algeria provides plenty of kindling. In the midst of the chaos, Gabriella Madison guards the orphans in her care while battling jealousy with Anne-Marie Duchemin, David’s former flame who has recently arrived in Castelnau, France. Even more problems arise when the townspeople start expressing their discomfort with the multicultural orphanage. They want it shut down…permanently.
Meanwhile, David is trapped on the other side of the Mediterranean, caught in the turmoil of a country gone mad. He seeks a way to guard his life and, at the same time, protect the refugees he came to help. But even if he accomplishes his mission, can he get out of Algeria alive?
I like history and Elizabeth Musser is doing her best to increase not only my knowledge of history but political and religious freedoms as well. The Algerian war of independence, begun in November 1954, is still raging as “Two Testaments” begins. We pick the story up in March, 1962 just a few months from when the war will officially end on July 3 1962, when France’s President Charles de Gaulle will formally renounce his nation’s sovereignty over Algeria and proclaim its independence. However there is still quite a bit of story to cover in these few remaining months. David and Gabriella are separated; she stays in Castelnau while David is in Algeria. Gabriella is defending the orphans, David is protecting the refugees. For this romance to really work these two are going to have to get back together. “Two Testaments” is filled with danger, suspense, thrills and romance. Ms. Musser knows a thing or two about France as she and her husband are missionaries there. Once again Ms. Musser has provided us a gripping adventure with plenty of action and memorable characters that you really care about. If you are looking for history you will find it here. If you are looking for a really good romance you will find it here. I liked this book and am really looking forward to where Ms. Musser will take us in the third and final book in this series.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from Wynn-Wynn Media for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 26, 2015
I read this after reading the first book in the series.
The characters were all really great, seemed really real. I knew most of them from the last book. My favorite characters were Gabriella, and Ophelia, and David probably.
I felt sorry for Gabriella, especially when David was gone. I felt the the beginning of the book had a lot less about her in it than the last half. She was so kind, and loving, and struggling with her selfishness. She didn't know what would happen when Anne-Marie arrived, and she was fearful. She gave up her worries though, and I can't wait to read the next book to see how she did with her new role in the story.
Anne-Marie was great, a character who was really strong, and yet sad. She was so nice, not selfish, she a very kind heart.
Ophelia was so cute! Bouncy, bubbly, kind, and trusting. If it hadn't been for her the whole orphanage would've been in so much more trouble. I think she added more life to the story.
David was great in this story like the last one. He was struggling with his faith after all he'd seen in Algeria. But it only strengthened his faith in the end. He was broken inside when he came back, and split between protecting his daughter and Anne-Marie, and marrying Gabriella. One way he'd be shattering Gabriella's hopes and heart, the other way he wasn't sure what would happen to his daughter. He had a funny side too, which made him even a better character.
I wouldn't say this book had less action than the first book, but I found the other book more exciting. I think it was more of a mystery and the action scenes were very, very, dramatic you could say in the last book. This book wasn't as much of a mystery, but was still pretty intense!
I found in a little confusing in the beginning when it followed so many different characters. But I figured it all out then it was fine. The way it was written was great again.
Overall I would say you did an outstanding job again Elizabeth Musser! I can't wait to read the next book.
The characters were all really great, seemed really real. I knew most of them from the last book. My favorite characters were Gabriella, and Ophelia, and David probably.
I felt sorry for Gabriella, especially when David was gone. I felt the the beginning of the book had a lot less about her in it than the last half. She was so kind, and loving, and struggling with her selfishness. She didn't know what would happen when Anne-Marie arrived, and she was fearful. She gave up her worries though, and I can't wait to read the next book to see how she did with her new role in the story.
Anne-Marie was great, a character who was really strong, and yet sad. She was so nice, not selfish, she a very kind heart.
Ophelia was so cute! Bouncy, bubbly, kind, and trusting. If it hadn't been for her the whole orphanage would've been in so much more trouble. I think she added more life to the story.
David was great in this story like the last one. He was struggling with his faith after all he'd seen in Algeria. But it only strengthened his faith in the end. He was broken inside when he came back, and split between protecting his daughter and Anne-Marie, and marrying Gabriella. One way he'd be shattering Gabriella's hopes and heart, the other way he wasn't sure what would happen to his daughter. He had a funny side too, which made him even a better character.
I wouldn't say this book had less action than the first book, but I found the other book more exciting. I think it was more of a mystery and the action scenes were very, very, dramatic you could say in the last book. This book wasn't as much of a mystery, but was still pretty intense!
I found in a little confusing in the beginning when it followed so many different characters. But I figured it all out then it was fine. The way it was written was great again.
Overall I would say you did an outstanding job again Elizabeth Musser! I can't wait to read the next book.
December 24, 2012
Title: TWO TESTAMENTS
Author: Elizabeth Musser
Publisher: David C. Cook
June 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0499-0
Genre: Historical
The slightest spark will ignite an explosion. The tinderbox of broken political and racial relations in France and Algeria provides plenty of kindling. And the growing friction, especially in Algeria, will soon combust. A tentative ceasefire offers little to cool the heat.
In the midst of the turmoil, Gabriella Madison guards the orphans in her care, while battling jealousy when Anne-Marie Duchemin, David’s former flame, arrives in Castelnau, France. As they protect the little ones in their care amid rising discomfort in the community with the multi-cultural orphanage, each wonders who David will choose.
Meanwhile, David is trapped in Algeria, caught in the turmoil of a country gone mad. He seeks a way to guard his life and, at the same time, protect the refugees he came to help. And escape seems impossible.
Unable to predict what lies ahead, Gabriella and David learn that in life, waiting is the hardest part.
The answers lie in two testaments.
TWO TESTAMENTS is rich in description of the European country side during war time. The story line is very detailed, and even though it was set in the 1960’s, it almost seems as though it might be current.
The characters have to make some tough choices amidst the unrest. They are very well developed. Readers will want to read book one in the Secrets of the Cross series, Two Crosses, first as these books do not stand alone. Book three, Two Destinies, released in September 2012 for those who like to read the complete series at one time. $14.99. 496 pages.
Author: Elizabeth Musser
Publisher: David C. Cook
June 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7814-0499-0
Genre: Historical
The slightest spark will ignite an explosion. The tinderbox of broken political and racial relations in France and Algeria provides plenty of kindling. And the growing friction, especially in Algeria, will soon combust. A tentative ceasefire offers little to cool the heat.
In the midst of the turmoil, Gabriella Madison guards the orphans in her care, while battling jealousy when Anne-Marie Duchemin, David’s former flame, arrives in Castelnau, France. As they protect the little ones in their care amid rising discomfort in the community with the multi-cultural orphanage, each wonders who David will choose.
Meanwhile, David is trapped in Algeria, caught in the turmoil of a country gone mad. He seeks a way to guard his life and, at the same time, protect the refugees he came to help. And escape seems impossible.
Unable to predict what lies ahead, Gabriella and David learn that in life, waiting is the hardest part.
The answers lie in two testaments.
TWO TESTAMENTS is rich in description of the European country side during war time. The story line is very detailed, and even though it was set in the 1960’s, it almost seems as though it might be current.
The characters have to make some tough choices amidst the unrest. They are very well developed. Readers will want to read book one in the Secrets of the Cross series, Two Crosses, first as these books do not stand alone. Book three, Two Destinies, released in September 2012 for those who like to read the complete series at one time. $14.99. 496 pages.
July 31, 2012
A skillfully interwoven tale that though set many years past is more than relevant in today's world.
Political unrest between France and Algeria spark unrest and plenty of danger, Gabriella Madison finds herself caught in the middle. Gabriella courageously fights to protect the orphans under her care. Things only get tougher when her beau's former love and mother of his child arrives, to work along side Gabriella.
I loved how intricate the storyline was, and I will tell you now that it would be most helpful to read this series in order because reading this one without the first (Two Crosses) might be more than a bit confusing. I loved how relevant this series is, though set in the 60's with everything that is happening it is almost like it was happening today!
This book is also emotionally strong, with main characters having to make tough choices, and deal with the unrest around them. The characters were well done, and they were so realistically written that they felt like genuinely real people. I loved how deep each of them ran.
Overall this is not a lightly written book that will take you to another time and place, not too much unlike the world we live in today. I loved how there was so much going on and how it all came together, there were so many characters and I liked the complexity of this book. A book and series that I heartily recommend.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
Political unrest between France and Algeria spark unrest and plenty of danger, Gabriella Madison finds herself caught in the middle. Gabriella courageously fights to protect the orphans under her care. Things only get tougher when her beau's former love and mother of his child arrives, to work along side Gabriella.
I loved how intricate the storyline was, and I will tell you now that it would be most helpful to read this series in order because reading this one without the first (Two Crosses) might be more than a bit confusing. I loved how relevant this series is, though set in the 60's with everything that is happening it is almost like it was happening today!
This book is also emotionally strong, with main characters having to make tough choices, and deal with the unrest around them. The characters were well done, and they were so realistically written that they felt like genuinely real people. I loved how deep each of them ran.
Overall this is not a lightly written book that will take you to another time and place, not too much unlike the world we live in today. I loved how there was so much going on and how it all came together, there were so many characters and I liked the complexity of this book. A book and series that I heartily recommend.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!
May 13, 2012
Set near the end of the Algerian Civil War (1954 - 1962), Two Testaments picks up where Two Crosses left off. David is in love with Gabriella, but he feels pulled to return to Algeria to rescue the mother of his daughter in spite of the dangers of returning. Once there, he is again in the middle of chaos and political unrest. Is he able to save Anne-Marie and her friend, Moustafa? Will they be able to save a few more children from being killed?
Elizabeth Musser does a wonderful job bringing this very torrential time in history to life. Her knowledge of the French and Algerian culture and history flows easily from her pen to the pages. I love learning about different times in history through well written historical fiction novels. The characters in Two Testaments quickly become your good friends. You will find yourself cheering them on and praying for them as they go through difficulties due to the war, messy relationships, and sin. Elizabeth writes from the perspective of a Christian seeker including characters who are being led by the Spirit to know the true God and a rewarding relationship with Him.
I LOVED this book. It was a great second book in the trilogy series.
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I received a complimentary eBook from David Cook Publishing and NetGalley for my honest review.
Elizabeth Musser does a wonderful job bringing this very torrential time in history to life. Her knowledge of the French and Algerian culture and history flows easily from her pen to the pages. I love learning about different times in history through well written historical fiction novels. The characters in Two Testaments quickly become your good friends. You will find yourself cheering them on and praying for them as they go through difficulties due to the war, messy relationships, and sin. Elizabeth writes from the perspective of a Christian seeker including characters who are being led by the Spirit to know the true God and a rewarding relationship with Him.
I LOVED this book. It was a great second book in the trilogy series.
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars
I received a complimentary eBook from David Cook Publishing and NetGalley for my honest review.
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