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Adira: Journey to Freedom
When King Artaxerxes' cupbearer traveled to Jerusalem, it affected more people than you might have imagined. The Bible tells us Nehemiah's brother, Hanani, made the long journey with him, but what about his sister-in-law? And suppose he had a niece named Adira.
Born in Susa, twelve-year-old Adira didn't consider herself a slave nor a resident of Jerusalem. She grew tired of her father working on the temple in that city her parents called home. What would it take for this young girl to understand the true meaning of the word freedom? How would her Uncle Nehemiah's journey change her life forever, and what trials will she encounter as she makes her own journey on the rocky road to freedom?
You can also read on Kindle Vella and Kindle Unlimited!
Born in Susa, twelve-year-old Adira didn't consider herself a slave nor a resident of Jerusalem. She grew tired of her father working on the temple in that city her parents called home. What would it take for this young girl to understand the true meaning of the word freedom? How would her Uncle Nehemiah's journey change her life forever, and what trials will she encounter as she makes her own journey on the rocky road to freedom?
You can also read on Kindle Vella and Kindle Unlimited!
447 pages, Paperback
Published August 30, 2022
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Lynne Modranski
64 books36 followersLynne Modranski is an author and inspirational speaker who loves to empower Christian leaders and inspire spiritual growth, helping people move from rules to relationship and dive into Christ's abundance.
Wife to Steve, a local church pastor, she is mom to Monica, Sylvia, and Julia and “Hada” to Joshua, Corryn, Elizabeth, and Jaycee. Worship Leader and Small Groups Coordinator of Sycamore Tree Church, Lynne is first and foremost a follower of Jesus Christ. She has a passion to help others find a real relationship with the One who has given her true life, as she shows them how they can become the very best they can be in Christ Jesus!
Lynne has written several Bible Studies, e-books, devotional readings, children’s curricula, plays and advent readings. Visit her website to find out more about her Spiritual growth classes and one on one Biblical coaching.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 19, 2022
A very good story about love and survival in Middle Eastern antiquity.
May 27, 2022
This historical fiction book is such a good read. It takes you into Bible times and makes you really think about what people may have had to endure. It is filled with suspense and romance. It will take you on a journey with Adira while she learns to grow up the hard way and finds God along the way.
August 24, 2022
I have read 3/4 of this book. Well written. Great book.
October 28, 2022
Adira was such a fascinating biblical fiction. Adira went through many trials & was not sure at first if she believed in Yahweh. But after her kidnapping & sale into slavery she begins to pray to Yahweh…& even to praise Him. She learns how to trust Him during the hard times & some good times too. She got back to Jerusalem & the ending is lovely.
June 26, 2022
Absolutely love this book. When I first decided to read it I was doing a favor for a friend. Had I not read this I would have missed out. Adira brings the bible to life. In this book there is love and fear and unknown. There was a lot of twists that I never expected. There was also real life feelings that I could relate to. This book definitely shows how Yahweh loves us even when we don't see it!
May 30, 2022
Very heartwarming story. I loved being able to go behind the scenes in what may have happened in the Bible. Once I really picked it up, I couldn't put it down.
August 27, 2022
Biblical novel - Adira: Journey to Freedom by Lynne Modranski
Excellent! I could not put it down until I had finished reading it. Adira is the fictional niece of Nehemiah, the rebuilder of the walls of Jerusalem. This novel is very well written and is both Biblically and historically accurate. The additional story lines are believable, and make the novel fascinating. I look forward to other novels she will write.
Lynne Modranski
Excellent! I could not put it down until I had finished reading it. Adira is the fictional niece of Nehemiah, the rebuilder of the walls of Jerusalem. This novel is very well written and is both Biblically and historically accurate. The additional story lines are believable, and make the novel fascinating. I look forward to other novels she will write.
Lynne Modranski
October 2, 2022
A journey to freedom and faith
The core narrative of this book is that the journey for freedom is a journey of life and that, every day, we should thank God for having such freedom.
A well researched story, elegantly using authentic Hebrew terms, places and personal names, Jewish months, and traditional prayers and customs. The plot was set around the end of the biblical era of Queen Esther; an interesting period for the Jewish people who stayed in exile, yet kept dreaming of Jerusalem.
A mesmerizing sentence that metaphorically reflects the Jewish people since exodus.
“…Little sister, you are going home. Yahweh is delivering you from this life of slavery.”
Throughout the read I’ve learned more and more about the young Adria as a round, deep character. Bright, curious, asking questions, trying to understand the circumstances in her life in a meaningful way, and through paying attention to small details. Among all, she is unafraid of the gentile men. Her thoughts help me visualize each scene beautifully and elegantly. It felt that I saw actually joining her journey, something I could sense in few books only. The clear writing style streams like a good wine, turning this story suitable for all ages. There were minor weaknesses. For instance, the use of the name Elizabeth sounds out of context.
There were amusing moments too as shown in this thought by Adira:
‘I hadn’t thought much about Susa’s god since we arrived in Jerusalem; however, Yahweh, who seemed so real to my parents didn’t seem much different than the statues of Persia to me. Yet each time I flirted with giving my loyalty to Ahura Mazda, I struggled with the fact all those gods looked like carved dolls.’
Yet, later on she says:
“I’m still not sure if Yahweh or Ahura Mazda is the real god.” Where did that come from? I hadn’t mentioned or thought much about the god of Persia since my first year in Jerusalem.’ Adira’s maturation biologically and spirituality is one of the most fascinating aspects of this story.
An additional narrative is that even then, thousands of years ago, in an ancient premise, family dramas were encompassed by individuals with their own wishes, dreams, exceptional members, and those who dealt with faith questions, just like in modern days.
The core narrative of this book is that the journey for freedom is a journey of life and that, every day, we should thank God for having such freedom.
A well researched story, elegantly using authentic Hebrew terms, places and personal names, Jewish months, and traditional prayers and customs. The plot was set around the end of the biblical era of Queen Esther; an interesting period for the Jewish people who stayed in exile, yet kept dreaming of Jerusalem.
A mesmerizing sentence that metaphorically reflects the Jewish people since exodus.
“…Little sister, you are going home. Yahweh is delivering you from this life of slavery.”
Throughout the read I’ve learned more and more about the young Adria as a round, deep character. Bright, curious, asking questions, trying to understand the circumstances in her life in a meaningful way, and through paying attention to small details. Among all, she is unafraid of the gentile men. Her thoughts help me visualize each scene beautifully and elegantly. It felt that I saw actually joining her journey, something I could sense in few books only. The clear writing style streams like a good wine, turning this story suitable for all ages. There were minor weaknesses. For instance, the use of the name Elizabeth sounds out of context.
There were amusing moments too as shown in this thought by Adira:
‘I hadn’t thought much about Susa’s god since we arrived in Jerusalem; however, Yahweh, who seemed so real to my parents didn’t seem much different than the statues of Persia to me. Yet each time I flirted with giving my loyalty to Ahura Mazda, I struggled with the fact all those gods looked like carved dolls.’
Yet, later on she says:
“I’m still not sure if Yahweh or Ahura Mazda is the real god.” Where did that come from? I hadn’t mentioned or thought much about the god of Persia since my first year in Jerusalem.’ Adira’s maturation biologically and spirituality is one of the most fascinating aspects of this story.
An additional narrative is that even then, thousands of years ago, in an ancient premise, family dramas were encompassed by individuals with their own wishes, dreams, exceptional members, and those who dealt with faith questions, just like in modern days.
September 28, 2022
Really enjoyed this telling of life for a young girl in the times of Nehemiah. Never a dull moment and an easy read! Excited to see if Miriam’s story will be told in the next novel!
November 24, 2022
It took me a little while to get into this book. I found the first section rather slow moving, but I realize the author was setting the foundation for the story. Once the story took a twist, it became more interesting.
It was obvious that the author did some research regarding the slave trading and bridal markets in biblical times. Along with portraying that in the story was the character’s constant fear of being violated by her owner; sometimes this was referenced more directly than others. Though never described, sexual relations are assumed between other characters and insinuated.
I did feel like some of the characters were left hanging and do hope the author chooses to write about Miriam’s story.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
It was obvious that the author did some research regarding the slave trading and bridal markets in biblical times. Along with portraying that in the story was the character’s constant fear of being violated by her owner; sometimes this was referenced more directly than others. Though never described, sexual relations are assumed between other characters and insinuated.
I did feel like some of the characters were left hanging and do hope the author chooses to write about Miriam’s story.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 24, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It tied back to the Bible and gave an idea of how the people, especially women and girls, may have lived back then. The struggles Adira had while growing and coming to know and accept God and His love for her will probably seem familiar to many people. Adira gave me a lot to think about and made me want to read more of her story.
January 25, 2022
Enjoyed the whole story line and following Adiras family on their journey. Loved all the history that was put into the writing. I felt like I was there .
February 3, 2023
I fell in love with Adira and found I could not put the book down. Lynne Modranski did a beautiful job of creating a story of a young girl’s life during the era when Nehemiah rebuilt the wall around Jericho. I enjoy reading historical fiction as it helps me to imagine what life would be like in earlier times. Adira did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book and am anxiously awaiting the next two Lynne hinted may follow.
August 24, 2022
This is a great read! It's well written and the author brings the story to life with her words, you feel like you are there. If you are a fan of biblical fiction, grab this book.
August 8, 2022
Since Goodreads allows authors to review their own books, I thought I'd add some thoughts!
I am tremendously excited about Adira. Parts of it still move me to tears even after writing it by hand, typing it in, editing it three times, proofing it once, and going over it to make my second proofreader's corrections.
Three professionals have given me glowing endorsements, and every beta reader has told me how much they've enjoyed it. So, I feel blessed.
I hope Adira helps you discover the true path to freedom and helps you find your way after you wander from home.
I am tremendously excited about Adira. Parts of it still move me to tears even after writing it by hand, typing it in, editing it three times, proofing it once, and going over it to make my second proofreader's corrections.
Three professionals have given me glowing endorsements, and every beta reader has told me how much they've enjoyed it. So, I feel blessed.
I hope Adira helps you discover the true path to freedom and helps you find your way after you wander from home.
February 27, 2024
This enjoyable and rather quick (for the book length) read follows Adira, a Jewish girl over about a decade as she and her family travel to Jerusalem with Nehemiah (who is her uncle) to rebuild the city walls. It focuses primarily on her thoughts and feelings as she experiences the trip, settling into a new home and routine, and then the various aspects of her life. Along the way she questions who is the stronger and better god, Yahweh or Ahura Mazda, what she wants in life, as well as life circumstances in general. As with real life, Adira's life has many twists and turns, filled with events that don't make sense right now but fall into place later on. The primary characters were well developed and seemed like real people you would meet in daily life. It would have been nice to know more about some of the lesser characters but I can understand them not being as completely developed based on both their place in the story and the length of the book. I could identify with Adira and her family. Would recommend to those who enjoy ancient historical stories and those who enjoy fiction based on Biblical accounts.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews