"Mercy Triumphs" by Jana Kelley (LitFuse Blog Tour)

My review...

Mia, Halimah, and Rania are three very different women, but they all believe in the same merciful and faithful God.

Mia is an American who's been living in Sudan or three years with her family. She and her husband are helping to bring people to Jesus. Mia met Halimah when she came to stay with them after her family disowned her for being a Christ-follower. Halimah is now working with refugees in Kenya. Rania is Halimah's sister. She is attending art school and staying with relatives in Dubai. When she graduates, she will be expected to follow through on an arranged marriage to a Muslim. All of them want to serve God and bring others to him, but they are worried time is running out for them to do that. Can they learn to wait on God in His perfect timing? Or will God show them that He has better plans than they could envision?

This is the third book in the series, and I have my fingers crossed for sequel! It could be read as a standalone, but a greater appreciation will be gained by reading the series in order.

Kelley's characters show modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims living in Sudan. This book, like the others, is based on real-like events. They challenge the reader to consider things they never thought about in the past, such as the struggles Christians face when under Islamic law and cultural differences. It's a truly captivating and heartwarming tale, with beautiful prose and overall reminder to trust God. He has a plan for everyone, no matter where they may be planted. A glossary (Arabic and Swahili) is included.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher (as part of the LitFuse blogger program), but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

Blog tour landing page

Amazon link for purchase

About Jana...

Author of the captivating novel Side by Side, Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend East Texas Baptist University. She and her husband married a month after she graduated, and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. After thirteen years living in Africa and the Middle East, Jana, her husband, and their three boys moved to Southeast Asia, where they currently live.

"Door to Freedom" by Jana Kelley (LitFuse Blog Tour)

My review...

This is the second book in Kelly’s series pertaining to the persecution and life of Sudanese Muslims. It also sheds a light on the struggles Christians face under Islamic law. This book is based on real-life events.

Americans Mia and Michael are learning to share their faith with those around them. Their family is in Sudan with the Kellar Hope Foundation, an organization which provides food, clothing, better health care, and education for refugees in Sudan.

Rania is the daughter of a wealthy Sudanese Arab who longs to know what happened to her sister Halimah. Rania’s father is working on an arranged marriage, as per custom. Before Halimah disappeared, she told Rania to read the book she’d left behind, which happened to be the Gospel of John. Rania’s eyes are opened to a whole new world, and she prays for peace … even if it means leaving Islam.

Both Mia and Rania will need to trust God in ways they never imagined. What plans does He have in store for their lives?

Kelley’s personal experience is evident in her latest book, which contains a life-changing message for the characters and reader. The cultural aspects are portrayed in a realistic and respectful manner. The book educates the reader on the Sudanese culture, which is likely unknown to many. A recap from book one is included, but a greater appreciation for the story will be gained by reading the books in order. The reader may walk away from this tome with a greater appreciation for things which are commonly taken for granted, such as daily freedoms, religion, and life choices. The ending paves the way for a possible, and hopeful, sequel.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the LitFuse blogger program. I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

Author bio...

Author of the captivating novel Side by Side, Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend East Texas Baptist University. She and her husband married a month after she graduated, and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. After thirteen years living in Africa and the Middle East, Jana, her husband, and their three boys moved to Southeast Asia, where they currently live.