Judas Iscariot: the most hated disciple and the story I thought I knew

Everyone knows the story of Judas Iscariot. I thought I knew the story of Judas Iscariot. I thought his story would be an easy and straightforward blog post. Because why not? He has become one of the most hated individuals in the Bible. Jesus called him “a devil” (John 6:70-71). To many, he is the villain in Jesus’s story. Throughout history, believers have used his story to humiliate their enemies. He has been hated for his betrayal. He has been pitied. He couldn’t have known what his actions would set in motion. Some even called him a hero of sorts for simply playing his part in God’s plan (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12,13). While Jesus chose Judas as a disciple, Judas would betray him. Who was Judas? Why would he betray Jesus? What motivations were at work? Why would he jeopardize his relationship with Jesus? What lesson can we take from his life? 

Little is known about Judas’ life before he was chosen by Jesus. It is believed that he came from the town of Kerioth in Judea. Iscariot is Greek derived from the Hebrew ish Kerioth or man of Kerioth (Tate, 2025). His name means “praised” and would have been the fourth most common name of the time, behind Lazarus, Joseph and Simon (Tate, 2025). However, he was known as treacherous and greedy. Judas was a thief as keeper of the money bag and he would help himself to its contents (John 12:6). He would betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16) and a kiss (Matthew 26:48-49, Mark 14:43-51, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-11). After he saw Jesus condemned by the Jewish High Council, Judas returned the blood money and killed himself (Matthew 27:3-10, Acts 1:18-19). The saddest statement about Judas is he was so remorseful that he committed suicide and yet he was unrepentant (Tate, 2025). To contrast with Peter’s denial. Peter was remorseful, repented and was restored. It is the different paths remorse can lead us. One without repentance leads to destruction and one with repentance leads to forgiveness.

Judas, like all the disciples, misunderstood Jesus’ mission on earth. They expected Jesus to make political moves and yet he spoke of dying. The Irish band U2 has a great song Until the End of the World (1991 album Achtung Baby) which gives a picture to Judas’s possible internal monologue. The constant topic must have led to feelings of anger, fear and disappointment. When Jesus praised Mary for pouring the perfume (John 12:1-8), Judas’s greed for money and status blinded him to the significance of Mary’s gesture. His desires allowed him to be in a place to be manipulated, seeking favor with the religious leaders instead and when he tried to undo what he had done, it was too late. God’s sovereign plan was already moving. It was not God who rejected Judas, but Judas who rejected God (Winger, 2022). The exact motivation of Judas’ betrayal is unknown; however, it is theorized that he was trying to force Jesus’ hand, He may have wanted to see Jesus fight back and to rebel against the Romans and set up a new Jewish government.  Was he hoping for a prominent place in this new kingdom? Judas’s misunderstanding of Jesus’s mission on earth reminds me, once again, that God’s thoughts and plans are not our thoughts and plans (Isaiah 55:8-9). I cannot pretend to understand his thoughts; but I trust he knows more than I do. 

Judas didn’t lose his relationship with Jesus because he didn’t have one in the first place. One important clue is in Matthew 26:20-30 at the Last Supper. When Jesus spoke about the one who would betray him, the other disciples asked “Surely not, I Lord?” (verse 22) except Judas who asked “Surely, not I, Rabbi?” (verse 25). He was called the “doomed to destruction” (John 17:12). He is a great example of how a person can hear amazing biblical teachings, say and do all the right things and still reject Christ (Faith Bible Church, 2020). There are still Judases among us today. Paul warns in 1 Timothy 4:1, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” Men and women who will publicly convert to Christianity and yet do horrible acts. Men and women who will service in ministry and yet walk away. We are told to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and test ourselves to see if we are in the faith. The saddest aspect of Judas’s story is he took his life not realizing he could seek forgiveness and he would have received it from Jesus. You can’t outsin the grace of God, but you must seek his grace to receive it (Tate, 2025).

The key lessons from Judas’s life are simple and highlight what evil can do in our lives. First, evil, hateful thoughts and motives leave us open to being used for an even greater evil plan of Satan. We must guard our hearts as Proverbs 4:23 calls the hearts “the wellspring of life,” Paul tells that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus and think on praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:7-8). Second, the consequences of evil are so devastating even small lives and little wrongdoings have serious effects. Judas’s story gives us the opportunity for self-reflection on how small ethical compromises can lead to significant moral failures (Roat, 2024). Third, God’s plans and purposes work out even in the worst possible events. God was not blindsided by this betrayal, he used it to help bring salvation to the world (Roat, 2024). Judas’s story helps us evaluate our own relationship with Jesus and our commitment to God. We can ask ourselves: are we true disciples? Or are we uncommitted pretenders? Judas is an example that you can have an abundance of knowledge of who Jesus is, and even experience life with him, and still reject him (Faith Bible Church, 2022). 

Before studying Judas’s story, he was a man I despised. He walked with Jesus and yet betrayed him. After studying his life, I felt pity for him. To be so close to Jesus and yet not see him. I also found myself asking. What would I have done? In conclusion, Judas is a tragic character. Tragic because he is an example that it is not enough to be familiar with Jesus’ teachings. True followers love and obey Jesus and his teachings. Judas’s failure to have a true relationship with Jesus is terrifying. To have someone that close to Jesus and do something so terrible should be a sobering reminder to us all. For Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” I pray that we all truly know Jesus and follow him. 

Resources

Faith Bible Church (August 27, 2020). Judas Iscariot: Chosen or not? Blog post. https://www.faithtwincities.com/blog/post/judas-iscariot-chosen-or-not. Retrieved November 22, 2025. 

Roat, Alyssa (August 12, 2024). Who Was Judas Iscariot? Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/who-was-judas-iscariot.html. Retrieved November 22, 2025. 

Tate, David (November 28, 2021). The Life of Judas Iscariot (Part 1). Now Let’s Be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/5NTIK5jFwBA?si=4TfLEGrjvtelogMD. Retrieved November 9, 2025.

Tate, David (December 5, 2021). The Life of Judas Iscariot (Part 2). Now Let’s Be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/snM9zmFM9eQ?si=bIXihizJlznzxuhI. Retrieved November 10, 2025. 

Winger, Mike. (December 16, 2022). 20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 90). Mike Winger. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/live/shxFzoZt-UQ?si=odluAxo_nXXMqyCh. Retrieved November 10, 2025. 

Tell Me Why: a tangled web of secrets, corruption and betrayal in the small town of Hart's Ridge

Tell Me Why is the fourteenth book in the Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. Private investigator Taylor Gray is called to the scene of a charred vehicle, a vehicle registered to her family’s farm. Inside is a body too damaged to be identified; however, nothing prepares Taylor for the news that the victim might be someone who called family. She begins by digging deep into the victim’s ties to a shady local business, a business that seems to come out of nowhere. A business which leaves a trail of secret deliveries and someone pulling the strings. Fighting through grief and the swirling rumors, Taylor follows every lead of corruption, addiction and betrayal. She gets closer with each lead, there is someone who is desperate to keep her from discovering the truth. Her instincts tell her there is more to the case than just an unfortunate accident. However, she isn’t prepared to learn who is behind it all. 

The Hart’s Ridge series has been a wild ride of cases inspired by real life events and a family forming a new foundation. Tell Me Why opens as Taylor is racing to the scene of an accident which readers learned about in the previous book. When I learned who the victim was, I cried and I was just as determined as Taylor to find out the why and who. I did pick up on a clue about who the mastermind behind the shady business was and I hoped I was wrong. The story does end on a cliffhanger as someone who is finally ready to reveal all that they know. If you are a fan of the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend Tell Me Why. If you haven’t started the series, I recommend starting with book 1, Hart’s Ridge. You will be pulled into the small town, the residents and the danger that lurks in the shadows. 

Tell Me Why is in paperback and eBook

Already Gone: a young adult drama about two sisters and the fight for their future

Already Gone by Bridget E Baker is the story of two sisters and the events that tear their lives apart forever. Lacy Shelton and her sister Hope are only eleven months apart, aka Irish Twins. However, they couldn’t be more different. Lacy is captain of the debate team, a possible Valedictorian, and eagerly awaiting the admission letter from Yale. Hope is the captain of the swim team and happy to go to community college in the fall. According to Lacy, Hope has taken everything she has ever wanted and now she has had enough. She is determined that Hope will not take the handsome new guy in school and she won’t let her ruin her chances with Yale. When a shocking death changes everything and Lacy is now stuck in court-mandated therapy, she is forced to relive the events leading up to the tragedy for a chance at a future.

Already Gone alternates between Lacy’s and Hope’s points of view in a puzzle of sisterhood, betrayal, and teenage mistakes in order to find forgiveness and purpose for the future. I was ready for a great story of teenage sisters, angst, and a story to keep me on the edge of my seat. However, that is not what happened. Yes, Lacy and Hope are stereotypical teens filled with attitude and spite. So much so that I had the urge to shake some sense into both of them. I had a hard time relating to them as I was not this kind of teen growing up. The recommended ages are between 12 and 18. I don’t see a 12 year old understanding this story, definitely high school age readers. The ending was anti-climatic and a bit disappointing. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. However, if you enjoy young adult drama, I recommend Already Gone. 

Already Gone is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

An Age of Winters: a slow burn mystery with witchcraft rumors, accusations and hidden secrets

An Age of Winters by Gemma Liviero is a story of a time when witchfinders rules and paranoia spreads like wildfire when persecution and betrayal is hiding in the shadows. It is 1625 in the Franconian village of Eisbach, disease, famine and heinous crimes made a merciless winter even more chilling. Katarin Jaspers is the maid servant to the Reverend Zacharias Engel, newly appointed by Rome to discover the truth behind the strange events in the village. Soon a man is declared a witch and burned publicly and all prayed it would end the misfortunes. As peace and sense of normalcy returns to the village with the promise of spring and Katarin finds herself drawn to Zacharias, but when a new midwife comes to the village and becomes a rival for the reverend’s attention, a new fear builds as a new winter sets in and leaves the village on edge once again. As rumors fly, is no one safe from the threat of the pyres? 

An Age of Winters is a slow burn mystery in a day and age when the accusation of witchcraft was a death sentence. Ms. Liviero’s descriptions are so vivid that I could swear I felt the bitter winter wind. I liked Katarin’s character, a simple maid servant with her own secrets. Zacharias was a man of mystery with little eccentric traits that would raise an eyebrow and question his motives as well. Little hints along the way kept me guessing as to who or what was behind the evil that plagued the village. There were definitely questions about who to trust and who was lying and which accusations were real and which ones were fueled by ulterior motives. The ending was a shocker and left me gabbing in surprise. Overall, it was a bit slower than I normally like but it kept me engaged and turning the page. If you enjoy slow burn historical novels, I think you will enjoy An Age of Winters. 

An Age of Winters is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

8 weeks: is eight weeks enough time to win back love and trust?

8 Weeks is the first book in the Time for Love series by Bethany Lopez. Shelly has been in love with Cal since high school. They married right after graduation and built a life together, despite everyone claiming the odds were against them. Six years later, they are stronger than ever, at least Shelly thinks they are. Cal returns home from a guys weekend with a horrible confession. She now faces the ultimate betrayal and her first instinct is to call it quits. Cal comes up with a way to prove to Shelly that his love is still true. All he asks is for eight weeks, Eight weeks to convince her that their marriage, their life together is worth saving. Will Shelly trust him again? Is eight weeks enough time for Cal to win back Shelly’s love and trust? 

This story was so hard to read and no, it wasn’t because of a single night of infidelity and the possibility of divorce. While infidelity is something hard to forgive and why would anyone listen to the excuses? It was everyone involved. From Shelly and Cal to their friends. Cal’s buddies tell him to not tell Shelly. So their solution is simply to not tell her. Cal knows that won’t fly but Shelly knows him too well. And he was right. Shelly says she knows that Cal wouldn’t willingly cheat on her; but she refuses to talk to him about what happened. Even as Cal explains what he can remember, it seemed obvious that it wasn’t a willing situation. Overall, I did not enjoy this story and I will not continue the series. I do not recommend 8 Weeks. 

8 Weeks is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Sister's Boyfriend: twists and turns in the aftermath of My Sister's Husband

My Sister’s Boyfriend by Nicola Marsh is a follow up to My Sister’s Husband (2020). In the aftermath of My Sister’s Husband, sisters Lizzie and Brooke have a strained relationship but remain civil for the sake of Hope, their daughter and niece, and their Aunt Alice. They seem to be on a path to a better relationship when Brooke brings home her new boyfriend. There is something off about Noel Harwood, something Lizzie can’t quite vocalize. However, she knows her sister’s life is in danger. Behind the handsome face and a dazzling smile, there is a sinister gleam in his eyes. She wants to protect her; but she knows her warnings would fall on deaf ears. Lizzie needs to be smart and out maneuver Noel. She doesn’t know what his end game is, but he has no idea how far Lizzie will go to protect her family. She nearly lost Brooke once. She can’t lose her now. 

After reading the thrilling story of My Sister’s Husband, I was stoked to hear that Ms Marsh was writing a follow up. I started reading My Sister’s Boyfriend with great anticipation. I should have reread My Sister’s Husband as details were discussed in My Sister’s Boyfriend that had me a little confused but I quickly remembered. On a side note, if you haven’t read My Sister’s Husband, I highly recommend reading it. Not only is it an awesome story; but you will need to know the family history to follow My Sister’s Boyfriend. While it is not my experience with the drama between sisters, Lizzie and Brooke are two women with a lot of emotional baggage and past hurts to overcome. There were a few twists that I was able to predict; however, Noel’s true motive and his end game was a shocking reveal. Once the story hit high gear, it took off and would not stop. I highly recommend My Sister’s Boyfriend. 

My Sister’s Boyfriend is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

My Sister’s Husband is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Guest: a psychological thriller with so much going on

The Guest is the newest psychological thriller by B.A. Paris. Iris and Gabriel seem to have it all. A beautiful home, a successful daughter and good friends with Laure and Pierre from Paris. It all starts to come tumbling down with one tragic accident when a young man dies in a nearby quarry. Gabriel found him and called for help and heard the young man’s final words, leaving Gabriel with a heavy burden. Soon after, their friend, Laure, becomes their guest. Laure seems to make herself a little too comfortable as she begins to wear Iris’s clothes, following her every movie and asking questions. Then a new couple moves into the neighborhood with their gardener with a checkered past. 

Psychological thrillers by B.A. Paris are intense. However, The Guest had so much going on that it was confusing and boring. The story just dragged from the opening prologue. I failed to see the connections, despite the epilogue that wrapped everything up, I was confused and had no sympathy for any of the characters especially after finishing the epilogue. Like what?!?!?. The new neighbors didn’t seem to fit into the story and their gardener? Confusing. I also did not like that the story told what happened. Overall, I usually love B.A. Paris and her psychological thrillers, unfortunately, The Guest did not live up to its premise. 

The Guest is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

The Stationmaster's Cottage: can a family mystery heal the past and shape the future?

The Stationmaster’s Cottage by Phillipa Nefri Clark is the first in the River’s End series. Christie Ryan loves her life, so she tells herself. She has built a great career and loves her city apartment and her ambitious fiancé, Derek. Christie learns that her grandmother, Dorothy Ryan, has passed away. She heads to River’s End to attend the funeral and check out the rundown cottage she has inherited. While there, she makes a discovery and starts to put together a family puzzle that began fifty years ago. What she uncovers will change her life forever and she begins to acknowledge that what she really wants is a simpler life with a family, a garden and a home to heal her heart. Will it be with Derek or in River’s End? 

Wow! What a story! Set in Australia and told between the present day of 2016 and 1967 in the past, The Stationmaster’s Cottage takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, secrets, betrayal and healing. I loved every moment of this story and eagerly read into each clue, trying to figure out the mystery. There were many, many surprises that I wasn’t expecting and even gasped at one reveal. I eagerly read well into the night, not willing to put it down until all the pieces were in place. I loved Christie and cheered as she began to stand up for herself and speak up for what she wanted in life. There are a great cast of characters that I hope to see in the rest of the series. I highly recommend The Stationmaster’s Cottage. 

The Stationmaster’s Cottage is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Displaced: an urban fantasy with shocking truths, intrigue and betrayal

Displaced is the first book in The Birthright series by Bridget E Baker. It is the start of a saga of shocking truths, deadly intrigue and sisterly betrayal. Being a twin complicates the Evian line of succession, however, Chancery Alamecha is perfectly fine letting her sister, Judica, inherit the throne. Judica is stronger, a merciless fighter, a ruthless politician and has been groomed for the throne since birth. Until one day when she tries on her mother’s staridium ring, something unexpected happens and forces Chancery into a role she never wanted and didn’t prepare for: she may be the prophesied queen to unite the daughters of Eve and now the heir to the Evian throne. Judica is enraged by the turn of events and vows to reclaim her rightful place to the throne. A challenge is issued and Chancery goes off to train. Training to fight her sister to the death for the throne. She knows she must face her sister. If not, it could cause the end of the world. 

Displaced is a young adult urban fantasy which is outside of my usual genres. However, I enjoyed Ms. Baker’s writing and I often enjoy testing the waters of other genres. The world of Displaced is beautifully written and immediately hooks you into this world. However, I found myself struggling to keep reading. I struggled with the complex character relationships and keeping track of who was who. There was a lot of world explanation, though needed, that seemed to bog down the story a bit. I’m not sure if because the genre is not one of my usual picks, I had mixed feelings as I read but I closed the books grateful it had ended. I have books two and three in this series but I haven’t decided if I want to continue and I may pick up the series in the future. For now, the series is not for me. However, if you enjoy young adult urban fantasy, I think Displaced is right up your alley. I recommend checking out Displaced. 

Displaced is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove: second chances, forgiveness and finding a greater purpose

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is the third book in the Dove Pond series by Karen Hawkins. Ella Dove grew up in Dove Pond as a daughter in the magically talented Dove family. She is an instinctively talented baker who has gained a massive following on social media. However, a false accusation has forced her from her hometown. A restless soul, Ella has become haunted by a dream which leads her to believe it is time to head home and set the record straight. Angela Stewart Harrington is also returning to Dove Pond with her own amends to make with her estranged daughter, Jules. Her grandson, Gray, is shocked to see Ella back in Dove Pond. His first and only love, he was heartbroken when she left town, but never stopped loving her. However, he is determined to convince her to give him and Dove Pond a second chance; but is he on the road to another broken heart? Can Ella, Angela and Gray realize that love can and will find a way to forgive? 

I love the Dove Pond series! With magical realism and real life issues of betrayal, love and finding forgiveness and purpose, it is a series that has it all. The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is a great addition. Ella has convinced herself that she doesn’t need commitment or a place to call home to be happy. But when her dreams begin to haunt her waking hours, she realizes she has to face the past and Dove Pond again. While I figured out the reason behind her dreams, and frustrated that she couldn’t see it; however, the moment she does realize, was beautiful and highly satisfying. The drama and situations between Angela and Jules were wonderful as well. I also love how each book gives hints to future books and stories. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I highly recommend The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove. While you do not necessarily need to read these books in order, I highly recommend it. Start with The Book Charmer (2019) and then A Cup of Silver Linings (2021). 

The Secret Recipe of Ella Dove is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Porcelain Maker: one daughter's search into the secrets of the past

The Porcelain Maker by Sarah Freethy is a story of love, betrayal and art inspired by the actual porcelain factory in Dachau. From the horrors of World War II to America, two lovers are caught at the crossroads of history and a daughter’s search for the truth. In 1929, Germany, Max, a skilled Jewish architect, and Bettina, an avant-garde German painter, met and the sparks were immediate. Their whirlwind romance takes them to the dazzling lights of Berlin but they are met with the darkness as Nazism becomes the rising threat to all they love and hold dear. When Max is arrested and sent to the Dachau concentration camp, Bettina is determined to rescue him and escape Germany. In 1993, Clara, Bettina’s daughter, is on a journey to discover the identity of her father, a second her mother took to her grave. As she traces her mother’s past, Clara is left with questions as to why her mother fought so hard to keep her past hidden. 

While I have a bit of World War II fatigue with the ever growing number of books which feature World War II, I was intrigued by a story I haven’t heard before. I was hooked in by the opening chapter as Clara is tracing down porcelain figures linked to her mother. I loved the electric and flirtatious meeting between Max and Bettina. However, the book fell fast. I was confused by the back and forth in time and places. Who’s who and how they all fit into the story of the concentration camp and the porcelain factory. Sadly, even the emotional moments that should have been more powerful and poignant fell flat. I didn’t care for Bettina or even Clara as she is on this journey. Max was a decent character. Overall, I appreciate the author’s desire to bring the story of Dachau to light, but The Porcelain Maker was uninteresting and too drawn out. However, if you enjoy World War II stories, you may enjoy The Porcelain Maker. 

The Porcelain Maker is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

If You Must Know: two sisters and a turning point in their lives

If You Must Know by Jamie Beck is the first book in the Potomac Point series. Sisters Amanda and Erin are as different as two sisters could be. The only thing they have in common is the childhood bedroom they shared. Amanda is known for following the rules, being the picture perfect daughter, wife and now mother to be. Erin follows her heart, flies by the seat of her pants and loves living the bohemian lifestyle with her yoga classes and Etsy business of organic soaps and bath products. Suddenly, their lives are turned upside down and they are forced to confront the uncomfortable truths about themselves and their family. Can these sisters find a way to build trust and lean on each other in trying times? Especially when there’s one secret still lingering between them.  

Jamie Beck writes wonderful stories of family, drama and coming together when they need each other. If You Must Know is a story of betrayal and sisters. Between the two sisters, I enjoyed Erin more. I cheered for her when she went after what she wanted. I didn’t care for Amanda as she tried to weigh the family’s reputation in front of her own needs. Although, as the oldest, I understood her strive for perfection. However, by the end of the story, Amanda finds out that sometimes one’s needs must come before family. As someone with sisters, the tension and interactions between Amanda and Erin was real and relatable. I thoroughly enjoyed If You Must Know and I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy family drama, I recommend If You Must Know. 

If You Must Know is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

The Soulmate: a suspense thriller of marriage, betrayal and secrets

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth is a suspense thriller of marriage, betrayal and secrets. There’s a cliff known as the Drop which has become a popular suicide spot. There’s a cottage that sits on that cliff. It’s the home of Gabe and Pippa Gerard. As people come to the cliff with the intent to end their lives, Gabe comes to the rescue to talk them back. Until one night, he doesn’t. Questions begin to swirl in Pippa’s head as to what happened, what did she see and is there more to Gabe’s story than he’s telling. But would Gabe, the love of Pippa’s life, her soulmate, lie? As the investigation into the victim’s death begins, Pippa begins to see cracks in their perfect façade and Gabe begins to act more and more erratically. What will Pippa do when she discovers that Gabe is hiding deeper and darker secrets? 

Sally Hepworth has a reputation for suspense thrillers. So when I got the opportunity to read her newest book, I jumped at the chance. Unfortunately, I was disappointed in this story. With short, quick 87 chapters, the story was choppy and disjointed. Switching between Pippa and the victim, and past and present, the story didn’t give enough time to truly get invested. I didn’t like Pippa or Gabe or their perfect façade. At one point, Pippa discovers Gabe’s indiscretion and she accepts it? Really? Just like that? “Ok, I forgive you.” Some women may eventually get there but for Pippa, it was almost instantaneously. I also didn’t enjoy how long it took to identify who was who in the story. I had to guess who was a daughter, a sister, etc. Overall, I did not enjoy The Soulmate. However, I will give Ms. Hepworth’s previous works a chance. 

The Soulmate is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Under the Maui Sky: one secret, one betrayal threatens to tear apart a family

Under the Maui Sky is the first book in the Maui Island series by Kellie Coates Gilbert. It is the story of Ava Briscoe and her four children as they deal with the loss of a loved one and a betrayal that will shake them to the core. Ava Briscoe’s strength and resilience will be put to the test. Christel is the oldest Briscoe child and the foundation that she trusted to stand firm will be shaken. Katie is a wife, mother and businesswoman, she yearns for a chance to shine. Aiden makes a living rescuing people in trouble but can he rescue his family when they need him the most? Lastly, Shane, the baby, has been tagged as the ne'er-do-well. He does what he can to live up to it but deep down he wishes for the chance to prove his worth. Will they find a way to come together, stronger than ever? Or will this secret break them beyond repair?

With the beautiful tropical island atmosphere, Under the Maui Sky is an emotional ride of grief, heartache, and devastation. It is a story that will have readers quickly turning the pages to the end. It is a story that takes hold and will not let go. A dark secret is revealed that will turn their grief and heartache to anger. Ms. Coates Gilbert has an amazing ability to capture families and their dynamics. The reactions of each character were very authentic. The interactions between the siblings were realistic. I could easily imagine myself and my siblings bickering and bantering the same way. There were moments of tears and moments of laughter. There were moments of shock and despair. I closed the book with tears in my eyes and my heart filled with hope. I look forward to the rest of the series as the Briscoe family continues to deal with their issues. I highly recommend Under the Maui Sky! 

Under the Maui Sky is available in paperback and eBook

Between Earth and Sky: friendship, betrayal and the sacrifices made in order to belong

Between Earth and Sky by Amanda Skenandore is a tragic story that intersects the white and Native American culture when a young girl learns about friendship, betrayal and the sacrifices made in order to belong. One morning in Philadelphia in 1906, Alma Mitchell reads a newspaper headline that shakes her to her core and brings to the surface a past she kept hidden. A federal agent was killed and Harry Muskrat, or Asku as Alma knew him, is the prime suspect. Asku was once the most promising student at the Stover School, a “savage-taming” boarding school that was run by her father. The school was created to assimilate the children of neighboring reservations. Assimilation at the cost of everything they've known: their language, customs, and their very names. Alma knows the boy she knew would never commit murder but doesn’t recognize the man he had become: an outcast in the white world and a ghost in his own. Stewart, her lawyer husband, reluctantly agrees to help defend Asku. Will they be able to successfully defend Asku? What will happen when Alma finally must reveal the secrets she hides? 

Between Earth and Sky is told between alternating timelines between Alma’s childhood and the present. It is a beautifully complex story that tells a haunting and yet true period of American History. While there were some motives that were altruistic, others were determined to kill the Indian in the man. It is a story that will break your heart as you read the harsh treatment that was done to ensure the Indian cultures were erased. In some cases, they have succeeded as many Indian languages have been lost to time while others are seeing a resurgence due to the careful preservations. It is a story about love, loss, justice and the journey toward understanding and atonement. The growth that Alma goes through from the beginning to the end of the book is difficult. At some points, I thought she would never truly see what her Native friends were trying to show her. I have read about the Indian boarding schools before and this book does an excellent job depicting the cruelty and harshness toward the native students. I enjoyed Between Earth and Sky and highly recommend it. 

Between Earth and Sky is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. 

 

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