Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt Stop #5

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Hi Friends, Welcome to the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt! If you’ve just discovered the hunt be sure to start at Stop #1 and collect all the clues through the 30 stops, in order, so you can enter to win one of our top 5 grand prizes!

  • The hunt BEGINS on 3/1 at noon MST with Stop #1 at LisaTawnBergren.com.
  • Hunt through all the stops in a loop using Chrome or Firefox as your Internet browser, not Explorer.
  • There is no rush to complete the hunt! You have all weekend, until Sunday 3/4 at Midnight EST. So take your time and enjoy the unique posts along the way. Our hope is that you’ll discover new authors and books that you’ll enjoy!
  • Submit your entry for the grand prize by collecting the CLUE on each author’s scavenger hunt post and submitting your answer in the Rafflecopter form at Stop #30. Many authors are offering additional prizes along the way. Be sure to look for those!

I’m very happy to introduce award-winning author, Angela Hunt. I’ve read and loved many of Angela’s books, and I’ve enjoyed listening to her speak at writers’ conferences. She is a creative woman with many talents, including writing and photography.

Here is a brief summary of her newest release, Judah’s Daughter:  Leah, the daughter of an abusive father, is relieved when she marries Judah, a gentle giant. But when Judah’s father draws the family into war, Leah finds herself married to a warrior, and she’s not sure she can handle the change . . .

WHY I LOVE KOSHER JELLY DOUGHNUTS 

By Angela Hunt

My dental hygienist, Cheryl, is Jewish. When I was beginning to research the book that would become Judah’s Wife, I happily told Cheryl that I had learned all kinds of things about the Jews in the second century before Christ.

“Hanukkah?” She asked. “You’re learning about Hanukkah?”

I frowned. “Um . . . I haven’t gotten to that yet.”

But weeks later, I did. I learned that the Seleucids, an empire of Greek-influenced Syrians, had taken over Judea and required the Jews to abandon their acts of faith. No circumcising baby boys, no observing the Sabbath, no abstaining from pork and shellfish. Any Jewish person found practicing the Law of Moses would be tortured and put to death.

Antiochus Epiphanes, the Seleucid king who came to Jerusalem, was so intent on creating a homogeneous Empire that he visited the Holy Temple and desecrated the altar by sacrificing a pig–to Zeus, mind you. He declared that the Temple would be a place to worship Zeus, then he went back to Antioch and left his henchmen to enforce his laws in Judea.

When Judah Maccabaeus and his brothers led the ragtag army of Judea against these invaders, God granted them a mighty victory. The word Hanukkah means dedication in Hebrew, and after Judah and his men cleansed and rededicated the Temple, Judah declared that the people should celebrate for seven days. That was the first Hanukkah, and Jews have been celebrating it ever since.

When I went back to the dentist, I told Cheryl that I now understood Hanukkah. “Oh, so you heard about the oil,” she said. “The uncontaminated vial they found that burned for seven days.”
Again, I shook my head. “I’m sorry,” I told her. “But there is absolutely no mention of a vial of oil or a miraculous burning lamp in any of the original documents.”

“I’ll ask my brother the rabbi about it,” she said.

“And I’ll do more research,” I promised.

When I went back to see her six months later, with a copy of Judah’s Wife in hand, I said, “I’m sorry, but I learned that there is absolutely no mention of the miracle of the oil until hundreds of years later. Experts think rabbis created the story for the sake of young children—because it seemed unseemly to celebrate a bloody war for seven days.”

“My brother said you’re right,” she said, a little mournfully. “It’s probably just a story.”

I felt bad—who wants to burst someone’s bubble? “Well,” I said, “if it helps, we Christians have our traditions, too. People think the wise kings came to see baby Jesus on the night He was born, but they weren’t kings and they probably arrived months later. People talk about the angels singing to the shepherds, but the Bible never says they sang. People think Mary rode a donkey to Bethlehem, but if there was a donkey, it was probably carrying water jugs and food for the journey. In fact, Jesus was probably born in springtime, not in winter.”

“Still,” she said. “When you grow up believing something—”

“Hanukkah is still a miracle,” I said. “That an unskilled group of farmers and Torah scholars could overcome one of the world’s leading armies—that’s a miracle. That they could face battle elephants and horses and rolling towers and catapults—that’s a miracle. That they could turn a battered, burned, starving city into a place of refuge and restoration—that’s the real miracle of Hanukkah.”

Hanukkah offers encouragement for Christians today. The Jews of Judah’s day were being pressured—to the point of death—to conform to the world, yet the devout remained true to their God. Christians in our day are being pressured to conform to the world, but will we remain true? The Maccabees set a glorious and challenging example.

At Hanukkah, Jews in Israel eat these wonderful jelly doughnuts, called Sufganiot. They are wonderful any time, and you can find the recipe here: https://www.thespruce.com/hanukkah-doughnuts-sufganiot-2121658

Traditional Jewish food for Chanukkah holyday. Luxurious looking sufganiyot. Photo (c) gburshtein-fotolia

Why not make some for your family at Easter? What better way to say we are dedicated to Christ?

Angela Hunt is the author of more than 140 books for children and adults. Read more about her work at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

Here’s the Stop #5 Skinny:

You can order Angela’s book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD, or at your local bookstore.

Clue to write down: FOUND

Link to Stop #6, Angela Hunt’s own site!

***** But wait, before you go, I’m offering my own giveaway! Two books to two winners! You may choose Shine Like the Dawn or Across the Blue. This giveaway is open to US winners only. To enter, just sign up to receive my email newsletter in the box at the top right on this page, and then leave a comment below, telling me if you are new subscriber, or if you already receive my newsletters. Winners will be announced on 3/5 and contacted by email. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Carrie

/335 Comments/by
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335 replies
  3. Alison Boss
    Alison Boss says:

    I am already a newsletter subscriber. Thanks for your extra giveaway, Carrie, and for being a part of the 2018 CFSH! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Pam Jacobs
    Pam Jacobs says:

    New subscriber! Thank you for sharing aspects of your research and a new perspective on two of the most celebrated holidays.

    Reply
  8. Nikki
    Nikki says:

    I believe I am a new subscriber. I can’t wait to checkout your books. Thank you for being a part of this hunt!!

    Reply
  9. Connie Saunders
    Connie Saunders says:

    Hi Carrie, I am already your newsletter subscriber and I just subscribed to your blog. Thank you & Blessings!

    Reply
  19. Karen
    Karen says:

    Hi, Carrie! I’m already subscribed to your newsletter! Thank you for the info on Hanukkah. Jewish history is so fascinating!

    Reply
  25. Cyndi Wannamaker
    Cyndi Wannamaker says:

    Angela , your book sounds so interesting and I loved your post so much I just subscribed to your newsletter, thank you so much!

    Reply
  35. Kim Peterson
    Kim Peterson says:

    Once upon a time I was a subscriber, but I think I was lost long ago. LOL! I just signed up again with a current e-mail addy.

    Reply
  45. Pat Moore
    Pat Moore says:

    I just bought Judah’s Bride a few days ago & looking forward to reading it. There’s something special reading about Biblical historical fiction with romance or suspense.

    Reply
  68. Teresa
    Teresa says:

    I am a new subscriber. This is my first scavenger hunt. But I do have Judah’s Wife and am having trouble setting it down to go to work! It is a great book!

    Reply
  71. CutePolarBear
    CutePolarBear says:

    I’m a subscriber, and I would love to win “Across the Blue”. Thanks for the giveaway!

    CutePolarBear

    Reply
  75. Ruby Edwards
    Ruby Edwards says:

    Hi Carrie, I have had your site bookmarked for some time now, but I am a new subscriber to your newsletter. I shall look forward to following you more closely.

    Reply
  78. Sandra Burson
    Sandra Burson says:

    I already subscribe to your newsletter. I am loving the hunt. Wanted to say I love your art work, It’s always bright and lovely.

    Reply
  83. Suzanne Sellner
    Suzanne Sellner says:

    I’ve signed up to receive your newsletters. Thank you for giving away one of your books to a newsletter subscriber.

    Reply
  84. Becky Dempsey
    Becky Dempsey says:

    I subscribed. That was interesting to learn some about Hanukkah. I had heard something about oil but not much.

    Reply
  90. Bethel
    Bethel says:

    Somehow I am a new subscriber to your newsletter! Your book sounds fascinating. And I loved Angela’s story of going back to the dentist to learn more!

    Reply
  92. Brandi
    Brandi says:

    Just subscribed to your newsletter. I’ve not read your book yet, so looking forward to the opportunity. I ❤️ Angela Hunt, especially Egypt’s sister. This scavenger hunt has been great to meet new to me authors such as yourself.

    Reply
  96. Donna E H Durnell
    Donna E H Durnell says:

    I already get your newsletter.
    Enjoying the scavenger hunt – found one new-to-me author already. And I now have new books on my TBR list, and one already “on hold” at my library.

    Reply
  98. Patricia Neumann
    Patricia Neumann says:

    I have been reading your books for quite awhile and they are in our church library of which I am the librarian. I am also going to try that recipe for the Jewish doughnuts!

    Reply
  106. Sandra
    Sandra says:

    Not sure if I have ever subscribed to your mailing list before or not. Thanks for sharing on this new scavenger hunt!!

    Reply
  122. Barbara Hamby
    Barbara Hamby says:

    i thought i was already subscribed…but i guess not…….but again i am now!!!!
    Thanks for the chance to win

    Reply
  129. Alaina F
    Alaina F says:

    Release the hounds, I’m on the hunt! (I know you love Downton Abbey like I do, Carrie – I’m remembering those hunting scenes now!)

    Thank you for hosting on the scavenger hunt! You now have a new subscriber in me. Hope to win a copy of “Across the Blue”! 🙂

    Reply
  138. Lisa Hudson
    Lisa Hudson says:

    I’m already a subscriber. I’ve read Across the Blue and it was FANTASTIC! If I win, I would like to read Shine Like the Dawn. Thank you for participating!

    Reply
  152. Gabrielle
    Gabrielle says:

    I subscribed. I’m putting your books on my to-be-read list, especially the avation one. Looks interesting.

    Reply
  160. Helen Viggiano
    Helen Viggiano says:

    New subscriber. I’ve added Judah’s Wife to my “want-to-read” list. I love historical fiction, especially when the characters have a strong faith in God.

    Reply
  172. Joy Tiffany
    Joy Tiffany says:

    Hi! I’m a new subscriber and look forward to checking out your books! The scavenger hunt is so fun! Thanks!

    Reply
  184. Pamela Embree-Kyle
    Pamela Embree-Kyle says:

    Very intriguing book! Thank you for the background information surrounding your research I’m a new subscriber to your newsletter, and new to the Hunt.

    Reply
  185. Jean Edmonds
    Jean Edmonds says:

    I’m a new subscriber, thanks for the opportunity to win on of your books, would love for it to be a
    Across the Blue!

    Reply
  198. Jeanne Bishop
    Jeanne Bishop says:

    Carrie, I am already a subscriber.
    I loved all of Angela’s information on Hanukkah! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
  206. Reba Phillips
    Reba Phillips says:

    I’m a new subscriber and wanted to say thanks for being part of the “giveaway” through a scavenger hunt. I look forward to being introduced to your writings. God Bless!

    Reply
  208. Amy Annette Radlein
    Amy Annette Radlein says:

    I am a new subscriber. Thank you corporate is the hating in the scavenger hunt and for the opportunity to win!

    Reply
  209. Linda Marie Finn
    Linda Marie Finn says:

    I have so wanted to read this book… you rarely hear much about the Maccabeaus and having Jewish heritage I have been studying on and off for years ! This has been on my TBR pile since the first time I saw the cover and read about it !!!
    Love your books Carrie, your making the choice and decision hard !!! lol
    Blessings
    Linda Marie Finn

    Reply
  216. Ellen Gray
    Ellen Gray says:

    I just signed up for your newsletter. I see a lot about your books in other newsletters, reviews, etc. Definitely going to add your books to my TBD pile.

    Reply
  228. Debbie Clatterbuck
    Debbie Clatterbuck says:

    I believe I’m already signed up for your emails, Carrie, but I signed up anyway. Thanks for being one of the authors in this Scavenger Hunt. It’s a lot of fun looking for the clues and reading all the posts. Thanks, also, for the giveaway and good luck everyone.

    Reply
  232. Raechel L.
    Raechel L. says:

    Signed up – thank you!
    My family are not Jewish, but believe that we’re grafter-in, and have been learning more about the Biblical Feasts for a few years now, and enjoy celebrating them!

    Reply
  245. Stephanie
    Stephanie says:

    I signed up for you newsletter.

    Thank you so much for being a part of this years Hunt.

    Thank you,
    Stephanie

    Reply
  246. Janet Estridge
    Janet Estridge says:

    I am a new subscriber. Thanks for entering me in your giveaway. Either book is fine with me, if I win.

    Reply
  249. Trixi
    Trixi says:

    Hi Carrie! I’m already a newsletter subscriber of yours 🙂

    What a wonderful Jewish tradition of eating jelly donuts for Hanukkah. Thanks for including the recipe! I may have to try my hand at making them for my family. I’ve not read anything by Angela Hunt yet, but the new book sounds good. I’m always looking to add new Biblical fiction authors to my list.

    Thanks for participating in the hunt, I have fun with it each year! Thanks also for the giveaway chance, Across the Blue looks good. 🙂

    Reply
  252. Sabrina Templin
    Sabrina Templin says:

    I’m already subscribed to your newsletters! 😀 Thank you for the chance to win Across the Blue! 😀

    Reply
  253. Susan Johnson
    Susan Johnson says:

    I am pretty sure I am already subscribed, but I entered my email again just to make sure.
    Thank you for participating in this scavenger hunt. It is so much fun.

    Reply
  255. Charlyn
    Charlyn says:

    Maybe I hit the submit button twice but don’t see it even though I’m getting “an already posted”note, CAn you tell I’m not tech savvy? 🙂
    Thought I was on your list since I get info on your books but I signed up today to be sure.

    Reply
  257. Elizabeth R
    Elizabeth R says:

    I’m a new subscriber. Doughnuts was all I needed to see and I was hooked. And they’re kosher? I definitely see the Lord’s hand in this 😉 I’ve read Angela’s Treacherous Beauty series and Egypt’s Sister and they were all great! I’m excited to read about the Maccabees as this is a time in the Bible I know almost nothing about. I bought the audio version to listen to as I commute this month!

    Reply
  270. Jamie Smith
    Jamie Smith says:

    New subscriber. This post just blew my mind with all the beliefs we have and the truth behind our beliefs.

    Reply
  274. Sabrina
    Sabrina says:

    I’m a new subscriber. When I was in college, I took a class called Intro to Aviation, and it was fun learning about the exciting time when planes were a new thing. I’m looking forward to reading Across the Blue!

    Reply
  278. nancy
    nancy says:

    Hi Carrie! I just signed up for your blog and newsletter. I too love Jewish cooking, I had some wonderful Jewish friends for years, sadly both have passed on now. Kugel and Tzimmes are good foods, try them.

    I’m a NEW subscriber! Praise Jesus!
    Romans 10:9-13
    John 3:16-21

    Reply
  308. Nicole House
    Nicole House says:

    I just signed up for your newsletter. I love the scavenger hunks because I always find a bunch of great books to add to my TBR list!

    Reply
  317. Joan Arning
    Joan Arning says:

    I think I already receive your newsletter but I signed up just in case I don’t! I am not new to your books!

    Reply
  318. Angela Arrington
    Angela Arrington says:

    Hello! I am a new subscriber and am excited to be a part of this scavenger hunt. I’m looking forward to reading Across the Blue! Thanks for the extra opportunity to win.

    Reply
  321. Connie Scruggs
    Connie Scruggs says:

    This is so much fun, and I’m learning about Jewish tradition, too. And adding books to my wish list!
    I’m already subscribed to your newsletter.
    Thank you for the giveaway and the fun.

    Reply
  334. Susan Sloan
    Susan Sloan says:

    Coming to this party late, I guess…just found out about the giveaways and scavenger hunt…but glad to discover new authors interested in the same periods that I enjoy.

    Reply

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