“Emmanuel” by Angela R. Watts // 12 Days of Christmas Blog Party

Emmanuel
(Infidel Books Short Story)

by Angela R. Watts

Synopsis: 

"Make safe the way that leads on high, and close the path to misery. . ."
In dystopian America, with civil unrest and wars among the states, illegal activity is rampant and only the strongest survive. Reese Burns is one of the strong fighters. He doesn’t need Jesus to fight, either.
Ezekiel, a ten-year-old child living in a fight dome, insists he get the answer about the story of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Reese sets out to find the boy the best gift he’s capable of giving. The story of Jesus. The story only brings Reese pain at first, but then he’s forced to make a choice when a miracle happens. Can Reese choose faith in an unseen God in the midst of chaos?

My Review:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ & ❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎❤︎

 5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Okay... I love this story. It’s so dramatic and redemptive and... sweet. It’s my first of the author’s works but it makes sense and there was enough information for me to piece together the gist of what was going on. At first I was a little wary because Reese’s explanation of Jesus’ birth & of salvation was a little off... but then I realized that he didn’t know any better. I wouldn’t hand it to an unsaved person, but anyone who knows the Gospel would know where Reese’s theology had gaps. ;) I LOVED the ending... and I loved Reese and Ezekiel and Shiko... (Reese & Ezekiel’s relationship was so sweet!!!) and I loved how God’s power was revealed to Reese. I loved the message of the book. I just love this story so much and I want to read the rest of the series so badly!! 

A Favourite Quote: "'I wish you could see them, Reese. I wish you weren’t so scared of dying and pain, that you can’t see Jesus and the angels.' ...

"'I will. One day, kid, I will.'

"'You did today.' ...

"'I…' Reese grew quiet. He had found Ezekiel as good as dead, yet, here the boy was, breathing and speaking of Jesus. Reese had faced ice and snow like a foolish man and hadn’t frozen to death. He had witnessed slave fighters work together for the first time to help save a life instead of take one.

"'I did see them.'"

A Favourite Beautiful Quote: "'Nothing’s ever that easy.' Ezekiel hugged his knees and stared at the papers, eyes heavy. His cold voice made Reese stiffen. Reese hated that look and what it meant. He wanted to give the kid some hope."

Purchase this book: 

Canada | America

Now head over to Faith's. ;)

There's also a 12DoC giveaway this year! There’s two prizes, and each winner will receive a paperback copy of Behold by Faith Potts, a pair of fuzzy Christmas socks, a Christmas ornament, and a few other small goodies (magnet, candy, something like that). The giveaway will open on the 14th at 12am and close at 12am Christmas morning. Winners will be announced in Faith's post on Christmas Day. Click here to enter!