2017 INSPY Award winner, general fiction categoryBefore Christ called her daughter . . .Before she stole healing by touching the hem of his garment . . .Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt. After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father’s textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole … tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left.
No physician can cure her. No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body . . . and soul?
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I enjoyed this novel, although it was such a sad story. Not until nearly the end is there any glimpse of real happiness for Elianna. I could easily envision this as a Biblical epic on the big screen.
Tessa is a great author. Her knowledge and research of the historical times of the setting are quite apparent. She has a captivating way of presenting biblical stories. I recommend her writing.
Flawless writing. Moving story. A new favourite author for me.
I struggled a bit with having a whole book written about someone that we know so little about. In the end I decided that if the biblical bits were accurate, then I could just enjoy the wonderful story.
This Biblical fiction story building out the life of the woman who touched Jesus’s hem in faith she would be healed. Afshar takes a lot of artistic liberties, but her heart for Scripture is evident. She creates a beautiful story of redemption and healing from wounds only God can cover.
I LOVE this book. It has become one of my all time favorites.
This story is based on the woman in the bible with the issue of blood. Tessa Afshar takes what little we know and turns her into a real person. We get to read what her life may have been like and how the story may have turned out. As with all of Tessa’s work I thoroughly enjoyed the wisdom woven into the book, it is always one of my favorite things about her writing.
However, my absolute favorite thing about this book was the scene where our main character, Elianna, meets Jesus. It took this book from a pretty good book, to an outstanding book. That scene may be my favorite ever. I could not stop thinking about what that would have been like. It would change everything. I would recommend this book on that scene alone. However, you should still read the whole book. It is a story of growth, from a fearful and guilt ridden girl to a fully healed woman. This is my favorite kind of biblical fiction.
I love it when an author can make you anxious with anticipation one moment, and cause you to be in fits of frustration the next! LOL Ms. Afshar’s book, “Land of Silence” had me on a roller-coaster of emotions and loving every second.
Land of Silence is a enjoyable read. It is a story about the woman with the issue of blood who touches Jesus’ garment. The story really captures the different emotions of someone who is going through struggles. There were parts that were funny and the ending was beautiful.
Wow. First, when I saw that it was first person, I put it down for a long time, because I often struggle with first person. BUT, recently, I decided to give it another go, and oh….I have a habit of putting away books that are just so good.
There was a lot of heartbreak. I don’t recommend this for anyone who needs a pick-me-up novel. This is not one of those in that way, but the message of hope is beautiful interwoven into this book, along with humor and tender moments.
I think I want to marry Ethan. No joke.
And since we all know the ending: it is beautiful and touching, and miraculous. I loved how she wrote her healing, and how the book is almost written in a diary form. You can’t tell always, except at the beginning and end, but that was a different feel.
Tessa Afshar does an amazing job with this story, I couldn’t put it down. I don’t think I’ve ever done so much highlighting in a fictional story.
Generally, when I read Biblical fiction, I go into it knowing which person from the Bible the story is about. However, I didn’t figure it out until I was about 70% through this story. Once I figured it out, I gasped. It’s a story many of us know. The lead character in the book has such a small but significant role in the Bible.
Fantastic fictional account of the woman with the issue of blood healed by Jesus.
My husband & I listened to the audio version together. We got a bit weary of the main character’s whining & negativity, although it mirrored plenty of people we know, so it was realistic. The story was so interesting & explained what life was like for people who lived on the earth during the time our Savior also lived here. Will read all of this author’s books now!
Love this author – I love reading true bible stories. I love reading about how ancient peoples lived. Afshar’s research and subsequent writing is thought provoking and illuminating.
Rich in descriptive prose and emotionally supercharged, Tessa Afshar’s latest novel Land of Silence takes biblical fiction to new heights. Derived from a story that graces three of the four canonical gospels, Afshar puts flesh and bone on the woman with the issue of blood. Elainna’s story proclaims how we all possess worth in Christ and by Him we are made whole and well.
Following the death of her brother, 16 year old Elianna becomes imprisoned by her shame as well as her father’s grief. Like quicksand threatening to swallow her completely, she strives to regain her father’s love while attempting to keep her family’s business afloat. I was encouraged by how — when assaulted on every front and after enduring years of physical illness — Elianna remained anchored in God through prayer and reading scripture.
When the story opens, Elianna is betrothed to Ethan Ben Ezer. Like Sarah and Darius from Tessa’s sophomore novel Harvest of Rubies, I couldn’t help but love this strong willed woman and her stubborn, but noble man. Hold on tight; the road they travel together is replete with potholes and harrowing twists.
For it’s depth and ability to evoke such strong feelings from this reader, Land of Silence earns a spot on my Best of 2016 book list. I feel this novel is for perfect for anyone who has ever felt a yawning chasm in their heart – whether self induced or pressed upon them by another. That should encompass just about everyone. Buy it, read it, and then read it again. I know I will!
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.
What a great read, all our book loved it.
I liked this book because the characters were so real! I could almost feel myself in the story. Afshar is a talented writer!! This book led me to her other books; all equally enjoyable and fascinating. Many life lessons to be had as well.
Love!
Love everything by this author. Brings the Bible alive
It is obvious that the author did a great deal of research to recreate and unfold a possible look into the lives of God’s people of the New Testament era. Although Eliana’s life choices are frustratingly difficult to observe through the story, it is uplifting to watch her dependence on the Lord deepen as she reads through the scriptures. This is a very nice story and I do recommend it!
Makes an event in the Bible come to life. With the in-depth background of the main character and the events leading up to her touching Christ’s robe and the healing in all areas of her life is so inspirational.
Love this author!! Love how God’s word is throughout this book! I absolutely will start following her writing.