Robin Parrish in his new book, Persecuted, published by Bethany House gives us I Will Not Be Silent Based on a Daniel Lusko film.

From the back cover: The framers of our Constitution meant we were to have freedom of religion, not freedom from religion. Reverend Billy Graham

The Question Is Not If Attempts Will Be Made

to Limit Religious Freedoms, But When.

And When That Day Comes, Will You Stay Silent?

A storm is coming.

The most popular evangelist of his day, John Luther, simply wants to share the Gospel and enjoy a quiet life with his family. He never asked to be at the center of a political controversy, but an ill wind has been blowing through the halls of Congress, and supporters of a new religious-equality bill see Luthers endorsement as critical.

But when Luther refuses to lend his support, he unknowingly sets in motion an explosive plan bent on destroying his reputation and undermining everything for which he stands. His once-normal life is turned upside down as he becomes a fugitive left with only one dangerous optionputting everything he holds most dear at risk while he fights to expose the truth. It is a mission that brings him face-to-face with the coming storm of persecution that could threaten the very fabric of our nations freedoms.

First off I should tell you, you have to go and see this movie. Now that I have said that you are probably wondering if you are going to see the movie why should you have to read the book? Good question. The answer is Mr. Parrish has not just taken the screenplay and typed it up so that it reads like a book. Oh no. What he has done is taken all the characters and fleshed them out making them more human, both good and bad. He has taken the scenes and situations and expanded upon them so that there is much more to the book than the movie could provide for us. If I tell you anything more I will spoil the dynamics of this book. Persecuted is so perfectly crafted that it is designed to be devoured and enjoyed by the reader so when you reach the end there is a very satisfied sigh of enjoyment and relief. Dont start this book late at night because it will be very difficult to put it down or stop thinking about it. I recommend this book highly. It delivers lots of action, suspense and thrills and brings you to a very satisfying conclusion.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Persecuted is a work of fiction, but is a story that is written for today. It is very believable, containing many topics and subjects that are in current headlines . The book centers on John Luther, the most popular evangelist of the day, who has an interesting past.

John was raised by single-parent, Charles Luther, an Episcopal priest. Charles raised John very strictly in an attempt to protect him from the temptations of the world. That approach did just the opposite, because John rebelled against all things Christian, and became an alcoholic drug user, a gambler and wife abuser.

After living that lifestyle for years, John had a miraculous experience that caused him to abandon it all, and turn to Christ. Out of his conversion, he started Truth Ministries, that has become so large it is described as reaching "more people than the evening news." Because of the influence John has, he is now being pressured to support a new bill called the "Faith and Fairness Act." If it passes, all faiths will be lumped together into one religion. Great tax incentives are being offered for those who will support it.

John resists supporting this bill. Because of that decision, his world is turned upside down. He finds himself in the middle of a frame-up. It is so scandalous that at the very least, it will destroy his family and Truth Ministries, and might take his very life as well. John slowly learns the ones behind his troubles reach to the very highest, most powerful people in the land. While Luther attempts to prove his innocence, he must figure out who he can trust, and who will sell him out--including those whose friendships span decades.

This very readable story is an exciting thriller, with twists and turns to the very last page. It is a tale that pulls you in immediately, and you will have trouble putting down until it is finished. When reading it, you will find yourself thinking this fictional story-line could become an actual reality any day. Anyone who likes fast-paced, reality-based Christian fiction will enjoy this 5-star book. I highly recommend Persecuted the book, as well as, the film of the same title which is being released Friday, July 18, 2014.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising"): This book was published by Bethany House. Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.

This is a major eye-opener. The story may be fiction but I believe it is one that's very close to the truth of how things are done in our country by people in high places. We don't want to think things like this can happen in the USA but they truly can. Some people whine about being persecuted if someone derides their faith. The majority of us have never come close to any real persecution, certainly not of the magnitude depicted in this book. In fact, several characters in the book depict exactly the way many Christians live: we are great at living lives of avoidance. Don't rock the boat unless you want to risk persecution. I recommend that every Believer in Christ read this and realize that it really can happen here. I think I would have enjoyed the movie but the author has done an excellent job of using word pictures to make the scenes come alive in the reader's mind. I found it hard to put the book down to even do necessary things like eat.

This is an excellent example of what is happening in our country and world today. It definitely leaves you with the question on what "will I do" when the time comes.

Warning! If you do not have the approximately three hours it might take to finish this 300+ page book, do not start it, as the kids may yell for dinner, the dishes wont get done, or you may be up way past your bed time just to finish Persecuted by Robin Parrish. This is a modern day horror story, one that presupposes a bill in congress that will declare all religions equal and all right in their own way.

John Luther is a preacher who sincerely believes the Bible. Not just parts of it, but that the entire Bible is the word of God. He not only has a church ministry, but also a vast TV audience and is considered one of the leading or many think the leading minister in America. He also has a loving wife and a beautiful young daughter, so nothing can go wrong in his world, right?

Wrong.

Men who he feels are his best supporters have all of a sudden tried to force him to take a stand and support a congressional bill stating that all religions are equal and valid. This he can never do! His Bible says that there is only one God and one Way to Him. Then his world starts to fall apart. He is accused of murder, arson and many other crimes that he has not committed. How he heals a long disconnection with his father, faces the destruction of his ministry, and the betrayal of those he feels are his faithful friends and supporters is an important part of Johns eventual solution to this attack on both his ministry and his personal reputation.

Persecuted is well written and cleverly uses flashbacks to help the reader understand John. I personally will be looking for more books by Robin Parrish as I very much enjoyed reading this book.