Book One of Slavery of the Heart Series
Keturah idolizes her brother Justus. He stood his ground with Abba, declaring Yeshua the Messiah, resulting in Keturah’s desire to know more about Yeshua, and Abba proclaiming Justus dead to the family.
Today, Keturah became a woman, but her joy ends in terror when Abba accepts an offer for her betrothal. Devising a plan to escape the arranged marriage is dangerous, but it works. Now she’s able to find her brother and live the way she chooses. Will running set her free or sentence her to death?
Every choice she makes turns into disaster. Manipulating to get her own way puts her in difficulty and danger. A woman could get stoned for doing what she is doing. Will Justus, and her new friends, see through the deception, or will her choices destroy friendships and alienate her from her brother forever? How much does Yahweh demand of her life?

Product details
- ASIN : B0977LMBNN
- Publisher: Mustard Seed Creations (June 20, 2021)
- Language : English
- Paperback: 294 pages
- ISBN-13 : 979-8517646941
- Reading age: 13 – 18+ years
- Item Weight: 15.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.74 x 8.5 inches
Also Available in kindle, Paperback, Large Print, & Hard Cover
Under Penalty of Death
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** Award-Winning Author **
Unforgettable characters that will grab your heart. Vivid historical detail. Ancient middle eastern and Jewish culture comes alive. This award-winning novel captures the heart with authentic historical characters, customs and events.
Endorsements
Kristena Mears’s debut novel is an emotional, spell-binding glimpse into the heart of a first-century Jewish woman forced to choose between the desire to get her own way and her commitment to Jesus, the risen Messiah. Mears masterfully uses in-depth research and believable fiction emphasizing the biblical account of Christians in the early church. This book kept me turning page after fascinating page.
—Mesu Andrews, Best seller of biblical fiction, winner of multiple Christy awards.
A memorable young heroine transformed when she learns to deny her own will and give all to Christ. An inspiring story bringing the first century to life.
—Portia Hopkins, PhD, M.Div. Chaplain at The Belfry Lutheran Episcopal Student Ministry at University of California, Davis.
Keturah makes choices that are uncomfortably human — the truth is slow to come out, leaving her a candidate to know God’s grace more fully.
—Naomi Craig, Author of Ezekiel’s Song
It was so interesting and had a lot of action. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I couldn’t get enough of (this) adventure! –Maria Henriksen Author of Not Again
Easy to read and filled with suspense. – Lori Chasko 5 Star Goodreads review
Coming Soon
Elk Lake Publishing, Inc. has picked up this book along with its sequels.
Book One in the Slavery of the Heart Series (Under Penalty of Death) will be re-released in Autumn 2023.
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