From Wichita, Kansas, USA,
Welcome Author Jim Baumgardner!
Jim says...
I grew up
in a Christian home, although neither of my parents did. My mother gave her
life to the Lord in her late teens, and she brought my dad to Christ after they
were married in 1939. April 30, 2013 marked my 56th year as a Christian.
The Lord has blessed me far more than I deserve, and I am ever mindful of that
fact. You may have thought: ‘I don't know any cowboy Bible story writers.' Well,
now you can say that you do. I love the West and western stories, nevertheless I
love the Bible more.
The Scriptures tell us of the greatest love ever
manifested to mankind. But God demonstrates His own love
toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for
us. --Romans 5:8
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Why write
Bible novels? The answer lies in my desire as an author to expand upon the
truths in the Bible, and furnish the reader stories about great men and
women found on the pages of Scripture. By expanding the truth, I do not mean
changing what happened, but filling in the gaps with what may have happened day
to day which brought about what holy men of God recorded so long ago. How did
people think and act in ancient times? What were the manners and customs which
shaped the way they responded in certain situations? I attempt to answer these
questions in these novels. Presenting everyday social, religious, and
political life of Bible characters conveys a better understanding of what we
read in our Bibles.
Released
November 1, 2013, Queen of Persia: A
Courageous Woman for a Dangerous Time, has become a quick favorite. This is
the largest book I have written, and I honestly can say the best. The story of
Queen Esther interests women because she is a true heroine. Even the men will
enjoy this book as it has information about the war with Greece and the battles
of the Jews with their enemies who sought to destroy them. Read an excerpt.…
“Name?”
“Hadassah.”
“A strange name. From what far-flung
province do you come?”
“Not far, sir. My home is Susa.”
The eunuch looked up from the sheet of
parchment on which he recorded names. “You mean—?” He stopped mid-sentence, his
breath caught away by the most beautiful maiden he had ever gazed upon.
Hegai’s eyes darted to the soldier
standing guard over this new group of girls. Although young, 14-18 years, these
virgins were of child bearing age, and that made them worthy candidates to
become Queen of Persia. Of course, being able to bear a son for King Ahasuerus
was not the only qualification, but it certainly was one—a crucial one.
Squinting through dark, steady eyes
Hegai addressed the soldier, and his tone of voice told of surprise and slight
doubt. “This girl claims to be from Susa.”
“She is. All in this collection were
taken from homes in Susa.”
Hegai glanced from one young woman to
the next. The females, all beautiful of face and form had been brought to
Shushan the palace; most against their will, for examination and consideration
as the next Queen of the Persian Empire. Yet, the one named Hadassah stood out
from the others, gorgeous beyond belief. To which harem girl could she be
compared? Certainly after one year of applying beauty preparations to this
girl’s face and body the answer would be none. Hegai’s thoughts were loftier
than consigning this girl to the life of a common harem concubine. This young
woman could be a goddess…a Persian goddess.
A side door opened. King Ahasuerus entered, and
Esther’s heart raced, her breath caught. The time had come. She could not
ignore it. She could not delay it. No more thinking about it, the king stood in
his royal robe, his crown no longer in place. He wore sandals and one ring on
each hand.
The door closed behind him, and he
walked to where Esther sat ridged upon the edge of her couch. Bending down he
took Esther’s hand, kissed it, and then lightly brushed his lips against hers.
Esther’s head spun with excitement,
she felt she might faint dead away. He was freshly bathed and smelled of
lavender. His kiss was her first. Soon there would be more and her insides
knotted in anticipation.
“Esther, welcome to my table. We shall
be served directly.”
Releasing her hand he took his place
on the golden couch.
She avoided his eyes. Her heart
continued to race, and color, which she felt heating her face, he surely would
notice.
“You may look at me. Were you told to
lower your eyes, and not speak unless asked a question?”
“Yes.”
“I am releasing you from those
instructions. I wish to have a conversation, not one word answers. Is that
fair?”
“Yes.”
The king chuckled. “No more one word
answers—that is now my command.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Oh, now you speak three words and still
you lower your eyes. You are frightened. Is that it?”
Esther brought her eyes to meet his.
“I am but a common girl from Susa,” she said softly. “You are the great King of
Kings. If I were not frightened, you would have thought me stupid or arrogant,
I know my place.”
The king’s brow furrowed in thought.
He remembered their encounter in the court. This young woman showed
intelligence. She spoke her mind regardless of her fear.
“You are an intelligent one! You do
not pretend, do you?”
Esther’s eyes remained on the king.
“Lie? No, I do not. I shall always tell you the truth.”
Connect with Jim...
Nook: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/esther-queen-of-persia-jim-baumgardner/1117916873?ean=2940148941910
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