Shannon here: Barbara M. Britton shares insight into her Biblical Fiction title, plus a romantic excerpt, and a chance to win a print copy. U.S. only. Deadline: March 23rd, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Barbara:
A Romantic Gift:
Are you a jewelry person? I enjoy receiving a nice piece of jewelry as a gift, but a little jewelry goes a long way with me. You might say that I’m in a rut because I like wearing the same pieces of jewelry over and over. If a necklace or ring has a special meaning, or sentimental value, it goes in my repertoire and stays. I’m certainly not a jewelers favorite customer. I don’t even have pierced ears, so earrings are off the gift list for my husband.
In “Defending David,” I have a hero and heroine who are falling in love, but a rebellious prince keeps them apart. In II Samuel, King David must claim victory over his conniving son and his traitorous army. God sends David an unlikely friend and commander—Ittai the Gittite. Ittai is a Philistine, a non-Hebrew commander, but he aligns with King David and serves the One True God.
Throughout the retreat and battles, Ittai falls in love with Rimona. Rimona is a Hebrew orphan, and her stubborn uncle will not flee Jerusalem with King David. Ittai worries for her safety, but he must flee with King David and keep him safe.
Rimona has one prized possession, and you guessed it, it’s a piece of jewelry. Her single emerald earring reminds her of her deceased parents, and her hometown of Beersheba.
Ittai is a historic character in the Bible. In Bible Times, men and women didn’t kiss or touch openly before marriage. One way that Ittai shows his love for Rimona is centered around her precious earring. You see, her earring is missing its match. What’s a lovesick Philistine to do? He approaches a nobleman about crafting a matching earring for Rimona.
Below is an excerpt from when Rimona is surprised by Ittai and surprised with a special gift from her handsome, God-fearing commander.
Excerpt from Defending David by Barbara M. Britton:
The surprise:
Rimona heard Ittai’s deep, familiar voice before his mountain of a form revealed itself from behind the trunk of the acacia tree. Her bones became weightless as her rescuer stood before her grinning the smile of a commander who had set a cunning trap.
“Ittai.” His name came out as a squeak. “You’re here. You won.” She was babbling because her heart was bouncing all over her chest and doing its own jubilant dance.
“Rimona.” The rumble of her name on his lips nearly had her sprinting back to the city in fear. Fear of where this may lead and fear of the grief she would feel if this was his farewell.
The gift:
Rimona glanced into the basket and noticed a square box made of cedar. The box was strategically placed on top of the flatbread. The cedar’s sweet, soothing scent tempered the bread’s aroma.
“What is this?” She held the lightweight box in her hand.
“Open it,” Lana said, her head covering tugged close to her chin.
“I agree with Lana’s wisdom.” Ittai leaned closer. His eyes were aflame with a tease. “It’s my secret.”
He knew what was in the box.
Her fingers trembled as she opened the cedarwood. She gasped. Sparkling on top of the plain-colored wood was her earring. The one she had given to Lana. The one she held dear as a reminder of her family. The one that comforted her when her mother slipped away. Her three emeralds weren’t alone. Alongside her earring was a mate as perfectly beautiful as her cherished earring. Her cheeks blazed as tingles of emotion throbbed behind her eyes. “Oh, Ittai. You…how did…why?” A wavy tide of tears obscured Ittai’s handsomeness.
Question for readers: What’s your favorite piece of jewelry and do you wear it often? Or can you guess one of the most popular seasons for buying jewelry?
About Barbara: Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction from Bible Times to Modern Day USA. Her Tribes of Israel series brings little-known Bible characters to light. Her novel “Christmas at Whispering Creek,” is a compelling, yet fun story, shining a light on breast cancer. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate.
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About the book – Defending David:
When a quiet journey to Jerusalem turns tragic, newly orphaned Rimona must flee a kinsman set on selling her as a slave. Racing into the rocky hills outside of Hebron, Rimona is rescued by a Philistine commander journeying to Jerusalem with six-hundred warriors.
Philistine commander, Ittai the Gittite, is seeking refuge in the City of David. Protecting a frantic Hebrew woman is not in his leadership plan. Although, having a nobleman’s niece in his caravan might prove useful for finding shelter in a foreign land.
Rimona and Ittai arrive in Jerusalem on the eve of a rebellion. In the chaos of an heir’s betrayal, will they be separated forever, or can they defend King David and help the aging monarch control his rebellious son?
Biblical Fiction from II Samuel, chapters 15-19:8.
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Barbara’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Defending David – Amazon Defending David – Barnes and Noble Link Barbara’s Books
Check out the book trailer:
Come back March 19th for June Foster!
Thank you for hosting me again, Shannon. I enjoy talking with your readers.
Hello, Barbara. We have our love of jewelry in common, and like you, I am not a jeweler’s friend. I wear wedding and engagement ring on left hand and a small gold dome ring –the first gift from my husband back in 1966! No earrings, like you. And I wear two necklaces. One was my mother’s (she passed in 1997), a 34″ gold chain with a pendant of Hebrew letters/words that says, “I am my Beloved’s and He is mine.” And a shorter cross of diamonds that my sister-friend of almost 50 years gave me (she passed in 2021). I wear them every day and hardly ever take them off. Your book sounds very interesting. David is my favorite Biblical character 🙂 BLESSINGS!
Hi Caryl. Thanks for joining us. All your jewelry sounds special with its sentimental value.
There are so many facets of David’s life. He is an interesting person to write about.
Blessings to you, too.
I have a necklace and earrings that belonged to my maternal grandmother which I wear sometimes. I think one of the most popular seasons for buying jewelry is during the holiday season (November and December).
Hi Diana. It’s nice to have heirloom jewelry so we can remember loved ones. Christmas gives a huge bump to jewelry sales along with other romantic holidays. I’m glad you joined us.
I tend to wear the same earrings and ring. I just received my mom’s ring but I haven’t worn it yet,
Hi Lori. I get in the habit of wearing certain jewelry and it sticks. What a blessing to have your mom’s ring to wear or pass down. Thank you for being here with us.
My favorite is a cross necklace that my dad got a friend to make for me.
Hi Jan. That’s a double reason to wear a cross–because we love Jesus, and a family friend crafted the cross. How neat! I’m glad to see you here.
no fav
You’re keeping your options open, bn. Thank you for joining us.
Hi, Barb. I loved the post. And I loved this book. It was one of my favorites. Jewelry? My mother’s wedding rings. I wear them on my right hand, and wear the ones my husband gave me (over fifty years ago) on my left.
Hi Carol! Thank you for the encouragement. It means so much coming from you.
Jewelry from our moms is so special. Thanks for being here.
Necklaces if I do wear jewelry. But otherwise just my wedding ring when not working. Look forward to getting more books by Barbara. Loved the series I got last summer in Deadwood, SD
Hi DeAnna! It’s good to see you here. I will be in South Dakota again this June. After my wedding ring, necklaces are my go-to. Thanks for joining us!
Oh cannot wait to get another series maybe from you. Loved the ones on the sisters
Thank you. I had so much fun writing about the daughters of Zelophehad.
This will be my 5th year at Wild Deadwood Reads.
Glad to have you again, Barbara. The only jewelry I wear all the time is my wedding ring set. I have a ton of costume jewelry I switch out to match whatever I wear.
I like wearing costume jewelry since there’s no fear if it gets lost. There’s a variety of colors too!
Thanks for being a fabulous hostess!
I have a winner! Lori won the drawing. I appreciate Barbara for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.