Burns and Beauty

Author: Christine Dillon
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: Light of Nations #6
Pages: 262
Release Date: June 1, 2026
Publisher: Links in the Chain Press

Trust, once broken, is hard to restore.

Saphi has spent her life despising the mother who scarred her face and condemned her to obscurity as a temple sweeper in the house of Dagon. Scorned and friendless, she expects nothing from the Philistine gods except silence.

Then the Philistines capture the ark of the God of Israel.

Paraded into Dagon’s temple as a trophy of victory, the sacred ark should mark Israel’s defeat. Instead, terrifying signs and unexplainable disasters begin to shake the city. Israel’s God is no helpless captive—and as fear spreads among her people, Saphi is swept into events far greater than her own pain. Events that will lead her beyond everything she has ever known and force her to confront the wounds she cannot escape.

Why would the God of Israel notice someone like her?

And what if he demanded the very thing she can’t give?

Set during the time of 1 Samuel and the judgeship of Samuel, this gripping biblical novel brings the Philistine world vividly to life. Perfect for readers who enjoy historical fiction that is realistic, thought-provoking, and spiritually compelling.

The Light of Nations series features standalone novels, each centred on a different people group whose story intersects with Israel’s. While the books move chronologically through the Old Testament and include subtle connections between titles, each can be enjoyed on its own.

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Reviewer: Jeanette Durkin

I really enjoyed reading this unique book! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book based on this particular time period in the Bible.

The characters are intriguing. It was amazing to “see” their spiritual perspectives change over time. Saphi is a good worker, a great listener, and a loyal friend. Lahmi has a gentle spirit, and he’s passionate about serving Yahweh. Samuel is a very patient and wise prophet and teacher. He never shied away from the questions that Saphi and Lahmi had.

This book spoke to me on many levels, but the one that resonated with me is the need to share about Yahweh. It reminded me of Romans 10:14. “How can people have faith in the Lord and ask Him to save them, if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear, unless someone tells them?” (CEV version)

I was provided with a complimentary copy of the book from Links in the Chain Press via Interviews & Reviews. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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