Freedom's Stand by J.M. Windle

Book Description
Jamil renounced a life of jihad when he encountered the life-changing message of Jesus Christ, but villagers and authorities in the hills of Afghanistan respond with skepticism . . . and even violence.
Relief worker Amy Mallory is shocked by the changes in her organization—changes with dire implications for the women and children under her care. And concern for her former assistant, Jamil, weighs heavily on her heart.
Former Special Forces veteran Steve Wilson faces off against the riots and corruption of Kabul’s upcoming election. He's looking for something that will give his life purpose but is confident that he won’t find it in Afghanistan.
All three are searching for love and freedom in a country where political and religious injustice runs rampant. But when religious freedom becomes a matter of life and death, they discover that the cost of following Jesus may require the ultimate sacrifice.

My Thoughts:

This was a really good book. It was a lot heavier than I'd anticipated but it is a book that calls to you and requires you to look at your beliefs and it is very realistic. All three of the 'main' characters, Amy, Jamil and Steve believe in Jesus and that has caused them some serious conflict. Amy is an American relief worker, Steve is a former soldier turned private security and Jamil is a former jihad member who wants to heal his country. Jamil is hired by Amy to be her driver and as the story is slowly unveiled, the lives of all the characters entwine.

I have to say, the character that stood out the most to me was Soraya, and I can't really say why without giving a lot away but she wasn't my favorite in the least, just the one that stood out the most. I like how the author takes us on a journey through Afghanistan and shows how things really are. This book isn't easy to read, nor are the descriptions because the author doesn't hold much back but shows us how truly blessed we are to live in America where we take our freedoms for granted!

I rate this a 4/5. It is good but it will definitely make you think!

Thank you to Tyndale for the review copy of this book. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.