02 March 2022

Defending David: Ittai's Journey | Excerpt + Giveaway

JustRead Publicity Tours

ABOUT THE BOOK


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.

Exiled 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?

Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Release Date: February 25, 2022


OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES


EXCERPT

She bit her lip and contemplated Ittai’s response. This was folly. Ittai was correct in that few men, almost none, if she were honest, could face a chariot and claim victory. Though, a prince didn’t travel like most people. Ittai should understand. Weariness weighed upon her bones. The pain in her ankle didn’t help her state of mind either. “We are leaving Etam unharmed. Can’t we give thanks for that blessing? None of us knows the mind of a prince. Save God.”

Leaning forward on his mount, Ittai’s broad form shaded her face. To meet him in battle would melt her bones.

“Absalom has an abundance of wealth and stature as his father’s heir. That is true.” His authoritative tone softened. “But an heir doesn’t rule the kingdom. How can Absalom offer me anything of value without his father’s blessing? How will David feel if I align with someone whom I barely know instead of the man who gave me bread and acceptance as a boy?”

“So, you are going to march into the city?” She wrapped her veil tight around her neck.

“My allegiance is to David.”

“What will Absalom say when he returns?”

Shaking his head, Ittai unnerved her with the intensity of his stubbornness. “If David accepts me into his kingdom, Absalom is the least of my worries in the palace.” His eyes held a hint of remembrance. “Some men fight well. I have no doubt Absalom can win a battle. Other men claim victory by deceit. Their blade will pierce your belly before you can bow.”

Was someone waiting for revenge in Jerusalem? Rimona straightened the wrap of her head covering. The soft linen of her mother’s veil soothed the fear rising in her heart. Her journey to Jerusalem was supposed to be uneventful and safe. Hah! Trickery, schemes, and the whispers of war abounded in the hours since she left Hebron.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Barbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb writes romantic adventures from Ancient Israel to Modern Day USA and especially enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light. She has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Barb is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and American Christian Fiction Writers. You can visit Barb online at www. barbarambritton.com or follow her on Facebook and Twitter.


GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a Defending David Book Box with an autographed copy of Defending David, a CD of harp music, a historic-looking journal, colorful pens, a copy of “Lioness,” and a $25 Amazon gift card, swag!


Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight February 28, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 7, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. (international winner prize: ebook copies of Defending David and Lioness) Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE
TOUR SCHEDULE

15 comments:

  1. This sounds like a great read.

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    1. Thank you, Shelly. I had so much fun writing this story. "Defending David" covers II Samuel, chapters 15-19:8. Thanks for joining us on my blog tour.

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  2. Hi Hallie! Thank you for being part of my blog tour. This is my first one, and I am so excited.

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  3. This sounds like an excellent read. I'm really looking forward to reading this!

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  4. Hi Debbie. Thank you for joining us. I always say that God has the best storylines, and this part of Scripture didn't disappoint.

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  5. I enjoyed reading the excerpt, thanks for sharing

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  6. Thank you, Marisela. Ittai showed great courage in his allegiance to David. It was fun writing about such a stalwart friend. Thanks for joining us.

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  7. I enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you for sharing.

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  8. Thank you for being part of my blog tour, Tracy. I'm glad you enjoyed a snippet from my story.

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  9. Ramona is blessed that she is traveling with Ittai who is wise man.

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  10. Yes, Rimona is blessed to have a strong, faith-filled warrior to travel with to Jerusalem. We can't leave her out of the story.

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  11. This looks like a great read! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thank you, Megana. The Bible never ceases to amaze me. Thanks for joining the tour.

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  12. Congratulations on your release of Defending David, Barbara, great excerpt and I enjoyed following the tour and learning about your book, which sounds like an excellent book for me to read and I like the cover! Good luck with your book and I hope the tour was a success! Thanks for brining it to my attention and have a funtastic weekend!

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    1. Thank you for being part of the tour, Stormy. This is my first book tour, and it has been a lot of fun. I hope you enjoy "Defending David."

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