From Heaven Fought the Stars

A warm swirl... a breath... a smile answered her thoughts, encircling her, cocooning her in a sense of peace... and love.

Within His presence Deborah was aware that all fear had left, as though it had been defeated by a greater master. She sat motionless, concerned lest she disturb the sacred air around her, that HE might leave.

However, when morning thrust its rosy fingers through the window, His presence was gone.

Still, the imprint of the previous night was firmly embedded in her being. From that moment she knew. Despite the fact that He was ultimately powerful and all-loving, change was coming bringing with it pain and death.

In this epic, biblical story of adventure, romance and war, each character must stand alone. Facing their demons each must choose courage and faith over fear and complacency.

Set in the beautiful and, at times, visceral setting of ancient Israel, "From Heaven Fought The Stars" is Joanne Szedlak's first novel.

Using her rich knowledge of Judges and drawing from both her degrees in Christian Theology and Social Sciences, Joanne Szedlak is able weave an intricate tapestry of romance, adventure and mystery while still maintaining a historically accurate setting.

It is 1262 BC and darkness had already begun to spread its poisoned roots into the warm hues of Deborah's world. Running for her life, Deborah is bereft, as Sisera, the tyrannical, Canaanite leader destroys everything she holds dear.

Empty and despairing, she takes the silver coil of hope that trails from Heaven's chambers and witnesses the battle among the stars.

A seed is birthed, a promise spoken: she will be mother to a nation.

Join Deborah on her journey as she encounter's Shamgar, simple farmer who in desperation calls upon his mother's God, discovering strength and deliverance.

Meet Jael, a young, hot blooded nomad, forced to contemplate the power of choice: duty over desire.

Meanwhile, where shame and inadequacy had driven him to succeed, in surrender, Barak will discover the humility, integrity and courage to lead the most unlikely of armies into war.

Discover their true identities within the landscape of violence and chaos over which God, the artist, weaves his beauty and peace.

In a dysfunctional society where community is broken down and each man lives for himself, serving gods of wealth and pleasure, God raises women and men of humility and integrity to knit people back to Himself.

This is a story about the mother heart of God. About how, despite the flaws and blemishes of the past, God uses the most unlikely of people for His great purpose.

Joanne Szedlak lives in Southampton, England with her four children and husband. She has degrees in both Christian theology and Social Science.

She is passionate about community and the vital, if sometimes overlooked, role women play in knitting together the foundation of our society.

She has been involved in church leadership, with this heart, for over twenty years.