Chosen People by Robert Whitlow is a great read. The author combines romance, intrigue, and knowledge of the surroundings to keep you interested throughout. You will be captivated with Hana Abboud, a Christian Arab Israeli lawyer, from the beginning. She is picked to represent a case in which a young mother died protecting her daughter from terrorist attack. She joins up with Jakob Brodsky, a young Jewish lawyer and an Arab investigator named Daud Hasan. Together as a team, they seek to find out which terrorist gang was responsible for this horrible assault and how to proceed with the lawsuit.
The element of danger is present throughout as they travel back and forth to the Middle East to search for facts.

I highly recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine own.

I am a big fan of Robert Whitlow's books, but this book, which was selected for our Christian Book Club, was a big disappointment to me. The story was slow and the characters just seem to hang there and not have gumption, just talk. Some in the book club did enjoy it.

Warning: do not relax while reading this latest high-stakes legal thriller from Robert Whitlow. While it’s tempting to do so when the text slows in places (particularly in the middle), giving in to that temptation would ultimately be a mistake. The slower pace at times can be attributed to the author’s tendency to tell rather than show details of character and setting, but ultimately the choice works for his proven style. Intriguing international law combines with the continuing complex and charged dynamics between all faiths and cultures represented in Israel - as well as the masterful unpredictability of the plot - to keep readers riveted to the page, waiting to see how it all unfolds. And when it does, well, buckle up and remember to breathe! In the midst of all the intrigue and not knowing who to trust, a couple of touching faith threads weave straight through the story to the heart.

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow
Hana Abboud is a young lawyer from Israel, who is tapped by her law firm to work on a case involving a terrorist killing of a young mother in Jerusalem. The husband is seeking damages for the death of his wife. Hana and another lawyer travel to Israel to investigate the case. While there, they encounter the terrorists responsible for the attack.
The title and setting of this book attracted me. After having traveled to Israel on a couple of occasions, I enjoy learning more about it.
I have read many of Robert Whitlow’s novels and this seems typical of his style. His latest books contain female lawyers as the main characters. They are also believers who try to live out their faith.
However, this particular book was not my cup of tea. His main character, despite his attempts at making her human, did not interest me. The plot developed too slowly for my liking. I did enjoy the plot twist, but could sense it coming. However, this isn’t to say that others haven’t enjoyed this book. The online reviews I saw rated it highly. Fans of his will surely enjoy this one, also. I received a free copy from the publisher and this is my honest review.

There are few authors that I look forward to reading whenever a new book comes to the market. Robert Whitlow is one of those authors for this reader. Chosen People does not disappoint.

Weaving the stories of believers and unbelievers from three different cultures, Robert Whitlow introduces the reader to the difficulties faced as cultures collide in Jerusalem. Beginning with a terrorist attack in Hurva Square in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, it becomes the job of two lawyers from different firms in Atlanta, GA, to tie the attack to specific actors that can be sued for the death of a mother in that attack. The evidence is weak and it would take a trip to the Holy Land to understand the crime and the people involved.

In the process, the reader is given a tour of Jerusalem and some of the surrounding area. We also are given a picture of life for the 21st century inhabitant of the middle east. The author takes us to the Western Wall, the Garden Tomb, as well as the site of the terrorist attack, Hurva Square. Though not the focus of the book, Whitlow manages to also weave in a bit of history and culture.

As expected, Whitlow delivers another legal thriller that holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. Unlike his other books, the plot is now focused on international law — an added bonus. The book could easily find a place in a home, church, or public library. And it will make a good Winter read for most readers. It is easy to give this book a five-star review.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Love Robert Whitlow's writings! I am always eager to read his books. His writing is such that you can see the characters and places in your mind. In this story, he made Israel come alive to me.
Hana Abboud is an Israeli Arab Christian working as a lawyer in Atlanta in a large law firm. Her faith is very realistic and everything she does is a great testimony to her Lord, Jesus Christ. She is unashamed of her faith. She becomes involved in a case of terrorism in which an American woman was murdered in Israel and her young daughter scarred for life in more ways than one. This case takes Hana to Israel where the Wall comes alive, as well as one of the places where Jesus was possibly crucified and put in the tomb.
Great story with lots of details. Another winner from Robert Whitlow!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Today was different. As a Russian Jewish man, he watched the Jewish people moving across the square, something grew inside him. At first, he wasn't exactly sure what it meant. Then, suddenly, it hit him. He was a part of them, and they were a part of him. And with that realization, a floodgate opened, not of ethnic pride, but an awareness of the sadness and success and tragedy and glory and pain and persecution and achievement and prejudice experienced by the Jewish people for thousands of years...he saw them in a new way- as the foundation blocks for his own identity. A Chosen people.

I was surprised by this Christian fiction as it a page turner thriller. The diversity of characters brought the plot from start to finish. Jakob a Russian attorney and Hanna a Christian Arab attorney. Together, Jakob and Hanna take a sad case of terrorism. A young mother killed in Israel in front of her young child. The case involves finding parties involved in terrorism and bringing them monetarily to accountability. They must dig into the past of the terrorist and find connections.

As exciting as this novel was, it was also informative and not decisive about diversity which is the truth of the gospel. The Characters were strong and searching. Jakob finding his life in danger, find Christ and Hanna knowing the gospel finds grace. Very well done.

A Special Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

I was gripped by the story immediately, in fact, the summary caught my attention. And the subject matter is very current. There are twists and turns, and OH WOW!! moments, where you have to stop a minute, maybe go back to see if you missed something. I really enjoyed the story so much. There are many little facts added too, things to educate, enlighten. And that’s where TMI comes in. I think it needed a tiny bit more content editing and decision making about what needs to be there and what is extraneous and doesn’t necessarily advance the story. Even though I started my post mentioning it, it is not a big enough issue for me, to delete a star. If I did, I’d take a half off, the story was that good. I love when the quality of the story telling and the subject matter is compelling enough to override any writing flaws. I also appreciate that Robert Whitlow doesn’t shy away from Christian principles, even when selling under a secular umbrella, instead of using the secular umbrella to write less Christian material.

I received this book as a gift, I was not obligated to provide review or compensated in any way, except enjoying a good read.

While I enjoyed this book by Robert Whitlow, it wasn’t my favorite. It was billed as an “international legal drama” yet none of it took place in a courtroom which is what I expected. The only “legal” thing about it was that two lawyers were doing the investigating. That said, it did hold my interest as the case took them from Atlanta to Jerusalem. The story seemed to shift away from the personal case they were working on until that became almost irrelevant as a bigger story unfolded.
One of the most interesting people to me was an Uber driver named Emily. I would have liked to have gotten to know more of her back-story as she seemed to be a pretty colorful character.
There was some action and danger which I always enjoy in a story. The romance seemed to happen a little too quickly for my taste. Still it was an enjoyable read. Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

I've read a few of Whitlow's books now, but this one was totally different than the ones I have read, and that was absolutely okay with me. Whereas his other books had me hooked emotionally, this one had me sitting on the edge of my seat, watching and waiting to see what would happen next for Hana and Jakob. Warning - this book does have some heavy content that may be a little tough to read. The reality is that it does happen in real life, and it was interesting to see Whitlow's perspective on topics such as terrorism.
I think the thing that struck me most was Whitlow's ability to write Hana's character. An Arab Israeli attorney who is working in the US, but called back to Jerusalem for a case. Not only is that interesting in itself, but she's a Christian. You see a little bit of how Israeli's must feel in our country today - assumptions made just because of their heritage. Whitlow certainly makes you pause, take a breath, and feel empathetic for those who know who are in similar situations. But he also brings to light the very truths of terrorism and some of the lies we believe about it. Yes, this is a work of fiction, but if you really think about it, it is easy to see how it mirrors today's world.
This novel is full of action, contemplative moments, and even hope. Whitlow is an author I always look forward to reading, and I really hope he chooses to write more suspenseful novels like this. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the first time I've ever read something by Robert Whitlow and all I can say is, "Wow!" He is an exceptional writer! This was a bit of a departure from what I normally read/enjoy, but I am so glad I picked this up!
Hana is a Christian Arab lawyer working in Atlanta. She gets called in to work on a case involving a terrorist attack in Jerusalem in which an American mother on vacation is killed and her daughter disfigured. From the moment Hana meets the daughter, a strong bond is formed and she knows she has to fight for her. What she doesn't realize is just how dangerous that task will be! Whitlow is an expert at telling a very engaging, compelling and intriguing story. For the first time in months of reading, I remembered each of the character's names and where in the plot I was from the last time I had read and couldn't wait to get back to it. I couldn't believe how he got the point of view of Hana (a woman) so beautifully accurate. It's a tough thing to do.
I've never been one to involve myself in politics or attempting to understand the very complicated religious & political relationships between the Jews and Arabs, but this book brought that to life in a way I never thought possible and I am better for it.
I feel like my words are failing me and my review of this book is sorely lacking, considering the effect it's had on me, so I'm just going to simply recommend that if it sounds intriguing in any way, go for it. You won't regret it! I plan to go back and start reading his other books to see what I've missed.

I always look forward to a release from Robert Whitlow. I know I can count on a book that has a solid legal foundation, a fascinating plot, and an author who spends time with God. This book was no different. My thoughts:

What I liked

The topic. Specifically, the international legal aspect of it. Kudos to Whitlow for stepping out of America. You’ve got Hana who is Arab but grew up in Israel and now lives in America and Jacob who has a Russian background and is Jewish who also lives in America. At some point they both make it to Israel. And yet, at no time, did the story Whitlow was telling feel overwhelming. You would think with Arabs and Jews, Israel and Palestine, terrorists and lawsuits, America and Israel that you would easily get lost in the details. You don’t. Whitlow handles it all very smoothly.

The characters. Each one is well-defined, from a restaurant owner to Hana, the main character. Whitlow really takes the time to flesh out every character on the page. No one is a caricature. I was especially drawn to Hana. She’s intelligent and bold and yet still somehow very much reflects that modest middle east upbringing. She’s not perfect, but she always has a reason for doing what she does. I was also very fond of Jacob. In spite of his Russian-Jewish background, there’s something very All-American about him…which makes him easy to like.

Romance. Though the romance is light, I like the way it was handled. There are a few surprises here!

As always, the legal nature of the case. As a lawyer, I don’t need my legal thrillers to be exact, but they have to be logical. With Whitlow, I never doubt that he knows his stuff.

Descriptions. At one point (or two) Israel is visited in the novel. Whitlow describes everything, from the sites to the food to the language to the people. I am almost certain the man has spent time there. Israel comes to life on the pages.

A different look. I’m pretty sure everyone who has lived long enough has an opinion about the Israeli-Palestine conflict. By making his main character an Arab Christian, Whitlow presents a very different look at the Middle East Conflict and it’s one worth learning about.

Spiritually, I love the way Whitlow always emphasizes the importance of prayer and dreams.

What I didn’t like

There were, at times, too many details and not necessarily about the case. This book had almost flash points of something really interesting happening and then low points where a character’s day is described in nuanced detail. There were quite a few moments where scenes felt drawn out. I often found myself skimming so I could get to the action.

Overall, if Whitlow is your kind of author, don’t miss out on this book! You learn so much and will enjoy it while you do.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this excitement-filled story that took readers deep into the Middle Eastern scene with Arabs and Israelis at odds and American lawyers investigating a terrorist attack to see if a lawsuit is feasible. I learned so much about the culture, the law, terrorists, and Israeli life. The author did a stellar job pulling all the threads together and throwing in a huge surprise. The drama compels readers to continue racing through this contemporary saga. I had not read any of his previous novels, but his expertise makes me want to check them out. I appreciate the spiritual element and growth of faith in this book. Here’s a quote I like that sums up a character’s feeling: “suddenly, it hit him. He was a part of them, and they were a part of him. And with that realization, a floodgate opened, not of ethnic pride, but an awareness of the sadness and success and tragedy and glory and pain and persecution and achievement and prejudice experienced by the Jewish people for thousands of years.” I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.

Chosen People is the first of Robert Whitlow’s books that I’ve read, and it is impressive. I obviously can’t compare it to his previous books, but I understand that with its backdrop of Islamic terrorism, the theme and pacing are different. Chosen People is well written, suspenseful and entertaining, but also relevant and compelling.

I was intrigued by Hana Abboud, a Christian Arab Israeli working in an Atlanta law firm. That combination of faith and nationality is something I had never thought about. In Hana’s words, “More and more Christian Arabs, especially in my generation, identify as Israelis even though we’re not Jewish.” Whitlow’s passion for the subject matter and knowledge of the Middle East is off the charts, and one of this book’s strengths is all that I learned. I thought I had a decent understanding of the Middle East, but Whitlow’s writing opened my mind up to a new awareness and clarity. From that standpoint alone, I’d like to read this book again, just to see what I might have missed and take in even more.

The idea of bringing a lawsuit to hold the perpetrators of terrorism accountable is also intriguing, and might also be a dangerous undertaking. The danger started on American soil, then picked up dramatically once the characters reached the Middle East. Suspense runs high and it’s not obvious who can be trusted. Young Sadie, daughter of a victim who sacrificed her life for Sadie, captured this reader’s heart. There’s also a romantic thread that I enjoyed.

The diversity of faith and cultures – Christian, Jewish, Muslim – made the story so realistic. Hana’s love for the Lord and her spiritual witness is truly inspiring. And in thinking of God’s chosen people, Whitlow imparts so much to reflect upon. Even if this book isn’t in the style you usually enjoy, it is well worth reading.

Highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Breaking news, here, folks. All book reviewers have bias. Chautona really doesn't like first person - present tense. It makes her teeth itch. (I didn't know that was a thing). Some reviewers don't like all the feely-feels, and they want way more suspense than romance. Others want way more romance than suspense. But I have to confess, I was biased against Chosen People before I even turned a page. Or whatever the Kindle equivalent of page-turning is.

3 Confessions of a Biased Reviewer
Confession #1: I almost didn't sign up to review Chosen People
Let me 'splain. Or as Inigo would say, let me sum up. My background is in Middle Eastern studies. My heart is for Christians to build better friendships with Muslims. I've been active in that space in the past, and my dream is to get involved again with organizations like Two Faiths, One Friendship when I finish paying off my student loans and my schedule is a little more flexible.

I love Jewish people and I love Muslim people. But when Christians talk about modern Israel, we tend to...make the complex too simple. There. That's what it is. These are usually wonderful, loving, well-meaning people, and I love them a lot. Usually they just don't have the right tools in their toolbox, because I've watched some of these people open their eyes and learn to love their Muslim neighbors over the course of just a few weeks in a class. But when they make the complex too simple, sometimes it gets in the way of building good relationships with Muslims OR Jews OR Christians from the Middle East. I've even seen some things in Christian fiction that made me cringe.

And so when I saw a title like Chosen People, well, you can guess what I thought. This was going to be another one of those. I didn't want to sign up to review a book that I knew I would disagree with, so I didn't sign up.
And then I got curious, and read the back cover copy. I saw that the leading lady was an Arab-Israeli (some people don't realize those exist!), and I got curious. A story told from her perspective could go in some interesting directions. So against my better judgment, I signed up to review it.

Confession #2: Robert Whitlow "Got Me" at Least Twice
Did you get "gotten" by any gotchas around Halloween? I did. Not many. I don't scare easily, and I don't really do Halloween. But I logged into my OhmConnect account and something screamed I think. I was alone and just about jumped out of my skin.

But books don't usually surprise me. I just...well, I read a lot, and I kind of know how the stories go. But this Whitlow guy that wrote Chosen People? He succeeded in making me go back and forth on whether one character was a "good guy..." and just when I had made up my mind one way, everything flipped around again.

As a suspense, it "got me," and as a romance, it wasn't what I expected. I think in a good way, though I'm still not sure if I wanted it to go a different way. I can't say more without those icky spoilers. I will say this...the romance that did happen? I really liked most of the way it happened. It has a different flavor with all the cultural bits that come up in this book. It felt familiar in a good way to my Middle-Eastern-people-loving heart.

Confession #3: Chosen People was nothing like I expected.
Especially the treatment of the Arab-Israeli conflict. He didn't make the complex too simple. He didn't swing to extremes that don't leave room for the truth (or JESUS). He didn't sweep things under the rug. He let the crunchy stuff be crunchy and real. Which is actually MY style (ask me about dark chocolate covered pretzels some time).

To my surprise, I have to recommend this book. If you like suspense, it'll get you too. If you like romance, it's there, but if you don't, the romance element is not too thick or feely. But regardless of what you like to read, you should read this book because you'll start to see the world through someone else's eyes. And that, my friend, will make you a little more like Jesus, who stepped into our world, not just with his eyes, but with his whole being.

Also, I really loved eavesdropping on Hana's prayer life. Just saying.

I received a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is phenomenal. I want to be careful with my review as to not give any spoilers and lessen the suspense as you read. It’s one of the best Christian mystery/suspense books that I’ve ever read. The setting in Israel adds much to this story. The storyline is unusual and intriguing. These characters became very real to me. The last couple of chapters are intense and pack an emotional punch. It’s a book that although I could hardly wait to see how the story ended, I din’t want the book to end. I’d love to read a sequel with these same characters. Robert Whitlow is now one of my very favorite authors. Don’t miss this one. One of the best books I’ve read this year.

This is a clean book with no foul language or embarrassing scenes. The faith element is very much present all through the book.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow is an intriguing legal thriller. Having read a number of this author's books I was very interested in reading this one and was not disappointed. Mr. Whitlow knows how to write legal fiction with action, intrigue, and a number of twists to the plot that increase the suspense and keep a reader's interest high. The premise of the book could be taken right from news headlines as the focus is on a terrorist incident that happened in Israel and how to hold the terrorists accountable, to bring justice and closure to the American family involved. The characters are a diverse mix--a secular American Jewish lawyer, a Christian Arab Israeli lawyer working in the United States, and an Arab Israeli private investigator; young children and old uncles; American Uber drivers and Israeli taxi drivers. The mix of nationalities and religions add depth to the story and the author gives good insight into those differences and the impact those differences make on the every-day lives of Arabs and Israelis living in Israel. Readers are given a glimpse of Israel as the characters travel there to begin their investigation into the incident and Whitlow describes well a number of places in Israel. Having recently traveled to Israel, I found his descriptions to be accurate and able to draw me back into the scenes. I liked how throughout the story Hana's faith is strong as she turns to God for wisdom and guidance. She recognizes that her heritage and ethnicity is not what defines her but her relationship with God transforms everything about who she is and how she relates to others, regardless of their heritage or ethnicity. A good lesson for each of us to learn. Chosen People is a great read as it weaves together a story of terrorism, the intricacies of international justice, and personal faith.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

What an introduction to a new author! As one who normally reads historical fiction, I loved the details of history in Hana's family, all the wonderful details from Israel and the Biblical truths thrown into the mix. Terrorism is real in our world, even if we feel safe in our cities and towns here in America. I can't imagine visiting an ice cream shop and watching someone be attacked and killed. The intrigue, romance, mystery and spiritual warfare kept me at the edge of my seat. Was it even possible to find out who was behind the attack in Hurva Square and thus seek damages for those left behind? A mugging, car bomb and abduction all create questions about who really is involved and are international players included. I loved the fact that redemption happens wherever you are regardless of who you are.
I received this ARC through CelebrateLit and this review gives my personal impressions and opinions.

This has been one of the most intriguing books I've read. It starts innocently about a law firm wanting to sue for the death of a woman. What entails is a much more in depth look at Islamic terrorism and details of a culture we very rarely get a peek into. The author is very versed in his description of Jerusalem. I walked beside the characters as they visited the empty tomb. I could feel the overwhelming peace as they each took a turn going into the room where the tomb was. The author has always been a gifted writer, but this book has shot him to the top of master story telling. The story is very detailed and I loved following alongside Hana as she investigated a tragedy that we only hear about on the news. The details of the crime were vivid and it enhanced the brutality of the murder. Hana is a very determined woman who impressed me with her faith.

I usually talk about the different characters in my review , but for this book I want to concentrate on the story itself. The author is very gifted in weaving a story about terrorism that involves a lawsuit that reaches far across the waters. There is definitely danger in the story and I wasn't sure who to trust. The twists the author puts in makes the story suspenseful and one that keeps you on your toes. I have to say I felt like I was watching a movie because the authors words are so powerful and vivid. The saying " A picture is worth a thousand words" would be almost perfect to describe the book. However the story is many more words that took me away to a realistic view of what terrorism and betrayal looks like.

I have often wondered what it would be like to visit Jerusalem and with the help of the author I felt like I was there placing my hand on the wall. I could hear the prayers that wailed from the people as they placed their hands upon the wall. Yes, I loved the book not so much for the characters, even though they were well written. I loved the book because the author doesn't sugar coat anything in re guards to Jesus. He is not in your face about Jesus, but in a compassionate way, reveals how much Jesus loves all people. Yes I said all. The story is a good suspenseful book which keeps the tension going. The author has gotten my full attention with this outstanding story of deceit, loyalty, terrorism, compassion and chalked full of interesting facts about a country we all need to pray for.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Robert Whitlow is known for his legal thrillers, and his newest release certainly doesn't disappoint. He always seems to write about things that are current topics. This book focuses on compensation for those killed or injured in a terrorist attack. Whitlow's writing is fast paced and includes amazing characters. With twists, turns, and unexpected surprises the suspense doesn't stop. His characters are masterfully woven into the plot line and each one plays an important part in the story. Faith also plays a key role in each of their lives.

Hana Abboud is an Arab Christian international law lawyer practicing in Atlanta Georgia. Jakob Brodsky is a non practicing Jewish lawyer who handles personal injury cases. Daud Hasan is an Israeli private investigator. The three find themselves working together on a case that Jakob has taken on. Ben Ben Neumann has lost his wife and his 6 year old daughter sustained facial injuries during a terrorist attack in Jerusalem, and he is now pursuing reparations. Little did Hana, Jakob and Daud know what lengths terrorists would attempt in order to stop their investigation and prosecution.

High paced, riveting read definitely for those who like action packed suspense.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions are mine alone. I was not compensated for this review.