Beyond Jerusalem is set in Palestine with a group of first-century Christians shortly after the crucifixion of Jesus. The Jewish religious leaders are frustrated by his popularity. Just when they seem to have managed to make animal sacrifice a profitable enterprise of the Temple, a country preacher (Jesus) comes into town and starts telling people that God is not pleased with the way they are running things. The occupying Roman government ultimately crucifies Jesus, to the delight of the Temple leaders, to quell the political unrest. Much to the chagrin of these Jewish leaders, the followers of Jesus, known as "Followers of the Way," persist and multiply in number. His body disappears. People start claiming that he has been resurrected. Some of his followers dare to show up in the Temple and heal people, apparently miraculously. Throwing them into jail doesn't help. They have infiltrated even the priests themselves. Some studious priest recalls a warning back in the Mosaic Law (Leviticus) that authorizes the burning of a priest's daughter if proof can be found that she has become a prostitute. Beyond Jerusalem begins with the burning at the stake of a 15-year-old daughter of a Jewish priest who has chosen to convert to Christianity. It occurs in the city square in the shadow of the Temple. The story then follows the life of two converted priests and their families. The primary character, Deborah, is a same-age daughter of a priest. The families must move beyond Jerusalem, both figuratively and literally, to continue their new life as the Romans destroy the Temple and Jerusalem, the hub of what was Judaism at the time. Deborah must confront conflict with societal and religious norms, as well as face spiritual debates within herself as she is thrust into challenges with her own faith over the martyrdom of her best friend. Her inner turmoil is not just for early Christians but for all men and women who face love and loss and must confront their own doubts about a loving God in a life filled with both joy and heartache.

Beyond Jerusalem: A Daughter's Story

Morse, Jim Otto

Literature & Fiction

James O. Morse

The Long Way Around begins in a fictional small, rural Oklahoma town, based upon the author's hometown of Calvin, Oklahoma in the fall of 1941. Similar to the author's own life, the protagonist, fourteen-year-old Jimmy Mueller's life is changed forever on Halloween of 1941 when his father and stepmother are among the five victims of a car that was swept away into "The River" when a bridge washed out. From there, the book weaves a story of a young teenage boy coming of age who experiences the advantages and disadvantages of small town living with people who face their own conflicts and victories. Characters in the story are reminiscent to wholly inspired by people in the author's life. Jimmy must deal with the mystery surrounding accusations of embezzlement against his father. He takes a daring part in solving the crime leading to justice being rendered à la small town, USA. The story transitions as Jimmy moves to Texas to live with other family members and seek broader educational and life experiences until he ends up enlisting in the army in World War II and being shipped to Germany. From being captured as a POW to being liberated and involved in post-war reconstruction efforts, Jim faces many life lessons and experiences love and loss again as he slowly makes his way into adulthood and the appreciation of who and what makes life worth living.

The Long Way Around

Morse, Jim

Genre Fiction

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Books by James O. Morse

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the James O. Morse publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Beyond Jerusalem: A Daughter's Story

The Long Way Around