A FRIEND LOVES AT ALL TIMES by BARBARA M. BRITTON

A FRIEND LOVES AT ALL TIMES by BARBARA M. BRITTON
Saturday, February 5, 2022 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Defending David

AUTHOR: Barbara M. Britton

PUBLISHER: Pelican Book Group

GENRE: Biblical Fiction

SERIES or STAND ALONE: Stand Alone

TARGET AUDIENCE: 13 and up

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR BARBARA M. BRITTON TO PATTI’S PORCH. BARBARA SHARES THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A LITTLE KNOWN BIBILCAL CHARACTER AND WHAT WE LEARN FROM HIM ABOUT FRIENDSHIP.

BARBARA IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR A PRINT COPY OF DEFENDING DAVID.

A FRIEND LOVES AT ALL TIMES

Barbara M. Britton

Little-known Bible characters are my specialty. I love discovering stories in the Bible that have flown under the Christian radar. You would think people associated with King David would be popular and well-known. Many are famous or infamous, but a friend of David’s has been overlooked for too long. Who is this friend of a beloved king? His name is Ittai the Gittite.

You are probably scratching your head at the moment. I was too when my husband mentioned Ittai in a sermon. In fact, I searched a thick book on the life of King David and didn’t find Ittai mentioned anywhere.

When my husband crafted his sermon, he used Proverbs 18:24 to refer to Ittai: A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. (NIV)

Why was Ittai’s friendship important in David’s life? David was at a low point in his reign. His son Absalom had rebelled and was advancing to seize Jerusalem and kill his father. David had to flee his home and try to amass an army as he scrambled to safety. Who better to show up than an army commander with six-hundred men? Except this was a Philistine army commander, not a Hebrew warrior. Did it matter? It didn’t matter to Ittai or to David because Ittai knew the One True God and pledged his allegiance to God and to David.

But…being a friend to King David cost Ittai something. The Philistine commander had arrived in Jerusalem the day before, leading hundreds of men and their families across desert terrain. A long journey takes its toll. Ittai forgoes a rest and leaves with David.

Ittai’s skills are put to the test when David places him over one-third of the Israelite army. Did you catch that? A Philistine is commanding some of the Hebrew fighting men. Was this a first? There’s no rest for Ittai as he figures out battle plans while on the run in a foreign land. And Ittai has to coordinate battle plans with Joab and Abishai--David’s nephews who David calls men of blood.

Ittai epitomizes what it means to be a friend. Friendship is a blessing, but it requires going the extra mile with your friend. In Ittai’s case, being David’s friend could cost him his life.

In John 15:12-13, Jesus says: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (NIV)

We’re not usually called on to lay down our lives for our friends. But when they are sick or hurting, we can give them comfort and encouragement. Who doesn’t appreciate a casserole when they’re ill, or a ride when their car won’t start, or someone to talk to if they are lonely?

We live in a time when there are a lot of hurting people and we may have to be an Ittai the Gittite to more than one friend. Jesus, our Savior, is the ultimate example of a compassionate friend. I’m so glad Ittai’s story was included in the Bible. I’m also happy that I finally found it.

Book blurb for Defending David: Ittai’s Journey:

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?

You can pre-order “Defending David” on Amazon, B&N or wherever books are sold. Libraries can order the novel, too. Ittai’s story will release on February 25^th.

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN A PRINT COPY OF DEFENDING DAVID BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15^TH AT MIDNIGHT MST.

BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.

Patti’s Review of Defending David:

Author Barbara Britton brings to readers another well-crafted Biblical fiction novel.

The Philistine foreigner Ittai and the orphaned Rimona develop an attraction that builds to a lasting love as unrest and war rage around them. Rimona, betrayed by a family member, and Ittai, whose loyalty to the one true God is challenged, unite in support of the anointed King David when his son, Absalom, rebels against him and attempts to gain the throne.

Both Ittai and Rimona fight their own inner battles as they endure hardship, draw on their strength to confront danger, and long for each other’s safety. Although they lived centuries ago, the author brings David and Rimona to life with such depth of emotion that the modern-day reader can relate to their plight, identify with their struggles, and admire their strength.

Again, Barbara Britton has crafted a story from the Bible with historical accuracy that delivers a message we can apply today.

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She is published in Biblical fiction and enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her stories. Barb’s WWI Historical released in June of 2020 and it’s called Until June. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Find out more about Barb’s books at http://www.barbarambritton.com/books.html

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Comments

Lila Diller From NC At 2/17/2022 12:18:03 PM

I got another automated email that someone else had replied to my comment, but I had already gotten that one. Just wanted to check to see if the winner of the giveaway has been announced?

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Lila. The giveaway winner has been notified. You should have received an email that I responded to your comment. Barbara also responded to you with a comment, but I'm not sure hers is automated. It shows up as a new comment on the website. Thank you for checking. Have a blessed day.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 2/14/2022 7:30:08 PM

Hi Audrey. I hope you like Ittai's story as much as Jenna. I can't wait to launch his story. Thanks for joining us.

Audrey From At 2/14/2022 1:58:31 PM

Hello! My friend Jenna LOVED this book and recommended it. I don’t read Biblical Fiction often, but this one is on my TBR.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Audrey. Thank you for stopping by to share and join in the conversation. Blessings!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 2/11/2022 3:58:07 PM

Hi Gail. I love to discover new stories in the Bible. Ittai was a treasure. I’m glad you joined us.

Gail Kittleson From Iowa At 2/11/2022 1:42:09 PM

Hi Barbara, I really like relatively unknown Biblical characters, too. Sounds like Ittai is a MUST_GET-TO-KNOW!

Reply by: Patti Shene

You are right there, Gail. This was a great story. Thank you so much for stopping by. Blessings!

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 2/8/2022 12:54:58 PM

Thank you, Breny. I have so much fun talking about Ittai. I'm glad you joined us.

Breny From USA At 2/8/2022 10:39:23 AM

Amazing interview!!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Breny. Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here. Have a blessed week.

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 2/7/2022 1:12:36 PM

Hi Pam! You are always so encouraging. Thank you for stopping by and for your uplifting words.

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 2/7/2022 1:10:22 PM

Thank you for joining us, Anne. King David's life was interesting and then you throw in a Philistine believer and it gets more interesting. Ittai's story was a blast to write.

Pamela Thibodeaux From Louisiana At 2/7/2022 8:54:37 AM

Defending David is going to be another amazing book, Barbara! Good luck and God's blessings with it. PamT

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Pam. Thank you for visiting the blog and leaving a message for Barbara. You are right. This is an amazing book! Blessings!

ANNE Alexander From Nevada At 2/7/2022 12:44:26 AM

Looks like a really inspiring and interesting book. Would love to read and share. Thank u so much. God Bless Anne

Reply by: Patti Shene

HI Anne. Thank you so much for stopping by and joining the discussion. Have a blessed week.

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 2/6/2022 9:39:54 AM

Hi Laura. I'm glad you liked "Defending David." Thank you for the recommendation. We all need a friend like Ittai in this world. Ittai was a blessing from God to King David. Thanks for joining us.

Laura DeNooyer From Wisconsin At 2/5/2022 10:30:19 PM

Great post about a true friend and how that applied to Ittai. May we all have an Ittai in our lives. Having read the ARC, I can highly recommend this book! (I don't need a copy.)

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Laura. Thank you for stopping by and joining the conversation. Blessings!

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 2/5/2022 9:07:29 PM

Hi Royalene. What a pretty name. I was happy to write Ittai's story. His loyalty to King David is noteworthy and even more so his appointment by David over a third of the army. Thank you for joining us.

Royalene Doyle From Highlands Ranch, CO At 2/5/2022 8:45:55 PM

This interview and your presentation of Ittai's backstory is intriguing. Several years ago, I noticed his name in Scripture, but did not take the time to put the timeline pieces together. Thank you for writing Ittai's (and David's and Rimona's) story.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Royalene! What a pleasure to see you here. Thank you for stopping by and contributing to the discussion. Blessings!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 2/5/2022 6:04:48 PM

Hi Lila. I was surprised that I had never heard of Ittai. In fact, my husband preached on Ittai, and I didn't think of writing Ittai's story until years later. I don't know why I didn't race to the computer. I'm happy you joined us.

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 2/5/2022 6:02:47 PM

Thank you for reading my books, Charlene. I'm touched. I love bringing Bible characters to light in my stories that many haven't heard of, including me--before I write them. I'm glad you joined us.

Lila From NC At 2/5/2022 5:32:34 PM

I can't wait for this book! It sounds so intriguing, and I definitely hadn't heard of him before. ;)

Reply by: Patti Shene

I'm with you, Lila. Ittai is not a Biblical character I had known before reading Defending David. So glad you stopped by. Blessings on your weekend.

Charlene Lancaster From Fairfax,VA At 2/5/2022 4:45:41 PM

Can’t wait to read this one. I love all your books. They are so interesting.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Charlene. I agree with you. Barbara's books bring the Bible to life. Thank you for stopping by. Have a blessed weekend.

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 2/5/2022 3:25:08 PM

Hi Carol. Thank you for your kind comments. I'm so happy you like my fiction from II Samuel. I had fun bringing Ittai and Rimona to the page. I appreciate you stopping by.

Barbara Britton From Wisconsin At 2/5/2022 3:23:24 PM

Hi Elly. Thank you for joining us. I appreciate you placing "Defending David" on your TBR. I had fun bringing Ittai the Gittite into the spotlight.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 2/5/2022 3:02:42 PM

Thank you for buying a copy, Dana. I appreciate the purchase. Thanks for all you do to showcase Biblical Fiction on Biblical Fiction Aficionados on Facebook.

Carol James From Georgia At 2/5/2022 1:04:30 PM

Great post, Barbara. I am blessed to have gotten an ARC of this new release, and it’s a great story. Don’t miss it.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Barbara. Thank you for visiting the Porch and sharing with us. Have a blessed weekend.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 2/5/2022 11:18:53 AM

Hi Dawn and Dave, Thank you for joining us on The Porch. I was thrilled to discover Ittai the Gittite and bring him out of the shadows. I hope readers enjoy his story (And Rimona's).

Elly From Indiana At 2/5/2022 10:56:36 AM

I saw about this book and immediately added it to my TBR. It looks so good! I can’t wait to read it!

Reply by: Patti Shene

It was a great read! Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here, Elly. Blessings on your weekend!

Dana McNeely From Glendale, AZ At 2/5/2022 10:34:24 AM

I’ll be buying this for my BB collection so don’t enter me in the giveaway! Best wishes on your exciting book, Barbara!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Dana. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a message for Barbara. I appreciate you letting me know about your status with the giveaway. Have a blessed weekend!