Promised Land

Written by Robert Whitlow

Narrated by Liz Hill

Bestselling author Robert Whitlow explores the meaning of family and home—and how faith forms the identity of both—in this breathtaking sequel to Chosen People.

Despite their Israeli citizenship, Hana and Daud cannot safely return to their homeland because a dangerous terrorist ring is threatening Daud. Hana is perfectly fine remaining in the United States, working for a law firm in Atlanta, especially when she learns she’s pregnant. But Daud can’t shake the draw to return home to Israel, even if it makes him a walking target.

Hana is helping her boss plan a huge summit in Atlanta when Jakob Brodsky, her old friend and former co-litigator, asks for her help with a case. His client is attempting to recover ancient artifacts stolen from his Jewish great-grandfather at the end of World War II. Because the case crosses several national borders, he needs Hana’s knowledge and skill to get to the bottom of what happened to these precious artifacts.

Meanwhile, Daud is called in to help a US intelligence agency extract a Ukrainian doctor from a dangerous situation in Egypt. While overseas, he can’t resist the call of Jerusalem and thus sets off a series of events that puts thousands of people in danger, including his wife and unborn child.

With historical mysteries, religious intrigue, and political danger, Promised Land asks one momentous question: What if your calling puts you—and your family—in the crosshairs?

Praise for Promised Land:

“Promised Land is a book about coming home. Of becoming settled in your spirit and your relationships. With layers of intensity, thanks to international intrigue, moments of legal wrangling, and pages of sweet relationships, this book is rich and complex. A wonderful read.” —Cara Putman, author of Flight Risk

• Second and final book in the Chosen People series
• Full-length, Christian fiction novel

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Jan 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9780718086718

Robert Whitlow

Robert Whitlow is the bestselling author of legal novels set in the South and winner of the Christy Award for Contemporary Fiction. He received his JD with honors from the University of Georgia School of Law where he served on the staff of the Georgia Law Review. Website: robertwhitlow.com; X: @whitlowwriter; Facebook: @robertwhitlowbooks.

Reviews for Promised Land

[Vicki Watson · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Very slow pace. Too many unnecessary details about food and whatnot. The ending was anticlimactic. But most of all I found the narrator's character voicings like fingernails on a chalkboard. I don't mind most narrators at all, but this was bad. Still love Whitlow as an author though.

[anne_rightler-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Promised Land is the second book in the legal thriller series, Chosen People, by Robert Whitlow. Having enjoyed reading this best-selling author's work for many years, I was looking forward to reading this newest release and was not disappointed. Even though Promised Land is second in a series, there is enough background given throughout the book that it can easily be read as a stand-alone story. Readers find Daud and Hana, Israeli Arabs, are now living in the United States and are working through their life as newlyweds. This multifaceted story is well written as Whitlow is an expert in writing legal fiction with action, intrigue, and twists to the plot that increase the suspense and keep a reader's interest high. With descriptive prose regarding Middle Eastern culture, customs, and cuisine, the reader is easily transported into the scenes of the book. I enjoyed how Hana's faith in God is portrayed as a very personal and transformative belief in a God who cares about and guides His children. As she and Daud think about the future and where their 'promised land' might be, will she recognize that sometimes that promised land of peace is a place within and not one of geography? I thoroughly enjoyed the story of the characters in the book--friends, family, colleagues, and even Leon, the dog. I am hoping there is more to come in this series.I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required, and the opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a good thriller. There were some twists and turns and I enjoyed the wonderful characters. It would be fun to read more with these main characters. This had a few different stories with ancient artifacts and with terrorists. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I read Chosen People as soon as it was released and fell in love with the characters immediately. The plot line kept me intrigued and engaged — it was a fantastic read! I remember thinking that the author, Robert Whitlow, had to write a sequel. So glad he did. Favorite characters from the first book are back in Promised Land, a novel that is suspense, but so much more. Hana and Daud are married and living in Atlanta where Hana still works for as a lawyer in international contracts and business. Daud is a consultant, but one of his jobs puts him in a very difficult situation and places him in the crosshairs of a supporter of terrorist causes. I loved the tension Whitlow creates for the reader. Hana and Daud are unaware of the danger that awaits them, but the reader knows it is coming — wonderful suspense! If suspense was all Promised Land had going for it, it would be a good book. But the layers of relationships that Whitlow brings to the story add a great depth. I really liked that the two main characters are married and that the book explores the compromises and sacrifices each makes for the other. The settings of Atlanta and Israel offer great contrasts and help to reveal the longings of the two main characters. The spiritual element is also an integral part of the story. Hana especially has a very interesting and deeply moving quiet time with God that includes prayer, worship, and listening in the night watches. It is genuine and natural, and made me rethink how I spend time with God.Promised Land is another winner from Whitlow. I once thought Chosen People was my favorite book by this talented author, but now have to say that it is tie between the two. If you haven’t read Chosen People, do that first before opening Promised Land. The two together are wonderful.Highly Recommended.Audience: Adults.(Thanks to Celebrate Lit and Thomas Nelson for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[hes7 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I didn’t love Chosen People, but with such an exciting blurb, I had hoped Promised Land might be different. However, like the first book felt heavy-handed with explanations of culture and religion, this book focuses too much on the relationship between Hana and Daud. Things happen around them, but because their (day-to-day) marriage gets most of the page space, I struggled to feel any sense of suspense or drama.Still, I did enjoy Hana and Daud—and Leon. Their connection comes across more believably in this book, so catching up with their post-Chosen People lives is fun. (It just would be more fun with a more solid plot surrounding them.)I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[kimpotter-309059 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Promised Land by Robert Whitlow is the second book in his Chosen People series. This is the continuing story of Hana and Daud. They now live in the United States because a terrorist group has their sites on Daud if he returns to Israel. Hana is helping her boss plan a conference on the Middle East. Daud is again enlisted to help the CIA extract a doctor from Egypt all kinds of things explode. Putting thousands of peoples lives at risk, including Hana’s and their unborn child. This story started out a little slow for me. And with the way things have always been between Israel and her neighbors you kind of had an idea what was going to happen. That being said, I think Whitlow did a great job with the story. The interaction was believable, the characters weren’t superheroes and the historical information wasn’t overwhelming. I really enjoyed it. If there is to be another book in the series I would definitely read it.I received this book Celebrate-Lit for my honest review.

[stardust_fiddle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Over a decade ago, I read Robert Whitlow’s “Jimmy”, and while I don’t remember many details, I do know that I was captivated with the eponymous boy’s tragic story. I had vague intentions of reading more of this author’s books in the future, but I never ended up doing so until now. Despite not having much interest in legal fiction or politics, I decided that it was time to finally crack open another Whitlow novel. Granted, I realized after I began reading that this was the sequel to “Chosen People”, but for the most part I did not have much difficulty figuring things out along the way. I would recommend starting with book one, however, because it does set up the backstory and tension of this sequel. “Promised Land” showcases the complex storyline that Whitlow has made his own. History, religion, and politics converge in this action-packed, educational follow-up. This story is lengthy, yet because of the pace it reads quickly. The outsiders-looking-in characters who populate this novel add another dimension, as do the languages spoken (not written). As someone with little to no knowledge of politics, I didn’t know whether I would actually enjoy this novel or not, but happily I did. There were sections that confused me, including the very beginning, simply because I am unfamiliar with Middle Eastern terms and customs. The number of characters is somewhat daunting, and I wish that their sections could have been more clearly divided, perhaps by putting their name at the beginning of the segment, as I found it difficult to keep them distinct in my mind. Whitlow’s foreshadowing, however, is very well done. There were many times throughout the narrative that my senses picked up on a character or behavior that later turned out to be significant. My favorite part of the book, however, is the faith element. Hana in particular remains firm and steadfast in the midst of upheaval and finding her life once again turned upside down. Uncle Anwar tells her, “Some promises come only through pain and sacrifice. And so it will be for you. There is a promised land without and a land of promises within. Both realms are yours to possess if you pass the tests.”I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There is so much I want to say about this book but I have to leave some details out. If you are like me, you don't like to have someone spoil a book for you. The book is written so well with expert details of Israel and other foreign lands. I loved hearing about the language, cuisine and customs described in the book. I felt as if I had traveled with Hana and Duad to their homeland. As I'm reading the book I had flashes of news reports where bombs had gone off in a foreign country much like the danger Duad finds himself in. The book contains several plots that really kept the energy going throughout the book. One relationship I found interesting was with Hana and a young girl named Sadie. It seems that the young girl wants Hana to be her new mother. Will Hana be able to explain to the girl that it will not be possible without hurting her? Hana is well versed in several languages which helps her at her job. I loved reading about the treasures and the history behind it. It worried me a little that Hana may not be able to close the deal she has worked so hard on. I can't forget to mention Leon, Hana's dog. There is something quite funny about his name that you will discover as you read the story. It makes for a lighthearted moment in a very tense story. I loved how the author includes faith throughout the story and I learned more about other religions.Duad is a dashing man who is intelligent and in very much demand for secret missions. He will find himself in a battle for his life as someone is after him. The author does show us how insensitive people are when a racist mark is made about Duad. Oh how I wish someday we could get away from seeing people differently and just see them the way Jesus does. The ending is nothing short of an adrenaline rush that had me on the edge of my seat. I love how the book has intense drama, faith, a bit of humor wonderful characters and the importance of family. This is one book that goes directly to my best books for 2020. I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[susan0316 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first book by Robert Whitlow and is definitely won't be my last. I think that this book could have been much better for me if I'd read the first book in the series Chosen People. I was confused by several things that would have probably made more sense if I'd read the books in order. I plan to read Chosen People and then re-read Promised Land. After that I will amend my review if needed.Hana and Doud are a newly married couple who live in Atlanta. They are both originally from Israel. She is a lawyer who does international law and he works for the CIA and Mossad. As the novel begins, Daud is trying to get a scientist out of the middle east and turn him over to the CIA. His mission and all that he encounters will have the reader on the edge of their seats in fear for him. His wife worries about him but she is a very strong Christian and leaves her worries with God, knowing that he will protect her husband. Hana and Doud are apart so much that they have to work to create a good marriage - they both have to learn to compromise to keep their partner happy and to remain happy themselves. One of their big issues is that Hana wants to remain in Atlanta where she feels safer and Daud wants to move to Jerusalem where he feels more at home. The title refers to the issue of whether Atlanta or Jerusalem is the promised land for Hana and Daud.The characters are well written - I especially liked Hana who was a strong woman who kept her faith as her number one priority. The story is well written with just enough suspense to keep it moving. I'd like to learn more about these two characters so I plan to read Chosen People and then hope for a third book to the series.

[eamace · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

‘There is a promised land without and a land of promises within. Both realms are yours to possess if you pass the tests.’ - a blessing from Great-uncle AnwarHaving throughly enjoyed Chosen People, I was looking forward to getting to know Hana and Daud a little better. This book certainly did not disappoint! As Christian Arabs they are in a unique position to influence many, especially since they are both fluent in several languages. Since Israel is no longer a safe place for them, they live and work out of Atlanta, GA. - she as a lawyer and he in intelligence and security. Leon, the dog, is just precious and brings a great deal of love and joy into the home.This incredible story of mystery, intrigue and suspense was action packed and had me holding my breath at times. I loved to see how Hana and Daud learned to work together in their marriage. Their continued seeking of God’s will led them through both danger and blessing. A lesson we could all learn, I’m sure. Young Sadie has become a force to be reckoned with and I enjoyed watching the relationship between Hana and her grow. I must admit I hope there is a third book coming!This ARC was received through Thomas Nelson, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. The comments and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.