Hope on the Nile

By B.B. Gallagher

"We have to save the treasure of Goshen!" After her little brother suffers a serious injury from a sledding accident, Maggie struggles to remain hopeful that everything will be alright. Yet, while Maggie anxiously waits for good news at the hospital, her guardian angel Mikey appears once more with another mission from God. In this adventure, they must travel back to Ancient Egypt to find a hidden treasure in the Israelities' town of Goshen, under the terrorizing rule of Pharoah Ramses II. Follow Maggie as she swims in the Nile, explores a pyramid, solves riddles, and dodges booby traps to make her way to the treasure room! With a story as fun as it is edifying, author B.B. Gallagher illuminates life as an Israelite in Ancient Egypt, delivering a valuable lesson about Hope. Can Maggie find hope during one of Christian history's most challenging and pivotal moments? Find out in this third installment of the Virtue Adventures series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Good & True Media
• Release date: May 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9781955492119

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE HOSPITAL

Maggie Murphy kept replaying the events from earlier that day in her head. Over and over again,she reviewed what had happened and asked herself what she could have done differently. Her hand trembled as she pulled back the sleeve of her winter coat to check her wristwatch.

She had been waiting for two hours in the hospital waiting room, while her little brother Mac was with the doctors. She didn’t want to think about it anymore, but she couldn’t stop…

Maggie sped down the hill on the street outside of her house, shifting her weight from side to side, swerving the sled around a tree. Icy wind beat against her face, freezing it into a wild smile. Her stomach jumped as she skidded to a halt at the bottom. She released a sigh of relief as the adrenaline subsided. She wiped the frost off her brow and then heard a chorus of cheers from the top of the hill. Her two best friends, Andy and Kelly, were with Mac, waving down to her.

Ten points for style! Kelly shouted.

You were going faster than a car! Andyyelled, his hand cupped around his mouth.

My turn! My turn! Mac lined up his sled and started to sit down.

Woah, woah, woah, Mac! Maggie called up to her eight-year-old brother, stopping him in his tracks. You’re too young for this hill. Maybe you should stick to the backyard. A knot twisted in her stomach, but it wasn’t from her sled ride. Her glove came to her mouth. She had just sounded like her mother.

Oh no… I am way too young to sound like my mom. But… I am his big sister. It’s kind of my job after all.

The backyard slope was small and boring, whereas this hill ran the length of their street. It was ten times faster, but also more difficult as it curved around a bend lined by large trees. She knew Mac wouldn’t settle for the backyard and right on cue, he protested.

Come on, Maggie! Mac shouted down at her.

I don’t think so. Maggie shook her head as Andy got a running start and dove face-first onto his sled. He sped like a bullet down the hill, curling around the bend perfectly. At the bottom, he slowed and bailed off to the side, laughing and immediately waving a snow angel into the ground.

Maggie could see Mac lining up his sled with the hill, even more eager to give the hill a try.

Pah-pah-please Maggie! You would be the best big sister in the world. Mac put on the pitiful, begging voice that always made her laugh.

Nice try! she chuckled. But this is dangerous! I don’t think it’s a good idea. Sorry Mac! she called up the hill.

Kelly went next. At first, she dragged her feet in front of herself to slow the sled, but then she brought her boots up around the bend to gather drifting speed.

Maggie! You can’t ignore me. Come on, sis!

Maggie couldn’t stand feeling like she was turning into her mom. She wanted to be the cool sister that Mac enjoyed hanging out with. Sure, he got annoying from time to time, but what little brother didn’t?

Pah…pah…please! I can practically ride your skateboard now. I can do it! Mac continued.

Oh, come on, Maggie. Let your brother join in on the fun, Andy said out of the side of his mouth, elbowing her playfully.

It wasn’t that bad. Just tell him to drag his feet, Kelly offered.

Maggie looked at both friends and realized she was being totally uncool right now. She looked back up to Mac. Oh, alright! But drag your feet like Kelly! Keep it slow and steady and watch your turn!

Mac was bundled from head to toe. Only his rosy face poked out from his hood, but Maggie could see a huge smile come over his face. He sat on his sled and scooted bit by bit toward the edge of the hill.

And then he pushed.

Mac started down the hill and his excitement overtook him. His smile grew into a wild expression Maggie had never seen before. But as he sped up, it crumbled.

Drag your feet! Maggie called over the scraping of ice.

The sled wobbled from side to side. Mac waved his arms, pulling them off the sled, but kept his feet