THE RISE OF THE KING. ONE MAN, ONE HOPE—TWO VERY DIFFERENT PATHS. All his life, 9-year-old Uzziel has heard the prophesies of a great king—one who will rescue his people from oppression. When he discovers a new born child; he questions the strange happenings around this child’s arrival. Angry at the oppression of Rome and her cruel soldiers, Uzziel is drawn to this unique child and tries to protect him. As the child grows, Uzziel senses the small boy can see through him and knows about his horrible secret. But as Uzziel pieces together ancient prophecies of a long-awaited King, he suspects this child is the anticipated one who will save his people from Roman rule. Then, in one morning of extraordinary violence, Uzziel’s hope is destroyed, and his hatred of Rome cemented. Uzziel assumes he was wrong about the child and spends the next several decades supporting those willing to fight against the Romans. But now, two leaders emerge—each with very different ideas and methods. Could one of these men be the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies? If so, which one is the Promised One who will rid his people of their oppressors? If you liked, Buck Storm and Bill Perkins, The List and Tosca Lee’s Iscariot: A Novel of Judas you’ll enjoy, Anticipated. How will Uzziel respond to the turn of events that threaten all he’s anticipated? Click the BUY NOW button at the top and find the Anticipated One. “Amazing novella. A great, thought-provoking novella from Ida Smith. I enjoyed the main characters viewpoint.” Maureen Keoppel, Goodreads - “This is a book you won’t be able to put down. Ida keeps you asking, ‘What’s going to happen next?’ ” – Misty Clark, author of the entertaining blog: “Moms for Lowered Expectations.” - “A wonderful story about the Jewish response to Jesus the Messiah in the first century A.D. The author’s description of Jesus is based on solid research and a realistic portrayal of the different responses to Jesus by first century Jews, as seen through the eyes of Bethlehem shepherd boy, Uzziel…fun reading, but also very informative. Author Ida Smith, knows her craft.” – Paul F. Murray, Readers Favorite "...a wonderful story about the Jewish response to Jesus the Messiah in the first century A.D. ...based upon solid research and a realistic portrayal of the different responses... The adult Jesus is very, very different from what Uzziel and his fellow Jews had originally expected. Uzziel's reaction to Jesus forms the core of the story, as Uzziel works to reshape his expectations... I came away from the novel with a clearer understanding of why many first century Jews rejected Jesus and his teachings, as well as why some Jews came around to understanding the real reason why Jesus the Messiah came to earth. Not only was the novel fun reading, but also very informative. The grammar is flawless, making for easy reading and an ample desire to keep turning the pages. Author Ida Smith knows her craft." -Paul F. Murray, Readers' Favorite, 5 Stars Oppressed by Rome and desperate for release, Uzziel risks capture by Roman soldiers as strange signs, visitations, and ancient predictions of a powerful king appear. With the city full of travelers, Uzziel's curiosity pushes him through dark and narrow alleys, intent on learning the secret his uncle seeks. Now, as a keeper of the knowledge that his people's long awaited Messiah has arrived, can Uzziel keep this secret from the power-hungry Romans? Eager for victory over their enemies, Uzziel makes plans to usher in his new king's reign. But when Roman soldiers swoop down upon his village like lions on a flock of helpless sheep--Uzziel's expectations shatter. Will anything line up with what he anticipates? IDA SMITH loves a good story, especially if it takes her on a twisting and turning adventure and tells her about how people lived in the past. Her stories reflect these two loves delving into the hardships and difficulties of life and how they change us. Ida also writes short stories which she publishes in her newsletter: "Jagged Journeys." Find out more at IdaSmithBooks.com