In this Reader's Favorite five-star rated book, author Cynthia Thillet takes us on Ezra's journey from childhood to death by crucifixion next to Jesus of Nazareth. Along the way he meets various biblical people including John the Baptist, the woman at the well and Jesus himself. We learn through his words about experiences that caused him to be condemned to death as well as why he became known as "The Good Thief." We identify with Ezra as he tries many times to straighten out his life, but just doesn't seem to be able to do it on his own. You will want to have several copies of this book to share with seekers. While it is a work of fiction, eternal truths reveal themselves in an appealing story that could very well have occurred as told. "My Name Is Ezra covers familiar territory in one regard, the forgiving of our sins by accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior, but also works on another level through the recounting of Ezra's upbringing; that of parental involvement in a child's formative years, or lack thereof. A worthy message for our times. Ms. Thillet's sparse prose evokes a sense of time and place, and her clever spin on the age-old tale of sin and ultimate redemption in the eyes of God is well told and well worth the reader's investment." - Neil A White for Reader's Favorite "The author, Cynthia Thillet, has taken an unusual approach by setting out the life of one of the lesser known characters of the Bible. Giving an authentic and believable account of an insignificant person's life journey, she manages to build the character of Ezra into a memorable character, culminating in the words of Jesus at the crucifixion. 'Today you will be with me in paradise.' This story brings to life and reality many people and situations from the Bible and really works well to reflect the social issues, the era, and the harshness of life in biblical times." - Jane Finch for Reader's Favorite "My Name Is Ezra: The Thief on the Cross by Cynthia Thillet is an inspirational story told in a warm, arresting tone. It is the story of one of the thieves crucified beside Jesus on the cross. Starting from his childhood, Ezra takes readers into his family dynamics, exploring some of the customs and traditions of his people. For instance, he tells readers that his mother was betrothed at thirteen and married his father at fourteen. Ezra, thief and runaway slave, while hanging on the cross begins to contemplate his life, going through the events of his life and the missed opportunities to heed the call and message of Jesus. In fact, he recounts his encounter with John the Baptist, and powerful moments like the Sermon on the Mount, but why didn't he follow Jesus when he had the chance? The story is told in Ezra's own words, a narrative voice that is absorbing and the reader is transported into the world of spiritual realities, where our mortality intersects with the hope of redemption. On the cross, he doesn't lose hope, and encouraged by the warm smile of Jesus, he says: "Remember me when you come into your kingdom." This is a story that captures powerful moments in the life of a sinner, culminating in his ultimate experience of forgiveness and redemption. The story will remind readers of the beauty of the Gospel while entertaining them, awakening a soothing spiritual atmosphere in their souls. My Name Is Ezra: The Thief on the Cross is written in excellent prose and readers will enjoy the character development as well as elements of the setting - cultural, spiritual, and physical. Cynthia Thillet has created a character who will forever remind readers of where they come from and their ultimate destiny. Highly inspiring!" - Divine Zape for Reader's Favorite
I describe myself as a normal person who relies heavily on my relationship with Jesus. I am a wife, a mother of three, and grandmother of six. I work at Walmart. So, for God to choose me to write this book I am highly honored and give Him the glory. I have written one other book called, "Love Notes to My Husband (and Yours)", which is based on love notes I wrote to my husband that he had saved. One day he presented me with them and we read them and laughed. I wanted to share them and now many of them are copied in that book.
