William G Collins

On A Hill Far Away William G Collins

Born in 1 A. D, Ben is orphaned 5 years later when he alone survives the family's ship sinking off the coat of Cyprus. Adopted by an elderly couple in Syria, they cared for him until he was ten when they passed on. Unable to support himself he is sold as a slave. Rescued by two thieves from Israel, Ben moves in with his "uncles" in the city of Dan. They promise to help him find his family's farm. Linking up with a rich Roman and his soldier bodyguard, they journey to Jerusalem where Ben meets an old man on the Mount of Olives who introduces himself as Nicodemus. The wealthy Pharisee and his rich friend Joseph, help Ben find his family farm at Lydda, in the Judean hills near Joppa. Adopted by the couple who own the farm, Ben's life takes a change for the better. Now a young man, Ben falls in love with Deborah, from northern Galilee and their paths cross those of an unusual Teacher. On A Hill Far Away is a story of love, faith and danger as Rome closes in on a young rabbi from Nazareth.