“Whenever you’re ready,” I say, then press the On button to film.
The small woman, a nun in a traditional Orthodox black habit who has been talking to the girl in a quiet voice, looks at the camera. She straightens her habit, flashes a broad smile, and give me a nod, as if to say, “Okay, proceed.” Like Mother Teresa making a cameo. I laugh in spite of the context and the reason I’ve come back to this monastery in the dense Kostroma woods.
The young woman seated on a spare, sturdy chair before me is dressed in black jeans and a white blouse, ironed and crisp. Her hair, once long and light, is dark and cropped short. Behind her stands a marble-topped table, an altar, and a broad white wall covered with a large intricate tapestry decorated with icons, saints revered by the Russian faithful for centuries. She looks out of place in the frame, like a sleek modern figure painted into a baroque scene.
“How did you get here?” I ask. I measure my words and tone, like I would if I were trying to talk a woman down from the top ledge of a high-rise.
Her eyes seem to flash with light, but her face is hard, like pale stone. “I was tricked by people who considered me the trash of society. I was lied to by men and women who thought only of their own gain. Once, I thought I was free-”
“When was that?” I’m used to standing behind the lens, not asking the questions.
“When I met a priest, an Orthodox priest from my own country.” She pauses and looks off into the distance, as if paralyzed by the memory.
I let her think for a moment, then ask, “What happened?”
Still looking off into the distance, she says, “Instead of showing me freedom, this priest took me to hell.” Her slender hand, red and scarred, shakes as she pulls her arm to smooth her hair. The only sounds are the low hum of the camera and her breathing.
She closes her eyes, drinks in a deep breath, and then slowly pivots toward me, her steel blue eyes square with the lens.
“My name is Marina. Marina Smolchenko. And this is my story.”
So begins this month’s featured book club selection, Priceless, by Tom Davis. Priceless is the second release in a series that explores real-world issues through the eyes, and lens, of an international photojournalist. Stuart Daniels has found purpose in life. After suffering the fallout of a tragic assignment, Daniels rediscovered faith and hope after a chance encounter with an extraordinary African orphan. Now his photo work also carries a personal mission: to educate people on the devastating effects of AIDS around the world. But when Daniels receives his next assignment to Russia, he unwittingly finds himself a key player in rescuing young girls caught in the tragic sex-slave trade. Equal parts suspense and drama, Priceless is a provocative thriller that opens readers’ eyes to what’s happening in the world today.
You can read the complete first chapter here.
If your book club would like to discuss Priceless with Tom, click here.
As usual, we are giving away a number of prizes, including two pounds of Saints Coffee along with their signature mug, a Godiva chocolate gift basket, and a hand-made purse crafted by a young woman rescued from the sex trade. Each of those prizes will come with a copy of Priceless. All three winners will be chosen randomly from the comments on this post. Leave a comment and you’re entered to win. It’s that easy.
Tom Davis currently serves as CEO of Children’s HopeChest, a global orphan care ministry headquartered in Colorado Springs. A tireless advocate for fatherless children, Davis has spent most of his adult life calling U.S. believers to become the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to the 143 million orphans living around the world. Through those connections, thousands of orphans now have the bright and hopeful future–one that is filled with opportunities and the love of the one true Father. Davis speaks hundreds of times each year at churches and conferences, mobilizing the church to action on behalf of the poor. Davis also currently teaches courses as adjunct professor at George Fox University in Newberg, OR. When not traveling the globe, Davis resides in the mountains of Colorado in the small community of Palmer Lake. He and his wife Emily have seven children, including two adopted daughters from Russia.
Would love it thanks!!
Please pick me.
This book sounds amazing! I can’t wait to read it and be blessed!
This sounds like an awesome book with an informative story to tell. I will definitely be reading it.
This sounds like an awesome book. I’m going to the Koorong website right now to see if they have it.
Thanks for a great site!
Awesome! My favorite thing to do…read in bed with a cup of coffee and some chocolate.
Can’t wait to start reading this!
This book sounds amazing!!!
The video & intro are captivating! I can hardly wait to really get into the story, particularly since it’s about how God is working in real-life issues. Thanks to the Book Club and to the author!!
I love good Christian fiction! And, I love chocolate and coffee! What a great combo!
What an amazing giveaway
This book sounds AMAZING! I really I hope I win!! This is an issue that our world needs to be educated better about. I hope to get better educated on it.
This book looks amazing! I can’t wait to read it!
Love, love, love life changing fiction. And what girl doesn’t like her chocolate?
I am almost finished with Scared and can’t wait to start Priceless. Tom has a real heart for children with no voice and it comes through in his writing.
I love reading a book that leaves you thinking….
I would be THRILLED to win this. I love a fiction story that has a message that needs to be heard!
Thank you!
Rhea
this looks like an awesome book!
I am always looking for new Christian fiction books to read…
Thanks for bringing me to this site so I have more options & authors..
Thanks a million!
God Bless!
Just discovered the She Reads website – awesome, a true find! And I can’t wait to read this book. I’m a teacher and on my summer down time, which is when I read the most – this is exciting!
I love to READ! When I was young we lived close to a library, in the summer time I hung out reading, doing the book reading programs. AND I love Chocolate and I love COFFEE LOL…. Thank you fo rgiving us this opportunity to try new stuff!
God Bless!!!
I love good fiction and I would love to win!
The book Priceless made me think about a topic (Sex Trafficing) this was a subject that was only in movies and tv shows right? WRONG! after reading Priceless I started being more alert to the subject and now realize that this is a problem all over the world. I plan to buy more copies of Priceless and pass it on to others I know. I did this with Scared and Red Letters. I realized that some people won’t buy a book about these kinds of subjects but, that maybe, just maybe if they are given a copy they will pick it up and read it. So while your getting your copy to read think about picking up another one to pass. It just could change a life.
I have been looking for good christian thriller type books that keep all of the suspense, but none of the worldly foul language and such! Look forward to reading this book. Thank you!
This book sounds like it would break my heart. It may be “fiction” but unfortunately it is a real nightmare for many “women” or shall we say children as they’re typically so young. I don’t know that I will want to make it through the entire book but I will, because it’s a reality I should have the courage to face and do something about. Thank you, Tom, for being a voice for those suffering from the sex-trade.
I looooove to read and this book sounds great!
I just read the first chapter-definetly want to read more! The video clip adds to the intrigue of the Russian setting.
I ordered Priceless and it just arrived. I’m looking forward to reading it, but I would love to win a copy to give away. My heart breaks for these women and children and I am so glad that the word is getting out for people to know and to act on behalf of the “least of these.”
Just found your site and am so excited! I’m always looking for new Christian books to read. Can’t wait to read Priceless. Thank you for your ministry!
I just learned of SheReads! – and I need something to be involved in on a mommy level. Will have to read this one!
I have been looking for some good, new christian fiction and am so glad I happened upon this blog-thank you, thank you, thank you!
This trailer looks to be a real good book, with a timely story to be told.
Would love to read the book – I read the few lines on this post and am already intrigued!
thanks
All I could think while I read this day’s devotional was “Holy Jesus, come soon”. It’s hard to believe this sort of thing is still going on in 2010!
I can hardly wait to read Priceless…
I plan to stop at the pharmacy on the way home for the box of tissues I will surely need while reading the book.
Thank you for a wonderful (as usual) devotional-well done.
I get so excited everyday to see what the Lord is going to bless me with today thru this ministry! thank you all for how to speak to everyone! Have a Blessed Day!
So excited to read this book and to share it with others!
Pick me, Pick me!! I want to win this book. The thought of sex trafficing makes me physically ill!! Im reminded of the movie Taken that was so disturbing, especially because I was watching it with my daughter. I believe there definitely needs to be more awareness on this topic.
I work with an office of avid readers. We all read and share books. If I was lucky enough to he the winner it would make us so happy!!
I’m new to the site. Sounds like a very compelling story, yet one that I am sure needs to be told. Looking forward to being blessed by the site. Looking forward to reading the book.. Gods Blessings to you, Terri
Please include me in this giveaway. Thanks
Thank you so much for sharing this testimony! I can’t wait to read the book and find out more about this ministry and how I can be involved. Our God is an awesome God!
God Bless ~
Robi McClendon
I would be honored to win one of your prizes.
Kristi
Coffee, chocolate, and books go together like a glove and a hand!
I can’t wait to read more of your book Priceless. Thanks for the recommendation. I am an avid reader.
I hope I win this because I love to read and what a great way to educate yourself on pressing issues in our fallen world. Hopefully I can check this out from the library, even if I don’t win. Thanks!
What an awesome story and testimony. Sounds like a great book to read.
How exciting to be offered such wonderful gifts!!!!!!!!!! THANKS and GOD BLESS:)
The author sounds like he has a great vision and compelling way to call attention to this need. How moving! This is an enjoyable site.
I just recently heard about this book series – it sounds powerful! I would love the chance to win a copy along with all of the other goodies too. Thanks!
I just learned about SheReads a few minutes ago -what a great ministry! Love it – keep up the good work.
Ok…read the first chapter online and I want more!!
Can’t wait to read this book!