Compelling Debut Novel Set in First-Century Jerusalem

Belief in Jesus as Messiah comes between a father and son.

Longwood, FL (PRWEB) January 20, 2008 -- Author Frank J. DeLeo weaves a timeless story, set 2000 years ago, about the struggles between a father and son over belief in Jesus--a struggle many families still face today. Separated by the Cross (paperback, 978-1-60477-613-3) portrays one family's attempt to survive the spiritual upheaval in first-century Jerusalem during a life-changing adventure throughout the Passover holiday--a week that is sure to leave them at odds with one another.

"I want people to imagine what it was like to see Jesus as the Messiah, not from the point of view of the disciples, but from that of the people in the city of Jerusalem and the surrounding region," says DeLeo. "The acceptance of Jesus was an overwhelming decision to make for a first-century Jew. The sacrifice that was made then, in many ways, is no different today. My hope is that however difficult this decision might be for someone, they will make it for their eternal salvation."

In the storyline, a young boy and his family members witness the events of Jesus' last week on earth, an experience that forever changes them in different ways. Life for a first-century Jew was difficult enough, now made even harder by the decision they all must make to either continue to follow the traditions and laws set down by Moses, or to follow this Man who had done wondrous miracles and spoken the Word of God like no one else ever before.

Frank DeLeo was born in New York and attended Stony Brook University. He now lives in Colleyville, Texas, with his wife Dawn and four sons Jon, Michael, Steven, and Thomas. He has worked in the financial services industry for the past 29 years and did extensive research about the region where the book takes place, including the customs and traditions of the Jewish people.

Xulon Press (http://xulonpress.com), a part of Salem Communications Corporation, is the world's largest Christian publisher, with more than 4,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order Separated by the Cross through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors.

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