Book Details:

Book Title:  Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin (In God We Trust Series #2) by Dennis Conrad 
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7),  52 pages
Genre:  Christian Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release date:   October 30, 2023
Content Rating:  G. This book is for children. There are three Bible verses. It has no bad language. May God get the glory for all those who read and whose hearts are changed by reading the book.
Review Rating: 5 of 5 stars



Book Description:

Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is an exciting adventure in the Ancient Roman Empire at the time of Christ. Eight-year-old Marcus and his father are on a mission for the Emperor and visit a mine and a mint where coins are made. Marcus finds himself making a denarius, a coin with the emperor’s image.

Marcus goes to Jerusalem where he sees Jesus hold a denarius saying, “Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” What will seeing Jesus mean for Marcus, and will he ever be the same again?


Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads

Book Review:

Marcus and the Emperor’s Coin is a delightful book. Marcus’ excitement and energetic personality are infectious. The sense of something important about to happen is done well and you are along for the ride.

The author handles our fear of messing up when doing things of importance so delicately it is a perfect setup for the climax later on in the book. (Had to edit out a spoiler)

  • Through Marcus, we learn that no matter our doubts, fears, or insecurities trying and not giving up allows God to help us reach the goal ahead. 
  • Through Marcus’ reigning in his desire to dance and shout, we learn that there’s a time and place for everything. 

I felt that this book demonstrated Romans 8:28 which says, “All things work together for good for they who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.”

We all have a purpose in this world and this was a pivotal moment for Marcus where he realized that he can be used for God. Not only does this book include a lesson about faith. It also includes a lesson about coin collecting, which is the author’s lifelong hobby and I found that very unique.

There are also scripture references in the back of the book, information about actual denarii, and coin collecting which add more value to the book.

I recommend this book to anyone who has a child who suffers from low self-esteem, or who’s bright and energetic yet clumsy so that they can see that those are not important things and that everyone has a place and purpose.

I received a copy of this book from the author. My review is written voluntarily. 

I rated this book 5 stars because the author hit every point with precision and delicacy with an undergirding of building joy and excitement.


Also Enjoy The First Book in This Series:

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Two-Cent Piece  (In God We Trust Series 1) by Dennis Conrad 
Category:  Children’s Fiction (Ages 5-9),  52 pages
Genre:  Christian Children’s Picture Book
Publisher:  Elk Lake Publishing, Inc.
Release date:   September, 2022
Content Rating:  G. This book is for children. There are Bible verses. There is no offensive language.

Book Description:

Anne wonders what secret her three older brothers are hiding. When she finds out they joined to fight with the Union Army and would leave the next day, she gives them each one of her favorite two-cent pieces and says, “I want you to take one of my new two-cent pieces. I learned these coins are the first to have the words ‘In God We Trust.’ I just memorized Psalm 91:2. ‘I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.’”

Out of a heart of love, Anne gives six of her special coins away hoping the message on the two-cent pieces will strengthen each person’s faith.

Buy the Book
Amazon ~ B&N
add to goodreads
Meet the Author:

A former coin collector for over fifty years, Dennis combines his love for the Bible, children’s literature, and sharing stories about the history behind coins.

Dennis retired as a professor of speech communications from Barstow Community College. He and his wife served as English and public speaking teachers ten summers overseas.

Dennis became a sustaining member of the Numismatic Association of Southern California in 1979. He is also a life member of the American Numismatic Association.

Dennis is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and a Fellow of the National Writing Project.

connect with the authors: website ~ facebook ~ goodreads

Enter the Giveaway:

Discover more from Book Zone Reviews

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.