The God Strand
Unearthing the Code
by D.L. Hawkes and C. J. Hawkes

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Beneath the streets of Nazareth, a routine archaeological dig uncovers a hidden chamber untouched for two thousand years. Inside is a finely crafted wooden chest containing items powerful enough to ignite a global race for possession. Forensic and archaeological analyses could prove the find to be the most important discovery of all Israeli antiquities and, indeed, of all the world. Dr. Leah Belyard, a brilliant American archaeologist, and David Abrams, her Israeli counterpart, are fierce rivals forced into a reluctant partnership when the discovery threatens to rewrite both science and faith. When a nefarious antiquities collector targets the artifact, the story becomes a web of treachery, car chases, heists, and sting operations, putting the scholars in mortal danger. Blending meticulous archaeological realism and forensic analysis with cinematic scenes, the past collides with modern technology, and the question is not just what they have found and what it means, but who gets to decide what the world is allowed to know. The God Strand: Unearthing the Code is a fast-paced, high-stakes archaeological thriller where science challenges belief, discovery invites danger, and the truth may be more explosive than anyone is prepared to face.

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Chris and Donna Hawkes have been married since 1971 and share a love of history, archaeology, museums, and faith. Both are retired educators, with master’s degrees from the University of Toronto: Chris in History and Donna in Education. Both authors have worked as interpreters at a reconstructed historical site based on archaeological explorations. Although Donna has previously authored three faith-based novels, the couple decided to bring productivity and excitement to their retirement by co-writing a suspense thriller. The couple undertook the challenge of researching, writing, and editing the manuscript jointly. They are still happily married and even hope to follow up with another history/archaeology thriller featuring the same main characters. The couple lives in Ottawa, Ontario, near their three daughters and five grandchildren. Fans should check their website: www.dlhawkes.com.

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Contributors

Author

D.L. Hawkes

Author

C. J. Hawkes

Cover Design by

Wesley Michelakos