PAULA'S REVIEW:
Through the captivating words of Ms Ogle, I was transported to 310 AD and the early Christian church. Newly appointed Bishop, Nikolas, was sent to Myra in Greece where the persecuted church needed to meet in secret. But even in the dire, lean times, they had a solid hope in Christ. The author weaves an exceptional story of faith amidst danger and poverty, but showed that the people came together and shared the wealth of the gospel and the hope of the world to come. “This earthly life is short and full of strife, but there is a better, truer one coming. Let us set our gaze there.”
“The Lord has prepared work for each of us and while we have breath, we have purpose.”
There is a clear gospel message that should provide inspiration for all of us. Even in adversity, there is hope in Christ. These characters counted it an act of worship to care for those in need.
So many worthwhile themes are shown: forgiveness, faith, repentance, redemption, clear biblical teaching, and unfailing reliance on Christ and His word.
This was an excellent story of the early Christians, with the added romance of Demi and Nikolas that enhanced the lessons we could all profit from.
Also interesting was the culture of the era and the occupation of diving for coral which added to the atmosphere. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.* Beyond 5 stars and a strong faith thread
BackCover Blurb:
Once she denied everything she believed in. Now she’d give anything to choose differently. But in the shadow of the Roman Empire’s persecution and the shame of her past, she fears that what she wants most will be forever out of reach.
Eastern Roman Empire, AD 310. In the shadow of Emperor Diocletian’s anti-Christian edicts, Demitria makes a meager living harvesting coral and pearls for a merchant who turns a blind eye to her faith. By night, Demi goes upriver with her brother, Theseus, to obtain provisions for fellow believers in the port city of Myra. While willing to risk her own life to ensure others are safe and fed, Demi lives with a desperate fear for those she loves and carries secret shame over her greatest failure. When Theseus is injured in a diving accident, all seems lost, until a stranger named Nikolas appears on the beach and offers help.
Arriving in a sinking boat, Nikolas is burdened by guilt over his older brother’s tragic death. Though the wealth he inherited from a prosperous shipping business now rests at the bottom of the sea, as the new pastor in Myra, he is determined to recover it and use it for good. As the violence against Christians increases, Demi helps Nikolas retrieve his lost fortune and distribute it to those in dire need.
Despite wondering if she can ever be worthy, Demi is drawn to Nikolas and longs to trust in his belief that freedom can be found in forgiveness. Then one terrifying night, everything changes as the Roman Empire’s fury rains down. Demi has no other choice but to decide if she has the courage to do what she once failed to . . . and if the faith she calls her own is sure enough to carry her.
-Stand-alone Christian historical romance novel set in ancient times
-For fans of historical fiction by Francine Rivers and Tessa Afshar
-Includes discussion questions for book clubs
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