Title: Daughter of Rome

Author: Tessa Afshar

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Publishing Date:  Feb 4, 2020

Publisher: Tyndale House

Length: 416 Pages

About the Book:

A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history.

When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God’s plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they’re banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption.

With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, reminding readers once again why Debbie Macomber has said that “no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar.”

My Review:

If it’s possible to start the year out by finding your favorite read for the whole year, that might have just happened. At the least I can guarantee that it will make my favorites list. I don’t even think I have the words to do this story justice. Incredible!

One thing that I felt was very well done in this novel was the shock and leeriness surrounding the sudden freedom for Jews and Gentiles to be brought to the same table of fellowship. Living in today’s world, it’s hard for us to understand how scandalous it all was at the time. Tessa Afshar did a beautiful job of bringing the reader into the world of the early Church and giving them a glimpse of just how big of a deal it was. It wasn’t just about Jews and Gentiles coming together though, it was the wonder of Jesus and the cost of following him. There’s no question that faith in Jesus radically changed lives, but it often came at a steep price. It turned siblings against each other and caused children to be disowned by their parents. It divided spouses and friends. Faith in Jesus was not a comfortable choice but a huge, life-altering decision.

I also cherished the depth of the relationships in this novel. There was encouragement, forgiveness, iron sharpening iron, teaching, admonishing, etc. As a reader you see just how much Jesus changed people and how hungry they were to know more of him. It was refreshing to see such a thirst for spiritual things.

Another thing I loved was that Priscilla was used as an instrument by God just as much as her husband. They complimented each other well through their own unique giftings and talents, and God used that in mighty ways. Priscilla wasn’t silenced because of being a woman yet was still respectful of her role. The dynamic between Priscilla and Aquilla was encouraging to see.

I absolutely LOVED this read. I can’t say enough amazing things about it and I can’t recommend it enough. If you don’t have a copy yet go get it. This isn’t one you want to miss!

*I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers. Thoughts and opinions expressed are mine alone.

Rating:

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In celebration of her new release, Tessa Afshar is sponsoring a giveaway for a signed copy of Daughter of Rome! 🙂 The giveaway begins today, 2/4/2020 at 12:00 AM (EST) and ends on 2/11/2020 at 12:00 AM (EST). To enter, click on the Rafflecopter link below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***Please Note: Open to Continental U.S. mailing addresses only.***  Winner will be notified via email at the end of the giveaway, and will be announced here on this page.