DNF Review: A Deeper Well by Jill Eileen Smith

 

DNF Review: A Deeper Well by Jill Eileen Smith

(No Star Rating – Content-Based DNF)

I received a review copy of A Deeper Well from the publisher. As always, my thoughts are entirely my own.

This is one of those reviews that’s hard to write. I do like a good biblical fiction with redemptive themes and Jesus shown bringing hope in their depravity. 

However, I chose to DNF this book because the content became heavier than I was personally prepared for. I want to be transparent about that so readers can make their own informed decision if this is right for them or not. Maybe at another time of my life I could read this, but as a Mom, it was just too much for me.

First, what I can say - I think Jill Eileen Smith is a skilled author. The writing is immersive and very richly detailed and you can tell she did a lot of research in writing it. 

However, this story is just sooo sad and intense. It follows Nessa, who is married off at thirteen to a much older man and then passed from one marriage to another. The themes were just too much for me. See content warnings at the bottom of the review from my friend's notes for reference of what I am talking about.

While I understand the historical context, the weight of it became overwhelming for me in this season I am in. The romance sexual scenes in this are also too detailed for my tastes.

I did not make it to the end of the book of course, where Jesus shows up, but ultimately, my decision to DNF is about content sensitivity and the season I am in right now, not writing quality or storytelling issues. I believe there will be readers who deeply appreciate this. But if you are sensitive to stories involving these themes, I strongly recommend looking into content warnings before picking this one up.

This simply was not the right book for me in this season.

Content / Trigger Warnings - pulled also from my friend Kay's review for your reference (here is her review) since she finished the book, I appreciate her content details: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8270042399

Thank you Kay, for this list. I am adding to this DNF review for clarity for my viewers as well to help others if needed to make informed reading decisions.

⚠️ Content & Trigger Warnings ⚠️
• Child marriage / pedophilia (historically contextualized, but disturbing by modern standards)
• Death on page (non-graphic, includes blood descriptions)
• Multiple stillbirths and infertility (major themes)
• Distressing situations involving young children (especially difficult for young moms)
• Cheating & polygamy
• Death of parents on page
• Grief
• Sexually, verbally, and physically abusive marriages
• Toxic family dynamics (lying, gaslighting, emotional abuse, bullying)

Honestly, just like Kay said in her review, take me with a grain of salt here. This just wasn't going to be for me unfortunately, but I definitely appreciate the publisher for sending me a copy to read for review. All thoughts are my own.

On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman

On Living Stone by Heather Kaufman 
Book 3 in the Women of the Way Series
Can Be Read Standalone

5 Stars
My First 5 Stars of 2026

Wow. What a powerful biblical fiction. I loved this so much. Anything with Jesus and his sacrifice on the cross for us always touches my heart and this one definitely did. This is all about Salome, the mother of James and John in the New Testament. We get to see what it could have been like with Salome in her early life, marriage to Zebedee and the birth of her sons James and John. We also see events through Jesus' crucifixion with her.

Heather brought to life these biblical figures and told what their stories could have been like in such a truthful, biblical way. It was well written and researched. It's very important for my biblical fiction to be biblically accurate, and Heather did such a good job keeping it that way! This book will lead you into deep reflection on the cost of following Christ that we see in the New Testament and the sacrificial love of a mother. 

Highly recommend. Thank you to Bethany House for a complimentary copy of this book to read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8189781235
Amazon: https://amzn.to/48XJIS1
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9781540903587_on-living-stone

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The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar

 The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar 

4 Stars 

Once again, Tessa has a beautiful blend of biblical history, romance and mystery right into the royal courts of ancient Persia.  Tessa really has a gift for biblical fiction. She gives such a view that we normally wouldn't have explored without reading through her stories. We follow Sazana, a very talented Jewish artisan whose pottery is very well known. She has a secret identity that puts her in danger under the rule of Haman. Her parents passed away years ago and for the last 12 years, her parents friend has watched over her and worked with her. In comes Jadon, the man who broke her heart years ago and is now unexpectedly assigned to protect her and uncover threats. 

The second chance romance pulls so much emotion with Sazana and Jadon, loved their interactions.

Some bits were a bit slow on pacing that I wasn't as connected with, but overall, I still loved the balance of romance, family, mystery and biblical aspects. I love that Tessa encourages her readers to go back to the scriptures as well in her author's notes.

I highly recommend this series if you are wanting some great tie ins with the story of Queen Esther. 

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7894931929
Amazon: https://amzn.to/47UhS7i
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9780764243707_the-royal-artisan

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Rescued Heart by Angela Hunt

 

 Rescued Heart by Angela Hunt

Book 1 in The Matriarchs Series
2 Stars

Rescued Heart is the first book in Angela Hunt’s new biblical fiction series and this book explored the lives of Abraham and Sarah. The story is well written, rich in historical detail and gives readers an imaginative look at what life in Ur of the Chaldeans, with Sarah and Abraham might have been like.

That said, I personally struggled with some of the creative license taken with the biblical story. The book portrays Sarai and her family as worshipers of false gods before Abram’s call, and Sarai herself is not shown as the woman of strong faith we recognize from Scripture. While I understand some of this is historically accurate for the people in Ur during that time and added depth to Sarah's character in the books, those choices just made it harder for me to connect with the Sarah I know from the Bible.

Additionally, some of the family relationships were not accurate and felt like a creative departure that didn't align for me.

Angela Hunt is undeniably a gifted writer and researcher, and I can appreciate her effort to bring cultural depth to familiar Bible characters. I do not believe it's her intention in any way to be disrespectful by taking these creative liberties as that is what occurs many times in some biblical fiction books, however, readers who prefer stories that stay closer to the biblical text may find these interpretations a little distracting.

For those who enjoy biblical fiction and don’t mind extra creative license, this might still be an engaging read. It's always important when reading biblical fiction to take your heart back to scripture regardless of the creative liberties taken in the fictional work.

Thank you to the publisher for a complimentary copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7976156930
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UtLAdl
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/637229

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The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke

The Pharisee's Wife by Janette Oke 
5 Stars

WOW, what a powerful and thought provoking story. This is a biblical fiction - with fictional characters during biblical times, during the time of Jesus' ministry. We follow a young Jewish woman, Mary, who has a strong story of hardship, faith and redemption. Enos is a rising Pharisee and sees her in the market and decides to make her his bride. She is quickly swept up into a world that she never asked for. The marriage promises to lift her family out of poverty, but it becomes clear Enos views her more of a possession to help him in his circumstances, than a partner. Her training is to become the wife of a religious Pharisee who has a goal to take down Jesus, the miracle-working Prophet of their time. 

Mary was so strong in everything she went through with Enos - it was POWERFUL. I cried with the forgiveness shown in the end and in a couple of other places with Jesus mentioned. The ending author's note also got me crying! I was so encouraged that no matter what happens here on earth, it's our temporary home as we await Jesus' ultimate return. 

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction, such as Tessa Afshar, Connilyn Cossette, etc.

Thank you to Tyndale House Publishers for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts are my own.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7535057899
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kJZSSx

Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/597427
 
*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

 

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar 
 4.5 Stars (Rounding Up to 5 on Goodreads)

What a powerful biblical retelling of the story of Rahab. Tessa reimagines the life of the woman whose faith and courage changed history. In typical Tessa Afshar fashion, we see great storytelling and emotional depth. She breaths life into this ancient story. I always love Tessa's stories and this was a new favorite for me.

We start the book with Rahab as a young girl, thrown into the harsh realties of life when she is forced into prostitution to support her family. Tessa does not shy away from the pain and shame of Rahab's circumstances but it is written with such compassion. She truly writes a Rahab as a strong and resilient woman. Such a story of brokenness to one of faith. We see the a moving portrait of God's transformative power! 

When Rahab meets Salmone, a leader among the Israelites, their relationship becomes the emotional heart of the story. He struggles to leave Rahab's past behind, but through the help of God, he moves on as he truly cares about her. Seeing their love story unfold with tenderness and honesty was beautiful as it highlights different challenges they overcame together. Some of the moments in the second half though, I did want to hurry up to get to the end so I think that's why it wasn't fully a 5 star but its certainly an honorable mention of 2025 for me!

I loved seeing Joshua as a mentor as well for Salmone and others in this book. Tessa really brought these biblical figures to life in this story of what Rahab's life could have been like.

This will uplift readers in a beautiful way. Highly recommend! 

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5943019435
Amazon: https://amzn.to/42EhJUF
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/33885

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

 

The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar - 5 Stars 

I have said it before and I will say it again, Tessa is the master of biblical fiction! I loved this story of Roxannah, the daughter of a once-privileged but now impoverished Persian lord, working in Queen Esther's kitchens. In this story, we see her determined to support her mother and repay her father's debts - she seeks out Adin to help her find work. Adin sees the need and secures her a position in the royal kitchens of Queen Esther. 

Guided by Esther's grace and wisdom, she finds herself navigating prejudice and palace politics and deepening her bond with Adin along the way. As Roxanna goes up in the kitchen ranks, she and Adin uncover a plot targeting Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Queen's archenemy. This sets things in motion from here in the plot. 

This book has a rich historical setting of ancient Persia - very vibrant and immersive. Also, the culinary details in this were - chef's kiss! I loved all the food and cooking details. 

The relationship between Adin and Roxannah was very well developed. I personally loved seeing them on their journey of working together and developing that slow burn romance along the way. Adin was also a great guy inspiring Roxannah's faith journey to trust God. 

Roxannah and Esther's friendship was beautiful to see as well. I loved the glimpses into Esther's POV. 

Overall, highly recommend as another great biblical fiction by Tessa! Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6738000984

Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/579813
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3V5BBeD

 

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Up From Dust by Heather Kaufman

 

Up from Dust by Heather Kaufman

4 Stars

I really enjoyed this biblical fiction story of what it could have been like for Martha, Mary, Lazarus during the events that happened in the bible with Jesus. Part 1 is more about Martha's life and what things could have been like for her as a child, life with family, first love, etc. Then part 2 is more of the details of her life when Jesus comes and the events leading up to meeting him.

Martha is a character I found myself really relating to. She is always worried, helping others, upset, impatient --- ME! Conviction was hitting me in some parts of this book for sure. Seeing her relationship with her siblings was also very relatable and great to see. Inspiring to see Mary too and her reactions, decisions made, etc. Martha is always so busy doing all the things, yet Mary is listening and really paying attention and being patient. I find myself being so busy all the time like Martha in life without really taking the time to sit down and pray and listen to what God may be trying to tell me in certain situations. This book reminded me of those things in my own life.

I loved the second part of the book the best as it follows the events we know from the Bible. The scenes between Mary and Martha were great, and the big lead up in the end with Lazarus and Jesus that we know all about -- really liked how Heather Kaufman depicted those events. Martha's faith and devotion to Jesus highlighted was inspiring.

Despite Martha's worries and concerns, she is a woman of strong faith, hospitality and devotion, who demonstrates a deep belief in Jesus as the Messiah and this book did a great job showing that.

This was my first Heather Kaufman book and I am looking forward to reading more by her in the future.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6017706000
Amazon:  https://amzn.to/4giaCWe
Baker Book House (Recommended): https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542795

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Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette

 

Shield of the Mighty by Connilyn Cossette 
(Book 2 in The King's Men Series)

4 Stars 

“But just as a soldier trusts his commander and a commander trusts his king, you must trust the King above all Kings to direct you."

Shield of the Mighty is a captivating dive into the ancient world of Israel. Connilyn seamlessly weaves a rich narrative in faith, love and biblical truths. I really enjoyed this second book in the series and look forward to book 3!

This story follows Zevi, a warrior who, as a child was captured by the Philistines. Zevi is a captain in King Saul's army who is tasked with recruiting soldiers and artisans for the king's court. Zevi goes back to Maresha. Here we see the start of his character development as he is struggling through his past memories, while trying to get the job he has upon him completed. We see Zevi meet Yochana, a perfumer whose shop has beautiful scents that hide from the world. Yochana is still grieving the loss of her husband and learning how to run her perfume business by herself when she meets Zevi. Zevi and Yochana embark on an unexpected journey together and the chemistry between them is remarkable.

I loved how rich the historical context is for the biblical times in this book. Connilyn really transports you right there and it feels accurate for the time. From the details of the markets, to the land, to the battlegrounds of the men fighting.

Fans of historical fiction, biblical stories will love this series. This was written so well with great characters and a compelling romance. I highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6502014918

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cGWEuk
Baker Book House (Recommended):  https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/553527

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Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar

 

Book Review: Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar 

5 Stars 

Favorite Book of 2024

Well, I have found my favorite book of 2024 yall. This book was compelling, transformative, beautiful, encouraging and faith filled. Such a heartfelt novel that explores the power of healing, faith, and redemption. The storytelling here and well-drawn characters make this a must read for anyone who loves a biblical fiction story. We see courage. We see transformation. We see healing through Jesus. I am inspired by Elianna's character and faith. 

This is a biblical fiction story surrounding the woman with the issue of blood in the Bible for 12 years. It amazes me that while we only have 2-3 sentences of scripture about this woman, Tessa Afshar was able to tell a fully fleshed out story about this woman and encourage me in my faith as well. We see Elianna go through tragedy after tragedy in this book, yet her FAITH remains strong in God. At one point, she says she has bled for 11 years, and "it hasn't been that bad because it brought her closer to the Lord". PROFOUND. All the grumbling I find myself doing for life's little inconveniences, and this woman says what she hasn't been through wasn't all that bad because it brought her closer to the Lord and she wouldn't give that up for anything. I am inspired by her.

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a beautiful story where the character has come to life and one that explores themes of forgiveness, faith, healing and resilience.  

This book will stick with me for a long time.

Matthew 9:20-22 English Standard Version

20 And behold, a woman who had suffered from a discharge of blood for twelve years came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, 21 for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22 Jesus turned, and seeing her he said, “Take heart, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And instantly the woman was made well.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5687011415
Reading Vlog Experience with all the emotions: https://youtu.be/oZUI-uwXkWk
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3QvynyQ
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/147728

*Amazon links are affiliate links and a commission may be earned on items purchased from these links.

Iscariot by Tosca Lee

 

Iscariot - Tosca Lee - 5 Stars - A beautiful, thought-provoking biblical fiction about Judas

Tosca Lee's "Iscariot" is such a thought-provoking novel that dives deep into the life and character of Judas Iscariot. We see his life with his family, the tragedy he went through and his life as he walked with Jesus. Tosca Lee truly explores the complexity of human nature, faith and the ultimate act of betrayal. We see Judas who grapples with his loyalty to Jesus but as the reader you find yourself looking at Judas with such sympathy and truly I can see myself in him - I have been a Judas to others in the past and to Jesus. I think that's what Tosca Lee is wanting us to take a step back and think about -- true conviction in many moments throughout this book for ourselves, return to the Gospels in our Bible, return to His living word and humble ourselves because we are not so different than Judas was. As my friend Chrissie said in her review, only two things distinguish me from Judas -- repentance and the blood of Jesus Christ. I am saved by grace through Jesus but have I ever been a Judas? Yes. 

We often think of Judas as a traitor, betrayer, thief etc. This book made me think more about Judas than I ever have before and I truly thank Tosca Lee for taking on such a controversial biblical figure and writing his story. You can see the amount of research she did and I truly appreciated her author's note as well. It makes you think.

The historical and biblical accuracy in this book is also wonderful. I loved seeing the relationship with Jesus and Judas' POV as they walked through the miracles and teachings of Him.

Overall, Iscariot is a compelling and emotionally charged novel that offers a fresh perspective on one of the most infamous figures in history. Readers who appreciate historical and biblical fiction will find this book very thought provoking and a rewarding read. It's a favorite of all time and one of my most prized books now. 

Thank you to the author for sending a copy of this book to read and review - all opinions and thoughts are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5861744872
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SdBgWQ
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/251316

YouTube:

Wrap Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt-U-nf5HX8 

And Reading Vlog:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Put8LchHLJY&t=

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Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette

                             

Voice of the Ancient - Connilyn Cossette - 4 Stars - A beautiful coming of age story for Avidan and Keziah set during the crowning of King Saul!

What a great start to The King's Men series! I am so excited to see what Connilyn does next! The way she weaves in fictional characters set during biblical times and events is always amazing! 

This follows both Avidan and Keziah at the start of the newly crowned King Saul's reign in 1042 BC. Avidan and his 3 cousins are the primary focus of the series - they have a brotherhood that is as strong as can be. In this books, we follow Avidan and his search to find one of his cousin's that goes missing in their battle together. He goes on a search alone to find him, but runs into Keziah, the daughter of a powerful clan chief in Manasseh who is on the run from a forced marriage to a terrible man. Avidan and Keziah begin their journey together and her true origins start to be revealed along the journey. They start to form feelings and a bond for one another in their travels. As those out for Keziah continue to get closer to her and Avidan continues searching for his missing cousin, they realize just what is important to them and the true protection of Yahweh.

This books took me on quite the journey - we see so much going on in Israel as they crown their first king and then seeing our young characters off in war, arranged unwanted marriages, leaving loved ones -- all at the young age of 17. It shows how strong they were during such a time to be alive. Avidan and his cousins were starting to see the true meaning of becoming a man during their time by going off to war and Keziah was learning so much of her true family origins and having to make hard decisions at such a young age. We see some of the Israelites who worshiped idols and pagan traditions and some learning the truth of Yahweh along the way. 

While the romance was a bit young and fast for me, it definitely makes sense for the biblical time and I really like the way Avidan and Keziah would do anything to protect one another. The swimming scene was one of my favorites between them. Also, I loved Keziah's horse, my heart! Overall, this was such an engaging storyline that kept me on my toes and I am so excited to continue in this stunning generational series!

Thank you to Bethany House and Baker Publishing for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5573546245
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E7j6O6
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/492067

YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP6NLPxY6po

Counted with the Stars by Connilyn Cossette

 

Counted with the Stars - Connilyn Cossette - 5 Stars - I am completely blown away. A beautiful biblical fiction story.

Counted with the Stars by Connilyn Cossette was Connilyn's debut novel and WOW I was really blown away with how connected I was to these characters and story! I just love the time period around Exodus in the Bible so this was for me!❤️ Love that we got a little romance in this too.

This is all about a young Egyptian woman named Kiya who was sold into slavery by her father and was forsaken by the man she was supposed to marry. She becomes friends with a young Hebrew woman, flees with the Hebrews after going through the plagues described in the book of Exodus. Will she turn back to Egypt or will she surrender her life to God?

This was beautiful in every way. Very biblically accurate and transports you right into the culture of the Egyptians and Hebrews. I was so intrigued by the Egyptian's view of the plagues too. I read this super fast and look forward to more by this author!

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4796500698
Amazon: https://amzn.to/44IeysL
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/38110
YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuFKv2eeju0

Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

 

Daughter of Eden - Eve's Story - Jill Eileen Smith - 4 Stars - What a great story that shows us what it could have been like during the times of Adam and Eve.

Daughter of Eden: Eve’s Story by Jill Eileen Smith shows us what it could have possibly been like during the time of Adam and Eve, all surrounding the time during the book of Genesis in the Bible. This was my first book by her and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this story.

It is a biblical fiction featuring real bible “characters”, primarily Adam, Eve, their children (mostly Cain and Abel). We also have chapters from Lucifer and how he fell and became the devil – the deceptive, cunning serpent. It follows many year, encompassing most of Adam and Eve’s life.

This book is a fictionalized work of what it could have been like during the time of Adam and Eve at the creation of the world. It was really interesting to see how they may have spoke to one another, dialogue together, with God and with their children. It was also interesting to see how they may have ate, figured out how to be “the first” parents of the world etc. I feel like the author did a great job creating a story for us, while interweaving God’s truths and scripture throughout the story.

Seeing how Eve may have reacted or handled her sin when she made the mistake of eating the fruit and being deceived by the serpent was probably the most interesting for me. I had some mixed feelings on some of how Adam and Eve would have interacted together, but overall enjoyed the story and portrayal. It was emotional to read the depiction of the fall of humanity – I feel like Jill did a wonderful job with that description.

The best part about this story is it made me go back to Genesis and read my bible to see God’s word and compare it to this fictionalized work. Very thought provoking as many other reviewers have stated. To see how Adam and Eve could have possibly grieved what Cain did to Abel was also very eye opening.

Overall, the author did a great job portraying what it could have been like during this time and many parts touched my heart and sprit. The ending was beautiful and made me a bit emotional as a woman because she so beautifully portrayed how we are not perfect, but God still loves us. Thank you to Baker Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy to honestly read and review.

Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5059247536
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pPZCtZ
Baker Book House: https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/465082
YouTube Review Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuFKv2eeju0

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

 

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar 
4.5 Stars 

4.5 stars. What a beautiful biblical fiction with such strong faith and characters. The ending was my favorite.♥️ Definitely want to read more of Tessa’s books in the future. So close to a 5 for me but I got a little bogged down in the middle - still a fantastic read!!!

This story is all about Chariline trying to figure out who is her father. She was raised as an orphan by her Aunt, who has not explained anything of her past to her. We know that Chariline is a mixture of Cush and Roman, but she has no idea who her father is. She begins her search for him after overhearing her grandfather talking to her aunt and learning her father is indeed alive.

This book takes place in the biblical times during the Acts timeline. Tessa packs so much beauty in this story and I loved Theo and Chariline's story together. Theo was a such a gentlemen. I felt like I was on a real adventure with these characters from Cush to Rome. Tessa Afshar is an amazing story teller and I can't wait to read more of her books. The ending was my favorite and I loved the scenes with the queen! (also adding that the audiobook narration of this book is chef's kiss!) Also such great faith content!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/40PTDUL
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