PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION
Whispered secrets about her parents’ past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents’ tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen’s court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline’s story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters–including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.
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My Review:
I love Tessa Afshar’s books. Her historical research brought the setting of the book to life. While reading this book, I felt as if I’d stepped back into that time period. This helped me better grasp the daily difficulties and committed fellowship of those early believers during the days of the book of Acts.
The stories of Chariline, Theo, and Natemahar come together in a compelling way. My heart was touched by Chariline’s search for family and acceptance. There’s some palace intrigue that plays into this storyline and adds a touch of danger and mystery. But the thing I loved most about the book is the strong message of faith in Christ and how He changes a life when we accept Him.
This book is part of a series, but it would be easy to understand everything that’s happening in this book without having read the book that came before it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
TESSA AFSHAR was born in a nominally Muslim family in Iran and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She survived English boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her mid-twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds an MDIV from Yale University where she served as co-Chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She has spent the last twelve years in full and part-time Christian work and currently serves as the leader of Women’s and Prayer ministries at a church in New England.