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.”
Tessa Afshar is the award-winning author of many biblical and inspirational historical fiction books, including Harvest of Gold which won a Christy Award and In the Field of Grace, a biblical fiction on the life of Ruth. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she was co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship. She served in women and prayer ministry for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker. Contact Tessa at tessaafshar.com.
My Impressions:
Biblical fiction is a tricky genre — a writer has to balance the scriptural record with the what-ifs of story. Tessa Afshar is one of the best at it, and her newest novel, Daughter of Rome is a great example of why. Set during the days of the early church, this book brought to life a woman who is mentioned several times in the Book of Acts as well as other NT books. Afshar takes the barest of details and weaves a credible and intriguing account of Priscilla and the era in which she lived. If you are a fan of this genre, then Daughter of Rome is a must-read!
With meticulous research, Afshar creates a backstory for Priscilla. Born in Rome, daughter of an acclaimed general, yet on the outside of society, Priscilla is wooed by God. The fictional account of a first century Priscilla will resonate with modern women. Daughter of Rome is a love story between a man and a woman, but more a love story between a woman and her God. Of course, Aquila (always mentioned with Priscilla in the Biblical accounts) plays a large part in the book, but it is really Priscilla and her struggles and victories that take center stage. Afshar has included historical figures in her book, namely Paul, that give it authenticity and believability. The depiction of the day to day of the characters emphasizes their ordinariness — it is really an extraordinary God who transforms their lives. Priscilla faithfully lives a hidden life, a quiet life of sacrifice which proves a great example and motivator for today’s believers. As I read this book, I pondered how much impact today’s church could have if we followed the example of 1st century believers.
Daughter of Rome with its many themes and topics — Jew and Gentile, law and grace, power of prayer, belief in the miraculous — is perfect for book club discussions. In fact, I have chosen this book for a Bible study/book club that I lead. I look forward to a great conversation. So grab this book (and perhaps a few reading friends) and dig in — I think you will love it!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Giveaway!
Tessa is generously giving away one copy of Daughter of Rome to one of my readers. Squee! Just leave a comment on why you love Biblical fiction to be entered. I will randomly select a winner on February 20. (US residents only.)
I don’t read a great deal of biblical fistion, but do love to see a story we know only a bit about fleshed out! Plus, my given name is Priscilla=)
I like Biblical fiction because when it is done well it adds layers and depth to Biblical accounts.
Biblical fiction is my favorite genre! It helps me with my Bible studies.
Reading Biblical Fiction makes Bible stories come to life in a way I can understand and often makes me look at the story in a different way.
I like Biblical fiction because it helps me to better picture the time period. Authors do much research to make the setting accurate.
In the last year I have discovered Biblical fiction. I really love when it is well done. I feel truly drawn into the era, and feel like I gain a deeper understanding of Biblical events when reading a good Biblical fiction book. It sounds like this book will be another great one that I would really enjoy reading.
Oh this sounds so good. I love biblical fiction because it helps me to imagine and understand the context of the times for when the biblical story happened. It fleshes out the characters and draws in my emotions. I also like how it brings out things I may not have thought of that pertain to the character or the story.
oops and just realized the giveaway is for US only. 🙁 But definitely adding this to my TBR!
I love Biblical Fiction because it gives me a little insight what Bible characters could have really been like or just their daily lives. And I know the main character really did love.
As someone named Priscilla I think I need to read this story!
I don’t often this of my name as being biblical…
I love biblical fiction cuz it’s still teaching people about the Bible even though it is fiction
I love Biblical fiction because I love stories. 🙂 I read the first Biblical fiction novel that I can remember when I was 12 years old, and the story it was based on has been one of my favorites ever since! I especially love getting to “know” many of the lesser known people in the Bible.
I enjoy Biblical fiction because it helps to bring the Biblical account alive. Thanks for the chance to win! Looking forward to reading this book!
Biblical fiction makes the Bible stories come alive.
Thank you for the chance <3 Tessa's books are always a joy to read!