I treated myself to a pleasure read for Valentine’s Day. I am so often reading for review or book festival vetting purposes that I find it hard to squeeze in a spontaneous selection. But this month I cleared my schedule of most reading obligations and chose Of Love And Treason by Jamie Ogle, a historical novel inspired by the real Valentine. I picked it up on the recommendation of a friend and am so glad I did. This book touched my heart and will easily make the best of the best list for 2025. Find out more below.
Valentine defies the emperor and becomes a hero . . . and the most wanted man in the empire. Compelled by his faith, he has nothing to lose, until a chance encounter with the daughter of a Roman jailor changes everything.
Rome, AD 270. In the wake of the emperor’s marriage ban, rumors swirl that there is one man brave enough to perform wedding ceremonies in secret. A public notarius and leader of an underground church, Valentine believes the emperor’s edict unjust and risks his own life for the sake of his convictions. But as his fame grows, so do fears for his safety.
Iris, the daughter of a Roman jailor, believes regaining her sight will ease the mounting troubles at home. Her last hope rests in searching out Valentine and his church, but the danger of associating with people labeled a threat to the empire is great. Still, as Iris’s new friends lead her to faith in God, Iris is drawn to Valentine and they both begin to hope for a future together beyond the treacherous empire.
But when a past debt and a staggering betrayal collide, Valentine, Iris, and everyone they love must fight for their lives . . . and wrestle with trusting a God who can restore sight yet does not always keep His followers from peril.
Jamie Ogle is a predawn writer, homeschool mom by day, and a reader by night. Inspired by her fascination with the storied history of faith, she writes historical fiction infused with hope, adventure, and courageous rebels. A Minnesota native, she now lives in Iowa with her husband and their three children, and she can usually be found gardening, beekeeping, and tromping through the woods. Learn more about Jamie at jamieogle.com.
My Impressions:
Romance fiction is generally on the nightstand around Valentine’s Day, and there are plenty of great books to read to capture all the love. But this year I decided to read Of Love And Treason by Jamie Ogle, a historical novel set in 3rd century Rome and inspired by the real Valentine. What a great choice! This novel won the much deserved 2024 Christy Award for historical romance. But lest you think this book is all hearts and flowers, let me tell you it is about the true meaning of love — putting others ahead of self. The book presents a fictional, yet credible, re-telling of the legends that surround the true Valentine. A Christian martyr, this pillar of the faith faithfully led a group of believers and defied the emperor’s ban on marriage. The story as presented by Ogle is a beautiful depiction of what Christ does for His church. I loved every element! The plot is well-crafted, the historical detail is just right, and the characters are ones to truly love (or hate in the case of the bad guys). They come across as real people with real struggles, doubts, and flaws. The faith message is beautifully and profoundly presented without being preachy. While the reader knows in advance that Valentine will be martyred, and that is presented in a realistic manner without too much graphic detail, the HEA comes from the hope that Christ gives every believer. Be sure to read the Authors Note, as well, for the story behind the story. I spent a good bit of my last book club telling anyone who would listen about this book. I wish it had been one of our selections, because there are so many things to discuss. So get a reading buddy and dive in. I am sure you will love it as much as I did.
Very Highly Recommended.
Great for Book Clubs.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Great review! I got to meet her in November, but have not read the book.
I wish I had met her. It’s such a great book.