Asenath by Anna Patricio

Two Destinies...One Journey of Love. In a humble fishing village on the shores of the Nile lives Asenath, a fisherman's daughter who has everything she could want. Until her perfect world is shattered. When a warring jungle tribe ransacks the village and kidnaps her, separating her from her parents, she is forced to live as a slave. And she begins a journey that will culminate in the meeting of a handsome and kind steward named Joseph Like her, Joseph was taken away from his home, and it is in him that Asenath comes to find solace...and love. But just as they are beginning to form a bond, Joseph is betrayed by his master's wife and thrown into prison. Is Asenath doomed to a lifetime of losing everything and everyone she loves?

New author, Anna Patricio has written an engaging Biblical biographical novel of high adventure and passionate love amid the turbulent world of Ancient Egypt. Asenath is the biographical story about the life of Asenath, the wife of Joseph of the coat of many colours.

Asenath's real name was Kiya and she was born to a happy family who lived on the banks of the Nile. One day, her village is invaded, her parents killed, and she is separated from her siblings. Kiya survives but is captured and forced into slavery. When Egyptians rescue her, she is brought to the temple of Atum-Re and begins training as a priestess. It is then that she meets Joseph, a most handsome, desirable young man, but a man considered beneath her because of his status as a Hebrew slave. When she marries him, her life is pushed into turmoil and catapults the novel into wonderful scenes filled with tension and conflict. 

Written in first person narrative in Asenath’s voice, it is a compelling story, nicely researched, and well written. For a first novel, it is an impressive effort. The novel is geared toward the Young Adult market, but I recommend it for adults too. On rare occasions, the author slipped into modern vernacular, which pulled me from the story a bit – something that should have been caught and corrected by the editor. However, as I said, this didn’t happen often and it certainly did not keep me from enjoying the story.

All in all, this was a terrific debut novel and a compelling story, recommended for anyone who loves to be swept into fascinating, ancient eras. Anna Patricio has great promise and I look forward to following her career.

Valeria's Cross by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales

 

In 3rd century Rome, Valeria is the daughter of Emperor Diocletian.  She secretly abandons her pagan Roman faith and becomes a Christian. When she falls in love with the handsome Mauritius, also a Christian and the leader of an elite troop of skilled warriors named the Theban Legion, her life is full of hope for their future together. But shortly after they meet, Mauritius is called to war.  He promises that upon his return, he will ask Valeria's father for her hand in marriage.

Galerius is an ambitious general who will stop at nothing to rise to power and he sets his sights on Valeria, the Emperor's daughter. Valeria does everything to discourage his lecherous lust.

On the battlefield, however, Mauritius falls under the evil machinations of Galerius who executes him and the entire Theban Legion because of their Christianity. Valeria grieves at news of her beloved's death. Her life turns upside down when she learns her father has betrothed her to the licentious Galerius, a man she loathes. As time passes, Valeria struggles to accept her new life with a man she does not love.

Based on actual historical events, Valeria's Cross, co-authored by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales is an interesting novel of the brutality of the Roman Empire and the struggles of early Christianity. They did an excellent job of portraying the persecution of the Christians in that violent era. I must admit, I struggled to accept the marriage between Galerius and Valeria, and I could not grow to like him, no matter how hard he tried to be a good husband to Valeria. Nevertheless, this novel offers much for readers interested in early Christianity and includes Reader's Group questions at the end.

Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar

In Jericho, in the time of Moses, Rahab is a happy young girl barely entered into womanhood. When her family falls into desperation, her father enters her into prostitution to feed their starving family. Rahab, ever dutiful, faces her fate with courage. She makes the most out of her situation, controlling the number and status of men who seek her out. Soon she is a woman of independent means and purchases a small inn built against the walls of Jericho to conduct her business.

One day, she saves two Israelite spies from certain death. From them she learns about God and that the Israelites will soon attack Jericho. To spare her and her family, they promise not to attack the inn if they hang a red ribbon above their door. The Israelite spies are true to their word. The Israelites slaughter the entire population of Jericho except for Rahab and her family. With no community, the family seek acceptance within the Israelites.

Amongst the Israelites, Salmone is a strong military leader of the tribe of Judah. Angered that the two spies he sent made a deal with a prostitute, and certain they will bring trouble, he is wary about their acceptance into their community. But Rahab's undying love and dedication to God slowly endears her to him and soon, he knows without doubt that he loves her, but if he wants to marry her and make her his, Salmone must learn to accept her past.

The Pearl in the Sand is not only a biblical story, but a love story about two people who must overcome much and place their faith in God and each other. The author excelled at bringing this period of history to life through research of facts, descriptions, and the day to day items. It gave the story a thread of believability that ran throughout the story. It is an easy, relaxed read, which meanders at a gentle pace. This is a Christian novel with very strong elements of religion throughout, more than is usually found in Christian historical fiction. The love story is compelling, as are the historical details. And this made for a good summer read.