Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar

One tragic afternoon, Elianna's brother dies while in her care, His death is only the beginning of her sorrows. Seeking redemption from her guilt, Elianna applies her talent in her father's linen manufacturing business which brings momentary success that eventually dissipates. Knowing her failures, she breaks off her betrothal to Ethan Ben Ezer, a good man and the love of her life. A bleeding illness soon strikes that depletes her body and financial resources. With no other hope, Elianna travels to see a new Jewish prophet, expecting tricks and cunning, but finds a teacher who speaks deep words to her heart. After years of suffering and illness, will she find healing for her body and soul? Read more in Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar.

Land of Silence is my favorite novel by Tessa Afshar to date. Like Elianna, Tessa Afshar weaves her craft adeptly. Blending together Biblical events, tragedy, healing, romance and spiritual truths, Land of Silence, enlivens the story of the unclean, nameless woman with a bleeding disease who is mentioned in the gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

There was nothing I disliked about the novel and much that I enjoyed. Having a less popular Biblical figure (compared to Mary or Esther) as the protagonist certainly elevated this book's appeal to me. Tragedy and healing gave Elianna's record depth and authenticity while humor kept it from feeling depressing. By not glossing over the hardships that Elianna endured, a deeply moving story flowed with strength and spiritual truths I found applicable to my life. Example: “Despair is an invitation to prayer. You can either sink or pray when it lodges at your door.” (Page 329)

I know Land of Silence is a fictional retelling. However, after reading this book, I will never look at the Biblical account of the woman with the issue of blood the same way. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. Land of Silence is a stand-alone novel, but in several ways it reminded me of Tessa Afshar's Harvest of Rubies. If you liked one, you'll probably like the other.

Read an excerpt from Land of Silence on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White

Lady Rowena Kinnaird's future once seemed bright. Before her mother's death, before assault by her fiance, before her family's attempt to trap an English Duke into marrying her. Unbeknownst to her, divine intervention in the form of Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, is working for her good. Just as Brice and Rowena are getting to know more of each other, Rowena discovers Brice has a very dangerous secret, one that many deem worth killing for. She's fled one dangerous situation only to find herself in another. Will the secrets Rowena and Brice hide drive them apart or can love be born amid danger, wealth and secrets?

The Reluctant Duchess is the second novel in Roseanna M. White's Ladies of the Manor series. I have not read the first novel, The Lost Heiress, but I certainly plan to now that I've read The Reluctant Duchess. Enough information was given that I was not confused in spite of not having the read the first. That being said, these books are clearly part of a continuing series and I suspect this novel resolved some loose ends from the first. Likewise, there were plenty of loose ends in this novel to be resolved in the next installment of the series.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White. From the beginning, Rowena's character captured my attention. Although at times her behavior seemed off-kilter, eventually the author flushed out the reasons behind Rowena's actions and reactions. The relationship between Rowena and Brice was also a point of interest for me, not simply for the romance, but also for the character growth that they brought out of each other. Other elements such as the cursed Fire Eyes diamonds, the mysterious criminal activity, and the threat of danger contributed the the story and made for a lovely read.

I recommend The Reluctant Duchess to readers looking for a potent combination of mystery, suspense, romance and Divine intervention. Enjoy!

Read an excerpt from The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. Wite on the publisher's website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."