Book Spotlight: Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Anna of Bethsaida by Susanne Blumer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Anna of Bethsaida 
Series: The Arimathea Chronicles #2 
Author: Susanne Blumer 
Publisher: Sutton Avenue Press 
Release Date: March 16, 2026 
Genre: Biblical Fiction

Anna believed choosing Andrew meant gaining a home. Instead, she finds herself on the dusty roads of Galilee, under the watchful eyes of hostile Pharisees, walking ever closer to miracles that both heal and unsettle. 

As a healer traveling with Jesus's ministry alongside Andrew, Anna takes her place among the women who follow, forming bonds that offer strength as the journey grows harder. While crowds press close to hear the Teacher's words, a different kind of attention gathers. In Jerusalem, her father Joseph of Arimathea, walks an impossible line within the Sanhedrin, and with each miracle Jesus performs, the net draws tighter around them all. 

The cost of discipleship, Anna discovers, is not counted in miles walked or comforts surrendered. It is measured in the space between what she hoped following Jesus would be and what it actually demands. 

Some journeys test what you believe. 
Some reshape who you become. 
Anna's does both. 

This is Book 2 of The Arimathea Chronicles. Begin Anna's journey from the beginning with Book 1, Anna of Arimathea, where a scarred, isolated young woman discovers healing, first love, and purpose in the footsteps of Jesus.  

Anna of Bethsaida is perfect for readers who love:

• Deeply researched biblical fiction with authentic period detail
• The untold stories of women in the early church - Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and the community that sustained Jesus's ministry
• Love stories tested by faith and dangerous callings
• Political intrigue woven through spiritual transformation
• Character-driven narratives where personal loss intersects with world-changing events

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Signed Copy from the Author| Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

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Book Excerpt

The sun had set, and Mary disappeared into the house.

When she returned, she carried an alabaster jar. Small, no larger than her palm, carved from translucent stone that glowed honey-gold in the lamplight. She held it with both hands, crossing slowly toward where Jesus reclined at the head table. Every eye followed her. Even the street sounds faded until only the soft shuffle of her feet on stone remained, the whisper of her robe against the ground.

She kneeled at his feet.

Then she broke it.

The crack echoed through the courtyard, and the scent hit — nard, pure nard, the kind carried by traders who crossed deserts and mountains to bring it west. The air grew thick with it, coating the inside of my mouth and lungs. The smell of exotic spices and resin, of distant places I would never see, of wealth so extravagant it felt obscene.

Mary tilted the jar over Jesus's feet. The oil poured out in a thick stream, coating his skin, running between his toes, pooling on the stone floor beneath them. The scent grew stronger, filling every corner of the courtyard until I could taste nothing else.

Jesus sat very still, watching her. Tears gathered in his eyes.

Mary set the empty jar aside. Then she reached up and unbound her hair. It fell around her shoulders in dark waves, tumbling down her back to her waist. She bent forward until her hair brushed the floor, and wiped his feet with it.

The gesture was so intimate, so tender, that part of me wanted to look away. This was not a servant washing a master's feet. The sound of her hair against his skin whispered through the courtyard.

No one spoke. No one moved. We all sat watching what we did not fully understand but knew in our bones was sacred.

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More in This Series

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About the Author

Susanne Blumer lives her life surrounded by stories—some she writes, and some she sells. As the CEO and Founder of Sassafras on Sutton LLC, she is the owner of three magical indie bookstores nestled in the North Carolina mountains of Black Mountain and Waynesville and Beaufort, South Carolina. One even has a full coffee bar. Oh, happy day!

She is the author of The Arimathea Chronicles, a series set in first-century Judea and centered on the life of Anna, the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea. The first two books, Anna of Arimathea and Anna of Bethsaida, are available now. The third book, Anna of Calvary, will be available later this year. She's also written several children's books, including the award-winning Bell Tower Bible Adventure series she co-wrote with her husband. Her new children's picture book series, The Story of You, will release its first book late Spring 2026 called Before Your Story Had A Name. 

When she’s not writing or doing other entrepreneurial tasks, you can usually find her hanging out on the floor of one of her stores, drinking coffee and learning the stories of her customers or spoiling her eight chickens. Susanne splits her time between Waynesville, NC in her beloved mountains and Beaufort, SC on the enchanting Lowcountry coast. 

Connect with Susanne by visiting susanneblumer.com to follow her on social media and subscribe to email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $25 Bookshop gift card and a signed copy of Anna of Bethsaida!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight March 17, 2026 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 24, 2026. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Review: The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:

Sazana of Persia creates exquisite pottery that graces Susa's finest tables, but her master, Lord Haman, does not know her secret: Sazana is one of the Jews he has vowed to eradicate. When Haman discovers her true identity, he forces her into indentured servitude. But at Haman's sudden downfall, Queen Esther becomes the new master of the pottery workshop, restoring Sazana to her rightful place.

Yet her troubles are not over as Haman's sons are enraged by his death, and the queen assigns one of her men to root out any threats. Sazana is shocked to discover the identity of the queen's agent is none other than Jadon, the man who left her heart in ruins years ago. But despite his presence, danger still lurks, and when Sazana and Jadon become entangled in the hunt for an ancient artifact, so much more than their own hearts and lives depends on the success of their mission.

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My Thoughts:

The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar caught my attention at the beginning and held it throughout the length of the story. Sazana, a female potter with a talent for creating exceptionally beautiful pieces, was both admirable and relatable. For all her skill, Sazana carried the unhealed trauma of losing her parents at an early age. Her broken betrothal only compounded her tendency toward self-reliance and control. I relished her character development as it blossomed. The weaving of spiritual and life truths into Sazana’s journey felt fresh and I marked many quotes.

In The Royal Artisan, the second-chance romance between Sazana and Jadon commenced with the awkwardness and tension of an unexpected reunion. As the story progressed, Jadon and Sazana experienced the resurrection of past feelings and unexpected moments of attraction. I liked that these characters communicated like adults and felt like committed partners even before their relationship resumed a romantic nature. It was a unique romance that had just the right balance of longing and loyalty.

The Royal Artisan by Tessa Afshar is the second installment of the Queen Esther’s Court series. Adin and Esther reappeared from book one (The Queen’s Cook), but The Royal Artisan read as a true standalone. I loved that everything was wrapped up by the end, but I’m also eager for book three. Can’t wait to read more of Esther’s Secret Scrolls and Afshar’s next powerful story!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book: 

Gavriel, a soldier in the elite company of Yonatan--son of King Saul--dreams of forging his destiny through crafting weapons with his own hands. Despite earning his place among Israel's finest, he is haunted by a dark past that no distraction can dispel. When his reckless behavior crosses a line, Yonatan gives him one last mission to prove his worth: help persuade a distant Kenite tribe to sever their ties with the Amalekites.

Zahava, a gifted goldsmith hidden behind her father's legacy, lives in the shadows due to her physical affliction. Her unmatched and unrecognized talent is a closely guarded secret within her family. Disheartened by a future that seems unattainable, she resigns herself to a life of obscurity. However, when Gavriel arrives in her village, they're tangled together in ways neither could have imagined. As they navigate unforeseen dangers and enemy threats, Gavriel must confront his past and either bend his knee to the One True King or lose the woman he loves forever.

"A triumphant story in which flawed characters face real choices and must rely on a real God to save them."--MESU ANDREWS, bestselling and award-winning author.

Read an excerpt from Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

I read Splendor of the Land by Connilyn Cossette in one long sitting that spanned Sunday afternoon, evening, and into the night. The story captured my attention with the characters, but held my interest with the character growth, danger, and romance. I especially enjoyed the way certain plot events played out through fresh, not formulaic, happenings. I also appreciated the disability representation. The author skillfully mixed all the story elements together to create an entertaining and edifying novel.

While reading Splendor of the Land, I was fully engaged with Zahava and Gavriel’s personal journeys and character growth. Zahava, gifted in metalworking and able to create red-gold, has a physical disability that causes her to limp. To some, Zahava’s worth derived from her goldsmithing while her family continually affirmed the worth given to her by her Creator. The juxtaposition of ability and disability hovered over Zahava’s journey, but I cheered as she grew to walk in confidence. Gavriel, Zahava’s new husband, had a steep climb out of self-destructive behaviors. Most of the time I don’t like badly-behaved main characters, but I did like Gavriel, especially once he started to change. Their love story was beautiful.

Splendor of the Land stands as book three in The King’s Men series by Connilyn Cossette. I read book one (Voice of the Ancient), but missed book two (Shield of the Mighty). In reading Splendor of the Land, I could recognize that some of the characters came from other books, but it still read well as a standalone novel. I’m excited for book four. Five stars for Splendor of the Land!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:

In the heart of ancient Persia, the empire's Jewish citizens face an ominous edict that threatens their very existence. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, is devastated by the news but feels helpless to come to the aid of her Jewish friends. Desperate to support her family, Roxannah approaches the royal physician, Adin--the man whose kind eyes haunt her--and seeks his help to find employment in Queen Esther's kitchens.

In the opulent palace of Susa, Roxannah tries to survive the spiteful ploys of the other cooks as she ascends through the ranks. Her loyalty earns her the trust and friendship of Queen Esther, who is navigating dangerous politics with wisdom and grace. When Roxannah and Adin uncover a sinister plot against Amestris, the king's most powerful wife and Esther's archenemy, they find themselves tasked with the impossible job of discovering the culprit. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the fate of Esther's reign hangs in the balance.

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My Thoughts:

The Queen’s Cook read like classic Tessa Afshar, which is to say… it was a thoroughly entertaining novel with romance, truth, and beautiful themes. From the start, Afshar’s prose flowed easily as it unpacked information. Her writing felt confident and was crafted so that the scenes always moved the story forward in some way. Like Roxannah creating her pistachio cake, Afshar deftly added the ingredients of historical details, longshot romance, delectable meals, palace intrigue, character growth, and spiritual truths to create a five-star reading experience.

To elaborate on the elements in The Queen’s Cook, I’ll start with the historical setting. Roxannah’s noble status and experiences in Esther’s royal kitchen richly depicted the Persian court under Xerxes, an environment where palace intrigue swirled amid every level of social status. As Roxannah and Adin were drawn into the mystery and danger, they faced underhanded workers in the kitchen, a cunning wife of Xerxes, and power dynamics among the royal court. Quite a perilous blend.

As expected, The Queen’s Cook included culinary delights. I found the exotic dishes interesting even for a non-foodie like me. Naturally, food played a part in establishing and perpetuating the romance between Adin and Roxannah. I enjoyed Adin’s kind and thoughtful treatment of Roxannah despite the hard issues between them. It was lovely to watch their romance unfold.  

Being raised in Persian nobility, Roxannah showed herself to be morally upright, loyal, and clever, but she did not devote herself to any deity. Even so, Afshar weaved in spiritual themes as Roxannah’s past trauma and current circumstances moved her toward knowing the Lord’s mercy and love. Roxannah’s faith journey felt genuine, and I loved that her faith served to make her stronger.

The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar commenced her new series, Queen Esther’s Court. Though the novel felt complete and held a satisfying ending, Esther’s secret scrolls cleverly tie the series together. I am eager for the next novel. Five stars for The Queen’s Cook.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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Preorder/Purchase Links:

As of right now, Baker Book house has the best preorder price at 40% off retail and free shipping, but other options are included here.

Amazon│Baker Book House│Indie Bound│Christianbook│Barnes & Noble│Books-a-Million

Author Interview: Winds of Ruach by D.M. Griffin

About the Book

Book: Winds of Ruach

Author: D.M. Griffin

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release Date: October 18, 2022

Winds of Ruach is a compilation of five novellas fictionally traversing a period in Israel’s history that spans three hundred years. God used the prophets to speak to His people during a tumultuous time when faith was challenged and spiritual discipline was necessary. Five prophets lived out the message of God in a way that girded their faith and inspired those who truly listened to God’s voice. Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Obadiah, and Malachi were God’s chosen spokesmen.

Book One: Jonah felt he had every right to be angry when tragedy struck his household. He would soon learn that anger was a barrier to a right relationship with God no matter how justified the source of that anger. What happens when Jonah realizes that his deep-seated anger might cost him everything? Will he learn to embrace his forgiving God?

Book Two: Nahum was a victim of God’s wrath as it fell on the land of rebellious Israel. Intimidated for the majority of his life with little memory about his origin, Nahum struggles to trust God for vindication. Grappling to understand why everything keeps going wrong, will Nahum surrender to the only One who can truly defend him?

Book Three: As a child, Habakkuk’s faith was pure and unadulterated. As a priest serving in the Temple, however, Habakkuk realizes that something is keeping him from experiencing the fullness of that faith. He doesn’t truly trust God’s heart toward him. Will he learn to be brave despite the circumstances that threaten the very existence of the Temple?

Book Four: Obadiah lived in two worlds while feeling as if he spiritually belonged to one. Born to an Edomite father and Jewish mother, he was constantly at war with his brother. How long would it take for Obadiah to learn that the Lord was with him in the battle? Even if he lost it all, would having God be enough?

Book Five: Malachi wrestles with what he knows to be true about God and how his life is unfolding in contrast to that knowledge. What does it mean to worship with a pure heart, not with ulterior motives? As God has the final say with His people, will they listen and faithfully wait for the promised future of redemption?

Explore the themes woven into the books of the minor prophets through these fictional journeys that reveal how mighty the Winds of Ruach (Spirit) truly are as they blow across history into today.

Click here to get your copy!

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About the Author

D.M. Griffin currently resides in Northern California with her husband. They met in middle school a few days after she was transplanted to the West Coast at the tender age of twelve. She has three adult children who have been an endless source of delight and inspiration. She also has a precious new grandchild who brings her joy.

As a native New Hampshire girl, she fondly remembers spending her summers there as a child. Thick accents, small towns, and fascinating weather stirred the imagination of her young heart. She has always had a fondness for stories thanks to her imaginative mother who would make up wild, adventurous tales to tell her while tucking her into bed as a child.

She truly believes that a book that sits on a shelf unread is like a planted seed that never blossoms. Nothing delights her more than sharing a story.

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Author Interview with D.M.

Q: How long did it take you to write this novel?

D.M.: I wrote this novel in three months. It was quite unexpected since the inspiration came when I was in the middle of writing a twelve-book series on the disciples. At first, I was going to dismiss it for a later time, but the ideas would not let go, so I accepted the diversion and wrote Winds of Ruach.

Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this novel?

D.M.: A favorite quote from the novel: His people, God’s chosen nation, were so similar to this tarnished vessel of praise. Layer upon layer of spiritual tarnish had accumulated over the years until the people of Judah and Israel were hardly recognizable as instruments of the Lord anymore. What would it take to polish away the defiling substance of their sin? Was the hand of God as weary and achy as Habakkuk’s were now? No matter how much he polished and refined them, God’s people did not reveal a purity worthy of Him. Placing the trumpet to his lips, Habakkuk blew a note. At least it still played. The fact that it was capable of making music lit the spark of hope inside of him. God always left a remnant, a faithful people who would praise Him even though the nation itself was tarnished.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from this novel?

D.M.: I hope that readers are inspired by Winds of Ruach to trust heartily in the sovereignty of God even when nations are at war with one another. I also hope that readers take away a new appreciation for the old prophets and the messages they brought. So much of it applies to our lives today as much as it did back then.


Q: How many bookshelves are in your home?

D.M.: There are three bookshelves in my home. One is dedicated to the books I have written. The other two are books I have read. However, I mostly read on my Kindle now because my library is just too big. And I like to take all my novels with me when I travel.


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

D.M.: Readers can find out more about me and my other novels at http://devotedsteps.com I have a daily prayer section, book reviews, devotionals, and more on my website.

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More from D.M.

I am a creature of habit who thrives on predictability. That being said, Winds of Ruach fell outside my comfort zone. If you have ever heard the phrase – if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans – you get the idea. I was deep in the throes of researching and writing a twelve-book series on the disciples of Jesus. My schedule was set. The routine was fixed. I had spent two years dedicated to The Follower Series. In between writing the first draft of book seven and editing book one, I was divinely halted. I didn’t exactly hit a block, so to speak. Instead, I was inspirationally diverted. It frustrated me for a short time.

Looking back on it now, I realize it was a blessing in disguise. At the time, my daily bible reading took me through the book of Jonah. Jonah 4:4 snagged my attention like a burr clinging to a pant leg. “Is it right for you to be angry?”  That single phrase snared my heart with a compulsion to self-reflect. That meditation took me to places I had not been before. I followed the thread of anger woven throughout my life. Not the anger that manifests itself in hot, fiery outbursts but the hidden, silent anger that can turn into deadly pride or unrecognizable prejudice.

Anger wears many disguises. Some of those are loneliness and grief. I began wondering what might have happened in Jonah’s life to make him, a man of God, so angry that he would directly and blatantly disobey the Lord. The first short story was the beginning of a five-month diversion in my predetermined writing schedule.

I was inspired by other verses as I walked the landscape of Scripture through the books of the minor prophets.

With Nahum, I pondered how tragedy affects the trajectory of a life. With Habakkuk, I explored the difference between authentic worship and disingenuous faith. Obadiah is a short and sweet book of the bible, but it packs a punch. The theme of the resulting short story is about claiming one’s true identity as a child of God. Finally, Malachi wove the final thread into the fabric of this anthology which is ultimately about the Spirit of God moving through history to accomplish His will and purpose. Malachi is a story about knowing when to remain silent and when to ask questions of God. As I wrote Winds of Ruach, I thought about the importance of destiny and promise.

Some of my early readers asked me which was my favorite prophet. Honestly, the only way I could answer that question is to say that it is whichever story I am reading at the time. I was greatly blessed while writing Winds of Ruach, drawing out biblical themes I had never noticed before. These five prophets are near and dear to my heart. Truly, the imagination is a gift from God. And yes, I did go back to the ‘routine’ in writing. It took three and half years (half a year over my schedule) but the series I was working on prior to Winds of Ruach is now complete. God is good even in the distractions.

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Blog Stops

Fiction Book Lover, January 31 (Author Interview)

Lots of Helpers, January 31

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 1

Guild Master, February 2 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, February 3

Artistic Nobody, February 4 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 5

Beauty in the Binding, February 6 (Author Interview)

Abba’s Warrior Princess, February 7

A Reader’s Brain, February 8 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 8

Cover Lover Book Review, February 9

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 10

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 11 (Author Interview)

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, February 12

Lights in a Dark World, February 13

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, D.M. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card & copy of book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Link for giveaway:https://promosimple.com/ps/29b07/winds-of-ruach-celebration-tour-giveaway

Book Review: The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:

Jemmah has always thought of herself as perfectly ordinary . . . until she faces extraordinary circumstances.

When her mother, the Persian king’s famous senior scribe, is kidnapped, Jemmah and her sister must sneak undetected into enemy territory to rescue her. But infiltrating their adversary’s lands proves easier than escaping them. Fleeing through dangerous mountain passes, their survival depends on the skills of a stranger they free from prison: a mysterious prince named Asher.

Asher is not who the world believes he is. Despite his royal blood, he has had to climb his way out of poverty to forge success from nothing. A manufacturer of some of the best weaponry in the East, Asher has only one goal: to destroy his father. But following his escape from prison, Asher is irresistibly drawn to Jemmah, unaware that she guards her own secret.

Jemmah must convince Asher to give up everything he has worked for, all for the sake of a higher purpose he’s not sure he believes in. The fate of the Persian empire—and possibly the Judean people—hang in the balance and in the persuasive power of one ordinary woman.

Bestselling author Tessa Afshar delivers another adventurous novel filled with romance and imagination, reminding readers of what Publishers Weekly calls her “amazing talent for packing action and intrigue into the biblical setting for modern readers.”

Read an excerpt on the publisher's site.

Purchase at: Amazon

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My Thoughts:

I enjoyed The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar twice, back-to-back, before writing down these thoughts. During the first reading, I eagerly flipped pages to find out what would happen and how things would conclude. The second time around, I read slowly and picked up more of the humor, cleverness, wisdom, and themes. The wonderfully unpredictable plot held my attention both times around.

Tessa Afshar’s novels always contain spiritual truths to encourage the reader, and The Peasant King followed suit. The idea of “ordinary v. extraordinary” shaped Jemmah and emerged as a story theme. As the back cover copy tells us, “Jemmah has always thought of herself as perfectly ordinary . . . until she faces extraordinary circumstances.” When the ordinary is insufficient in the story (and in real life), then the extraordinary (miraculous) is possible if a Believer follows God. It’s a message of hope for those who feel insufficient or ordinary. In the words of Jemmah, a “lowly profession can hide an exalted ability.”

The well-rounded characters in The Peasant King felt like real people (some side characters were historical figures). Jemmah’s normalcy (sense of being ordinary) and journey to healing (from childhood trauma) made her relatable and provided room for growth. She was my favorite character in The Peasant King, but I loved seeing an older Karen from The Hidden Prince and wished for Zarina to get her own story.

Reading The Peasant King by Tessa Afshar made me want to reread Karen and Jared’s story in The Hidden Prince. Though the novels have strong connections, both read well as stand-alones. I thoroughly enjoyed The Peasant King and I recommend this book to Christian fiction readers who enjoy adventurous stories with dynamic characters, strong spiritual messages, and beautiful writing. Five stars!

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette

 About the Book:

As the eldest son of a Levite and a Philistine, Avidan is torn between his duty to his family legacy and the desire for something more. After an enemy attack strikes close to home, he takes the opportunity to fight with his cousins for the newly crowned King Saul. But when one of the cousins goes missing during the battle, Avidan refuses to leave him behind.

Keziah is the daughter of one of the most powerful clan chiefs in the territory of Manasseh. On the brink of a forced marriage to a loathsome man decades older than her, she has no choice but to run, hoping to find sanctuary with her mother's family.

United during their journeys and battling to survive the dangers that surround them, Avidan and Keziah make a pact to travel together. As challenges pile up, they must not only rely on each other to stay alive but also learn to trust the true and eternal King of Israel to guide their every step.

Read an excerpt from Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette on the publisher's website.

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My Thoughts:

With happy anticipation of an engrossing story, I cracked open Voice of the Ancient by Connilyn Cossette. The plot held an ebb and flow of danger that kept my attention without being too intense. Both main characters, Keziah and Avidan, were in their late teen years and retained some youthful naivete that lent a young adult feel to the novel. As events progressed, both characters matured in ways that created depth in character and story. I particularly liked Avidan’s coming-of-age progression as he learned to find his calling and embrace his Levite heritage.

The romance between Avidan and Keziah added a layer of sweetness to the overlaying danger in Voice of the Ancient. Avi’s integrity and kind treatment of Keziah endeared him to me. Some of the situational juxtapositions and statements about how the Israelites valued their wives and daughters seemed to be a bit of a stretch to me. (I’m certain many of them did, but in the patriarchal society of the Old Testament females were often chattel.) The slow-burn romance created a relationship built on a communion of minds and hearts that made me smile.

Voice of the Ancient laid a foundation for The King’s Men series by Connilyn Cossette as Avidan and his cousins appear together in a way that we may not see again until the end of the series, if then. Mentions or cameos of characters from Cossette’s The Covenant House series appeared fairly often, and I found myself wanting to reread that duology, but Voice of the Ancient works fine as a standalone. I recommend Voice of the Ancient to readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with danger and romance in a Biblical-era setting.

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette

About the Book:

Finding a Way to Freedom Might Cost Them Everything.

Lukio has spent the past decade as a famous Philistine fighter, achieving every material goal with the help of his ruthless cousin. He's also spent the time burying painful memories of betrayal that he associates with the Levite family that guards the Ark of the Covenant and once adopted him. Now, just as the champion of Ashdod is set to claim the biggest prize of all--the daughter of the king--his past collides with his present.

After a heartbreaking end to her secret friendship with Lukio, Shoshana thought she'd never again see the boy with the dual-colored eyes and the troubled soul. But when she is captured in a Philistine raid and enslaved in Ashdod, she is surprised to recognize the brutal fighter known as Demon Eyes.

When their renewed connection threatens to expose Shoshana's dangerous secrets, Lukio must decide how far he'll go to face his past and keep her protected.

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My Thoughts:

I devoured Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette. Mortal danger, secrets of the past, and palace conspiracies combined to produce an adventuresome read that kept me turning the pages of Lukio and Shoshana’s story. Though their youthful romance derailed with her betrothal to another, longing and mutual concern laced every interaction between the two characters, and I couldn’t help but hope for complete reconciliation. Also, I admired Lukio’s strength, character development, and example of true repentance. His transformation during the story aligned with a powerful theme of hating evil and clinging to good.

Between the Wild Branches stands as the final installment in The Covenant House Duology by Connilyn Cossette. While this novel can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading To Dwell Among Cedars first as the reader gets a front row view to young Lukio’s experiences rather than abbreviated memories. Also, towards the end of Between the Wild Branches, quite a few characters from book one reappear and I think I would have been a bit lost if I had not read the first novel.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

Book Review: Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

About the Book:

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.

Purchase Links:  Amazon | Books-a-Million | Walmart | Barnes & Noble

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My Thoughts:

Great storytelling permeates Jewel of the Nile from beginning to end. Relatable characters, a perfectly paced plot, skillful writing, and a mystery that spans continents combined to make this story a five-star read. I read the entire novel in two long sittings because the story captured my attention from the start and my interest continued to grow with each chapter.

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar brought back Theo, a secondary character from two prior novels, and introduced Chariline, a young woman searching for the truth about her past. I loved the romance between these characters as well as the personal growth that they brought forth in each other.

Amid the action, romance, and mystery, Jewel of the Nile packs nuggets of truth into the many spiritual topics that comprise Chariline’s complex emotional and spiritual journey. Speaking truth, breaking generational patterns, being led by the Spirit, seeking divine direction, and surrendering to God’s purposes are some of the topics addressed within Chariline’s journey to finding her father and embracing her future.

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar includes characters from her prior novels, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction with depth, mystery, and romance.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.

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About the Author:

TESSA AFSHAR is an award-winning author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novel Daughter of Rome was a Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestseller. Land of Silence won an INSPY Award and was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious Christy Award in the Historical Romance category, Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book Award in the fiction category, and Thief of Corinth was an Inspy Award finalist. Tessa also recently released her first bible study and DVD called The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth.

Tessa was born to a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a master of divinity from Yale University, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She worked in women and prayer ministries for nearly twenty years before becoming a full-time writer. Tessa speaks regularly at national women’s events. She is a devoted wife, mediocre tomato grower, and chocolate enthusiast. Visit her online at Tessaafshar.com.