Readers Comment on Acts of Faith Series

Dale writes:

I just began reading The Centurion's Wif e. It struck a chord because I've been working on my own novel, which includes some of the same historical characters used in The Centurion's Wife.

My version of the centurion is quite different from yours, and I have some concerns about that. Were you able to find actual historical accounts of the centurion that provided his name or his origins in Gaul? Though I spent some effort searching, I was unable to find out anything about this man that is not in Scripture. Claudia/Procles/Procula (Pilate's wife) on the other hand, seems to have at least a few legends and historical accounts beyond Scripture.

My Reponse:

No, there is nothing whatsoever directly related to the Centurion's background, not as legend nor as historical commentary. What we do know, and this is verified record, is that by the time of Jesus' birth almost all the Roman soldiers based in Judea were from the outer provinces. Most were either conscripted at a very early age, or sold, or volunteered after their own armies were defeated. They were warriors. They knew no other life.

As for Procula, there is a great deal more on offer. I would urge you to read a truly remarkable biography entitled Pontius Pilate, by Anne Wroe (Doubleday), a finalist for the Pulitzer. It deals mostly with legend, as that is all we have, but there are several crucial links made to recent archeological finds.

Dorothea writes:

Thank you for writing The Centurion's Wife and The Hidden Flame. I enjoyed both books, and I'm about to read The Damascus Way. This is a wonderful series that brings the early church to life.

Judy writes:

Just finished The Damascus Way. So enjoyable. There was a great deal of research that went into this book. There is something about your books that goes beyond enjoyment that I look for.

Sarah writes:

Your books make me think…they go deep. I can't explain it. When I thought of the character Jamal in The Damascus Way I thought of my own Dad. He isn't a believer and only recently has shown interest. Do pray for him if you will. His name is Cork… Keep writing and stay close to the Lord in these trying times. We have an awesome God.

My Response:

It was so very touching to hear of this connection you made between my characters and your father. This was specifically what Janette Oke was after when she came up with this idea.

We wanted to get away from an inspirational book where all the characters were either of faith or moving in this direction.

Life then, and now, was very different for a lot of families. I do hope and pray that this seismic shift and re-orientation happens in your father's life.

**Note: You can download a free copy of The Centurion's Wife (Book 1 in the series) to either your Kindle or Nook for a limited time.