Yahshua's Bridge

Iron & the Stone #2

by Sandi Rog, Wendy Chorot (Foreword)

An amethyst stone draws him to his past. An elusive maiden draws him to his future. Alexander is born into slavery under an abusive master: a master of his own flesh and blood ... a man he will never call father. Determined to break away from his master's hold, Alexander devises a plan to purchase his freedom. But what's he to do when he finds himself shipped off in shackles to Egypt, disappearing from the lives of everyone he knows and loves?"

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Fiction, Drama

360 pages, Paperback

First published May 23, 2011

About the author

I'm an award-winning author and have been editing since 1999. I write children's books and hysterical--er--I mean, historical fiction for adults. After living in Holland for thirteen years, I'm now in Colorado with my husband and four children. I loved living in Europe with all its history: the ancient ruins of castles and Roman villas, seeing actual dungeons and gladiator arenas, and eating Roman food. Imagine the stories all those places could tell. When I was a girl, I'd dream up stories and play them out in my mind. Now that I’m all grown up, I make those dreams come to life by putting them down on paper.

Reviews

[Christine Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve waited a long time for a Christian romance that has a dark-eyed desert sheik riding off with the heroine on horseback. Call me a romantic fool, but I finally found a book to satisfy this craving. Sandi Rog has written a totally believable story in Yahshua’s Bridge that is intelligent while sweeping me away on a heart-rending, drama-filled adventure set in the first century.

It’s about the slave Alexander, and Elianna, who pledged their hearts in childhood only to be torn apart when Alexander is shipped off in shackles to Egypt. Their lives take different directions, separated not only by miles and countries, but circumstances against all odds. Sandi Rog has managed to weave together a plot that has slaves, gladiators, and Christians martyred in Roman coliseums. It’s a story that encourages my faith when it appears my deepest heart’s desires may never be coming.

I found Yahshua’s Bridge a beautifully written story with lots of twists and turns, fast-paced with all the intrigue to satisfy this demanding reader. I highly recommend this book. It ranks up there with Francine River’s Mark of the Lion series.

[Tracy Krauss · Rating 5 out of 5]

YAHSHUA'S BRIDGE is the second in The Master’s Wall series by Sandi Rog. Set in ancient Rome, the book takes place during the turbulent years of the early Christian church. Here we meet Alexander, a young slave who also happens to be the son of his master. The book spans twelve years of his life, full of interesting descriptions of Roman customs as well as the sometimes sordid truth of what life for a Christian was like at that time. His story is woven together with several other people, most importantly David and Alethea, who carry over from book one, and their young daughter Ellianne.
In the beginning the story simply rolls along, chronicling Alexander’s trials and adventures as he moves through various stages of life. About half way through, though, the book takes a riveting turn when we realize that each one of these adventures has great significance, not only for his future, but for the lives of everyone he holds dear. The dramatic climax had me riveted to the book.
In the end, YAHSHUA’S BRIDGE is a very satisfying read.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yashua's Bridge is a powerful story about forgiveness and loyalty to the Christian faith. There were well-drawn characters, both slave and free in this novel. A number of them made up the early church located in Rome, though not all. The story took place during the reign of Domitian, who was one of the Caesars that killed Christians who refused to worship him as a god. This novel follows the life of Alexander, who was born into slavery. His life's goal was to earn his freedom and to set his mother free. Unfortunately his father was also his master, and his father abused him and his mother.

Despite his painful childhood, Alexander followed Yashua's teachings and he had a special relationship with David's family. (David was the main character in the first book.) Some devastating things occurred that rocked Alexander's world. Similar devastation happened to David's life at a later date. They both dealt with bitterness, anger, and a hate severe enough to make them want to kill the offenders. Despite their justified anger, they are taught by the Lord through various situations that they must forgive. This story shows their struggle to forgive, but also the healing that took place in their hearts. I loved the theme that God loves us enough to allow whatever is necessary to bring about our spiritual good and to produce healing in our lives. Sometimes what He allows makes no sense to us at the time.

Yashua's Bridge reminded me of Francine Rivers's Mark of the Lion trilogy in that it was also set during the first century when Christianity was still growing, and when gladiators fought to the death for mere entertainment of Roman citizens. Sandi Rog draws you into the story so deeply that you feel each character's pain and you hurt along with them. Well-written and fast paced, Yashua's Bridge has the potential to heal hearts and touch many lives because it doesn't soft-step or minimize human suffering. The greater the darkness was, the more the light of Christ shone in this book. I loved it!

[Mesu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandi Rog has taken us into the heart of the early church, into the complicated lives of Yeshua's early followers. In a masterfully woven tale, Rog leads us into a number of fantastic settings. We experience the arena of lions where faithful believers met their fate in Rome. She takes us to the sand dunes of a sheik and the cave cities of Capadocia--all within the amazing, yet believable story of a young girl cradled by the love of her persecuted family, carried in the arms of her loving God. There were literally points in this story that I could not force the book from my hands. I was compelled to discover the fate of the characters Sandi had created, characters so committed to each other and to Yeshua--yet so confused when God acted in ways they couldn't explain. This book does not specifically tell of biblical characters, but it depicts a time in history when the Church was forming and the Gospel was gaining ground--in the face of its most severe persecution. This work of biblical fiction tells of real struggle, real faith, and a real God. It takes its place on the top shelf as one of my favorite reads this year.

[Dina Sleiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Yahshua's Bridge I found an amazing novel full of romance and intrigue just as I've come to expect from Sandi Rog. Beyond that, I found an epic struggle of good versus evil played out against a backdrop of martyrs, coliseums, and gladiators. And for added fun, Sandi even took me on a journey to the deserts of Africa where I encountered exotic sheiks and veiled ladies. Most importantly, though, this book illustrated to me more than any other novel the fact that life is but a pale illusion and the glorious reality awaiting us in eternity far supersedes any temporary pain or struggles we might face on this earth.

[Terri Harr · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Sandi's first book, The Master's Wall, I knew this book would be great, too. I loved the fact that so many of the characters from the first book were in this one. It was even easier for the book to grab my heart from the first page because of that. But the way she writes, I think it would have been the case anyway. The characters seem so real and you feel as if you are there.

She doesn't short cut around the hard stuff. She faces it head on. It is done in a very tasteful manner but it is still done. I have to say that at one point in the middle of the book my heart was ripped out and put back all in the same chapter! As I sat there reading, my eyes filled with tears and my body shook, both in sadness and joy. The way she wrote those scenes shows me that God wrote through her. I know it is fiction but I feel that somehow God gave her a glimpse of His mercy when it comes to the hardest things in a Christian's life.

One of the main background topics is forgiveness. Who are we to forgive? How much are we to forgive? Is there anyone good? Is there any amount of sin too great for God to forgive and Jesus blood to cover? How can we forgive those who hurt us the most? How can God forgive us when we refuse to forgive others and/or ourselves? These are some hard questions that have such a simple answer. Forgive everyone. Jesus blood covers it ALL. God can bring that forgiveness in your heart if you seek it.

You will be on the edge of your seat the entire time you are reading this book. You will not want to put it down. There is adventure, danger, love, romance, betrayal, friendship, etc... I could go on! It has it all. This is a great book that I recommend highly! It is on my all time list of favorite books, something I want on my e-reader AND my bookshelves.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book worth waiting for. It was so moving. The characters were so real, even Heaven felt real. To learn more about David and Alethea were such a good feeling to me. I loved watching Alexander grow up. Several things happened that I had not expected to happen, but it was natural. We all have to make decisions and some of the people in the book did not make good decisions. This is definitely a love story. A love of a Christian for their God. A love of a man and a woman. A love of holiness. I knew it would be graphic, but I knew that happened at that time. The writing is good, and the history of the time is magnificent. You feel the energy of the time. After reading this book, I'm a better Christian.

[A J Hawke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yahshua's Bridge by Sandi Rog is a powerful epic of the world of ancient Rome and the first century Christians. I was mesmerized by the almost poetic writing, brilliant descriptions, realistic characters, and tug-at-your-heart story. From Alexander, the young slave boy, to Etianne the survivor of the Roman persecution of her Christian family, this story is compelling. Sandi Rog is a truly talented historian and writer and I look forward to the third in the Iron and the Stone trilogy. This book is published by DeWard Publishing.
A J Hawke, author of Cabin on Pinto Creek and Caught Between Two Worlds

[Nancy Kimball · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great in that "gets you right here" way. The writing is superb, the characters unforgettable, from the villains to the heroes and those who its hard to tell which is which. If you're looking for Christian fiction not afraid to show it how it really was back in the first century for the slaves, sinners, and nobles alike, this is that book. I highly recommend you read book one first, The Master's Wall, to be able to pick up the added richness of this story, but even without book one, this one will still leave you thinking long after you've finished it.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent, once started I could not put it down. It held me captive from the very beginning.

Take a peak inside the life of a gladiator and martyrs. See the phenomenal construction of coliseums and the homes in Rome. Visit Egypt with sheiks and veiled ladies.

More than anything see the struggle of good versus evil and heaven or hell. Those who give and those who take away. Experience love, betrayal, hate and forgiveness at it's best.

This book is sure to make you think about your life and the way you are living it!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better then The Masters Wall (and that was incredible)... Love this story, the characters and the message.. AMAZING!!!

[Jodi Woody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Read book two not knowing there was a book one. So some things were not real clear. Going to read book one now.

[Katie Rew · Rating 1 out of 5]

Way too inappropriate for a Christian book. Focuses on the wrong things.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read.

[Bruce Judisch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best-selling author Robert Liparulo's opening endorsement, "Sandi Rog has done it again..." is spot on. She really has.

Book Two in the "Iron and the Stone" series, and sequel to the award-winning "The Master's Wall," "Yahshua's Bridge" follows our beloved characters, David and Alethea, as they experience the trials and the victories of the early Church. This time, however, a previously supporting cast steps to center stage and transports us from Rome to Alexandria to the depths of desert-bound Egypt, and beyond.

Young Alexander has come into his own. Tutored in the physical arts of the warrior and the spiritual disciplines of a believer by his mentor and de facto father, David, 'Zander' discovers himself and his surprising past--but that's not all. He also discovers his future in the person of David and Alethea's daughter, Elianna. Elianna's take on this? Well, she's not so sure.

On her own journey of self-discovery, Elianna sheds the shackles of societal convention. When Zander disappears, her persistent hope in his return to the fulfillment of his promise dwindles. Meantime, David whisks her away from Rome in the charge of protectors on a journey from her enemies and from what he has become. But he doesn't count on the Lord's intervention, as so few of us do. Hold on for the ride, folks. Oh, yeah. It's dizzying.

Ms. Rog's in-depth research pairs wonderfully with her exceptional storytelling ability to yield a gripping 1st-century tale of betrayal and love, failure and faith. You don't read about early Rome, you feel the paving stones beneath your sandals as you race with Elianna through the streets. The wind-blown sands of the Egyptian heartland prick your face, and you blink in the intense rays of its blinding sun with Zander as he seeks his heritage.

Ultimately, the bittersweet conclusion will have you cheering and brushing the tear from your cheek at the same time. Few authors can achieve that so fluidly. Ms. Rog does.

Highly recommended for the historical-Biblical fiction enthusiast. You won't be sorry you took the ride. Great read.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very glad I didn't read these books out of order as it almost happened that way. Yahshua's Bridge is book two of the Iron and Stone series, following The Master's Wall. It was critical to read The Master's Wall first to understand the lives of the characters in Yahshua's Bridge. We continue with the lives of David and Alethea who are part of the early Christian church as recently redeemed people. We see their struggles to understand and live out love and grace in their lives. David is a former slave and has to reclaim his identity as a free man. Other members of the church still live as slaves and wrestle with having freedom in Christ, but chains in other areas of their life. I liked that the people truly felt real, asking the same kind of questions that we all do, "How does God's Word fit my life?"

I learned while reading this book that Sandi Rog was undergoing cancer treatment while she wrote Yahshua's Bridge. Her own struggles percolate through the writing and it becomes especially clear that she wishes to communicate the hope of heaven beyond the struggles of this life. Since this story takes place during the horrible Roman persecution of the church, some difficult scenes are included as well as an author's best attempt to depict a forgiven saint's entry into heaven. Readers might take issue with some of these liberties, but Rog clearly wants to show the joy that can be found even in the darkest of sorrow.

I was disappointed to find that book three was apparently never written. I would have loved to see where the series would go next. Perhaps Rog couldn't revisit that world for book three after all she had gone through to get book 2 to print. Even so, it was a memorable read.

[Linda Yezak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the tumultuous era of Roman domination and Christian persecution, Yahshua's Bridge follows the story of two young Christians--one, the young slave of his own father; the other, the daughter of a Roman citizen and former slave--across the nations. As they grow and learn, separate and reunite, both suffer unmeasureable loss, yet remain faithful to the Lord and each other.

I won the novel in a Goodreads Giveaway and did a Snoopy dance when it came in. The story is rich with descriptions that drop the reader into the hubbub Rome, the desert of Arabia, the magic of Cappadocia--invisible by day, alight by night. Sandi doesn't shy away from the realities of the era. Her depictions of the horrors people inflicted upon each other are vivid without delving into mainstream techniques.

The use of some contemporary words in this ancient setting distracted me momentarily, but Sandi is a skillful artist when it comes to developing tension and maintaining action.

This book is sure to please!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this follow up book to The Master's Wall. In this story, it expands upon David but focuses more on Alexander. This one was a difficult book to read, not because of the way it was written, but because of what it was about. This book will challenge your faith and cause you to really look into yourself. Yes, it's a work of fiction but it really got to me. Despite the challenges, forgiveness is always the right path to go.

I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy reading Christian fiction. This book has real-to-life characters. I found myself as if I was in the story as it was unfolding. These characters face real-life situations and make reasonable decisions. This isn't a mushy love story, but there is a romance thread. More importantly, the characters love their Lord and show how a relationship with Christ can be.

[LadyCalico · Rating 5 out of 5]

The follow-up to The Master's Wall, this is the story of a young Roman slave seeking to earn his freedom and then find his, on the lam, betrothed, set amid the hardships and dangers of First Century Christian communities. Lessons in the importance of forgiveness and staying strong against sin and impulse in the midst of anger, temptation, hate, and even murder, abound herein. The story was awkward and in need of polishing in spots and toward the end was rather poorly paced, which I overlook because the author was trying to finish this book while very ill fighting cancer, nevertheless overall it was an excellent story that really touched my heart and made me aware and repentant of so much of my own sin nature.

[rzells · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story by Sandi Rog was powerful and captivating. A tale of many ups and downs, a story of true love: this was one to read late into the night. As with most stories like this one, we know that the main character will triumph, find true love/be united with the one they love, or whatever may be the case, but there will be obstacles and to what extent will the compromises and sacrifices be? It's all here in Sandi's compelling, life-like story of unconditional love, courage and determination. Perfect historical fiction with uniquely presented characters, realism, and it's obvious the author knows her history. Flawless.

[Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, I think even more than her first book The Master's Wall (which was also great). I love that it is historical Christian fiction, which really brings to life the struggles the early Christians faced. The characters are so vibrant and the story compelling. If you are looking for an inspiring novel, this is it. I would read The Master's Wall first (it is a series) but the book does stand alone too.

[Lynn Squire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yahshua's Bridge, by Sandi Rog, goes above and beyond the average Christian Fiction.

In a story filled with adventure and emotional tension, Sandi weaves in beautiful threads of faith.

If you want a story that will stretch your faith through the lives of characters that seem as real as you or I, then I suggest you read Yahshua's Bridge. If Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series moved you, so will this story.

[Tenille Berezay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was intense (even more so than the first one). I did enjoy it a lot, but you have to be in the mood for a heavier read. I wish that the end had more resolution between the two MC's. They did figure everything out, but after all the crazy heartache I wanted that scene to be longer! I also love that despite all the horrible things happening to the characters this book was filled with hope and faith.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical Fiction taking place in 80AD. It follows the life of Alexander, a slave and illegitimate child, living in ancient Rome. He lives a hard life but keeps his faith which is tested throughout the story. From gladiators to bedouins, from Christian persecution to a love story, there is never a dull moment.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in a series, this one picked up a few years after The Master's Wall left off. (I got both of these free on Kindle, yippee!) Many of the same characters, and new ones, but the same great storytelling and wonderfully written characters as the other book. I thoroughly enjoyed this look into the lives of early Christians, less than 100 years after the death and resurrection of Christ.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sequel to The Master's Wall which I enjoyed greatly. However, I think I liked the sequel even better!! The characters and story line were thoroughly captivating with so many twist and turns. A very interesting and exciting read!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yahshua is another type of word meaning God in Hebrew, Yahshua's/Gods Bridge. Sandi Rog wrote Yahshua's Bridge with such passion and twist it's hard to let go of the book, I highly recommand this book.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a powerful and sometimes painful look at the life of the early believers in Rome and across the Empire. It left me feeling a kinship with the early believers, and an awe at the depths of their faith.

[Re · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book. Sandi Rog did a good job depicting the the 1st century Biblical story. There was lots of romance, adenture,action,and we learned many Godly lessons. What more can you ask for? I also loved "Zander" and Elianna. I can't wait till the 3rd installment.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written story of the early church and the persecution by the Roman government. Some difficult scenes, but made me appreciate that we live in a country and time that we can openly express our faith. Wish I had read The Master's Wall first.