The daughter of Paulus and Alysia is grown now, and ready for a life of her own...but Rachel is unable to rise above her past, and something that happened in Rome...years ago. Metellus, former tribune in the Praetorian Guard, has been commissioned by the emperor to bring Rachel from Jerusalem to Rome, and it is a journey that will affect both their lives...in ways they never could have imagined. This standalone novel is Book III in the "Woman of Sin" trilogy.
Debra B. Diaz is the author of the "Woman of Sin" Trilogy, and she has written several novels in the historical and romantic suspense genres. She is retired and enjoys spending time with her family, doing research on Biblical topics, and writing books. Her goal as a writer is to not only entertain, but to challenge and inspire!
I have read some historical fiction in the past, but never any biblical fiction - I was hoping they were similar in style and I was not disappointed. This book kept me engaged from the beginning through the end. In most books, you assume you know how the book will end once you meet the hero and her man - I never was quite sure while reading this one if that would happen or not. I really enjoy reading books where some of the names, places, and stories are known in history and seeing how the author can incorporate known history of the period into the story line without 'changing' the history and I believe that this was done quite well. I look forward to reading more in the series!
If you aren't comfortable with evangelical prostletyizing, this is not a book for you.
This is a wonderful book. It's great historical fiction, it's wonderful Christian fiction, and, it's a darn good romance! Very reminuscent of Anne Rice's two volumes of Christian fiction, it's a stand alone story that is very interesting about first century Christians in Rome and Palestine. Diaz us a good writer, looking forward to reading more of her writing.
This is the kind of book that you know after reading the first page that it is going to be the kind of book that you sit up half of the night reading because you can't put it down. A very well written story and I truly loved reading about Rachel's life. It is a great story of love, patience and faith. I did not know when I started reading this book that it was part of a series! I am thrilled to know that there are two other books for me to read by this author about this family.
Other than a good amount of "Left Behind" style evangelism, the story was well-written and enjoyable. The characters had depth and their actions fit well with their mind-sets. New Testament period is not an area I am that familiar with, but it seemed to be at least mostly historically accurate. Personally, I am not fond of religious urgency.
I enjoyed all three books in this trilogy. Each brought a fresh perspective on early Christianity and what it truly means to follow Jesus, The characters underwent profound changes, and their varied responses to the truth of Jesus were realistic.
This final book focused on Rachel, the daughter of the two main characters in the first two novels. I half expected her to be bratty and unlikable, because that’s a trend I’ve noticed in books featuring spin-offs with later grown children. But she wasn’t. She was complex and relatable. The romance was fresh with a HEA. The only thing I wish were different is more time spent on the main characters after the full conflict ends. We only get a few paragraphs of them coming together and the book ends. Even an epilogue would make this better. You read an entire novel and, while there are many other major payoffs, the romance is abruptly wrapped up. There were a few other loose ends I’d love to see addressed, but this didn’t take away much from my overall enjoyment. I definitely recommend this series. The first two books will challenge you, and this final one will give you hope.
"I will write a letter to James, in case you are delayed in your journey." This was spoken to a trained Roman soldier, with travel papers, orders from the Emperor, on.a.horse. How did the author envision a letter arriving for James first?
Nevermind the fact that this is a member of the Praetorian Guard who is nobly exiting his service at a young age without incident-- to do what? Why to build a lovely villa on the island of Cyprus and raise horses, of course.
Also, there seemed to be an inordinate number of blonde people.
Also, the millennial girl that drove the story was flat and annoying.
I hate to do this to a good, clean, Christian story. But, there were both strong spiritual truths and hard historical facts that made up the backbone of this story, and they were muddied with 21st century western culture-- and that just seemed lazy to me.
I recommend this book to all readers. The author's writing mechanics were very good, hence the four stars. As to content, the hype and the actual content of the book may have been a little at odds. The love story between the two main characters kept the book going, but the tremendous power of faith in God the father, the son and the holy spirit was the essential storyline. The Jews were the first to believe in a monotheistic god. From them we know the importance of a blood sacrifice. The author stayed within those realms of necessity before moving into other Christian beliefs.
Rachael had every reason to be upset. She struggled in her belief. God never let her go. Oh how I love Jesus because He first loved me! Rachael was tested and passed so many times. She was surrounded by the best. I read the first two books and they were as well written as this one. These books made me laugh and cry. Rachael is the daughter/child of the King! I truly enjoyed reading all three of these books. Good reads!
I loved this story, which reminded me of the many ways God brings us to faith in Christ. The time seems to indeed be growing short; we need to share Jesus with those we know and love now, not later. The author gave me ideas for better relating the Good News to friends and loved ones, and I truly appreciate that.
I liked this book. It had a great plot, and the characters were very realistic. I wish we had more backstory on Megara so that we know how she came to be a Christian, but maybe we’ll see more in the other books.
Fantastic! Great book that explores how Christians, at various stages of their walk with the Lord, deal with grief, trials, unbelievers, work, government, and just Abu every area of life.
This series of books was very endearing to me , not only story's of Love , Sacrifice, Endearment. Such a Blessing Well Done. Thank You so much for your hard work in writing this series, May Lord Bless You. Debra Daiz.
I loved that this book is based so much in scripture. As far as I could see it was always appropriately used in correct context. It was a feel good bible based historical romance. Learning to wait patiently on the Lord is difficult, and sometimes a very long process of sitting still, but always so well worth the wait.
Rachel was a small child when her Christian parents were murdered in Rome for their belief in Christ. She is raised by her guardians Lazarus/Judith, and Simon/Daphne. Living the majority of the time in Bethany, Rachel has grown into a woman. A woman who has lost much of her faith and clings to the memory of her deceased parents. She is summoned by the emporor of Rome who has become aware of a letter penned by Rachel's father while he was in prison. The emperor has ensconced the presently retired tribune Metallus to escort and protect Rachel to Rome were she has to make an appearance inperson to the Vestal Virgins who hold the letter for safe keeping. Along the journey she falls in love with Metallus who is an unbeliever among other dangers along the way. She has to find the will of God in a lifelong decision of marriage, will she be patient in awaiting him in His time or will she follow her own heart?
I thought this book had a good plot. It took me a while to read this because I was traveling and had a bit of jet lag. I thought that this book had a strong beginning, however, it became a little weak toward the middle and end. It kind of seemed rushed toward the end and as I was reading, it felt like the author was fighting to meet a deadline. Despite it feeling rushed, I liked the story and Metellus's character.
I just wrote a long review and accidentally deleted it.....so I will say that I really enjoyed the book it was a great, clean entertaining read. Love the compassion and patience that was shown to win new converts. I also loved how the writer showed that God used miracles to win those whose hearts had been hardened towards him.
I found this work to be more enjoyable than anticipated after reading the first few pages. It picked up pace and sailed smoothly along tossing in a few names familiar to Bible students and some students of ancient Rome. Certainly would entertain thoughts of reading more works by the author.
This was in interesting Christian romance. It was tender and romantic. It took place in the very early church, just years after Jesus' death and resurrection. Not necessarily historically accurate, but that's not why you'd be reading this book.