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Acts of Faith #1
The Centurion's Wife
Janette Oke has dreamed for years of retelling a story in a biblical time frame from a female protagonist's perspective, and Davis Bunn is elated to be working with her again on this sweeping saga of the dramatic events surrounding the birth of Christianity...and the very personal story of Leah, a young Jewess of mixed heritage trapped in a vortex of competing political agendas and private trauma.
Caught up in the maelstrom following the death of an obscure rabbi in the Roman backwater of first-century Palestine, Leah finds herself also engulfed in her own turmoil--facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to a Roman soldier, Alban, who seems to care for nothing but his own ambitions. Head of the garrison near Galilee, he has been assigned by Palestine's governor to ferret out the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry. Leah's mistress, the governor's wife, secretly commissions Leah also to discover what really has become of this man whose death--and missing body--is causing such furor.
This epic drama is threaded with the tale of an unlikely romance and framed with dangers and betrayals from unexpected sources. At its core, The Centurion's Wife unfolds the testing of loyalties--between two young people whose inner searchings they cannot express, between their irreconcilable heritages, and ultimately between their humanity and the Divine they yearn to encounter.
Caught up in the maelstrom following the death of an obscure rabbi in the Roman backwater of first-century Palestine, Leah finds herself also engulfed in her own turmoil--facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to a Roman soldier, Alban, who seems to care for nothing but his own ambitions. Head of the garrison near Galilee, he has been assigned by Palestine's governor to ferret out the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry. Leah's mistress, the governor's wife, secretly commissions Leah also to discover what really has become of this man whose death--and missing body--is causing such furor.
This epic drama is threaded with the tale of an unlikely romance and framed with dangers and betrayals from unexpected sources. At its core, The Centurion's Wife unfolds the testing of loyalties--between two young people whose inner searchings they cannot express, between their irreconcilable heritages, and ultimately between their humanity and the Divine they yearn to encounter.
378 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
1176 people are currently reading
12055 people want to read
About the author
Davis Bunn
109 books1,034 followersDavis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than eight million books in twenty languages.
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.
His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.
Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,021 reviews
August 4, 2016
Hey, guys . . .
You know what just happened to me?
I read a Christian Fiction Romance novel.
Voluntarily. Of my own choice.
AND I LOVED IT TO LITTLE BITS AND PIECES.
As I think you all know by now, this is something that rarely, if ever, happens. I don't usually like CFR. In fact, I'm sure a few of you have me labelled in your minds as "Jessica-who-hates-Christian-Fiction-Romance." And until a few days ago, that label was completely accurate ;-) But . . . not anymore.
Because this book is just sooooooooooooooooooooo good.
Seriously, I loved almost everything about it, and that's saying something. True, the writing style was a little choppy at times--especially towards the beginning--and the story took a bit of time to really "get off the ground," as it were. But by chapter 4, when we were introduced to our hero, Alban, and told that he's actually the centurion whose servant Jesus miraculously healed (Matthew 8:5-13), I was hooked. Completely. And things only got better from there.
You see, that centurion happens to be one of my very favorite characters in the entire Bible. And the way he's imagined/portrayed here--as Alban, a Gaul who was forced to begin training as a soldier at age 12 and rose to the rank of Roman centurion by dint of sheer effort--is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. He's a fantastic hero . . . not perfect, by any means, but good and decent and honest and incredibly caring, in spite of the rough life he's led. And besides that, his bond with the young servant boy, Jacob, is completely adorable. Cuteness personified. I loved Alban. Basically, from the first moment he stepped onto the page, I was rooting for him. SO. HARD.
Now, as for the heroine--Leah, the Roman/Jewish girl betrothed to Alban--I must admit, it took me a long time to really warm up to her. I didn't DISLIKE her, but for a long time I couldn't understand her very well; because the authors withheld crucial information about her back-story until quite late in the book. Too late, in my opinion. I get that they wanted to reveal the true facts at a dramatic moment, and all that (and it WAS quite dramatic); but seriously, this was information that we needed to know in order to understand the character properly. Without that piece of her backstory, many of Leah's actions and feelings came across as highly irrational; and since it was clear that the authors intended her to be a very sensible, practical, down-to-earth character, that discrepancy really bothered me until it was explained.
After they explained it, though, I really, really loved Leah; she'd been through SO MUCH in her young life, and yet still chose to remain strong. And it was a conscious choice, believe me. She had a perfect excuse for simply giving up--and there were moments when she certainly wanted to--but she never did. Plus, she was unfailingly thoughtful and caring and responsible, even toward those who really couldn't give her anything in return. Way to go, Leah!!!!! :-)
The romance between herself and Alban is quite possibly the sweetest I've read in a long, long, looooooooooooooooong time. They're just so PERFECT for each other that I can hardly handle it. Honestly, after seeing the gentle, patient way that Alban worked to break down Leah's mistrust and fear of him--well, of men in general, I should say--I was absolutely melting. ALBAN CAN I HUG YOU??? PLEASE????? (Also . . . just as a matter of interest . . . any of you guys know where I can find me a man like that? ;-) )
And you know what's really incredible? They managed to be that cute and adorable with literally zero kissing included. AND zero stupid arguments and awkward reconciliations. SOMEBODY HELP ME COLLECT MY JAW FROM THE FLOOR WHERE IT FELL. You know I don't mind kissing in a romance novel; but I think you'll all agree with me that it can definitely be overdone. So to have a CFR story without that . . . let's just say it was, well, refreshing.
Besides the characters and the romance--which was obviously amazing--I really, truly loved the religious aspect of the story. Reading this book, I almost felt that, like Alban and Leah, I was discovering the marvellous truth about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for the very first time. AND IT MADE ME SO HAPPY. Because, to be honest, don't we all take that stuff for granted sometimes? I know I do, anyway. Sometimes, I really do need to be reminded how blessed I am to have a Savior like Jesus; how He became human for my sake and suffered more than anyone else ever has or ever will, just to give me and all those who follow Him eternal life. He really does love me that much. And this book made me feel that all over again. Which was pretty awesome.
My only major complaint with this book--besides what I already mentioned about the late reveal of Leah's backstory--were certain Biblical inaccuracies which kind of bothered me. First, Pilate's wife (you know, the lady who had a dream about Jesus) is included as a character in the novel; and I really objected to the way she was portrayed. She was cruel, manipulative, deceitful, and basically unlikable; moreover, she was only interested in Jesus and the possiblity of His resurrection because she saw him as a threat to her husband, Pilate. Now, I know she's only in the Bible for--what--like, one verse?--but I seriously didn't get that impression of her. And I see no reason for the authors to imagine her as such a very unpleasant person when we have no proof whatsoever that she WAS that way.
Second, the book stated that Alban--the centurion--never actually spoke to Jesus face-to-face, not even when He was healing the servant boy; according to the authors, Alban only sent messengers to talk to Jesus, rather than meeting Him in person. I AM NOT BUYING THIS STORY. Matthew's Gospel account specifically says that they met face-to-face, and, again, I see no reason to change that. So yeah, I wasn't happy with that part of it.
But everything else about this book? GOLD. Absolute gold. Go and find yourself a copy and read it. You won't be disappointed.
You know what just happened to me?
I read a Christian Fiction Romance novel.
Voluntarily. Of my own choice.
AND I LOVED IT TO LITTLE BITS AND PIECES.
As I think you all know by now, this is something that rarely, if ever, happens. I don't usually like CFR. In fact, I'm sure a few of you have me labelled in your minds as "Jessica-who-hates-Christian-Fiction-Romance." And until a few days ago, that label was completely accurate ;-) But . . . not anymore.
Because this book is just sooooooooooooooooooooo good.
Seriously, I loved almost everything about it, and that's saying something. True, the writing style was a little choppy at times--especially towards the beginning--and the story took a bit of time to really "get off the ground," as it were. But by chapter 4, when we were introduced to our hero, Alban, and told that he's actually the centurion whose servant Jesus miraculously healed (Matthew 8:5-13), I was hooked. Completely. And things only got better from there.
You see, that centurion happens to be one of my very favorite characters in the entire Bible. And the way he's imagined/portrayed here--as Alban, a Gaul who was forced to begin training as a soldier at age 12 and rose to the rank of Roman centurion by dint of sheer effort--is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. He's a fantastic hero . . . not perfect, by any means, but good and decent and honest and incredibly caring, in spite of the rough life he's led. And besides that, his bond with the young servant boy, Jacob, is completely adorable. Cuteness personified. I loved Alban. Basically, from the first moment he stepped onto the page, I was rooting for him. SO. HARD.
Now, as for the heroine--Leah, the Roman/Jewish girl betrothed to Alban--I must admit, it took me a long time to really warm up to her. I didn't DISLIKE her, but for a long time I couldn't understand her very well; because the authors withheld crucial information about her back-story until quite late in the book. Too late, in my opinion. I get that they wanted to reveal the true facts at a dramatic moment, and all that (and it WAS quite dramatic); but seriously, this was information that we needed to know in order to understand the character properly. Without that piece of her backstory, many of Leah's actions and feelings came across as highly irrational; and since it was clear that the authors intended her to be a very sensible, practical, down-to-earth character, that discrepancy really bothered me until it was explained.
After they explained it, though, I really, really loved Leah; she'd been through SO MUCH in her young life, and yet still chose to remain strong. And it was a conscious choice, believe me. She had a perfect excuse for simply giving up--and there were moments when she certainly wanted to--but she never did. Plus, she was unfailingly thoughtful and caring and responsible, even toward those who really couldn't give her anything in return. Way to go, Leah!!!!! :-)
The romance between herself and Alban is quite possibly the sweetest I've read in a long, long, looooooooooooooooong time. They're just so PERFECT for each other that I can hardly handle it. Honestly, after seeing the gentle, patient way that Alban worked to break down Leah's mistrust and fear of him--well, of men in general, I should say--I was absolutely melting. ALBAN CAN I HUG YOU??? PLEASE????? (Also . . . just as a matter of interest . . . any of you guys know where I can find me a man like that? ;-) )
And you know what's really incredible? They managed to be that cute and adorable with literally zero kissing included. AND zero stupid arguments and awkward reconciliations. SOMEBODY HELP ME COLLECT MY JAW FROM THE FLOOR WHERE IT FELL. You know I don't mind kissing in a romance novel; but I think you'll all agree with me that it can definitely be overdone. So to have a CFR story without that . . . let's just say it was, well, refreshing.
Besides the characters and the romance--which was obviously amazing--I really, truly loved the religious aspect of the story. Reading this book, I almost felt that, like Alban and Leah, I was discovering the marvellous truth about Jesus' life, death, and resurrection for the very first time. AND IT MADE ME SO HAPPY. Because, to be honest, don't we all take that stuff for granted sometimes? I know I do, anyway. Sometimes, I really do need to be reminded how blessed I am to have a Savior like Jesus; how He became human for my sake and suffered more than anyone else ever has or ever will, just to give me and all those who follow Him eternal life. He really does love me that much. And this book made me feel that all over again. Which was pretty awesome.
My only major complaint with this book--besides what I already mentioned about the late reveal of Leah's backstory--were certain Biblical inaccuracies which kind of bothered me. First, Pilate's wife (you know, the lady who had a dream about Jesus) is included as a character in the novel; and I really objected to the way she was portrayed. She was cruel, manipulative, deceitful, and basically unlikable; moreover, she was only interested in Jesus and the possiblity of His resurrection because she saw him as a threat to her husband, Pilate. Now, I know she's only in the Bible for--what--like, one verse?--but I seriously didn't get that impression of her. And I see no reason for the authors to imagine her as such a very unpleasant person when we have no proof whatsoever that she WAS that way.
Second, the book stated that Alban--the centurion--never actually spoke to Jesus face-to-face, not even when He was healing the servant boy; according to the authors, Alban only sent messengers to talk to Jesus, rather than meeting Him in person. I AM NOT BUYING THIS STORY. Matthew's Gospel account specifically says that they met face-to-face, and, again, I see no reason to change that. So yeah, I wasn't happy with that part of it.
But everything else about this book? GOLD. Absolute gold. Go and find yourself a copy and read it. You won't be disappointed.
April 21, 2018
The youngest daughter of a Roman man and a Romanized Jewish woman, Leah is now orphaned and penniless. She is hired as a maidservant by Claudia Procula, a friend of her deceased mother. When Claudia's husband, Pontius Pilate, is sent by the Emperor to be governor of Judaea, Leah has no choice but to sail with the family she serves.
Leah doesn't feel fully at home among Romans, but she has nothing in common with her other people, the Jews, whom she has had little exposure to before now. She doesn't understand their religious fervor, or their ever-simmering hatred and disgust for the Romans. This Passover has been even more fractious than usual, culminating in the execution of an itinerant preacher with a restless following. All Leah knows about the dead man, Yeshua of Nazareth, is that He haunts Claudia's nightmares.
But as turbulent days rush by and bizarre rumors sweep Jerusalem, Claudia pays Leah to infiltrate Yeshua's followers and learn as much about Him as she can.
Leah must get these Galilean hillbillies to trust her while evading another detective, the centurion Alban, hired by her employer's husband. Pilate has betrothed Leah to Alban, without seeking the girl's permission, on the condition that the soldier discover the missing corpse of Yeshua, proving that He died and saving Pilate's administration a lot of embarrassment. Alban is young, brave, handsome, and kind, so Leah just knows he's hiding something.
No content advisory needed. This is one of the cleanest adult books I've ever read. It is fine for young teens.
Bunn and Oke write as a surehanded unit. The pacing is fluid and the fictional characters are mostly a likeable crew, especially Alban, his servant boy Jacob, and his army buddy Linux, both of whom will have major roles in the two later installments. Leah is something of both a misanthrope and misandrist, but once we learn how she got that way she's easy to sympathize with. The Biblical characters are sketched with much less detail, except for Claudia. As my friend Katie noted in her review, this Claudia comes across as manipulative, and afraid of Jesus rather than fascinated by Him. This is quite different from how she comes across during her brief appearance in Scripture, or how she's been portrayed in works such as The Passion of the Christ.
The romance that blooms between our two sleuths is sweet and slow and filled with empathy.
I took off two stars for the two major problems I have with the series. The first one continues throughout, and I'll discuss it when I review The Damascus Way.
The other is a fleeting line, almost too petty to mention, that occurs halfway through the book...
The scene: Leah has been befriended by Mary Magdalene (who is given very little development in this book and disappears by the second book). Our heroine is distressed one day and runs to the Disciples' neighborhood, and is greeted by a gaggle of Christian girls her age and younger. They ask her whom she seems and she, panting after running across the city, can just get out the word "Mary."
"We have several Marys," says one of the girls. "There's Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany*, Mary the Mother of our Lord -" Then one of her friends cuts in, "Don't be silly. Why would she want to talk to His mother?!"
Yeah, who'd want to talk to her? I mean, Luke did, the third Gospel writer and Dear and Glorious Physician. himself, but he's like, I don't know, a saint or something.
In all seriousness though. It makes no sense that these young women, who were friends of Jesus while He lived, would disrespect His mother. She was the kindest and most supportive of women, and probably many there loved her as much as their own moms.This whole episode had no reason to exist, was probably out of character, and as a Catholic I found it to be in poor taste.
i
Anyway, that part bugged me but it was not enough to ruin the book. Coming soon, The Hidden Flame .
*There's a theory that Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene are the same person.
Leah doesn't feel fully at home among Romans, but she has nothing in common with her other people, the Jews, whom she has had little exposure to before now. She doesn't understand their religious fervor, or their ever-simmering hatred and disgust for the Romans. This Passover has been even more fractious than usual, culminating in the execution of an itinerant preacher with a restless following. All Leah knows about the dead man, Yeshua of Nazareth, is that He haunts Claudia's nightmares.
But as turbulent days rush by and bizarre rumors sweep Jerusalem, Claudia pays Leah to infiltrate Yeshua's followers and learn as much about Him as she can.
Leah must get these Galilean hillbillies to trust her while evading another detective, the centurion Alban, hired by her employer's husband. Pilate has betrothed Leah to Alban, without seeking the girl's permission, on the condition that the soldier discover the missing corpse of Yeshua, proving that He died and saving Pilate's administration a lot of embarrassment. Alban is young, brave, handsome, and kind, so Leah just knows he's hiding something.
No content advisory needed. This is one of the cleanest adult books I've ever read. It is fine for young teens.
Bunn and Oke write as a surehanded unit. The pacing is fluid and the fictional characters are mostly a likeable crew, especially Alban, his servant boy Jacob, and his army buddy Linux, both of whom will have major roles in the two later installments. Leah is something of both a misanthrope and misandrist, but once we learn how she got that way she's easy to sympathize with. The Biblical characters are sketched with much less detail, except for Claudia. As my friend Katie noted in her review, this Claudia comes across as manipulative, and afraid of Jesus rather than fascinated by Him. This is quite different from how she comes across during her brief appearance in Scripture, or how she's been portrayed in works such as The Passion of the Christ.
The romance that blooms between our two sleuths is sweet and slow and filled with empathy.
I took off two stars for the two major problems I have with the series. The first one continues throughout, and I'll discuss it when I review The Damascus Way.
The other is a fleeting line, almost too petty to mention, that occurs halfway through the book...
The scene: Leah has been befriended by Mary Magdalene (who is given very little development in this book and disappears by the second book). Our heroine is distressed one day and runs to the Disciples' neighborhood, and is greeted by a gaggle of Christian girls her age and younger. They ask her whom she seems and she, panting after running across the city, can just get out the word "Mary."
"We have several Marys," says one of the girls. "There's Mary Magdalene, Mary of Bethany*, Mary the Mother of our Lord -" Then one of her friends cuts in, "Don't be silly. Why would she want to talk to His mother?!"
Yeah, who'd want to talk to her? I mean, Luke did, the third Gospel writer and Dear and Glorious Physician. himself, but he's like, I don't know, a saint or something.
In all seriousness though. It makes no sense that these young women, who were friends of Jesus while He lived, would disrespect His mother. She was the kindest and most supportive of women, and probably many there loved her as much as their own moms.This whole episode had no reason to exist, was probably out of character, and as a Catholic I found it to be in poor taste.
iAnyway, that part bugged me but it was not enough to ruin the book. Coming soon, The Hidden Flame .
*There's a theory that Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene are the same person.
February 7, 2025
This one took me longer to finish than usual, but that's because I've had a lot going on recently. It was a good Biblical historical fiction read, but it could have been a bit shorter.
August 4, 2017
Note: I listened to this on audio.
I don’t read a lot of fiction set in biblical times (now that I think of it, I’m not sure I’ve *ever* read fiction set in biblical times unless listening to Adventures in Odyssey counts), but I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was sweet, perfectly clean, and it kept me involved enough that even when I had technical difficulties that put the audiobook chapters out of order and I had to fix them and start the whole over again, I didn’t mind. I just really wanted to know what would happen, and I am interested in checking out the other two books in the Acts of Faith series.
5 stars
I don’t read a lot of fiction set in biblical times (now that I think of it, I’m not sure I’ve *ever* read fiction set in biblical times unless listening to Adventures in Odyssey counts), but I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. It was sweet, perfectly clean, and it kept me involved enough that even when I had technical difficulties that put the audiobook chapters out of order and I had to fix them and start the whole over again, I didn’t mind. I just really wanted to know what would happen, and I am interested in checking out the other two books in the Acts of Faith series.
5 stars
October 4, 2016
I am not a fan of Biblical fiction. Mainly because I feel people tend to fantasize a little too much when it comes to certain things in the Bible. But this book! This book!!!! It astounds me every time I read it. And it is a perfect book to read for this Easter weekend.
What I appreciate is that the real people in this story, spoken of in the Bible, seem very real. They don't add things to their characters that are unbelievable. For instance, when Cleophas is telling Leah of meeting Jesus on the rode to Emmaus, he mentions the other with him...but the authors didn't focus on that other person. Lazarus' raising from the dead is spoken of, but what happened while he WAS dead isn't elaborated on. All the true accounts in this book are accurate to the Bible.
Of course, there is a lot of fiction. For instance, Alban depicts the centurion in the Bible who Jesus praised his great faith (which of anyone in the story, his story was the most far-fetched, and could be debated). Many of the woman-Mary Magdalene and Martha-speak with Leah, but the authors never go into depth of their background, except what the Bible speaks of.
So the story itself. Amazing! The characters. Amazing! The End. So sweet! I love all the historical events mentioned. Pontius Pilate and Herod's characters are very fascinating. Everything with the Parithians and the betrothal between Alban and Leah gives you a great insight into the times.
Especially sweet and amazing is Leah and Alban's change in their attitudes. At the beginning they do not believe in Jesus or have any wish to. But as they search-at first not for their own benefit-they find what they needed all along. Jesus' forgiveness!
I will say that the title of the book is a little misleading. Leah isn't a wife (in betrothal terms) until halfway through the book. Also, there are a lot of descriptions, but I loved all the details from the baths in Rome, the temple, the disciples dwelling place, the tomb, and so on and on.
I'm going to end this review with words from Martha which she spoke to Leah, speaking of Jesus:
"'His every instant was meant to bring eternity into the moment and hope to this fallen world. The death of my brother, our time of broken mourning, our loss of hope..."
It was Martha's turn to stop and struggle with her emotions. Then she said, "He did this not only for us, but for everyone who witnessed that day. And for those like you who hear of it. He did this to show that even in the darkest hour, when there is no reason to go forward, no possibility, of a better tomorrow, he is there to comfort to guide to heal. He brings with him the gift of hope. Impossible, glorious, joyful hope. '"
What I appreciate is that the real people in this story, spoken of in the Bible, seem very real. They don't add things to their characters that are unbelievable. For instance, when Cleophas is telling Leah of meeting Jesus on the rode to Emmaus, he mentions the other with him...but the authors didn't focus on that other person. Lazarus' raising from the dead is spoken of, but what happened while he WAS dead isn't elaborated on. All the true accounts in this book are accurate to the Bible.
Of course, there is a lot of fiction. For instance, Alban depicts the centurion in the Bible who Jesus praised his great faith (which of anyone in the story, his story was the most far-fetched, and could be debated). Many of the woman-Mary Magdalene and Martha-speak with Leah, but the authors never go into depth of their background, except what the Bible speaks of.
So the story itself. Amazing! The characters. Amazing! The End. So sweet! I love all the historical events mentioned. Pontius Pilate and Herod's characters are very fascinating. Everything with the Parithians and the betrothal between Alban and Leah gives you a great insight into the times.
Especially sweet and amazing is Leah and Alban's change in their attitudes. At the beginning they do not believe in Jesus or have any wish to. But as they search-at first not for their own benefit-they find what they needed all along. Jesus' forgiveness!
I will say that the title of the book is a little misleading. Leah isn't a wife (in betrothal terms) until halfway through the book. Also, there are a lot of descriptions, but I loved all the details from the baths in Rome, the temple, the disciples dwelling place, the tomb, and so on and on.
I'm going to end this review with words from Martha which she spoke to Leah, speaking of Jesus:
"'His every instant was meant to bring eternity into the moment and hope to this fallen world. The death of my brother, our time of broken mourning, our loss of hope..."
It was Martha's turn to stop and struggle with her emotions. Then she said, "He did this not only for us, but for everyone who witnessed that day. And for those like you who hear of it. He did this to show that even in the darkest hour, when there is no reason to go forward, no possibility, of a better tomorrow, he is there to comfort to guide to heal. He brings with him the gift of hope. Impossible, glorious, joyful hope. '"
October 28, 2016
Amazing Biblical fiction! Best ever! :) Read review here.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
January 24, 2009
I love the idea of a book being written about non-Christians finding Christ during the period of Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension without ever actually meeting Jesus. Here we have Leah and Alban who are separately trying to find out what actually happened to the man named Jesus' body when it was "stolen" from the tomb and if his followers are a threat to Rome. We follow them separately on their journeys for truth knowing that they have been promised to wed each other after the truth is found. Leah is not happy about this and Alban initially just sees Leah as a means to a higher status in life. Can they find the truth before those seeking to hide it get them out of the way? What will the truth mean to them? Can a life without love really be worth living? The Centurion's Wife answers all of this and much more in a beautiful story and a fantastic setting. I really enjoyed this book and fans of historical fiction (especially like Francine River's Mark of the Lion series) will love this book!
June 4, 2017
ANOTHER DNF, DARN IT! That makes the - what? Third? Fourth in a row?
I give up. Biblical fiction clearly isn't for me. I just couldn't with this book. Couldn't get into it, couldn't like the characters, couldn't stay awake.
It's not "bad", it's just clearly not my thing. Which saddens me because the premise sounded really interesting and I loved the setting. Oh, well!
HOPEFULLY BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!!
I give up. Biblical fiction clearly isn't for me. I just couldn't with this book. Couldn't get into it, couldn't like the characters, couldn't stay awake.
It's not "bad", it's just clearly not my thing. Which saddens me because the premise sounded really interesting and I loved the setting. Oh, well!
HOPEFULLY BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME!!
October 25, 2016
4.5 stars.
This is a moving story of a girl who is afraid of marriage and is betrothed against her will to a Roman centurion on the make. Alban requests Leah's hand - even though he has not met her - because she is Pilate's niece and he wishes to further his career. She dreads the idea of marrying him. This is essentially a love story but so much more. Jesus has just been crucified and both Leah and Alban are charged separately with finding out the truth about has happened to his body. The biblical story is weaved seamlessly into this work of fiction and minor biblical character pop up unexpectedly. This is very well done and I'm glad I read it.
This is a moving story of a girl who is afraid of marriage and is betrothed against her will to a Roman centurion on the make. Alban requests Leah's hand - even though he has not met her - because she is Pilate's niece and he wishes to further his career. She dreads the idea of marrying him. This is essentially a love story but so much more. Jesus has just been crucified and both Leah and Alban are charged separately with finding out the truth about has happened to his body. The biblical story is weaved seamlessly into this work of fiction and minor biblical character pop up unexpectedly. This is very well done and I'm glad I read it.
October 2, 2016
3.5 stars. This was quite an enjoyable read, and I finished it pretty fast. I think the best part of this story was reading about how both Alban and Aleah, in their own seperate ways, came to find Jesus. It was super cool to read about their journey to faith, and near the end of the book, I was completely reeled in. I thought this book was going to be a very boring typical retelling of the ressurection, but it wasn't like that at all, although the beginning did lag. However once Alban and Leah began searching for answers, everything picked up.
However, the one thing that didn't really make this book all that great was the romance. The problem wasn't necessarily with the characters, seeing as individuals, they were pretty great (Especially Alban, who's the most honourable guy ever). But I felt that the romance wasn't really well developed, as near the end of the book, Alban was confessing his love to Leah when they had legitimately only talked like two to three times. There was just a total disconnect for me, and I don't think their relationship was fleshed out enough. I mean when . For me, what really made this book great was the plot and the search for the truth. That, combined with the expert weaving of biblical stories and people made the book a good read.
However, the one thing that didn't really make this book all that great was the romance. The problem wasn't necessarily with the characters, seeing as individuals, they were pretty great (Especially Alban, who's the most honourable guy ever). But I felt that the romance wasn't really well developed, as near the end of the book, Alban was confessing his love to Leah when they had legitimately only talked like two to three times. There was just a total disconnect for me, and I don't think their relationship was fleshed out enough. I mean when . For me, what really made this book great was the plot and the search for the truth. That, combined with the expert weaving of biblical stories and people made the book a good read.
April 11, 2016
One of the best biblical fiction books I have read (they did their research) and a fantastic story. It is not your normal story, it was different and refreshing.
August 9, 2024
Hmmm. I may or may not have stayed up till 11:45 finishing this book.
I didn’t like it as much as her other books since it was a different style. If I had gone into it knowing that I think I would’ve enjoyed it more.
I would’ve rated it 3 stars as far as enjoyment went for most of the book but upped it to 4 since when I got over the fact that it wasn’t a normal Janette Oke book, I actually did enjoy it. And it was written pretty well!
The romance was also basically non existent in this book. Which I didn’t love 😂 when I read Janette Oke it’s cause I’m in the mood for a fluffy light romance, not a Biblical/historical fiction. lol I’ve come to expect certain things from her books and this just didn’t deliver.
All that aside, I think I will probably read the rest in this set at some point, just not now.
I didn’t like it as much as her other books since it was a different style. If I had gone into it knowing that I think I would’ve enjoyed it more.
I would’ve rated it 3 stars as far as enjoyment went for most of the book but upped it to 4 since when I got over the fact that it wasn’t a normal Janette Oke book, I actually did enjoy it. And it was written pretty well!
The romance was also basically non existent in this book. Which I didn’t love 😂 when I read Janette Oke it’s cause I’m in the mood for a fluffy light romance, not a Biblical/historical fiction. lol I’ve come to expect certain things from her books and this just didn’t deliver.
All that aside, I think I will probably read the rest in this set at some point, just not now.
February 27, 2019
There were lots of things I didn't love, but some of the spiritual passages in the latter half of the book were really encouraging and meaningful for me, so five stars it is.
December 18, 2017
This is a story of two people who are set separately on the same mission which later brings them close. Leah is a young woman from impoverished Roman aristocratic family, niece of Pontius Pilate, who serves at Pilate’s household. Alban, a Roman soldier, under Pilate’s command, asks Pilate for Leah’s hand in marriage to further his goals.
It is set during turbulent time of the emperor Tiberius, AD 33 in the Judea Province, - known for crucifying his enemies. It is just a few days after crucifixion of Jesus. Miracles of the prophet Jesus spread around. The disappearance of Jesus’ body worries Pontius Pilate and his wife having nightly nightmares about it.
Pontius Pilate agrees to Leah’s marriage, but Alban needs to find out first what had happened to Jesus’ body. At the same time, Pilate’s wife sets Leah to find out about Jesus’ disappearance.
The story is well-written. It is part 1 of 3 books. I’m looking forward to reading the 2nd book.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
It is set during turbulent time of the emperor Tiberius, AD 33 in the Judea Province, - known for crucifying his enemies. It is just a few days after crucifixion of Jesus. Miracles of the prophet Jesus spread around. The disappearance of Jesus’ body worries Pontius Pilate and his wife having nightly nightmares about it.
Pontius Pilate agrees to Leah’s marriage, but Alban needs to find out first what had happened to Jesus’ body. At the same time, Pilate’s wife sets Leah to find out about Jesus’ disappearance.
The story is well-written. It is part 1 of 3 books. I’m looking forward to reading the 2nd book.
@FB: Best Historical Fiction
April 19, 2017
May have been the narrator but this was a bit juvenile
March 28, 2018
Wow. What a wonderful read for Holy Week. This book was so realistic and so beautiful, that I can barely describe it! A quick shout out to Olivia Rooney and Allison Tebo for recommending this to me ❤️📖
February 6, 2012
The Centurion's Wife is a great biblical read that takes places just after the death of Jesus. Once again Oke & Bunn have done great research and developed characters that will be well remembered.
August 19, 2019
Interesting to look through the eyes of those living in AD33. I especially loved Jacob.
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July 12, 2012
I must confess. I only retrieved this book because it was free for Kindle at the time and I knew that Janette Oke was a 'clean' writer. I'd never read any of her work before and honestly had no idea what to expect. It sat in my Kindle library for a very long time, and then I suddenly decided I would give it a try. I figured it would be a nice read, not that it would altogether blow me away as it did.
I am a personal fan of the true story of Jesus and the cultural and historical facts surrounding it. I had a hunch that it would be very open with the story in this read, but I had no idea that it would come forth with such fluidity and originality. It retained it's biblical truth, and left me stopping mid sentence, recalling in my mind the stories from the bible and the scriptures attached to them. And even though I am very familiar with the many stories it used throughout, I was still taken aback with wonder at the approach from the author(s) to weave the details effortlessly into the plot. In the end we are left with questions, just as the main characters are in the story, but we must do as the characters did: Know in faith that their future is taken care of and worked out by God.
Overall, it was a delightful read that I would recommend to anyone, whether you're familiar with the story of Jesus or not. Because this story is wound so fluidly, a person with no little to no knowledge of the bible's accounts would be able to hear it's heart-warming message loud and clear.
I am a personal fan of the true story of Jesus and the cultural and historical facts surrounding it. I had a hunch that it would be very open with the story in this read, but I had no idea that it would come forth with such fluidity and originality. It retained it's biblical truth, and left me stopping mid sentence, recalling in my mind the stories from the bible and the scriptures attached to them. And even though I am very familiar with the many stories it used throughout, I was still taken aback with wonder at the approach from the author(s) to weave the details effortlessly into the plot. In the end we are left with questions, just as the main characters are in the story, but we must do as the characters did: Know in faith that their future is taken care of and worked out by God.
Overall, it was a delightful read that I would recommend to anyone, whether you're familiar with the story of Jesus or not. Because this story is wound so fluidly, a person with no little to no knowledge of the bible's accounts would be able to hear it's heart-warming message loud and clear.
November 22, 2019
This was a story on the days after Jesus' resurrection and ascension into heaven. We all know what happened and also that the Jews spread the rumour that Jesus's disciples stole the body, but it was interesting to see how Rome might have reacted to this in this fictional take of Alban following the clues and meeting with everyone involved to try and see what really happened with Jesus's body.
I never really thought about how it was for everyone then, from the disciples to the soldiers who crucified Jesus and those who had to secure the grave.
The authors did a great job of bringing characters to life, explaining roman life and traditions and bringing a love story which was different.
I loved how through Alban and Leah, you could see the fact that when you search for Jesus (and the truth of Jesus) you will never remain the same...
I never really thought about how it was for everyone then, from the disciples to the soldiers who crucified Jesus and those who had to secure the grave.
The authors did a great job of bringing characters to life, explaining roman life and traditions and bringing a love story which was different.
I loved how through Alban and Leah, you could see the fact that when you search for Jesus (and the truth of Jesus) you will never remain the same...
August 25, 2018
Clearly I am in the minority on this one, but I found this to be too one-dimensional.
May 31, 2023
This is a well written, and well documented book about the early days of Christianity.
February 21, 2011
One's opinion of this book will be directly related to one's expectations of this book. That makes it a very difficult one to review. There seems to be two main goals to this story: 1- to show what life was like in the area of Jeruselem circa A.D. 33 and 2 - To further the Christian message by re-writing the Biblical accounts in the New Testament from a more personal view. Therefore, if you are expecting a plot driven story set amidst a biblical era background (as the synopsis suggests) you will be sorely disappointed.
There is very little plot to this book. The "main" characters never even meet until over half way through the book. Instead, we read about their day to day world, first from a female servant's point of view - then from a male centurion's point of view. This telling, then re-telling slows the progression of events to a snails pace. Even after the initial meeting their interaction is almost nonexistent, a total of three short times throughout the rest of the book. The descriptions of each town, the local customs, both Roman and Judean are painstakingly presented and the general life in that era seems to be the point.
If you are searching for a descriptive re-telling of the Biblical events occurring after Jesus' death, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It goes over the exact content found in scripture. The reader hears the stories from Mary Magdelene, Lazarus, Cleopus, the sisters Mary and Martha and many others. Nothing new or different but told in a more personal setting.
So, how does one rate that? Rating it low because of it's nonexistent plot, slow pace and completely unoriginal content seems blasphemous because of the beauty contained in the scriptural stories themselves. Rating it high, however, would be hypocritical, as the authors can claim none of what's good about the story, only the way in which it is written.
There is very little plot to this book. The "main" characters never even meet until over half way through the book. Instead, we read about their day to day world, first from a female servant's point of view - then from a male centurion's point of view. This telling, then re-telling slows the progression of events to a snails pace. Even after the initial meeting their interaction is almost nonexistent, a total of three short times throughout the rest of the book. The descriptions of each town, the local customs, both Roman and Judean are painstakingly presented and the general life in that era seems to be the point.
If you are searching for a descriptive re-telling of the Biblical events occurring after Jesus' death, you will thoroughly enjoy this book. It goes over the exact content found in scripture. The reader hears the stories from Mary Magdelene, Lazarus, Cleopus, the sisters Mary and Martha and many others. Nothing new or different but told in a more personal setting.
So, how does one rate that? Rating it low because of it's nonexistent plot, slow pace and completely unoriginal content seems blasphemous because of the beauty contained in the scriptural stories themselves. Rating it high, however, would be hypocritical, as the authors can claim none of what's good about the story, only the way in which it is written.
July 16, 2013
This book follows the intwined lives of Pilate's niece and servant, Leah, and a Roman centurion, Alban, as they become betrothed, search for answers regarding Christianity, and eventually marry. Leah's and Alban's marriage was arranged by Pilate without the two ever meeting, leaving them both with doubts as to their future happiness. Leah was embittered against such arranged marriages after seeing her two sisters practically sold off as slaves when they were forced into loveless marriages. At first, Alban considers his marriage to Leah a mere political stepping stone, but as the book progresses, he develops feelings of deep love for his bride-to-be. However, this book told more than a beautiful love story (which it really was - the last chapter especially made me nearly cry with happiness); it also paints a picture of what being a Christian in the early church was like. Although Leah originally shares time with the Messiah's followers merely because she was commanded to do so by her mistress, Pilate's wife, the servant soon discovers a family filled with love that surpasses that of her natural family. Although Alban fears rejection by the Christians because he is not a Judean, he soon discovers that the Lord's love has not walls of separation, no discrimination against other races of people. A beautiful tale of romance and redemption.
March 23, 2009
Wow! What an awesome read this book was! Set just after the crucifiction of Jesus Christ through the his ascension into Heaven. This book follows a young woman Leah, neice to Pontias Pilate. She is betrothed (against her will) to a Roman Centurion, Alban of Gaul.
Alban is commanded by Pilate and Herod to find out what has happened to the "prophet" Jesus' body. They believe that the disciples stole it and they want to know if there is any sort of revolt planned. These are the terms that they give to Alban before he can take Leah as wife.
Leah also is commanded by Pilate's wife, Procula, to find out more about the life and death of the Prophet Jesus.
What Leah and Alban find will change their lives forever.
A wonderful look at what could have happened back during the days of the early Christians. This book was a wonderfully edifying read. I would highly recommend it to anyone. It's an espcially good read right now as we look forward to the Easter season.
Shalom.
Alban is commanded by Pilate and Herod to find out what has happened to the "prophet" Jesus' body. They believe that the disciples stole it and they want to know if there is any sort of revolt planned. These are the terms that they give to Alban before he can take Leah as wife.
Leah also is commanded by Pilate's wife, Procula, to find out more about the life and death of the Prophet Jesus.
What Leah and Alban find will change their lives forever.
A wonderful look at what could have happened back during the days of the early Christians. This book was a wonderfully edifying read. I would highly recommend it to anyone. It's an espcially good read right now as we look forward to the Easter season.
Shalom.
April 13, 2023
An amazing work of historical fiction.
March 1, 2009
When I pick up a fiction book written by Christians for Christians and it uses an account given in the Bible, I expect the novel to stick to the words and actions given in the Biblical account where the fiction story and the Bible account overlap. Unfortunately, this book doesn't. The Pentecost scene is severely chopped up to shorten it. As for the soldiers guarding Jesus tomb, Pilate puts two of his Roman soldiers under the High Priest's command to watch Jesus' tomb instead of the guards being temple guards (enough to "make the tomb as secure as you know how," which I've always assumed was more than just two men) under the command of the chief priests.
The authors also make the hero, Alban, the centurion with great faith ("I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.") yet strip him of his faith. In the Bible, the centurion believed that Jesus could heal his servant, sent Jewish elders to make this request, and then had Jesus heal his servant from afar because he understood that Jesus didn't need to physically be there to heal the servant and he didn't feel worthy of having Jesus under his roof. In the novel, Alban doesn't believe in Jesus, the elders offer to go to Jesus for him, and Alban accepts but doesn't want Jesus and his huge crowd of followers to enter his house so sends his second message to keep Jesus away. The novel still has Jesus commending Alban for his great faith even though Alban doesn't believe that Jesus is more than just a man who might, perhaps, be able to help since nothing else is. To me, this novel implies that Jesus either lied (saying the centurion had great faith when he didn't) or was ignorant (he thought the centurion had great faith when he didn't). Neither is consistent with the Jesus of the Bible.
I also had problems with some logic flaws in the novel. For example, they have Mary, Martha, and Lazarus living in a small house and so poor they can barely find food to put on the table each day. This is the family that regularly hosted Jesus and his followers (providing food and housing). The novel even stages a large post-crucifixion gathering of disciples at their house. So where did all the food and sleeping room for the guests come from?
The novel is fast-paced and full of period details that bring the story to vivid life, but I had reason to doubt some of those details. For example, they had Romans frequently drinking tea as an alternative to wine. Also, devote Jews in the novel fairly frequently referred to their God as Jehovah when speaking to Alban about him.
Much of the time, I felt distant from the emotional struggles of our hero and heroine. For example, Leah's full story of loss wasn't told until two thirds of the way through. I would have felt more sympathetic toward her fear of marriage if I'd known that information earlier. Also, the secondary characters didn't generally have much depth.
Several major loose ends were left hanging at the end, like Alban's fate (death, banishment, or whatever) and Leah is left in debt to a cruel, greedy man.
Basically, I wanted to like the book, but the flaws prevented me from really engaging in the story.
The authors also make the hero, Alban, the centurion with great faith ("I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.") yet strip him of his faith. In the Bible, the centurion believed that Jesus could heal his servant, sent Jewish elders to make this request, and then had Jesus heal his servant from afar because he understood that Jesus didn't need to physically be there to heal the servant and he didn't feel worthy of having Jesus under his roof. In the novel, Alban doesn't believe in Jesus, the elders offer to go to Jesus for him, and Alban accepts but doesn't want Jesus and his huge crowd of followers to enter his house so sends his second message to keep Jesus away. The novel still has Jesus commending Alban for his great faith even though Alban doesn't believe that Jesus is more than just a man who might, perhaps, be able to help since nothing else is. To me, this novel implies that Jesus either lied (saying the centurion had great faith when he didn't) or was ignorant (he thought the centurion had great faith when he didn't). Neither is consistent with the Jesus of the Bible.
I also had problems with some logic flaws in the novel. For example, they have Mary, Martha, and Lazarus living in a small house and so poor they can barely find food to put on the table each day. This is the family that regularly hosted Jesus and his followers (providing food and housing). The novel even stages a large post-crucifixion gathering of disciples at their house. So where did all the food and sleeping room for the guests come from?
The novel is fast-paced and full of period details that bring the story to vivid life, but I had reason to doubt some of those details. For example, they had Romans frequently drinking tea as an alternative to wine. Also, devote Jews in the novel fairly frequently referred to their God as Jehovah when speaking to Alban about him.
Much of the time, I felt distant from the emotional struggles of our hero and heroine. For example, Leah's full story of loss wasn't told until two thirds of the way through. I would have felt more sympathetic toward her fear of marriage if I'd known that information earlier. Also, the secondary characters didn't generally have much depth.
Several major loose ends were left hanging at the end, like Alban's fate (death, banishment, or whatever) and Leah is left in debt to a cruel, greedy man.
Basically, I wanted to like the book, but the flaws prevented me from really engaging in the story.
September 8, 2010
If you were ever curious as to what it must have been like during the days immediately following Christ’s death and resurrection – what kind of confusion, doubt, and uncertainty must have been felt by the many people who witnessed the death and then saw the empty tomb – this is just the book you’ve been looking for!
I was swept up in Leah’s story from page one, and thoroughly enjoyed traveling with Leah and Alban, her betrothed, as they each tried to discover what had happened to the Teacher’s body after His crucifixion and burial. The book was well-researched and extremely well-written; I felt like I personally knew the characters by the close of the book. I was with Leah as she struggled in her confusion at her betrothal and her new found faith, and I felt Alban’s emotional pain from his younger years and his spiritual freedom when he realized that Jesus was the Messiah.
The romance in this book was very minimal, which was a nice change of pace. The romance that was in it was practical – Leah had to learn to respect Alban as her future husband, even if she didn’t want to marry him. And in doing so, she truly fell in love with him. A very sweet love story, if you ask me.
So, while at times the details given in the book were a bit lengthy, this book was very entertaining and informative. When I read the last sentence and closed the book, I felt content to leave Leah and Alban as they explored their new life together as believers. This is definitely the kind of book with a story and spiritual lessons that will stay with you long after you have finished reading the last page.
Thanks to Revell for giving me a review copy of this book!
I was swept up in Leah’s story from page one, and thoroughly enjoyed traveling with Leah and Alban, her betrothed, as they each tried to discover what had happened to the Teacher’s body after His crucifixion and burial. The book was well-researched and extremely well-written; I felt like I personally knew the characters by the close of the book. I was with Leah as she struggled in her confusion at her betrothal and her new found faith, and I felt Alban’s emotional pain from his younger years and his spiritual freedom when he realized that Jesus was the Messiah.
The romance in this book was very minimal, which was a nice change of pace. The romance that was in it was practical – Leah had to learn to respect Alban as her future husband, even if she didn’t want to marry him. And in doing so, she truly fell in love with him. A very sweet love story, if you ask me.
So, while at times the details given in the book were a bit lengthy, this book was very entertaining and informative. When I read the last sentence and closed the book, I felt content to leave Leah and Alban as they explored their new life together as believers. This is definitely the kind of book with a story and spiritual lessons that will stay with you long after you have finished reading the last page.
Thanks to Revell for giving me a review copy of this book!
February 8, 2009
Leah is a cousin to none other than Pontius Pilot (yes, THAT one), who becomes a maideservant to his wife when her family's fortunes fail. Alban is the centurian from the Gospels whose beloved servant was healed by Jesus. They are betrothed in the days after the Crucifixion, and each one follows his or her own path in discovering what happened to the missing body of the crucified Jesus.
This was written by two beloved and experienced storytellers -- Davis Bunn and Jeanette Oke. I'm almost embarrassed to say that this is the first novel I've read by either of these authors (I know - how have I managed to miss them all these years?!?!), and I can see why their books are so popular among lovers of Christian fiction. The research behind this story was indepth, so the time period is vividly portrayed. If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you'll like this one.
This was written by two beloved and experienced storytellers -- Davis Bunn and Jeanette Oke. I'm almost embarrassed to say that this is the first novel I've read by either of these authors (I know - how have I managed to miss them all these years?!?!), and I can see why their books are so popular among lovers of Christian fiction. The research behind this story was indepth, so the time period is vividly portrayed. If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you'll like this one.
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