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Hope Unchained

(Light in the Empire #7)

Carol Ashby (Goodreads Author)

4.50 · Rating details · 36 ratings · 12 reviews

Can the deepest loss bring the greatest gain?

Rome’s conquering army took Ariana’s family and freedom, but nothing can take her faith in Jesus. When she rescues a tribune’s wife from certain death, her reward is freedom and a chance to free her brother and sister. But first she must catch up with the slave caravan before they vanish forever, and tracking them from Dacia to ...more

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Kindle Edition, 241 pages

Published December 2nd 2019 by Cerrillo Press

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Life Transforming Christian fiction

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· 36 ratings · 12 reviews

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Jan 03, 2020 Sarah Ashwood rated it really liked it

This was a wonderfully written novel about ancient Rome, rich with historical detail. I was amazed by the author's depth of knowledge, particularly for the geographic setting of the novel. The characters were realistic and fleshed out. If you enjoy Christian historian fiction or Roman historical fiction, you'll enjoy this book. ...more

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Jan 16, 2020 Linda Klager rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I loved this book. The cover of the depicted the story line so well.

Ariana's life was dramatically changed when her Mother and Father were murdered and her brother and sister were separated from her. Ariana was even sold as a slave. God intervened and she was taken in my a Roman soldier, the very kind of man that could have killed her parents. Ariana learned to forgive and truly love others despite what she suffered. Isn't that what God teaches us to do?

Ariana constantly prayed to God to help ...more

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Nov 28, 2019 Amber rated it it was amazing

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What a great book! It started out slow, but quickly picked up the pace. From there it held my attention until the last page. This story was a sweet story about how no matter the evils that may befall us, God never fails us and will always be with us. It reminds me of psalm 93, yea though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no evil ...more

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Dec 02, 2019 Mel Stone rated it liked it

Hope Unchained is the first book I read in this series. It works well as a standalone. It is a story of hope and faith in terrifying times. The author's research was phenomenal and I learned so much about the ancient world. This story was about finding Christ, testifying of Christ, and putting your faith and trust in Him. It was a wonderful reminder of what being a follower of Christ should be. That being said, I gave it three stars because it was a little too safe for me. Everything was tied up ...more

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Nov 30, 2019 Christine Dillon rated it really liked it

This is the third book in this series I've read and I plan to read all of them.
Adventure stories within the Roman empire. Each one is not only a good story but allows you to learn more of the customs and cultures of Rome and the surrounding nations and peoples. Each one has some sort of link with the others which means we can hear the ongoing stories of our favourite characters or some relative ...
Strong Christian story to each and shared naturally, giving us an idea of what it was like to fol ...more

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Jan 10, 2021 Dawn Kinzer rated it it was amazing

In Hope Unchained, sixteen-year-old Ariana is strong in her faith and determined to survive after her parents are killed by the Romans. She and her younger brother and sister are taken to be sold as slaves, but a Roman tribune rescues Ariana. He trusts her to be a companion to his crippled and suicidal wife. He has one condition—Ariana is to never share her Christian faith with his wife or anyone else. Ariana concedes and trusts God for her future and that of her siblings.

I loved this story abo ...more

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Dec 15, 2019 Susan rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019-launch-team-arc, e-reader-2019

Carol Ashby has once again delivered another inspirational tale of the early Christians under the Roman Empire. Her research of this time period is impeccable.

I found Hope Unchained to be a wonderful story of learning to love and serve our enemies and to be willing to share one's faith. Ariana's belief that God is in control of all events, bringing good from bad, is a story of hope. This is also a story of freedom, freedom that unchains us from the separation that sin has put between mankind an ...more

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Jun 28, 2020 Susan Ajaz rated it really liked it

Ariana is a Christian that loses many of her family members through the Roman Army. She is brought to the wife of a Roman soldier. His wife is crippled and he needs someone he can trust to serve and protect her even from herself. Donatus is hired to accompany Ariana on her quest to find her sister and brother. Arian's faith is all she relies on to keep life in the hands of the one true God.

Follow the story through a faith that cannot die. As Donatus finds himself undone by a beautiful woman and ...more

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Dec 04, 2019 Ann rated it it was amazing

This book is wonderful! It is well written and holds your attention. I've read all of the books in this series and they just keep getting better. This book can be read as a stand alone. This is a story that shows how God can turn something bad into something good. I can't wait to see what the next book is about. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own. ...more

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Feb 26, 2020 Susan Dean rated it it was amazing

Another great book!

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Light in the Empire series. I would love to see more from this series. Becoming a believer in Christ and romance pair together well in Carol Ashby's books! ...more

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Mar 03, 2020 Mr John Callaghan rated it it was amazing

Excellent

I have so enjoyed all the books in this series, each with an encouraging tale of light in the darkness and hope in impossible circumstances. So look forward to the release of “Honour Bound”
By Penny Callaghan

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