Christina Rich

Rich in historical and sensory detail, this novel will transport you into the Old Testament times and leave you with a deep appreciation for the author’s research.

The volatile setting of Queen Athaliah’s reign is a thrilling backdrop for forbidden romance between Ari, an undercover Jewish temple guard disguised as a servant, and Mira, his master’s daughter.

Mira longs for Ari to rescue her from an arranged betrothal. Charged to protect the young King Joash, Ari is bound to a cause much bigger than himself and cannot marry until his mission is complete. With so many secrets between them, only Yahweh could bring about a joyful ending to this soul-stirring journey of faith and love.

I would recommend this novel to anyone and anxiously await the sequel, The Warrior’s Vow!
… (mais)

I picked up this book on a whim as I like pirate stories. But the only pirates here are ancient (600 something B.C.). The young captive, Ada, is actually bought at a slave auction where her half-sisters have traded her to a slaver for the equivalent of a gold bracelet. To save her from a life of prostitution, Nicklaus who is a Greek tradesman, buys her and takes her aboard his sailing vessel. Instead of being grateful from being spared a hellish life, Ada is a conflicted woman who falls for her master. She doesn't want to be like her own mother, a slave who fell in love with her master, therefore Ada fights against her growing feelings. There are several twists and turns as the story progresses but none the reader won't anticipate.

I found the characters very shallow, each pursuing their own destiny without much regard for the others. By the time the two protagonists realize they are in love I was happy to reach the story's end. The descriptions of the era and the high seas high jinks were well done.

A nice book for reading by the fire or at the beach. Refreshing because of its lack of explicit scenes.… (mais)