Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. (2020), 416 pages
Description
"A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history. When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God's plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they're banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption. With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, reminding readers once again why Debbie Macomber has said that "no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar.""--… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member vintagebeckie
Biblical fiction is a tricky genre — a writer has to balance the scriptural record with the what-ifs of story. Tessa Afshar is one of the best at it, and her newest novel, Daughter of Rome is a great example of why. Set during the days of the early church, this book brought to life a woman who is
With meticulous research, Afshar creates a backstory for Priscilla. Born in Rome, daughter of an acclaimed general, yet on the outside of society, Priscilla is wooed by God. The fictional account of a first century Priscilla will resonate with modern women. Daughter of Rome is a love story between a man and a woman, but more a love story between a woman and her God. Of course, Aquila (always mentioned with Priscilla in the Biblical accounts) plays a large part in the book, but it is really Priscilla and her struggles and victories that take center stage. Afshar has included historical figures in her book, namely Paul, that give it authenticity and believability. The depiction of the day to day of the characters emphasizes their ordinariness — it is really an extraordinary God who transforms their lives. Priscilla faithfully lives a hidden life, a quiet life of sacrifice which proves a great example and motivator for today’s believers. As I read this book, I pondered how much impact today’s church could have if we followed the example of 1st century believers.
Daughter of Rome with its many themes and topics — Jew and Gentile, law and grace, power of prayer, belief in the miraculous — is perfect for book club discussions. In fact, I have chosen this book for a Bible study/book club that I lead. I look forward to a great conversation. So grab this book (and perhaps a few reading friends) and dig in — I think you will love it!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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mentioned several times in the Book of Acts as well as other NT books. Afshar takes the barest of details and weaves a credible and intriguing account of Priscilla and the era in which she lived. If you are a fan of this genre, then Daughter of Rome is a must-read!With meticulous research, Afshar creates a backstory for Priscilla. Born in Rome, daughter of an acclaimed general, yet on the outside of society, Priscilla is wooed by God. The fictional account of a first century Priscilla will resonate with modern women. Daughter of Rome is a love story between a man and a woman, but more a love story between a woman and her God. Of course, Aquila (always mentioned with Priscilla in the Biblical accounts) plays a large part in the book, but it is really Priscilla and her struggles and victories that take center stage. Afshar has included historical figures in her book, namely Paul, that give it authenticity and believability. The depiction of the day to day of the characters emphasizes their ordinariness — it is really an extraordinary God who transforms their lives. Priscilla faithfully lives a hidden life, a quiet life of sacrifice which proves a great example and motivator for today’s believers. As I read this book, I pondered how much impact today’s church could have if we followed the example of 1st century believers.
Daughter of Rome with its many themes and topics — Jew and Gentile, law and grace, power of prayer, belief in the miraculous — is perfect for book club discussions. In fact, I have chosen this book for a Bible study/book club that I lead. I look forward to a great conversation. So grab this book (and perhaps a few reading friends) and dig in — I think you will love it!
Highly Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(Thanks to NetGalley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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LibraryThing member Stardust_Fiddle
Have you ever wondered what day-to-day life was like for the early Christian church? What it truly meant to become a follower of The Way in the initial years after Jesus’ resurrection? This is where Biblical fiction, when done well, can seek to take readers into the ancient world alongside the
Afshar’s latest work, “Daughter of Rome,” explores the lives of Aquila and Priscilla, the enigmatic New Testament couple whom the apostle Paul described as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3). The Bible mentions them six times, and their faith and influence are apparent, but their backstory and the details of their lives are not given. Implementing historical research and drawing from established facts about this period in time, Afshar ignites renewed interest in this husband and wife gospel team by creating a narrative that imagines what their individual lives may have been like before transitioning into their romance and eventual ministry. The beauty of this lies in demonstrating that they are real people with real flaws; as is evidenced over and over again in the Bible, God chooses to work through people who are broken and imperfect.
Priscilla and Aquila’s story diverges somewhat from Afshar’s usual style, effecting a deeper and more somber tone that makes the narrative all the more poignant. Gritty, realistic circumstances impress upon readers the harshness of life in ancient Rome. There is abortion, murder, persecution, and betrayal, but all are handled with grace and sensitivity. And as Rufus tells Priscilla, “It is hard to put to words. Trouble itself can be transformed, you see, in the hands of God. Instead of a place of destruction, pain and heartache can lead to hope.” As Priscilla grows in her faith, Aquila learns spiritual maturity. Far too often we, like Aquila, judge others for being what we consider to be inferior; the marriage of Roman Priscilla and Jewish Aquila truly speaks to the unity and unconditional love that Christ brings. As we struggle with our own burdens, we forget that those around us carry encumbrances of their own. Priscilla later testifies: “I can tell you that my own dreams have been crushed more than once. But when I condemned myself, God extended forgiveness to me. When I felt broken, he gave me strength. When I thought the future held nothing but pain, he gave me joy. Those are the actions of love.”
“Daughter of Rome” does not shy away from the vicissitudes of life, particularly Christian life, and as such it offers encouragement and inspiration. It is a story of second chances, a poignant and at times heartrending narrative, made all the more so because every reader can identify with it in some way. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). As Aquila wisely counsels, “The only way to peace is by learning to accept, day by day, the circumstances and tests permitted by God. By the repeated laying down of our own will, and the accepting of his as it is presented in the things which happen to us.” The apostle Paul demonstrates this throughout Scripture, and his role in this novel was one of my favorites because of his witty humor. He has a remarkable attitude toward suffering, but there is also evidence of his humanity, again emphasizing that God can use anyone for His glory. The fervor of the early church is something that, in many ways, I think we need to return to; our faith is dynamic, not static, and we should never lose our joy and awe at the priceless gift of salvation offered to each of us. With Christ as our cornerstone, we can become His instruments of love and peace. Priscilla “had been born a daughter of Rome. But she had become a daughter of the Most High God.” Whose child are you?
I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, part 255 Guidelines, concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising.
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historical figures of old with their customs and etiquette, thereby facilitating a greater understanding of Scripture. Granted, this is no easy task, and although Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres, there are only a few authors whose work I trust to remain true to God’s Word without adding to or taking away from it. One of these authors is Tessa Afshar. Afshar’s latest work, “Daughter of Rome,” explores the lives of Aquila and Priscilla, the enigmatic New Testament couple whom the apostle Paul described as “my fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (Romans 16:3). The Bible mentions them six times, and their faith and influence are apparent, but their backstory and the details of their lives are not given. Implementing historical research and drawing from established facts about this period in time, Afshar ignites renewed interest in this husband and wife gospel team by creating a narrative that imagines what their individual lives may have been like before transitioning into their romance and eventual ministry. The beauty of this lies in demonstrating that they are real people with real flaws; as is evidenced over and over again in the Bible, God chooses to work through people who are broken and imperfect.
Priscilla and Aquila’s story diverges somewhat from Afshar’s usual style, effecting a deeper and more somber tone that makes the narrative all the more poignant. Gritty, realistic circumstances impress upon readers the harshness of life in ancient Rome. There is abortion, murder, persecution, and betrayal, but all are handled with grace and sensitivity. And as Rufus tells Priscilla, “It is hard to put to words. Trouble itself can be transformed, you see, in the hands of God. Instead of a place of destruction, pain and heartache can lead to hope.” As Priscilla grows in her faith, Aquila learns spiritual maturity. Far too often we, like Aquila, judge others for being what we consider to be inferior; the marriage of Roman Priscilla and Jewish Aquila truly speaks to the unity and unconditional love that Christ brings. As we struggle with our own burdens, we forget that those around us carry encumbrances of their own. Priscilla later testifies: “I can tell you that my own dreams have been crushed more than once. But when I condemned myself, God extended forgiveness to me. When I felt broken, he gave me strength. When I thought the future held nothing but pain, he gave me joy. Those are the actions of love.”
“Daughter of Rome” does not shy away from the vicissitudes of life, particularly Christian life, and as such it offers encouragement and inspiration. It is a story of second chances, a poignant and at times heartrending narrative, made all the more so because every reader can identify with it in some way. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23-24). As Aquila wisely counsels, “The only way to peace is by learning to accept, day by day, the circumstances and tests permitted by God. By the repeated laying down of our own will, and the accepting of his as it is presented in the things which happen to us.” The apostle Paul demonstrates this throughout Scripture, and his role in this novel was one of my favorites because of his witty humor. He has a remarkable attitude toward suffering, but there is also evidence of his humanity, again emphasizing that God can use anyone for His glory. The fervor of the early church is something that, in many ways, I think we need to return to; our faith is dynamic, not static, and we should never lose our joy and awe at the priceless gift of salvation offered to each of us. With Christ as our cornerstone, we can become His instruments of love and peace. Priscilla “had been born a daughter of Rome. But she had become a daughter of the Most High God.” Whose child are you?
I received a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, part 255 Guidelines, concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising.
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
This was a fantastic biblical fiction novel. This story was based on Priscilla and Aquila who helped Paul. This showed that a Roman and a Jew could marry and become Christians together and help bring others to Christ. I love how Tessa Afshar can bring people from the Bible that are just referenced
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and give them a whole life and great characteristics. I could not wait to see how all these characters lives intertwined and ended. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. Show Less
LibraryThing member fcplcataloger
Daughter of Rome is biblical fiction at its best! Author Tessa Ashfar tells the story of Priscilla, believed to be a Gentile, who was converted to Christianity and worked tirelessly to spread God's Word. Priscilla and her Jewish husband Aquila don't receive a lot of mention in the New Testament but
Priscilla and Aquila are both fascinating biblical figures but it is Priscilla who claimed my heart. Through much of this story, Priscilla doubts that she has truly been forgiven of a past sin that still haunts her. As deeply as she loves Yeshua, as strongly as she believes that He will forgive, she continues to have a "tiny root of guilt". And, then, as she is reassuring another distraught woman that total forgiveness is possible, Priscilla finally feels it for herself. "Her own sin. Her own failure was no match for Yeshua's love. She was washed clean, utterly. Utterly. She felt the root wither. Die."
This is a beautiful story of love between a man and woman but it is also a story of the overwhelming love that a man and woman share for their God. One a Jew, one a Gentile, but together, they worked to tell others of His goodness.
Daughter of Rome is wonderful biblical fiction filled with faith, forgiveness, and redemption. It is a book that I will read again and I recommend it highly!
I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation to write a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
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their importance cannot be denied. In her end notes Ashfar explains how she determined that Priscilla might have been from a noble Roman family and why she chose to include both historical figures and fictional characters to create this story. Bible scripture confirms that Priscilla and Aquila saved Paul's life, they worked with him to spread the Gospel message, and they set up churches in their homes in three different cities; the fictional characters and events that are included have been added for creative interest.Priscilla and Aquila are both fascinating biblical figures but it is Priscilla who claimed my heart. Through much of this story, Priscilla doubts that she has truly been forgiven of a past sin that still haunts her. As deeply as she loves Yeshua, as strongly as she believes that He will forgive, she continues to have a "tiny root of guilt". And, then, as she is reassuring another distraught woman that total forgiveness is possible, Priscilla finally feels it for herself. "Her own sin. Her own failure was no match for Yeshua's love. She was washed clean, utterly. Utterly. She felt the root wither. Die."
This is a beautiful story of love between a man and woman but it is also a story of the overwhelming love that a man and woman share for their God. One a Jew, one a Gentile, but together, they worked to tell others of His goodness.
Daughter of Rome is wonderful biblical fiction filled with faith, forgiveness, and redemption. It is a book that I will read again and I recommend it highly!
I received a copy of this book from the author. There was no obligation to write a favorable review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
My local book club chose to read Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar. As expected, the novel was well-written. I found the characters both likeable and relatable, especially Priscilla. Though the story was fully developed as it is, I think I would have been happy to read another 200 pages of these
I loved how Tessa Afshar used Daughter of Rome’s characters and their situations to breathe new life into spiritual truths. In a gentle and refreshing manner, she addressed topics such as forgiveness, trusting God, and more. One of my favorites quotes occurred on page 315: “The spiritual treasures that belong to you are vast, Son. The ability to speak to Yeshua. To hear from him. To help others through your prayers. To love rightly. … An endless trove of worthy treasures has been set aside for you.” I marked many passages and our book club had abundant topics to discuss.
Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar is a stand alone novel though two characters from Thief of Corinth do appear in minor roles. I recommend Daughter of Rome to any one who enjoys Biblical fiction. My husband read this book and enjoyed it, so its appeal is not limited to women.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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wonderfully interesting characters and their beautiful character growth. I loved how Tessa Afshar used Daughter of Rome’s characters and their situations to breathe new life into spiritual truths. In a gentle and refreshing manner, she addressed topics such as forgiveness, trusting God, and more. One of my favorites quotes occurred on page 315: “The spiritual treasures that belong to you are vast, Son. The ability to speak to Yeshua. To hear from him. To help others through your prayers. To love rightly. … An endless trove of worthy treasures has been set aside for you.” I marked many passages and our book club had abundant topics to discuss.
Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar is a stand alone novel though two characters from Thief of Corinth do appear in minor roles. I recommend Daughter of Rome to any one who enjoys Biblical fiction. My husband read this book and enjoyed it, so its appeal is not limited to women.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.
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LibraryThing member j.alice
Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar is a wonderful book. Tessa has written a number of historical fiction books based on women in the Bible. She has a gift for bringing these women and the time they lived to life. This book is about Priscilla, a New Testament woman who was married to Aquila, a tent
Tessa takes these two rather minor characters and gives them a believable life and a dramatic story. The book is a page turner with lots of other appealing characters whose lives you come to care about. The action moves from Rome in the time of Claudius, to Corinth and ends as they leave for Ephesus with Paul. I would have liked the book to continue so I’m hoping for a sequel in Ephesus.
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maker. Priscilla and Aquila worked with the apostle Paul both as tent makers and in spreading the Christian gospel. Tessa takes these two rather minor characters and gives them a believable life and a dramatic story. The book is a page turner with lots of other appealing characters whose lives you come to care about. The action moves from Rome in the time of Claudius, to Corinth and ends as they leave for Ephesus with Paul. I would have liked the book to continue so I’m hoping for a sequel in Ephesus.
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LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: Daughter of Rome
Author: Tessa Afshar
Pages: 378
Year: 2020
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Priscilla is the daughter of a Roman general, but after his death her stepbrother relegates her to the status of slave. She is allowed to live on the property, but
Aquila has not been in Rome long. He and his uncle are starting a leather-working business. This is not the life Aquila had planned for himself, but his refusal to disavow the Messiah has cost him his inheritance. He is a Jew and is attending the synagogue when he spies a beautiful Gentile woman seated in the back. He is introduced to her, but as she is a Gentile he thinks she is not of his status. How wrong he is proven to be! She shows her faith in all she does with compassion, self-sacrifice and many hours of laboring love. Aquila is convicted, repents and has his heart stolen.
As usual, Tessa Afshar has written a novel of historical biblical fiction that gives readers a look at what the lives of real biblical people could have been like in ancient times. I have read all of her novels and find them to be interesting and entertaining. I always learn something of ancient life, culture and times that I treasure. She has an ability to weave fact and fiction together to make a well-crafted story to please any reader. I especially applaud her faith-filled stories depicting people from all walks of life who have encountered God and His Son and the resulting transformation. I look forward to her next novel and seeing where I will meet Jesus Christ in the pages!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
Author: Tessa Afshar
Pages: 378
Year: 2020
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Priscilla is the daughter of a Roman general, but after his death her stepbrother relegates her to the status of slave. She is allowed to live on the property, but
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not in the elegant home. She cooks her own food and does her own laundry. She has no slaves to do her bidding. She has begun attending a synagogue. She clings to the words spoken. Her heart is stirred and her soul longs for fulfillment. She has a secret that plagues her with guilt and shame. Some in the synagogue speak to her about the Messiah. Could He be the one to quench her thirst?Aquila has not been in Rome long. He and his uncle are starting a leather-working business. This is not the life Aquila had planned for himself, but his refusal to disavow the Messiah has cost him his inheritance. He is a Jew and is attending the synagogue when he spies a beautiful Gentile woman seated in the back. He is introduced to her, but as she is a Gentile he thinks she is not of his status. How wrong he is proven to be! She shows her faith in all she does with compassion, self-sacrifice and many hours of laboring love. Aquila is convicted, repents and has his heart stolen.
As usual, Tessa Afshar has written a novel of historical biblical fiction that gives readers a look at what the lives of real biblical people could have been like in ancient times. I have read all of her novels and find them to be interesting and entertaining. I always learn something of ancient life, culture and times that I treasure. She has an ability to weave fact and fiction together to make a well-crafted story to please any reader. I especially applaud her faith-filled stories depicting people from all walks of life who have encountered God and His Son and the resulting transformation. I look forward to her next novel and seeing where I will meet Jesus Christ in the pages!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
8.2 inches
ISBN
1496428714 / 9781496428714