Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Bread of Angels

GIVEAWAY
AFSHAR, TESSA
BREAD OF ANGELS

Purple. The foundation of an influential trade in a Roman world dominated by men. One woman rises up to take the reins of success in and incredible journey of courage, grit, and friendship. And along the way, she changes the world.

But before she becomes Lydia, seller of purple, she is simply a merchant's daughter who loves three things: her father, her ancestral home, and making dye. Then unbearable betrayal robs her of nearly everything.

With only her father's secret formulas left, Lydia flees to Philippi and struggles to establish a business on her own. Determination and serendipitous acquaintances -- along with her father's precious dye formula -- help her become one of the city's preeminent merchants. But fear lingers in every shadow, until Lydia meets the apostle Paul and hears his message of hope, becoming the first Christian in all of Europe. Still, Lydia can't outrun her secrets forever, and when past and present collide, she must either stand firm and trust in her fledgling faith or succumb to the fear that has ruled her life.

My Review:

Outstanding! I'm still marveling over the way this author brings events in the bible to life. Once I finished I had to rush to my bible and read the brief account of Lydia in Acts. Here's where the marveling comes in -- because Afshar has created an enthralling story around Lydia that seems so real, so plausible and completely honors scripture, though it obviously embellishes it. But in doing so, the author shows how the hand of God can work evil for good in the most spectacular way.

I was totally captivated by Lydia -- felt a connection with her right from the start because we share a similar weakness -- the fear of making a mistake, the worry of subsequent consequences and the shadow of doubt that accompanies both. I am so encouraged by Lydia's story -- she faces tremendous trials but she learns and grows and becomes a woman of means. A woman who favors kindness and fairness over bitterness. And then she meets Paul and her life takes a dramatic turn.

I think I loved this part of the story the best. The way the author weaves scriptural accounts of Paul into Lydia's life. And though forgiveness plays a major part in a portion of this tale, I will admit to reveling in triumphant exultation when certain characters finally get their comeuppance. Guess that means more spiritual work is needed in my life! Which is exactly why I crave books like this one!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Bread of Angels, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add your email to a comment remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday November 5 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

41 comments:

  1. Oh Kav, your exuberant review makes me want to move this up on my TBR pile!! WOW!! I found a copy of this when I was visiting my sister-in-law's thrift store around the corner from her apartment for under $4.00 and had to snag it!! It is in almost pristine condition and I've just heard so much about this book that I had to have it. :-)
    Alas, I can't move it up YET as I have a whole pile of review books that must come first...BUT after those are done....I'm picking this up to read, you've convinced me not to wait :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, you scored a great deal, Trixi. Look forward to hearing what you think when you manage to grab the time to read it.

      Delete
  2. Ohhh! I've been looking forward to this! I'm always thrilled when I see Tessa Afshar has a new book!
    Elly -Indiana-

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've only read three of her books now but I'll be hunting down more. Good luck, Elly!

      Delete
  3. Tessa Afshar is my vey favorite biblical fiction author. I enjoyed this book as I have all here others. She works full time in ministry at a church I believe, so she only puts out a book a year. As soon as I finish one of hers, I start counting down the months until the next one.

    You are so right, the way she intertwines her fiction with scripture makes her stories and the Bible both come to life!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've actually been inspired to start reading Paul's accounts as for my bible readings after reading this book and I get a thrill when I recognize a passage that was covered in Bread of Angels.

      Delete
  4. Oh my another novel by one of my favorite authors. I have read many of her books already - love her Biblical stories. becci43atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She does an amazing job with them, doesn't she? Good luck, Becky.

      Delete
  5. Kav, from your review, this one sounds like a must read. Thank you for sharing and have a great day!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love Biblical fiction, and Tessa does an excellent job in her writing! I've read one of her books and am well on the way to reading MORE. Don't enter me for this one; a friend is sharing her copy.
    Thanks for your review, Kav.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wasn't a huge biblical fiction fan before but authors like Tessa Afshar are changing my mind.

      Delete
    2. Kav, having an author who can bring scripture to life and stay true to it always helps us readers to fall in love with Biblical fiction. I never read any of it until I was invited to be on Jill Eileen Smith's launch team. She's one who I would buy every single one of her books! I've been looking for more authors and I think Tessa would fit the bill well, I can't wait to read Bread of Angels :-)

      Delete
    3. Trixi- Jill Eileen Smith is a Biblical fiction author I have been wanting to read badly. The Biblical stories/characters she's written about are ones I've always wanted to know more about. (ie. Rehab and Deborah)

      Delete
  7. Sounds good. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've been wanting to read this book since before it was even released ;)

    Thanks for the chance!

    samanthabis23 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I heard about it from one of our Reader's Choice weeks...it might have been from one of your suggestions. Good luck, Samantha.

      Delete
  9. I've always been a bit hesitant about reading Biblical fiction, but I changed my mind after reading Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar. It was wonderful! I want to read this one as well. So glad you loved it.
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm a Tessa Afshar fan now too -- as well as a reluctant biblical fiction reader. Good luck, Pam.

      Delete
  10. I’ve heard good things about this book. On my wish list. Thank you for the chance.
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have not yet read anything by Tessa and would love to win a copy of this book. It sounds wonderful. Thanks for the chance! 😊
    gobersATembarqmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This book is a perfect introduction to her work. Good luck, VanG.

      Delete
  12. Sorry about the deleted comment. My granddaughter had used my computer and put in her google account and I didn't notice it! I'm looking forward to this book. I haven't read much Biblical fiction but I'm really starting to like it!
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL -- pesky granddaughter. It sounds like there are a number of us just getting into biblical fiction. This book would make anyone a convert. Good luck, rubynreba.

      Delete
  13. I've heard great things about Tessa's books. I love Biblical fiction! Kav, thank you for the chance.
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks Good Thanks for sharing it with us and for the chance to win a copy
    iamabho ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  15. Wow, LOVED your review. Sounds like a must-read with a great spiritual lesson! Thanks for the chance. :)
    mbaaij at hetnet dot nl

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marian. I definitely think this one is a must read. Good luck.

      Delete
  16. I have heard about this author. Thank you. teshawATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  17. Guess it’s time for some Biblical fiction. I’ve always been fascinated by Lydia. Thanks for the chance Kav! paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It`s just a small part in scripture but Tessa Afshar has brought it to life in such an incredible way. Good luck, Paula.

      Delete
  18. oh this sounds wonderful. I would love to read some biblical fiction.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm really loving how you have taken Biblical fiction by storm. You've completely inspired me and have me seeking more stories in this genre. Beautiful, telling review, Kav.
    tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Terrill. We can thank my library for being so good about stocking biblical fiction! Good luck!

      Delete