Bread of Angels

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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.

In the Field of Grace

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AFSHAR, TESSA
IN THE FIELD OF GRACE

Without wealth or family, the widow Ruth left her people and followed Naomi, her beloved Hebrew mother-in-law, to rebuilt Naomi's home in Israel. Provisions gone and starvation at the door, Ruth used all that she had left -- a strong back and a willing heart -- to gather grain in a field abandoned after the harvest.

Tormented by others, Ruth is shocked to find the owner of the field watching her. Talking to her. Bringing food to her and Naomi. Boaz tells himself his kindness toward Ruth is repayment for the love she has shown to his cousin Naomi. But his heart knows better.

My Review: 

Published in 2014

I can honestly say that I appreciate Ruth's story with renewed wonder after reading In the Field of Grace. Tessa Afshar has an incredible gift of bringing the bible to life through her exquisite  biblical retellings.

A familiar and much loved bible story becomes so much more thanks to the rich historical detail and intrinsic gospel truths that I eagerly took to heart -- like this beauty: "If God spared us from the piercing shaft of every sorrow," she said, "we could never fulfill His best plans for our lives. Sometimes the sweetest things in life rise up out of the worst things in life." (p38) Profound truths that remain just as relevant today as they were in Old Testament times.

Simply stunning!

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of In the Field of Grace, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you put your email address in your comment, please remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please put the title in the subject line to make it easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held anad winner announced on Sunday June 4 2017. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck!

Land of Silence

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AFSHAR, TESSA
LAND OF SILENCE

Before Christ called her daughter...before she stole healing by touching the hem of his garment...

Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt. After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father's textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left.

No physician can cure her. No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body, heart, and soul?

My Review:

Wow...just wow! I need to stop saying I'm not into biblical fiction because I keep finding great authors who write in this genre. Land of Silence held me spellbound. In fact it made a huge impact on me. Touched my heart in such a profound way.

Told exclusively from Elianna's point of view this story drew me in from the very first page.  Rich details bring this time period to life in vivid detail -- from everyday life and customs to the intricacies of all the aspects of the textile trade. And the way the author weaves biblical truths into the story! Yes, this is a fictional work but the spiritual elements transform this into a powerful tale of redemption and forgiveness and sacrificial love...and so much more.

I loved the notion of exploring the life of this unknown woman who has been immortalized in the pages of scripture. Afshar has created a sympathetic heroine -- courageous but vulnerable. Her struggles became my own as I lived and breathed her triumphs and disappointments right along with her. She arrives at a place of brokenness, barely clinging to hope and that's where God works his miracle. I wept when I reached that famous New Testament moment. Words spun together with such conviction it took my breath away.

Elianna's story resonated with me because I've been journeying in my own season of illness. I know her despair well. The anxiety. The frustration. Isolation and even condemnation. Which is why this novel touched me so deeply. Especially when I got to celebrate in the beauty and wisdom of lines like these:

What a peace comes at the end of surrender. What a relief there is when you stop striving against God and the world and yourself. I was the end of myself. And yet, in a strange way, I had only started the most important journey of my life. p.289

An extraordinary novel that has brought me comfort and hope.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  Land of Silence please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday June 12 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!