Jewel Of The Nile By Tessa Afshar

Jewel of the Nile

by Tessa Afshar

Publisher: Tyndale

ISBN: 978-1-4964-2875-2

I have become a huge fan of Tessa's Biblical fiction. She has such an incredible gift with her writing. I was so excited to find out she had a new book coming out this spring. I signed up for her launch team and was sent the ebook for review.

Summary:

Whispered secrets about her parents’ past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.

Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents’ tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen’s court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.

Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline’s story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.

In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters—including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.

My Review:

Once again, Tessa Afshar has written an excellent novel. Her stories always bring to life Biblical times and I feel like I get to know the people from the Bible better, even if it is in a fictional way.

In Jewel of the Nile, love Chariline from the start. I could feel how alone she felt, isolated really, and it made my heart go out to her. Not only that, but I wanted to knock heads for the people who had hurt her and continued to do so! It's easy to get riled up for the main characters in Tessa's books.

And it was wonderful to have Theo in his own story this time. My heart broke for him in Thief of Corinth and when I found out he was getting his own story, I was thrilled. Once again, my heart was crushed knowing his backstory, but was so excited to see how he and Chariline would get to know each other and grow getting to know each other. Because of his past, it's understandable that he tries to protect his heart.

It was so fun to see Chariline's bravery and vulnerability come through as she tries to find the answers to her parents. One of my favorite parts of all of Tessa's writing is how we can see the character's spiritual struggle. I definitely saw myself in Chariline. I didn't think I'd be able to relate to someone in Biblical times like her or someone without parents, but it turns out the "truth" she was believing is something any one of us could believe as well.

I have to tell you, Sophocles is one of my favorite characters as well as Arkamani. He's just one of those rugrats you can't help but enjoy!

The faith that's filled throughout this story is so strong. It's present everywhere, as it should be. It was so incredible to see the Holy Spirit moving when Chariline was with Phillips daughters! That was so palpable of God's presence!

I was so surprised at the end to learn who one of the main characters is! I had to go reread their story in the Bible!

About the Author:

TESSA AFSHAR is the award-winning author of many biblical and inspirational historical fiction books, including Harvest of Gold which won a Christy Award and In the Field of Grace, a biblical fiction on the life of Ruth. Born in the Middle East, Tessa spent her teen years in England and later moved to the United States. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life. She holds a Master of Divinity from Yale, where she was co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship. She served in women and prayer ministry for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker.