Tracy L. Higley's books are never disappointing. The intriguing story was a delightful read.
My thoughts:
Tracy's website says, "your portal to the ancient world." This book did not disappoint. It was everything that I hoped it would be... drama, mystery, suspense, historical, and an expression of growing faith in God. It was all of that plus dark secrets, a compelling mission, character refinement and growth, and divine protection.
I have to admit, I got a little confused with the Herods and Caesars. It's not Tracy's fault. She put a chart in the front of the book. They just had some wonky relationships. This was the time of the Julius and Augustus and Octavian Caesars and Marc Antony. Hateful and heartless, the lot of them. Cleopatra plays a starring role and she is just nasty every way you looked at her. She did her share of hateful and heartless things as well. I was shocked at the way human life held no value in their eyes nor did marriage or fidelity.
I came away from this book with a better understanding of the time period of the Hasmonians whom you might know as the Jewish Maccabeans. I never fail to be amazed at the anti-semitism. The Romans and Jews really did hate each other.
I was so happy that Lydia, the central character, was a good decent young woman who was artistic and caring and brought beauty to relationships and locations. Oh pickle loaf sandwiches and popcorn brains, I want to tell you about some things that were so wonderful, but they would just spoil the book for you. I'll hush. ~smile~ This is well worth reading. Do be careful though. Your housework may suffer. Laundry just isn't quite in the same league. ~smile~
I'll give this one five stars. I will be reading every Tracy Higley book I can get my hands on. ~smile~ I recommend you do the same.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from litfuse as part of a blog tour.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Tracy's website says, "your portal to the ancient world." This book did not disappoint. It was everything that I hoped it would be... drama, mystery, suspense, historical, and an expression of growing faith in God. It was all of that plus dark secrets, a compelling mission, character refinement and growth, and divine protection.
I have to admit, I got a little confused with the Herods and Caesars. It's not Tracy's fault. She put a chart in the front of the book. They just had some wonky relationships. This was the time of the Julius and Augustus and Octavian Caesars and Marc Antony. Hateful and heartless, the lot of them. Cleopatra plays a starring role and she is just nasty every way you looked at her. She did her share of hateful and heartless things as well. I was shocked at the way human life held no value in their eyes nor did marriage or fidelity.
I came away from this book with a better understanding of the time period of the Hasmonians whom you might know as the Jewish Maccabeans. I never fail to be amazed at the anti-semitism. The Romans and Jews really did hate each other.
I was so happy that Lydia, the central character, was a good decent young woman who was artistic and caring and brought beauty to relationships and locations. Oh pickle loaf sandwiches and popcorn brains, I want to tell you about some things that were so wonderful, but they would just spoil the book for you. I'll hush. ~smile~ This is well worth reading. Do be careful though. Your housework may suffer. Laundry just isn't quite in the same league. ~smile~
I'll give this one five stars. I will be reading every Tracy Higley book I can get my hands on. ~smile~ I recommend you do the same.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from litfuse as part of a blog tour.
I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 : Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
I wasn't sure how well I would like this book when I started it. But by the time I got to through the first chapter, I was hooked! Believe me, it takes a lot to interest me in a book. I love reviewing them but many times I read a book just because I have to. This one, I wanted to! Tracy pulled me in from the beginning and didn't let go until the last page. Even then I wished for more:)
Lydia is the heroine in this book. But she isn't your typical heroine. A young lady at first who is not much more than a girl but we see as she grows and matures. I think my favorite aspect of this book was the history. I loved learning more about this time period and the way things were back then. Seeing the treachery and deceit that went on, not to mention the bloodshed and pursuing the throne no matter who died, was quite interesting. I got a history lesson without even realizing it:) I did notice some characters from a previous book if you have read her others. Overall an excellent book that was a non-stop read!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
Lydia is the heroine in this book. But she isn't your typical heroine. A young lady at first who is not much more than a girl but we see as she grows and matures. I think my favorite aspect of this book was the history. I loved learning more about this time period and the way things were back then. Seeing the treachery and deceit that went on, not to mention the bloodshed and pursuing the throne no matter who died, was quite interesting. I got a history lesson without even realizing it:) I did notice some characters from a previous book if you have read her others. Overall an excellent book that was a non-stop read!
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes. All thoughts are 100% mine.
