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 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. ( )

Thank you in advance to the author, Tessa Afshar, and JustRead Publicity Tours for providing a complimentary advance review copy. A positive review was not required. All words and thoughts are my own.

As many know I am not a historical fiction reader. I tend more to romance and suspense. For romance – think along the lines of the Love Inspired books from Harlequin or Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove Series.

On the suspense line – the Love Inspired Suspense line, Natalie Walters, Colleen Coble, Kathy Harris, or Lynnette Eason. Those are my type of reads. Occasionally I do tend toward other types. But, Historical Fiction is hit or miss.

“Daughter of Rome” is the FIRST Biblical Fiction novel I’ve EVER read, let alone owned. This is something my mother might be more interested in.

Yet, something in this novel drew me to it.

In World History, I was taught about the Roman Empire with only MINOR details on the Christian and Jewish parts.

This book highlights the impact the Jewish people felt from a Roman Emperor’s edict, along with the love story of Priscilla and Aquila. In addition, Afshar also depicts the division within the Jewish community – those who believe Yeshua (Jesus) was the promised Messiah, and those who do not. Without stating it directly in the novel, this story hints at the rise of Christianity as it does mention following “the Christ”.

It is that belief that gets Aquila disowned by his family (even his betrothed) and he ends up in Rome with his uncle. And, it is in Rome where he meets Priscilla; a Gentile; when they are attending synagogue.

I found it fascinating that it was often considered unclean for Jewish people to eat with Romans. Yet, some Jewish people didn’t mind. As they set aside their differences, they find they are VERY much alike.

This is a BEAUTIFUL love story; and a way for those unfamiliar with history to seek it out and learn from it. Afshar’s writing is beautiful. Publishers Weekly praises the author – “Afshar again shows her amazing talent for packing action and intrigue into the biblical setting for modern readers”.

That isn’t far from the truth, especially for someone like me who has NEVER read a biblical fiction novel. Anyone looking at my Goodreads or Bookbub profiles would know that.

While I got it last month as part of a social media takeover tour, I didn’t have time to read it until I caught up with a few “time-sensitive” obligations. But, I did intend to read it as soon as I possibly could.

While I was deeply interested in the story, I was hesitant at first to read it. After all, the notion of “Biblical Fiction” was, at first, intimidating. I didn’t quite know what to expect.

I was in for a surprise – a very good one. This was definitely a book I didn’t want to put down. Realistically I had to though.

It was intriguing, educational, heart-breaking, beautiful, and captivating. The characters were beautifully and realistically written.

This novel had attempted murder, a murder mystery, a love story, faith, forgiveness, and second chances. Also, redemption was a huge theme in this. All of this worked together so beautifully and believably.

As Debbie Macomber pointed out – “no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar”. And, this feels very life like with Afshar’s vivid and descriptive writing. I could visualize each scene. This was written as if it were a movie on television.

As it is a “Biblical” story, and “Biblical” fiction – there will be heavy talk of faith, talk about Jesus (Yeshua) and God (Yahweh). For those looking for only a “Roman”/Historical type read without the religion, it might be best to pass this by.

For those who enjoy the story of the bible, Jesus, God, and history – I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Just a side note: Given the entire Roman Empire/Jewish/Christian dynamic of the time; it is fascinating that the Vatican is in Italy. Also, Christianity emerged in Roman Judea as a Jewish religious sect in the 1st century AD.
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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 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. ( )

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 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. ( )

Interesting take on Priscilla and Aquila. ( )