Book Recommendation - Jewel of the Nile

 

One of my go-to authors for Biblical Historical fiction is Tessa Afshar. I didn't think I would ever love a book of hers more than Bread of Angels, but I was wrong. Jewel of the Nile has taken its place and has also taken the seat of "best read of 2021" - at least to date (and I'm pretty sure it will take a LOT to unseat it from that position). This book was exactly what I needed at the time that I read it. I loved the characters, the story line, the spiritual message and the emotional healing that took place in this book. It was a beautiful story of the love of Jesus. 

The author had intended for this novel to be about the daughters of the apostle Philip, but when she received a letter from an African-American reader asking if any of her heroines would ever look like her, Ms. Afshar took a different take. Philip's daughters are still in the book as friends of Chariline, but the heroine herself is half Roman/half Cushite, giving her a unique skin tone of Biblical fiction heroines. Chariline was a delightful heroine and I loved learning more about the culture of ancient Cush. The author's notes in the back of the book were also helpful in that regard.

Here's a bit about the book:

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.

This book releases June 1, 2021 wherever books are sold. For more information, check out the following links:

Tessa Afshar's website: https://tessaafshar.com/

Tessa Afshar's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTessaAfshar

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3631345227

RSVP to the online launch party:https://marktwainhouse.org/event/jewel-of-the-nile-tessa-afshar?fbclid=IwAR045WGET9DWZlcVi7KJRv8XWkixjqZYVl9QtU7mlNor8luTUxeWd5pG6yA