Book Recommendation - The Apostle's Sister

 



Angela Hunt has long been a go-to author of mine. She's one of the few I can say I've been reading for decades now and she still releases stellar books! She writes multiple genres, but one of my favorites is Biblical fiction. This book is the 4th book of the Jerusalem Road series, but stands on its own. The other books in the series happen in the same general timeline (during and directly after the life, death and resurrection of Christ), but the story lines don't necessarily cross over. Of the series, I do believe this one was my favorite. Having grown up with a dad, an uncle and a grandpa named Paul (true story!), the apostle by the same name was frequently alluded to in family gatherings. And in studying several of his letters and the book of Acts in Bible quizzing has made me more than a bit familiar with the famous apostle. And though I knew he had a sister and though I knew he hailed from Tarsus, I didn't give either of those facts a passing thought. This book gave me a better understanding both of where Paul came from (and how he was born both a Jew and Roman citizen) and how both his zeal and his conversion may have impacted his family, and in particular his sister. While much of the book is speculation (we don't even know his sister's name), the historical setting and events are rooted in research and taken directly from Scripture itself. I enjoyed learning more about this timeframe and getting wrapped up in a story of the family of the Apostle Paul. 


Here's the back cover blurb for those interested in what the book is truly about:

Aya, daughter of Zebulon of Tarsus, does not want a traditional life. Because she has always lived in the shadow of her brilliant brother, she wants to use her gifts and be something more than a wife and mother. When her traditional father insists she marry Avidan, a Torah student, she reluctantly agrees, but when Avidan leaves for Jerusalem, she seizes an opportunity to fulfill her deepest yearning, realizing she may never have another chance to do so. 

After moving to Jerusalem, she expects to be bored in her role as wife to a Torah student, but is fascinated by her husband’s studies. And when her brother Sha’ul makes a life-altering decision, she finds herself faced with a troubling question: how can she remain true to all she’s been taught and still love her blasphemous brother? 

This book releases June 7, 2022 wherever books are sold. If you need some great reading in the interim, the other 3 books in this series are out and are also absolutely fabulous:


For more information, check out the following links:

Angela Hunt's website: https://www.angelahuntbooks.com/

Angela Hunt's facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Angela.e.hunt

My full 5 star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4716682798?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

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