I have only discovered books by Francine Rivers in the last year or so. I am particularly struck by her ability to not only tell a good story but to inspire readers in their Christian walk. Her historical novels "make the Bible come alive" as one friend has put it, while her contemporary novels cover such diverse issues that, so far, I have not found her work at all predictable. It is a refreshing change from many Christian fiction writers who tend to write historical romances where only the names (and maybe the places)change.
I actually read this book initially not realising it was the second in a trilogy. While it stood alone well, I was anxious to read the first book "A Voice in the Wind" to find out what had happened beforehand.
The character of Hadasseh is so encouraging in the way she did not let circumstances dictate her reactions to those around her but she continued to seek God to guide her in all things. She epitomises "a holy and living sacrifice" and is someone to emulate.
The accounts of Roman and Ephesian life around 70 AD are fascinating - I didn't realise how important the games were to society at the time. Is there an equivalent in our society today?
