Overview: A sweeping saga of the dramatic events surrounding the birth of Christianity. . .and the very personal story of Leah, a young Jewess of mixed heritage trapped by competing political agendas and private trauma. Caught up in the maelstrom following the death of an obscure rabbi named Jesus, Leah finds herself also engulfed in her own turmoil facing the prospect of an arranged marriage to a Roman soldier, Alban, who seems to care for nothing but his own ambitions. Head of the garrison near Galilee, he has been assigned by Palestine's governor to ferret out the truth behind rumors of a political execution gone awry. Leah's mistress, the governor's wife, secretly commissions Leah also to discover what really has become of this man whose death and missing body is causing such furor. This epic drama is threaded with the tale of an unlikely romance and framed with dangers and betrayals from unexpected sources as both Leah and Alban come closer to each other and to God.
Dawn's Recommendation: 5 of 5 Stars!
What I Liked: I loved the setting - great desciption. I loved the moment in time (right after Jesus had been crucified) - I don't think I've ever read a fiction book set at this time. It was delightful and exciting, with lots of tension. Leah and Alban were great characters - you care for them. I really enjoyed reading about how they lived, worked, ate, etc. I can see a lot of research went into this book, but it was beautifully done. Never overbearing with details, but just right. I don't usually read books a second time, but I'm pretty sure I will read this one again!
What I Didn't Like: The usual "girl doesn't want the boy" to create conflict. I rolled my eyes a couple of times and said, "you haven't even met him yet"! Other than that, I loved the book!
And, guess what I found out? There are two more books in this series! "The Hidden Flame" and "The Damascas Way". I have Book 2 already on my "To Read" pile! Can't wait!
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