We’ve finished the first month of the Unlocking the Past 2022 Reading Challenge: Around the World. This month we traveled to Africa, and my choice of story was Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar. Once you read my review, don’t forget to comment to be entered for your chance to win a copy.
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Jewel of the Nile
by Tessa Afshar
This month’s review is a combination of my review (section below the line) and Phyllis’s from AmongtheReads.net as we both read the same book. You can see not only Among the Read’s Full Review HERE, but you can also take a look through some beautiful graphics of her favorite quotes. I highly recommend it!
From Among the Reads:
When I first saw this title, I thought it was from a much earlier time period and a different country. Which wouldn’t have mattered, I really enjoy Tessa Afshar’s writing and would have read it regardless. Intrigued by the synopsis, I was eager to learn more.
I was transported to another time and place from the very start. And fascinated by the plight of Gemina and her husband, who were introduced in the prologue. I quickly became fully invested in the characters and knew that I had to follow their story to its conclusion!
I struggled a little with reading the name Chariline at first. Then I realized that her name was Greek and therefore assumed the “ch” would be pronounced like “k” as in charis – therefore read it as “Caroline”. It made the rest of the reading much easier!
Chariline had such a sad background! My heart went out to the orphan who was despised by her grandfather due to her mixed heritage and the rebellion she represented to him and merely tolerated by the aunt who raised her. When she discovered that her father was still living, I didn’t blame her at all for wanting to discover his identity and was impressed by the bold way she continued to search for him.
As much as I admired Chariline, I adored Theo! He was so fascinating. When he discovered her as a stowaway on his ship, he was so kind to her and possessed the servant heart Jesus desires from His followers!
One of my favorite less-known New Testament characters played a minor, though significant, role and I loved reading the author’s depiction of him! The conjecture the author made about his backstory was interesting and unexpected. I was fascinated to learn more about the plight of the God-fearers desiring to worship and yet were forbidden access to the temple. The circumstances that led him to feel insignificant were very moving.
A level of suspense and mystery filled the pages as Chariline’s search took place and Theo had to protect her from an unexpected threat. And as both learned to find their value in Christ alone.
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-researched story. And as it contained characters from other books by Tessa Afshar also set during this time period, including Theo, it made me want to go back and re-read The Thief of Corinth and Daughter of Rome! It is not necessary to read them all together but it certainly would enhance the reading experience to do so.
Genre: Biblical Fiction, Roman Empire, Africa
Plot Overview:
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.
Crystal’s Opinons
I am NOT a huge Biblical fiction reader. To the point I really really really put it off. However, once I started reading, the story never let go of me. The story, characters, mystery, danger, spiritual thread, and way of describing things have made me a Tess Afshar fan for life. I actually look forward to reading her other books.
What I loved: The plotline what not just a retelling or reimagining of some Biblical story, but a story that held merits of its own but was enhanced by the connections to real Biblical characters.
Favorite Character and Why: Arkamani was a fun little boy who makes lots of appearances in the story and adds levity to stressful scenes. I loved all the characters, but I especially looked forward to his appearances on the page.
Who would like this? Those who like stories written in beautiful language and imagery that pull you wholy and completely into the setting. Also, those who loves stories of intrigue, danger, and romance with spiritual arcs that feel genuine and natural and even personal. I’d even recommend this book to those who are hesitant to try Biblical fiction.
PURCHASE LINKS
Amazon Baker Bookhouse Barnes & Noble Books-a-Million Book Depository Bookshop.org Christianbook.com Indiebound.org
Giveaway
For your chance to win a print copy, comment with what book YOU read for this month and you will also be entered into the year-end Grand Prize Reader Basket. Use the Rafflecopter below for extra entries and to mark that you left a comment. Entries end on February 7th at midnight EST, and the winner will be drawn sometime that week and notified by email. The winner will be announced don’t the Rafflecopter widget. *Open to all residents of the contiguous USA, legally able to enter, and an e-book format or Amazon Gift Card will be awarded to those outside that range who are legally able to enter.
I read Rachel’s Blessing by Ashley Winter.
I have chosen A Mosaic of Wings by Kimberly Duffy for February’s read through suggestions that came from the Avid Christian Fiction FB pg. This book is set in India.
I’m reading A Mosaic of Wings for February too! 🙂
Awesome! I’ve got your entries added and the rafflecopter link fixed. I hope you enjoy Kimberly’s book, she has such a way of making you travel to India.
I read Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar for January’s challenge. This is so fun!! I am enjoying reading different genres and Authors!
Jewel of the Nile was so good. I’ve got your entries added. Did you see that Tessa Afshar is joining my Online Book Club on Feb 12? Message me for information if you haven’t.
I read The Confessions of X by Suzanne M. Wolfe.
Awesome! I’ve got your entries added and the rafflecopter link is fixed.
I read Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson. It’s such a good book!
Yay! I’ve heard good things about it! I’ve got your entries added.
I read Arabians Winds by Linda Chaiken. It was set in Egypt in 1914,with events leading into WWI. I always enjoy her books, but about half way through realized that I had already read this one (probably when it first came out) and remembered the twist. Oh well-it was still a good story
I read Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson!! I so loved it!! I am loving this challenge!! Starting my February challenge book now!!
Awesome! I’ve got your entries added and the Rafflecopter Link is fixed.
I’m glad you still enjoyed the story and it was reread worthy. I’ve got your entries added and the rafflecopter link is fixed.
I read Congo Dawn by Jeanette Windle. It was a great read. After just the first few pages, I knew I wasn’t putting this book down until the end. It was a great adventure! Well worth the mountain of laundry and undone house work I faced the next day.
Awesome! I’ve got your entries added and the Rafflecopter link is now fixed.
I think I did this before, but just in case. …
I read Child of the River and learned so much about South African history I had never known before. I love history and travel so this was awesome.
Thanks so much for posting it here. I think you may have posted it elsewhere and would have been overlooked. I’m so glad that the story really enlightened you. Since I have a friend who lives in South Africa, so I’ll have to check it out. I’ve got your entries added.
For February, I plan to read Circle by Ted Dekker and Dawn of a Thousand Nights by Tricia Goyer. Both have been on my TBR list for a while.
I read The Promise of Rain by Sally Krueger
Oh! I hadn’t heard of that one. I’ve added your entries. I hope you enjoyed the book!
I read Where We Belong by Lynn Austin.
Awesome! I’ve got your entries added!
I read Blood Random by Lisa Harris
Oh, I haven’t heard of that one but Lisa Harris is Romantic Suspense, right? I’ve got your entries added.
For my January book I read “Memories of Glass.” I really enjoyed it, especially since my son and daughter-in-law are ministering in Uganda currently!
For February (Asia) I have already started (because I’m on vacation), “The Samurai’s Heart” by Walt Mussel. Very good book!
I’ve heard great things about “Memories of Glass,” and “The Samurai’s Heart” really intrigued me with the blurb. I’ve got your entries added.
I read City of the Dead (Pyramid of Secrets, depending on what version you have) by Tracy Higley. I had just gotten this Tessa Afshar book for Christmas, and I wish I would have realized it would have worked…when I checked it quickly, I just saw Roman Empire!
It will also work for the Mediterranean, so it will still work for this year! I’ve got your entries added. I’ll have to check out City of the Dead/Pyramid of Secrets. I’m not familiar with that one.
I read Toni Shiloh’s In Search of a Prince. I think I’ll dive into Kimberly Duffy’s book Every Word Unsaid.
Yay! My copies came in over the weekend. I can’t wait to read ISOAP, and Kim’s book is definitely on my list! I’ve got your entries added.
I read In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh. It’s really good. I enjoyed the commoner to princess part of the story, almost like Princess Diaries, along with the setting on a beautiful African island.
I can’t wait to read it! I’ve got your entries added.
For January, my read was The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom. It is the first in the Grace in Africa Series.
For February, I think I may read, Perfectly Arranged by Liana George. It is a contemporary CF fiction. Normally, I read Historical, but I found the synopsis intriguing and wanted to try something different.
Oh, I’ve not heard of either of those. I’ll have to check it out! I’ve got your entries added.
I read Connilyn Cossette’s The Life Giver: Shiphrah’s Story this month. It takes place before the Exodus in Eqypt. I loved the story. For February…. I think I’m going to read Kimberly Duffy’s A Mosaic of Wings. It’ss been on my TBR for a while.
I thought I filled this out already but don’t see my name. I read Prince Incognito by Kimberly Duffy. I really enjoyed the story. I discovered it was part of a series so I went back and read the first book Missing Monarch.
I read Ghost Heart by Lisa Harris and Lynne Gentry. I plan to read the other two books in the series later this month.
I have to say, I really like the sound of Jewel of the Nile. I am not a huge fan of biblical fiction, but I may have to give this a shot. Thanks for the review.