Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar {Book Review}

Hey Gems!!!

Today is the release day of my MOST anticipated biblical fiction books for 2020. Yes, the release of my favorite biblical fiction authors 8th novel...

I cannot express the excitement, the joy, the beauty and everything in between that I feel. I was lucky enough to get an eARC (electronic advanced reader copy) of this book and I did not hesitate to read it in December.

This book is about the infamous Priscilla and Aquila and features Paul. Expect some tears, laughter and anger as you read this book!

Keep reading to see my thoughts on the book and scroll all the way down to check out my reading vlog and book to look makeup discussion on this phenomenal book!!

Title: Daughter of Rome
Author: Tessa Afshar
Age: Adult
Genres: Biblical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction
Publication Date: February 4, 2019
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Source: eARC & Paperback
Purchase: Paperback | Kindle | Audible | Hardcover | Christian Book
Synopsis:

A woman with a devastating secret. A man bent on proving his worth. A chance encounter that catapults them into the heart of history. 

When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God's plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can they anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they're banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption. 

With impeccable research and vivid detail, Daughter of Rome is both an emotive love story and an immersive journey through first-century Rome and Corinth, reminding readers once again why Debbie Macomber has said that "no one brings the Bible to life like Tessa Afshar."

My Rating: 

Although this is definitely a 5 star read, I'm going with a 4.75 star rating for this book. For some reason my mind could not fully connect as I feel the writing was a bit different from the other books. The characters were awesome and the story line was great! This definitely a relatable story for me.

Priscilla is a sweet girl who is both Roman and born of a slave mother. She is treated like a disease by her brother. She was raised with hate, but turned out to be a pure flower. Priscilla dealt with hardships outside of her brother with a guy she "dated" which gutted me. She is such a gem and even though she was a Gentile, her heart for God was evident in every way. She was kind to all -- enemies included. She helped the poor, went without food to help others, nursed many people and showed love every way that she can. I loved and adored her character.

Aquila reminded me so much of Salmone from Pearl in the Sand in the first few chapters with how he acted towards Priscilla being a Gentile. He was very prideful, but he was also a wrecked man dealing with his own issues. I enjoyed him so much because he always acknowledged his faults and shortcomings then tried to work through them. He was a hardworking man seeking love and he found it.

The romance was so cute!!! They definitely had an instant attraction to one another, but they didn't rush into anything. They chatted, they had cute banters and always were around one another. Their romance brewed excellently and they ended up being one heck of a power couple.

Volero was a trash brother in every sense. Even in his meanness toward Priscilla, I felt he always had a deep love for her. Volero was just a bitter man that didn't know how to pull himself out of his valley.

Marcus was amazing!! I loved him from the first introduction to the end. A young boy on the run from his uncle. He was smart, caring, funny, loving and had a heart of gold. I loved that he was taken in, cared and loved for. He got his happily ever after which I adored.

Antonia was so annoying from prologue to end, but I began to enjoy it towards the middle. She was the evil villain in the story, that somewhat redeemed herself. She had to learn a lot over the course of her life. She was a great addition to the story in various ways.

Paul was okay in this story. Not much of him in this book, but I enjoyed him more in this book then I did in Thief of Corinth. He came as a friend and coworker in this story.

Overall, this was such a great story from Tessa and I highly recommend it to all!

Reading Vlog
This is filled with spoilers and

Book to Look Makeup Discussion
If you're into makeup I started a new series on my channel in which I do my makeup inspired by biblical and Christian fiction novels while discussing my thoughts more indepth.

I am forever grateful to Tessa Afshar for having me on board of her launch team. I'm ever grateful to Tyndale for sending me the book. I am blessed to have found Tessa's books and I'm excited for all she has in store -- like her upcoming and first Bible study ever The Way Home.

If you have not read for Tessa and you're still not convinced then let me say it as I end this post -- GO GRAB HER BOOKS!

Blessings,