Oh, wow, between getting back from ACFW in Nashville and getting my edits finished, I didn’t have time to read ANYTHING this week, so I’m falling back on a book I read a week ago. Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar was an ACFW book club pick, and one I probably would not have read otherwise. I am so glad I’m in this book club. It has really broadened my reading tastes. Here’s the back cover copy:
Purple. The foundation of an influential trade in a Roman world dominated by men. One woman rises up to take the reins of success in an incredible journey of courage, grit, and friendship. And along the way, she changes the world.
But before she was Lydia, the seller of purple, she was simply a merchant’s daughter who loved three things: her father, her ancestral home, and making dye. Then unbearable betrayal robs her of nearly everything.
With only her father’s secret formulas left, Lydia flees to Philippi and struggles to establish her business on her own. Determination and serendipitous acquaintances—along with her father’s precious dye—help her become one of the city’s preeminent merchants. But fear lingers in every shadow, until Lydia meets the apostle Paul and hears his message of hope, becoming his first European convert. Still, Lydia can’t outrun her secrets forever, and when past and present collide, she must either stand firm and trust in her fledgling faith or succumb to the fear that has ruled her life.
My Take:
It’s been a long time since I’ve read a fictionalized Biblical story, and I’m glad I did. This was one of the most fascinating books I’ve read this year. I’ve read about Lydia in Acts 16 for many years and Tessa Afshar really brought her to life in fleshing out this fictional telling of her life. Afshar spent the first fourteen years of her life in the Middle East, so she brings authenticity to the story.
I love watching Lydia grow from a fearful teenager to a strong woman. And Rebekah’s story really touched me. She had been kicked out of her family because she wouldn’t marry a cruel man she didn’t love. Her father disowned her, actually, her whole family disowned her. But she believed God had a plan for her life. And her life was a living testimony to Lydia. I loved the older woman in the story who loaned Lydia money to open her first shop. She said and did what she wanted to. I want to be her when I get to be that age! This is an uplifting book that will make you feel good when you finish.
Leave a comment and next week I’ll draw a name for a $10 Amazon gift card. Do you like to read Biblical fiction?
[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none”]The story of Lydia of Phillipi comes to life under the pen of Tessa Afshar! #Amazongiftcard[/tweet_box]
Discover more from Patricia Bradley
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Comments 48
I love Biblical fiction; it’s one of my favorite genres.
Author
I’m going to check out more Biblical fiction, Mindy! Thanks for stopping by.
The book sounds interesting, and one of my good friends was named after Lydia. But I can’t say whether or not I like Biblical fiction because I’ve never tried any. Maybe Bread of Angels would be a good place to start.
Author
Definitely, Priscilla! I’ve only read a few Biblical fiction books, mostly because I fear the author will change the facts in the Bible to suit their story. But Tessa didn’t do that. Instead, she gave us the history surrounding the story. Thanks for stopping by.
Bread of Angels is a wonderful book. I have also enjoyed the other books by Tessa Afshar that I have read.
Author
Carol, I was so impressed with Bread of Angels that I am going to read her other books! Thanks for stopping by.
I love Bible fiction. It is inspiring in a world of turmoil.
Author
And Bread of Angels was definitely inspiring, Nyala! Thanks for visiting my blog and commenting!
I really don’t care for Biblical fiction because I’ve read some where the Biblical story was completely changed. One author even changed names to ones she wanted. But, if done well, I guess it wouldn’t be too bad.
Author
Christine, I don’t like Biblical fiction that changes the story. And Tessa Afshar kept Lydia’s story true to the Bible. I liked imagining what Lydia’s life may have been like and what brought her to selling purple. Thanks for stopping by!
I like some of them. One of my favorites is Jill Eileen Smith.
Author
I’ll have to check her out, Mary. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting.
I don’t usually like to read biblical fiction but find it is being better written in recent years than sometimes was the case previously. Bread of Angels did bring Lydia’s and parts of Paul’s life to reality very well.
Author
Yes, so agree, Delores. I’m glad you enjoyed it, too! Thanks for dropping in!
It’s been a while since I’ve read Biblical fiction, but I do like it. It alwsys brings the Bible to life.
Author
I agree, Lisa. I like to imagine someone’s life back in Biblical times. Thanks for stopping by.
I read Bread of Angels, too and was pleasantly surprised! I will have to read more of Tessa. There is another recent book entitled Lydia that I think I would like to read and compare. I don’t usually pick Biblical Fiction. But I know there are terrific authors out there that write those books. I will have to try them. Roseanna White is one I have read but not her Biblical ones. Angela Hunt and Connilyn Cossette and Jill Eileen Smith are some that come to mind.
Author
Those are all great authors, Paula. I’ll have to check them out. Back about 1998 I read a book about JoAnna that was very interesting. Can’t remember the author but I met her at the Florida Christian Writers Conference. Thanks for stopping by.
I tried one Biblical fiction book but couldn’t finish it because the storyline was just too far fetched and not Biblical. Maybe I need to try another author.
Author
I’ve had that experience, too, Perrianne. That’s one reason I was so pleased with The Bread of Angels. It stayed true to the character in the Bible. Thanks for dropping by.
I love Biblical fiction as long as it sticks to the facts of the Bible. I don’t have a problem with building on that, but don’t deviate from Scripture! I’d like to read this book myself!
Author
You said it perfectly, Linda! I think that’s why I liked Bread of Angels. Thanks for stopping by.
I really enjoy Biblical fiction. Connilyn Cossette has a GREAT series about the Exodus that is really, really good 🙂
Author
I’ll have to check her books out, Jackie. Thanks for stopping by and telling me about her.
I haven’t read any Biblical fiction for awhile, but I really enjoy it when I have the chance. This one sounds great!
Author
I think you’d enjoy it, Betti. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
I DO like Biblical fiction! One of my favorite books is by Tommy Tenney: “One Night with the King” I had no idea everything Esther had to do/go through before she could meet the king!
Author
That sounds very interesting, MS Barb! I’ll have to find that one. Thanks for stopping by.
I love Biblical fiction…have read several by Jill Eileen Smith. I’ve read one of Tessa’s books…very good…plan to read more of her!
Author
I’ll definitely have to look Jill Eileen Smith up, Jackie. Thanks for stopping by.
I have not read much Biblical fiction. Something about it is unappealing. I’m not exactly sure why, other than the few I read were either not very interesting or seemed to veer a long ways from the Biblical account. I feel the same about movies based on a Bible character or story, such as The Exodus. We just saw the Sight and Sound Moses movie earlier this month. I know many are huge fans, but I have trouble tracking with them as I keep thinking about the way it happened in the Bible. I suppose I am too literal to appreciate that kind of fiction.
Author
I rarely will watch a commercial depiction of a Biblical character in a movie, but I really enjoyed this book, Edward. Tessa didn’t stray from the Biblical facts, just gave us a look at how Lydia’s life could have been. Thanks for stopping by.
I haven’t really much Biblical fiction. It just appeal as much as other fiction to me.
Wow, I messed up by leaving out words. I have not read much Biblical fiction. It just doesn’t appeal as much as other fiction does to me.
Author
I tend to read romantic suspense and mystery more, too, Gloria. But this was a good, feel-good book! Thanks for stopping by.
I’m like so many on this post in that I haven’t read much biblical fiction. I usually go for romance or suspense, but this sounds intriguing! I’ll have to look for this one! Thanks for showcasing it this week!
Author
Hi Regina! Good to ‘see’ you here. I think you will enjoy Bread of Angels. Thanks for dropping in and commenting.
I’ve heard good things about this book and have been wanting to read this.
Author
Hi Lucy! Everything you heard is right about this book. 🙂 So glad you stopped by!
I have always enjoyed Biblical fiction, although it is probably one of my least read genres. I had been looking at some of Tessa Afshar’s books and knew I wanted to try them out, and this was the first one I had a chance to read. It definitely made me a fan.
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed it, too, Colleen. I will be reading more of her books. Thanks for stopping by,
I like Biblical fiction as long as it stays true to scripture. There are only about two authors who I’ve read their books and very much enjoyed. Jill Eileen Smith is one of them, if you want a recommendation 🙂 She really fleshes out the women of the Bible and making them real in my mind. She also brings Biblical times to life and makes you feel as if you stepped back in time. I think she’s true to scripture while humanizing figures we don’t know a lot about. Her research is impeccable! I hope you will read any of her books, I especially enjoyed her story on Ruth & Naomi (Redeeming Grace). It’s one of my favorite stories in the Bible!
I have Bread of Angels in my shelf. I’ve read a few reviews and they were all very positive. This will be my first one by Tessa, I just need to get time to read it 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on different books every week. I’ve really enjoyed reading them!
Author
I definitely will check Jill Eileen Smith out, Trixi! Thanks for stopping by and explaining why you enjoy her books.
Biblical fiction usually gives a new perspective. I learn so much about the culture of that day.
Author
I so agree, Joan! And knowing the culture helps me understand the Bible better. Thanks for stopping by!
I have read some Biblical fiction I enjoyed and some I wished I had never picked up. I am willing to give them a try, even though they aren’t my first choice. This one sounds interesting; I’ll be adding it to my list.
Yes, I enjoy Biblical fiction! One of my favorites is The Zion Chronicles by Thoene.
I haven’t read those books, Caryl. But I’ve read other books by Thoene and they were good!