JEWEL OF THE NILE by TESSA AFSHAR

Publication date 1/6/21
TESSA AFSHAR's novels are well worth waiting for and JEWEL OF THE NILE is certainly no exception! What a lovely book and what a beautiful message. I particularly like the scripture verses at the beginning of each chapter which really fit in and enlarge the reading experience. To me the main message is that of Jesus being the only one who can make broken people whole, and that we need to see ourselves, scarred though we may be, through His eyes. As Theo says, "The trouble with scars is that they tell their own twisted story. They make you see yourself through their own distorted mirror." There is also the longing for family and to belong, and the debilitating effects of guilt and the inability to forgive oneself.
The story starts with Chariline visiting her grandparents in Meroe, the capital of Cush. At their home she hears something they do not want her to hear which sends her to Rome in search of the truth. There is something else she overhears, this time in the Kandake's court, which leaves her confused as to what she should do with rhe information.
Desperate to get to Rome, she stows away on Theodotus of Corinth's ship. We have met Theo before in Thief of Corinth and Daughter of Rome. We also come across the desciple Philip, and Aquila and Priscilla, whose story is told in Daughter of Rome. I must add, though, that each of these wonderful novels can definitely stand alone.
I enjoyed everything about this book and cannot recommend Jewel of the Nile highly enough, especially to anyone who enjoys biblical historical novels.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.



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