The Sisters of Corinth - (The Emissaries) by Angela Hunt (Paperback)

Mariana and her mother, Hester, are believers in Yeshua, Jesus, and their faith causes them to walk a tightrope. That is because her step-father, Narkis, and step-sister, Prima worship the Roman gods. The two are met with hostility or worse when they try to tell Narkis and Prima about their faith. Prima is spoiled, mean, and self-centered. She has set her sights to marry the Governor's son. When she does not get her way, Prima dedicates herself to an idol, giving it expensive sacrifices, including her virtue, believing that will change things. She is not above murder or blackmail to get her way. Prima hates Mariana and wants to get rid of her. She orchestrates a test to reveal the Christians living in the city, knowing Mariana is one. Prima is sure this will force Mariana to flee town rather than face death by admitting she is a follower of Christ. What happens next is not what she expected. This story will pull you into the lives of first century, upper class Romans. Food, parties, and dress are over-the-top, while the people themselves are often cruel, especially to the slaves who make their lifestyle possible. The story is clean despite some of the subject matter. There is a lot of suspense, and the tale is very engaging, but it ends abruptly on a cliffhanger, and for that reason, I recommend it with reservations. To find out the ending, you will have to get the next volume. This four-star book will be enjoyed by fans of first century Christians, and exciting stories. Thank you, Bethany House, for providing Tickmenot with a book to review. Opinions are my own.

Get ready to be immersed into the time period of AD 60 and the difficulties a Christian faced in Corinth. The research is impeccable and the storytelling spot on. This is the story of two stepsisters one is a Christian and the other worships the temple gods especially Aphrodite. Mariana has an unwavering faith as she grows by reading Paul’s letters to the church. Prima is a lost soul and although devious and a pagan worshiper I saw a lost soul and I hurt for her and the bad choices she made while being deceived by satan. It is a great reminder that our choices dictate our destiny. I loved the hope, forgiveness, change of hearts, growth, romance, and the suspensefulness of this story. Even if you aren’t a Biblical fiction lover I think you will find the content of this story fascinating. It was enlightening in revealing just how depraved the Romans were but how the light of the gospel could still prevail and win souls for Christ. I highly recommend reading this as it is very informative and interesting. This is book two in The Emissaries series but reads as a stand-alone. It does end with a cliffhanger that book three will have the answers. I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

“If this man was after Kassie, she was in more danger than she realized,” Jared concludes in Carol J. Post’s inspirational romance, Searching for Evidence. ~ What ~ A Love Inspired Suspense, this first book in the Canine Defense series is a two-hundred-and-thirty-three-page paperback that targets those who like suspenseful romance fiction involving search dogs. With no profanity but topics of abuse, murder, and death, it may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes the author’s note and advertisements. In this quick read based in Florida, Kassie has her hands full running a salon and helping with her father’s charter business. But when her father is missing and she is accosted on his boat, K-9 Officer Jared and his trusted dog Justice help protect her as they search for the truth. As those who demand answers get more determined, the protagonists are challenged to let their guards down personally. ~ Why ~ This is a fast-paced story that keeps the reader running to keep up with the action while Kassie and Jared try to uncover what’s important and what’s not. I liked the realistic relationship between the two as they dealt with family dynamics and their pasts. ~ Why Not ~ Some may not like tales of dysfunctional families or sibling rivalries. Others may not care for the faith-based prayers, but there are only a few. ~ Wish ~ Without knowing what denomination the writer is, it would be thoughtful to include the eternal plan of salvation that Jesus Christ died on the cross, shed His blood for all sin, and rose the third day ~ Want ~ If you like a quick chase with a detective, his trained canine, and a daughter searching for evidence, this one is a fast page turner. Thanks to the author for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.