I’ve known ABOUT Jamie Ogle’s stellar writing for a few years now, but Of Love and Treason was the first time I’ve had the privilege of reading one of her novels. And what a novel–I’ve always wanted to know more about St. Valentine!
My dad always bought my mom and me a box of chocolates on Valentine’s Day. February 14th has always been about LOVE, not just romance, for me. I’d heard a vague rendition of Saint Valentine’s story but never read or heard the full recounting of his life. So, when Jamie’s editor contacted me last April to request that I “read for possible endorsement,” I was over-the-moon excited!
Book Description
Valentine defies the emperor and becomes a hero . . . and the most wanted man in the empire. Compelled by his faith, he has nothing to lose, until a chance encounter with the daughter of a Roman jailor changes everything.
Rome, AD 270. In the wake of the emperor’s marriage ban, rumors swirl that there is one man brave enough to perform wedding ceremonies in secret. A public notarius and leader of an underground church, Valentine believes the emperor’s edict unjust and risks his own life for the sake of his convictions. But as his fame grows, so do fears for his safety.
Iris, the daughter of a Roman jailor, believes regaining her sight will ease the mounting troubles at home. Her last hope rests in searching out Valentine and his church, but the danger of associating with people labeled a threat to the empire is great. Still, as Iris’s new friends lead her to faith in God, Iris is drawn to Valentine and they both begin to hope for a future together beyond the treacherous empire.
But when a past debt and a staggering betrayal collide, Valentine, Iris, and everyone they love must fight for their lives . . . and wrestle with trusting a God who can restore sight yet does not always keep His followers from peril.
My Review
4 1/2 Smiles – 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 1/2!
What a triumph! Of Love and Treason—St. Valentine’s story—leaves an indelible mark on our 21st century faith by shifting focus from heart-shaped chocolates to the man who trusted God’s goodness despite the early church’s persecution. But this isn’t a sad historical novel. Painstaking research makes the rising tension of the martyrs’ inevitable sacrifices all the more poignant. Can we trust a sovereign God—who could save us from hardship, pain, illness, and death—but Who instead allows overwhelming hardship to befall His faithful ones?
When I “read” a book, I usually listen to it in the mornings while I exercise, shower, get ready for the day, etc. Then I turn off the narrator and start my real work. The mark of a truly good book is whether I find my thoughts wandering back to the book throughout the day–wondering what might be next for the characters or thinking about when I might sneak in another time to listen before tomorrow morning’s exercise session! That’s exactly what happened with Of Love and Treason. I was captured!
Of Love and Treason is for anyone who’s ever wondered why bad things happen to good people. It offers no cliches or easy answers, only the hard-won battle of St. Valentine’s still-celebrated life. It is a tender love story and boost to faith! “Happy Valentine’s Day” will have much deeper meaning after you read this fantastic historical novel!
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Short Bio:
Jamie Ogle is an award-winning author of historical fiction that’s full of danger, (good) rebels, and deep faith. CLICK HERE to learn more about Jamie and her books.
For Other Bookish Info:
Check out my website for other book reviews or discover what’s fact or fiction in some of my novels!
