Meet my sweet friend, Angela Hunt. She’s been one of my author heroes for many years and become a friend more recently. When I first got the crazy idea that MAYBE God wanted me to write biblical fiction, I read three series to help me decide: Mark of the Lion Series (3-bk series) by Francine River, Chronicles of the Kings (5-bk series) by Lynn Austin, and Legacies of the Ancient River (3-bk series) by Angela Hunt. By the time I finished those eleven books, I knew I wanted to write like those ladies!
The Sisters of Corinth is the second book in The Emissaries series. A Woman from Lydia is the first book in the series. You can CLICK HERE to find my review on the first book in the series, but you need not have read book #1 to enjoy The Sisters of Corinth.
Book Description
When the new provincial governor arrives in Corinth, the esteemed Chief Magistrate Narkis Ligus, father to Mariana and Prima, is delighted. He sees a golden opportunity to propel himself to greater power and fortune by uniting his and the governor’s households through the marriage of one of his beautiful unwed daughters to the governor’s firstborn son.
Yet complications quickly arise in Narkis’s own family. Mariana, his stepdaughter, holds steadfast faith in Yeshua, rendering her hesitant to marry a man devoted to the Roman gods, despite Narkis’s urging. On the other hand, Prima, his daughter by birth, yearns for a life of wealth and status and is willing to go to great lengths to secure a marriage that fulfills her desires–even if it means betraying Mariana to do so.
My Review
4 ½ Smiles 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 1/2
Whenever I read Angela Hunt’s biblical fiction, I’m always struck by the same thought: I feel like an invisible observer inside the book with the characters! Whether in a palace or a humble tent, Hunt’s seamless descriptions make the foreign customs and ancient tools seem like items from my own kitchen. By the time I’ve finished the book, I’ve had a most enjoyable 1st-century history lesson and—oh, yes—I’ve also read a fantastic novel!
Overall
In The Sisters of Corinth, the chasm between the step-sisters is very wide. Both girls still grieve the parent they’ve lost. Prima, whose father has spoiled her, is a daughter whose ambition could match any man. Mariana and her mother have leaned hard on their Christian faith and each other. Mariana and her mother respond to Prima’s arrogance in a Christ-like way, balanced with enough inner frustration to show their human flaws.
Tension and Romance
The tension ramps up when Marcus–the romantic interest–enters the picture. To avoid any spoilers, I’ll avoid using names, but I wanted a deeper connection in the romantic relationship that develops. However, as I reflect on the ancient culture and the characters’ circumstances, what I wanted would have been more like a 21st-century love story. Hunt’s portrayal was more appropriate for the first-century Roman world. The couple honestly shared both frustrating misunderstandings and joyful reunions.
Ending
The epilogue was…interesting. Though I can’t know the author’s intentions, I don’t believe it was intended to tie up loose ends–as many epilogues do. Rather, this epilogue untied my too tidy imagination by forcing me to think deeper. What was REAL LIFE like for first-century Christians right before Nero’s full-on persecution of Christians? They knew it was coming as did Satan and his minions.
The Sisters of Corinth is a must read for all New Testament biblical fiction fans!
For More Info
I’ve read most of Angie’s biblical fiction and a few novels from her other genres. My favorite non-biblical fiction is called The Truth Teller. Perhaps my favorite book of all that she’s written is a children’s book: The Tale of Three Trees. The Sisters of Corinth is the second in The Emissaries series. CLICK HERE to learn more about Angie and her books.
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