Synopsis:~

Whispered secrets about her parents’ past take on new urgency for Chariline as she pays one last visit to the land of her forefathers, the ancient kingdom of Cush.

Raised as an orphan by her aunt, Chariline has only been told a few pieces of her parents’ tragic love story. Her beautiful dark skin is proof that her father was Cushite, but she knows nothing else. While visiting her grandfather before his retirement as the Roman official in the queen’s court, Chariline overhears that her father is still alive, and discovering his identity becomes her obsession. Both her grandfather and the queen have reasons for keeping this secret, however, and forbid her quest. So when her only clues lead to Rome, Chariline sneaks on the ship of a merchant trusted by friends.

Theo is shocked to discover a stowaway on board his vessel and determines to be rid of her as soon as possible. But drawn in by Chariline’s story, he feels honor-bound to see her safely to shore, especially when it appears someone may be willing to kill for the truth she seeks.

In this transformative tale of historical fiction, bestselling author Tessa Afshar brings to life the kingdom of Cush and the Roman Empire, introducing readers to a fascinating world filled with gripping adventure, touching romance, and a host of lovable characters―including some they may recognize from the biblical book of Acts.

Necee’s take:~

“She never felt so at home as when she was near the Nile.”

Adventure. Romance. Mystery. If you’re looking for tales of adventure on the high seas and in exotic lands; in a place that will have you traveling back in time where camels are the mode of transportation as well as vessels on the Nile river, then you’ll want to read this book. Afshar is a master at creating an historical adventure and romance with inspiring themes that will capture your heart and imagination.

When a truth is revealed that is potentially life-changing, Chariline braves her fears to go on a dangerous journey. As she seeks the Lord and his guidance, she finds unlikely friends that help her on the way. Jewel of the Nile wove an historical quest with a deep well of spiritual inspiration.

“For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. MARK 4:22, NLT”

The scenery was awe inspiring and made me want to jump on a plane to visit. I would love to have my own little adventure on the Nile River. My heart was drawn to her desire for familial ties, too. I adored Theo, their romance, and the journey they took together. Beautifully written and inspiring, it was fun seeing nods at biblical characters that really made the story come to life during the early time period for Rome, Egypt, and the Nile. If you love imagining stories set during biblical times, I think you’ll love Tessa Afshar’s writing!

“He took one last aching look outside the crumbling window; the Nile was molten gold in the light of the rising sun, a sparkling coil winding its way into the horizon.”

Who wants to go with me to visit the places Theo and Chariline went in this book?

I was given an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own and are given honestly.

Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novel Daughter of Rome was a Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestseller. Thief of Corinth was an Inspy Award finalist, and Land of Silence won an Inspy Award and was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious Christy Award in the historical romance category, and Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book Award in the fiction category. Tessa also recently released her first Bible study and DVD called The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth.

Tessa was born to a nominally Muslim family in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. She then moved to England, where she survived boarding school for girls, before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a master of divinity from Yale University, where she served as cochair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She worked in women’s and prayer ministries for nearly twenty years before becoming a full-time writer. Tessa speaks regularly at national women’s events. She is a devoted wife, mediocre tomato grower, and chocolate connoisseur. Visit her website at tessaafshar.com.

Relz Reviewz Extras
All Things Afshar @ Relz Reviewz
Visit Tessa’s website
Buy from Amazon: Jewel of the Nile or Koorong