SYNOPSIS FROM Tyndale
“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.”
JENNY’S REVIEW
I recently finished reading Jewel of the Nile for the SECOND time and remained in tears for a long moment after finishing. I should have been sleeping when I finished past midnight but I couldn’t put it down. There were so many parts towards the end, that made me almost sob out loud. But I paused and took a deep breath so I wouldn’t wake anyone up.
To say that I enjoyed this book is an understatement. I was entertained and drawn in and also very moved. I wish I could write like this. But some things are not meant for us to write. Some things are just meant for us to receive.
This quote by Priscilla to the main character, Chariline, messed…me…up.
Tessa has a way of weaving the most lush, historical, sweetly romantic stories with refreshing humor and deep, deep faith. By the time you are halfway in, you realize that her words are the tools God is using to bring much needed insight and healing. Jewel of the Nile does this with precision and grace. There were several instances in the story where I had to pause and reflect on the words or the scene. After reading Tessa’s other novels, especially Thief of Corinth and Daughter of Rome, I was eager to get my hands on this book.
I devoured this novel. It does not disappoint and more than that, it is a delight. Not only is the story featuring Chariline and Theo moving to read, but I am so thankful that it features a heroine that looks similar to me and my daughters. There were many parts in this book where I had tears in my eyes as I chewed on the words and implications. Chariline’s search for her father will shine light into your own heart, revealing what you value the most and how that relates to ultimate trust in Jesus.
Thank you Tessa for this jewel of a book.
I was an early reader thanks to Tyndale house publishers, all opinions expressed are my own.
TESSA AFSHAR is an award-winning author of historical and biblical fiction. Her novel Daughter of Rome was a Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestseller. 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, Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book Award in the fiction category, and Thief of Corinth was an Inspy Award finalist. 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 co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. She worked in women 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 enthusiast.
Pre-order this fantastic book and visit her online at Tessaafshar.com
