Tessa Afshar is one of my favorite authors who brings to live some of the people we encounter in the Bible. From the well-known, such as Ruth, to some that are a little less known which is the case of this novel. Bread of Angels tells a fictional story based on the little that the Bible tells us about Lydia, a dyer of purple cloth.

True to her previous novels, Bread of Angels is a beautifully written story that really does bring to life a moment from the book of Acts and the city of Philippi. The novel is rich with historical details and characters that feel like long lost friends. With a theme of fear running through the pages, this is also a novel that offers encouragement and a message for the soul.

If you are looking for a great novel set in biblical times, Tessa Afshar’s books are worth checking out. And if you had a chance to read Land of Silence, you’ll enjoy catching up with Elianna a bit in this novel. But if you haven’t, don’t worry, this isn’t really a sequel and both books can be read as standalone novels.

Tessa Afshar brings to life Acts 16 and the story of Lydia.

There is so much to love about Lydia. She is independent, hard working and kindhearted to name a few of her positive attributes.

The story spans over many years taking readers to the time when Paul was alive and visited Phillipi. It was a treasure to be present during Paul's visit and gain a better understanding of what life was like for him and other followers of Jesus.

While I wasn't completely caught up in Lydia's story, it was an enjoyable journey and I especially loved the way the author wrapped up several pieces of the story at the end. As a bonus, there was a character visit from Elianna from The Land of Silence.

Tessa Afshar is a talented author and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Yet he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, and he rained down on them manna to eat and gave them the grain of heaven. Man ate of the bread of angels. ~Psalm 78:23-25

Bread of Angels is another wonderful book by Tessa Afshar. I’ve read several of her books and have never been disappointed. She is a talented storyteller who draws the reader back to Bible times and delivers a message of love, hope, and faith.

There is a lovely and familiar cast of characters—Lydia (the seller of purple, Phillipi, Paul, and more. It is effortless to sink into this story, and my emotions were given a tough workout. I love a story that makes me feel strongly—whether it’s amused, heartbroken, joyful, or angry. And I love it when I’m taken back to Bible times, learning the customs and such.

It was easy to sympathize with Lydia and felt the wounds of betrayal and fear. It seems with each Afshar novel I read I love it more than the previous one—but the fact is, they are all superb.

Lovely writing, brilliant storytelling, with a ministering and inspiring message.

Cover: Like
Title: Love
Pages: 416
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN: 978-149406477
First Line (prologue): I have never served as a soldier, yet I have the strange sense that most of my life I have stared down the blade of a sword, the face of my adversary haunting me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network and NetGalley.

This Biblical fiction account of the life of Lydia, seller of purple was a fun and enjoyable read. Lydia struggles to overcome her fear along with a family that threatens to destroy her. Events lead her to Philippi where she eventually meets Paul and Silas on their missionary journey.

Most of this story is extra-biblical as the account of Lydia is extremely short. I thought that Lydia's story was very convincing as the struggles any woman would face during that era were no doubt enormous. My biggest fault with the story was the way that Paul (and Silas) talked. Paul especially sounded like a walking talking Bible. While I have no doubt that Paul was a very intelligent, philosophical man, he just didn't feel real. Every other intelligent, philosophical person I know has moments when they don't necessary sound like a scholar. Every word out of Paul's mouth was like reading a Bible commentary. Small problem, yes; it just took me out of the moment.