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 . 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 are my own.

I didn't love this one nearly as much as I loved "Pearl in the Sand" and I did skim the beginning a bit since I figured out part of the plot, however, I can't wait to get my hands on a paperback copy and give a full review of this different take on Biblical fiction.

18+ due to content.

I voluntarily received and reviewed a complimentary e/copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

When I fall in love with a great book, I do it quickly. When it comes to Tessa Afshar’s books, I always fall fast. Firstly she always puts God first. Second, she always keeps it 100. Staying true to herself and her stories.

Jewel of the Nile is an adventure about love. Love of the earthly father, love of family, the fulfillment of love, and ultimately the love of our Heavenly Father. Our main characters quickly find that we find love all in Him – the Lord because he is love. And no matter how lacking and disappointing their pasts have been, God is still in control.
JTON’s setting was interesting. I loved reading about the ancient kingdom of The Cush (aka Ethiopia) and the part they played within the Roman Empire. So if you love your fiction packed full of history, this book is meant for you. Along the journey, you meet real characters such as Philip the evangelist and the eunuch from Acts renamed Natemahar. You also run into Priscilla and Aquila once again and get another peek at the early church.
One of my favorite characters hands-down was Arkamani. He made me laugh out loud, especially when it came to his family. As I like to say, the Cuteness Factor was off the charts! Kudos to Tessa for another great novel. Over the years, she has defined Christian fiction for many and continues to write such wonderful stories.

TESSA AFSHAR'S novels are well worth waiting for and JEWEL OF THE NILE is certainly no exception! What a lovely book and what a beautiful message. I particularly like the scripture verses at the beginning of each chapter which really fit in and enlarge the reading experience. To me the main message is that of Jesus being the only one who can make broken people whole, and that we need to see ourselves, scarred though we may be, through His eyes. As Theo says, "The trouble with scars is that they tell their own twisted story. They make you see yourself through their own distorted mirror." There is also the longing for family and to belong, and the debilitating effects of guilt and the inability to forgive oneself.
The story starts with Chariline visiting her grandparents in Meroë, the capital of Cush. At their home she hears something she is not meant to hear which sends her to Rome in search of the truth. There is something else she overhears, this time in the Kandake's court, which leaves her confused as to what she should do with the information.
Desperate to get to Rome, she stows away on Theodotus of Corinth's ship. We have met Theo before in Thief of Corinth and Daughter of Rome. I must add, though, that each of these wonderful novels can definitely stand alone.
I enjoyed everything about this book and cannot recommend Jewel of the Nile highly enough, especially to anyone who enjoys biblical historical novels.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.