Angela Hunt is a wonderful biblical fiction writer. I don't like to read biblical fiction from authors I don't know or trust because of all the genres out there, i feel biblical fiction needs to nail the truth. She does a wonderful job with this, especially with less known stories in the BIble that I want to read more about but I don't want the story to be so far from the truth that I get confused. She nailed it

Angela Hunt's "Apostle's Sister (Jerusalem Road)" intricately weaves a vivid tapestry of familial bonds, faith, and the tumultuous historical landscape of biblical times, centering on the life of Aya, the daughter of Zebulun of Tarsus, and her eminent brother, Sha'ul, also known as Paul.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Tarsus and Jerusalem, Hunt presents readers with a captivating narrative that unfolds through the eyes of Aya. Torn between her desire for a life beyond traditional expectations and the societal pressures of her time, Aya grapples with her role as a woman in a society that predominantly defines success within the confines of marriage and motherhood.

The novel explores the contrasting paths chosen by siblings Aya and Sha'ul. While Aya seeks to break free from societal norms and embrace her individuality, Sha'ul's trajectory propels him into a world of scholarly pursuits and religious fervor, ultimately leading to his pivotal role in the unfolding events surrounding Yeshua and his followers.

Hunt's storytelling prowess shines through the complex relationships and inner conflicts faced by the characters. Aya's internal struggle between familial loyalty and personal beliefs becomes a focal point, especially as she navigates the implications of her brother's choices and the rising tensions surrounding the Nazarene movement.

The author skillfully intertwines historical accuracy with a nuanced portrayal of religious and societal dynamics, offering readers a compelling glimpse into the religious and political upheavals of ancient Jerusalem. The narrative is enriched by the meticulously researched setting, which breathes life into the vibrant landscapes and cultural tapestries of the era.

Through Aya's journey, Hunt presents thought-provoking questions about faith, familial ties, and the pursuit of individual purpose in a world rife with societal expectations and religious upheaval. The exploration of Aya's inner conflict regarding her love for her brother juxtaposed against her convictions creates a deeply resonant and emotionally charged narrative.

In conclusion, "Apostle's Sister (Jerusalem Road)" is a poignant and immersive historical fiction that masterfully blends a compelling narrative with profound explorations of faith, family, and personal identity. Angela Hunt's storytelling prowess delivers a compelling and thought-provoking tale that resonates long after the final page is turned.

The Apostle's Sister
by Angela Hunt
Pub Date 07 Jun 2022
Bethany House, Bethany House Publishers
Christian | Historical Fiction


I am reviewing a copy of The Apostle’s Sister through Bethany House and Netgalley:


Ava, daughter of Zebulun of Tarsus, has always longed for more. What if the path she has chosen requires more than she's willing to give?



After years of being overshadowed by her brilliant brother Sha'ul, Aya wants a chance to use her own gifts beyond being a wife and mother. When her father insists that she marry a Torah student, she reluctantly agrees.


Shaul or Paul return is a dedicated scholar who returns to Tarsus to follow the instructions of the Law and wed the woman his father has chosen to raise his profile and help him earn a seat on the Great Sanhedrin--the highest religious court in the land. But when the Nazarene, Yeshua, and his followers bring trouble to the Holy City, Sha'ul will stop at nothing to silence them.



After she and her husband move to Jerusalem, she expects to be bored in her role as wife to a Torah student. Instead, she finds herself fascinated by his studies. Then her brother makes a life-altering decision, and she must face a troubling question: Can she remain true to her beliefs and still love her blasphemous brother?


I give the Apostle’s Sister five out of five stars !


Happy Reading!

Aya is a talent singer, who longs for more than marriage and children. A marriage is arranged for her to a scholar, Avidan, who moves her to the bustling streets of Jerusalem, close to her brother Sha'ul.

A compelling Biblical novel, I liked how it follows Aya, Sha'ul, and Avidan through the years. Jerusalem is full of unrest with the Romans pushing their control, while Yeshua and his followers are bringing division. Aya grows into her role as a wife, and I liked how she reads along with her husband, as well as her determination to make a home for her son in hard times.

Well written novel that brings to life the time period, with the tensions between the Jews and the Romans, and the way that Yeshua fulfills the promises of the Old Testament. A beautiful story of hope in the days of the early church.


I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Apostle’s Sister

Aya is the sister of Saul of Tarsus, who becomes Paul the Apostle, one of the mainstays of Christ’s early ministry. Her family does not support this at all. As for her, while she is fascinated by her new husband’s Torah studies, her heart yearns to sing for others.

How all this is resolved makes an engrossing story.

The Apostle’s Sister by Angela Hunt is a wonderful Biblical/Historical fiction story.
Even though this book is part of a series, it is also wonderful as a stand alone.
This book is so very well written, staying true to Biblical facts, with wonderful surprises throughout. The characters are so likable. This is an interesting fictional account of the Apostle Paul, his sister Aya and their family.
I highly recommend this book.
I received an advance copy through NetGalley. I am under no obligation to post a positive review. This review is my own honest opinion.

I greatly enjoyed this historical fiction about the family of Saul / Paul. Angela Elwell Hunt writes with as much historical accuracy as she can gather, yet create a relatable story. In this book we follow the sister of Saul, whose name is Aya. Yes, the sister and her son are mentioned in the Bible.
While I realize it is a fiction story, it is woven carefully to place the reader in to the time period. And, it gives you an understanding of the strong beliefs of the Sanhedrin, at the time of Jesus’s ministry.

This was a very inspirational read about Paul’s sister. I liked how the story of Paul is told from a woman’s perspective. Aya struggles between the Jewish faith and her brother, who is becoming a Christian. Aya is a strong woman who follows her own faith. She gradually undergo major beliefs. She questions herself and her faith. In the end, she is able to follow the footsteps of Jesus. Thus, this novel does an excellent job in portraying Paul’s conversion and Early Christianity! I recommend this novel for fans of Mesu Andrews, Tessa Afshar, and Katrina D. Hamel!

Interesting fictional story about the Apostle Paul's sister and their family. Aya changes and grows, learning as she ages, she's always in Paul's shadow. Women were much more restricted at that time, much of what they did or could do was limited by family and Jewish Law. She later finds that there has been a purpose to her paths that could only be made by God. Well told, very realistic, keeping to bible facts. An interesting insight into Paul's life and upbringing.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#TheApostlesSister #NetGalley #AngelaHunt #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction

“When HaShem bestows a gift, does He not expect us to use it?”

I really enjoyed my first Biblical fiction novel by Angels Hunt. While The Apostle’s Sister is #4 in the Jerusalem Road Series, I never once felt at a loss for knowledge of what may have transpired in previous books.

Shaul ( eventually Paul) and Aya, his independent sister who longs to be free to use her voice in public, alternate narrating chapters. We meet the Jewish family who in this novel, have great social Greek connections. Yet, some facets of their lives are very restricted by the law. Shaul studies in Jerusalem under Gamaliel, constantly debating the finer points of the law with other students and teachers. “In this city, perhaps in homes not far from me, other young men were debating similar questions, focusing their energy on minuscule points of the Law while they missed the miracle of what HaShem had done through Yeshua.”

We get great insight into the workings of the Jewish high court and hierarchy system therein. We also see the intense pressure and persecution that comes as followers of the Way are discovered and weeded out. I may have needed Kleenex in several places, so I obviously connected to the characters closely.

Aya especially struggles with a sense of significance under the Jewish laws and customs. How does she “Honor the gift HaShem gave you,” when her culture and life circumstances prohibit it?
“I enjoy singing because when I sing, people see who I am.” Can HaShem help her find the sense of significance we all strive for?

Hunt includes an abundance of Scripture references, which is good thing in this book. I was amazed Hunt could skillfully tie so many in, without info dumping or preaching. Obviously, Hunt has done her Biblical scholar work!

I highly recommend The Apostle’s Sister along with a reading pet companion and plenty of Kleenex.

I received a copy of the book from Bethany House and NetGalley. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Hunt always amazes with her Biblical fiction!

Aya has enjoyed her life as a merchant’s daughter in Tarsus. Her Jewish family is well respected among both Jews and gentiles. She has enjoyed her life of singing and learning the Torah scrolls with her brother Sha’ul before he moved to Jerusalem to become a temple scholar. But all that changes when her father decides to have her betrothed to another scholar. She and her brother have both of their weddings in the same week and soon she moves to Jerusalem as well. There she hears of the workings of a man named Yeshua, but believes like her brother that he must be stopped. After Yeshua is executed, her brother seeks out his followers to shut down the sect known as The Way, but on the way to Damascus, he has an encounter that changes his life forever. Aya cannot believe that her brother has been converted and doesn’t know who to respond when he sends her letters. Soon after her husband and parents die and she feels completely abandoned, but there is only one who can save her.

This is biblical fiction at its best. It’s very subjective as Paul’s sister and son are mentioned by reference only in the bible, but it is a great work to craft a story as seen through the eyes of his sister. Hunt placed many of Paul’s well-known stories throughout the book and gave some backstory on his time in Tarsus as well so that readers can understand how he was born a Roman citizen. Great job with the history of that era as well as incorporating common characters. One of the top reads of the year!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

I found it somewhat difficult to connect to the characters in this book, in comparison to my experience with earlier books in the series. However, The setting of the book is well-developed in true Angela Hunt fashion and I’m sure that others may feel that the character development is satisfying.

Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Although this book is part of a series, it stands alone as a complete story. This well-researched and well-written book is the story of a Jewish woman, Aya, who lives in the time of Jesus and the birth of Christianity. Her brother, Sha’ul later becomes the Apostle Paul, and Aya comes later to believe as her brother and son believe. The book accurately depicts the life of a Jewish family from Tarsus, who later move to Jerusalem for further Torah and Midrash studies. It discusses the divide between the Jewish families who wished to remain true to their teachings versus those who accepted Yeshuah as the son of HaShem (God) and as the Messiah.

Author Angela Hunt obviously feels her subjects passionately and longs for all the Jews and the Gentiles as well to accept Yeshuah as the Messiah. The reader can feel the author’s delight as she writes about successful conversions of her main characters, especially at the book’s end, when Aya discovers that her late husband had become a believer, and that they would be reunited someday.

I recommend this book to the serious Christian reader. It makes the time and place extremely accessible to the casual researcher.

This book was a slow start for me. I did keep reading and I'm glad I did. The story goes back and forth between Saul's/Paul's sister and Saul/Paul.
The characters are fairly well defined but not great. The story was on the slow side. It picked up some but was not a "can't put down" kind of read.
I chose to read and review this book through Netgalley based on the author, Angela Hunt. In general, I like her books but this was not her best.
I give this book a 3 out of 5 star review. This review is freely given and the book was given free through Netgalley.

A wonderfully researched historical fiction book by Angela Hunt. This is the fourth book in the Jerusalem Road series. I have not read the others in the series, so they can be read separately without any loss of understanding. In this book the author is telling the story of Paul's life through the eyes of his sister. The author's research into the culture of the time and the Jewish law is detailed and well done. The author goes into rich detail of how the people lived, what they ate, that their day looked like, what the locations in the Bible are all about etc. I liked the authors presentation of Aya, the main character.

"*I received a complimentary e-ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

During a course covering one of the Pauline epistles, my Bible Study group decided to split the reading out loud portion between us. Each person would take a turn to read a sentence of the selected passage. What we failed to consider was Paul’s propensity for run-on sentences.

Having the fictional Aya point this out in the fourth book of her Jerusalem Road series is just one of the many reasons I loved Angela Hunt’s most recent novel. Aya is the name Hunt gives to Paul’s sister, a woman only mentioned in one verse in the New Testament and that’s in reference to her son. Looking at Paul’s biography, however, we can safely presume she was born in Tarsus to a family of Pharisees. It’s also possible she lived in Jerusalem since the events in which her son is in involved took place there. From these few hints, Hunt has crafted an entertaining tale that, thankfully, ends on a positive note.

The Apostle’s Sister covers a period of over 20 years, from shortly before Aya’s arranged marriage to when her brother is brought before Felix the Governor. Each chapter is narrated by one of the siblings, although not in an alternating format. Time passes unevenly; the period prior to Paul’s conversion is described in detail, while the time after often skips entire years. Some events in the narrative I expected, while others not so much.

Imagine yourself as a young woman in Tarsus and Jerusalem, in a male-dominated society, where your older brother is seemingly perfect. (He came across as arrogant and ambitious prior to his conversion, with perhaps a little too much pride for anyone’s liking.) Feel what it might’ve been like to have that older brother become a follower of a strange new sect and how his reputation affected yours. Immerse yourself in Jerusalem when Jesus of Nazareth walked the streets during the Passover, upsetting Jews and Gentiles alike. And ask yourself if there are really such things as coincidences. All this and more is possible when you read The Apostle’s Sister.

Disclaimer: Although I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, the opinions above are my own.

Aya and her brother Sha'ul marry a week apart. Sha'ul, a Torah student, moves his new bride to Jerusalem to finish his studies. Aya and her husband Avidan follow so that Avidan may also study in Jerusalem. Both couples follow the rules and regulations of Judaism and are shocked when Jesus of Nazarene arrives in the city and begins to challenge the norm. After Jesus' trial and death, Sha'ul begins prosecuting his followers. However, on a trip out of town, he is converted to the new religion. Aya's husband dies, and she is left alone to endure the ostracism that her brother has brought about.

This was a fascinating and well paced book. I enjoyed Aya's story and reading about her lifestyle. The end of the book became a bit too preachy for my tastes, which I found to be off-putting. I wish the author had just stuck to the story. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars.

A literary treasure-hunter of Biblical Fiction


Angela Hunt is a literary treasure-hunter. She can dig deep to find the hidden treasures in all her books, but especially her Biblical fiction. In The Apostle’s Sister (Book 4 in the Jerusalem Road series) she’s dug deeper than ever. Each book in the series has given me new insights into Biblical souls, but with this book she takes us on a journey that has more twists and turns—with incredible revelations—than a mystery novel.

I have enjoyed all the books in this series, but I think this was my favorite. I loved the headstrong, talented, free-spirited Aya. She was the perfect sister for Sha’ul (Saul/Paul) with his legalistic pursuits of perfection and stature. The juxtaposition of the rigid, scholarly Sha’ul’s favor in society and Aya’s struggles to find equal opportunities for her passions was so artfully done.

As always Hunt strives for authentic insights into Hebrew culture and politics. As a stickler for that sort of thing myself, I enjoyed how organically she integrated these facts into the story which enhanced the development of the “characters.”

I highly recommend this book to readers who are fans of biblical fiction and those looking for less churchy Biblical characters and more authentic Jewish/Hebrew characters.

Thanks to Bethany House Publishers and #NetGalley for a complimentary eBook of #ApostlesSister for my honest review.

Angela Hunt has written another amazing historical christian fiction. She is one amazing author! I would recommend all her books, but especially "The Apostle Sister".

This book is about how when you least expect it God can turn your life around to work for his good. He has a plan for even the percussionist of the Christians. The book was well researched and the story comes to life with the first chapter. All characters are likable and well written.

I again recommend this book to all that what a clean historical book.

I rate this book 5 out of 5

This complimentary book was given to me by the publisher for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.

Angela Hunt is a prolific writer and holds a doctorate in Biblical Studies, so she’s a safe pair of hands to write what is a familiar story in a very unfamiliar way. Taking the story of Paul from the viewpoint of his sister, we are given insights into what the worlds of Tarsus and Jerusalem may have been like for a woman with dreams and desires. But the world of the Pharisees is also opened up, and I found I had some sense of empathy for the ordinary men just trying to make their way and also remain true to what they had been taught. Once the ‘troublemaker’ came along, however, all of their worlds were turned upside down – and we see the impact of Paul’s conversion on his sister and her family, as well as the questioning it caused in other Pharisee’s hearts.

I was drawn into this story straightaway – I loved the fact that Aya was a strong character right from the beginning, who wasn’t thrilled at the prospect of the traditional path laid out for her future. I also enjoyed the different voices taking over different chapters (either Aya or her brother, known as Sha’ul throughout the book). The siblings didn’t have the closest of relationships to begin with, but I liked reading about how they came to respect one another – albeit through some real ups and downs.

I was slightly disappointed that the novel ended at the point that it did, although there had been some resolution before then so I can understand why the author stopped where she did. I also wasn’t convinced by the way that Sha’ul/Paul wrote to his sister. Hunt was obviously mimicking the style of Paul’s letters in the Bible, but it all seemed super formal when writing to his sister – perhaps that shows a lack of historical understanding on my part, but it did seem to stop the flow of the story for me.

Overall I would really recommend this book, which I believe is part of The Jerusalem Road series of novels, described as: “fictional accounts of women who met Jesus, were part of His family or whose lives were entwined with the men who followed Him.” I might just look out for some of the earlier titles… 