THE SISTERS OF CORINTH is the second novel in the Emissaries series by ANGELA HUNT and it is a fitting sequel to A Woman from Lydia.
The author has written a beautiful love story that takes place in Corinth in AD 60 between a follower of Yeshua and an idol worshipper.
When Marianna, the stepdaughter of the chief magistrate, is chosen by Marcus, the son of Servius Memius Lupis, the new governor of Achaia, to be his wife, she is not sure what to do. She seeks wisdom in the letters of Paulos (Paul) as she is afraid of displeasing Adonai by marrying an unbeliever, although she is attracted by the kind and gentle young man. She says, “I would rather die than allow love for a man to overshadow my love for Yeshua.” and then when they are married she prays, “Adonai, let me be a servant to this man, and may I lead him to the truth.”
We see the hatred and treachery of her stepsister who does all she can, even invoking the power of Aphrodite, rto bring trouble into the marriage and claim Marcus for herself. Although Marcus has said to Marianna, “I have met a hundred women like your stepsister, but I have never met anyone like you,” will he be forced to give in to Prima’s demands? …….
I love the way the author uses scriptures, especially from Paul’s letters and stories from the Old Testament, as a basis for her book, and also how she shows us what life was like for early believers in Yeshua.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil things for you.
I cannot recommend The Sisters of Corinth strongly enough and am looking forward to the next novel in the series.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

What can I say about The Sisters of Corinth that will do it justice? Angela Hunt has written a book that is richly detailed, absorbing, and highly addictive. Prepare to stay up all night because you won't be able to put this one down!

The story's premise centres on Hunt's Christian characters, placed in an idol-worshipping household. Hester and her daughter Marianna once worshipped the gods of Rome, but now they follow Yeshua. Unfortunately, the Roman Governor's son Marcus wants to marry Marianna, and so begins a difficult time for the young girl as she tries to remain faithful to Yeshua while married to an idol worshipper.

As she grows in faith (with letters from the Apostle Paul to help her), Marianna must decide how much she should share with her new husband about her faith. She could be risking her life if she says too much.

Her stepsister, Prima, on the other hand, couldn't be more different. She is determined to win Marcus for herself, even after he marries Marianna. Cunning and evil to the bone, her actions grow increasingly desperate, making this a story that will keep you thinking long after you put it down.

Marianna's strong faith and the novel's frequent references to the Scriptures impressed me. You cannot read it without knowing God's love and the risks early Christians had to take to stay faithful to Adonai. In addition, the author has included such detailed imagery that you will feel transported back to ancient Corinth.

I highly recommend this extraordinary book! You will not be disappointed.

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House via NetGalley for my honest review.

Angela Hunt has once again pulled off an amazing story. One I couldn't put down until finished!
Told from several points of views I loved in getting to know each character personally.
I found that Marianna is my favorite.
I hate to say it, but Prima sometimes me mad and want to laugh at her at times.
What a cruel father in my opinion.
It's hard being a believer but I can't imagine being divided in a family with very different beliefs. Almost to the point of confusion. At least to me it would be.
All kinds of emotions play out here but the most dominant one I found is jealousy.
I learned quite a bit about the Gladiators. Interesting.
Lots of excellent writing going on and much will keep you turning the pages for sure and certain.
5 stars for a well written novel. I shall look forward to the next one.
I highly recommend!
My thanks to Netgalley and Bethany House for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Author Angela Hunt’s ‘The Emissaries’ series features fledgling believers who have dedicated their lives to Christ through the apostle Paul.

In book two, she sweeps us back in time to 60 CE and introduces us to Hester and her teenage daughter Mariana who have quietly devoted themselves to God since hearing Paul preach. They are in a difficult position because Narkis, Mariana’s influential father, and Prima, her step-sister, worship the Roman god, Jupiter. To keep peace, they continue to give lip service to the pagan god and live in a bustling city full of tempting diversity, lavish entertainment, and lifestyle choices while trying to follow the teachings of the apostle Paul. The story increases in pace and tension when Mariana’s marriage is arranged…to a non-believer. Will her love for her husband overshadow her faith? Will she remain true? Will she have the courage to set an example?

For both women, standing tall and remaining firm in the tide of public opinion and against the religious beliefs of their husbands would have taken courage and dedication. I can imagine that Hester’s devotion would have allowed her to consider the cost of her own eternity as well as that of her daughter. With a husband in a position of influence, it must have been daring for Hester to risk her (and his) reputation for a belief that had no ‘track record’, either in their culture or in her sphere of influence.

Because I think it’s important for us to educate ourselves about the brave Gentiles who brought the gospel to ancient Rome before Christianity was established and accepted, I worked on my patience with the Hebrew names for ‘God’ and ‘Jesus.’ I struggled. I was thankful for the information Hunt provided about the name ‘Jesus’ being a 16th-century term because it allowed me to pivot and carry on with the book.

As I finished the book, I was reminded that 20 centuries later, we are still facing similar struggles, trials, and temptations. I was thankful for the encouragement to “pass on the light” of the Gospel.

I was gifted this copy by Bethany House and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.