In the historical tapestry of Jamie Ogle’s “Of Love and Treason,” narrated with fervor by Lillian Kelly, readers are transported to Rome in AD 270—a time when love itself becomes an act of rebellion. The novel weaves a tale of conviction and courage against the backdrop of an empire rife with political turmoil and personal strife.
The story centers on Valentine, a notarius who defies the emperor’s marriage ban by performing wedding ceremonies in secret. As a leader of an underground church, Valentine’s actions are not just a service to those in love but also a bold statement of resistance against an unjust law. His growing fame, however, casts a shadow of danger over his noble cause, making him a target for those who uphold the emperor’s decree.
Parallel to Valentine’s journey is that of Iris, the daughter of a Roman jailor, whose blindness is both a literal and metaphorical plight. Her quest for sight leads her to Valentine and his clandestine congregation. It is here, among these defiant believers, that Iris finds more than physical healing—she discovers faith in God and a burgeoning love for Valentine. Their relationship blossoms amidst the perils of their environment, offering a glimmer of hope in a society where trust in divine providence is constantly tested.
Ogle’s narrative is a masterful blend of historical authenticity and imaginative storytelling. The characters are crafted with depth and complexity, allowing readers to invest emotionally in their fates. Valentine’s steadfastness and Iris’s transformative journey are particularly compelling, drawing us into their world of subterfuge and sacrifice.
The emotional resonance of the story is undeniable. As a reader, I found myself moved by the characters’ struggles and inspired by their unwavering belief. The ending, while tinged with sorrow, is profoundly satisfying. It encapsulates the essence of the novel—a testament to the enduring power of love and faith in the face of adversity.
“Of Love and Treason” is not merely a historical romance; it is a narrative that challenges its audience to consider the cost of conviction and the strength required to defy tyranny. Through Valentine and Iris’s story, we are reminded of the timeless truth that sometimes the greatest victories are born from the most heartbreaking trials.

This one's okay there's something significant about it that stands out, but there's also nothing about it that makes me angry. It's a pretty average rate overall

Not what I was expecting but once I figured out who the characters were I enjoyed the story. Watch out for the twist ending.

This story is a great combination of Christian and historical fiction. It was both heartbreaking and hopeful. Great Audiobook!!

This story is set in Rome in 270 AD, after the death and resurrection of Christ. The Romans would persecute Christians on and off during this time period. It was interesting to learn about daily life Rome - Jamie did such a great job - you felt like you could hear, smell and see what was going on in the market, the prison, etc.

This story is based on the redemptive power of Christ and the legend of the patron saint of Valentine’s Day. These early Christians were faithful to God and each other. The well developed characters in this book experience faith, love, belief and miracles. These characters experience peace, belonging and courage that can only come from God. God works through miracles but also through tragic circumstances in this book..

Lillian Kelly did an awesome job narrating this audiobook!

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle is a Christian fiction novel set in Rome in AD 270. The emperor has banned marriages for soldiers and Valentine, a “public notarius” feels the ban is unfair - he is a Christian and believes that marriage is a God-given right. He performs marriages in secret, even though he knows if he gets caught, it could mean execution. Leading an underground Christian church is also a dangerous affair, but Valentine is determined to live by his convictions. Iris, the daughter of a Roman jailer, was blinded in an accident many years prior and her father has gone into debt trying to placate the Roman gods in order to restore his daughter’s sight. Iris and Valentine meet, and he promises to pray for her - to his Christian God. Iris is quite skeptical, but soon she gets a temporary moment of sight. Could Valentine’s God be the one true God? She tries to find Valentine, but her father has been offered a way out of the debt that would ruin him (and leave Iris in a terrible situation) by finding and imprisoning Valentine. Valentine’s aunt and friends are ready to lead Iris to faith in Jesus, but Iris and her father struggle with the idea that their God can heal blindness, but does not promise to make life perfect and danger-free for His people. There is a good deal of suspense, especially near the end, and the story does not end the way I thought it would - but it is still a very satisfying ending! By the way, I listened to the audiobook and I liked the narrator.

Wonderful story about the stories surrounding St. Valentine and the early Christian church. The persucutions and trials, even to death, to stop the spread of Jesus's followers is brutal and yet inspiring. Thank you to Goodreads for the ARC.

Of Love and Treason...where do I even begin?!

This story doesn't hold back in the tension of what it was like to live in a time of the Romans who worshipped gods and those that were either believers or who were discovering what it meant to believe in the one true God. Tensions were rising and people were needing to be silenced for going against the law.

Add to that the newly imposed marriage ban which is setting Rome up for the future in its own ways or so they think and, surprise! Rumor has it that there is a man (named Valentine) who is marrying people still, in secret. Oh and this man happens to be a believer too. Double whammy. Time to get him.

You could feel the tension when the meetings in secret were happening, people were hiding and secrets were coming to light.

Then you take into account Iris, who is blind and encounters Valentine one day and that encounter changes everything for her future. Her health, both physical and spiritual, are about to embark on a course that completely turns things around in some beautiful and some really challenging ways. It was interesting to see her relationship with her father and her best friend Titus, and how all that resulted from this encounter with Valentine catapults lots of change, tension and challenges to all of them individually and their dynamic. It's particularly interesting since both Iris' Father and Titus work for the government. The results might surprise you- Jamie was not messing around and I thought that the things that were struggles or questioning moments or intense moments or conversations all seemed believable for being in these situations at this time of history.

Tough decisions had to be made by several characters whether it was questioning things such as: do you stick to loyalty to your country/job or choose loyalty to your friend ? Do you put things on the line for love? Do you do it for those that have went before you? What about your beliefs? If the outcome is unimaginable, what do you choose?

While I was interested in this story from start to finish and kept wanting to know what will happen, I will say that I do wish we got more time with the characters interactions and really building more of those. Though at the same time, this may perhaps show the urgency and that sometimes you don't get that. But at my core I am a character reader so I always want that, haha.

This book is not happily ever after but it is full of transformation, hope and faith. It was very well done in my opinion and I definitely recommend it if you are into historical fiction/faith based stories.

I was generously provided an advanced listening copy thanks to netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are honest and entirely my own. P.S. I highly recommend the audio version of this as the narrator does an excellent job conveying the emotions and story to bring you in even more.

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle is one of my favorite audiobooks of the year so far. It is the story of Saint Valentine, the reason we celebrate the holiday today. Valentine is a Christian in Rome who firmly believes that marriage is a gift from God and should be allowed. He goes against the emperor's ban on marriages and continues to provide wedding services in secret. Iris is the blind daughter of a Roman jailor. When she regains her sight through the "Christian" God, she begins to learn more about Him. Her newfound faith is tested, though, when Valentine is arrested. This is the story of Valentine, but it is also the story about God's faithfulness even when life is hard and people don't understand His ways. Such a great book. I hope you enjoy it too.

I can't say enough about this novel! Full of life, humor and a bit of spy life, this book will keep you captive until the last page. Love, sacrifice, betrayal, and the ability to stand up for what you believe in keep the tension and emotions real in a tale that will haunt you for days to come.

This book is one of my favorite books of the year. The book was very well written and it transported me into the world. The characters were so easy to love. I would highly recommend this book!

4.25 🌟

Characters: 4
Connection to the book/Enjoyment: 3
Setting: 4
Plot/Overall Story: 3
Writing: 3

Every point= 0.25 stars, max per category 4 points

How refreshing is it to read a genuine Christian fiction work! Take note publishers. This shouldn’t be so rare! I really enjoyed this historical fiction of Saint Valentine. It had lots of heart, emotions, wrestling with faith, and real world moments. Definitely one I will recommend quickly. My only issue is that the pacing felt so slow at times and I felt like the story dragged. What kept me so engaged was the faith element. Eager to read more from this author!

Thank you Tyndale and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book on audio!

Wow! This book was heartbreaking and yet beautifully hopeful as Jamie Ogle masterfully weaves the hope of Christ in this retelling of the legend of St. Valentine. This story takes you back in time telling of the redemptive power of Jesus, and the peace and belonging that can only come from Him in every moment of our lives. I have never read biblical fiction before, but this book has me absolutely wanting to read more.

The story is set in Rome, AD 270 and has multiple points of view. We follow the lives of Iris and her father Quintus, their friend Titus and of course Valentine. Each of the characters' unique point of view shows how God works not only in miracles but through difficult and even tragic circumstances for His glory. The characters were so well written, and had me empathizing with them throughout the story. This is one of those books where the story stays with you long after you have finished reading, pushing you to go deeper into knowing God.

I would definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy biblical fiction and are looking to be encouraged by those who hold fast to Jesus in good times and bad.

I want to thank Jamie Ogle, Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the eARC and audiobookARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

This was a heavy book. It is a beautiful story on how when we have Christ our suffering won’t be in vain. Our pain and suffering is what grows us closer to Him. That he works all things for His good. The narrator was really great too! I say to listen to. Thankyou NetGalley

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle

Christian Fiction, Historical, Ancient Rome, Early Christianity, Martyr, challenging, emotional, hopeful, inspiring, reflective, sad, tense, fast-paced, wonderful characters, page-turner, realistic, inspirational, tragic, romantic, entertaining

"God made beauty from pain..."

I listened to the audiobook and HIGHLY recommend listening to the story, there is so much to digest and the narrator does an excellent job sharing this story. That being said, I will probably purchase a hard copy and physically read this book another time.

"Of Love and Treason" brings forth many feelings: one will chuckle, feel frustration, want to celebrate in joy, and sob with horror, all while this story still tells the incredible saving grace of Jesus! I don't have the right words for this story, it is just so very good. I know it is yet early in 2024, but I can imagine this being one of the best Christian Fiction books I'll read (listen to) this year.

Although LOVE is a theme in this book, it isn't all romantic love, it is about the greatest love. A beautiful and fictional story about Valentine, a Christian church leader, who defied the Roman Empire and provided legal marriage contracts after the Emperor had banned marriage. Valentine meets Iris, a blind woman, and shares the Gospel with her, and that spirals into a beautiful story of faith, healing, and the greatest love one person can show another.

One thing that stuck out to me was how the Christians kept stating that "Jesus is the One True God" and although this isn't untrue, even Jesus gives every credit to God the Father as THE God and Heavenly Father. I know this is confusing as Jesus is one with the Father, but I wasn't sure how I felt about how it was presented within the context of the story. I wasn't sure if the author chose this to distinguish between the Roman gods and God, by claiming the name of Jesus, or if there is another reason that I am just ignorant of.

So good. I knew what was going to happen as I was vaguely familiar with the story of Valentine (aka Saint Valentine and Valentine’s Day) but was still in tears by the end of the book.

It was a great look at both the early persecution of Christians in Rome, as well as very a thoughtful and excellent look at how to process God allowing suffering. If you’ve ever gone thru intense suffering or grief, you can identify so well with the characters - Valentine’s letter at the end had me in tears each of the multiple times I listened to it, it just spoke to enduring difficulty and seeing God’s hand in it so perfectly.

The story unfolding with Valentine and the woman he reportedly prayed for who was healed was beautiful as well, and really well written, as were the other friendships. It was relatable, funny at times, and completely heartbreaking at others.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this audiobook. All opinions are mine

What an immersive and inspiring read right before Valentine's Day! I knew there were many stories attributed to Valentine, but this story, was not one I was familiar with, and I am always so happy to learn true stories from fiction.

Jamie Ogle's writing was immersive and captivating. I recently visited Rome and through Jamie's vivid descriptions, I was right back there, walking in the forum, and seeing the crowds beg for Val's life. Learning about the christian perspective in 270 AD was fascinating.

This was not a romantic happily ever after, but an amazing testament of faith and the impact of one man on entire civilization. Because of this legacy, it is a hopeful ever after.

Iris was an easily lovable character. I really enjoyed Beatrix as well! Titus was a great complex character and his story arc really brings home the struggles of those coming to Christ in times of persecution.

The narration was great, a little cheery at times during the dark subject matter, but overall, the narration made the novel really easy to get lost in.

I think my only critique would be at some times it felt too long to me, but then again, I understand the necessity of description to get the character's nuanced emotions to really shine.

All in all a great win for Christian fiction!

*Thank you to Dreamscape Media, NetGalley, and Jamie Ogle for the audiobook. I am always glad to leave my honest opinion!*

I didn’t realize going starting this one that it was a retelling of St. Valentine, but it was a happy surprise. I loved the story and thought it was great getting different perspectives of the events. Iris was a loveable character, and I loved the bravery and love she shown for the people close to her. Iris and Val were such a cute pair even before the acknowledged their feelings. I also loved Titus and felt so bad for him multiple times. The decisions he had to make were not easy at all. I listened to the audio, and it just heightened the emotions and action. The only thing with the audio was it was hard to tell who’s POV it was a couple times. I don’t read biblical fiction often, but I really enjoyed this one. The ending left me sad but hopeful.

Thank you @jamie_m_ogle @tyndalehouse @crazy4fiction @tlcbooktours for the gifted copy.

I was transported to this bygone Era right from the first page. It was so well written, I forgot where I was for a while. I am very happy I gave this book a chance.
I loved the narrators voice. It was soothing and easy to get lost in.
I would recommend this audiobook to anyone.

Loved reading and listening to the captivating and engrossing audio version. While Valentine is in jail for being a Christian, he prays for Iris to see again and tells Iris and her father, the jailer, about Christ. When a law goes into effect banning soldiers from marriage, Valentine commits treason and continues to secretly reunite couples in marriage. As Valentine and Iris grow closer, Christians are being captured. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read and/or listen to the riveting audiobook. Can't wait to read and/or listen to another story from the fabulous author, Jamie Ogle!

Of Love and Treason is a story set during the Roman Empire at a time when you would be killed if you were a Christian or even someone who helped the Christians. The story is gripping and immediately draws you in as you meet the main characters: Valentine, a public notarius and leader of an underground church; Iris, a jailers daughter who was left blind; and her childhood friend, Titus.

Knowing the time period, this story intrigued me. I feel like the whole story was believable and well written. The characters came to life and you longed to see them succeed in their fight for freedom, love and a future. Some of the chapters were a bit hard to listen to because of the horrible treatment that was placed on the Christians or even those who would help them. But it was such a good story and a story that could have been true. I feel it was written accurately.

The narration was good and flowed well throughout the story. I like how the narrator changed the voices of the characters well and it was consistent throughout. It was hard for me to stop listening to it at times, as I was hooked and wanted to hear more. The narrator was a great storyteller I was pleased with it.

This is a story I would recommend. You will read/hear about strong faith and how God can see you through difficulties even when you are not delivered from them. How those difficulties can become the very thing that can show people strength and faith and draw them to a relationship with God. I