Echoes with a Deeply Significant Message

Venturing into the audiobook Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle felt like embarking on an ethereal sojourn through the labyrinthine corridors of Christian legacy in ancient Rome. The audiobook's quality is exceptional. Lillian Kelly's narration felt like a comforting embrace with the continuous soul-stirring cadence of the purest love and amazing sacrifice.

Jamie Ogle's narrative ingenuity manifests vividly in characters pulsating with strength and courage against the historical backdrop of 270 AD. The myriad perspectives, deftly conveyed through narration, cultivated an intimate connection with the main characters: Valentine, Iris, Quintus, and Titus.

The novel cleverly navigates the maze of challenges faced by the true-to-life characters in a society where expressing faith was dangerously risky. The overarching theme of Christians determined to glorify God amidst adversity echoes with a deeply significant message, adorned with expressions about authentic faith that inspire profound introspection.

At its core lies the forbidden love between Iris and Valentine—a love story that transcends societal norms, exploring the far-reaching depths of faith, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to God Almighty. The romance, tenderly portrayed, intricately intertwines with the exploration of beautifully piercing spiritual themes, leaving an indelible impression on the heart.

The historical accuracy of the novel is highly commendable, offering a vivid portrayal of ancient Rome and the harrowing struggles faced by early Christians. The inclusion of biblical passages and verses adds a the perfect, keystone dimension, elevating the audiobook beyond the realms of typical historical fiction to a powerful spiritual adventure.

The book's poignant moments and emotionally charged scenes and gut-wrenching moments are delivered with grace and sensitivity, drawing listeners into a narrative that rises above temporal boundaries. The Christian faith isn't merely a backdrop but a luminous guiding foundation, providing solace and unwavering strength and amazing courage to characters confronting persecution.

Of Love and Treason unfolds as an exploration of spiritual resilience and everlasting love, seamlessly weaving historical fiction with the heartfelt exploration of believing in Jesus Christ as one’s Lord, Savior, and Master. Jamie Ogle's captivating tale, enriched by Lillian Kelly’s emotionally charged narration, forges an auditory story that will linger in my soul for an extraordinarily long time. For those seeking an audiobook that not only transports them to ancient times but also has the ability to deepen and strengthen their commitment and loyalty to our Triune God, this book comes highly recommended! Prepare to be transported into a world where faith and love entwine in a splendid masterpiece, leaving an enduring imprint on hearts and souls.

I received an audiobook version of Of Love and Treason from Dreamscape through NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. Ensuring transparency and reliability, my review focuses on the amazing audio version of the book Of Love and Treason.

Rome AD 270

So interesting to learn about the life of Valentine in this debut novel. I had no idea (or had forgotten) that Valentine's Day is named for a man who performed wedding ceremonies clandestinely. And the reason marriages were banned...fascinating.

There is a strong message of faith. Faith even in tough times through characters Valentine, Iris and the early Christians.

Of Love and Treason is a fabulous title for this novel and the cover is lovely.

Of Love and Treason was a wonderful, heartfelt and encouraging book. Like the author, I wasn't very keen on Valentine's Day, especially as its marked these days,, and I only vaguely knew the story of St Valentine, whom it was meant to be named after.
It is to be noted that there is not much evidence for his existence or life - so this is largely the author's interpretation: but its one that fits well intot the historical context.

Lillian Kelly did a good job with the narration of this book, and with the male as well as female roles.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media for approving my request for this audibook. This did not influence my opinions which are entirely my own.

The audiobook quality of this title was well executed and easy to follow.
I truly believe the narration lent a quality and helped me stay up with the story .
The story:This tale sweeps you into the days of the early church as you see the struggles and the triumphs of some of the ones who have gone before us.
Jamie Ogle expertly crafts characters that feel authentic and relatable.
The pacing travels as a slow and steady pace as you get to know the characters in this multiple point of veiw story.
There are many quotable lines about our faith that made me ponder my own walk and the reality of trouble we face in this world.
Readers who love historical fiction with a realistic quality may love this book.
But for the die hard HEA lover, be prepared with tissues.
I recieved a complementary copy of this book from the publisher through Netgally all thoughts and opinions are honest and completely my own.

After emperor Claudius bands marriage valentine although he disagrees with the emperor must do his duty as notary but win a retired Roman soldier name Horace and his long suffering betrothed Lilith come the day the band starts to say she has waited 25 years to marry her Horus Valentine knows he should deny them. He does send them away but cannot stop thinking about the unfortunate couple and when he contacts them valentine becomes the unofficial marriage notary. Right before this valentine met a beautiful blind woman in the market named Iris he stopped her from buying a phony charm that the vendor told her what caused her to see. They had an instant connection and made each other laugh but when he was taking her leave he told her he would pray for her every time she would run into him he would subsequently tell her this and every time after parting she would gain her vision back only for it to go away again. When valentine goes missing his Aunt Beatrix goes with Iris after she claims her father is a jailer and could help them Iris is surprised when her father is dismissive and rude she knows him to be a loving father who is in debt due to making offerings to the gods trying to appease and gain their favor for her to get her site back. What Iris doesn’t know it’s her father Quintas has valentine Tucktaway in the jail cell and it was something he was ordered to do and to keep secret. If he delivers this prisoner he will get a payout that will gain him the money to take his daughter and flea Rome but if not he will have to give iris to her superior to be his mistress something he loaths to do. While Iris is visiting the prison he allowed her to see the Christian he has locked up after all they have tried every other God why not the Christians but when a prayer gives Iris the sight her and her father have been praying for at least Quintas in a quandary as to how he could turn this man over who has such a loving God but he is also confused as to how his God who seems to work miracles allow him to stay in prison. Will Val whind up a martyr and will quentis be responsible or can he beg one more miracle from the God that sacrificed so much for him. I absolutely loved and adored this book although I thought the narrator made it sound like a Walt Disney version of the book I was still OK with that this was such a good book with such a great message and an awesome love story between Iris and Valentine in them in God I absolutely L 100% definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction I found it to be quite historically accurate on almost every point so for those like me who hate inaccuracies in historical novels no worries it definitely is on point with the past. I want to thank the publisher and NetGalley for my free ARC Copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Wow, this book. The prologue literally gave me chills. . . and that feeling continued on through out Of Love and Treason.

The overall theme of Christians doing all they can to glorify God, even when they go through hardships is so encouraging and powerful. Adding to that message, Jamie Ogle's writing is beautiful. Whether she's describing a lighthearted banter/ribbing between Iris and Titus, romantic feelings between Iris and Val, or Val's intense pain I felt what the characters did and celebrated or wept with them. I was pulled in the moment I started reading because of Jamie's prose and the story kept me right there buried in the pages following Iris and her learning about the One True God.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys church history, roman history, tangible characters, and solid Christian themes.

This book WRECKED me!

It was amazing!
It was enlightening!
I laughed. I cried. I sobbed. I renewed and reinforced my faith in God.

This book brings us back to 270 AD and the life and times of the Roman Empire and all who lived within its confines. It brings to light all the problems Christians had to endure in order to be able to pray.

Before I go any further…I will give an outline here of the book, but no more than what you’d find on the book cover…

We basically read the book through the POV’s of the four main characters.

Valentine. A young man who is a notarius by day and an undercover “Cupid” by night. Being as marriage has been outlawed, acting this way can land him in jail or worse, for treason. In addition, he leads many people in prayer, as a Christian “preacher” of sorts. He believes in God and his love and power and guidance. His unwavering faith in God is second to none, which makes him mighty special!

Iris. A young woman who is blind. (Following an accident when she was a child.) She works in a bakery and leads a simple life and is loved by everyone. She lives with her father, who is the light of her life.

Quintus is Iris’ father, and he is a Roman jailor. He has a tough job, but does what he needs to do every day. And he keeps up with the laws and enforces them as needed. Additionally, he has done everything he can to try to restore Iris’ vision, leading him into steep debt…

Titus. A young man who grew up with Iris and is a Praetorian Guard and a people finder. He serves his government with authority and does not question his superiors. Quintus took him in when his parents died, so he is like a father to him…

When the rules of the empire begin to change, and Christian values seem to be a good option for Iris and her Dad, the world begins to spin out of control for both of them!

At times this was a very difficult read dealing with the treatment of Christian’s who were doing nothing more than expressing their love of God and prayer…something I take for granted everyday, but a privilege that was NOT given to these people…

The pictures that were painted, and the suffering they endured was horrible, and as I mentioned, difficult to read at times…but, it was enlightening and beautiful too. Hard to believe that Christians had to endure these things all those years ago…

Absolutely loved this one, and so happy to have been given the opportunity to read it!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook which was released today!

#OfLoveAndTreason by #JamieOgle and narrated beautifully by #LillianKelly.

5+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me for both bringing out all the emotions in me, and for reinforcing my Christian/Catholic beliefs in a beautiful way!

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As always, thanks for reading and Happy Reading! 📚📖⭐️😊

Of Love and Treason is a fiction novel inspired in the story of St. Valentine, a priest sentenced to death for marrying couples when the emperor Claudius II banned marriage during the third century.

At the beginning of the novel, Iris, a young woman meets Valentine, she is blind and he tells her that he will pray for her.

The author brings these characters and created a story of love and faith, and it isn't only love between a couple but as well it portrays the love and solidarity in the first Christian communities.

This is a historical Christian novel. In it, the characters quote some biblical passages and verses, I think those are good for the soul, and I liked that part.

St. Valentine was portrayed as a public notary instead of as a priest, and I would have liked that the reason for his martyrdom was more emphasized. In the novel, he falls in love with the jailor's daughter, Iris, and I expected more depth and spirituality when he was speaking and some parts where hard to believe but despite that, I enjoyed it and love the historic part mentioning places from the ancient Rome, the way of living of that time, the Romans and their deities, and how Christians were persecuted for their beliefs and staying truth to their faith.

It was a nice read and perfect for reading it for this upcoming Valentine's Day and I'd recommend it.

I read and alternated the eBook with the audiobook. Liliam Kelly's voice was charming, and the way she narrated it was very pleasant to listen to. I enjoyed the novel in both formats.

Thank you, Netgalley, @tyndalehouse and @dreamscape_media for the digital advanced reader copy and audiobook.

Pub date: January 23rd, 2024

I really enjoyed this book. I'm not sure if the author got the idea from St Valentine, but it definitely is an interesting take. I truly love how it showed the relationships between people, their government, and their religions. It's an interesting story that kept my attention the entire time.

What a wonderfully written story of Christians living and working in Rome in AD 270. Jamie Ogle's debut novel "Of Love and Treason" was inspired by the real St. Valentine. It really brings Rome to life, including the fervent faith found in house churches as well as the dangers that abound. The main character Iris is blind, her father is a jailor and her best friend Titus is a Praetorian Guard and their stories are woven into this novel and keeps you wondering when or even if any of them will come to faith in the one true God. Iris meets Valentine while working and is introduced by the Christian faith by him and his aunt Beatrice along the way.

I liked how the book reinforced an often forgotten part of the Christian faith, What will you do if your life is on the line? Will you give up faith or will you stay true your faith in Christ Jesus? That theme runs throughout the book. The house churches that were formed throughout Rome and the persecution of Christians are something that really gets you thinking about your own faith and relationship with God. This novel is a must read for fans of Christian Historical Fiction.

I listened to the audiobook for this one and it was well done. The narrator does a great job of bringing the written word to life and is very easy to understand.

I can't recommend this one enough...it's definitely one I will want to re-read or listen to again in the future.

This book is so far out of my comfort zone that I’m surprised it lured me in anyway. Not only caught my attention, but kept it right to last heart-breaking, hope-soaring word. (Sniffle.) Of course, I knew going in there wouldn’t be the kind of fictional happily ever after that I craved but still…

So much to say about this unique novel…and yet I’m too bereft to find the words. That’s Jamie Ogle’s fault — her exquisite writing wrapped me in the best of bookish hugs for all that it also induced tears and sorrow. (More sniffles and a heaving sigh.)

Memorable characters for all their flaws but also for the light of Christ that shines through them. There are some very raw, hard to read scenes. Brutal even. But so many goose-bumping, Jesus-praising moments as well which helps to balance things out. Still, it’s the kind of read that brings on an emotional stupor of epic bibliophile proportions by the time you reach the end. And I’m still reeling.

So, not an easy read. A most difficult one, actually. But I’m richer for having read this story and met these characters and experienced what it was like to live as a Christian under the brutal rule of the Roman Emperor. Thought-provoking and emotionally stirring (though I’m diving into a rom/com asap to lighten my mood!)

My thanks to the publisher, Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book. Lillian Kelly’s narration is stunning! She has a soothing, easy-to-listen to voice which helped carry me through the hardest scenes. Her emotional, attention grabbing performance held me spellbound.

Fans of historical fiction and Christian fiction are not going to want to miss this truly fascinating fictionalization of the story of saint Valentine. Set in Rome, AD 270, readers will find themselves completely immersed in the setting and time period. With multiple POVs, I found myself right there with each character and feeling the struggles, desires, hopes, and dreams, along with the for better or for worse fall out of their choices. It was inspiring and moving with many Christian scriptures and themes woven throughout regarding faith and conversion. I felt like the conflicts were really well portrayed and even though there was a clear right directed to by the author, I also recognized the way some of the characters were stuck between a rock and a hard place like Titus with dual devotions and loyalties.
I truthfully never thought much about the history behind Valentine's Day and who the man behind the name was. It was really intriguing to read about what he may have been like and what he sacrificed for love and more specifically the importance of marriage, giving him the nickname of Cupid.
While definitely an emotional read and sad in many parts, this book was real and raw, but most importantly, it ends with hope.
I listened to an advance listening copy of this novel from Netgalley and Dreamscape Media. While a single female narrator, I felt like she did a great job with each point of view and I was able to easily transition along throughout the story. She spoke clearly and with the right amount of emotion to hold my interest and make this not only and enjoyable read, but an enjoyable book to listen to.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Of Love and Treason by Jamie Ogle is a deeply moving and powerful story set in Rome during the early church. Truthfully, I was originally drawn to the cover and the premise of a story that encapsulated the aura of Valentine. Immediately, I became aware of so much more. The character development is rich and meaningful. I did not just read about the characters and their story; I experienced what they felt and what they saw. Iris was intriguing because despite her blindness, she remained positive and uplifting to those around her. She was tenacious and curious, which served her well when she met Valentine. Valentine is charismatic and you can feel why Iris is drawn to him. His faith is unwavering and such an example to all. The marriage ban effected by the emperor did not sit well with the public. Valentine was determined to serve God, love others, and still honor those in command over him. His approach is romantic and endearing. I love the stories of the early church and how they came together to support one another. The reality of life for early believers is presented accurately and yet, their faith is astounding. I was blessed by their example, challenged by their faith, and enraptured with Iris and Valentine. A beautiful love story that left me contemplating for days afterwards. I look forward to more works by this author. I had the delightful benefit of listening to the audiobook. The narrator did a remarkable job of capturing all the characters and making the story come to life in my mind.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

If you're looking for a book that is unapologetically Christian, this is it. Don't be fooled though. It is a heavy book. But it's also a beautiful story that will stick with you. It is filled with heartache, betrayal, redemption, and forgiveness. This is not a happily ever after but it is full of hope. Hope that, in Christ, our pain and suffering on earth will be turned to glory in Heaven. Hope that, no matter our circumstances, God is working things for His glory and our good. This book is a story that will encourage your faith in the midst of trials.

I'm excited to read more from Ms. Ogle.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jamie Ogle for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC audiobook for Of Love and Treason coming out January 23, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own..

This is the first book I’ve listen to by this author. I love books set during ancient Roman Times. I thought this would be a really great love story. I really loved the first half of the book. The miracles that took place were amazing. I love the characters and their motives in the beginning. However, I didn’t realize that this was based on fact, and I didn’t know the ending of the story. Excited about the last half of the book. It was hard to go along with what was happening. I won’t give anything away, but I didn’t really enjoy the ending and how it was done. I did enjoy the narrator, and I will definitely check out other books by this author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about Christians in ancient Roman times.

Of Love and Treason is an inspiring story about forgiveness, love, faith, and hope. It follows Iris as she discovers Christianity and the truth about Jesus' mercies while also navigating love and betrayal in a time where Christians were increasingly persecuted by the Roman Empire.

What an inspiring and encouraging story. I listened to this book in one day because it was just so good. Jamie Ogle did a wonderful job weaving together a story that reflected the biblical truths of love, sacrifice, and how God is ever faithful despite the horrors of the world. I did not realize until the very end that perhaps Ogle based Valentine on some of the many stories and lore around St Valentine himself.

I also enjoyed Lillian Kelly's voice as narrator. She was engaging and easy to understand.

*Thank you Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Christian fiction set in Rome during the time of the gladiators. It tells the story of a blind young woman who encounters a Christian man named Valentine. He has chosen to secretly officiate Roman marriages during a time that marriage is outlawed. It is a powerful story of faith during a time it was illegal to be a Christian.

Huge thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!

It's taken me a few days after reading to compile my thoughts for a review for this beautiful story. One of my favorite Christian historical fiction authors is Tessa Afshar and Jamie Ogle's storytelling is reminiscent of Afshar's: strong sense of setting, sweet found family, redemption arcs, and a clear sharing of the gospel ! Even though I read this in January, I know this will be on my top reads of this year for the way I was moved throughout the whole story.

Even though I had heard of the legends of Saint Valentine (the Cupid who secretly performed weddings during the Roman ban), I was thoroughly engaged in every part of this story. Iris and her fathers' transformation was just amazing and I related to Iris so much. I loved the side characters as well and was surprised by how much I laughed at some scenes! Overall, a beautiful story of the courage of doing the right thing/God's will over the fear of man.

We got glimpses of the ending throughout the story, but I was still crushed by it!!!! My heart!!!! What a roller coaster of emotions and I loved every second of it.

I got to listen to the audiobook and the narrator is incredible! Each character was distinct and the emotions were present in her narration.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audiobook. All opinions are my own.