Goodreads synopsis (paraphrased): Once she denied everything she believed in. Now she’d give anything to choose differently. But in the shadow of the Roman Empire’s persecution and the shame of her past, she fears that what she wants most will be forever out of reach … Demi has no other choice but to decide if she has the courage to do what she once failed to—and if the faith she calls her own is sure enough to carry her.

Once again, Jamie Ogle has crafted a beautifully gut-wrenching story with deep characters, a plot that is compelling, and descriptions that paint eloquent pictures.

The story of the early Christians and the persecution they endured kept me fully engaged in this story; I simply could not believe how others were treated for their faith in Christ. To think that there are saints in heaven who can testify to this type of story in real life just blows my mind. The love story of Nikolas and Demitria was an added bonus in this story. Ogle's books stick with me because the characters seem so real. I think it's because she adds great depth and emotion to her writing as it relates to the characters' suffering and their humble vulnerability.

I had high hopes for this one because I loved Of Love and Treason, I may have liked this one even more! Because of Jamie Ogle, the biblical fiction genre is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and I'm anxiously awaiting whatever she writes in the future.

I just loved this one!

It’s 310 AD, and Nikolas becomes the pastor of the church in Myra (a port city in what is now present-day Turkey). One of the church members is a young woman named Demi. She’s lost almost all of her family to Roman persecution of Christians. Nikolas and Demi are the point-of-view characters in this historical Christian fiction story.

I received an advanced copy of As Sure as the Sea from NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction, and I'm happy to share my thoughts!

Hmm, Turkey, a pastor named Nikolas … could this be the future St. Nicholas (Santa Claus)? I don’t know because the book’s timeline doesn’t go that far. But at one point, Demi stares at Nikolas’ face and says, “You’d look really good with a white beard.”:-)

Demi makes her living by diving for coral and oysters. This is before the days of scuba gear, so Demi must free-dive for minutes at a time and to a depth that she would experience the bends if she surfaces too quickly. She loves the ocean, and it sounds like Ogle does, too, as evidenced from her gorgeous underwater descriptions.

Beyond beautiful descriptions, there are frightening fight scenes (with robbers, mobs, and even a moray eel!) and romantic midnight escapades. There are lots of scenes that address theological issues we still deal with today such as whether to marry and start a family in a difficult and angry world, whether or not to encourage people be their “authentic selves” even if “authentic” behaviors are destructive, and picking only those parts of Scripture that suit us while disregarding parts that don’t suit us. (For real, someone could write a whole devotional based on Ogle’s book!)

The descriptions, fight scenes, romance, and theological issues all come together to make for an entertaining read, but you’ll see I took off a star. I thought a few scenes in the middle were a TAD slow.

As Sure as the Sea was gut-wrenching to read. Christian persecution is always lurking in the story, and one very claustrophobic scene actually made my stomach hurt (so well written!). The story made me grateful to live in this time and place. It also prompted me to pray for Christians in areas around the world where persecution is a life-threatening issue. I am so glad I read As Sure as the Sea.

I love a good book that takes me back in time....this book did just that even if it made me a bit uncomfortable at times. I wanted it to last and not end but I needed to know the ending! Demi and her brother Theseus, coral divers, were willing to risk everything as they smuggled provisions to ensure the well-being of those they love but a terrible diving accident leaves Theseus injured and their mission becomes in danger of failing. As Demi struggles to get her brother to safety, a stranger enters the picture and changes everything. Taking place during the reign of Emperor Diocletians in the Roman Empire 310AD, the story is full of danger, love, surprise, heartache, loss and miracles. Sure as the Sea has it all and the characters will stay with me for a while as I contemplate just how persecuted the early church was and how blessed we are <3

EXCELLENT! Such an incredible book. I loved the main characters - how persevering they were, passionate about their callings and how in the midst of persecution, they didn't complain or give up. This book encouraged my faith, the romance was so sweet, there were twists and turns I didn't see coming and it made me want to read more from Jamie Ogle for sure!

If you're looking for a biblical fiction with heartwarming characters, engaging plots and subplots, miraculous outcomes, and more, this is the book for you.

Set in the Eastern Roman Empire in AD 310, Demitria makes a meager living harvesting coral and pearls under the anti Christian edicts. When she is not diving, she is traveling under the cover of night to deliver provisions to fellow believers. With the constant threat of persecution, Demi is living with a constant shame of her greatest failure, and fears all hope is lost when her brother, Theseus, is hurt diving, until a stranger named Nicholas, appear of the beach offering to help.

After reading Of Love and Treason, I was so excited to read Ogle’s As Sure as the Sea. I love learning more about Christian history that I inherently know, but didn’t really grasp until put in story format. Inspired by the real St. Nicholas, this is a story of forgiveness and faith that was told in beautiful prose with an amazing g sense of place and time. I can’t wait to see what is next for Jamie Ogle!

Jamie Ogle is a gifted writer. She brought 2nd Century Myra and the Early Church to life in As Sure as the Sea. The city, the smells, the underwater life, I could perfectly view it all!
As Sure As the Sea is filled with quotable scenes, relatable characters and struggles, and beautiful second chances. I fell in love with Demi, Nicolas, and the diverse cast of characters, and was delighted to find out what continued on in the life of several characters from Love and Treason.
Two things that really stood out to me:
1. The church was waiting for the Lord's imminent return, just as we should still be centuries later.
2. This was kind of an Aha! moment for me, but I found it fascinating to think that we view the 2nd Century as the Early Church, and yet they were dealing with false doctrine and certainly didn't think that they were that close to the Lord's time on earth or that the church would continue on as long as it has.
This glimpse into the early Church was a delight and I recommend it if you enjoy heart-rending circumstances that bring about hope, joy, and trust in the Lord! May we all learn to be as faithful to our dear Lord as these learned, although we may or may not face brutal persecution and great loss. This simple review does not even touch the depths of As Sure as the Sea, so I encourage you to read it for yourself, and truly dwell on what others have faced for the name of Christ!
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

“God’s stories never end in ash and blood.”

Christians in the Western half of the globe have very little understanding of what it means to be persecuted for your faith. To lose your home, your bank account, your job (and the ability to gain another one), your friends… simply because you are a Christian. To have your worship gatherings in secret. To watch as people you love are brutally killed for daring to follow Jesus. To know at any moment you might be next. In her debut novel, Of Love and Treason, Jamie Ogle used the legend of St. Valentine to paint an inspiring portrait of the plight and courage of the early Church. Now, in her sophomore novel As Sure as the Sea, she does the same with the legendary Nikolas of Myra (perhaps more commonly known to most of us as Saint Nicholas).

We meet Demitria in her element, diving deep into the sea to harvest coral and pearls. And then, in an instant, the sea turns on Demitria and her brother Theseus in a scene so vividly written that I could see it playing out in my mind as though I were watching a movie. At the same time, the sea is (albeit more mildly) turning on the new pastor of the church in Myra too, and Nikolas is left with one orange, some wet clothes, and a sunken boat – with his inheritance on it – for his troubles. With this, Ogle perfectly sets the stage for the story that will unfold on the pages of As Sure as the Sea – part romance, part historical fiction, part thrilling adventure. And I was held captive by it all, gripped by their love story, yes, but even more so by their journeys of faith in the face of persecution, betrayal, and loss. I loved sneaking upriver with them on Demi’s boat, under the cover of darkness, to deliver and receive provisions for fellow believers. I adored the humor in their interactions, swooned over the romance slowly building between them, and was moved by the more somber moments they faced, including the weighted tension of the times that complicated their relationship. Both protagonists, as well as the other Christians in this story, were realistically portrayed with flaws and struggles and strengths and moments of great courage, and this is perhaps my favorite element of Ogle’s beautiful storytelling.

Bottom Line: In her sophomore novel, Jamie Ogle continues to bring the early church to life with layered characters that grip your whole heart, emotional plots that leave you undone, well-timed humor & sweet romance to put you back together, and deep notes of grace that point you to Jesus. I loved As Sure as the Sea, as I knew I would, and once again I closed the final page with a renewed gratitude for those who paved the Way, so to speak, and a deeper compassion for those who continue to suffer persecution in His name. And much to my surprised delight, I got to visit with some of my very fave characters from Of Love and Treason too. (Don’t worry though, if you haven’t read it yet. This new book is a standalone.) Some books merely entertain, and some books inspire you to grow closer to Jesus; As Sure as the Sea does both.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

“Contentment is good. Godly. But don’t let contentment turn into fear of stepping into the next thing God is leading you to do....God does not call those already equipped, Titus. Who better to preach to the Jewish leaders of Jerusalem than Paul, who was trained up in their religious ways from his childhood? And yet God called Paul to preach to the Gentiles and sent uneducated Peter to preach to the Jews. His ways do not always make earthly sense, but they are never without result. The church here in Myra came from Paul’s obedience. What can God do with yours?”

🪸

This book was so good! Jamie Ogle has a way with words that really draws you in.
The details she uses and the way she describes things is just so beautiful.
The second half of this book really captured my attention and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the characters and their stories were so inspiring. Jamie has become one of my auto read authors and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

🌊

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

As Sure as the Sea is a beautiful tale of the early Church and the struggles and triumphs, persecution and victories. Vividly written with strong characters, you will be swept away. Compelling and unforgettable, it's a must read for anyone who loves Christian fiction. I simply couldn't put it down until it was finished...and it had me on the edge of my seat until the very end, rooting for these characters and their survival.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #Tyndale House for the ARC.

🌊 As Sure as the Sea by Jamie Ogle

🐟Once she denied everything she believed in. Now she’d give anything to choose differently. But in the shadow of the Roman Empire’s persecution and the shame of her past, she fears that what she wants most will be forever out of reach.

🪸 About This Book:
- Christian Historical Fiction
- Eastern Roman Empire, AD 310
- POV: Demi and Nikolas
- Based on the legend of St. Nicholas of Myra
- Inspiring characters
- Filled with faith, hope and courage
- Christy Award Winning Author
- Published in 2025
- Parents Guide: religious persecution and prejudice, female character is intimidated and uncomfortable with looks and comments from men, mild descriptions of violence, imprisonment, torture and wounds.

🍊 My Thoughts:
If you know me, you know I absolutely loved Jamie’s first book “Of Love and Treason”. So I was fully prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions. I knew I quite possibly would be needing CPR after finishing the book. I was actually hesitant to start because I was afraid nothing would compare to her first book, but let me tell you, this novel did not disappoint! It is just as good as her first book, if not better! Her ability to write stories of faith and courage are unmatched. The Christian themes were devastatingly beautiful. I was in awe of the characters’ resilience in the face of extreme adversity; their growth and faith throughout the story was inspiring. This book made me want to be a better person and refocus my efforts and faith. This book is perfection. Yet another five star story from Jamie Ogle!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Jamie Ogle, Tyndale House and NetGalley for this gifted copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own.

Through the captivating words of Ms Ogle, I was transported to 310 AD and the early Christian church. Newly appointed Bishop, Nikolas, was sent to Myra in Greece where the persecuted church needed to meet in secret. But even in the dire, lean times, they had a solid hope in Christ. The author weaves an exceptional story of faith amidst danger and poverty, but showed that the people came together and shared the wealth of the gospel and the hope of the world to come. “This earthly life is short and full of strife, but there is a better, truer one coming. Let us set our gaze there.”
“The Lord has prepared work for each of us and while we have breath, we have purpose.”
There is a clear gospel message that should provide inspiration for all of us. Even in adversity, there is hope in Christ. These characters counted it an act of worship to care for those in need.
So many worthwhile themes are shown: forgiveness, faith, repentance, redemption, clear biblical teaching, and unfailing reliance on Christ and His word. This was an excellent story of the early Christians, with the added romance of Demi and Nikolas that enhanced the lessons we could all profit from.
Also interesting was the culture of the era and the occupation of diving for coral which added to the atmosphere.
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Tyndale Publishing via NetGalley. All opinions are mine alone.*

As Sure as the Sea was one of my most highly anticipated releases of 2025. And I’m thrilled to report that it didn’t disappoint. Of Love and Treason was one of my favorite books of 2024. That novel, a fictionalized account of the real man behind the myth of Saint Valentine, was powerful and heartbreaking and stunningly crafted. It brought to mind some of the most beautifully written books I’ve ever encountered: the works of Madeline Miller, such as Circe and The Song of Achilles. Ogle’s work felt similar in that it was retelling a story that has over the course of centuries been transmuted into myth. Also, as with Miller’s work, Ogle’s debut had an incredibly strong sense of place, with settings well drawn enough to smell and taste and feel on your skin. In all of those attributes—the quality of the writing, the tone of the story, the vibrance of the settings and the breathing of fresh life and reality into a story so often mythologized—As Sure as the Sea in every way matched its predecessor.

As Sure as the Sea is the story of Saint Nikolas. Yes, that Saint Nikolas. If you’re unfamiliar with the real life behind the mythos of Santa Claus, you might expect the story of an elderly man of the frozen north to be housed in these pages. Instead, the Saint Nikolas of Ogle’s story is a young pastor who comes to Myra, a port city in the Mediterranean region of the Roman Empire. This was at the height of the Empire’s religious persecution against Christians, and pastors were being killed off at a rapid rate. Nikolas didn’t seek out the pastorate. He kind of fell into it. The last of a wealthy family, Nikolas wanted nothing more than to put that wealth to good use, providing for God’s children and for those who did not yet know Him. But in a time when tokens citing the worship of the emperor were necessary hold a job or even purchase food, even giving money away was dangerous for Christians.

Our other main character is Demitria, a coral diver. She’s been as one with the sea since her infancy, and is far more comfortable beneath the waves than on dry ground. This is in large part due to the martyrdom of her parents and sister, leaving Demi and her brother Theseus as orphans. But even Theseus doesn’t know the shame Demi harbors over that day, and why she works so hard to help the struggling Church. When she and Nikolas save each other on his first day in Myra, will they grow close enough and be brave enough to share their pain with one another?

I fell in love with both Nikolas and Demi pretty immediately. They’re both strong, beautiful, broken people, whose faith in God is at war with the shame they harbor over their respective pasts. There was a lot of brilliant character development in this novel, both in these two main characters and in the supporting cast. If you’ve read Of Love and Treason, there are a few crossover characters, which was an unexpected delight.

I loved everything about this book. From the writing to the setting, from the characters to the strong core of faith, from the romance to the tension that carried through to a satisfying conclusion, As Sure as the Sea is everything I hoped it would be and more. This is truly brilliant historical fiction. Both this book and its predecessor scratch the same itch for me as literary mythological retellings, but following early church fathers instead. I’ve always dreamed of finding Christian fiction that struck me as brilliant, beautiful enough in its prose to hold its own against general market literary fiction. In Ogle’s work, I can say that I’ve found it.

I haven't read this author before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I was not only pleasantly surprised but I was left reeling after reading this book. Ogle brings biblical fiction to life in vivid detail. I fell in love with the characters from the beginning, relating to their struggles and personalities across the millennia, while being humbled as I was reminded of what true persecution of faith looked like in that time. I cannot wait to get my hands on more of her stories!

'As Sure as the Sea' is a phenomenal story based on the persecution rampant in the Eastern Roman Empire. Jamie Ogle includes the challenging theological and political issues that the early church encountered. The community of believers in this story come together to support each other and the vulnerable around them, just like the church we read about in Acts. Jamie Ogle writes beautifully dynamic characters who learn to trust God no matter what comes. This book stirs my faith to pray for the persecuted church today.

If you enjoy reading heart-pounding and inspiring historical fiction, then I recommend this book to you! I found Demi's career as a sea diver fascinating to read about, and the bits of romance are a really sweet addition.

Special thanks to the Publisher, Tyndale Fiction, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

“Evil prevails when good men are silent. It is my duty to the next generation to show them true justice and to speak on behalf of the innocent who cannot speak for themselves.”

Fantastic! A beautiful story that brings the persecution of the early church to life. This story is full of danger, betrayal, love and sacrifice. The friendships, found family, and romance themes are beautiful. Nikolas and Demetria have to battle their shame and feelings of inadequacy while building their faith and reliance on God. Inspiring! I will not forget this story anytime soon!

Favorite quotes:
“Lord, I am Your servant. I’ll do what You ask, and I’ll do it how You want me to.”

“Where there is breath and life, there is purpose. You’ll find it if you look.”

This ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to give a positive review, rating and opinions are my own.

Loved this story! The characters were fascinating and very relatable. The writing was captivating. Highly recommend!

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

Thank you to Netgalley, Tyndale Fiction, and Jamie Ogle for the gifted copy of this book!

Jamie Ogle’s writing is incredibly descriptive and easy to read. She is officially an auto-read author for me. This is her second book, and it is just as moving and inspiring as the first. There is nothing like reading about the persecution and killing of Christians to make you grateful for your life of freedom in our day now. Their stories will definitely stay with me for a while.

This book was incredibly inspiring, and it was very interesting to read about one of the first churches in Christian History. I was also encouraged in my faith in many ways by this book. I related to both Nikolas and Demi in different ways. My heart was pulled along, broken, and put together again by this story!

Demitria is from a family of divers and dives for a living with her brother, Thesius. Demi is carrying a burden from her past and feels unworthy. She fights for her church to help provide as much as she can and keep those she loves safe. What happens when the new pastor keeps pushing her toward the very danger she is trying to avoid?

Nikolas is an heir of a large fortune who has been called to lead the church in Myra. He finds a church in great need of new leadership. He also needs help from a diver to retrieve his inheritance that has sunk to the bottom of the river. Can he keep his people safe while caring for the lost around them?

Nikolas and Demi’s story was so beautiful to me. I felt the tension of the characters, of wanting to fully love someone but also protect themselves from the deep pain of loss. Many characters had so much wisdom. The book is stock full of spiritual truths that just lifted my soul and spirit!

It was also fun to see the easter eggs and continuation of some characters from her first book, though it is unnecessary to read it first to enjoy this one. If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction with spiritual reminders, hope, and love, then this book is for you!

I personally can’t wait for what’s next for Jamie Ogle, because her research and detail is always impeccable, her writing is so easy to read, and I’m engaged no matter what!

I received this eARC from Netgalley and the publisher, but this honest review is voluntary.

Content Guide:
Language: None
Spice: Level 1: Kissing Only
TW: grief, serious injury, persecution, torture (non-descriptive)
Content Considerations: None

“As Sure As The Sea” is a historical fiction book set during the time of Christian persecution in Roman territories. I loved this book! After a few days of reflecting on it I’ve decided to give it 5 stars. The characters went through so much growth throughout the book. The scenes depicting persecution were heartbreaking and felt so real. The beautiful descriptions of the sea were among my favorite parts of the book. Thank you Netgalley for providing me a free ARC to review, this will not be my last Jamie Ogle book!

Experience a captivating historical Christian novel set against a backdrop of seaside beauty during a time of Christian persecution. Journey alongside the main characters as they face their shame, navigate profound losses, and confront feelings of inadequacy. Their quest for a deeper faith leads them to discover the transformative power of God’s forgiveness. Through their struggles, they learn that despite their flaws, they can honor Christ in their everyday lives. An inspiring read that will resonate with your heart! 🙏

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book and read it with pleasure and a few tears. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, Tyndale House Publishers, Tyndale Fiction, and NetGalley.

As Sure As The Sea - Jamie Ogle - review 7 stars!!

Jamie Ogle has done it again! She has penned a stunning masterpiece that hums with energy and life as it tumbles along to its unexpected conclusion.

Nikolas is the new pastor at Myra and as always, in times of persecution, leadership is even more challenging. The question remains: does the church lie low or does she continue to reach out in love, providing spiritual and physical sustenance not just for the faithful, but the poor and the hopeless who need it.

He is ably assisted by Demitria of Myra, the best coral diver in these parts who has lost family to persecution and tries to lie low while also ferrying much needed grain in secret. Why secret? Christians are not allowed to buy or sell without libelli and to get one of those, you'd have to damn your soul to hell.

Both of them have their own demons and past memories to fight, adding atmosphere to the novel. You also meet old friends in Titus, Iris and Beatrice, who are the supporting cast.

Ms. Ogle has done a great job in racheting up the tensions bit by bit as the story moves along, so much so that at one point I succumbed, and read the end. Then, went onto calmly finish and enjoy the book.

I won't tell you what that end it, but it is explosively good. At the end, I felt satisfied. Replete. I had been fed - spiritually and emotionally and mentally. It's a rarity for me to feel this way after a good book.

Buy the book, read it, enjoy it, love it and feel fulfilled. I was given an ARC copy to read, but the opinions expressed are mine alone.

#AsSureAsTheSea #NetGalley #TynedaleFiction #BiblicalFiction #Emotive #RealFeel #CameAlive #JamieOgle #TheBookishPilgrim