I love this story for being set during a unique time period that isn’t highly represented in historical fiction. I was immersed in the setting of the early church along the shores of the Mediterranean. Jamie does an incredible job of bringing to life the true challenges and persecutions faced by the early Christians, the likes of which might be unbelievable to modern readers.
Though much of what they faced seems foreign to us, the characters have relatable struggles like feeling the shame & guilt over their past, the need to prove themselves, & grappling with the loss of loved ones. I absolutely loved the integration of Scripture, the focus on the active love of the gospel, and the fidelity to the true faith laced all throughout the story!

It’s rich in historical and setting detail with a slower paced plot. So I would take that and the time period into context when deciding if this is the book for you.

Thank you to Tyndale for the complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

I truly have no words. I went into this book expecting to enjoy it, but for the first few chapters I wasn't sure. But that doubt quickly went away. This book is one of the most impactful that I have ever read! I expected a good historical Christian fiction book but this was so much more! As Sure as the Sea takes place nearly 250 years after the birth of the early church, during the time of Emperor Galerius. This was probably one of the worst periods of persecution for the church, both in methods and numbers but also because the church was still young. This book follows Demi and Nikolas as they overcome their shame, losses, and feelings of inadequacy for Christ. As the book progresses, they learn that no matter what they have done in their past they can still live for Christ and are not a lower class Christian because of what they may have done. They have both struggled with losses that were caused by the persecution and it is a struggle to be able to form relationships because of that. Demi's brother Theseus also plays a big part in the story and in helping Demi and Niko overcome these struggles. Demi continues to face struggles in her job because of her faith and Niko struggles to be able to serve the church well as pastor because of the persecution and lack of resources. Things start to look up for them and the love shared between them grows. Until they are betrayed by someone claiming the faith and are arrested. For months Niko and Theseus are kept in the emperor's prison and tortured every day. Demi fears that they are dead and learns how to navigate life without them, all while taking over and continuing some of the work that Niko was doing while still with the church. Demi, too, is arrested along with most of the church at a later date. Just as they are all taken out for execution during one of the pagan festivals, the decree of The Edict of Toleration is announced and God spares them from death. Niko and Demi find their way back to each other with God's help and end up marrying and growing closer to Jesus every day. This book really challenges your faith and makes you truly stop and think about how you would act and what you would say or do if confronted by persecution. If you knew that claiming Christ was sure death or torture, would you still do it? Do you really love Christ with every bit of all you've got?? This book is so impactful and absolutely worth a read! Every Christian should read this book at least once! This book has to be one of the best that I have ever read!

I absolutely loved this book! The characters, the story, the history were all wonderful. It was a slow start but I'm so glad I took the time to get into it. It combines a great story with real Christian faith and together they make for a delightful and beautiful book.

My meager words can't do justice to this story of love that transcends life and of grace upon grace.
Put this (and Of Love and Treason if you haven't already read it) on your MUST READS list. Of Love and Treason was one of my top 2 reads in 2024. January isn't over yet, but As Sure as the Sea is set to be one of my top reads in 2025- it's going to take a doozey to knock it out of the number one spot.
A few quotes to share:
Where there is breath and life, there is purpose. You'll find it if you look.
There is no safety. Only the illusion of it.
But the greatest work of the church does not happen at the morning river meetings, but in the markets, at the wells, in the shops and kitchens- in our lives, and how we live and give the gospel.
To die in times like these is easy. To live, that is the difficult thing.
I received a free copy of As Sure as the Sea from Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Thank you to @netgalley and Tyndale Fiction for my gifted copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.]

After reading and absolutely LOVING Jamie Ogle’s first book, Of Love and Treason, I had high expectations for As Sure as the Sea. Thankfully, it did not disappoint! I was so excited to read this book, and it definitely lives up to all the hype. This is an upcoming release you don’t want to miss!

Set in 310 A.D. in part of the Roman Empire, this book follows Dimetria and Nikolas (a familiar figure), who are members of the early church, living under severe persecution of Christians. I’ve read books set shortly before or shortly after this period, but never 310 A.D.. The setting in time and place were both really special and interesting to read a story about!

This book was so vivid and heart wrenching, but also so hopeful and beautiful, with very deep faith themes. These characters experienced and overcame so much, by God’s grace. I loved watching their stories unfold, the romance, and learning more of early church history through an incredible story. 🥹

Moving. Beautiful. Inspiring. Convicting.

Absolutely recommend! 🤍

“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.”

𝐀𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚 was such an incredible book! Everything about it was interesting and I learned so much while having an amazing time.

First of all, the setting was immaculate. I loved the descriptions of the Mediterranean as well as the details of the culture and time period. Also, Demitria’s unusual profession as a diver made this the perfect summer read!

Furthermore, the historical details were very well-written and researched. I felt like I was stepping straight into AD 310 (which is a time period I haven’t read much from!). It was also interesting learning about the persecution the Christians faced in that time period. Another interesting topic was the bad theology that was gaining popularity. In fact, some of that bad theology is still prevalent today, it just looks a little different.

Another part of this book that I loved were the characters. They were incredibly compelling, and I feel like every Christian shares at least a little fear of what Demi went through. Nikolas was also such a great character, and I enjoyed learning about the historical figure he represents. Both of them had such a tragic past, and watching them grow made me so happy!

There was so much more about this book that I enjoyed—the writing, the Faith, the plot!—sadly, I want to keep this review at a reasonable length so I won’t get into all of that. However, I recommend you do yourself a favour, (especially if you love Christian Historical Fiction), and go grab a copy as soon as it comes out (or pre-order it!). 𝐀𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐚 releases on February 11th—I highly recommend it!

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

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ★★★★★

𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: Christian Historical Fiction

𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬: 365

𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭: Level 3 - Kissing

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞: February 11, 2025

Oh. My. Word. She did it again. This story was fantastic! And...it was actually difficult to read. It was like I was on pins and needles the entire time. Waiting for the other shoe to drop. Waiting for the inevitable to happened. The anxiety and difficulty these people in the early days of the church went through...well, it certainly puts into perspective some things. Nevertheless, as difficult as parts of this story were to read, it was a welcoming reminder of all God did for us by sending His Son Jesus. Of all Jesus did for us by dying on the cross. By taking our shame and sin. A much-needed addition to your bookshelf. You will be changed and challenged by this story. Enjoy it.

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

This a beautiful, descriptive story set in the Roman Empire, AD 310. I don't read a lot of biblical fiction, but I'm always so moved when I do.
The storyline in itself is so unique but also takes a dive into an anti-Christian era where Christians were brutally tortured and killed for not declaring allegiance to the emperor.
There were parts in the story that were really hard to read. But the author really did an incredible job of encouraging my faith, in showing the beauty of the believers that sacrificed their lives for their faith and would not deny Christ.

"Peter wasn't worthy of forgiveness. None of us are." She let out a breath. "That is why Jesus came in the first place. That is the reason for the gospel. We aren't worthy of it." "No." Nikolas tilted his face toward her and her damp curls brushed his cheek. "But it's offered to us anyway. And instead of condemnation, He calls us chosen, beloved."

*I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jamie Ogle delivers another stunning story with "As Sure as the Sea". This one is set in A.D. 310 Myra (part of modern day Turkey) and is about the early Christian church and is a historical fiction about the legend of St. Nicholas. Demi and her brother are divers looking for red coral to be used in jewelry and food items for their employer. They are lucky to be employed, as early Christians often did not have jobs due to persecution from the Roman Emperor of the time.

On a dangerous dive, Demi meets Nicolas whose ship went down with bags of gold he planned to use to help the Christian church of Myra. As they get to know each other, Demi agrees to dive for the lost treasure and the two forge a friendship to help those around them despite the challenges of persecution.

This book has so much packed into it and I couldn't put it down. The writing is excellent and the story is compelling. There are very difficult moments detailing the type of persecution early Christians faced but there are also moments of great joy. The story takes many twists and turns along the way both good and bad. This is an incredibly faith-filled Christian book and the use of scripture is well done. The faith struggles and resolutions that the characters experience are encouraging to the reader.

I would highly recommend this for a Christian fiction book club read as there is so much to discuss. I'm hoping my own book club chooses this one for a fall read!

I would recommend this one for ages 16+ as it has descriptions of the dangers and physical persecution experienced by real early Christians.

Lastly, this is a Christian fiction book and is very faith filled and the writer points the reader to God. It is well done and I consider this a must read for Christian fiction readers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was an absolutely incredible read. It is my top read of the year. This story is Christian historical fiction with romance and it takes place in Lycia, in the Eastern Roman Empire, in 310AD. Our heroine is a diver and our hero is a pastor. During this time in history, the persecution of Christians was intense. You needed a token that declared Caesar as lord in order to pay for items. Many, many Christians were sent to horrible deaths. This story has the pains of living life in secret, the edge of walking between generosity and fearful secrecy, and so much more. There are some scenes that mention the atrocities that occur. Our hero and heroine have pasts that they must over come. This story presents the gospel message better than other fiction I’ve run across. It sinks in deep. While much of this story is painful, it is also necessary. A true and deep read that I’ll reread and gift many times. This was my first book by this author but I will definitely read more.

Another great story from this author. It is a very good book, excellently written, nice writing style and plot. It makes you think a lot as a Christian about your own willingness for the Lord. It is difficult to put into words what emotions this book has brought to me. Even now that I am writing this review I still have a lump in my throat. I definitely recommend you to read the book. The story has depth and is so beautifully written.

As Sure As The Sea is a gripping tale of love and loyalty set in an early Christian Greek speaking community in AD 310.

Demitria and her brother Theseus make a meager living harvesting coral and pearls for a merchant who turns a blind eye to their faith. While willing to risk her own life to ensure others are safe and fed, Demi lives with a desperate fear for those she loves and carries secret shame over her greatest failure.

Jamie Ogle’s evocative writing deftly paints a picture of ancient Lycia where a new Church clashes with the political and religious control of the Roman state. The author creates a sense of foreboding and tension between daily life and the demands of faith in a society where noncompliance with the status quo was severely persecuted. The world of the coastal Mediterranean is described so fully it is almost possible to feel the dry heat of sand and taste the salt of the sea air. Characters are warm and likeable despite the cloud of threat hanging over them at all times. A thoroughly enjoyable read for fans of historical and/or Christian fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers for this ARC copy. Available for general release on February 11th!
#AsSureastheSea #NetGalley #ARCreader #bookreview #bookstagram

Thank you to Jamie Ogle, Tyndale House, and NetGalley for this #gifted book!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Title: As Sure as the Sea
Author: Jamie Ogle
Genre: Historical Fiction
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Synopsis: “They had gained courage in reaching out to their neighbors, offering food and hope. And now the question remained: In the face of all that seemed dark and hopeless, would they continue?” As a skilled diver and boater, Demetria seeks to spend her life making up for her past. But the regrets she’s tried to keep buried keep surfacing. When will the suffering be enough? When Nikolas arrives in Demi’s town of Myra as the new pastor—a dangerous position especially given his history—an unfortunate loss finds him in need of Demi’s skills. As the two join together to help one another and meet the needs of others, they find themselves drawn to each other in ways neither planned or deserve. As persecution ramps up in Myra, their faith is tested. What will it take to face the past and the future with the courage and hope that is found only in Christ?

Analysis: Christy Award Winning Author Jamie Ogle set the bar high with her first book Of Love and Treason, but don’t worry, her second book lives up to the hype! I adored this book, and its message will be one that sticks with me for a very long time. While there are heavy themes of early church persecution, the book is also filled with beautiful friendships, found family, and romance. As Jamie told me herself, she loves a sacrificial romance 😉 I also loved watching the characters learn and grow as they faced the struggles of their past choices and sought out the truth of God’s character. Jamie does a beautiful job of weaving the timeless truth of the gospel into a riveting story that will have you longing for more. This book will leave you with a lasting look at the early church that will inspire you to bravely carry on for a faith that’s truly worth it.

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Just a note: this book isn’t a series! It’s truly a stand alone, but if you have read Of Love and Treason, you might just see some of your favorite characters again! This will definitely be one of my top books from 2025!

*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

So incredibly engaging and gritty and hopeful and real. I cared deeply for the characters, and was entirely captivated by the struggles and fears of the characters, and the early church. Highly recommended!

A story set in early church history during a time when betrayal within the church meant torture and a death sentence. Ogle uses the story of Demi and Nikolas as a means of showing the Gospel working in the lives of ordinary people. She used their story to show God’s mercy, grace, and love in a tangible way by using the correlating life of Peter to reiterate that God is a God of second and third chances.

This story picks up several years after “Of Love and Treason” ended bringing with it several beloved returning characters, including a fun and creative grandmother set on marrying off every eligible character in the book. We get a first row seat to watching the young church heal from within, while navigating the dangers of the age. A must read for everyone, but buckle up and bring some tissues along for the ride.

*I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review, only one that was honest. The opinions I have expressed are my own and personal thoughts on this book.

This author does a great job of showing the unique struggles of early Christians in the Eastern Roman Empire. At any moment they could be called on to pledge their allegiance to Rome, or were they Christians? What would they say? I liked how the author showed them being brave and having hope as they walked the Christian path and grew in their faith.

When it came to 310 AD, the Roman Tetrarchy worked hard to get rid of Christianity. Demitria is a very skilled coral reef diver; it was a man's job, but she was good at it. She had to be, as she is the caregiver for her brother. Nikolas used to be a rich heir. Now found himself a preacher. Demitria and Nikolas use their skills and risk their lives for the safety of the early church.

I was fascinated by Demitria and her love of coral diving. I saw how grueling and dangerous work it was. She was told many times, “Women should pursue a quiet life in the home, not spend their days doing a man’s job – and such a job – in the sun all day, diving from coral and pears, naked, or nearly so.”

This story shows how difficult it is to serve God when you're scared and feel guilty, but it ends with a reminder of how freeing it is to know that God has forgiven us completely.

I wanted to read this book because I really enjoyed this author’s debut novel titled Love and Treason. If you like historical Christian fiction, you’ll love this book. It makes for a good book club pick.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I requested and received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog https://psalm516.blogspot.com/

As Sure as the Sea was difficult to put down! Several moments had me on the edge of my seat, wondering if I would be crying or breathing a sigh of relief at the end of the book. The characters throughout are memorable, and I was excited to remeet some familiar ones. My heart ached for Demitria and Nikolas and all they faced, and their story made me consider how "easy" being a Christian in the Western world is today. I definitely recommend this book! Thank you to Tyndale for providing a digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

As Sure as the Sea by Jamie Ogle is an awe-inspiring Christian Historical Fiction novel that immerses readers in the trials and tribulations of the ancient church under the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Through the lens of Demetria, a young woman who carries many burdens, both spiritual and emotional, the author weaves a tale of strength, hope, and courage in the face of unspeakable horrors.

The story opens with Demetria sinking to the bottom of the sea with a stone tied to her ankle. And takes the reader for a well-researched, in-depth look at coral diving. Without the aid of scuba equipment, it was amazing how long Demetria could stay underwater to gather coral and even oysters before her lungs burst. But the water for Demetria was like a second home. Yes, it had its dangers, but it also brought her a sense of calm.

After a heart-stopping first chapter, we are then introduced to our other main character, Nikolas. Like Demetria, Nikolas had regrets he lived with, things he wished he’d done better. Both characters had pasts that haunted them and it is through their love of God and struggles with these inner turmoils that their affection for each other and their faith and trust in God grows.

In the setting for this story, the church is in hiding and cannot buy or sell anything without a libelli, a token (or mark if you will). It was an official certificate that confirmed the owner had performed the required sacrifices and worshipped the emperor. Without the libelli to buy food or get a job, Christians relied on each other. In this story, the churches had an underground network of sorts, where they shared food, grain, etc.

I loved the attention to detail in this story. However, some may find those details a little hard to handle, as it describes the torture Christians faced if they did not deny God. But, it is needed so that the reader can understand the danger and the cost involved in following Jesus.

There was only one part of the story that gave me pause because it was left unanswered. A character was introduced (Timothy) and he believed in heretical teachings. Nikolas, as pastor to the church felt he needed to address the issue. He gathered the elders and they discussed what to do and then, you never hear about the results. So, I was surprised the reader was left hanging on this.

Despite that missing thread, the author has brilliantly portrayed the inner turmoil of the mind when we fail God. This was Demetria’s and Nikolas's biggest regret and I loved how both grew into their faith.

If you need a boost to your faith or are wondering how the early church survived, this is a must-read for you. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley, for my honest review.

This is a new author for me. She did not disappoint. I enjoyed this story to the fullest.
Wonderful characters that will leave you thinking about them long after this is over. In fact, the way the whole storyline went it will leave you amazed.
Lots of action that will keep you engaged and some twists and turns that I never saw coming.
I loved this novel about the early church and all they went through..
There is some romance along the way too.
The way she described these places made feel like I was in the storybwoth Demi and Nikolas. I really enjoyed their adventures so much that I hated to see their story end.
This will be one of my favorite review stories of 2024.
5 stars for a wonderful adventure. I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review.
All opinions are mine

Wow! This book blew me away! The imagery is fantastic. The underwater world of the Mediterranean came to life in my mind.

The characters are written brilliantly! Demi is AMAZING!! She's strong, physically, and mentally. She is devoted to caring for the church, even to the point of risking her life several times. She also carries guilt over a decision she made in the past. Nikolas has a heart for the church and for others in need. His compassion often gets him into sticky situations. Rex is another favorite. His exuberant personality has a calming effect on others.

The time period that the book is set in (AD 310) is an especially difficult time to be a Christian. Persecution is at an all-time high. Sometimes, trust was put in the wrong person, and the result was horrible.

The part that brought a smile to my face involves an orange. I'll leave that part a mystery!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.