Purple. The foundation of an influential trade in a Roman world dominated by men. One woman rises up to take the reins of success in an incredible journey of courage, grit, and friendship. And along the way, she changes the world.But before she was Lydia, the seller of purple, she was simply a merchant’s daughter who loved three things: her father, her ancestral home, and making dye. Then … dye. Then unbearable betrayal robs her of nearly everything.
With only her father’s secret formulas left, Lydia flees to Philippi and struggles to establish her business on her own. Determination and serendipitous acquaintances—along with her father’s precious dye—help her become one of the city’s preeminent merchants. But fear lingers in every shadow, until Lydia meets the apostle Paul and hears his message of hope, becoming his first European convert. Still, Lydia can’t outrun her secrets forever, and when past and present collide, she must either stand firm and trust in her fledgling faith or succumb to the fear that has ruled her life.
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Loved this book! A wonderful telling of Lydia, seller of purple and supporter of the brethren from scripture. Though it is a work of fiction, there are great, fresh insights into the reality of the early life of the church, as well as actual incidents from scripture. In addition, there were thought provoking nuggets of wisdom and insight throughout, worthy of highlighting and meditating on. There were some liberties taken, which I didn’t mind at all. They served to make some lesser known names in scripture become living, breathing people. I appreciate any book that can give fresh insights on the Bible. Excellently written; highly recommend.
A good to help understand the history of this time period.
Excellent thought out perspective of a what the life of a biblical character might have been!
Good book with believable characters.
A young girl whose name is never mentioned in the Bible lives among some very well known Biblical characters. While the story is a fictional novel, it is an interesting depiction of common human conditions and helps us to see ourselves in their struggles and to relate to them as also having been subject to the same human emotions, uncertainties, disappointments, and victories that we face even today.
I really enjoyed the story line and vivid scenes and characters. A page turner!
Tessa Afshar provides a wonderful backdrop to favorite Bible characters.
It’s been awhile since I read this book, but I was delighted with it! This author reminds me very much of Francine Rivers. I look forward to reading more of her books!
Excellent. Thought provoking.
Tessa Afshar does a great job presenting Biblical figures with clarity and historical significance of what may have happened during that time period.
Tessa Afshar is one of my favorite authors! She makes the Bible come alivel. Her character development is wonderful and believable. I always enjoy her books and look forward to reading more!
Tessa has become one of my favorites for Biblical fiction. Recommend all her books!
Tessa Ashfar did it again.
Well written book with Christian history….author’s take on time period.
Good read!