Jenniferreads

by Jamie Ogle

Historical Fiction } 5⭐️ | 1/23/2024

This is book is why I love Historical Fiction! 

Jamie Ogle drops you right into the center of Rome 279 AD. At that time, many Romans still worshiped many Gods. Believing in a single Christian God was illegal. Emperor Claudius Gothicus, needing a larger military, has outlawed marriage, removing the protection women had if they were widowed. Iris and her father, a Roman Jailer, have mounting troubles at home and their debts must be paid.  Iris meets Valentine, known as Valens or Val. He offers to pray to his Christian God, Jesus, for her. 

This is the origin story, told through well researched Historical Fiction, of St. Valentine. At times the pacing was inconsistent. Because this is more about the development of faith, rather than an action-packed novel, it can feel slow at times. However, Ogle does a spectacular job of using the little research that was available. It creates an engaging and heartbreaking story of love and faith. It also emphasizes putting your trust in God even if we don’t understand why bad things happen. Fans of Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, and those wanted to explore their faith through great storytelling may enjoy this book.