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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
I really like the way Tessa develops very realistic fictional characters around historic people and events. We feel the tension of the murder plot and the hunt for the culprit (somewhat naive), the challenge of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls in spite of discouragement and hostile neighbours, and the strained marriage due to incompatible religious beliefs and Darius' inability to love on account of childhood deprivation. The historic detail is accurate, the language polished, the drama unfailingly decent, and the religious element not overdone. The book is written from an unashamedly female perspective, as one might expect, and is thus a valid challenge for husbands!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
Very enjoyable! Had all the intrigue and romance of the first one. A great commentary on Christian marriage and the importance of giving our lives to Christ.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I thought I was really inspired by the wonders of God and knowing Him more when I read Harvest of Rubies, but I was shocked to find out it’s inspiration paled when I began to read Harvest of Gold. This book 2 is based on the time of Nehemiah and Ezra and Nehemiah’s character was well developed and prominent. The book talks about not just the love that exists between Darius and Sarah, but also majorly about God’s love for us, his promises to His beloved people and His plans for us. I rate this book a solid 8.5/10 and recommend it to anyone looking for a sturdy romantic Christian fiction
P:S - Tessa’s vocabulary use in both books was mind-blowing 😆. I had to employ the use of the dictionary on several occasions 🫣
I have been waiting for this book for a long time and it did not disappoint. So, so good!
I’ve said it before: I don’t like biblical fiction. But I do believe my heart is turning on this matter, and Ms. Afshar is playing a HUGE part in it!
Harvest of Gold is an exquisitely written book set in Persia and Jerusalem. It’s the second book written about its main characters, Sarah and Darius (the first is Harvest of Rubies), and though I haven’t read the first book (yet!!), I didn’t feel out-of-the-loop with this story. There were references made to the story in the previous book, but all it did was make me go directly to Amazon.com to buy it.
The characters were very, very well developed and written. Their chemistry with each other was realistic and persuasive…and charming. Their heartbreak and struggles within themselves and with God were relatable and touching. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and can’t wait to go back and read how it began.
The poignancy with which Ms. Afshar writes about the rebuilding of Jerusalem truly brings it to life and makes it hit home. And towards the end, when the prophet Ezra reads from the ancient scrolls, actually brought me to tears. I do believe Ms. Afshar writes with the Holy Spirit’s guidance—and I don’t say that lightly.
I highly recommend this book, for both the plot, sub-plot (an assassination attempt on King Artaxerxes), and character development. It’s just a beautiful book to savor.
*I received a digital advance copy of this book from Moody Publishers through NetGalley. This did not effect my opinions one way or another.
Harvest of Gold is an exquisitely written book set in Persia and Jerusalem. It’s the second book written about its main characters, Sarah and Darius (the first is Harvest of Rubies), and though I haven’t read the first book (yet!!), I didn’t feel out-of-the-loop with this story. There were references made to the story in the previous book, but all it did was make me go directly to Amazon.com to buy it.
The characters were very, very well developed and written. Their chemistry with each other was realistic and persuasive…and charming. Their heartbreak and struggles within themselves and with God were relatable and touching. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story and can’t wait to go back and read how it began.
The poignancy with which Ms. Afshar writes about the rebuilding of Jerusalem truly brings it to life and makes it hit home. And towards the end, when the prophet Ezra reads from the ancient scrolls, actually brought me to tears. I do believe Ms. Afshar writes with the Holy Spirit’s guidance—and I don’t say that lightly.
I highly recommend this book, for both the plot, sub-plot (an assassination attempt on King Artaxerxes), and character development. It’s just a beautiful book to savor.
*I received a digital advance copy of this book from Moody Publishers through NetGalley. This did not effect my opinions one way or another.
I adore Tessa Afshar's writing. Part historical novel, part romance, this sequel to Harvest of Rubies is just as intriguing as the first. It focuses more on Darius's and Nehemiah's stories but still includes enough of our sweet, intelligent Sarah.
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes