I love biblical fiction and I'm a fan of Angela Hunt, so I was especially anxious to read this book. The Woman from Lydia features the apostle Paul, his traveling companion Silas, and Euodia, who is mentioned in Acts 16 as Lydia, a seller of purple cloth. Much of the story is told from Euodia's point of view as she valiantly tries to free a girl from slavery after the apostle Paul casts a demon from her. Euodia's determined efforts to free Sabina from a retired Roman soldier's possession are equally matched by his intentions to use Sabina's gift of divination for his own personal gain! Will Euodia succeed in thwarting Hector's intentions?

Hunt possesses a wonderful talent for weaving facts with fiction and this book is a perfect example. I enjoyed the relationship that evolves between Euodia and her new husband Ariston, along with those that she shares with Phebe and Syntyche. I gained a new perspective on Paul's missionary journeys, and relished the explanation of slavery versus freedom, in both physical and spiritual terms. I know that an author of Biblical fiction has succeeded when I find myself reading my Bible to verify a fact, or searching a Bible commentary to learn more about a scene. I did both of these while reading this book!

This is a story that will inspire Christian readers and challenge non-believers, and I'm thrilled to have it as my church Bible group begins its study of The Book of Acts. I highly recommend The Woman from Lydia and I look forward to the next book in The Emissaries series!

I was provided an ARC courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews and a complimentary copy from Bethany House. These are my own thoughts.

The Woman from Lydia is the first book in a new series (The Emissaries) by Christy Award winner and best-selling author, Angela Hunt. I highly recommend this sensational novel to everyone who enjoys Biblical or ancient historical fiction.

Step into the pages of this book which remain true to Scripture and history and immerse yourself in the turbulent era of the early Church where devoted Christians battled to uphold their faith against insurmountable odds. Feel the raw intensity of their struggles, as these believers braved a world set against them.

If you are an enthusiast of Christian fiction, biblical fiction, or ancient fiction, you are encouraged to read The Woman from Lydia. Stand beside the woman from Lydia and watch as her unyielding commitment stands as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.

The richness of this story details paths where faith intertwines with real-life conflicts and decisions. Angela Hunt offers a clear and impactful description of this fresh series: Our own society which grows every more saturated with unbiblical worldviews is not so different from that of ancient Rome. May we be challenged by the vision of the first century believers vision, courage, and commitment to Messiah Yeshua.

I am so thankful that this reading experience shed light on the transformative power of Christ and how His presence in our lives makes a difference now and for eternity. I pray I am always ready to give an answer when someone like the character Irene in this book says: Tell us more about this God who walked with men.

I received a paperback copy of The Woman from Lydia from its publisher Bethany House. I am neither obligated to write a positive review nor compensated for doing so. What you have just read reflects my authentic analysis and heartfelt impressions of this exceptional work of biblical fiction.

The Woman from Lydia by extremely talented storyteller Angela Hunt is a beautiful Biblical fiction novel. It is book one in the Emissaries series, and is absolutely captivating. I love not able to put it down once I began reading it.

Set in Philippi, 50 AD, and moving to other places, it is the story of Euodia, the woman from Lydia. (Her story is told in Acts 16 where she is referred to simply as Lydia.) In addition to Lydia, expect to see Paulos (Paul), Silas, Syntyche, Sabina the young girl with a spirit of divination, Ariston, and even more amazing characters. I loved that author Hunt was careful to stay true to scripture and only added her thoughts on what might also have happened. It was a great interpretation and helped bring the Bible story to life. I have a new appreciation for Lydia.

This is an edifying, inspiring, and encouraging novel. It is evident from the details that much research was done before penning this well-planned, well-written book. I was invested in the characters and story immediately. The writing was poetic and characters well defined. After reading a bit, I felt like I knew each one and was back in time to a place that I had never been.

I highly recommend this phenomenal novel. It was filled with adventure, mystery, and information on early Christians. This would make a fabulous choice for a small group or reading club. It is extraordinary. I gleaned so much from reading it. It earns a 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.

What a wonderful book! I could not put it down!

This novel reflects extensive and careful research done by the author like how fabric was dyed purple, for example. Twists in the story line keep the novel intriguing. Euodia, the woman from Lydia, treated all individuals as having value; she lived her life to serve HaSham, the Messiah. Since this book is Book 1 in a new series entitled The Emissaries, we can expect more books in this series. I look forward to reading them.