Book Review, The Roman's Quest, Anne Baxter Campbell

The Roman’s Quest (The Truth Trilogy) book review

By Anne Baxter Campbell 

Helping Hands Press

Oct 2013

Historical fiction

 

Kindle book: $4.99

From the publisher:

Centurion Julius has eyes for a young Jewish woman, but a Roman is not what her father intends for her. Miriam is a pious Jewish girl, determined to do the right thing by her God and her parents, and she bows to her father’s wishes to betroth her to a Jewish fisherman, James ben Zebedee. Her heart yearns for the Roman, but their love is impossible. Miriam’s mother lies close to death, and her last wish is to see her daughter wed. The marriage has to take place before it’s too late.

My review:

Anne Baxter Campbell’s debut novel is an exciting look back in time, from two perspectives that are atypical – that of a young Jewish woman being wooed by James, who later became an apostle of the Christ, and a Roman centurian.

While it’s true that Julius Saturnus is more respectful than others of his ilk in that he can patiently wait upon his desires for the Jewish woman Miriam, he also discovers a deeper desire within, one that he has trouble understanding. The strangeness of the Baptizer’s words and actions touches him, and with help from the Greek doctor, Loukas, begins the journey of a proselyte—a non-Hebrew who wishes to learn the Jewish faith.

Most of Miriam’s friends are married, and she wonders what it would be like to be a wife and mother. Though she returns the attraction of the courteous Roman, her father would never agree to such a match. Her mother’s illness forces a wedding announcement to James…who surprises them all with an unusual request. Will Miriam and Julius overcome all the obstacles to achieve their heart’s desires? They soon learn that a possible relationship is the least of their troubles.

Touching and well-researched debut, told in both Miriam and Julius’s perspectives. Packed with quirky figures, like Julius’s slave, Cyril. Those who enjoy Biblical history will like this story. I look forward to the others in the series.