About the Book:
Name of book: Lydia
Author: Diana Wallis Taylor
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Release Date: October 3, 2017
Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society into which she was born. Her father marries her off at age fifteen to a much older man whom she dislikes. Despite an unpleasant wedding and a marriage that doesn’t improve with age, Lydia remains a dutiful and faithful wife. When her husband is killed, years later, Lydia vows to remain single and returns to her father’s house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter.
There, a new life begins to emerge as she is trained in the family dye business. Lydia displays an aptitude for trade in the male-dominated world of first century commerce. Her brother, who had chosen service in the Roman army rather than work in his father’s business, is at odds with his sister. Jealous of her quiet success as she learns the dye business, he’s especially befuddled by what he considers to be Lydia’s obsession with the Jewish religion. When their father dies, Cassius inherits the family’s home; Lydia inherits the business, and unbeknownst to her brother, a small villa in the city of Philippi.
Lydia flees with her mother and daughter to Philippi where she sets up shop. At the mercy of a patriarchal society, Lydia needs a man to serve as the public face for her business. She discovers the right person in the handsome face of Greek man she’d hired — an employee with whom she develops a close friendship. The plot thickens as Lydia meets a strange man named Paul the apostle who is stirring up crowds in town. When Lydia’s brother shows up in Philippi, determined to force her to sell the business, he discovers plenty of fuel to accomplish his goals.
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My Perspective
I love reading the Bible, make no mistake. The Bible is true, amazing, and wonderful. But biblical fiction? It just might be a new favorite of mine. It allows us, as readers, to get a glimpse of what it may have been like to live during biblical times. In doing so, it really brings the Bible close to home for me. I do realize that it is just a work of fiction, but it can be so uplifting, and so easy to imagine these characters were around when Jesus was around. That, of course, gives nod to the author who must have known exactly how she needed to write it.
This is actually the first biblical fiction book I have read, and I promise you it will not be the last. It spoke directly to my heart, and provided so much spiritual depth to it. I found myself wanting to search the Bible for clues about Lydia to see if she were real. I wanted to learn more about her surroundings, the traditions, and the beliefs represented in her family. This is the first time a book has really spoke to me in that regard, and I found if refreshing. Thank you Ms. Gabhart for an incredible book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author:
Diana Wallis Taylor is best known for her creative stories based on women in the Bible. Thousands have read and enjoyed her books including Mary Chosen of God, Ruth, Mother of Kings, Martha, Journey to the Well, Mary Magdalene, and Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors with the San Diego Library naming her one of 12 “Writers to Watch” in 2017 for Mary, Chosen of God. Her books have received Gold and Silver Medallion Awards for Christian Fiction and she is a San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild “Writer of the Year.” Mary, Chosen of God is a 2017 Christy Award nominee. An inspirational speaker, Diana also leads creative writing and poetry workshops. She lives in San Diego with her husband, Frank. They have six grown children and ten grandchildren
Blog Stops
A Bakers Perspective, October 3
Carpe Diem, October 3
Moments Dipped in Ink, October 4
Books, Books, and More Books., October 4
By The Book, October 5
A Simply Enchanted Life, October 5
Red Headed Book Lady, October 6
Blogging With Carol, October 6
A Reader’s Brain, October 7
A Greater Yes, October 7
Just the Write Escape, October 8
His Grace is Sufficient, October 8
Aryn the Libraryan, October 9
Cordially Barbara, October 9
Pursuing Stacie, October 9
The Fizzy Pop Collection, October 10
Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 10
Zerina Blossom’s Books, October 11
Mary Hake, October 11
Radiant Light, October 12
Singing Librarian Books, October 12
Lights in a Dark World, October 12
margaretkazmierczak, October 13
Pause for Tales, October 13
Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 14
Cafinated Reads, October 14
To Everything A Season, October 14
Bigreadersite, October 15
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 15
Henry Happens, October 16
For The Love of Books, October 16
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 16
Giveaway
In honor of her tour, Diana is giving away
Grand Prize Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, “Give Thanks” painting on plate by Donna White for The Hearthside Collection, Inc., commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).
1st Place Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, abba Jerusalem pillar candle, cassia scented, commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).
2nd Place Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, abba Jerusalem Spikenard candle tin with lid!
Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c173
I’m looking forward to reading this. Thank you for the review. Blessings!
Thanks for the great review! No doubt Diana Taylor will be thrilled to learn you were enjoyed your first biblical novel and were prompted to check the source to learn more about the life and times of Lydia.
I cannot wait to dive into more!
This book sounds so good. I have not read much Biblical fiction. But I will put this one on my list!
I hope it has the same effect on you as it did me!
Thanks for the review and the giveaway! I love Biblical fiction but haven’t had the opportunity to read any by Diana Wallis Taylor.
I think you’ll enjoy it!
I love biblical fiction. It is one of my favorites!! If you’re interested, Tessa Afshar’s Rahab is amazing!!! I hear Mesu Andrews writes wonder biblical fiction too. Glad you’ve discovered this genre
Thank you!!
If you love this one, try Out of Egypt by Connilyn Cossette and Land of Silence by Tessa Afshar. I love Lydia’s story and I am glad that writers are interested in her life.
I have seen those around and will definitely have to check them out!
Thanks for the chance to win. I love reading Biblical fictiob books.
Lydia did bring her Biblical life to a new perspective. I’ve read another one of Taylor’s Biblical Fiction book and it was over the top.