Before Christ called her daughter . . .
Before she stole healing by touching the hem of his garment . . .
Elianna is a young girl crushed by guilt. After her only brother is killed while in her care, Elianna tries to earn forgiveness by working for her father’s textile trade and caring for her family. When another tragedy places Elianna in sole charge of the business, her talent for design brings enormous success, but never the absolution she longs for. As her world unravels, she breaks off her betrothal to the only man she will ever love. Then illness strikes, isolating Elianna from everyone, stripping everything she has left.
No physician can cure her. No end is in sight. Until she hears whispers of a man whose mere touch can heal. After so many years of suffering and disappointment, is it possible that one man could redeem the wounds of body . . . and soul?
Review
Let me start off by saying that Tessa Afhsar has written some of my favorite books…but I was disappointed at the subject matter of this one. I thought, it’s going to be sad and depressing. This book did have moments of sadness (like real sadness), I should have had more faith, because she still made this novel so good.
What I liked:
Elianna. You really get to know and understand Elianna. Though she had her flaws, she was a heroine I could get behind. She had some tragic things happen to her, and while she may have floundered a bit, when she found her footing it was something.
Ethan. Afshar writes some really good heroes. I loved Ethan because I loved the way he loved Elianna. Not just in word, but in deed.
History/Culture. One thing I love about Afhsar’s novels is that you get that rich, deep, detailed spotlight on the culture of the Middle East. Obviously in this book it’s Jewish and Roman culture. You manage to learn a lot without feeling like she’s stopping to teach you.
This story is about the woman with the issue of blood that Jesus heals in the Bible. I thought the entire book would be about her issue of blood. But it’s not. And I was glad that we got to learn about Elianna outside of her disease.
Spiritually, the novel grasps with serving and loving God in hard times and what that looks like.
What I didn’t like:
Ok. I’m not going to say what it was. But there was a situation that I didn’t care for. Kind of like a will they, won’t they? And I was like make up your mind!
Romantic Scale: 9
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. So looking forward to the next.
** I received a copy from Netgalley. My opinion is not affected in anyway.**
remaininhislove 