Fiction
“... a compelling novel whose characters will dwell in your thoughts long after you close the book. Don’t miss it!”
—
Jill Eileen Smith, bestselling author of the wives of King David series
July 2013
Winner of 2014 Christy Award for Best Historical Romance
Harvest of Gold: Book 2 in Harvest Series
The scribe Sarah married Darius, and at times she feels as if she has married the Persian aristocracy, too. There is another point she did not count on in her marriage-Sarah has grown to love her husband. She has wealth, property, honor, and power, but her husband’s love still seems unattainable.
Although his mother was an Israelite, Darius remains skeptical that his Jewish wife is the right choice for him, particularly when she conspires with her cousin Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Ordered to assist in the effort, the couple begins a journey to the homeland of his mother’s people.
Jerusalem’s existence hangs by a thread, the king’s life is in peril, and Sarah’s marriage seems to be dissolving. As the world around them begins to unravel, danger, conflict, and devastating memories seem to conspire against Darius. Will he see the hand of God at work in his life-and even in his marriage?
A hidden message, treachery, opposition, and a God-given success, will lead to an unlikely bounty.
Reviews
“Harvest of Gold is a great story. But it is more than that. The people come alive on the pages, and in their pain and struggle, you will see yourself.”
Chris Fabry, award-winning author and radio personality
“The author confidently suspends the romantic tension between Sarah and Darius across two exquisitely written novels.”
RT Book Reviews
“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 highly recommend this book . . . It’s just a beautiful book to savor.”
Mikal Herman, Reading Between the Covers