I am beyond grateful that this story about Valentine has been shared, intentionally pointing to his faith and his life and service poured out on behalf of others in the early Christian church. Of course, you can read this book any time of the year, but I'm pretty sure that I won't look at February 14 the same now that I've experienced this fantastic history lesson.
Content to be aware of: violence, torture, and death
Book Synopsis
Valentine defies the emperor and becomes a hero . . . and the most wanted man in the empire. Compelled by his faith, he has nothing to lose, until a chance encounter with the daughter of a Roman jailor changes everything.
Rome, AD 270.
In the wake of the emperor’s marriage ban, rumors swirl that there is one man brave enough to perform wedding ceremonies in secret. A public notarius and leader of an underground church, Valentine believes the emperor’s edict unjust and risks his own life for the sake of his convictions. But as his fame grows, so do fears for his safety.
Iris, the daughter of a Roman jailor, believes regaining her sight will ease the mounting troubles at home. Her last hope rests in searching out Valentine and his church, but the danger of associating with people labeled a threat to the empire is great. Still, as Iris’s new friends lead her to faith in God, Iris is drawn to Valentine and they both begin to hope for a future together beyond the treacherous empire.
But when a past debt and a staggering betrayal collide, Valentine, Iris, and everyone they love must fight for their lives . . . and wrestle with trusting a God who can restore sight yet does not always keep His followers from peril.
Source: Amazon
Book Thoughts
To those who warned that this book would evoke tears, they were absolutely correct. This book is not for the faint of heart and is heavy reading material from a faith perspective, but it is worth reading to discover just how difficult it was to be a Christian in Rome before the days of Constantine. In a world that worshipped a plethora of gods, believing in one God was seen to be an anathema to the culture and government. Would that we today could better understand the great personal cost to follow a monotheistic God while being surrounded by polytheism and would that we not take it for granted that we can call out to the One who is above all things and all creation.
This is the setting where we find Valentine, acting as a church leader and as a notary in the third century at risk of death and persecution for faithfully carrying out his life and actions as a Christian. What impresses me most about this story is that Valentine did not go about his life seeking notoriety or attention. His utmost obedience to the Lord is what matters most to him, making an indelible difference to all of the lives that he has touched. I love that we get to learn his story through Iris’ eyes, along with countless others, showing us just how selfless Valentine is in pouring out his life for others. If you are looking for a book that demonstrates the true meaning of love based on God's nature and character, Of Love and Treason is a reminder of how much love costs and why it matters so much that Jesus went to the cross for us.
Book Summary
- Format of book: 📖
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Recommendation: 👍
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