Angela Elwell Hunt

This is the first book that I’ve read by Angela Hunt. I didn’t know much about the book before I started reading other than it’s biblical fiction that strives to be historically accurate.
I have to admit I struggled a bit getting into the story. For me it seemed more like a biblical retelling of Cinderella with the evil stepsister and the good sister who immediately strikes up a strong friendship with her handmaid and is kind to everybody. The way the people talked seemed a bit too modern to me, though I have to admit for one of course they didn’t speak English in Corinth and second this assessment is based on my feelings and not knowledge of the manner of speaking in Corinth at that time.
The more I got into the story, the easier I could accept that a story can be historically accurate while reminding me of a fairytale. I do believe that the events in this book could have happened, but I consider them very unlikely. The contrast between the sisters is very extreme. Mariana being very naive, but kind, modest and treating slaves like friends, Prima being only driven by jealousy, bitterness and venom. Like I said, all possible, but in this extreme rather improbable in my opinion.
After I decided to read this book as a biblical fairytale I quite enjoyed it and really wanted to know what would happen to the characters.
I personally didn’t appreciate the “letter from Paulos” since I wouldn’t want to put words into his mouth and give advice for a very specific situation that is not discussed in its entirety in the Scriptures.
I did however appreciate the problem that Mariana saw herself presented with (and for which she seeked advice from Paul). And that is the question if she as a follower of Jesus should marry a non believer - or better a worshiper of false gods - in her specific situation or should she stay strong, openly declare that she no longer prays to the Roman gods but only bows to the one true God which would not only put her in danger of punishment or persecution but also her mother who already was married when she decided to follow Jesus.
I loved this question and how Mariana, a girl in the eyes of our standards, truly wanted to do what would please God. How many Christians today don’t even consider if marrying a non believer is what God wants, if it is what they want. Mariana was a character with flaws and struggles, but I think her prayers and the way she questioned herself, if she was really doing what was right or if she was just following her heart was kind of inspiring.
“During the struggle, one question haunted me. If Marcus had been old and unattractive, or if he had insulted me when we met in the barn, would I be struggling with this choice? Would it be easier to obey Paulos’s instruction if I loved Yeshua more and Marcus less?”
“I agreed to the marriage because God had given me peace, but perhaps I mistook my longing for love as God’s shalom. Had I been so blinded by my own desire that I missed the will of Adonai?”

So I ended up really enjoying this book and was a bit sad that it had a rather open ending. As I understood, book 1 “The Woman from Lydia” and 2 “The Sisters of Corinth” will be concluded in the third book of the Emissaries series. I can live with the ending of this second book because I thought the important thing was that Mariana stayed steadfast and seemed even more confident than ever in her faith. So it wasn’t a cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for the sequel, but I sure will keep an eye out for the next installment.
* I received a copy of this book from LibraryThing (Early Reviewers) via NetGalley. I leave this review voluntarily and the expressed opinions are my own.
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The Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt immerses readers in a world where the clash of belief systems ignites a fervent flame of courage and unyielding commitment. Through the captivating journey of Marianna and her mother, Hester, readers are transported to a time where the depth of one's faith was tested against the backdrop of societal pressures, devotion to false gods, and familial obligations.

The characters, both lovable and detestable, were expertly crafted, drawing readers into their complex personalities and motivations. The intricately woven plot kept me engaged from start to finish, with its twists and turns adding depth and excitement to the story. Angela Hunt's writing style and thematic depth were impressive, enriching the narrative with layers of meaning and emotion. My heart is racing with anticipation for the next book in the series!

Hunt's narrative invites readers to explore the reflective themes of getting to know God and loving Him with all our hearts, as Marianna grapples with the challenges of her time. As she navigates the complexities of her faith and the demands of her family, Marianna's unwavering commitment to Yeshua serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards spiritual maturity and full surrender to Him.

Through moments of triumph and turmoil, Hunt's characters contend with doubt and uncertainty, yet emerge stronger and more resolute in their convictions. As Marianna reflects on the challenges she faces, her words serve as a reminder of the inherent struggles we encounter in our journey of faith.

At the core of The Sisters of Corinth beats the author's fervent prayer: that within its pages, readers will not only witness but also be profoundly moved by the unyielding vision, courage, and devotion of those early followers of Jesus. With every word penned, there's a resounding call to embrace a transformative journey—one that ignites the flames of passion and unwavering commitment to the one and only true God. In the midst of life's storms, these tales compel us to forge an unbreakable bond with our faith, empowering us to navigate the darkest of times with unwavering trust and steadfast love for our Savior.

“ … if you know He {God} is good, you can trust Him to be kind." These words echo a timeless truth, reminding us of the boundless love and compassion of our Heavenly Father.

"I feel it's important to acknowledge that I chose to skip over the scenes depicting pleas to the Roman gods and similar actions. I understand why Hunt included those actions and she makes it truly clear -- in the book and in her notes -- the truth of Deuteronomy 32:16-18: “… They sacrificed to demons, a non-god…” Personally, I felt it necessary to distance myself from such influences, opting instead to immerse myself in the timeless truths of the Bible and the profound impact of Paul’s letters, as experienced by Marianna and Hester. The thought of experiencing Paul’s letters in real-time during that historical period is truly fascinating to me.

The Sisters of Corinth invites readers to step into a story that transcends the boundaries of time and space, reminding us of the importance of loving God with all our hearts and living out our faith every second regardless of the consequences. Through the lives of Marianna and Hester, we are inspired to cultivate a deep and abiding relationship with God, embracing His love and grace, as we walk in obedience to Him in every aspect of our lives.

I received a digital copy of The Sisters of Corinth from Celebrate Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review in any way or for any reason. My honest and unbiased opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on the writing style, the pacing, and the story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.… (more)