I really enjoyed how Diana brought Lydia to life. She made Lydia of Philippi so real. I needed to see how this story would end. It is so nice when an author can take a few words in the Bible and flesh out a character so you think this might actually be how they lived. Now I understand who the Philippians really were. I received an ebook copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I am a picky reader when it comes to Biblical fiction. I’ve found very few authors who captivate me completely with the Biblical fiction. Diana Wallis Taylor is one of those few authors. When I sit down to Ms. Taylor’s work, I know that I can prepare myself for the powerful messages within, I can prepare myself for the feeling as if I am right there in the middle of some of the most incredible happenings in the Bible. That’s how good her writing style is.
With Lydia, I got just that. Taken from the book of Acts and Lydia’s story, we learn all about the wonderful woman of the color purple. The things she endured with a father who didn’t care for the fact that she chose her mother’s religion, and with an arranged marriage…..it just really tugged at my heart and made me fall in love! I loved the way she was chiseled so vividly. The way she overcame her issues, and her determination to stand tall despite it all, and the way her heart opened up after meeting Paul….it all really just enveloped me and took me on a ride that I won’t soon forget!
This is definitely a 4 star worthy Biblical novel. If you love learning about the Bible in interesting ways, if you want a deeper relationship with reading and with God, then Ms. Taylor’s Lydia is one you don’t want to miss. You’ll be taken to the center of the story, captivated completely, and fall in love with the Biblical accounts in a whole new way. I know I did! I can’t wait to read another amazing, moving, and heart twisting story from the talented work of Diana Wallis Taylor.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.* ( )

For me, a Biblical novel should create a sense of the cultural and political atmosphere relevant for the time and place, include characters who are faithful to their time, but are relatable to a modern reader, and have a strong foundation in scripture. Lydia:Woman of Philippi by Diana Wallis Taylor achieves all three. From the opening pages I became immersed in the world in which Lydia lived. The patriarchal society was a strong influence in Lydia’s life, yet she endeavored to be an independent woman, both in her finances and thought. Taylor created a very credible backstory for Lydia in which her upbringing, unhappy marriage, and business struggles shaped her into a woman ready to meet her Savior. There are, of course, many historical figures within the novel — Paul, Silas, Timothy, yet the fictional characters that surround Lydia are wonderful additions to the narrative. I especially liked the romance that Taylor adds to the story. Lydia’s encounter with Paul and the subsequent change in her and her household’s life was depicted in a beautiful way. Throughout the novel, Taylor endeavored to be faithful to scripture, and I feel on the most part she was successful. There was only one scene in which I felt she strayed a bit from what the Bible teaches. It did not keep me from enjoying the novel and in turn recommending it to those who enjoy Biblical fiction.

All in all, this book is a great addition to my library.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Celebrate Lit for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )