Of Love and Treason

De: Jamie Ogle

Narrado por: Lillian Kelly

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.

©2024 Jamie Ogle (P)2024 Dreamscape Media

Stunning Tale

For years there has not been new historical Christian fiction and now Jamie Ogle has done it! She has spun one of the most ingriguing tales with drama and Christian life. Ogle has given us a stunning read! Praise for Of Love and Treason!

Excellent in every way!

Ogle weaves a super creative & well researched story of Valentine!
So much detail in history, characters, and story. This is a favorite for me. I highly recommend this incredible book!

A story of courage, faith and perseverance!

Absolutely enjoyed this read! Of Love and Treason was a fascinating, engaging, romance novel with characters that found faith in God during life’s most difficult trials. A true story of courage, perseverance, and continued faith in our Lord Jesus no matter how difficult the circumstance. Highly recommend this wonderfully written book!

Faith. Hope, and Love

A spellbinding story of courage, faith, and love. Ogle is an author whose works I will look forward to reading. The narrator is enjoyable to listen to and did a great job.

Great read!!

This was my first Jamie Ogle book, and I was not disappointed. I had a hard time putting it down. Narration was top-notch.

God’s love

The only thing I don’t like is that there isn’t another to follow the people in this story.

I couldn't stop listening

The story was gripping, not as predictable as I'd thought it would be and the story was very interesting.

A Stellar Novel

I haven’t read fiction set in early Rome since Francine Rivers’s Mark of the Lion, because I doubted any could measure up to that series. I was wrong. This book had everything—historical detail, drama, romance, intrigue, and a spiritual message that will stick with me for a long time to come. I’ll look forward to reading more from this author!

Touching story of love, faith, & sacrifice!

As one man risks his life to thwart an emperor’s decree, a young blind woman learns the power of the One True God and His ability to heal & save despite allowing suffering & pain. Why did I wait so long to read this book?! Of Love and Treason was heart-achingly beautiful, deeply thoughtful, & filled with intrigue, romance, & faith. This powerful historical fiction based on the life of St. Valentine captured my attention from the very beginning & was impossible to put down.

The story takes place in 270 AD Rome, when Christians were horribly persecuted & the emperor newly instituted a marriage ban. Iris, the 21 year old daughter of a Roman jailer has tried every cure & prayed to every Roman god to heal her, not for herself, but so she can help her deeply in debt father. When Valentine comes into the bakery where she works, they strike up a meaningful conversation & he offers to pray for her. Suddenly, Iris finds a flicker of hope as her sight returns for brief moments at a time. As her faith in God grows, so does her relationship with Valentine.

Despite the marriage ban, Valentine agrees to marry people in secret. Each time he performs a ceremony, he risks his life, but, his convictions compel him to keep going. As his relationship with Iris blossoms, the cost of his faith comes at a heavy price. Titus is a Roman soldier tasked with finding ‘The Cupid’ who defies the emperor & marries couples in secret. He’s also Iris’ best friend though he longs for more. Iris’ father Quintus Magius is hostile to Christianity until his daughter’s sight begins to return. When these four lives intersect, their faith & convictions are tested as they come up against the power of the Roman Empire.

This story gave me such newfound respect for St. Valentine. I didn’t know much about him before reading, but quickly fell in love with the author’s portrayal & will never look at Valentine’s Day quite the same. The characters in this story were utterly amazing. I enjoyed reading from four different viewpoints as each character expresses various levels of faith from the deeply converted to the struggling skeptic. Their heartfelt conflicts were so real. I found myself on pins & needles especially as Valentine’s enemies begin closing in. The courage it took to be a Christian during this time period was really brought home.

Iris’ faith journey & Valentine’s profound teachings were some of my favorite moments. Their slow burn romance was absolutely delightful. I loved the witty banter & those close proximity situations. Their sweet relationship brought some much needed humor & lightness to the story. I also loved Valentine’s aunt & the other Christian believers who were such a support to Valentine, Iris, & her father.

I listened to the audiobook version & adored the narrator. She did a fantastic job voicing all the characters & really bringing them to life. If made the book even more meaningful with the emotion she beautifully expressed through narrating these characters.

Highest of recommendations for this stunning novel, even though it put me through the wringer. I definitely recommend having some Kleenex handy. Looking forward to the next book by this author.

Breathtaking

This beautiful story takes you to ancient Rome and you feel like you are actually there.
It's a story full of emotion, longing, and loyalty.
The audio book narrator is one of the best I've heard!