A voice in the wind

This was one of the most touching books I've ever read. It tugs at your emotions, making you feel hopeful at one moment and then miserable the next. Francine made me love Julia, then hate Julia, then love Julia again. Only GREAT authors can do that. The story is about a young Jewish girl named Hadassah, who is taken into slavery. At first, when I heard about the story, I thought it sounded really boring--I mean, Christian historical fiction? But it's totally not. Give it a chance, and you'll be just as sucked in as I was.

Anyway, Hadassah was brought to a Roman household, where she's given to the daughter, Julia. She goes through all the ups and downs with fickle, spoiled, beautiful Julia. Another part of the story is about Atretes, a German warrior captured and brought to Rome. He becomes a gladiator, fighting to stay alive, fighting for freedom. The gladiators are a big part of this story.

Hadassah ends up falling in love with Julia's older brother, Marcus. She hides her feelings, though and continues serving and loving Julia even though the selfish girl takes her for granted. Hadassah has such a beautiful spirit. The others like Julia and Arria--the girl Marcus was currently going out with--may have been beautiful on the outside, but you see how ugly they are on the inside. Although Hadassah might not have been the most attractive, her true beauty shone through, making the others look shallow and petty. I really appreciate Francine's story of hope and love, and total trust in God. The end broke my heart and made me cry. If you read this book, make sure you have the second one on hand. You're going to need to read it right away ;)