The Treasure of the House of Levi

by Beth M. Stephenson

Truth is often stranger than fiction. This story weaves them together in a sweeping tale of love and betrayal, sacrifice and selfishness, courage and cowardice.Judy is tempted to sacrifice her ancient birthright when the Nazis occupy Rome and demand fifty kilograms of gold to be collected overnight. Though she has never seen the fabled treasure, she knows where it is hidden. If she can save 200 Jews from the killing camps shouldn't she do it? But Judy doesn't yet know the power of the ancient things, nor does she yet understand their purpose and nobody yet understands the depth of Nazi evil.In the days of King Josiah, 630 years before Christ. The prophetess Huldah warned that Jerusalem's wickedness would cause the destruction of the city and looting of the desecrated temple. But Huldah's family has been marked with the Lamed, the letter for the house of Levi. They must protect the ancient vestments to be ready to present complete in case the Great High Priest calls for them when he comes suddenly to His temple. No sacrifice is too great to protect the priceless treasures but the vestments fall to an innocent young woman and a inexperienced young scribe. Centuries later, the Romans gather to attack, but the protector of the Treasure is a Roman soldier. He must find and then convince the mistrustful keeper, Margola, that the only safety for the ancient artifacts is in the midst of the pillaging Roman Army.This is the story of three generations of keepers of the sacred treasures, woven into the true history of Jerusalem and Rome, many centuries apart.When the Nazi war machine insinuates itself into the Roman community to crush the growing resistance, those charged with protecting the treasure must expand their efforts. The protectors unite to thwart the brutal SS tactics and to protect both the treasure and those vulnerable to Nazi brutality.

446 pages, Paperback

Published November 22, 2023

Reviews

[Stan Hobbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

House of Levi intrigued

House of Levi love any story that weaves around scriptures and this one did not disappoint me. I liked the characters and following their journey protecting the sacred garments created in the time off Moses . my imagination put me there. Excellent read for yourself!!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that spans the end of Jerusalem to WWII, about the keepers of the sacred robes of Moses' brother Aaron, first high priest of Israel. A duplicate set is made of the robes do that the originals can be kept safe. Suspenseful tale that took me a while to read, partially due to my pseronal circumstances and partly due to wanting to digest the stories, but which some may read in less time. The tale is gripping from staet to finish. Highly recommend!

[Jeff S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good story spanning three separate time periods that are all linked together by the tasks given to the characters in each period. The fictional story is woven into actual historical events & is very compelling and well done. Those who enjoy historical fiction will love this book!

[Tl Hippler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one checked all the boxes for me: believable (flawed) yet likable, characters; plot line to keep you guessing and replaying after the final page; historic accuracy with just enough fiction to be intriguing. A memorable read for sure.