Petra: An Unbroken Legacy

by Lisa L. Dorsey

"Petra: An Unbroken Legacy" is a gripping tale of intrigue, adventure, and romance, set in a dual timeline that transports you to a realm where history and destiny collide in the heart of Petra. Follow the compelling journey of Kasim and Issa as they navigate a world of ancient secrets, where faith, love, and legacy intertwine to create an epic saga with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Kasim, the inheritor of a profound heritage steeped in first-century Christian tradition, holds the keys to ancient secrets that need protecting. Issa, a renowned archeologist, joins Kasim on a quest to unveil centuries-old mysteries.

Kasim bears the weight of his family's destiny, wrestling with the conflicting demands of duty, faith, and love. Issa grapples with loss, loneliness, and insecurity and struggles to find her place in Kasim's world of wealth, power, and prestige. Some in Kasim's family see Issa as a threat, yet they need her expertise to unearth the lost letters written by the Apostle Paul to the Arab Christians to validate their legacy.

As their journey unfolds, danger and hardships test their love and faith. Issa must have faith in God's love to sustain her and trust His will for her life. Kasim must learn that trusting in the Lord means leaving Issa in God's care, even if it means losing her. Together, their journey through biblical narratives and personal trials will resonate with the reader's own experiences of adversity, disappointment, resilience, and hope.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Biblical Fiction

298 pages, Hardcover

First published June 11, 2024

About the author

Dr. Lisa L. Dorsey is an Award-Winning author with extensive experience in business and ministry. She is also accomplished in academia with two earned doctorates. She developed a passion for reading, writing, theater, and the arts in early childhood. She now combines her expertise, experience, and passions to write compelling stories that reveal the saving grace of Jesus Christ, building a spiritual legacy grounded in God’s Love, Word, and Wisdom. She resides in California with her husband and has four children, one daughter-in-law, and four adorable grandchildren.

Reviews

[Deanna Mosier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this dual timeline historical with light romance (wedding night but not graphic). In search of Apostle Paul’s letters to Arabic Christians, Dr Issa Stephen’s and Kasim Ma’an find intrigue suspense, deceit. Will they find the letters?? Very interesting, the 2nd timeline is Paul/Saul in Damascus and Petra. Really good, interesting, full of faith and excitement!

[Sara Dangerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Petra: An Unbroken Legacy. Dr. Lisa did a great job of writing an in depth story that made for an easy weekend read. The combination of historical references that are applicable to life today was exactly what I look for when reading historical fiction: I’m reading to enjoy a story, but how can this story change my life for the better? You will have a greater understanding of the pressures Christians have in countries that Christianity is either not welcomed or considered illegal. And why that pressure is there to begin with. It’s not just a story for entertainment, it’s a story that carries the desperate need for Jesus to be known.

[Lea Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Petra: An Unbroken Legacy" immerses readers in a captivating narrative that seamlessly intertwines biblical times and romance across dual timelines. Set amidst the ancient marvels of Petra, the novel follows the enthralling journey of Kasim and Issa as they navigate a difficult journey.

The novel's dual timeline structure adds depth and intrigue, seamlessly weaving together past and present to unravel the mysteries of Petra and its significance across history.

"Petra: An Unbroken Legacy" is not merely a tale of adventure; it is a profound exploration of faith, love, and the enduring power of legacy. The characters are vividly drawn, their struggles and triumphs resonating with authenticity.

Overall, "Petra: An Unbroken Legacy" transports readers to a world where history comes alive, and where the intersection of faith, love, and destiny creates a tale that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.

[Dawn R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read Petra: An Unbroken Legacy and thoroughly enjoyed how the author was able to smoothly transition the story between two time periods. From archeological explorations to romance and adventure, the story is based on the search for lost letters, written by the Apostle Paul to the Arab Christians. As the plot unfolded, the lives of Issa and Kasim captivated my attention, as did the other characters within the novel. I shared Petra with my daughter, who loved it just as much as I did.

[Louise Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Petra: An Unbroken Legacy by Lisa L. Dorsey is an incredibly compelling book that drew me in right from the outset. The narrative is so engaging that I found myself unable to put it down, devouring it in a single, uninterrupted sitting. The author demonstrates an amazing talent for storytelling, creating a vibrant narrative that made me feel like I was part of the characters' adventures. On top of that, the prose is exquisitely descriptive, revealing Dorsey's unique ability to conjure scenes that leap off the page, making the whole experience wonderfully immersive.

Another remarkable aspect is the seamless navigation between ancient times and the present day; this dual narrative is skillfully crafted, weaving together a rich tapestry of interrelated stories that explore profound historical and spiritual themes. The integration of significant biblical events with contemporary issues produces a multifaceted and intellectually stimulating narrative, replete with elements of mystery, romance, and unexpected twists that keep you on the edge of your seat.

The journeys of the characters reflect the essence of faith, highlighting the significance of placing trust in a divine plan and also showcasing how love can be a transformative force. Their stories echo familiar situations that many can connect with, providing a sense of hope and motivation for those who may be facing their own challenges.

As I reached the final pages, I found myself wishing the story could continue, reluctant to say goodbye to the protagonists and their incredible adventures. Overall, this book is a remarkable treasure that resonates deeply, encouraging thoughtful contemplation on faith. I am truly thankful for Dorsey’s incredible talent and for sharing this work with the world; it is indeed a wonderful gift!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book, but it was not as good as I expected. The idea is great, but the execution fell flat for me.

The book started off with several quick shifts in point of view characters. They were labeled, but it was still jarring. So that made it hard to connect with the story from the start. Occasionally, there were shifts after only a paragraph or two later in the book as well.

I also struggled with the tenses in the book at times. There were times I couldn't tell if a character was remembering something from the past (usually at least introduced in past perfect tense) or it was happening in the book's present (told in past tense). Also, sometimes a character's narration shifted to present tense without an indication it was a direct thought (quotes, italics, etc). These things distracted me from the story.

I enjoyed the parts of the book that were set in the first century more than the present-day parts. Seeing what could have happened during Paul's time in Arabia was interesting. I connected with those characters more than the main characters in the present-day. Their dialogue and relationships did not feel natural to me. I love the idea of the book and its plot, but it could have come to life more effectively.

[Rebecca Tellez · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have a new star in the world of Biblical/historical fiction as Lisa Dorsey bursts onto the scene with Petra: An Unbroken Legacy. She has given us an adventurous dual timeline historical fiction novel that is full of history, intrigue, fascinating characters, villains, family dynamics, culture, and faith woven throughout. We are taken from the time of Paul after his conversion when he traveled to Saudia Arabia to modern day Jordan as the hunt for the lost letters of Paul is undertaken by Ma’an family. The characters are each so alive and the scenery and Petra is so beautifully described, you feel like you have traveled with Paul and are now on the hunt for these lost letters yourself. It was particularly interesting to me to realize just how Christians are thought of in the Arabian world and to see the cultural differences between our countries where women are concerned. The story is fast paced, and full of adventure, some romance and woven throughout, faith. I highly recommend this book to anyone.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions are my own.

[A. R. Parr Burdett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Dorsey captives readers with her balance of biblical knowledge and how to stay strong to your values in a world that can make you get caught up in the day to day. The protagonist, Dr. Issa, is a relatable and inspiring woman with a true dedication to her faith and helping others understand history. Lisa Dorsey did an excellent job at portraying a dual timeline of Paul/Saul and its relevancy to our modern day. If you like historical fiction and biblical history/tales, this is a good book to read.

It was a fun and inspiring story, and I can’t wait for the next one to come out. Great job on your debut novel, Dr. Lisa!

*I had the honor of copy editing this manuscript and reading it in one of its last stages before publication.

[Kim Mosiman · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Petra: An Unbroken Legacy' is a wonderful blend of ancient history and contemporary intrigue. In her debut novel, Lisa Dorsey has crafted a tale that seamlessly weaves the epic journeys of Saul as he encounters first-century Arabic Christians with the thrilling adventures of modern-day archaeologists. As the past and present collide, secrets buried for centuries come to light, offering an enriching tale of faith, discovery, and the enduring power of love. I highly recommend!

[Joan F · Rating 4 out of 5]

After Paul's conversion, he spent time in Arabia. I'd never given that much thought, but this book, in both a historical and contemporary time-line, wrestles with those implications. Could there be missing letters from Paul that would give credence to Arabian Christian claims that their faith extends back to the days before Islam began. It's an interesting and intriguing premise.

I emotes the hunt for the artifacts, the romance, and the intrigue.

[Tena Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Lisa Dorsey's story, an historical fiction full of romance, drama, and adventure. I especially appreciated the setting in the Middle East and the archaeological details that were included - both are places/careers that I'm not familiar with and it was fun to learn more about them. The romance is sweet and the pacing keeps you in the story and looking forward to what happens next. It was fun to live in Dr. Issa's world for a little bit!

[Jan Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of intrigue, romance and adventure

I love reading split time novels. This was a page turner which kept me intrigued to the end. The author bring Paul the apostle to life. Since I’m not well versed in archaeology this was interesting as well.

[Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Follow Dr Issa Steven's as she journies from the loss of her husband to finding an unexpected love!
Will keep you excited from start to finish!

[Elaine Ricker Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's exciting to read a novel imagining Saul during his three years in Arabia, about which historical records are lost. It is a gripping story of how the Holy Spirit is active today, interacting with believers, healing, guiding, and helping us. The cross-cultural adventure shows how Americans and Arabs can be united by their Christian faith.

This is a dual timeline story, told in first-person from several perspectives, with subtitles where the point of view changes. The characters of ancient times are the focus of the first several pages. The current-day characters are introduced next and become the main focus, with the plot largely a romance and an archaeological dig. People of today discover the truths about Christians in ancient Arabia. The adventures in the novel become more harrowing with twists and turns as the risks increase, both from people who oppose Kasim’s family and from the archaeological digs. An exciting conclusion!

In the historical timeline, I appreciated how Saul and the Arabians learned together: Saul taught from his expertise about the Scriptures and they taught from their first-hand experiences with Jesus and the Last Supper. I loved thinking about how Arabs were baptized by the Spirit at Pentecost and there have been Arab Christians from the earliest times. The novel shows Joel’s prophecy fulfilled, and the Spirit empowering both women and men believers, yet follows today’s evangelical policy that men may teach everyone while a woman may only teach women.

In the present-day timeline, Issa and Kasim are both widowed and meet with maturity and mutual respect. I loved learning about Arab culture, traditions, food, clothing, and celebrations. I liked Issa, a very accomplished American professional in her 40s with imposter syndrome. Issa quickly forgives Kasim, the wealthy, charismatic man who has ignored her for decades. It is believable that Issa falls in love with Kasim even though I would not. Kasim withholds information in order to gain personal power, he secretly investigates her family history, calls her a stupid woman, and controls some of her activity, who she meets, and when she may speak. Kasim isolates Issa so that she dresses and acts Arabian and is grafted into his (superior) family legacy. Kasim's family values their pure lineage, and Issa is of mixed-race, but Kasim confronts his father and explains Issa is the gift God has given to him. He seems willing to risk Issa’s life both in the political risk of her coming to this archaeological dig and the physical risk that whoever he marries must bear him a male heir. My personal experiences makes me somewhat offended that Kasim seems desperate for a male heir and discounts his capable daughter as an eligible heir. It makes me feel like daughters, girls, and women, are less valued. Women are permitted to be heirs in the Quran (Ayah an-Nisa 4:7) and the Bible (Numbers 27:2-7, Joshua 17:4, Romans 8:17, 1 Peter 3:7).

The archaeological dig's goal is to find the lost scrolls that will prove Kasim's family’s unbroken legacy of Christianity from Apostle Paul to Kasim. It suggests that proving Kasim had Christian ancestors will provide religious rights and protections to Kasim's family. It suggests the scrolls will prove the family is not treasonous for following a faith different from the majority in the city of Petra. However, it suggests that proof of a Christian presence prior to Islam might be a basis to claim that Christians are rightful heirs to the land. It's set in Jordan, an Islam nation admired for tolerance and permitting Christians to worship freely. I am thankful when religious freedoms are protected, whether a person's belief is new or shared by their ancestors, whether it is the religion of the first peoples of a land or more recent settlers. I would not want one version of any religion to control the government.

I bought this paperback from the author at a conference for Christian creatives. I respect Lisa Dorsey, a woman with a doctorate in theology who has been a pastor for many years.