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Light in the Empire #1
Forgiven
Dangerous times, difficult friendships, lives transformed by forgiveness and loveAre some wounds too deep to forgive?With a ruthless father who murdered for the family inheritance, Marcus Drusus plans to do the same. In AD 122, Marcus follows his brother Lucius to Judaea and plots to frame a zealot for his older brother’s death. But the plan goes awry, and Lucius is rescued by a Messianic Jewish woman. Her oldest brother is a zealot and a Roman soldier killed her twin, but Rachel still persuades her father Joseph to put his love for Jesus above his anger with Rome and hide Lucius until he heals.Rachel cares for the enemy, and more than broken bones heal as duty turns to love. Lucius embraces Joseph’s faith in Jesus, but sharing a faith doesn’t heal all wounds. Even before revealed secrets slice open old scars, Joseph wants no Roman son-in-law. With Rachel’s zealot brother suspecting he’s a Roman officer and his own brother planning to kill him when he returns, can Lucius survive long enough to change Joseph’s mind?Forgiven is the first volume in the Light in the Empire series. These novels will take you around the Empire, from Germania and Britannia to Thracia, Dacia, Judaea, North Africa, Roman Egypt, and, of course, to Rome itself. Each can be read as a stand-alone and includes discussion questions for groups."This is a fabulous ancient-world series of novels that follow the lives of fictional early Christians. Carol is meticulous with her research and a true expert on Ancient Rome! History lovers and those who enjoy my biblical books are going to LOVE this series!" -- Roseanna White, best-selling author and Christy Award winner.If you enjoy the Roman-era Biblical fiction of Tessa Afshar and Francine River’s Mark of the Lion series, you’ll love the stand-alone novels of the Light in the Empire series.Buy Forgiven to start your faith-filled adventures today.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2016
166 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ashby
15 books140 followersCarol Ashby has been a professional writer for most of her life, but her articles and books were about lasers and compound semiconductors (the electronics that make cell phones, laser pointers, and LED displays work). She still writes about light, but her Light in the Empire series tells stories of difficult friendships and life-changing decisions in dangerous times, where forgiveness and love open hearts to discover their own faith in Christ. Her fascination with the Roman Empire was born during her first middle-school Latin class. A research career in New Mexico inspires her to get every historical detail right so she can spin stories that make her readers feel like they’re living under the Caesars themselves.
Set during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian, her Light in the Empire series will take you around the Empire, from Germania and Britannia to Thracia, Dacia, Africa, and Judaea and, of course, to Rome itself.
Each novel can be read stand-alone, but they do sometimes share characters or locations. To see how all the stories are related, visit https://carolashby.com/novel-relation....
Read her articles about many facets of Roman history at "Life in the Roman Empire: Historical Fact and Fiction" (carolashby.com) or join her at her blog, "The Beauty of Truth," at carol-ashby.com.
Set during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian, her Light in the Empire series will take you around the Empire, from Germania and Britannia to Thracia, Dacia, Africa, and Judaea and, of course, to Rome itself.
Each novel can be read stand-alone, but they do sometimes share characters or locations. To see how all the stories are related, visit https://carolashby.com/novel-relation....
Read her articles about many facets of Roman history at "Life in the Roman Empire: Historical Fact and Fiction" (carolashby.com) or join her at her blog, "The Beauty of Truth," at carol-ashby.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 26, 2025
This book was absolutely incredible and nearly impossible to put down. I kept turning the pages late into the night, desperate to see how everything would unfold.
Set during the Roman Empire, Forgiven follows Lucius, a Roman officer whose own brother hires assassins to kill him. The attack leaves him badly injured and alone—until he’s rescued by a Jewish family who has every reason to hate Rome. Rachel, the young woman who nurses him back to health, is still grieving her twin brother’s death at the hands of a Roman soldier. The emotional tension between them is raw, and their journey toward understanding and faith kept me captivated.
Carol Ashby does a beautiful job weaving history and faith together. The world feels so real—the danger, the culture, the heavy cost of loyalty and betrayal. But what shines brightest is the message: forgiveness isn’t easy or cheap, but it brings freedom and healing like nothing else.
This story gripped my heart from the start and reminded me how grace can transform even the darkest situations. One of the best Christian historical novels I’ve read in a long time.
Set during the Roman Empire, Forgiven follows Lucius, a Roman officer whose own brother hires assassins to kill him. The attack leaves him badly injured and alone—until he’s rescued by a Jewish family who has every reason to hate Rome. Rachel, the young woman who nurses him back to health, is still grieving her twin brother’s death at the hands of a Roman soldier. The emotional tension between them is raw, and their journey toward understanding and faith kept me captivated.
Carol Ashby does a beautiful job weaving history and faith together. The world feels so real—the danger, the culture, the heavy cost of loyalty and betrayal. But what shines brightest is the message: forgiveness isn’t easy or cheap, but it brings freedom and healing like nothing else.
This story gripped my heart from the start and reminded me how grace can transform even the darkest situations. One of the best Christian historical novels I’ve read in a long time.
February 10, 2017
Debut author, Carol Ashby, has written a powerful book set in the Roman era time period. It is a dangerous and perilous time where the Romans and zealots are fraught with tension and anger. The Jews just want to live in peace and worship Yeshua.
In this story, you will meet several heroic characters, including two young brave young boys who help a wounded Roman soldier. You'll meet that Roman soldier who finds salvation in Yeshua. You'll meet a young and sweet woman who loves Yeshua above all is. You'll meet a brother who is out for his brother's inheritance. You'll meet a protective father who wants what's best for his family but he obeys and does what Yeshua would want him to do. You'll also meet an angry young man, a brother, a zealot, who finally sets the light before it's too late.
This is a powerful and moving story about forgiveness. It will touch your heart in ways that you may not think it will. In my personal life I've forgiven countless times, but for a family to forgive like this family? It take the faith and strength of God to forgive someone like they did. Like God says on His word seven times seventy.
Carol Ashby is an amazing writer, I can see her writing going places! I've helped numerous writers by reading and reviewing their books, I can say that Carol is another biblical author that will be another Mesu Andrews, Jill Eileen Smith, and other popular Biblical fiction writers!
~~~~~~~~A quote from the book~~~~~~~~~~~~
“It amazes me how often the LORD works his will in our lives through the bad things that happen. It is hard for me sometimes to give thanks in all things, even the bad ones, but who am I to question the LORD’s ways?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
In this story, you will meet several heroic characters, including two young brave young boys who help a wounded Roman soldier. You'll meet that Roman soldier who finds salvation in Yeshua. You'll meet a young and sweet woman who loves Yeshua above all is. You'll meet a brother who is out for his brother's inheritance. You'll meet a protective father who wants what's best for his family but he obeys and does what Yeshua would want him to do. You'll also meet an angry young man, a brother, a zealot, who finally sets the light before it's too late.
This is a powerful and moving story about forgiveness. It will touch your heart in ways that you may not think it will. In my personal life I've forgiven countless times, but for a family to forgive like this family? It take the faith and strength of God to forgive someone like they did. Like God says on His word seven times seventy.
Carol Ashby is an amazing writer, I can see her writing going places! I've helped numerous writers by reading and reviewing their books, I can say that Carol is another biblical author that will be another Mesu Andrews, Jill Eileen Smith, and other popular Biblical fiction writers!
~~~~~~~~A quote from the book~~~~~~~~~~~~
“It amazes me how often the LORD works his will in our lives through the bad things that happen. It is hard for me sometimes to give thanks in all things, even the bad ones, but who am I to question the LORD’s ways?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
November 25, 2016
This book was very moving. It held my interest from beginning to end. I could not put it down! The characters were well developed and the plot line pulled you in and would not let you go. I would recommend this book to all lovers of biblical fiction or just to those who love a great read!
Looking forward to more from this author!
Disclosure statement
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
Looking forward to more from this author!
Disclosure statement
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.
December 13, 2016
Forgiven
This was a beautiful story. It was interesting to see how life was for Messianic Jews years after Jesus's crucifixion. To know what they had to endure made me think of how many of us, as Christians, don't take our faith seriously. I loved Joseph and his family. The love he had for the Messiah and his children came leaping off the pages.
You also saw a family who was suffering though grief and loss. A family who loved Christ and still struggled with forgiveness. How can you forgive the people who are overtaking your country? How can you forgive the same people for killing your son and brother? Only God would place us in a situation that would truly challenge us to be the Christians He commands us to be.
God placed Lucius in the midst of Joseph's family and they showed the love of Christ to him. It was not easy, but God showed them a man's heart can be changed if you follow Christ's example. The love, care and concern of Rachel, her father and brothers brought a miraculous change in Lucius. Not only did he discover the love of our wonderful Messiah, but he also discovered what it was like to have true family love.
You will be drawn into this story because of the sibling rivalry between Lucius and his brother Marcus. Marcus brings a little mystery and intrigue to the story. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
This was a beautiful story. It was interesting to see how life was for Messianic Jews years after Jesus's crucifixion. To know what they had to endure made me think of how many of us, as Christians, don't take our faith seriously. I loved Joseph and his family. The love he had for the Messiah and his children came leaping off the pages.
You also saw a family who was suffering though grief and loss. A family who loved Christ and still struggled with forgiveness. How can you forgive the people who are overtaking your country? How can you forgive the same people for killing your son and brother? Only God would place us in a situation that would truly challenge us to be the Christians He commands us to be.
God placed Lucius in the midst of Joseph's family and they showed the love of Christ to him. It was not easy, but God showed them a man's heart can be changed if you follow Christ's example. The love, care and concern of Rachel, her father and brothers brought a miraculous change in Lucius. Not only did he discover the love of our wonderful Messiah, but he also discovered what it was like to have true family love.
You will be drawn into this story because of the sibling rivalry between Lucius and his brother Marcus. Marcus brings a little mystery and intrigue to the story. I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
December 8, 2016
"Even you would be unable to forgive me if you knew everything I've done."
Lucius Claudius Drusus is one of the richest Roman tribunes serving in the Judea territory and he is also one of the kindest, so naturally he cannot help but grieve over accidentally killing a young unarmed Jewish teen whom he mistook for a zealot. When Lucius' own life is endangered by a jealous sibling, he is rescued by unlikely heroes, two Jewish brothers, sons of Joseph bar Jonah, whose lovely daughter Rachel nurses the disguised "Lucas of Corinth" back to health.
"When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them."
Harboring and healing a despised Roman official because of the family's devout dedication to the God of Israel, soon lures Lucas towards faith in their beloved Jesus and binds his heart securely to Rachel. Sadly, theirs is a love that seems destined for defeat and headed towards unspeakable heartache, when Lucas' secret is finally revealed.
Enjoy this very impressive debut by Carol Ashby who deftly weaves deep spiritual truths and refreshing insights into a beautifully written story.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Lucius Claudius Drusus is one of the richest Roman tribunes serving in the Judea territory and he is also one of the kindest, so naturally he cannot help but grieve over accidentally killing a young unarmed Jewish teen whom he mistook for a zealot. When Lucius' own life is endangered by a jealous sibling, he is rescued by unlikely heroes, two Jewish brothers, sons of Joseph bar Jonah, whose lovely daughter Rachel nurses the disguised "Lucas of Corinth" back to health.
"When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them."
Harboring and healing a despised Roman official because of the family's devout dedication to the God of Israel, soon lures Lucas towards faith in their beloved Jesus and binds his heart securely to Rachel. Sadly, theirs is a love that seems destined for defeat and headed towards unspeakable heartache, when Lucas' secret is finally revealed.
Enjoy this very impressive debut by Carol Ashby who deftly weaves deep spiritual truths and refreshing insights into a beautifully written story.
I received a copy of this book from the author. The opinions stated above are entirely my own.
July 15, 2019
3.8 stars. I love historical fiction and looked forward to this one. A good story with lots of twists and turns and good tackling of issues. I enjoyed the main characters spiritual journey.
The book lost some marks for me because of the unchaperoned characters (I doubt this was historically accurate). It was also a bit repetitive on some of the characters worries/prejudices and I felt there were too many point of view characters. 4 at the most. Some POV jumps only had a few lines.
I will definitely read another and hope that subsequent books will continue to improve towards 5 stars.
The book lost some marks for me because of the unchaperoned characters (I doubt this was historically accurate). It was also a bit repetitive on some of the characters worries/prejudices and I felt there were too many point of view characters. 4 at the most. Some POV jumps only had a few lines.
I will definitely read another and hope that subsequent books will continue to improve towards 5 stars.
January 3, 2023
Not bad. It was a bit more religious than I'm used to compared to the inspirational fiction I've read in the past. Not off putting, though. It made sense in the time and place they were in.
I did think some aspects of the story were a bit repetitive though. I knew how kind, gentle and great Rachel was pretty early in the book due to the narrative; I didn't need it mentioned so often. I read about Rachel giving Lucius and her father dates and water so many times. Things like that.
There were some plot points that didn't make total sense to me as well. For example: Not too much of an issue, but it did make me wonder as I was reading.
I was a bit confused by Rachel and her family's religious practices, but then I saw the blub mentioned they were Messianic Jews and it made a bit more sense. Though I did see on Wiki it stating "Messianic Judaism" is a more modern thing. I understand what they author intended - they were Jewish people that believed in Jesus. I did wonder how things were really like at that time and place for people that followed Jesus. Would Rome care if a Tribune became a Christian? Would they approve of him marrying a Jewish woman? Things like that. I have a feeling these things are not so accurate, but they make for a nice story and HEA.
I did think some aspects of the story were a bit repetitive though. I knew how kind, gentle and great Rachel was pretty early in the book due to the narrative; I didn't need it mentioned so often. I read about Rachel giving Lucius and her father dates and water so many times. Things like that.
There were some plot points that didn't make total sense to me as well. For example: Not too much of an issue, but it did make me wonder as I was reading.
I was a bit confused by Rachel and her family's religious practices, but then I saw the blub mentioned they were Messianic Jews and it made a bit more sense. Though I did see on Wiki it stating "Messianic Judaism" is a more modern thing. I understand what they author intended - they were Jewish people that believed in Jesus. I did wonder how things were really like at that time and place for people that followed Jesus. Would Rome care if a Tribune became a Christian? Would they approve of him marrying a Jewish woman? Things like that. I have a feeling these things are not so accurate, but they make for a nice story and HEA.
February 3, 2023
Beautifully written historical drama set in the first Century AD. There were elements of danger, romance and faith all well presented in this story.
Lucius is a Roman Tribune who is attacked (a hit ordered by his jealous and ambitious brother) and left for dead. He is rescued by two Jewish shepherd boys who take him home for their sister to nurse to health.
Add the element of the Zealots who passionately believed that violence was the way to rid Judea of Rome, and the older brother being a Zealot. Then add the element of the father having accepted Yeshua as the Messiah. The father's struggle to allow the Roman to be nursed and protected according to Yeshua's command, but struggling with the fact that it was a Roman who had killed his other innocent son.
The Zealot's will attack the family for harbouring a Roman, the Romans will attack the family for harbouring a Zealot. How can this ever end well?
It does end well. My first book from this author, but will look for more.
Lucius is a Roman Tribune who is attacked (a hit ordered by his jealous and ambitious brother) and left for dead. He is rescued by two Jewish shepherd boys who take him home for their sister to nurse to health.
Add the element of the Zealots who passionately believed that violence was the way to rid Judea of Rome, and the older brother being a Zealot. Then add the element of the father having accepted Yeshua as the Messiah. The father's struggle to allow the Roman to be nursed and protected according to Yeshua's command, but struggling with the fact that it was a Roman who had killed his other innocent son.
The Zealot's will attack the family for harbouring a Roman, the Romans will attack the family for harbouring a Zealot. How can this ever end well?
It does end well. My first book from this author, but will look for more.
February 4, 2019
In my experience sometimes it is so hard to forgive and let go of the hurt and anger. The Lord commands us to forgive others their actions, as He has forgave us. As humans that is so very hard to do,with Gods help in much prayer and faith it is easier. It does not mean that we have to be friends with the person or that we accept their actions. It simply means that it frees us from the bitterness,stress and bondage that the action caused, and sometimes that person will become a blessing in disguise. Those who are set free is free indeed.I love Ms. Carol Ashbys' books. She has you hooked from cover to cover and wanting more. Ms, Ashby also gives our heavenly Father the credit that He so deserves and how to come to Him....
November 13, 2018
I read as much as I could each day and was so engrossed with what the future
with Lucius would be. The Roman was so good hearted but after all, he was not
only a stranger but a hated group people so opposed to Jews. He had an open
mind and open heart thus the reason God placed him where his heart could be
Changed forever. Would I recommend this book.? Oh by all means. We
Christians could learn so much from Lucius. He had a heart that listened.
We take Christianity for granted. Thank you Carol for an excellent book.
Please READ this book. You will love it.
with Lucius would be. The Roman was so good hearted but after all, he was not
only a stranger but a hated group people so opposed to Jews. He had an open
mind and open heart thus the reason God placed him where his heart could be
Changed forever. Would I recommend this book.? Oh by all means. We
Christians could learn so much from Lucius. He had a heart that listened.
We take Christianity for granted. Thank you Carol for an excellent book.
Please READ this book. You will love it.
July 4, 2019
I really loved this book. The basic story could fit in any century, but this author chose the first century with good reason. She is an expert in it and made it live in your mind. She had so much detail that added to the story and setting, but never overwhelmed the story. The story itself was rich and meaty. Lots to think about - political oppression, hate, greed, compassion, forgiveness and what is asked of us as Christians. I will definitely be reading more books by Carol Ashby.
August 2, 2017
This book was good, but not great. I felt that it lacked a bit of reality, in it, where too many things happened in a very short amount of time, and then the rest of the time, they sped through them. In five days so many things happened, and then they skipped forward in time. But other than that writing flaw, I felt the story had merit and was enjoyable in many ways.
December 4, 2019
Good unexpected love story
This was a good story reflecting the relationship between the Jews and the Romans. Good vs. evil. One good brother and one evil brother. Great love story between Lucas and Rachel. Just wish the author would have written more about their love story after they were married.
This was a good story reflecting the relationship between the Jews and the Romans. Good vs. evil. One good brother and one evil brother. Great love story between Lucas and Rachel. Just wish the author would have written more about their love story after they were married.
January 17, 2023
Excellent
I really enjoyed all the details included about the Jewish life and ways in this story. The characters and the issues are so close to the true ones, that it felt like you had 'stepped into that world'. Every moment reading this book was thoroughly pleasurable; i could not put it down. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
I really enjoyed all the details included about the Jewish life and ways in this story. The characters and the issues are so close to the true ones, that it felt like you had 'stepped into that world'. Every moment reading this book was thoroughly pleasurable; i could not put it down. Looking forward to reading more of the series.
November 24, 2018
What a book
I have seen this book in my ' we think you would like this book' for a long time. When I saw the book at the current price, and needed a book quick decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. Thank you Ms. Ashby for the book.
I have seen this book in my ' we think you would like this book' for a long time. When I saw the book at the current price, and needed a book quick decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. Thank you Ms. Ashby for the book.
March 3, 2021
Great book brothers greed & finding love a Roman with a Jew.
Good read, Everything you want ,riches, love , betrayal, redemption!! A first love young people fight against culture & race. I loved it, read in one day.
Good read, Everything you want ,riches, love , betrayal, redemption!! A first love young people fight against culture & race. I loved it, read in one day.
May 19, 2018
An interesting and enjoyable rad. Carol Ashby helps us understand the customs and people of these times.
September 7, 2021
I have to confess I struggled with this book. I jumped passages to find out what happens. Nothing wrong with the book, it just didn't keep my attention.
April 28, 2021
Wow wow wow this book was absolutely one of the very best books I have ever read. I had never read any books from Carol Ashby before but I am sure glad I did and I am going to read every book she has written. Her book was amazing. Her gift for writing is sensational I just could not stop reading and to make it even better my husband bought the same book as well and he finished first and wouldn't even tell me the end, we both loved the story. Buy this book you will not regret it, I promise.
January 4, 2022
I will not continue reading the series. It's just too boring and predictable! Characters' constant introspection is annoying... Too simplistic for my mind, sorry.
November 18, 2023
#BookReviewFriday
#2023readingchallenge
#34youownbuthaventread
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 34 You Own but Haven’t Read
Book: Forgiven
Author: Carol Ashby
This one sits at three stars for me. I love books set in Ancient Rome and in a review, I saw this book compared to one of my favorite series so I wanted to give it a chance.
I did want to love this book, but the writing and the characters just felt so flat. The overall plot was interesting, but the characters and the story development never got out of first gear.
I always enjoy reading about people finding Christ, so that was the highlight of this one for me.
Overall I would not recommend this book unless you are looking for a specific read, i.e. Ancient Rome, Forgiveness, etc. However I would recommend this author, I’ll give her another try.
https://www.facebook.com/share/w6HJmR...
#2023readingchallenge
#34youownbuthaventread
Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️
# 34 You Own but Haven’t Read
Book: Forgiven
Author: Carol Ashby
This one sits at three stars for me. I love books set in Ancient Rome and in a review, I saw this book compared to one of my favorite series so I wanted to give it a chance.
I did want to love this book, but the writing and the characters just felt so flat. The overall plot was interesting, but the characters and the story development never got out of first gear.
I always enjoy reading about people finding Christ, so that was the highlight of this one for me.
Overall I would not recommend this book unless you are looking for a specific read, i.e. Ancient Rome, Forgiveness, etc. However I would recommend this author, I’ll give her another try.
https://www.facebook.com/share/w6HJmR...
December 4, 2016
Debut author's, Carol Ashby, skills as a researcher are obvious in this fictional account of the early Christians in Judea. This touching story of grace, mercy and forgiveness held me from the very beginning to the end. Lucius, a Roman soldier, survives an assassination attempt and is rescued by a Messianic Jewish family. The story is filled with Roman familial intrigue and the struggle of the Jewish zealots against Rome. Throughout it all, it is a story of God's love and mercy. The theme of forgiveness is woven throughout the relationships of family, friend and foe. Can a romance between Lucius and Rachel, a young Jewish woman, survive in such circumstances? Ashby approaches the dynamics of all of these relationships with the skill of a much more experienced author. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 3, 2022
A great story of forgiveness and love. The author shows a genuine grasp of the Bible and the life of Christ and how God works all things to good for those who love him. I hope there's a follow up story about this remarkable family.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews