Amora

by Grant J. Hallstrom

“Light at the end of the arched tunnel. Blood on the stone wall. Rust on the cell’s bars. The glance of a gladiator sitting in his cell. The soldier’s sandals stepping in front of her. Amora grasped every detail as her world moved in slow motion, drawing her closer to her fate. The stench of death permeated the suffocating darkness, making a mockery of the heightened vitality within her. Her chains rattled, gears ground, animals roared, and people cheered. She gave them no heed. Amora, in an elegant white gown, moved with natural grace in front of a cell of prisoners. Her sixteen-year-old chained slave, Maria, followed behind wearing a simple tunic; a second soldier brought up the rear…”

With that introduction, author Grant Hallstrom draws you into the world of ancient Rome with its intrigue and contrasts, where he explores the timeless struggles between revenge and forgiveness, hope and despair, and loss and redemption.

This award-winning bestseller follows Amora on her path of self-discovery from her opulent teenage wedding with Leo through her life full of personal disappointment, tragedy, and betrayal, ultimately leading to peace in the face of death. We watch Leo withdraw into his dark private world of despair as he struggles to maintain his standing in society while trying to escape from the ever-present pain of loss. We delight in the romance between two slaves and champion the young man’s quest to avenge his lover’s untimely death. The sweeping panorama of this immersive story includes the suspense of battles and the action of gladiators fighting to survive in the arena as well.

The author weaves a well-crafted and deeply researched historical fiction based on a true story that will captivate the reader’s attention from the start. The book is filled with non-stop action and suspense, so you are never sure what’s about to happen on the next page. This superbly written and richly descriptive novel with brilliantly drawn characters and settings will have you turning pages from beginning to end. Skillfully constructed, cinematic in presentation and deeply inspiring, this thought-provoking book makes a solid impact.

Even though the book shows how new Christian ideas influenced some characters, it does not try to convert the reader. It simply tells the story including the role that religion played in their lives. Amora is ultimately a story about love, family, friendships, faith, trials and forgiveness. It is well worth the read!

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Christian Fiction, Christianity, Religion

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 10, 2020

About the author

Grant Hallstrom founded HistoryofChristianTheology.com and is the primary contributor of its content.

Mr. Hallstrom is the author of the book, Emotional Black Holes, and several articles regarding the application of theology in one’s personal life.

He is also the founder and managing partner of the full-service business law firm, Hallstrom Klein & Ward LLP, located in Irvine, California. He is married to his sweetheart, Jean, and they have six children and eleven grandchildren.

******************
From the author:

My distinguished friends Terence Rose and his wife, Brenda Shakarian, convinced me, with great resistance on my part, of the need to share the backstory of my decision to write Amora. I hope that you accept it in the spirit that it is shared and respect the tenderness of this account for all those involved.

Every family has tragedies. This is the story of one of our family’s tragedies. Despite some mental and emotional disabilities, my younger brother, Calvin, married and had three children. He worked hard and held down three low-paying jobs to support his family and purchased a small home. However, he was difficult to live with, so when he traveled to California to attend our sister’s wedding, his wife changed the locks on the house and filed for divorce. When he told our parents what had happened, our father’s paternal protective instincts kicked in, and he took Calvin to his home and barged in, exacerbating an already difficult situation.

The divorce was hard on everyone―Calvin, his ex-wife, and their children. Their oldest son moved out on his own shortly after high school. The middle child came out as transgender when she was around twenty years old. The youngest boy developed social anxiety and basically did not work or go to school after high school. Instead, he spent most of his time playing video games in their basement.

Sadly, a few years after the middle child came out as transgender, she committed suicide. Calvin’s ex-wife uninvited my brother and our side of the family to the funeral and even refused to let us know where Calvin’s child was buried. Throughout this ordeal, Calvin refused to let anyone say anything negative about his ex-wife in his presence.

The youngest boy blamed his father for the loss of his sibling and only confidant, so six months later, he contacted my brother under the guise of reconciliation. Calvin was ecstatic. He told our mother, “My counselor was right! She said I needed to let my boys go but keep the door open, and someday they will come back to me.” Calvin drove over to take his boy to dinner, and after they met and embraced, his son stabbed him to death.

As soon as I received the news, I booked a flight to be with my mom, who lived with Calvin. While driving from the airport to her home, I had the distinct impression that Calvin was with me, that he still loved his son who had just murdered him, and that he wanted me to tell everyone that we need to forgive one another. This experience made it easy for me to embrace his ex-wife when she contacted me, sobbing, expressing her grief for our loss and her sorrow for excluding us from the funeral six months earlier. It was just something that she could not deal with at the time. We shared tears as I felt her pain from the double loss she had suffered.

So, in addition to my comments at Calvin’s funeral (https://youtu.be/zo8zzVfoMTQ) and my testimony at my nephew’s sentencing, I wrote Amora in an effort to honor this charge from my deceased brother to tell everyone that we need to forgive one another so that we can find the love and healing that we all desperately seek. I hope that my effort in some small way helps you along the difficult path of forgiveness so that you, too, can enjoy the peace, comfort, and security that forgiving and being forgiven brings. May God bless you in this endeavor.

Reviews

[♏ Gina☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story, while fiction, is based on the factual story of the noblewoman who was the inspiration behind the petition of Justin Martyrn to the Roman Senate.

This novel is very much about forgiveness vs the all too human desire for revenge. Citing a tragedy that occurred in his own family (his brother was murdered by his own son), Hallstrom attempts to show the reader how forgiveness provides the ultimate healing.

The book is beautifully written, with prose bordering on poetry. The characters are well developed and very real to the reader.

Although this book has a decidedly Christian theme, I think it can be enjoyed by everyone, Christian or not. The theme is universal. The story is important.

[Raymond Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whatever your plans may be, you might want to alter them to make time to read this amazing book.
It puts first century Roman politics and Christianity on a collision course that will absolutely grip the reader.
Amora and her patrician husband Leo serve the Emperor and hierarchy of the Romans as an important part of their life. Amora is a young woman when chosen by Leo to be his wife. As time goes on tragedy begins to enter her life which brings her to start questioning her destiny. As she searches for meaning, Leo becomes bitter and even more involved in his service to the Romans.
The entire story resolves around these two people but extends to so many other characters and their
lives.
Tragedy can bring souls to God just as it can alienate them. This book is full of hatred, vengeance,
violence, character assassination and any other debauchery known to man.
As Leo continues his search for vengeance, Amora is introduced to the Christian faith where she finds peace and genuine love.
This is not a book of just the battle of good and evil . It is so much deeper than most anything you may have read. It may very well change you as you begin examining hate and vengeance that may exist in your own life. This is a 'top shelf' read.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must give a spoiler alert to any reader of this review. I read between 30-40 books in an average year. Among those dozens of books, I am blessed to read 5-6 books that stand-out. They stand out because they flow, engage and provoke my imagination and thoughts. Such is the case with the novel, 'Amora' by Grant J. Hallstrom. The author has created a living and breathing work whose tale, characters and messages will stay with one after reading and experiencing it. I was given the opportunity to read this book after being contacted by the author. I was first taken in by the author's heartfelt dedication to his slain brother, Calvin. My passion for historical and Christian fiction propelled me to start reading the novel with the expectation that this would be a story of the struggle between social compliance and following the heart of the Lord.

The central characters are Amora and Leo, a married Roman couple in 2nd century Rome. The two are vested in the Roman patrician lifestyle of privilege, excess, and pagan worship and endless socializing. Although slightly uncomfortable some of the established social morays and beliefs, they plan for and have children. The first, Natalie is beautiful in appearance and the second, Esteban is born with a lame leg. Tragedy befalls the young family and the couple is stricken with grief but soon their paths divide. Leo mercilessly lashes out at a trusted slave, undervalues his villa accountant, Antonio and detaches himself from his wife. With the encouragement of Senator Quintus, Leo immerses himself in political activities and debauchery to alleviate his emotions. Amora focuses on rearing Esteban and caring for unwanted children through a charity. The two divergent paths reflect the upcoming spiritual and emotional conflict between Amora and Leo and of Christian love & forgiveness and Roman hatred & brutality. I found the battle of the heart's convictions to either embrace anger, immorality & revenge or acceptance, mercy & peace of the heart to be the main message of the novel. As the battle lines are drawn, the main characters become representative of a bigger battle between God and the evil Roman Empire. Amora chooses Christianity and Leo chooses corruption. Amora's sojourn to Christ is aided by Maria, a loyal servant and Justin Martyr, a 2nd century Christian apologist. Leo comes under the Roman influence of Junius Rusticus, a Stoic philosopher, Crescens, a Cynic philosopher and enemy of Christians, and persecutor of Christians and Marcus Aurelius, the Emperor. He comes to hate Christianity and his Christian wife. A denouncement by an angry Leo results in Amora, Maria and others being arrested and sentenced to death for their beliefs. I found the absence of God's love will create an emnity with those who embrace the Lord. Leo's anger brings more tragedy on himself and Antonio who loves Maria. The grim and dark reality of hatred and revenge weigh heavily on Leo who focuses his gnawing hatred on his son, Esteban. The descent into evil and darkness forms the climax of the novel. The author creatively spins a tale of fate and justice in which Leo, Esteban, and Antonio all playing key roles. Ironically, God always brings justice on all in the end and this is the case here. The author brings this about with depth of feeling, moving moments, and great narrative story-telling. Truths and betrayals are revealed to Leo, Esteban and Antonio and forgiveness overcomes bitterness. Each experiences the leading, forgiveness, and justice of the Lord.

I must say that the author has created a story that is fluid and alive with emotion and passion. I found myself caught up in the drama and spectacle of the persecution and executions of early Christians. My heart broke and soared with the knowledge that their short period of pain would lead them to faith. The living characters inhabit a time that although long past seems to be much like what we are experiencing now. It is this that makes this novel stand out for me. In closing, Grant Hallstrom has composed a memorable and dramatic tale of redemption.

[Joseph Noval · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout my adult life I have been fascinated by all things Roman; both the good and the bad. So much of our western civilization has its roots tied to the Roman culture. The persecution and growth of Christianity during that time can never be overstated! The book "Amora", takes place in 2nd century Rome, during the time of Justin Martyr ( 100 AD-165AD). The central, true character of the book, while unknown is given the story name, Amora. The book is absolutely captivating from the opening scene. Then you are transported 18 years back in time from the opening event and you are taken on an adventure of hope and happiness as well as tragedy, sadness, death,treachery and murder. All to be brought back to the beginning of the story; a beginning of acceptance, understanding, forgiveness and the true meaning of complete love! The character development is so beautifully constructed and the scene descriptions are so clear, you can't help but put yourself right there with the people of the story. This is a book that will make you think again about this particular time in mankind's development.

[Kendra Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Amora, by Grant Hallstom” is a novel based on a true story of a noblewoman from the Greco-Roman period who suffered persecution, rejection and ultimately death because of her conversion to Christianity. The story is filled with action and conflict that would demand justice or revenge. Murder, adultery, divorce, false accusations, mistreatment, and deceit are just a few of the offenses committed. While keeping the historical traditions accurate to the Greco-Roman period, the relationships, disputes and trials in this novel can readily be found in our lives today. This story inspires one to seek hope, faith, forgiveness and love, even in the darkest of times.
The Glossary and Historical Notes in the back of the book are helpful for greater understanding of the period. I loved these quotes on page 149. "Time and eternity are not opposites. Time is consumed in eternity"... "..The essence of God is in everything." With an eternal perspective, sorrow and suffering in this life become more comprehensible. Read this book not just for the action and historical details, but to discover what causes, and how to "escape from our emotional holes".

[Julie Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spoilers: As any of my regular Readers will know, I am not a Christian. In fact, farthest from. I am a Solitary Wiccan. I have too many issues with Modern Christianity, particularly Evangelical than I have time to get into right now. However, I can on occasion be found to enjoy some Christian and Inspirational Fiction. Sometimes, if the Christian message is surrounded by a great plot and brilliant characterization. Also, because I like Historical Fiction, I am aware that since Christianity was the dominant religion in many of the time periods in which I read, I can still enjoy the book on a historical level.

Luckily, Grant J. Hallstrom's Amora is such a Christian fiction. It is a moving plot with terrific characters, particularly the protagonist, and has a great historic setting of Ancient Rome, that one can enjoy the book, despite the occasional preachiness in the writing.

One positive take away the book gives us is the amount of details in the life of a Roman noble family at the time, particularly the status of Roman women. We are given insights into the life of Amora from her arranged marriage to Leo as the wealthy marriage ensures Leo a placement in the highest of Imperial circles. We also see them in happy giddy times during the Saturnalia festival in December when wackiness is the order and a servant is declared king for a day. Amora and Leo's marriage appears to be happy and contented. Why even when their first child is a girl, Natalie, Leo isn't like most Roman fathers who long only for a son. He dotes on and adores his little girl.

Unfortunately, their marriage falters when their son, Esteban, is born with a shriveled leg. Leo at first wants to do away with the boy but when Amora's maternal love intervenes, he simply withdraws from both mother and child. This is the first sign that the spouses' marriage is on different tracks and they transform into different people: Leo cares more about status and his placement in Roman society and Amora cares more about people and helping others.

After a family tragedy, Leo and Amora show their true colors and strengths and weaknesses in character. Leo weakens as he retreats into alcohol, depression, and self pity. He is assigned an outpost in Egypt where he strays from his marriage and his duties as a Roman citizen.
Amora meanwhile is strengthened despite the loss. She befriends and mentors a young female slave, Maria. She creates a home for unwed mothers and orphaned children, that caters to nobles, plebeians, and slaves (much to the disdain of her fellow noblewomen). She has the courage to stand up to Leo's drunken behavior and ask for a divorce. (Fun fact: Roman noblewomen could divorce their husbands by leaving the house and taking their dowry with them.) She also befriends members of a certain religious sect that has gained popularity among the slaves and lower classes: Christianity.

This book is also a fascinating look at how Christianity originated and gained fire during the later days of the Roman empire and how the imperials viewed them, particularly the Senate and their then-Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Marcus and his nobles, including Leo, consider them a religion that caters only to "slaves and women" because they favor emotion over reason, peace over war, and speak of a better Afterlife. While they deride the religion, they sense that it is gaining solid ground amongst the upper classes where the true power lies. When Maria and Amora start attending meetings and eventually get baptized, Leo and the others feel threatened. Amora's conversion to Christianity puts the husband and wife on almost permanent opposite sides.

In many Christian fiction works, the lead characters who convert to Christianity become sanctimonious self righteous one dimensional mouthpieces (Witness any Pure Flix movie for a bad portrayal of flimsy Christian characters who exist only to quote Scripture and wax theology about the filmmakers' and authors' views.). There is some preachiness in Amora as characters lecture others about Christian doctrine, but that dialogue is few and far between and gives some believable characters that speak those words.
Thankfully, Hallstrom doesn't lose sight of good characterization when the characters convert. They question, bicker, act on pure emotion and without thinking, and often wrestle with their faith.

One of the biggest questions that the characters wrestle with is forgiveness. Amora finds it difficult to forgive someone after they did a horrible wrong to her family. After Esteban is converted, he can't forgive his father for his Ill treatment towards his mother to the point that he runs away from home. Forgiveness is a difficult concept to grasp, especially when violence is purposely done towards the characters. While the book stresses the Biblical concept of loving your enemy, Hallstrom's writing makes the message clear that forgiveness is not an easy thing for people to do or accept. When human emotions are involved, sometimes those ideals are and should be questioned. Nor is forgiveness a quick band aid. There are still many years of hurt feelings, loneliness, and rage to overcome.

However just as his characters have had to struggle with the concept of forgiveness, so has their author. In his introduction, Hallstrom explains how he got the inspiration for the book. He explained that Calvin, his younger brother went through a painful divorce, one that traumatized his three children. After Calvin's middle child committed suicide, his younger son stabbed Calvin to death. Hallstrom wrote that he sensed that Calvin's spirit still loved and forgave his son. Hallstrom later made amends with Calvin's ex wife and forgave his nephew. This story of forgiveness bleeds into Amora's plot of loving one's enemies even when they commit the worst crimes against them.

Christians will find more to enjoy from Amora, but people of all faiths will appreciate the historic details, the brilliant characters, and the theme of how people survive and manage during tough times.

[David Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

For fans of historical fiction written particularly about the early Christian Church in the Roman Empire, Grant J. Hallstrom’s new novel, Amora, is a spirited and inspiring read for this “summer of our discontent.” It skillfully conveys familiar themes of earlier novels written by Lloyd C. Douglas (The Robe, The Big Fisherman) and Gerald N. Lund (The Kingdom and the Crown series) and is a fitting addition to the genre.

Amora puts the spotlight on Rome in the second century AD. It centers around the patrician family of Tribune Leo, Amora – his wife, their children, and household staff composed primarily of slaves. Without sharing plot points that would spoil the experience for future readers, the story of Amora is steeped in Roman history, early Christian theology, and reinforced time-honored values such as commitment, faith, forgiveness, redemption, honor and courage. Amora is also fast-paced, filled with colorful images of Roman life, battle intrigue, and gladiatorial swordplay in the arena. It is recommended for adults and suitable (in my opinion) for mature youth. Its release in 2020 comes at a good time.

[Shane Biornstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toward the end of this well-crafted book I found myself having a hard time putting it down as I was fully invested in the story, the characters and the history. From the very beginning it made me think and reconsider my motivations for treating other people the way I do and it caused me to consider my feelings and emotions in my relationships with others from a new perspective and with purposefulness. The author did a wonderful job weaving historically accurate events together with rich characters while also teaching about love, greed, hate, forgiveness, life, death, and a host of other topics that concern any and all of us at all stages of life. I strongly recommend this book to everyone who wants to face their fears and eliminate negative feelings from their life. The book tells a compelling story that is action packed, interesting, and motivating.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished reading “AMORA” by Grant Hallstrom. Definitely a Five Star read! It takes you back to the days of the Roman Empire with such amazing detail that you feel that you're there experiencing the feelings and challenges of living in that time of history. It is one of those “can't put it down books” as you want to discover what the outcome will be for those people with whom you have developed an understanding and kinship during the reading. Grants' amazing use of the breath and depth of the English language makes the read just that more enjoyable, Again, with full confidence that anyone who loves a fabulous story with extremely well done phrases and sentences and paragraphs, I highly endorse AMORA.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amora is the novelization of the life of Amora, a Christian martyr who lived in Ancient Rome.

Amora was a pretty interesting novel. I enjoy historical fiction during this time period, and I especially enjoy hearing about people who love Jesus so much that He changes the way they live and they are even willing to die for Him. This is one such story. In fact, God used Amora’s life to impact others even after she died, as the story continues with her husband and son. It was pretty great!

According to the author’s note about the history, this story is based off of a woman who actually lived, although I don’t think there was as much written about her in history to write a full novel, with conversations, like this, and so it is loosely based on history. Still, the author seemed to go into great detail about the history, culture, and Christian practices at the time. That was fascinating.

All in all, a pretty cool book. I recommend it to you as it was recommended to me — if you like Francine River’s Mark of the Lion Series, you will enjoy this one.

I received a complementary copy of this book. All opinions are my own, and I was not obligated to provide a positive review.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this Kindle book in a giveaway.

[Connie Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fascinating historical fiction novel based on the true story of the noblewoman who inspired Justin Martyr's petition to the Roman Senate. Author Grant J. Hallstrom shares historical notes and a glossary to help readers know what's true but it's his story that grabbed me and wouldn't let go! I was immediately caught up in Amora's life in 2nd century Rome, as she and her husband enjoyed the perks of being part of a noble family. Theirs was a life of affluence that included pagan worship and debauchery and, even though they appeared happy and privileged, they also experienced pain and heartache. Leo and Amora found themselves drifting apart after seeing their baby boy born with a deformity and suffering the kidnapping and murder of their young daughter. While Leo began to participate in corrupt political activities, Amora drew comfort in caring for her son Esteban and helping other children. Her greatest joy, however, was experienced when she became a believer in Christ, but her conversion changed her family life forever.

Amora is a spellbinding narrative involving the persecution of Christians and we are given a glimpse of the Roman Empire during the time of emperors, gladiators, and the execution of Christian believers. Hallstrom vividly describes Leo's anger over Amora's conversion and subsequent actions, his overwhelming guilt after her death, his struggles against revenge, and finally, the joy and comfort that Leo himself found in faith and forgiveness!

"Just like darkness is the absence of light, evil is the absence of good. When we distance ourselves from God--the essence of goodness--we create evil and all the problems, heartache, and chaos that follows. When we judge others and ascribe blame, we basically choose to push God aside and walk away from him."

I enjoyed this book because of my love of historical fiction but I treasure it for the Christian message of love, hope, and forgiveness that Hallstrom has shared. Amora is a book that I highly recommend!

I voluntarily accepted a copy of this book. A favorable review was never required and no monetary compensation was given. I have shared my honest thoughts.

[Rachel Kester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Grant Hallstrom tells the story of a noblewoman named Amora who inspired Justin Martyr to petition the Roman Senate. The story tells of how Amora is being led to her death by a soldier along with her servant Maria. As she walks into the stadium to be murdered, the book quickly goes back in time to tell readers why Amora is currently in this situation and whether she will miraculously make it out alive.

If you enjoy history or religious fiction, this is a book you’ll want to check out. Hallstrom includes many intriguing facts about this time period and how Christianity grew and spread in the Roman Empire. Keep in mind it does contain some graphic scenes. It’s also a little long (335 pages) so it will take some time to read.

Overall, this is a well-written book that’s filled with memorable characters that each add their own touch to this tragic story.

[Susel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a great time reading Amora, an awarded Christian historical novel written by a great author, Grant Hallstrom. What I appreciate the most about this beautiful historical fiction is that it is based on a true story.
It is set in ancient Rome and the main theme is the importance of forgiveness. The Lord's Prayer, in which Jesus taught about forgiveness, is one of the most important prayers in Christianity. It is the responsibility of humanity to forgive sins, as Jesus gave the disciples the commandment to go out, teach and forgive sins.
With carefully chosen descriptive language, a clear foundation of in-depth research, and a sensitive storytelling style, this novel is a revelatory look at Christianity in roman times. I don’t regret picking up this book and I love all the knowledge I have gained from reading it! I highly recommend it!

[LeAnne K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Amora by Grant J. Hallstrom. Historical fiction is a favorite genre and this book effectively combines engaging plot, believable characters, and historical and theological background. The historical notes give additional background. The book is based on a true account of a strong woman and her conversion to Christianity. Each of the primary characters wrestles with feelings of revenge and forgiveness as the story line progresses. Many inspiring spiritual truths are conveyed through the characters' dialog which caused me to reflect on my own life and experiences. Once I began the book, I did not want to put it down! It reveals a compelling message of love, faith, and hope.

[Mark R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story that follows the story-line from the view of several good characters along their own paths. It seems to be true to the historical time period (with a nice historical addition at the end which helps to know more about the historical figures that appear in the book) and that adds a nice flavor to the story, but the situations are very relevant to today.

There is much that is being taught as the characters develop, but nothing seems forced. As such, the underlying message (forgiveness and love) is able to sink in. I found myself, several times, stopping to consider the things that were being discussed and wanting to do better in my own life.

[Jay Markanich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amora is a book that flows like a well-edited movie. Its historical fiction is well researched culturally, geographically, and even as regards Roman war tactics. It is a book of conflict – interpersonal, government, religious, and cultural – and a book of reconciliation. Be aware – it intentionally contains doctrinal teachings both of the Roman and Christian cultures, and how at odds those religious beliefs were. The book demonstrates how those doctrines interacted and conflicted even within families. It is an impressive first book! I would highly recommend it not only to your personal reading list but that you tell others! Jay M

[CarlitasFox · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent reading!
When it comes to nurturing books, I dare say that I have chosen an excellent example. “Amora” is a compelling story written by Grant Hallstrom. He has penned an engrossing tale which is a fusion of Christian history and fiction. The moment I started reading it, I could not put it down! Everything caught my attention - from the story to the settings. Apart from this, I really liked the message of love, forgiveness and courage that goes beyond the plot. In this world of chaos and lack of respect, it is necessary to learn more about this kind of reading. In fact, I learned a lot from it. I thoroughly recommend it.

[Melanie Pogue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book, Amora! The ancient Roman culture drew me in and the tragedies pulled at my heart. It is full of family life and the unexpected twists and turns it takes to leave us bitter or better. The moral life lessons of mercy, and forgiveness are very touching. It brought tears of heartache and at other parts it warmed my heart. Amora is very relatable to a spectrum of circumstance we all find ourselves in or worry about in this world of imperfection. We can all learn from the book Amora, how to overcome and heal in Christ’s atoning love.

[Stefan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Amora is a heartfelt message of hope and forgiveness narratively crafted, with compelling characters wrapped in a historical, gladiator-style gut-wrenching saga."

Stefan Swanepoel
New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Author
Author and co-author of over 50 books and reports

[Robert R · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message of Forgiveness, which this book describes is clear, inspiring and joyous. I feel a deeper understanding of the Saviors love and how I can let Him carry my anger, hurt and sorrow. I can let His love fill my soul instead. Be sure to start at the Preface. Grant’s experience with his brother and nephew was more than many of us will have to bear, but it sets the stage for the message of this book. Quick read. Very enjoyable.

[Terence Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grant is a dear friend and a man I admire and respect primarily for his humility and his sincerity both always have been and always will be rare commodities. He understands our need for an eternal planHe displays an uncanny sensitivity to the subject matter, he sees the importance of Justin Martyr’s role in history, and it is indeed most important, and most of all he sees
the need to recognize the essence of God’s love, forgiveness.

[Sheila Edmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this transformative book. It is action-packed, and was hard to put down once I started reading it! I was impressed with the author's beautifully descriptive language, in-depth character development, and deep spiritual insight. But most importantly, I loved the way this story illustrates that God is powerful in transforming the lives of those who open their hearts to Him. Powerful reading!

[Darlene Christensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure if I liked this book for the history of the how the story of early christians were treated. Amora was of the wealthy class married to Leo who sought advancement with the political world Amora finds fulfilment in the Christian faith after the murder of her daughter. Leo becomes distant to Amora and causes her death in the arena. Leo's life is has a downward spin. This is a book worth reading as I seldom give a 5 star rating

[Diana Larsen]

To quote from the book, "Just like darkness is the absence of light, evil is the absence of good . . . When we judge others and ascribe blame, we basically choose to push God aside and walk away from Him . . . If we open our heart to God, He will fill our emotional holes . . . His love will eliminate these innate fears, and liberate us to love others more freely and deeply."

Very well spoken!

[Cindi Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! I loved the characters' stories and how the principles blend so well with the story. I hope Grant writes additional novels with a great historic background based on what happened. It was very educational as well. Thanks Grant!! And Jean!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It kept me interested throughout. I found myself crying during the sad parts and crying during the happy parts. Very well written.

[DEBI PUGLIESE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Examining the cover of Amora, the latest work by my friend and author, Grant Hallstrom, I asked myself, “How do you just sit and read when the whole world seems to be collapsing in on itself?” I tried to encourage myself. Maybe I could stay engaged in the pages long enough to escape my headlines-induced case of over-jangled nerves. Amora, inspired by the time and region themed around the persecution and brutal fate of early Christian martyrs takes place somewhere around A.D. 150 in the Greco-Roman empire. But the time and theme of Amora is only a device for the reader. No matter what you are reading on the page, Hallstrom is deftly turning it into something else. Amora takes on the ethos of the ideology that enables people who think of themselves as good, principled, politically aware, and even woke to contribute to — and benefit from—ever-increasing inequality and brutal social injustice. Amora’s composite Roman characters - the wealthy and noble aristocrats, academics of lucrative thought leadership, believed themselves as part of the solution, but never the problem. They believed that they were changing the world for the better, by eradicating themselves of early Christians – perceived by the ruling class as a ‘cult’ that posed a threat to the ruling class. Hallstrom provides a credible portrait of the Roman mind and culture, with peaks of humor and insight and troughs of poignant self-delusion. Hours later, having sped pages of irreconcilable tensions of joy and calamity, peace and unspeakable violence, and the historical and moral imaginations of the noble men and women, masters and slaves, rulers, politicians and soldiers, and the Christian martyrs all with their own unquenchable wants and needs, I found myself asking another question – equally relevant now as it was centuries ago, “What do you do when love, lust, hatred and revenge have all worn out their welcome and all possible tears have been spent?”

In a modern world, as modern people, with modern problems filled with “born again” paganism, which often leave little room for the sacred, Hallstrom offers a seemingly contradictory way of thinking. Forgive. “Forgiveness” he writes, “is not the enemy of justice. It is its mate. Which is not to say we pretend something didn’t happen or that it doesn’t really matter… or sweeping evil under the rug or pretending that it doesn’t exist.” For those who would struggle with forgiveness, one first has to recognize a fundamental truth: Our own criteria for judgment is limited and imperfect, skewed our own particular world view. As commanded by Christ, Amora reminds us, “Forgive by giving it to God. And trust him to execute perfect justice. The apostle Paul wrote, “The sufferings of the present time are not comparable to the coming glory to be. revealed to us.  For we know that the whole creation groans together and travails together until now… For in this hope we were saved; but hope being seen is no hope; for does anyone hope for what he sees? And we know that God works together all things for good to those loving God, to those being called according to His purpose, because those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be firstborn among many brothers. And those whom He predestined, these also He called; and whom He called, these also He justified; and whom He justified, these also He glorified. For it is Christ Jesus, the one having died, now rather having been raised up, who is also at the right hand of God, and who is interceding for us.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The wife of a wealthy patrician is condemned to die in the arena along with her slave. She committed no crime other being a devoted mother, a Christian, and falling into the easy trap of focusing on the negative in her marriage. Her husband, a powerful senator has long indulged his wife, even going against the societal norms and once their daughter was raped and killed, their relationship never recovered. When Leo finds out that his wife Amora is involved with a group of Christians, he does not save her when they are swept up in the emperor’s crackdown on all Christians.
I found the book to be an enjoyable one. Leos descent into despair, and his later salvation was very well written and the sorrowful twists within the story do have a greater purpose as is found out later in the book. I liked the writing, and the storytelling, was interesting. I liked Amora and could identify with her greatly.