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The Captive's Crown
A story of inclusion, diversity and redemption.
Dreadful circumstances have led Eliana and her associates into the path of prostitution. Despised as outcasts and shunned by society, they lack hope and hide their true identities. Eliana thought her past was behind her for good when she became a wife and a mother! By a twist of fate, she finds herself back in the pit of prostitution.
Will their lives change when they meet Jesus? Will they forgive those who were responsible for their pain? Can they accept their new personalities, forget their past and embrace love?
Find out!
Dreadful circumstances have led Eliana and her associates into the path of prostitution. Despised as outcasts and shunned by society, they lack hope and hide their true identities. Eliana thought her past was behind her for good when she became a wife and a mother! By a twist of fate, she finds herself back in the pit of prostitution.
Will their lives change when they meet Jesus? Will they forgive those who were responsible for their pain? Can they accept their new personalities, forget their past and embrace love?
Find out!
372 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2022
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Olusola Sophia Anyanwu
27 books92 followers Hello, I'm Olusola Sophia Anyanwu. I have authored 21 books, including seven poetry collections. More about me, my books, and to read reviews can be found on my website at: at:https://bit.ly/3isgPDc
or: www.olusolasophiaanyanwuauthor.com
or my Amazon author page: https://amzn.to/2WMUTdx
MORE ABOUT ME:
Being raised in a Christian background has enabled me to write Christian and Biblical fiction. I believe in inspiring people through my writing to imbibe the love of God and derive encouragement. My faith primarily influences my stories and poetry, as my writing portrays faith, peace, love for God and family, repentance, forgiveness, inclusion, and diversity. The Lord Jesus is my inspirer.
I'm a member of the Association of Christian Writers, UK, Society of Authors, UK, National Poetry Library, UK, Poetry Society UK and many other writing groups.
As a multi-genre author and poet, I create stories and poetry for children, teens, and adults, including Romance, Historical/Biblical fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Women's fiction, Christian fiction, and more, to resonate with diverse readers' interests.
I want my readers to be carried to lofty heights in the realms of passion, love, faith, adventure, and laughter through my books, such as 'Poetry from the Heart', inspiring them to explore and connect deeply.
My writing will have a positive influence on readers, enriching their lives, offering encouragement, and blessing them.
I am married, and I'm blessed with children and grandchildren.
You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and Instagram.
or: www.olusolasophiaanyanwuauthor.com
or my Amazon author page: https://amzn.to/2WMUTdx
MORE ABOUT ME:
Being raised in a Christian background has enabled me to write Christian and Biblical fiction. I believe in inspiring people through my writing to imbibe the love of God and derive encouragement. My faith primarily influences my stories and poetry, as my writing portrays faith, peace, love for God and family, repentance, forgiveness, inclusion, and diversity. The Lord Jesus is my inspirer.
I'm a member of the Association of Christian Writers, UK, Society of Authors, UK, National Poetry Library, UK, Poetry Society UK and many other writing groups.
As a multi-genre author and poet, I create stories and poetry for children, teens, and adults, including Romance, Historical/Biblical fiction, Fantasy, Adventure, Women's fiction, Christian fiction, and more, to resonate with diverse readers' interests.
I want my readers to be carried to lofty heights in the realms of passion, love, faith, adventure, and laughter through my books, such as 'Poetry from the Heart', inspiring them to explore and connect deeply.
My writing will have a positive influence on readers, enriching their lives, offering encouragement, and blessing them.
I am married, and I'm blessed with children and grandchildren.
You can find me on Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 8, 2023
A good story about some of the lesser know people in the New Testament. Would be a good read for Easter. The title object does not play a major role in the story. Would like to see the face of the woman on the cover.
August 11, 2025
Wonderful Story
The Captive's Crown by Olusola Sophia Anyanwu is a wonderful story about the woman who washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. The author does a nice job bringing biblical events to life. Moreover, the writing style is emotionally engaging.
The book stays true to Scripture and weaves a story around biblical history. Moreover, the characters come to life in the narrative. You will enjoy the story's journey – the last few chapters are especially joyful. The book is full of heartfelt content, especially when it comes to Miriam (Eliana).
Still, the story is more than historical fiction. It is a story about family, redemption, and being set free from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. You will be reminded over and over that “whosoever will may come” to Jesus.
I recommend The Captive's Crown, especially to people who love Christian historical fiction.
The Captive's Crown by Olusola Sophia Anyanwu is a wonderful story about the woman who washes Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. The author does a nice job bringing biblical events to life. Moreover, the writing style is emotionally engaging.
The book stays true to Scripture and weaves a story around biblical history. Moreover, the characters come to life in the narrative. You will enjoy the story's journey – the last few chapters are especially joyful. The book is full of heartfelt content, especially when it comes to Miriam (Eliana).
Still, the story is more than historical fiction. It is a story about family, redemption, and being set free from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ. You will be reminded over and over that “whosoever will may come” to Jesus.
I recommend The Captive's Crown, especially to people who love Christian historical fiction.
August 4, 2022
This is a bible story set in the times of Jesus.
It involves several characters and their stories of the difficulties and harsh circumstances they have had to face. Some are in the field of prostitution and fear there is no way out for them.
But then they meet the Prophet, Jesus, and find that maybe there could be hope for them after all.
It is not easy to hear about the pain and sorrow that they have experienced, the uncaring and duplicity they have faced. But it is after all a wonderful story of faith and finding your way to a better life and having received forgiveness for your own sins and being able to forgive others.
Very inspiring and heartfelt story!
It involves several characters and their stories of the difficulties and harsh circumstances they have had to face. Some are in the field of prostitution and fear there is no way out for them.
But then they meet the Prophet, Jesus, and find that maybe there could be hope for them after all.
It is not easy to hear about the pain and sorrow that they have experienced, the uncaring and duplicity they have faced. But it is after all a wonderful story of faith and finding your way to a better life and having received forgiveness for your own sins and being able to forgive others.
Very inspiring and heartfelt story!
December 9, 2022
This is the story of the lady who used her hair to wipe her tears off Lord Jesus's feet in the Gospel of Luke in the Bible. It is well written and full of twists, suspense and tension. Readers will meet many characters of different sexual orientation, backgrounds and religion. Diversity and inclusion are really really seen in the story . What interests me most is who the lady is and how she got herself at the feet of Lord Jesus! A very interesting unique read worth its 5 stars!
August 25, 2025
EDGY AND BEAUTIFULLY REDEMPTIVE
Initially I misunderstood what "The Captives Crown" by Olusola Sophia Anyanwu would be about and how it would relate to the various women who were in Jesus’ circle. Once I realised Sophia would use artistic licence and be creatively flexible with the story line, I could sit back to relax and read. Having said this, the book still connects beautifully to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ – a life that touched the untouchable, loved the unlovable, and gave grace to the broken.
The themes of forgiveness in the book resonated with my experience as a pastor. I wondered if forgiveness, and how individuals process it, is cultural. The Captives Crown shows it to be immediate, even in the difficult cases, whilst I have experienced forgiveness as more long-term surrender. The book reminded and challenged me to immediately obey Christ's expectation. Even more so when we see His forgiveness of the thief on the cross.
The writing style was easy to follow, and I was caught up in the story. To be honest, I had never really thought, in depth, about the lives of the women who followed Jesus and what their back story was. I believe I have always seen their great faith but not really considered the depth of their brokenness and hurt. Especially relating to what they would have endured.
Character development was good, and I became interested in what would happen to each of the respective people. The power of Christian life to redeem, restore, and overcome prejudice and judgment is experienced in the pages.
There were several twists in the story, especially relating to several of the main characters and who they would end up loving and marrying. – I appreciated how this kept my interest and brought me back to read some more.
Overall, once I had got over my preconceived idea of what I thought the book was going to be about, I thoroughly enjoyed Sophia's writing. It is edgy but beautifully redemptive. Thank you, Sophia.
Initially I misunderstood what "The Captives Crown" by Olusola Sophia Anyanwu would be about and how it would relate to the various women who were in Jesus’ circle. Once I realised Sophia would use artistic licence and be creatively flexible with the story line, I could sit back to relax and read. Having said this, the book still connects beautifully to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ – a life that touched the untouchable, loved the unlovable, and gave grace to the broken.
The themes of forgiveness in the book resonated with my experience as a pastor. I wondered if forgiveness, and how individuals process it, is cultural. The Captives Crown shows it to be immediate, even in the difficult cases, whilst I have experienced forgiveness as more long-term surrender. The book reminded and challenged me to immediately obey Christ's expectation. Even more so when we see His forgiveness of the thief on the cross.
The writing style was easy to follow, and I was caught up in the story. To be honest, I had never really thought, in depth, about the lives of the women who followed Jesus and what their back story was. I believe I have always seen their great faith but not really considered the depth of their brokenness and hurt. Especially relating to what they would have endured.
Character development was good, and I became interested in what would happen to each of the respective people. The power of Christian life to redeem, restore, and overcome prejudice and judgment is experienced in the pages.
There were several twists in the story, especially relating to several of the main characters and who they would end up loving and marrying. – I appreciated how this kept my interest and brought me back to read some more.
Overall, once I had got over my preconceived idea of what I thought the book was going to be about, I thoroughly enjoyed Sophia's writing. It is edgy but beautifully redemptive. Thank you, Sophia.
October 10, 2022
Olusola Sophia Anyanwu’s book, The captive’s crown, is a Christian book that
talks about the redemptive power of God, the richness of God’s mercy, His love
and compassion. The geniality and loving character of His son Jesus Christ and
His power to forgive sin, heal and liberate those in bondage who surrendered
their lives to Him as Eliana and her friends did and have a happy ending.
In the introduction, Olusola Anyanwu asks: “Have you wondered about the
woman who dried Jesus’ feet with her hair as her tears fell fast in torrents? Here
is her full story in fantasy!”
She calls her Eliana in the book, though she bears other names as she moves
from one city to another with her trade to hide her identity.
The prologue started with the heart-wrenching story in Matt 2:18 of Rachel
crying in Ramah and refusing to be consoled because her children were killed
when Herod was hunting for Christ to kill him. From there, the suspense
started, till towards the end of the book. There is a fine thread that Links all the
women, especially the prostitutes that Jesus touched their lives in the Bible.
Though the story is about Eliana, her trade and her friends, it shows Christ as
the saviour to the lost world. Reaffirming Jesus' word in Luke 4:43 where He
said that He came to seek and save lost souls and that He came to preach the
kingdom of Abba. The book portrays Jesus’ mission on earth, His miracles,
healing the sick, casting out demons, and feeding the people with his words and
bread.
The book is full of characters, but she has a good grip on all her characters, and
the story flows seamlessly from one chapter to the other. Each chapter portrays
the theme of the book which is the transformation in the lives of those who
came in contact with the Lord Jesus. And how He restores their hope, faith, and
love, as well as gives them the spirit of forgiveness to forgive those that hurt
them. We see the peace they experienced when delivered from the bondage of
sin and the crown of love, faith and joy they wear as believers.
A brilliant work of fiction, written in a very poetic language and her description apt.
Ngozi Ebubedike
talks about the redemptive power of God, the richness of God’s mercy, His love
and compassion. The geniality and loving character of His son Jesus Christ and
His power to forgive sin, heal and liberate those in bondage who surrendered
their lives to Him as Eliana and her friends did and have a happy ending.
In the introduction, Olusola Anyanwu asks: “Have you wondered about the
woman who dried Jesus’ feet with her hair as her tears fell fast in torrents? Here
is her full story in fantasy!”
She calls her Eliana in the book, though she bears other names as she moves
from one city to another with her trade to hide her identity.
The prologue started with the heart-wrenching story in Matt 2:18 of Rachel
crying in Ramah and refusing to be consoled because her children were killed
when Herod was hunting for Christ to kill him. From there, the suspense
started, till towards the end of the book. There is a fine thread that Links all the
women, especially the prostitutes that Jesus touched their lives in the Bible.
Though the story is about Eliana, her trade and her friends, it shows Christ as
the saviour to the lost world. Reaffirming Jesus' word in Luke 4:43 where He
said that He came to seek and save lost souls and that He came to preach the
kingdom of Abba. The book portrays Jesus’ mission on earth, His miracles,
healing the sick, casting out demons, and feeding the people with his words and
bread.
The book is full of characters, but she has a good grip on all her characters, and
the story flows seamlessly from one chapter to the other. Each chapter portrays
the theme of the book which is the transformation in the lives of those who
came in contact with the Lord Jesus. And how He restores their hope, faith, and
love, as well as gives them the spirit of forgiveness to forgive those that hurt
them. We see the peace they experienced when delivered from the bondage of
sin and the crown of love, faith and joy they wear as believers.
A brilliant work of fiction, written in a very poetic language and her description apt.
Ngozi Ebubedike
June 23, 2022
Firstly, I LOVE the cover. Absolutely beautiful, it’s rich, vibrant and captures the essence of the story.
This novel is a fictional retelling of a woman who was broken, restored and accepted by the one who came to save her. The author uses this unnamed woman in the Bible as well as other supporting characters to address issues that are pertinent today.
There is a lot of skilful writing and you can see the author has poured her heart into this book, into telling this story. She does well to show the love of Jesus, she shows glimpses of His ministry on earth, interweaving various aspects in the Bible, laced with her imagination.
This book takes us on a journey from earth, to heaven and back in a way that is unusual but adds some context to the story,
I must say, this book is not for the faint hearted and it is more suited to adults due to some explicit descriptions but they add context to the story and it touches on some difficult topics that are still relevant today. It was good to see historical challenges drawn out of the Bible story in a way that people can recognise and relate to today.
Some of the language used did not fully reflect the historical language of the time as they were more modern words, but this does not impact on the story and may be of benefit to some readers.
It was an enjoyable story, easy to read, lessons to learn and there is a real sense of the presence of Jesus and His transformative power within the pages of this book.
This novel is a fictional retelling of a woman who was broken, restored and accepted by the one who came to save her. The author uses this unnamed woman in the Bible as well as other supporting characters to address issues that are pertinent today.
There is a lot of skilful writing and you can see the author has poured her heart into this book, into telling this story. She does well to show the love of Jesus, she shows glimpses of His ministry on earth, interweaving various aspects in the Bible, laced with her imagination.
This book takes us on a journey from earth, to heaven and back in a way that is unusual but adds some context to the story,
I must say, this book is not for the faint hearted and it is more suited to adults due to some explicit descriptions but they add context to the story and it touches on some difficult topics that are still relevant today. It was good to see historical challenges drawn out of the Bible story in a way that people can recognise and relate to today.
Some of the language used did not fully reflect the historical language of the time as they were more modern words, but this does not impact on the story and may be of benefit to some readers.
It was an enjoyable story, easy to read, lessons to learn and there is a real sense of the presence of Jesus and His transformative power within the pages of this book.
June 23, 2022
In "The Captive's Crown" Sophia Anyanwu immerses us into the lives of people like those that Jesus interacted with during his earthly ministry. The context is prostitution, and the immersion is at times very uncomfortable. Yet, the author does a great job at showing us how Jesus had a radical heart for these people and we should too. It is a very important message and it is refreshing to read something that acknowledges all of sinfulness, tragedy and transformation.
Throughout the book we really get a sense of the excitement that would have surrounded Jesus’ ministry and the lives that were so radically changed. This what what I enjoyed most about it, alongside the authors unique writing style which I love. The plot line and the way the author brings all of the strands and characters together was excellent.
There are many characters in this book and several of them have multiple names. At times it can be hard to keep track of them. I found the characters of Miriam, Joseph and Johana, and the tragic stories that form the background to the life they find themselves in, deeply moving. There were some scenes where the graphic detail did feel too much: this certainly is an adult book and some readers will struggle with it.
The author also takes us beyond their world to consider the larger picture by including snippets of fantasy about what might be going on in heaven. This was an interesting concept but I felt it could do with a little refining.
Overall, a captivating book (see what I did there?) in a unique style. But perhaps not for the faint hearted!
Throughout the book we really get a sense of the excitement that would have surrounded Jesus’ ministry and the lives that were so radically changed. This what what I enjoyed most about it, alongside the authors unique writing style which I love. The plot line and the way the author brings all of the strands and characters together was excellent.
There are many characters in this book and several of them have multiple names. At times it can be hard to keep track of them. I found the characters of Miriam, Joseph and Johana, and the tragic stories that form the background to the life they find themselves in, deeply moving. There were some scenes where the graphic detail did feel too much: this certainly is an adult book and some readers will struggle with it.
The author also takes us beyond their world to consider the larger picture by including snippets of fantasy about what might be going on in heaven. This was an interesting concept but I felt it could do with a little refining.
Overall, a captivating book (see what I did there?) in a unique style. But perhaps not for the faint hearted!
July 30, 2022
Eliana has lost her identity through a series of broken relationships, dreams and heart-ache and has now perfected the status of a high-class prostitute.
But things are changing in and around Jerusalem! There’s a ‘new man in town’ and he is turning over the tables. This man is a miracle-worker – he is healing people of illnesses, making the lame walk and, even more miraculously, he is giving people new hearts full of love and hope.
Many of her friends in the trade are giving up their professions, helping each other and learning ‘respectable’ trades. Not just her friends, but many other out-casts, tax-collectors and undesirables as well.
She is desirable, of course, but only in secret places; she cannot hold her head up high in public. But Miriam would not wish to give up her life, except maybe to quench the longing in her heart for love, for family...
She is curious…
Should she meet this miracle-man who fed thousands with five loaves?
This man who loves the unlovable?
What would he make of her?
Sophia Anyanwu takes the reader into Eliana’s captive life as Miriam and cleverly introduces her past story, weaving past pain and future hope into this creative tale of human betrayal, struggle, redemption and transformation.
She invites the reader into the fragrance of Jesus’ presence, through those he has already touched, and with them the reader witnesses the life-giving restoration of all who encounter him.
I cried, yearned and empathised with Miriam; I hoped tentatively and courageously with Eliana; and I rejoiced with all the relationships that flourished under the touch of the Kingdom of Heaven.
More importantly I experienced a re-awakening of hope in my own relationships, sensing again the real, life-giving possibilities under the miraculous power of radical love and of forgiveness.
But things are changing in and around Jerusalem! There’s a ‘new man in town’ and he is turning over the tables. This man is a miracle-worker – he is healing people of illnesses, making the lame walk and, even more miraculously, he is giving people new hearts full of love and hope.
Many of her friends in the trade are giving up their professions, helping each other and learning ‘respectable’ trades. Not just her friends, but many other out-casts, tax-collectors and undesirables as well.
She is desirable, of course, but only in secret places; she cannot hold her head up high in public. But Miriam would not wish to give up her life, except maybe to quench the longing in her heart for love, for family...
She is curious…
Should she meet this miracle-man who fed thousands with five loaves?
This man who loves the unlovable?
What would he make of her?
Sophia Anyanwu takes the reader into Eliana’s captive life as Miriam and cleverly introduces her past story, weaving past pain and future hope into this creative tale of human betrayal, struggle, redemption and transformation.
She invites the reader into the fragrance of Jesus’ presence, through those he has already touched, and with them the reader witnesses the life-giving restoration of all who encounter him.
I cried, yearned and empathised with Miriam; I hoped tentatively and courageously with Eliana; and I rejoiced with all the relationships that flourished under the touch of the Kingdom of Heaven.
More importantly I experienced a re-awakening of hope in my own relationships, sensing again the real, life-giving possibilities under the miraculous power of radical love and of forgiveness.
September 28, 2022
I love stories that engage with characters on the fringes of the Gospel narrative, so I was keen to read this. The story is centred on Miriam (real name Eliana), who through circumstance and rejection has ended up in a life of prostitution. Things begin to change, however, when she hears of a new prophet who is travelling around the countryside and transforming the lives of many, including some of her friends.
The author has put lots of detail into her story, making it very believable. I liked the way she introduced a large cast of characters and then managed to keep the threads of their journeys running in tandem. The way the characters respond to the prophet is well done, as the author allows them to experience doubt and ask probing questions.
Some of the episodes of Miriam's life as a prostitute are quite graphically told, so I would suggest that this is not suitable for younger readers. However, it's also a great reminder of how Jesus transforms the lives of those who encounter Him, no matter what their past.
The author has put lots of detail into her story, making it very believable. I liked the way she introduced a large cast of characters and then managed to keep the threads of their journeys running in tandem. The way the characters respond to the prophet is well done, as the author allows them to experience doubt and ask probing questions.
Some of the episodes of Miriam's life as a prostitute are quite graphically told, so I would suggest that this is not suitable for younger readers. However, it's also a great reminder of how Jesus transforms the lives of those who encounter Him, no matter what their past.
May 20, 2022
“There was no hope, family or friend. She had no future.” Eliana was betrayed into a life of sin and degradation by those who should have had her welfare at heart. We follow her as she struggles to reinvent herself time and again into a new life.
Sophia expands the Bible story of the woman who bathed the feet of Jesus with tears, and then dried them with her hair. This moment with Jesus is a culmination of the life which Sophia develops into a gripping story. Eliana’s story is woven in with the three-year ministry of Jesus, his life, preaching and his death. The author’s knowledge of the Bible propels the story forward with relevance and authority. Repentance and redemption are at the heart of this novel and the threads that are running through it.
The dreams and hopes of society’s outcasts are as relevant today as in the time of Jesus. This fantasy based on a Bible story carries a message of hope and joy. A powerful book dwelling upon the difficult themes of inclusion, diversity and redemption in ancient times. These themes are as important today as they were then. This is a book that is an intriguing look into the background of an unnamed woman in the Bible. Sophia has given her a name!
December 23, 2022
The author has honed in on, and brought to life – in a unique way, the imagined backstory of ‘a woman who lived a sinful life’ yet ended up in pure contrition wetting with tears the feet of Jesus and drying them with her hair. One of the most moving stories of Jesus’ forgiveness. But to get us to that point there is a long, and sometimes shocking journey of parental betrayal and sexual abuse that leads to prostitution – where little is held back in the telling. We meet many other characters along the way. Though all are flawed they are inexorably drawn to the Prophet and as their lives are turned around by Him they feel compelled to share the reason. Liberally laced with Bible quotes this is a thought-provoking read.
Read
June 2, 2025Perhaps one of the most moving tracks of the book is Eliana's—sinner to saint, but not merely that: object to human. The world sees her as filthy, expendable, irreparable. God sees not. And this meeting happens with stinging sharp awareness. Even when all others reject her, the Prophet's eyes have something different: recognition. The Captive's Crown is unflinching. It confronts the violence of the sin, both done to oneself and to others. But in the process, it also celebrates the miracle of healing. My favorite line was: the Prophet's words: fresh and old, gentle and authoritative. The background drops you into first-century Judea with lavish sensory detail, and the dialogue is modern in voice without losing respect. I'll be suggesting this to anyone who ever questioned whether they don't deserve to be loved.
June 25, 2022
If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you will love this. Although BF is not my preferred genre, I was pleasantly surprised by the author’s imagination and skill to expand the scriptures, with which she is very familiar. The story follows Miriam (or is that her name) and her friends, acquaintances and clients. The concept of the story is that Miriam is the prostitute that bathed Jesus’s feet with tears and perfume, then dried them with her hair. The story is packed full of well-known gospel stories and will not disappoint Biblical Fiction readers.
May 22, 2022
This was a very intriguing story that mixed fantasy with reality. It is clear the author knows the passages of the bible and illustrates this wonderfully through the tale of the woman who bathe the feet of Jesus.
This story is uncomfortable in many ways, but that does not change the fact that it is well written and delivers a message of hope and perseverance.
I always appreciate the messages this author delivers in her stories, and I believe this might be her most powerful one yet. I thank the author for this story and for shedding light on a character often considered just a footnote. I hope more people get the pleasure of reading this story!
This story is uncomfortable in many ways, but that does not change the fact that it is well written and delivers a message of hope and perseverance.
I always appreciate the messages this author delivers in her stories, and I believe this might be her most powerful one yet. I thank the author for this story and for shedding light on a character often considered just a footnote. I hope more people get the pleasure of reading this story!
Read
August 7, 2022I love this novel, the captive:s crown, I haven't read a book with such beautiful narration for a very long time, I loved the sequences and the beauty of description, I loved the undertone of love, I enjoyed it thoroughly congratulations for such a master piece, thank you for giving the world such a creative piece!
July 17, 2022
I found this to be a very interesting and well told story, it's a page turner from start to finish and the message is a good one. Olusola Sophia Anyanwu is an excellent writer. I highly recommend giving this book a read. Overall, I give 'The Captives Crown' - 5 stars
June 23, 2022
Eliana is our everyday woman. She was acquired by worldliness but her story is now the miracle of redemption we should all desire.
This book is powerful and conscientiously compelling. The author has spiritual wit and figurative vastness to create a complete significance for any reader who is in dire need to engage God in just anyway.
I passionately recommend this masterpiece to all lovers of God and explorative readers.
This book is powerful and conscientiously compelling. The author has spiritual wit and figurative vastness to create a complete significance for any reader who is in dire need to engage God in just anyway.
I passionately recommend this masterpiece to all lovers of God and explorative readers.
Read
July 20, 2022The book is quite captivating. Very good story line too. A Goodread!
May 31, 2025
This book tells the story about pain, loss and starting over. It begins with a man named Asher who is deeply sad after losing his sons and his wife Rachel is so heartbroken that she can no longer care for their baby. Asher gets advice to move on with life even if it means making very hard choices. Later we meet Miriam, a woman in Jerusalem, who is living a hard life. Its an interesting read and I enjoyed reading it.
June 16, 2025
What The Captive's Crown does is no small thing: it places the face of divine compassion in human words. Eliana's vulnerability is not something to be "fixed," but something to be heard and something to be healed. The Prophet does not give her platitudes—what he gives her is his presence. And in so doing, he speaks a richer theology: that God enters into our pain rather than pulling us out of it from afar. The author is deeply spiritual but rooted. One of the instances that resonated with me was when Eliana had a dream about her past and woke up with sorrow and filled with grace. It is symbolic of the two-sided nature of healing. This is most especially a book relevant to people who have encountered trauma and need spiritual grounding. I read the book with more admiration for the love of Christ, especially for the worst hurt.
June 16, 2025
Perhaps one of the most moving tracks of the book is Eliana's—sinner to saint, but not merely that: object to human. The world sees her as filthy, expendable, irreparable. God sees not. And this meeting happens with stinging sharp awareness. Even when all others reject her, the Prophet's eyes have something different: recognition. The Captive's Crown is unflinching. It confronts the violence of the sin, both done to oneself and to others. But in the process, it also celebrates the miracle of healing. My favorite line was: the Prophet's words: fresh and old, gentle and authoritative. The background drops you into first-century Judea with lavish sensory detail, and the dialogue is modern in voice without losing respect. I'll be suggesting this to anyone who ever questioned whether they don't deserve to be loved.
June 9, 2022
The Captive’s Crown: A story of inclusion, diversity and redemption by Olusola Sophia Anyanwu is biblical fiction. It contains some adult content.
The main protagonist is the woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. There are many other characters (most of them fictional) from the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth. The story is told imaginatively in Sophia’s unique style.
Read more of my review here
The main protagonist is the woman who washed Jesus feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. There are many other characters (most of them fictional) from the time of Jesus’ ministry on earth. The story is told imaginatively in Sophia’s unique style.
Read more of my review here
May 19, 2025
The Captive’s Crown is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story that blends themes of inclusion, cultural tension, and spiritual awakening. Olusola Sophia Anyanwu weaves a narrative that’s not only engaging but also socially and emotionally impactful. Through the journey of the protagonist, we witness the struggle of identity, betrayal, and ultimately, healing.
The writing is poetic and rich, yet very accessible. What stood out most to me was the author’s ability to bring complex human emotions to life while maintaining hope throughout the narrative. It’s a story that leaves a lasting impression long after you finish the final page. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally rich fiction with a strong message.
The writing is poetic and rich, yet very accessible. What stood out most to me was the author’s ability to bring complex human emotions to life while maintaining hope throughout the narrative. It’s a story that leaves a lasting impression long after you finish the final page. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally rich fiction with a strong message.
June 11, 2025
Reading The Captive’s Crown felt like stepping into someone’s secret pain and watching light slowly break in. The characters, especially Eliana, are not perfect, and that’s what made them feel so real. Her backstory wasn’t easy to read, but I found myself rooting for her and the others from the start. The way the author explored inner transformation and forgiveness was powerful, especially in the way it didn’t rely on surface-level solutions. The themes of inclusion, diversity, and grace were weaved in naturally, not forced and the message of Jesus’s redemption was both gentle and strong. If you’ve ever felt disqualified by your past, this book speaks straight to that. It made me pause and reflect more than once.
Highly recommend it to readers who enjoy heartfelt, faith-based stories that don’t sugarcoat pain but still lead you toward hope.
Highly recommend it to readers who enjoy heartfelt, faith-based stories that don’t sugarcoat pain but still lead you toward hope.
June 11, 2025
This book truly left a mark on me. Eliana’s journey was raw and heartbreaking, but what kept me turning the pages was the quiet hope that wove through the story. I could feel the weight of shame, rejection, and loneliness these women carried, and I admired how Sophia Anyanwu didn’t shy away from the hard parts. Instead, she led us to a beautiful picture of healing through faith. The transition from pain to peace didn’t feel rushed-it felt earned. I’m still thinking about the moment Eliana encountered Jesus. It reminded me how redemption is possible even when we feel far gone.
This book is more than just a story-it speaks to the forgotten, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a reminder of God’s unfailing love.
This book is more than just a story-it speaks to the forgotten, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a reminder of God’s unfailing love.
June 12, 2025
The Captive’s Crown pulled me in right away not because it was fast-paced, but because it felt so personal. Eliana’s pain was difficult to witness at times, but I appreciated how the author handled her story with honesty and grace. This isn’t a “neat” redemption story-it’s layered and gradual, just like real healing. The book shows how God sees and restores even the most broken pieces. It reminded me that nothing is wasted, and no story is too far gone.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a story of hope that feels real not sugar-coated, but deeply rooted in faith.
I recommend this to anyone looking for a story of hope that feels real not sugar-coated, but deeply rooted in faith.
May 30, 2025
From Night to Dawn - A Journey
Olusola Sophia Anyanwu’s book, The captive’s crown, is a journey of exploration through divine love and compassion by Jesus, liberating the character, irrespective of the sins committed allowing them to discover freedom irrespective of their past.
The author has employed a deliberate structure, by dividing the book into eighty-seven short chapters across three sections – 'Night,' 'Twilight,' and 'Dawn.' Such an arrangement isn't merely a writing choice, but enhances the reading experience by leading the protagonist's journey from darkness and captivity ('Night'), through a period of transition and struggle ('Twilight'), towards healing, redemption, and spiritual freedom ('Dawn'). Each chapter commences with a verse from the Bible, in order to build a narrative of faith in Mother Mary.
The author has given a raw account of how the tragic path of prostitution ensues a loop around itself allowing one to get in the position of captive in distress. The narrative emphasized by the author to let go of the past and bury it in order to look ahead in the future highlights an unwavering tale of strength. I appreciate the author for bringing a tale from shadows into the dark, by keeping a raw take making it a compelling story.
Olusola Sophia Anyanwu’s book, The captive’s crown, is a journey of exploration through divine love and compassion by Jesus, liberating the character, irrespective of the sins committed allowing them to discover freedom irrespective of their past.
The author has employed a deliberate structure, by dividing the book into eighty-seven short chapters across three sections – 'Night,' 'Twilight,' and 'Dawn.' Such an arrangement isn't merely a writing choice, but enhances the reading experience by leading the protagonist's journey from darkness and captivity ('Night'), through a period of transition and struggle ('Twilight'), towards healing, redemption, and spiritual freedom ('Dawn'). Each chapter commences with a verse from the Bible, in order to build a narrative of faith in Mother Mary.
The author has given a raw account of how the tragic path of prostitution ensues a loop around itself allowing one to get in the position of captive in distress. The narrative emphasized by the author to let go of the past and bury it in order to look ahead in the future highlights an unwavering tale of strength. I appreciate the author for bringing a tale from shadows into the dark, by keeping a raw take making it a compelling story.
May 25, 2022
This story relates a journey of healing, of finding new life and turning away from a tragic path. The author spares nothing in giving an account of the negative and destructive choices the characters make in the first half of the book, especially in relation to male and female prostitution, sexual abuse and broken family relationships.
She shows the way it weaves a network that traps those who enter it, entangling them in an ever more complex and inescapable web of distress and slavery. Through this, she gives us a powerful narrative which imaginatively re-presents certain key events in the New Testament. I found it an energetic and inspired retelling of biblical stories; and in some ways the author makes us see the supernatural events of the Gospel in a new light.
The characters one by one come to meet the Prophet whose teachings are fresh, new and revolutionary, with the power to transform their lives. They are held back by the ties of an abusive past, but ultimately gain the strength to forgive even those who have done great evil to them. There is no suggestion that any of this is easy, and I found this a compelling story, and often very moving.
She shows the way it weaves a network that traps those who enter it, entangling them in an ever more complex and inescapable web of distress and slavery. Through this, she gives us a powerful narrative which imaginatively re-presents certain key events in the New Testament. I found it an energetic and inspired retelling of biblical stories; and in some ways the author makes us see the supernatural events of the Gospel in a new light.
The characters one by one come to meet the Prophet whose teachings are fresh, new and revolutionary, with the power to transform their lives. They are held back by the ties of an abusive past, but ultimately gain the strength to forgive even those who have done great evil to them. There is no suggestion that any of this is easy, and I found this a compelling story, and often very moving.
June 16, 2025
It touched a place in me I didn’t know needed healing.
Some books entertain you. This one… held me. The Captive’s Crown isn’t just a story—it’s a slow, aching kind of redemption that sneaks up on you. Eliana’s pain is so raw, so honest, that it didn’t feel like I was reading fiction. It felt like I was listening to someone trust me with the most vulnerable parts of themselves.
She’s seen as broken, dirty, forgotten. And I think, in some way, a lot of us have felt like that—maybe not in the same way, but in our own quiet battles. That’s what made her journey so personal. When the Prophet looked at her and didn’t flinch, when he spoke those words that were both strong and kind—I actually had to pause. It felt like something inside me softened, like I was being seen too.
The beauty of this book is in its truth. It doesn’t sugarcoat pain. It doesn’t pretend healing is quick or easy. But it holds your hand through it. It reminds you that even the most crushed parts of us are not beyond love.
I didn’t expect to walk away from this book feeling lighter. But I did. And I think that’s the quiet miracle of it.
Some books entertain you. This one… held me. The Captive’s Crown isn’t just a story—it’s a slow, aching kind of redemption that sneaks up on you. Eliana’s pain is so raw, so honest, that it didn’t feel like I was reading fiction. It felt like I was listening to someone trust me with the most vulnerable parts of themselves.
She’s seen as broken, dirty, forgotten. And I think, in some way, a lot of us have felt like that—maybe not in the same way, but in our own quiet battles. That’s what made her journey so personal. When the Prophet looked at her and didn’t flinch, when he spoke those words that were both strong and kind—I actually had to pause. It felt like something inside me softened, like I was being seen too.
The beauty of this book is in its truth. It doesn’t sugarcoat pain. It doesn’t pretend healing is quick or easy. But it holds your hand through it. It reminds you that even the most crushed parts of us are not beyond love.
I didn’t expect to walk away from this book feeling lighter. But I did. And I think that’s the quiet miracle of it.
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