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Valeria's Cross
In the 3rd century, pampered Roman princess Valeria falls in love with Mauritius, captain of the Theban Legion. She sends him off to battle, where he suffers under the schemes of a notorious pagan general with an ambition for power and a lust for Valeria. In a scene based on true events, the evil Galerius kills Mauritius and his entire legion for their Christian faith. And in a shocking turn of events, the grieving Valeria is forced to become Galerius’ wife against her will. Never has a marriage been set up for such failure. Valeria loathes her new husband, but he seems to undergo a change of heart, adopting a child for her and giving her power and authority, and even love. She struggles with the commitment she knows she must keep, and the love she knows she will never find again.
384 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2010
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1403 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Macias
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About Kathi
0019 Kathi Macias - EDITED emailed (2)
Kathi Macias is a multi-award winning writer who has authored nearly 40 books and ghostwritten several others. A former newspaper columnist and string reporter, Kathi has taught creative and business writing in various venues and has been a guest on many radio and television programs. Kathi is a popular speaker at churches, women’s clubs and retreats, and writers’ conferences. She won the 2008 Member of the Year award from AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association) and was the 2011 Author of the Year from BooksandAuthors.net. Her novel set in China, Red Ink, was named Golden Scrolls 2011 Novel of the Year and was also a Carol Award Finalist; her October 2012 release, Unexpected Christmas Hero, was named 2012 Book of the Year by BookandAuthors.net. Kathi “Easy Writer” Macias lives in Homeland, CA, with her husband.
Kathi is passionate about The Voice of the Martyrs and Open Doors. To learn more about the persecuted church, please visit VOM’s website and Open Doors Website
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October 7, 2013My first inspirational, and my last. The research is extraordinarily choppy, and the authors run the characters like puppets. Most of them have changes of heart/attitude that make no sense at all. I'm amazed how an author (or two) can run such an interesting premise so completely into the ground. Also, France (or girls with the name "Colette") didn't really exist in 200-300 AD. NOT recommended as a historical, and overall not recommended unless you need a Christian fix.
(I'm very tempted to write a book covering the same issues from the pagan POv. MUCH more interesting than the incessant "I'll pray it gets better - oh look, everybody I care about dies.")
(I'm very tempted to write a book covering the same issues from the pagan POv. MUCH more interesting than the incessant "I'll pray it gets better - oh look, everybody I care about dies.")
August 15, 2019
Didn't like it. The writing could have been better. Her first love was a man she knew virtually nothing about, they loved the idea of each other, you have to know someone to have a deep and meaningful relationship. What they had was a strong attraction to each other with the potential to develop into love. The main character was continuously doing things that might be valued today, but would have been extremely rude in her time. It was hard to believe. In the beginning of the book she could have been 11 the way she thinks and is described. Plus, really, the girl has a strong response to every man who flirts with her. Is it too much to ask she not want to sleep with every dude who glances in her direction? Yes, I know she doesn't, but she barely resists. Lame heroine if you ask me. Her mother was amazing and her best friend, I'd have prefered to read more about them. I'm greatful this was a free book.
May 2, 2010
Valeria's Cross is an incredible tale set during a time period when being a Christian could be deadly. I've read several books in the past year from the same time period such as Guardian of the Flame and Cleopatra's Daughter, and this book surpasses them all. Full of passion for people and for the Lord, this story really takes a look at Valeria's life and her purpose during that tumultuous period in history.
Though a fictional account, I found Valeria's Cross to be very believable. The struggles and temptations that Valeria faced were so realistically done that it left me breathless. I totally understood her pain and her passion. She had a difficult life of having to continually rectify her faith with the things her station required because of her role and position as Diocletian's daughter.
I grieved with Valeria more than once. She was a true martyr, in my opinion, for having to do so many things that she resisted at first, yet eventually conceded to. While women had some influence, they clearly had no power during that generation. Her suffering paid off, though, several times and she did experience joy in her life despite the heartache that preceded it.
It fascinated me how the sign of the cross and ashes on the forehead were used by the early church as a way Christians showed their allegiance to Christ when they were forced to participate in pagan ceremonies, or die. Valeria was a compassionate and likable character whose doubts and feelings rang true to me. Her life exemplified true forgiveness and she had a powerful testimony.
What I loved best about Valeria was that she was portrayed as very human. She suffered from many temptations that are rarely shown in Christian fiction, which impressed me all the more. This sweeping romance was powerfully written, and emotionally evocative. Bottom line...I was enthralled with this story. It's definitely making my best fiction of 2010 list!
Though a fictional account, I found Valeria's Cross to be very believable. The struggles and temptations that Valeria faced were so realistically done that it left me breathless. I totally understood her pain and her passion. She had a difficult life of having to continually rectify her faith with the things her station required because of her role and position as Diocletian's daughter.
I grieved with Valeria more than once. She was a true martyr, in my opinion, for having to do so many things that she resisted at first, yet eventually conceded to. While women had some influence, they clearly had no power during that generation. Her suffering paid off, though, several times and she did experience joy in her life despite the heartache that preceded it.
It fascinated me how the sign of the cross and ashes on the forehead were used by the early church as a way Christians showed their allegiance to Christ when they were forced to participate in pagan ceremonies, or die. Valeria was a compassionate and likable character whose doubts and feelings rang true to me. Her life exemplified true forgiveness and she had a powerful testimony.
What I loved best about Valeria was that she was portrayed as very human. She suffered from many temptations that are rarely shown in Christian fiction, which impressed me all the more. This sweeping romance was powerfully written, and emotionally evocative. Bottom line...I was enthralled with this story. It's definitely making my best fiction of 2010 list!
November 23, 2015
I don't really know what to think about this book. I'm going to rate it one star for now; because it just gave me an empty feeling.
For one, Valeria and her mother didn't seem very strong in their faith (secretly made the sign of the cross while the practiced pagan sacrifices), and in the end, they weren't even actually martyred for the faith. Oh, not to mention, the beheadings were in a little too much gory detail for me! I don't know... it's like, if you're going to make the main character die in the end, why not make it for some noble cause? Valeria was so halfhearted about following Jesus a lot of the time... it just made me sad! Yes, in the end, she went calmly to her death, but she died because her husband and father persecuted Christians... I mean, really?
Apparently Valeria really once lived, and that's how she died... but why write a book about it? It just made me feel sick and sad. Some parts were really interesting and good, but in the end, it just felt kind of empty.
Maybe write a book about Stephen if you're going to make your main character die. I mean, that story is powerful! Stephen had great faith! -Forgave (on the spot) the ones who killed him. -Looked up into heaven and saw Jesus STANDING at the right hand of God! Now that's inspiring. That's incredible.
Yeah. Valeria's Cross was just too much for me. Sad, true-life story... but I'm not sure I see the significance. Apparently, it is not known if Valeria was actually a Christian, or just sympathetic to the cause.
I don't mean to bash the book or the authors!! I just had my qualms.
For one, Valeria and her mother didn't seem very strong in their faith (secretly made the sign of the cross while the practiced pagan sacrifices), and in the end, they weren't even actually martyred for the faith. Oh, not to mention, the beheadings were in a little too much gory detail for me! I don't know... it's like, if you're going to make the main character die in the end, why not make it for some noble cause? Valeria was so halfhearted about following Jesus a lot of the time... it just made me sad! Yes, in the end, she went calmly to her death, but she died because her husband and father persecuted Christians... I mean, really?
Apparently Valeria really once lived, and that's how she died... but why write a book about it? It just made me feel sick and sad. Some parts were really interesting and good, but in the end, it just felt kind of empty.
Maybe write a book about Stephen if you're going to make your main character die. I mean, that story is powerful! Stephen had great faith! -Forgave (on the spot) the ones who killed him. -Looked up into heaven and saw Jesus STANDING at the right hand of God! Now that's inspiring. That's incredible.
Yeah. Valeria's Cross was just too much for me. Sad, true-life story... but I'm not sure I see the significance. Apparently, it is not known if Valeria was actually a Christian, or just sympathetic to the cause.
I don't mean to bash the book or the authors!! I just had my qualms.
September 13, 2010
I was pretty disappointed in this book. But I’ll get to that in a minute. I had no *idea* that this book was based on true events and people. I thought it was completely fiction. However, I still thought that the writing could have been a little better. Especially at the beginning you were “told” things that were happening in Valeria’s life rather than experiencing them with her. It was a little like listening to a speaker who talked in a monologue. You were told things a little impassively and that didn’t help me to create a “relationship” with Valeria and be interested in her personally.
Now, I understand that for the most part this is a true story so they couldn’t change what happened in any big way, but I cried and cried throughout this whole book! The persecution of the Christians was well portrayed, but I tend to like stories that have the persecution and a redeeming ending. So for the most part, my disappointment in the book couldn’t be helped since it was based on real people’s lives, but I still think the writing could have been better. (I hate to give an unfavorable review, but this was my honest opinion. I sincerely hope that other people will enjoy the book more than I did.)
Now, I understand that for the most part this is a true story so they couldn’t change what happened in any big way, but I cried and cried throughout this whole book! The persecution of the Christians was well portrayed, but I tend to like stories that have the persecution and a redeeming ending. So for the most part, my disappointment in the book couldn’t be helped since it was based on real people’s lives, but I still think the writing could have been better. (I hate to give an unfavorable review, but this was my honest opinion. I sincerely hope that other people will enjoy the book more than I did.)
January 3, 2011
Talk about heart-renching, heart-warming, and heart-breaking all rolled into one gripping story! A few things to caution - this is for an older teen group as there are non-descriptive, just obvious, scenes of consummation of a couples marriage, the desire/temptation to commit adultery, and a disease that takes place on the private parts of a man(not descriptive just known - but it was an amazing story. After about 2/3 through it it began to read like a history book rather than a novel, but a big 5 stars still go to this wonderful story. It will have you feeling every emotion that Valeria goes through, and you will feel like you are living with her in the late 200s and early 300s AD in the Roman empire.
When you finish this book you will be awestruck at the powerful message of respect and obedience to one's husband, even in an unequally yoked, forced marriage, the acceptance of God's will, the unnatural forgiveness of wrongs, and a faith that endures.
When you finish this book you will be awestruck at the powerful message of respect and obedience to one's husband, even in an unequally yoked, forced marriage, the acceptance of God's will, the unnatural forgiveness of wrongs, and a faith that endures.
January 12, 2011
This book was new for me because I generally don't read historical fiction, although I love history. I wasn't sure what to expect, but what I found was myself being sucked back into time and into Valeria's heart and mind. I screamed inside with outrage when one thing after another happened unfairly. I kept thinking things will change. I know it! But they never did in ways I expected. However, it only made me love the story more.
I cringed at Galerius, yet found myself loving him and then hating him again and again.
I had to pull myself together just to read the last few pages, since I was smearing my glasses with tears. A beautiful book of love, loss, and great persecution. I don't know how much more historical fiction I'll read, but you can bet, I'll be reading from this author no matter what she writes! Superb book!
I cringed at Galerius, yet found myself loving him and then hating him again and again.
I had to pull myself together just to read the last few pages, since I was smearing my glasses with tears. A beautiful book of love, loss, and great persecution. I don't know how much more historical fiction I'll read, but you can bet, I'll be reading from this author no matter what she writes! Superb book!
January 1, 2015
SUMMARY: In the 3rd century, pampered Roman princess Valeria falls in love with Mauritius, captain of the Theban Legion. She sends him off to battle, where he suffers under the schemes of a notorious pagan general with an ambition for power and a lust for Valeria. In a scene based on true events, the evil Galerius kills Mauritius and his entire legion for their Christian faith. And in a shocking turn of events, the grieving Valeria is forced to become Galerius’ wife against her will. Never has a marriage been set up for such failure. Valeria loathes her new husband, but he seems to undergo a change of heart, adopting a child for her and giving her power and authority, and even love. She struggles with the commitment she knows she must keep, and the love she knows she will never find again.
REVIEW: This story takes place 200-250 years after the death of Christ during the early development of the Christian faith as well as a time when Roman gods and goddesses were the mainstay of religion in the Roman Empire. The leaders of the empire and their minions were engrossed in the worship of and sacrifice to these idols. Kathy Macias and Susan Wales through meticulous historical research have woven the tale of Valeria and her mother, Christian women, in the midst of this idol worship and Christian persecution. I found this story fascinating and the glimpse into this time period well done. It gives a true perspective of the strength of faith of the early Christian (and we are seeing it again today in many countries) as they gave their lives in staunch support of their faith going to their deaths singing and praising God.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Her first concern is her Lord, and then her husband, according to God's plan. God gives us all different roles in life."
"God is greater than your circumstances."
"Love never dies....Only people do. When love is all that is left of someone, you must give away that love and not keep it all for yourself."
"The consequences of our actions are also God's gift to us because it allows us sinners a second chance to make things right with Him."
REVIEW: This story takes place 200-250 years after the death of Christ during the early development of the Christian faith as well as a time when Roman gods and goddesses were the mainstay of religion in the Roman Empire. The leaders of the empire and their minions were engrossed in the worship of and sacrifice to these idols. Kathy Macias and Susan Wales through meticulous historical research have woven the tale of Valeria and her mother, Christian women, in the midst of this idol worship and Christian persecution. I found this story fascinating and the glimpse into this time period well done. It gives a true perspective of the strength of faith of the early Christian (and we are seeing it again today in many countries) as they gave their lives in staunch support of their faith going to their deaths singing and praising God.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "Her first concern is her Lord, and then her husband, according to God's plan. God gives us all different roles in life."
"God is greater than your circumstances."
"Love never dies....Only people do. When love is all that is left of someone, you must give away that love and not keep it all for yourself."
"The consequences of our actions are also God's gift to us because it allows us sinners a second chance to make things right with Him."
January 7, 2011
This book did a fantastic job setting the stage and making you believe you were there with Valeria - living what the early church went through. I felt her pain as she heard the news about Mauritius and his entire legion being killed for their faith. Even more telling, I felt the misgivings and pain of the soldier ordered to kill Mauritius.
Nothing is black or white in this story world. Valeria hates what her father has done, but worries about his health and cares about him and wants him to accept Christ. You see her have problems saying things from the old religion she grew up with just because it's habit and comfortable. She goes through a period where she isn't sure what she believes anymore. When she is forced to marry the man who is chiefly behind the persecution of the Christians, she rebels and is angry for quite a while. She has moments of jealousy - even towards her best friend. In short, Valeria reacted just like I think a real person in her position would have.
I don't like to read books that depress me. There were a lot of... negative things that happened in this book but because of the way the characters interact with each other, it never feels like you need to walk away. In fact you pull for them more and care about what will happen to them and wonder how they're going to handle the next obstacle that comes their way.
This is one of the best books I've ever read about this time period. It's a contender for my best books of the year as well. The plot moves along at a good pace, the authors did a fantastic job developing their characters and their is some nice romance - and true love - to sweeten it all up. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest this book to anyone. It's a great read.
Nothing is black or white in this story world. Valeria hates what her father has done, but worries about his health and cares about him and wants him to accept Christ. You see her have problems saying things from the old religion she grew up with just because it's habit and comfortable. She goes through a period where she isn't sure what she believes anymore. When she is forced to marry the man who is chiefly behind the persecution of the Christians, she rebels and is angry for quite a while. She has moments of jealousy - even towards her best friend. In short, Valeria reacted just like I think a real person in her position would have.
I don't like to read books that depress me. There were a lot of... negative things that happened in this book but because of the way the characters interact with each other, it never feels like you need to walk away. In fact you pull for them more and care about what will happen to them and wonder how they're going to handle the next obstacle that comes their way.
This is one of the best books I've ever read about this time period. It's a contender for my best books of the year as well. The plot moves along at a good pace, the authors did a fantastic job developing their characters and their is some nice romance - and true love - to sweeten it all up. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest this book to anyone. It's a great read.
November 15, 2010
There were a few spelling/grammatical errors-next book I'll take note of where, etc.
My interests are listed on http://www.netgalley.com/ as Christian, Historical, Romance, and a few others. Just so you know a bit about me, I'm a devoted Jane Austen fan, love Mary Connealy's humor and spunk, and love Julie Lessman's and Deeanne Gist's 'hotness factor' (to coin a phrase from my dear friend, Angie). I really tend to see things like a movie in my head as I'm reading. Although the description listed with this book appears to be like any typical historical romance, Valeria's Cross was not for me.
It's Christian and Historical to be sure. I learned the probable beginning of people making the sign of the cross across their face or chests and the use of ashes on the forehead. However, it was like reading about a woman's love life and spiritual struggles in the middle of a 3rd century holocaust. Well, it was a holocaust.
Valeria's personal struggles with being a new Christian and a royal seemed real. Also, her realization of her physical response to a man's touch were very real. However, the spiritual and romantic struggles took a back seat to the Christian slayings (probably because of my visual imagination) and that's where things went wrong for me. There is no part of Valeria's life left unscathed. From her emperor father that arranges marriage to her beloved's killer to her son's blood splattering on her face to the color of her eyes changing as her head rolled off the chopping block(--ew/cringe--and I'm a surgery nurse)!
I'm thinking,'This was not what I expect from a romance novel.' She does experience love and joy to some extent, but, for me, she took a back seat to the pagan sacrifices and Christians deaths.
My interests are listed on http://www.netgalley.com/ as Christian, Historical, Romance, and a few others. Just so you know a bit about me, I'm a devoted Jane Austen fan, love Mary Connealy's humor and spunk, and love Julie Lessman's and Deeanne Gist's 'hotness factor' (to coin a phrase from my dear friend, Angie). I really tend to see things like a movie in my head as I'm reading. Although the description listed with this book appears to be like any typical historical romance, Valeria's Cross was not for me.
It's Christian and Historical to be sure. I learned the probable beginning of people making the sign of the cross across their face or chests and the use of ashes on the forehead. However, it was like reading about a woman's love life and spiritual struggles in the middle of a 3rd century holocaust. Well, it was a holocaust.
Valeria's personal struggles with being a new Christian and a royal seemed real. Also, her realization of her physical response to a man's touch were very real. However, the spiritual and romantic struggles took a back seat to the Christian slayings (probably because of my visual imagination) and that's where things went wrong for me. There is no part of Valeria's life left unscathed. From her emperor father that arranges marriage to her beloved's killer to her son's blood splattering on her face to the color of her eyes changing as her head rolled off the chopping block(--ew/cringe--and I'm a surgery nurse)!
I'm thinking,'This was not what I expect from a romance novel.' She does experience love and joy to some extent, but, for me, she took a back seat to the pagan sacrifices and Christians deaths.
July 23, 2010
Valeria, daughter of Roman Emperor Diocletian, accepts Christ and denies the false gods worshipped by her father. She then falls in love with Mauritius, captain of the Theban Legion, who also worships the one true God.
But a third-century woman, even a princess, has little power over her own life. In a devastating series of events, Mauritius is killed by Diocletian's general, Galerius, who hates Christians and wants Valeria for himself. Crushed by the death of the man she loves, the young woman is forced into an arranged marriage with a man she detests--the general who killed the love of her life.
Can a woman truly find happiness with a man like Galerius? Would she even try?
Valeria's Cross is the story of a woman strong enough to bend, but never break. Fulfilling the prophecy of a blind priest, her life becomes a powerful testimony to Christianity. She's not perfect. Costly mistakes are made, which only make her story more believable. But Valeria's ultimate faith in God, and trust in His plan, is a shining example of total submission...all the way to the end.
Not your everyday love story. Based in part on historical events, Valeria's Cross is almost too realistic. It is not an "easy read." Not the book to pick up for an afternoon of escape from reality. Neither lighthearted romance nor edge-of-the-seat suspense. But if you enjoy a well-written book with no promise of a happily ever...if you like an interesting storyline with disturbing undercurrents and a healthy dose of history, this could be the book for you.
You will close the last page determined to be a better, stronger, more dedicated Christian.
But a third-century woman, even a princess, has little power over her own life. In a devastating series of events, Mauritius is killed by Diocletian's general, Galerius, who hates Christians and wants Valeria for himself. Crushed by the death of the man she loves, the young woman is forced into an arranged marriage with a man she detests--the general who killed the love of her life.
Can a woman truly find happiness with a man like Galerius? Would she even try?
Valeria's Cross is the story of a woman strong enough to bend, but never break. Fulfilling the prophecy of a blind priest, her life becomes a powerful testimony to Christianity. She's not perfect. Costly mistakes are made, which only make her story more believable. But Valeria's ultimate faith in God, and trust in His plan, is a shining example of total submission...all the way to the end.
Not your everyday love story. Based in part on historical events, Valeria's Cross is almost too realistic. It is not an "easy read." Not the book to pick up for an afternoon of escape from reality. Neither lighthearted romance nor edge-of-the-seat suspense. But if you enjoy a well-written book with no promise of a happily ever...if you like an interesting storyline with disturbing undercurrents and a healthy dose of history, this could be the book for you.
You will close the last page determined to be a better, stronger, more dedicated Christian.
October 15, 2010
VALERIA'S CROSS by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales is a inspirational historical set during the Roman Empire era. It is well written with depth and details. It has courage, faith, hope, adventure, persecution of Christian's, martyrs, betrayal, the Roman Empire, sacrifice, Christianity, history, fear, following your faith, finding your destiny,hate, practicing the pagan faith, an emperor's daughter,Valeria, his wife, Prisca and a forced marriage between his daughter and a pagan general. Valeria is forced into a marriage to Gallerias, a pagan general, after she learns he had her true love, sacrificed and his christian soldier's "The The ban Legion".Valeria is beautiful, young, covert ed to Christianity, loves a man that was a christian and murdered/sacrificed by Galerius. This book is detailed with historical facts and shows the struggles and sacrifices the Christians endured during this period to practice their faith. This is an intense, sad, heartbreaking story of the wife,Prisca and daugther,Valeria, of the emperor, Diocletian and the persecution of Christians during this era, their deaths, cruelty, and finally after years of exile and hiding, the deaths of Valeria and her mother Prisca. I would recommend this book especially if you enjoy Christian history, the Roman Empire history, the struggles of Christianity and the overwhelming faith, bravery and honor of these Christians in order to practice their faith. This book was received for review from Net Galley and details can be found at Abingdon Press and My Book Addiction and More.
April 2, 2012
I was not quite sure how I felt about this book when I first began reading it. As I have read in other reviews, I did feel that the story was dictated to me almost like a textbook instead of experiencing the events with Valeria. I was disappointed in the cut-throat transformation given for Prisca and Valeria's conversion to Christianity, for example. I was enlightened when Maruitius came into the story, and then disheartened once he was no longer there. I did not find a true interest in the story until just a bit past the halfway point, where the story line picked up again. As Valeria matured with her love for her husband despite his crimes, I found myself more sympathetic toward her plight.
Originally reading this book, I was tempted to give it a rating of 2. Thankfully, the second half of the story picked up the interest and I can honestly say that I liked it, even if it was not one of my favorite reads. I felt that story could have been written better-- the writing style was not one I generally enjoy.
Originally reading this book, I was tempted to give it a rating of 2. Thankfully, the second half of the story picked up the interest and I can honestly say that I liked it, even if it was not one of my favorite reads. I felt that story could have been written better-- the writing style was not one I generally enjoy.
April 30, 2022
The only reason I finished reading this problematic, poorly written book of two-dimensional characters was because I received it as a gift. I wanted to like it because I'm all about putting women back into history. But despite every chapter repeatedly stating, "God has a plan for you," in the end, Galerius's change of heart twoard Christianity doesn't appear to have anything to do with Valeria's actions. The portrayal of Valeria and her faith remained disappointly trifling.
February 3, 2025
God, can we *please* make it obvious when books are going to be religious? I'm only writing this after realizing that, in a way, you can use Goodreads for this. Besides the fact that this book is horribly written, it's summary on the inside of the book is *gravely* misleading. My assumption of this book was that it was be a steamy, enemies-to-lovers type but holy heck was I wrong.
November 30, 2023
The portrayal of Valeria in this story is terrible . One moment she's consumed with grief for the love she lost and the next she's so excited to be with the guy who martyred her first love, because "God worked such a miracle in her heart". And there is a lot more in that vein!
November 20, 2023
Excellent historical fiction. Very possibly true
March 14, 2011
3.5/5
Valeria se enamora de Mauritius, el capitán de la Legión Tebana (soldados del imperio romano, pertenecientes a Egipto). Él se enamora de ella también, sin embargo, Mauritius sabe que al emperador no le gustará que el marido de su hija sea un simple capitán, así que se va a la guerra para servir a Roma y con el buen desempeño en el campo de batalla, el emperador Diocletan no podrá negarle la mano de su hija Valeria en matrimonio.
El General Galerius se sintió atraído por la pequeña Valeria desde que la vio en Egipto, durante la visita que la familia real hacía en esas tierras; y está dispuesto a todo por quedarse con el Imperio y con Valeria, lo único que debe hacer es sacar a Mauritius del medio.
Después de la muerte del capitán y de todo su ejército, que al profesar la fe cristiana no quisieron presenciar los sacrificios que los romanos hacían a sus dioses, Galerius logra que el emperador le permita casarse con Valeria, con la condición de que se divorcie de su primer esposa y nunca la vuelva a ver.
Después de la boda, Valeria sigue odiando a su marido, aunque él parece hacer todo para complacerla. ¿Podrá Valeria aprender a perdonar?
Me ha gustado la novela en su mayor parte, aunque es una novela cristiana y se nota rápido que está escrita con ese fin, por eso flaqueé en varios capítulos, donde sentía que no podía más con tanto amarás a dios y a su hijo que murió por tus pecados... creo que una persona que sí profese el cristianismo podría sentirse mejor con la lectura, pero ha caído en las manos equivocadas, por lo demás, dar a conocer una historia de la vida real es muy interesante, en este caso, por la falta de información al respecto, las autoras han rellenado ciertos huecos de manera encomiable.
No hallaba cuál era el meollo de esta historia, pero creo que es el perdón y el abrazar la fe cristiana, y los mártires. En cuestión de perdón, vaya que Valeria se las lleva de todas todas. La conversión al cristianismo por parte de ciertos personajes se me hizo un poco tarde, aunque mucha gente dirá que nunca es tarde para creer, lo que sí es que el pobre se fue con la creencia de que sería aceptado en el cielo, o sea que pese a todo lo que sufre, al final se va con un poco de esperanzas... supongo que eso es bueno.
En cuestión de los mártires, todo me pareció muy real y en cierto modo me gustó esa realidad que le imprimieron las autoras, lo que me desagradó totalmente fue el final. Yo creo que como mártires, pues sí, debía ser expuesto lo que les tocó vivir a manos de los romanos, pero es demasiado para mi gusto, la imagen visual de ese último párrafo deja con un mal sabor de boca.
Una cosa que me confundió bastante fue que Galerius pinta para ser un verdadero malvado, totalmente sin escrúpulos. Ya había matado a Mauritius, dejó a su mujer para poder casarse con Valeria, le quitó a sus hijos porque eran suyos y ahora la madre de ellos tenía que ser su nueva mujer; y cuando recién lo conocemos, de hecho, veía a Valeria con ojos de lobo mirando a su presa, que yo creí que la noche de bodas sería todo un horror... No fue así, lo cual fue muy lindo de su parte, pero totalmente contradictorio a lo que se veía de él en un principio... más adelante nos es obvio que ama a Valeria y aún así, de pronto tiene unos arranques medio violentos, pero no era lo que hubiera esperado de él, jamás. No la puedo recomendar porque creo que no es un tipo de lectura apta para todo mundo.
Valeria se enamora de Mauritius, el capitán de la Legión Tebana (soldados del imperio romano, pertenecientes a Egipto). Él se enamora de ella también, sin embargo, Mauritius sabe que al emperador no le gustará que el marido de su hija sea un simple capitán, así que se va a la guerra para servir a Roma y con el buen desempeño en el campo de batalla, el emperador Diocletan no podrá negarle la mano de su hija Valeria en matrimonio.
El General Galerius se sintió atraído por la pequeña Valeria desde que la vio en Egipto, durante la visita que la familia real hacía en esas tierras; y está dispuesto a todo por quedarse con el Imperio y con Valeria, lo único que debe hacer es sacar a Mauritius del medio.
Después de la muerte del capitán y de todo su ejército, que al profesar la fe cristiana no quisieron presenciar los sacrificios que los romanos hacían a sus dioses, Galerius logra que el emperador le permita casarse con Valeria, con la condición de que se divorcie de su primer esposa y nunca la vuelva a ver.
Después de la boda, Valeria sigue odiando a su marido, aunque él parece hacer todo para complacerla. ¿Podrá Valeria aprender a perdonar?
Me ha gustado la novela en su mayor parte, aunque es una novela cristiana y se nota rápido que está escrita con ese fin, por eso flaqueé en varios capítulos, donde sentía que no podía más con tanto amarás a dios y a su hijo que murió por tus pecados... creo que una persona que sí profese el cristianismo podría sentirse mejor con la lectura, pero ha caído en las manos equivocadas, por lo demás, dar a conocer una historia de la vida real es muy interesante, en este caso, por la falta de información al respecto, las autoras han rellenado ciertos huecos de manera encomiable.
No hallaba cuál era el meollo de esta historia, pero creo que es el perdón y el abrazar la fe cristiana, y los mártires. En cuestión de perdón, vaya que Valeria se las lleva de todas todas. La conversión al cristianismo por parte de ciertos personajes se me hizo un poco tarde, aunque mucha gente dirá que nunca es tarde para creer, lo que sí es que el pobre se fue con la creencia de que sería aceptado en el cielo, o sea que pese a todo lo que sufre, al final se va con un poco de esperanzas... supongo que eso es bueno.
En cuestión de los mártires, todo me pareció muy real y en cierto modo me gustó esa realidad que le imprimieron las autoras, lo que me desagradó totalmente fue el final. Yo creo que como mártires, pues sí, debía ser expuesto lo que les tocó vivir a manos de los romanos, pero es demasiado para mi gusto, la imagen visual de ese último párrafo deja con un mal sabor de boca.
Una cosa que me confundió bastante fue que Galerius pinta para ser un verdadero malvado, totalmente sin escrúpulos. Ya había matado a Mauritius, dejó a su mujer para poder casarse con Valeria, le quitó a sus hijos porque eran suyos y ahora la madre de ellos tenía que ser su nueva mujer; y cuando recién lo conocemos, de hecho, veía a Valeria con ojos de lobo mirando a su presa, que yo creí que la noche de bodas sería todo un horror... No fue así, lo cual fue muy lindo de su parte, pero totalmente contradictorio a lo que se veía de él en un principio... más adelante nos es obvio que ama a Valeria y aún así, de pronto tiene unos arranques medio violentos, pero no era lo que hubiera esperado de él, jamás. No la puedo recomendar porque creo que no es un tipo de lectura apta para todo mundo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2012
I don’t like it when a book is written in a way that over explains things. The dialogue was choppy and ungraceful most of the time. What kept me reading, though, is the fascinating storyline. Your lover is killed by a ruthless general and you are forced to marry this general shortly afterwards. Can you imagine?! This is a time where woman had no voice, so she couldn’t just walk away and say No, although, kudos to her for trying. I believe the description of this book is a little misleading as there is only a very small portion of romance in this story. (I’m not complaining-just saying) There is a whole other story going on that was captivating to read about.
Valeria and her Mother were Christian’s living with a Pagan Emperor. When this was first introduced in the book, the authors didn’t make a big deal about it. Our characters just kinda went around from church to priest learning and practicing the religion. I didn’t realize it was such an issue until they started delving into the whole Christian persecutions. I wish the authors had taken the time to express how dangerous it was for Valeria and her Mother to want to change over to this new religion. Why did they want to change? Why did their Emperor (Father/Husband) allow it.
Even though the description of the book states it is a story based on true events, I somehow missed that and didn’t realize until the Author’s note that these are real people, real events. The things I’m still learning!
So, while not an overly well written story, captivating none-the-less and I’m glad I read it. And, the book cover is beautiful!
Valeria and her Mother were Christian’s living with a Pagan Emperor. When this was first introduced in the book, the authors didn’t make a big deal about it. Our characters just kinda went around from church to priest learning and practicing the religion. I didn’t realize it was such an issue until they started delving into the whole Christian persecutions. I wish the authors had taken the time to express how dangerous it was for Valeria and her Mother to want to change over to this new religion. Why did they want to change? Why did their Emperor (Father/Husband) allow it.
Even though the description of the book states it is a story based on true events, I somehow missed that and didn’t realize until the Author’s note that these are real people, real events. The things I’m still learning!
So, while not an overly well written story, captivating none-the-less and I’m glad I read it. And, the book cover is beautiful!
February 27, 2012
I recieved a copy from netgalley.com
I can hardly believe that this is a fiction book. The events were portrayed so accurately that it did seem like they were real. From the very first page I was intrigued by this book and it didn't take me very long to finish as I just wanted to find out what was going to happen next.
There seems to be real emotions between the characters that this gives the book a depth of reality. This connection is especially strong between Valeria and Galerius.
I loved how the author portrayed Valeria. She was portrayed as a very realistic characters as she went through real human emotions. This added a depth of originality to the book and hows how talented the authors are.
I usually stay away from books that have two authors as I feel sometimes they just don't flow. However after reading the description of this book, i was intrigued and the two authors work so well together that you can not tell that it was written by more than one person. Again this is a credit to the authors talents.
This book is extremely well written and though it is not your everyday romance story it is a great read. This book should stand alone on the shelves so more people will read it. I hope this book will become a best seller and enjoyed by everyone that reads it.
This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com
I can hardly believe that this is a fiction book. The events were portrayed so accurately that it did seem like they were real. From the very first page I was intrigued by this book and it didn't take me very long to finish as I just wanted to find out what was going to happen next.
There seems to be real emotions between the characters that this gives the book a depth of reality. This connection is especially strong between Valeria and Galerius.
I loved how the author portrayed Valeria. She was portrayed as a very realistic characters as she went through real human emotions. This added a depth of originality to the book and hows how talented the authors are.
I usually stay away from books that have two authors as I feel sometimes they just don't flow. However after reading the description of this book, i was intrigued and the two authors work so well together that you can not tell that it was written by more than one person. Again this is a credit to the authors talents.
This book is extremely well written and though it is not your everyday romance story it is a great read. This book should stand alone on the shelves so more people will read it. I hope this book will become a best seller and enjoyed by everyone that reads it.
This review was first published on http://everybookhasasoul.wordpress.com
November 9, 2010
This is a tough book to talk about. I was so completed riveted throughout the book, but I was also completely depressed. In a book that is almost nothing but sad events, I always like the sadness to be broken up a little bit here and there with something. That something can be romance (there was some but it was all at the beginning), humor, whatever, but Valeria's Cross didn't let up, there was practically no time to catch a breath...Now all that being said, this book is good! That's why I feel so torn, I found it so depressing, but the events and characters so riveting. I'm still thinking about the book a ton, and I finished it over a week ago. I have read 3 or 4 books since, but my thoughts continue to stray to Valeria...
To read the full review over at The Book Buff, click here: http://thebookbuff.blogspot.com/2010/...
-Kate the Book Buff
To read the full review over at The Book Buff, click here: http://thebookbuff.blogspot.com/2010/...
-Kate the Book Buff
January 31, 2011
This book was...interesting. It was a neat read, but I had a hard time staying 'in' the book. At times I felt like I was reading a history book instead of a historical fiction, and I often found myself - towards the end of the book - to skim the pages as I searched for the continuation to the story. A lot of history, which in and of itself isnt bad...but I had a hard time staying interested. Often times i felt that the story was very impersonal. People were killed - people dear to Valeria, the main character - and it told so swiftly and without emotion that I didn't even feel for the character. I mean, I felt sad at the characters death, but it was so swift, unexpected, and told so factually, that I didn't actually FEEL the characters sorrow.
It was a neat read, though, and I am glad I read it. But I don't think I will get the desire to pick it up and re-read it...
It was a neat read, though, and I am glad I read it. But I don't think I will get the desire to pick it up and re-read it...
June 9, 2011
This book covers an under-researched and under-utilized era of church history -- the era between the early Christians of the 1st century and the fall of Rome. In fact until Paul L. Maier's Flames of Roem (Nero era) and the Thoene A.D. Chronicles, there are few other novels set in this era, and those afore mentioned tend to be earlier. So I really liked the premise. I did feel at times the actual story telling had moments of falling into "telling" the reader that Valeria felt this or that -- not showing me -- so I never really understood, for instance, why she had a complex relationship with Galerius--except the authors told me so -- but I never really saw the real motivations for it, which left what could have been a really compelling part of the novel as rather flat to me.
December 29, 2010
I downloaded this as a free Kindle book. The premise of the book intrigued me and I figured at the price, I didn't have anything to lose. I was truly surprised at how involved I became in Valeria's story. I actually found myself tearing up at times, which generally doesn't happen with me.
As a Christian, I was both proud and ashamed at how the followers of Christ handled themselves during this part of our history. it was very humbling to have a little closest look at what it might have been like to live then - and this was for the daughter of the Roman Emperor! How much more difficult for the average Christian. It really gave me much to think about in terms of my own faith and how it walks itself out in daily life.
As a Christian, I was both proud and ashamed at how the followers of Christ handled themselves during this part of our history. it was very humbling to have a little closest look at what it might have been like to live then - and this was for the daughter of the Roman Emperor! How much more difficult for the average Christian. It really gave me much to think about in terms of my own faith and how it walks itself out in daily life.
October 29, 2012
The story itself is sad, heartbreaking, and good...I've heard it was based on a true story as well. But the way the characters' emotions are portrayed drove me nuts and that's why the book is getting such a low rating. The emotions are all over the map, sounding like a rant of "oh he's a monster...I love him though...he's such a monster, I'll never love him again...oh I love him anyway." Guh. And I understand faith was hard in the days of persecution, not easy like we have it now...but the up and down responses of Valeria were tiring, and the assurances of her mother were usually more annoing than uplifting. I couldn't really feel either one of them as being a real person, so the whole thing just felt fake.
February 27, 2012
Intense.. Long, because it covers her life from 14 to death.
One thing I would have wished for was her age more often for a reference of how much time was passing. Time was a bit vague through the book. I found this frustrating
I would give this four stars normally but am going five because of the way the feelings and emotional confusion were captured to a T on how a Christian wife praying for, loving and yet fearing her violent sinful husband lives in a constant state of not even understanding how she can feel the way she does about someone like that, except that it is God's love reaching out to him giving him another chance.
It's just sad that in the end they don't all accept it.
One thing I would have wished for was her age more often for a reference of how much time was passing. Time was a bit vague through the book. I found this frustrating
I would give this four stars normally but am going five because of the way the feelings and emotional confusion were captured to a T on how a Christian wife praying for, loving and yet fearing her violent sinful husband lives in a constant state of not even understanding how she can feel the way she does about someone like that, except that it is God's love reaching out to him giving him another chance.
It's just sad that in the end they don't all accept it.
January 16, 2016
I don't usually give books two stars. But this book attempted too much at once. The characters had unrealistic changes of heart within a matter of paragraphs, and overall, I felt like I was reading a historical account with some dialogue and thoughts thrown in to make it sound like a narrative. The descriptions were particularly vague, and the parts that contained Scripture felt cheapened by the rest of the book. Unfortunately, I would not recommend this book to anybody.
Perhaps I should not have read this book right after reading Corrie ten Boom's "The Hiding Place", an excellent 5/5 star true story set in Holland during WW2.
Perhaps I should not have read this book right after reading Corrie ten Boom's "The Hiding Place", an excellent 5/5 star true story set in Holland during WW2.
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August 18, 2010As much as I wish I could have loved this book (the cover caught my eye and drew me in), after the first fifty pages I felt as if I were reading the script of something that high-schoolers might perform at a Bible camp.
The dialog was jilted and the descriptions, while nicely written, reminded me of something that a good student might write while researching the period.
I'm not rating this book because I hate to be the bad guy in a little lake of good reviews, but seriously - I expected more.
The dialog was jilted and the descriptions, while nicely written, reminded me of something that a good student might write while researching the period.
I'm not rating this book because I hate to be the bad guy in a little lake of good reviews, but seriously - I expected more.
July 6, 2011
This is a great emotional roller coaster book. I started and could not put it down. There were several grammatical errors. A couple of places here and there you felt like the Author was telling the story and next paragraph it was Valeria. The Authors did a great job of making you feel the emotions of love, happiness and much sadness in the writing of this book. Makes you feel the love between Mother and Daughter and sadness for the Christian Faith. If you love Historical Romance involving the evolution of Christianity, I would recommend Valeria's Cross. Be ready for tears.
August 6, 2021
This time period is hit or miss for me. This story was just okay for me. I felt the scenery descriptions were lacking in richness, and descriptions of the culture were a little too tame to be accurate, even though this is Christian fiction, it could have included more of the Roman's heinous actions. I did like most of the characters. Although, I found Valeria to be flighty, Prisca to be overbearing, and the men to be almost barbaric in their actions. I did admire their faith in the midst of all the turmoil that they went through.
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