Lydia by Diana Wallis Taylor

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About the Book:

Name of book: Lydia  
Author: Diana Wallis Taylor  
Genre: Biblical Fiction  
Release Date: October 3, 2017

Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society into which she was born. Her father marries her off at age fifteen to a much older man whom she dislikes. Despite an unpleasant wedding and a marriage that doesn’t improve with age, Lydia remains a dutiful and faithful wife. When her husband is killed, years later, Lydia vows to remain single and returns to her father’s house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter. There, a new life begins to emerge as she is trained in the family dye business. Lydia displays an aptitude for trade in the male-dominated world of first century commerce. Her brother, who had chosen service in the Roman army rather than work in his father’s business, is at odds with his sister. Jealous of her quiet success as she learns the dye business, he’s especially befuddled by what he considers to be Lydia’s obsession with the Jewish religion. When their father dies, Cassius inherits the family’s home; Lydia inherits the business, and unbeknownst to her brother, a small villa in the city of Philippi. Lydia flees with her mother and daughter to Philippi where she sets up shop. At the mercy of a patriarchal society, Lydia needs a man to serve as the public face for her business. She discovers the right person in the handsome face of Greek man she’d hired — an employee with whom she develops a close friendship. The plot thickens as Lydia meets a strange man named Paul the apostle who is stirring up crowds in town. When Lydia’s brother shows up in Philippi, determined to force her to sell the business, he discovers plenty of fuel to accomplish his goals.

My Review

I have to say I was very excited about this book because I always thought Lydia was such an intriguing character of the Bible. We knew so little about her except that she was wealthy as the "seller of purple", and that she came to know the Lord as a proselyte. I had ideas in my mind about her background and how she came to be so wealthy, but Mrs. Wallis Taylor packs a plot to be remembered that inspired and intrigued me! Lydia torn between the fact that her father cared nothing for God, but she and her mother did. Torn into a very disastrous marriage, but faithful and dutiful all the while raising her daughter to know the Lord. Torn between her success, and culture's expectations of her as a woman, not to mention her brother's. But the whole time, Lydia allows the Lord to lead. She does right on her end and trusts the Lord to lead her, protect her, and bless her, and we all know that He does when we trust Him! It reminded me that no matter how others act or the circumstances around me, I simply need to keep my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith! I fell in love with the characters because they were so real, and their emotions and interactions so life like. This story really gripped my heart and wouldn't let go. It was a true blessing to my soul. The plot is so well thought out and I had to give 5 stars because we know so little about Lydia, yet our author made her seem like a dear friend. All fiction readers should read Lydia- you're truly missing out if you haven't! I personally can't wait to read more of Mrs. Wallis Taylor's intriguing Biblical fictions! :)

I received a complimentary copy of this book, and all opinions given are my own.

About the Author:

Diana Wallis Taylor is best known for her creative stories based on women in the Bible. Thousands have read and enjoyed her books including Mary Chosen of God, Ruth, Mother of Kings, Martha, Journey to the Well, Mary Magdalene, and Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors with the San Diego Library naming her one of 12 “Writers to Watch” in 2017 for Mary, Chosen of God. Her books have received Gold and Silver Medallion Awards for Christian Fiction and she is a San Diego Christian Writer’s Guild “Writer of the Year.” Mary, Chosen of God is a 2017 Christy Award nominee. An inspirational speaker, Diana also leads creative writing and poetry workshops. She lives in San Diego with her husband, Frank. They have six grown children and ten grandchildren

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Giveaway!

In honor of her tour, Diana is giving away:

Grand Prize Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, “Give Thanks” painting on plate by Donna White for The Hearthside Collection, Inc., commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo).

1st Place Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, abba Jerusalem pillar candle, cassia scented, commemorative Whitaker House/Anchor Distributors coloring book (not in photo). 2nd Place Package: Lydia, Woman of Philippi, abba Jerusalem Spikenard candle tin with lid!

Click the link to enter! https://promosimple.com/ps/c173