Romance Across Time: Ancient World

by Sharon Bryant

Ancient history has always fascinated me. The art, architecture and events of those times are intriguing. I find the lives of the people, how they lived and what may have motivated them especially interesting. Romance novels set in these times provide insights into a vastly different world to the one we live in today.

Here are the details of some of my favourite Ancient World romance novel recommendations.

Faithful Daughter of Israel by Wanda Ann Thomas

This novel tells the tale of Anna, an orphaned Jewess who is cursed, starving and desperate. As a last resort, she decides to become a prostitute in order to survive. Anna is rescued by Julian, a proud Roman soldier. Julian needs to marry the daughter of a high-ranking Roman official – a promise he made to his father who suffered stigma as a result of a love match. Unable to find a suitable husband for Anna, and concerned about her safety, he resorts to temporarily marrying her.

The lead characters have greatly differing views, and goals, however the depth of characterisation allows the reader to empathise with the hero and heroine, and look forward to the resolution of their differences.

Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn 

Thea, a Jewish slave girl is taken to the gladiatorial games by her mistress. She is greatly troubled and is self-harming to escape the world in which she is trapped. Arias is to be executed at the Roman games Thea attends. He fights his guards, kills some and is granted his life by the emperor, only to be sold as a gladiator.

The reader knows Thea and Arias will find a way to be together despite the many trials each goes through in the course of the novel. The portrayal of the games is quite realistic as are Quinn’s insights into many aspects of Ancient Roman life.

A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers

This inspirational novel is not a romance, but contains romantic elements. Hadassah, a Jewish Christian is captured by Romans after her family are killed then sold as a slave. She is owned by Julia, a selfish, spoilt young Roman woman. Hadassah finds herself attracted to Marcus, Julia’s older brother.

As their love grows, Hadassah struggles with the tension between her love for Marcus who will lead her away from God, and her love for Jesus.

My Fair Concubine by Jeannie Lin

This novel is set in China during the Tang Dynasty. Fei Long storms a boarding house to recover his sister who has run away with her lover. His sister is promised to a Khitan Chieftain at the behest of the emperor.

His love for his sister prevents him from forcing her to return to his home to make a loveless marriage. Instead he persuades Yan Ling, a servant in the boarding house to journey with him and learn the ways of the nobility sufficiently well to become the heqin ('peace through marriage ties') bride his sister was meant to be. In the course of teaching Yan Ling, Fei Long decides he wants her for himself.

Have you read many Ancient World romances? Which one is your favourite?

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