Iris has been blind for 7 years since that awful accident and in those 7 years, her and her father have tried to appease everyone of the gods to restore her sight. But when a chance encounter with Valentine, a Christian, gives her glimpses of hope for regaining the life she desires, she starts seeking more answers by seeking Jesus.

Valentine is a public notarius and the leader of an underground church, and he becomes the most wanted man in the empire when he defies the emperor's marriage ban because of his personal convictions. 

As "the cupid" becomes more popular among the people and more wanted by authorities, Valentine's safety is more threatened. And when Iris and her father's debts are called in, the safety of their little congregation is further at risk. 

How do these believers cling to their faith when the entire empire seems against them? 
_____ 

At the urging of @RobertsonReads and @EmilyLovesReading I picked up this book and I was not prepared to be sucked into the world of ancient Rome like I was. I binged the audio of this book over 2 days and I was so captivated by the array of characters that I could easily picture them in the marketplaces and gardens and homes around Rome.

As a Christian I loved all the messages in this book about holding firm to faith, living in community, and the sacrifices we are called to in the name of Jesus. This book is one I will likely always think of at Valentine's Day and has made the holiday that much sweeter for me. 

I will add that although I really enjoyed the audiobook, some of the accents for different characters read a little more southern than ancient Roman. But that didn't take me out of the story. 
_____

Content Warning: This book deals with the persecution of Christians and features the Roman Colosseum and atrocities that happened there.

Thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale House for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.