About the Book

She’s always longed for more, but what if the path she’s chosen requires more than she’s willing to give?

Aya, daughter of Zebulun of Tarsus, does not want a traditional life. After years of being overshadowed by her brilliant brother Sha’ul, she wants a chance to use her own gifts beyond being a wife and mother. When her father insists that she marry a Torah student, she reluctantly agrees.

A dedicated scholar, Sha’ul, or Paul, returns to Tarsus to follow the instructions of the Law and wed the woman his father has chosen to raise his profile and help him earn a seat on the Great Sanhedrin–the highest religious court in the land. But when the Nazarene, Yeshua, and his followers bring trouble to the Holy City, Sha’ul will stop at nothing to silence them.

After moving to Jerusalem with her husband, Aya expects to be bored in her role as wife to a Torah student. Instead, she finds herself fascinated by his studies. Then her brother makes a life-altering decision, and she must face a troubling question: Can she remain true to her beliefs and still love her blasphemous brother?

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In My Opinion

What I enjoy most about Biblical fiction is the different perspectives offer that make the characters in God’s word more real for me. In The Apostle’s Sister, Angela Hunt gives readers an idea of what Paul’s life might have been like before that encounter with God on the road to Damascus and what life might have been like for his family after his conversion to the Apostle Paul.

Sha’ul (Saul) and his sister aren’t close—in age or relationship, but when their parents arrange both of their weddings within a week of each other, that begins to change. We see the two families interact and Saul making an effort to engage with his sister.

I have to say, I’ve never given much thought to the family Paul left behind when he gave up all of his education and his place in the Sanhedrin to go out and teach the people he’d at first set his sights on persecuting about the love of Jesus.

Hunt’s attention to detail and research are evident in this book from the Hebrew prayers to the word choices used at times to the details of daily life. The question and answer section at the end of the book also gives readers more insight into this research.

Disclosure statement: I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.