Title: Pearl in the Sand
Author: Tessa Afshar
First published August 1, 2010
416 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780802419866 (ISBN10: 0802419860)
Rating: 4.29
Overview
Can a woman with a dark past find love and redemption in the arms of a faithful man? The answer, according to the Bible, is yes.
In the 10th anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand, you’ll be swept away by the untold story of Rahab’s journey from outcast to beloved child of God. Rahab’s life is surrounded by walls – both physical and emotional – that threaten to keep her from true love and happiness.
But when she meets Salmone, a man of faith and integrity, she begins to believe that her dreams can come true. Through trials and heartbreak, Rahab and Salmone discover the true meaning of love and the healing power of God.
This captivating tale of love and redemption will leave you breathless.
About the Author
Meet Tessa Afshar, an award-winning author who writes historical and biblical fiction, as well as non-fiction. Her work has been recognized by Publishers Weekly, ECPA, and other bestseller lists, and has been translated into eleven languages.
Daughter of Rome, her novel, is a Carol Award Finalist, while Land of Silence won an INSPY Award and was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016. Harvest of Gold won the prestigious Christy Award in the Historical Romance category, Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Book Award in the fiction category, and Thief of Corinth was an INSPY Award finalist.
In 2021, Tessa’s Bible study, The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth, won ECPA’s Christian Book Award in the Bible Study category.
Tessa was born in the Middle East and spent the first fourteen years of her life there before moving to England. After surviving boarding school for girls, she moved permanently to the United States.
Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever.
Tessa holds a master of divinity from Yale University, where she served for one year as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship at the Divinity School. For nearly twenty years, she worked in women and prayer ministries before becoming a full-time writer.
In her free time, Tessa enjoys gardening (though she considers herself mediocre at it) and indulging in her love of chocolate. For more information about Tessa, you can visit her website at Tessaafshar.com.
Editoral Review
In “Pearl in the Sand,” Tessa Afshar weaves a richly detailed story set in biblical times that explores the power of love, redemption, and faith. Afshar, an award-winning author of Christian fiction, creates a compelling narrative that transports readers to ancient Arabia and immerses them in a world of luxury and power.
The novel follows the journey of Rahab, a prostitute from the city of Jericho, who becomes a follower of the God of the Israelites. Through her love for Salmone, a Jewish spy, and her unwavering faith, Rahab overcomes the shame and stigma of her past and finds a new purpose in life.
The story is beautifully written, with exquisite attention to historical detail and richly drawn characters that come to life on the page. Afshar’s prose is both poetic and evocative, capturing the essence of the biblical world with elegance and grace.
One of the book’s standout strengths is its portrayal of women as strong, resilient, and intelligent, even in a society that seeks to suppress them. Rahab, in particular, is a fascinating and complex character whose journey from despair to redemption is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
However, the pacing can be slow at times, and some readers may find themselves longing for more action and excitement. Additionally, the dialogue can feel stilted and overly formal, especially in the beginning of the novel.
Overall, “Pearl in the Sand” is a beautifully written and moving tale of love, faith, and redemption that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and Christian literature. It offers a valuable reminder that, regardless of our past mistakes and failures, we can always find a way to start anew.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
