Shannon here: Carole Towriss shares a romantic excerpt from her latest Biblical Fiction, More than Conquerors. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for an e-book copy. Deadline: May 18th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Carole:
Excerpt – More than Conquerors by Carole Towriss:
He nodded. “She had no trouble attracting suitors, and Abba wasn’t considered the best catch.”
“Why not?”
“I’m not an expert on this by any means, but Imma said he was considered rather plain and very shy. But he was gentle and humble, and that appealed to her over the men who boasted to her about their success.”
“He sounds a lot like you.”
“Abba was … Abba always saw the best in everyone. Even when confronted with evidence, he believed there was a reason for any bad behavior, any angry words. All that was needed was more patience, more forgiveness.”
“He sounds like a wonderful father.” Not like hers.
“I have things of theirs. I have the business. This culina is full of glass objects we made together. But my memories are what I cherish. That may be the closest I get to having my own family.”
“Why would you say that?”
“My uncle told the community my abba abandoned the faith. He and Imma and I were not held in high regard. No good Jewish girl would ever marry me. And neither would a respectable Greek girl. So, I’ve saved my shop and my house, but I’ll likely be alone for the rest of my life.”
“Jason, that’s not true.” She scoffed. “Look at all the friends you have, all of these people here tonight who were more than happy to help you.”
“You’re right. And I thank Adonai for them. But friends don’t give you children.”
She chuckled. “Too bad we can’t marry. It would solve both our problems.”
He tilted his head. “It would, wouldn’t it?” One corner of his mouth turned up, revealing his dimple.
Her face heated, and her fingers curled around the edge of the table. “But we can’t.”
“Why not?” He moved to stand in front of her. “Your abba sent you from his house. He has no say now.”
She studied his face. He was almost everything Pappa would want for her in a husband. He was successful, honest, hard-working … but not Greek.
He closed the distance between them. His fingers hovered over her cheek as his eyes held hers. “Seriously, why not?” he whispered. “You’re strong, caring, and smart enough to avoid spending your life locked in a house so no other man can see how beautiful you are.”
She blinked. “You think I’m beautiful?”
His smiled widened. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”
His unwavering gaze unnerved her, and she gripped the table more tightly. All her life, she’d lived in Mamma’s shadow. Pappa had never complimented her, only compared her—unfavorably—to her. But Jason had something good to say every time they met.
“You’re so different from the men I’ve met before.”
“Is that good or bad?” His hand moved toward the back of her neck, and his thumb grazed her cheek.
His touch warmed her. “Good. Very good.”
He bent to kiss her, his lips meeting hers. How could so gentle a touch send a powerful yet delightful shock down to her toes?
Ari’s voice startled them, and Jason pulled away.
She peered around him at the doorway, and then relaxed when no one was there. Half a moment later, Ari appeared in the doorway. “There you are, Kassi. Mamma and I are ready to go. Do you want to walk with us?”
She nodded, her voice gone.
Jason slipped by Ari and left the culina.
Standing in the doorway, Ari looked from her to Jason in the peristyle, and then returned his gaze to her. “Umm, we’ll wait outside.” He disappeared before she could respond.
She found herself alone in the kitchen. Why had Jason left? Did he regret his actions?
She hoped not, because she certainly didn’t.
Question for Readers: Kassi owns a bread bakery in ancient Thessalonike. Do you bake bread or do any
type of baking? Did you start during lockdown or have you always baked? How did you learn?
About Carole: An unapologetic Californian, Carole Towriss now lives just north of Washington, DC. She loves her husband, her four children, the beach, and tacos, though not always in that order. In addition to writing, she binge-watches British crime dramas and does the dishes for the fourth time in one day. Learn more & connect:
Carole’s Website Carole’s Facebook Carole’s Email
About the Book – More than Conquerors:
Kassandra‘s privileged and pampered life explodes when she meets a woman with next to nothing. When a glimpse into the lives of those less fortunate turns into a mission to help them, her father offers a choice: act like the daughter of a politarch and marry the man he has chosen––or leave home forever.
Unimaginable loss shakes Jason‘s world to its foundation, and he struggles to keep his faith in the Jewish God. He faces losing everything generations of his family have built, and one of the city’s elite seems determined to make that happen.
A visiting Jewish preacher shakes up the synagogue⸺and then the town⸺with outrageous claims. Paulos’s teachings fascinate Kassi but contradict everything Jason believes. As pressure amps up on every side, they must decide how much they are willing to risk to follow The Way.
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More Than Conquerors – Paperback Carole’s Books
Until July 1, the eBook is available at a reduced price www.carole.to/shop Paperback available on Amazon. Paperback, eBook and audiobook will go wide July 1.
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I also write biblical fiction and so was attracted to your post. Yes, I have baked several kinds of bread but in the last few years my husband has adopted the bread baking-his are delicious.
yes
I have a winner! Jeannie Holderfield won the drawing. I appreciate Carole for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.