The faith in this book alone gets the 5 stars. The salvation stories in this book were amazing, especially during the terror and insanity that were the Romans.
I loved the look at early church history in this historical fiction and learning about the story behind St. Valentine or why we celebrate Valentines Day. I say historical fiction because this time period was 2 centuries after the Bible was finished, so it's technically not biblical times but early church history.
Valentine as a character was simply the best example of who a true Christ following leader is. The author did an excellent job portraying him as a humble shepherd caring for his flock in a time period ruled by barbaric rulers where it was difficult to live for God and not be persecuted or killed for your faith.
The pacing was slower than I would have liked, and there are some things I would have liked to be more fleshed out, but overall, this was a great experience, and I highly recommend it!

My review is my own and I greatly appreciate Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

Wow. I’ve read raving reviews about this book, but I believe it was better than I expected.
This is a story that expounds on the myths and legends (perhaps true) of Saint Valentine. Much of what is thought to be known of Valentine is incorporated, while the vast arrays of missing narrative is filled in by Ogle. And fill it in marvelously she does. The time period of Ancient Rome May feel like a barrier to some, but Ogle did a wonderful job at keeping it authentic to the time period while making it relatable and understandable for the modern reader. The characters and accompanying POVs were vivid and varied, from a stalwart Christian Valentine, to the sweet new believer Iris, to the layered and complicated characters of jailer Quintus and soldier Titus. Ogle brought each one to life with a unique voice that added depth to the overall story.

But by what sets this novel apart by far, especially in the world of Christian fiction, is the clear and robust proclamation of the Gospel and the worship of the True God found throughout. I loved how the characters quoted New Testament letters, along with Psalms for their hope as they faced true persecution. They held to what they believed was true in the face of grave danger. I was both convicted and inspired as I read, knowing this fictional account reflects the true experience of so many Christ-followers throughout history.

Can’t wait for Jamie’s next book!

⛔️Content Warning: use of alcohol, medical scenes, slightly descriptive torture, execution

Thank you to Tyndale and Netgalley for a complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Step back into the time of the early church, when it was dangerous to express faith in Christ. This story, set in Rome in AD 270, tells about a young pastor named Valentine who was willing to risk everything to do what he believed was right.

Iris is a blind baker who has tried praying to every god to restore the sight that was lost to her through an accident. After a random meeting with Valentine, who promises to pray to his God on her behalf, Iris begins to see flashes of vision. Will her sight be restored? Who is this God who has powers that others do not?

As threats against Christians begin to press in on all sides, Valentine and Iris must both choose how willing they are to follow the Lord, or if the cost is too great in such perilous times.

I started reading this book in January, and unfortunately had to keep putting it aside for other books that I had a deadline to read, and then it was hard to get back again. I just didn't quite connect with the characters and found several aspects of their actions or the storyline to be a little unbelievable. That said, I did always come back to it, and my favorite parts were the glimpses into the early church. I don't know a whole lot about Rome at this time period, but I thought the author did a good job setting the scene and bringing in interesting historical details.

This retelling of St. Valentine's story is the author's debut novel, and I look forward to reading her next book when it is released.

I received my copy of the book from NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own.

I AM UNWELL🥲🥲

I’m not a huge historical fiction reader these days, but when I saw someone compare this to Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series, I knew I wanted to try it. This was such an impressive debut. The author’s descriptions of Rome are so rich and detailed that you feel like you actually are in the ancient city. I loved that this was based on the story of St. Valentine, and I loved how Val and Iris were portrayed - their banter was so good and I found myself really invested in what was happening to them. I also loved the heavy Christian themes in this book. Man, Valentine was PREACHING. There is so much good, solid, biblical truth weaved throughout the story.

BUT THAT ENDING🥲🥲 I already was familiar with the story of St. Valentine so I had a feeling I knew where this story would go. But with the sweet romance that sparked between Val and Iris, I really hoped the ending would not quite be so historically accurate. But my hopes were crushed🙃 I totally understand why the author made this choice - it is historically accurate and points to the main theme of the book (trusting God even amidst horrific circumstances) - and the epilogue was sweet. But as a romantic myself, I’m honestly so upset at how it ended and wished things happened differently somehow. However, all things considered, the author did a phenomenal job with this book and had me so invested even to the end that I had to still give her 5 stars (even if my little romantic heart is now broken🥲).

Of Love and Treason is historical fiction at it's finest! I loved learning more about Saint Valentine and the time period that he lived in. It was interesting to read this fictionalized account of his life.

Sometimes you have no idea what something is called what it is. I think I knew that Valentine's Day is named after Saint Valentine, but why he is the saint of love and relationships, I have no idea. Jamie Ogle's newest book, Of Love and Treason jumps into the historical story of what a day that is normally considered a day of chocolates and flowers is really a day to honor someone who stood in the face of adversity to make sure that marriage was and is a sacred thing.
The emperor has banned marriage. One man is still performing marriages. if caught he will be executed. Valentine believes the edict is wrong and continues to perform as many ceremonies as possible before he is stopped.
Iris is losing her sight, and she believes that Valentine and the strange church he belongs to might just be what she needs. As she tracks him down, she realizes that his faith might also cost her everything. But being able to see is worth just about any cost.
A very different story, one that you will see that the historical research is well done. The story takes you on a journey as the Roman empire is starting to fall apart and how a few believes in a new church as changing the world. I am looking forward to what Jamie takes on next time.

Loved this early Rome historical romance that gave us readers a look into the history of St Valentine's day the real history along with a sweet romance. I've read Biblical fiction during the time of Christ and before. But I haven't read anything set during the Rome period after the Crufiication but before the fall of Rome. So this was a nice change of pace. And a good change.

This story is a great combination of Christian and historical fiction. It was both heartbreaking and hopeful. Great book!

This story is set in Rome in 270 AD, after the death and resurrection of Christ. The Romans would persecute Christians on and off during this time period. It was interesting to learn about daily life Rome - Jamie did such a great job - you felt like you could hear, smell and see what was going on in the market, the prison, etc.

This story is based on the redemptive power of Christ and the legend of the patron saint of Valentine’s Day. These early Christians were faithful to God and each other. The well developed characters in this book experience faith, love, belief and miracles. These characters experience peace, belonging and courage that can only come from God. God works through miracles but also through tragic circumstances in this book..

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?
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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.

4.5 stars

“It is easy to trust in God when He works miracles, but will we trust Him even if He does not?”

Going in to Of Love and Treason, I knew there wouldn’t be the usual HEA ending – at least not in the sense I’m used to. After all, the reason we celebrate Valentine’s Day is because of a martyr. I almost didn’t read it because of that. Almost. But I’m so glad that something about this story kept calling to me because it’s such a beautifully written novel with vibrant characters and a deeply compelling plot. From these words in the opening paragraph – “He does not look like the hero they imagined, this shortish gap-toothed scribe.” – I was hooked, captivated by the courage these characters showed and the way Ogle gave new life to an often-overlooked historical account.

The four main characters we follow through this novel will grab your attention at their first introduction and keep you immersed in their stories until the very end. An ending which you will undoubtedly need tissues for but also one that is steeped in hope and joy and the truest promise of the ultimate happily-ever-after, leaving your eyes and your heart equally full. I loved Iris and the spiritual journey she experiences along with her father (who is admittedly a very complicated character) and her childhood friend Titus (who is torn between duty and love). The way Ogle has presented Valentine, the layers to his story, and the complex struggles he must wrestle through ensures I will never see Valentine’s Day quite the same way again. Instead, I’ll celebrate it with a richer understanding of love and sacrifice and faith. There are no easy answers or smooth paths when it’s against the law to be a Christian, and deciding to follow Jesus when the stakes are that high is something that American believers can’t fully understand. The phrase ‘counting the cost’ – that we tend to throw around so casually – takes on new meaning when reading a story like this.

Bottom Line: Before I read Of Love and Treason, I knew the story of St. Valentine. Now, thanks to Jamie Ogle’s heartfelt writing and thoughtful imaginations, I feel as though I’ve lived it with him. This novel is an achingly beautiful love story, yes. It’s also an education in early Church persecution, one which re-humanizes a real person who has become almost a myth and places us in the middle of a pivotal moment in his life. With her skill in crafting multi-dimensional characters and her engaging writing voice, Ogle has masterfully balanced entertaining the mind and touching the heart. But even more than all of those things, Of Love and Treason paints a beautiful picture of the transforming power of the Gospel, the promise of Life beyond the grave, and the true meaning of Love. I will be thinking about this story for a long time… and especially every Valentine’s Day.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

Of Love and Treason was a new experience for me. I had never read any of Ms. Ogle's books and was excited to see what the experience would be. I was pleasantly greeted by a really good book. I enjoyed the storyline and felt the characters were strong and believable. I really loved how she tackled this part of history and shed light on this Saint. You will like it!

I think I’ve realized that retelling about well-known stories, like Valentine, or biblical retellings aren’t the genre for me. (with the exception of a few books, like Erin Phillips). The biggest reason why is because I’m so familiar with the story that the plot twists or climax scenes almost fall short because I already knew they were coming. Of course, that means the author was staying as true to the original story as possible, while taking some creative liberties, so it means they wrote an authentic version!

I will say that this book is filled with faith, clean romance, and thought-provoking themes, and I so appreciated that! Even though this book wasn’t for me, I’m sure many others would enjoy it, so don’t allow my review to deter you from reading it. :)

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an eARC of Of Love and Treason. A positive review was not required, only my honest opinion. All thoughts are expressly my own.

4.25 🌟

Characters: 4
Connection to the book/Enjoyment: 3
Setting: 4
Plot/Overall Story: 3
Writing: 3

Every point= 0.25 stars, max per category 4 points

How refreshing is it to read a genuine Christian fiction work! Take note publishers. This shouldn’t be so rare! I really enjoyed this historical fiction of Saint Valentine. It had lots of heart, emotions, wrestling with faith, and real world moments. Definitely one I will recommend quickly. My only issue is that the pacing felt so slow at times and I felt like the story dragged. What kept me so engaged was the faith element. Eager to read more from this author!

Thank you Tyndale and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I really enjoyed this novel. The number of characters, historical references, and foreign words sometimes had me confused, but I was able to follow the story well enough I never had to stop. I absolutely loved how the author melded the dangerous and suspenseful elements with both a love story and a faith story. The conflict felt very real and the characters were multifaceted. I also really enjoyed having multiple POVs. I would definitely recommend this book and would read more by this author.

Overally, I really enjoyed this story. Jamie gives the reader an inside look at love in 270AD: the atmosphere, smells, Christian Prosecution, and challenges for widows and those with disabilities. It gripped my heart, and reminded me that when God answers our prayers...sometimes its different from what we image.

Wow! This book was heartbreaking and yet beautifully hopeful as Jamie Ogle masterfully weaves the hope of Christ in this retelling of the legend of St. Valentine. This story takes you back in time telling of the redemptive power of Jesus, and the peace and belonging that can only come from Him in every moment of our lives. I have never read biblical fiction before, but this book has me absolutely wanting to read more.

The story is set in Rome, AD 270 and has multiple points of view. We follow the lives of Iris and her father Quintus, their friend Titus and of course Valentine. Each of the characters' unique point of view shows how God works not only in miracles but through difficult and even tragic circumstances for His glory. The characters were so well written, and had me empathizing with them throughout the story. This is one of those books where the story stays with you long after you have finished reading, pushing you to go deeper into knowing God.

I would definitely recommend this book for those who enjoy biblical fiction and are looking to be encouraged by those who hold fast to Jesus in good times and bad.

I want to thank Jamie Ogle, Tyndale House Publishers and Netgalley for the eARC and audiobookARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

A very deep story about the early church in the 3rd century. Based on the legend of Valentine (patron saint of Valentins Day), the story takes a look at the life of Christians in the early church in Rome. Miracles, faith, beliefs, love, betrayals, there's a fabulous mix in the story, making it both hard to put down and not wanting to continue on because I know how it's going to end, to some degree. There's a lot of deep questions asked during the story, such as - why God allows things happen & if God saves some from death, then why not others?
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I wanted to get into this more than I did; Ogle is certainly a talented author!

I've long struggled, though, with biblical fiction and historical fiction set closer to biblical times (which this one is). IDK why--I just don't typically enjoy them, through no lack of desire or effort! They're just not my jam!

So I am DNFing this for now. It's also a longer read than I typically go for (says the girl who reads _Lord of the Rings_ every year--the irony, I know!)--but a 5- to 6-hour read in a setting I'm not particularly enthused at...it's a hard job!

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This was a really good retelling of the St. Valentine story. I was drawn in from the beginning and didn't want to put the book down!

Of Love and Treason tells the story of Valentine and Iris.

Both characters lived in Rome during a time when being a Christian was dangerous.

Valentine’s faith and his willingness to stand by his beliefs was admirable, though at times it put him against the Emperor.

I enjoyed seeing Iris and her father come to faith and watching as their faith increased amid the trials.

Readers will be reminded that God is good, even if He doesn't always protect His followers from difficulties.

I received an advanced reader's copy from NetGalley; a positive review was not required.