Once she denied everything she believed in. Now she’d give anything to choose differently. But in the shadow of the Roman Empire’s persecution and the shame of her past, she fears that what she wants most will be forever out of reach. A wonderful Christian historical romance indeed.

Jamie Ogle is quickly becoming a favorite historical fiction writer. She beautifully captures the times when the Roman Empire ruled the Earth. I absolutely loved Of Love & Treason which was the amazing story of St. Valentine & couldn’t wait to read As Sure As The Sea, the inspiring story of St. Nikolas. I was completely enamored by his story, the history, faith, & experiences based on actual events.

In the Eastern Roman Empire 310 AD, Emperor Diocletian rules with anti-Christian edicts outlawing Christians from working, owning property, etc. Demetria & her brother Theseus survive using their expert diving skills in harvesting coral & pearls for an employer who overlooks their faith. By day they work for their exacting employer, but at night they deliver food & provisions to fellow believers. When Theseus is injured, a handsome stranger comes to the rescue.

Nikolas survives his journey to Myra, but his fortune & boat lie at the bottom of the sea. As the new pastor, he hoped to use his fortune to help those in need. Though Demi’s reluctant to work with Nikolas, she’s drawn to the charming man & helps him recover his fortune. But when the Roman Empire ratchets up their persecutions, their faith is tested to its limits.

I thoroughly loved Demi & Nikolas! Both have experiences in their past for which they long for forgiveness. Demi believes she can never be forgiven for what she did & Nikolas blames himself for his family’s death. As they work together, they forge a strong bond in strengthening each other’s faith & find love. I loved their epic story & romance.

The trials of the early Christians were horrific & the author poignantly illustrates the pain & suffering they went through for their beliefs. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the story wondering if they’d survive the awful conditions. This story definitely gave me a renewed admiration & appreciation for these early Saints.

I loved learning more about St. Nikolas who’s so much more than the St. Nick we look forward to at Christmas. I enjoyed getting to know him through the careful, meticulous research the author infuses into the story. The faith thread was inspiring & there were so many quotes I had underlined.

Highly recommend! Looking forward to reading more books from this author. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily.

This book was another beautiful addition to Jamie Ogle's early church line up, with this one centering around the story of St. Nikolas. I love reading Biblical fiction and stories like this that are set immediately after the New Testament because it gives a glimpse into not just the stories themselves, but the culture surrounding it. This book was a sobering reminder of the real fear that the early church experienced in the midst of persecution, and the importance of standing firm in the hope that Christ gives us. I am looking forward to reading more of Jamie's books.

I recently read As Sure as the Sea, as well as Jamie Ogle’s debut Of Love and Treason. Both stories captured my heart completely! I was mesmerized by these quietly profound and deeply moving stories of the faith of real life followers of Jesus Christ—Saint Valentine and Saint Nikolas. Yes, these are stories of the men who inspired the holidays that we still celebrate to this day. Jaime Ogle takes these vague yet intriguing historical accounts and breaths life into them. She weaves fact and fiction into something truly inspiring! These historical figures and their rich culture truly come alive on the page. The reader experiences what it actually could have been like to live as Christian in constant danger of being imprisoned or executed.

While Of Love and Treason is devastatingly beautiful and heart-wrenching, As Sure as the Sea is awe-inspiring and redemptive. Though these stories may cleave your heart in half (the former more so than the latter), the messages of faith are SO powerful and encouraging. Upon finishing each story, you are left with a feeling of hope rather than despair. Of Love and Treason closes out in a slightly open-ended fashion, so I was pleased to discover these books are interconnected—with certain beloved characters returning in As Sure as the Sea. Though these stories are so much more than romances, the love stories found within are so tender and soul-stirring. While Of Love and Treason portrays a pure and sacrificial love, As Sure as the Sea depicts a love that is transformative and healing. A love that is compassionate and kind. A love that inspires one to be bold and brave.

Please do not hesitate to read these books. While they may test your tolerance for heartache, I promise it will be so worth it! There is beauty in the tragedy and purpose in the pain. God is faithful. He is GOOD.

Jamie Ogle once again does a wonderful job of weaving historical fiction with biblical truth without it feeling preachy yet still being encouraging. The character growth is convicting and inspiring to shift one’s worship from man and the world back to Christ. I cannot wait to read what she publishes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As Sure as the Sea was well written and I think, for the right audience, probably very enjoyed. I just wasn't the right audience, I dont think. It felt very long and drawn out, as well as some slang phrases that didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the storyline. I like historical fiction but maybe not this far back in history.

As Sure as the Sea is a beautifully crafted tale that blends historical intrigue, heartfelt emotion, and powerful themes of faith and redemption. Set in the turbulent world of AD 310, during the height of Christian persecution under the Roman Empire, this novel brings ancient Myra vividly to life through the eyes of two unforgettable characters.

Demetria, a skilled diver and quiet heroine, carries the emotional weight of past mistakes while risking everything to support the underground Christian community. Nikolas, a young pastor trying to outrun guilt and grief, arrives with a mission—and a heart not yet healed. Their journey together, both spiritual and literal, is full of tension, tenderness, and transformation.

What struck me most about Jamie Ogle’s storytelling is her ability to weave historical detail into the emotional arcs of her characters. The setting is more than a backdrop—it’s an active force that shapes the choices and challenges of the protagonists. The inclusion of the libelli system (which required citizens to prove loyalty to the emperor) added a chilling authenticity to the plot, making the characters' stakes feel deeply real.

The romance in this book is subtle yet profound. It doesn’t overshadow the greater narrative of spiritual growth and community, but rather enhances it. Watching Demetria and Nikolas grow into their purpose—individually and together—was both moving and inspiring. Nickolas is of course the man known to history as St Nicholas- aka Santa Clause. He's no cliche, however.

This is a story for anyone who enjoys historical fiction grounded in faith, with characters who feel real and relatable in their brokenness and bravery.
Ogle writes with a reverent heart and a storyteller’s eye, delivering a novel that lingers long after the final page.

Highly recommended for fans of Francine Rivers, Tessa Afshar, or anyone seeking hope-filled historical fiction.

Thanks to Tyndale for approving me for this title on Netgalley. All opinions are freely expressed and my own.

This was my first by Jamie Ogle and will not be my last! Wow! I was transported back in time to the days of the early church around 300 AD as they did their best to follow Jesus in a culture that was antagonistic towards them to put it mildly. I loved learning the character’s backstories. I also felt like I was there with the vivid language and descriptions and could almost smell the salty sea air and orange grove. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

As Sure As The Sea by Jamie Ogle - 5 Stars

Another powerful historical novel that will immerse you in the dangerous world of early Christianity under the Roman Empire's persecution. Set in AD 310, this explored themes of faith, sacrifice and redemption through the lives of Demi and Niko. Jamie Ogle crafts another great historical fiction story - this time in the form of St. Nicholas' story.

I loved her St. Valentine story, Of Love and Treason, and this one was another beautiful faith filled story. The attention to historical detail is great - she really brings to life the bustling city and the dangers of pearl/coral diving. I think fans of Francine Rivers and Tessa Afshar would enjoy Jamie's books because they are early church history style.

In this book, Demitria (Demi) makes a small living harvesting coral and pearls for a merchant. We kick off the book with her and her brother out on their boat when her brother gets hurt. This is when she meets Nikolas and he helps her and her brother. Nikolas (Niko) has guilt from his brother's death and as the new pastor in Myra, he is determined to use his wealth for good. Demi helps Niko retrieve his lost fortune to help others in need. These two form a romance but circumstances happen that separate them and a very dangerous situation ensues.

Overall, I loved the main message of faith through their trials - no matter what. Demi's ultimate test of faith was shown here and very well done. Niko's strength in his trials and faith not being wavered - absolutely POWERFUL and INSPIRING. The message of the Gospel was also ever present and I so appreciate that!

"The only thing that mattered was the blood of Jesus Christ covered him. There was nothing less, nothing more he could do to affect the love and grace God bestowed on him. On all those who believed."

I loved the ending of this book most of all. I cried. I was moved. Highly recommend! Thank you to Tyndale for a copy to honestly read and review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Jaimie Ogle did a brilliant job of transporting her readers Eastern Roman Empire , AD310. It was heartbreaking reading about a time when Christianity was illegal and those who followed Christ paid a price. The Last Sea was truly a heart touching novel. It caused me to examine my own faith and wonder if I would be lacking to live/experience some of the things which early Christians faced.
This is a fairly new author with As Sure as the Sea only her second book. But what a start. Both As Sure as the Sea and her first book Of Love and Treason were difficult to put down. It is obvious the amount of research that was needed. I would recommend those who enjoy historical fiction to follow this author and I hope we will see more books in the future

"There is no safety. Only the illusion of it. If I'm to be arrested, then let me be arrested while doing the Lord's work-"

Although "As Sure As the Sea" is a stand-alone novel, it reunites readers with a few beloved characters from "Of Love and Treason." Much like its predecessor, this story follows Church leaders facing persecution under the Roman Empire in 310 A.D. The early Christian Church endured immense suffering, and this novel serves as a moving reminder of how easy it is, as a 21st-century Christian in a free country, to take religious freedom for granted. I have four Bibles on my shelf, translated into multiple versions, yet the early Church had to safeguard mere fragments of Scripture on parchment, treasuring them as they were read aloud in secret.

Jamie Ogle’s writing is immersive, vividly painting scenes that draw the reader into the story. I felt the weight of the characters' struggles, celebrating their triumphs and mourning their losses alongside them. The novel offers deep insight into multiple characters, revealing their pasts, motivations, and inner conflicts in a way that makes them feel real and deeply human.

"As Sure As the Sea" is a beautiful yet tragic story of love, though not a romance in the traditional sense. If you enjoy early Christian historical fiction, this novel is a must-read for 2025.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. No positive review was required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Genocide, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail

Set during a time when Christians were hunted and executed under Roman rule, this book portrays historical persecution with sensitivity. The author masterfully conveys these horrors without excessive graphic detail, instead fostering deep empathy for the suffering endured. I wept, and I praised Jesus for His faithfulness to these martyrs.

Goodreads synopsis (paraphrased): Once she denied everything she believed in. Now she’d give anything to choose differently. But in the shadow of the Roman Empire’s persecution and the shame of her past, she fears that what she wants most will be forever out of reach … Demi has no other choice but to decide if she has the courage to do what she once failed to—and if the faith she calls her own is sure enough to carry her.

Once again, Jamie Ogle has crafted a beautifully gut-wrenching story with deep characters, a plot that is compelling, and descriptions that paint eloquent pictures.

The story of the early Christians and the persecution they endured kept me fully engaged in this story; I simply could not believe how others were treated for their faith in Christ. To think that there are saints in heaven who can testify to this type of story in real life just blows my mind. The love story of Nikolas and Demitria was an added bonus in this story. Ogle's books stick with me because the characters seem so real. I think it's because she adds great depth and emotion to her writing as it relates to the characters' suffering and their humble vulnerability.

I had high hopes for this one because I loved Of Love and Treason, I may have liked this one even more! Because of Jamie Ogle, the biblical fiction genre is quickly becoming one of my favorites, and I'm anxiously awaiting whatever she writes in the future.

I just loved this one!

It’s 310 AD, and Nikolas becomes the pastor of the church in Myra (a port city in what is now present-day Turkey). One of the church members is a young woman named Demi. She’s lost almost all of her family to Roman persecution of Christians. Nikolas and Demi are the point-of-view characters in this historical Christian fiction story.

I received an advanced copy of As Sure as the Sea from NetGalley and Tyndale Fiction, and I'm happy to share my thoughts!

Hmm, Turkey, a pastor named Nikolas … could this be the future St. Nicholas (Santa Claus)? I don’t know because the book’s timeline doesn’t go that far. But at one point, Demi stares at Nikolas’ face and says, “You’d look really good with a white beard.”:-)

Demi makes her living by diving for coral and oysters. This is before the days of scuba gear, so Demi must free-dive for minutes at a time and to a depth that she would experience the bends if she surfaces too quickly. She loves the ocean, and it sounds like Ogle does, too, as evidenced from her gorgeous underwater descriptions.

Beyond beautiful descriptions, there are frightening fight scenes (with robbers, mobs, and even a moray eel!) and romantic midnight escapades. There are lots of scenes that address theological issues we still deal with today such as whether to marry and start a family in a difficult and angry world, whether or not to encourage people be their “authentic selves” even if “authentic” behaviors are destructive, and picking only those parts of Scripture that suit us while disregarding parts that don’t suit us. (For real, someone could write a whole devotional based on Ogle’s book!)

The descriptions, fight scenes, romance, and theological issues all come together to make for an entertaining read, but you’ll see I took off a star. I thought a few scenes in the middle were a TAD slow.

As Sure as the Sea was gut-wrenching to read. Christian persecution is always lurking in the story, and one very claustrophobic scene actually made my stomach hurt (so well written!). The story made me grateful to live in this time and place. It also prompted me to pray for Christians in areas around the world where persecution is a life-threatening issue. I am so glad I read As Sure as the Sea.

I love a good book that takes me back in time....this book did just that even if it made me a bit uncomfortable at times. I wanted it to last and not end but I needed to know the ending! Demi and her brother Theseus, coral divers, were willing to risk everything as they smuggled provisions to ensure the well-being of those they love but a terrible diving accident leaves Theseus injured and their mission becomes in danger of failing. As Demi struggles to get her brother to safety, a stranger enters the picture and changes everything. Taking place during the reign of Emperor Diocletians in the Roman Empire 310AD, the story is full of danger, love, surprise, heartache, loss and miracles. Sure as the Sea has it all and the characters will stay with me for a while as I contemplate just how persecuted the early church was and how blessed we are <3

EXCELLENT! Such an incredible book. I loved the main characters - how persevering they were, passionate about their callings and how in the midst of persecution, they didn't complain or give up. This book encouraged my faith, the romance was so sweet, there were twists and turns I didn't see coming and it made me want to read more from Jamie Ogle for sure!

If you're looking for a biblical fiction with heartwarming characters, engaging plots and subplots, miraculous outcomes, and more, this is the book for you.

Set in the Eastern Roman Empire in AD 310, Demitria makes a meager living harvesting coral and pearls under the anti Christian edicts. When she is not diving, she is traveling under the cover of night to deliver provisions to fellow believers. With the constant threat of persecution, Demi is living with a constant shame of her greatest failure, and fears all hope is lost when her brother, Theseus, is hurt diving, until a stranger named Nicholas, appear of the beach offering to help.

After reading Of Love and Treason, I was so excited to read Ogle’s As Sure as the Sea. I love learning more about Christian history that I inherently know, but didn’t really grasp until put in story format. Inspired by the real St. Nicholas, this is a story of forgiveness and faith that was told in beautiful prose with an amazing g sense of place and time. I can’t wait to see what is next for Jamie Ogle!

Jamie Ogle is a gifted writer. She brought 2nd Century Myra and the Early Church to life in As Sure as the Sea. The city, the smells, the underwater life, I could perfectly view it all!
As Sure As the Sea is filled with quotable scenes, relatable characters and struggles, and beautiful second chances. I fell in love with Demi, Nicolas, and the diverse cast of characters, and was delighted to find out what continued on in the life of several characters from Love and Treason.
Two things that really stood out to me:
1. The church was waiting for the Lord's imminent return, just as we should still be centuries later.
2. This was kind of an Aha! moment for me, but I found it fascinating to think that we view the 2nd Century as the Early Church, and yet they were dealing with false doctrine and certainly didn't think that they were that close to the Lord's time on earth or that the church would continue on as long as it has.
This glimpse into the early Church was a delight and I recommend it if you enjoy heart-rending circumstances that bring about hope, joy, and trust in the Lord! May we all learn to be as faithful to our dear Lord as these learned, although we may or may not face brutal persecution and great loss. This simple review does not even touch the depths of As Sure as the Sea, so I encourage you to read it for yourself, and truly dwell on what others have faced for the name of Christ!
A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley. I was in no way required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

“God’s stories never end in ash and blood.”

Christians in the Western half of the globe have very little understanding of what it means to be persecuted for your faith. To lose your home, your bank account, your job (and the ability to gain another one), your friends… simply because you are a Christian. To have your worship gatherings in secret. To watch as people you love are brutally killed for daring to follow Jesus. To know at any moment you might be next. In her debut novel, Of Love and Treason, Jamie Ogle used the legend of St. Valentine to paint an inspiring portrait of the plight and courage of the early Church. Now, in her sophomore novel As Sure as the Sea, she does the same with the legendary Nikolas of Myra (perhaps more commonly known to most of us as Saint Nicholas).

We meet Demitria in her element, diving deep into the sea to harvest coral and pearls. And then, in an instant, the sea turns on Demitria and her brother Theseus in a scene so vividly written that I could see it playing out in my mind as though I were watching a movie. At the same time, the sea is (albeit more mildly) turning on the new pastor of the church in Myra too, and Nikolas is left with one orange, some wet clothes, and a sunken boat – with his inheritance on it – for his troubles. With this, Ogle perfectly sets the stage for the story that will unfold on the pages of As Sure as the Sea – part romance, part historical fiction, part thrilling adventure. And I was held captive by it all, gripped by their love story, yes, but even more so by their journeys of faith in the face of persecution, betrayal, and loss. I loved sneaking upriver with them on Demi’s boat, under the cover of darkness, to deliver and receive provisions for fellow believers. I adored the humor in their interactions, swooned over the romance slowly building between them, and was moved by the more somber moments they faced, including the weighted tension of the times that complicated their relationship. Both protagonists, as well as the other Christians in this story, were realistically portrayed with flaws and struggles and strengths and moments of great courage, and this is perhaps my favorite element of Ogle’s beautiful storytelling.

Bottom Line: In her sophomore novel, Jamie Ogle continues to bring the early church to life with layered characters that grip your whole heart, emotional plots that leave you undone, well-timed humor & sweet romance to put you back together, and deep notes of grace that point you to Jesus. I loved As Sure as the Sea, as I knew I would, and once again I closed the final page with a renewed gratitude for those who paved the Way, so to speak, and a deeper compassion for those who continue to suffer persecution in His name. And much to my surprised delight, I got to visit with some of my very fave characters from Of Love and Treason too. (Don’t worry though, if you haven’t read it yet. This new book is a standalone.) Some books merely entertain, and some books inspire you to grow closer to Jesus; As Sure as the Sea does both.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

“Contentment is good. Godly. But don’t let contentment turn into fear of stepping into the next thing God is leading you to do....God does not call those already equipped, Titus. Who better to preach to the Jewish leaders of Jerusalem than Paul, who was trained up in their religious ways from his childhood? And yet God called Paul to preach to the Gentiles and sent uneducated Peter to preach to the Jews. His ways do not always make earthly sense, but they are never without result. The church here in Myra came from Paul’s obedience. What can God do with yours?”

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This book was so good! Jamie Ogle has a way with words that really draws you in.
The details she uses and the way she describes things is just so beautiful.
The second half of this book really captured my attention and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the characters and their stories were so inspiring. Jamie has become one of my auto read authors and I can’t wait to see what she comes out with next!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

As Sure as the Sea is a beautiful tale of the early Church and the struggles and triumphs, persecution and victories. Vividly written with strong characters, you will be swept away. Compelling and unforgettable, it's a must read for anyone who loves Christian fiction. I simply couldn't put it down until it was finished...and it had me on the edge of my seat until the very end, rooting for these characters and their survival.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #Tyndale House for the ARC.