Books Transport Into Worlds Unknown

Reading is an amazing adventure.  It can take you far and wide.  Into the future, present, and past.  When you find a good book, it is like magic and you are transported into the story.

I have experienced that through the books of T.L. Highley.  T.L. Highley is an amazing author of fiction.  She has the amazing ability to link history of an era and places into the faith and struggles during the beginnings of Christianity.  I have read five of the Seven Wonders of the World series and look forward to the last two books that are to come.  Her published titles of this series are- Pompeii: City on Fire, Petra: City in Stone, Guardian of the Flame, City of the Dead, and Shadow of Colossus.  My favorite so far is Guardian of the Flame about the lighthouse of Alexandria.  I finished reading Petra: City in Stone this weekend and I have to say it comes in as a close second.  

You have heard that saying "Never judge a book by its cover."  The same goes with people.  First impressions do make a difference, but until you get to know a person there is a chance that you may have misjudged them.  This book has that type of connection.  

This story is centered around a young poor mother, Cassia, and her young son, Alexander.  They travel from Damascus to Petra in search for lost family and hope for a better future.  Julian, another center of the story, is running from his outspoken past in Rome and flees to Petra to protect those he loves.   All three of these characters will change the history of Petra forever.  This story is about losing faith, finding faith, discovering faith, and the everlasting love of God through all journeys of life. Even in the darkest times, he still walks with us hand and hand and if we listen closely enough he guides us along our way. 

The imaginary depicted is breath-taking.  The author visits and researches the ancient scenery and customs before she begins her books which paint such a vivid picture of what life may have been like thousands of years ago.

I recommend reading at least one of T.L. Higley's books even if the thought of reading a Christian book is a deterrent.  Regardless of ones beliefs, the historical aspects of ancient times mixed with fiction are well worth the read.