Welcome, Antonius Marcos! This is our first time having a soldier from biblical times visit the cafe. I’m not sure if I should feel honored or nervous…
No need to fear. Yes, I am a Roman centurion stationed in Jerusalem, but I am not the enemy of Jews or Christians my fellow soldiers would be. After a storm, I discovered a Jewish boy taking shelter on my doorstep. I was once married to a Jewish woman, even though soldiers were not permitted to wed. We had a young son, Caius, who died, along with his mother shortly after childbirth. I had a soft spot in my heart for this young man, who was the age my son would have been had he lived, so I adopted him rather than have him face slavery or death.
What is your biggest challenge as a character?
Keeping Jason in check. His deceased father had been killed for being an insurrectionist. Jason is strong-willed. He is not always obedient. I fear he will bring trouble upon himself and perhaps my entire household.
What is your greatest desire?
I would desire for Jason to forget his people and adapt to Roman ways–to truly be my son.
Do you have a theme verse from the Bible?
No. I am a Roman.
What is a tea flavor that represents you, your region, or a theme in the novel?
We don’t drink tea; however, we have herbal infusions made from mint, thyme, and chamomile.
All three of those are quite calming, I’m told. I can only imagine that you need a way to relax your nerves with all that’s going on in and around Jerusalem these days. I have a perfect tea for you to try–Stress Less WinterMint from the Republic of Tea. [Wink] Plus, the combination of lemon balm and mint will help you have fresh breath since tooth powder hasn’t been invented yet. Just in case you have a romantic interest.
Um… Thanks.
Sorry if I embarrassed you. I’d love to give you a little something to eat before you go back on patrol. What is a breakfast pastry or dish that represents you, your region, or a theme in the novel?
I’m not familiar with pastries. We eat bread sprinkled with salt.
Oh, you are going to love our breakfast-stuffed baguette from LAUREN MIYASHIRO You eat pork, right? Well this is like a bread bowl filled with eggs, onions, bacon and savory spices. Just what you need for all the hours you are on your feet. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a50967/breakfast-stuffed-bread-recipe/
I tell you what, I’ll wrap some extra in cloth for you to take home to your adopted son. I’ve found with my own children that they are much more compliant when they are not hangry. (That’s slang for hungry-angry since you probably never heard that term before.)
[Huffs. (The closest thing to laughter you can expect from a Roman Centurian.)] Thank you.
Jason bar Micaiah is just sixteen years old. His father, an insurrectionist, has been killed; his mother is missing. Given the choice of death, slavery, or becoming the son of a Roman centurion—he chooses adoption. Though he despises his new identity, his secret goal is to use it to his advantage—to continue his father’s fight against Roman tyranny. Jason’s life becomes an exciting, dangerous, and soul-searching adventure that ultimately leads to the true meaning of Redemption’s Promise.
Redemption’s Promise by Sandi Rebert is a captivating delve into the realm of biblical fiction. Set in Jerusalem approximately 2000 years ago, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young protagonist named Jason. From the exhilarating onset, we encounter Jason in the throes of evasion, desperately trying to escape Roman soldiers. But the stakes ascend swiftly as he is confronted with a heart-wrenching decision: what does it truly mean to choose life?
Rebert artfully intertwines Jason’s journey with the seminal events marking Jesus’s life, including His miracles and crucifixion. The brilliance lies in the gradual unveiling of their connection, allowing readers to ponder and anticipate its intricate weave within the broader tapestry of the tale.
One of the standout features of this work is the adept integration of biblical verses that seamlessly align with the unfolding plot. Rebert provides a historical lens, presenting the Romans through the eyes of the Jewish community. While the narrative is fictional, it provokes deep reflection. In a world where Jesus is largely celebrated, Redemption’s Promise serves as a poignant reminder of the contentious views held by the religious leaders of His time, prompting readers to critically engage with the subject of resurrection.
Marrying suspense with spiritual introspection, this book beckons its readers to not only immerse themselves in its riveting plot but also to delve deeper into the intricacies of biblical events. I recommend Redemption’s Promise to fans of biblical fiction and to those intrigued by the myriad possibilities that might have colored the epoch of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
To find out more, check it out on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Redemptions-Promise-Sandi-Rebert-ebook/dp/B09SB8ZWY9/
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