The Bronze Door

THE BRONZE DOOR opens to a turbulent time in history when great courage is needed to defy a tyrant. Simon fights for justice for his fellow Jews but faces a new challenge when his wife, Aurelia, and his sons embrace Christianity. Caligula seeks revenge for Simon's past opposition and appoints Valerius, Aurelia's brother, as governor of Syria to lead his legions to Jerusalem to erect Caligula's statue in the temple. To obey Caligula means the slaughter of thousands of Jews who are ready to give their lives to save the sanctity of the temple. To disobey means death for Valerius and his family. Faced with this agonizing choice, Valerius gains strength from his deep love for Rachel, Simon's sister. The drama unfolds against the backdrop of a world torn between cruelty and humanity. "A well-spun historical tale with a host of fully realized characters." - Kirkus Reviews "Rachel, Valerius's past love, embodies both strength and vulnerability, intensifying the emotional stakes as she worries for Valerius's safety and the fate of her people. The Bronze Door is a stunningly imagined and expertly executed historical narrative with real characters and conflict that moves the story in unexpected directions."- James Farlow, The Book Commentary "I instantly fell in love with the characters as they grappled with religious change, immoral leaders, and the struggle to determine which matters more, one person's life or the lives of many." - Teri M Brown, Author of Daughters of Green Mountain Gap "There is so much history included in the story, and it is explained flawlessly and in an interesting and attention-grabbing manner that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you read."- Kathy Stickles, The Feathered Quill "Readers gain insight into an era in which Jewish nationalism, nascent Christianity, Roman power, and Hellenistic culture in the Mediterranean world converged, sometimes violently and tragically. Ciholas adeptly and empathetically describes the tensions and polemics that arose when some family members adopted a new allegiance (Christianity) while others clung to the ancient paths (Judaism). At stake was nothing less than the self-definition of both Jews and Christians." - Beth Glazier, author of Malachi, The Divine Messenger: A Critical Reappraisal