Francine Rivers, winner of the ECPA Gold Medallion, is a best-selling author of Christian fiction. A Voice in the Wind takes listeners into a richly imagined ancient Rome in the midst of its great decline. This heart-stirring tale of a young slave girl, torn between her love for a handsome aristocrat and her faith in God, transcends genres with its awe-inspiring power and emotional intensity.
Download and start listening now!
"A friend recommended this book (series) after she had received the recommendation and started the first book. I'm generally warry of accepting recommendations like this but something told me to read these books. I have to admit I was not led astray by this series. I savored this book reading it only at night and then only a couple chapters at at ime. However, as the book went deeper and deeper I found that I had to finish it. As a Christian I was humbled by Hadassah, her ability to live in constant assurance of her faith, knowing she was really free, inspired me. Julia has driven me crazy with her insolence. However, I realized that she is the selfishness that inhabits every living person. She may be the extreme but every person is selfish and by writing her to this extreme allows us to look inward and try to live our lives closer to the way Hadassah lived hers. As soon as I'm finished with this series I'm passing them on to my mother. I strongly recommend this series to anyone especially those who are questioning their faith. (show less)"
— Tmayoral (5 out of 5 stars)
" Although the author took some time to develop the characters and storyline, I committed to the journey and found it riveting seeing into life in the times of the Romans and the early Christians. With an array of characters that brought depth to the story line that laid out the treachery and self-seeking world of Roman society comparing those who were Christ followers. It was a great opportunity to reflect on how as a believer and follower of Christ, how I am called to live my life with God. "
— Jen Swenson, 9/1/2024" Miss Rivers pen's a compelling story of what it might look like in ancient Rome. She also paints a picture of the struggles we all have in life. Well written and compelling. Thought provoking. "
— mark, 4/2/2021" Another well written book by Francine Rivers. This spins a tale about ancient Rome. It begins with the destruction of Jerusalem and a slave being taken to Rome. Also in the middle is another slave taken from what is now Germany. the story is what life might look like in Rome at that time. The excesses of some and the faith of another. The faith is shown with actions not words alone. Fascinating story well written. Cannot wait to listen to the second book. "
— mark, 3/31/2021" I have been reading the Mark of Lion series every year for over 10 years now. I am sure that Francine Rivers was inspired by the Holy Spirit to bring hope to so many people sharing the story of Hadassa, Artrites and the Valarians. It is real and easily relatable to. Nothing is far fetched or unimaginable. I was so excited to find them in this bookstore. What a treat!! You will surely not be wasting your money. "
— Juanita Steyn, 5/19/2020" Some noted in their reviews that they did not finish this book as it was so realistic. I finished the book as it IS realistic! Ancient Rome is SO similar to our United States. I am thankful for Rivers message that the only way to be truly free is through Jesus Christ. "
— Lisa, 2/7/2014" Another great and inspiring novel by Francine Rivers!! "
— Lynn, 2/7/2014" Kind of like Christian Porn, glad there was another 2 books to finish the series.... "
— Mscmagee, 2/4/2014" I re-read this series every couple of years! Oh to have the faith of Hadassah! "
— Rose, 2/3/2014" This is good but I hate the ending. "
— Jessi, 1/23/2014" Excellent. I loved this story, for everything that it was and that it encouraged. Hadassah is one of my role models: her silent, calm obedience embodies everything that I am not, but wish I was. Her conciliation that she had faults, that she is broken, and that she needs God are inspirational; even though as an outsider, I felt that her "faults" were unfounded, she is amazing. Even the stories of the family, and Atretes were great, although Rivers fully utilizes their stories in later books. Historic, godly, and riveting. "
— melody, 1/15/2014" Can't wait to pick up the second book in the series. I loved this book. "
— Janet, 1/15/2014" Excellent reading! It's a story that will help you group as a Christian. It caused me to reflect on my own Christian growth. Read this and surely it will be a rewarding expierience. "
— Amelia, 1/12/2014" Profound! Amazingly written. Rivers really knows how to capture an individual. "
— Krystee, 1/2/2014" This to goes on my favorites list. I couldn't put it down. I found myself thinking about the main character throughout my entire day and long after I finished the book. I in fact read the entire series. "
— Dianna, 11/3/2013" Awesome start of the trilogy set in Roman times. It gives us glimpses of what life was like for the rich and the poor and how the Lord can redeem even the darkest of sinners. "
— Julie, 9/26/2013" Excellent book!!! Among the best I've ever read and most definitely a favorite!!! "
— Erica, 7/24/2013" I was very surprised, but I really liked this book! "
— Jimi, 7/22/2013" It was a bit of a slow start, but it really started picking up at the end. "
— Nic, 7/22/2013" Currently my favorite by this author! "
— Crystal, 7/11/2013" 2 thumbs up!!Three letters to describe WOW! my spiritual journey with the Lord is enhanced through the life of Hadassah. I am reading the second book now and i still can't get over with the first one. "
— Iris, 5/19/2013" I loved the whole series of these books. I read all 3 in the last 3 weeks. I couldn't put them down. "
— Destinybloom, 10/22/2012" WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW, WOW.....This book is now one of my VFBE (very favorite books ever). Wonderful book. "
— Kara, 10/22/2012" Loved this series!!! Very well researched. Really deepened my faith reading about the steadfast faith of this Hebrew slave girl in the face of extreme trials. "
— Wendy, 9/16/2012" Sigh... what can I say. I really liked the whole idea behind this book. A young christian struggling with her own faith in the face of trial. I loved this part of the story but, I felt like Francine Rivers was preaching sex more than Christianity. I had to put the book down and I was disappointed. "
— Maria, 8/18/2012" Compelling storytelling, set in such an interesting time-period, when the early church was growing and being persecuted. Best of the trilogy. "
— Lauren, 6/19/2012" Such a fantastic book! If you're a fan of Biblical historical fiction and have a little romantic streak in you.. this is definitely the book for you! "
— Anna, 4/6/2012" If you can get through he first 100 pages, you will be hooked and not want to put the book down until finished! Excellent read! "
— Lesslie, 3/22/2012" You will not be able to put it down. The characters and story are compelling. "
— Barb, 2/4/2012" I have yet to find a christian trilogy (based on biblical times) that I loved as much as this one. "
— Shauna, 1/17/2012" Great story! Can't wait for the next one. "
— Erin, 1/1/2012" Along with the amazing characters and story, I really appreciated the author's research into the historical aspect of the time...it made all the difference to me! "
— Amy, 7/24/2011" This book was probably my all-time favorite read! It was rich with drama, but also incredibly accurate in depicting what life was like for a young Jewish girl growing up in the days of gladiators and Christian imprisonment and death. Great book and series. "
— Marian, 6/10/2011" This is the fisrt book of a trilogy. If you like History Novels you'll love this one. <br/>It's about a Jewish girl slave in the Roman Empire. It's about redemption, Love, death, religion. <br/>Beautiful! "
— Love2read30, 5/17/2011" LOVE this series!! I can reread these books over and over and still be changed. "
— Christie, 5/10/2011" read for a book club - then bought the other two of the series it was that good. "
— Janet, 5/9/2011" Love the book....it was graphic in detail, but that is what makes a good book. You want the readers engrossed in the story....read it, you will not want to put it down. "
— Linda, 5/2/2011" Excellent book. I read it awhile ago so I don't remember enough to write about it but I remember I loved it. "
— Kaelee, 4/26/2011" An engrossing read full of historic details of the ancient Roman empire on the break of its demise. "
— Anya, 4/22/2011Francine Rivers published a number of novels in the general romance market until 1993, when she released her first book in the Christian book market. The Mark of the Lion series has sold half a million copies, and her total book sales are over one million. Since then all of her books have all been bestsellers. She has won numerous awards and was named to the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame in 1997.
Richard Ferrone recorded over 150 audiobooks including thrillers, romances, science fiction, and inspirational novels. He won the prestigious Audie Award and was a finalist for four Audie Awards, including for Best Solo Male Narrator. He was named an AudioFile "Voice of the Last Century" and a "Rising and Shining Star." He earned many AudioFile Earphones Awards, including being named the 2011 Best Voice in Mystery and Suspense as well as the 2009 Best Voice in Science Fiction and Fantasy. A science fiction fan, he narrated Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy. He also narrated works by James Patterson, Walter Mosley, John Sandford, Eric Van Lustbader, and Stuart Woods.