Carol Towriss’s novel, More than Conquerors, uses the vibrant customs and culture of first-century Thessalonica as a backdrop in the novel, showcasing its unique power structure and bustling marketplaces where the sights, sounds, and smells of the city create a vivid atmosphere. The book’s richly developed historical pulse is evident in its detailed descriptions of clothing, architecture, and social customs. While the initial abundance of period-specific vocabulary might seem challenging, the unfamiliar terms gradually become easier to understand as you progress through the book.
Imaginative details about Paul’s early missionary journey add a rich historical element, weaving a more substantial and compelling narrative.
The female protagonist, Kassi, goes against cultural norms by opening her own business to help others in need. The main male character, Jason, wants his business to thrive because he desires to honor his father’s life. Necessity brings them together while God works on their hearts, and opposing forces threaten what is important to them.
Driven by a faith-filled plot, the narrative moves steadily, sketching characters with quick strokes and unfolding the love story slowly. The narrative primarily follows the main characters’ perspectives, occasionally shifting to secondary characters for key plot moments, offering a richer understanding of the unfolding events. The writing’s rapid pace and concise style avoid embellishment but effectively integrates scriptural elements, enriching the story with a spiritual dimension. Fans of Biblical Fiction should enjoy reading this one.
I received a complimentary copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own. Click on the book cover for the synopsis and purchase link.
Carol Towriss is an unapologetic Californian. She now lives just north of Washington, DC. She loves her husband, her four children, the beach, and tacos, though not always in that order. In addition to writing, she binge-watches British crime dramas and does the dishes for the fourth time in one day.
About the Book
Book: More than Conquerors (Planting Faith Series Book 2)
Author: Carole Towriss
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Release Date: March 25, 2024
Kassandra‘s privileged and pampered life explodes when she meets a woman with next to nothing. When a glimpse into the lives of those less fortunate turns into a mission to help them, her father offers a choice: act like the daughter of a politarch and marry the man he has chosen––or leave home forever.
Unimaginable loss shakes Jason‘s world to its foundation, and he struggles to keep his faith in the Jewish God. He faces losing everything generations of his family have built, and one of the city’s elite seems determined to make that happen.
A visiting Jewish preacher shakes up the synagogue—and then the town—with outrageous claims. Paulos’s teachings fascinate Kassi but contradict everything Jason believes. As pressure amps up on every side, they must decide how much they are willing to risk to follow The Way.
Final Thoughts from Carol
More than Conquerors is the second book in the “Planting Faith” series. Each book is set in a city where Paul established a church. Book 1, Sold into Freedom, took place in Philippi and featured the woman with the spirit of prophecy and the jailer. I’m currently writing a novel set in Athens, and I hope to follow that with one set in Corinth.
I like to write about people who are mentioned only a few times in Scripture. Jason is mentioned only once, in Acts 16, and Kassandra is one of the ”prominent women” who came to faith under Paul. Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke, and Lydia are all here, but they are minor characters.
I hope you enjoy getting to know Jason and Kassandra, and experience what it was like to be part of one of the earliest churches.
Devoted Steps 