Lydia, Woman of Philippi - Tapa blanda

"In Taylor's capable hands...Old Testament characters come to life." --Library Journal, August 1, 2013

"Lydia, Woman of Philippi is a biblically inspired story that's set centuries ago, yet is a timeless and engaging fictional read filled with intellect, courage, and faith that will resonate with today's readers. With rich detail and historical accuracy, author Diana Wallis Taylor places readers right in the middle of this moving tale. As a single mother who, just like Lydia, faced one unknown after another, I cheered for Lydia as she persevered along each step of her influential journey, making such an impact that even today we view her as an inspiring heroine and brave woman of God."
--Roxane Battle
Author, Pockets of Joy: Deciding to Be Happy, Choosing to Be Free

"Lydia, Woman of Philippi is a compelling biblical novel that paints the backstory of Philippi's seller of purple in rich cultural and occupational detail, engaging the reader both spiritually and emotionally."
--Eleanor Gustafson
Author, Drop the Stones

"Diana Wallis Taylor's novel will draw you into the life of first-century Lydia, the seller of purple. Readers will be captivated by the drama and their view of Lydia mentioned in Scripture enhanced by the power of this story. Fans of biblical fiction are in for a treat."
--Laura V. Hilton
Author, Patchwork Dreams and Amish Wanderer

"Biblically and historically accurate, Diana Wallis Taylor brings us yet another poignant and adventurous tale, this time in the picturesque novel, Lydia. Readers will find themselves temporarily transported to another place and time--and permanently changed as they walk beside this young widow whose faith guides her through every test life throws her way...and transforms her into a beautiful woman of God."
--Loree Lough
Bestselling author of 115 award-winning books

"Diana Taylor writes well-researched biblical fiction with utter perfection and precision. Even though one recognizes her stories as fictional, loosely based on fact, the novels still sweep one back in time and make one think it could actually have happened the very way which she describes. Lydia, Woman of Philippi is certainly no exception. Rich with descriptive detail and well-thought-out dialogue and narrative, one is drawn into the story from the start. This is a tender story of faith, hope, and love--and certainly not one to pass over. I highly recommend it."
--Sharlene MacLaren
Author of 18 novels, most recently Summer on Sunset Ridge and
Their Daring Hearts

"Diana Wallis Taylor once again beautifully weaves together history and fiction. As we are invited into the thoughts and feelings of Lydia from the time she is a fourteen-year-old girl until she becomes a grandmother, we gain a wonderful glimpse into the realities of life for women in New Testament times. Lydia lives as a God-follower in a pagan world. We cheer her on as she overcomes fear to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ which Paul has shared with Lydia's small group of believers. We celebrate God's goodness to her in the touching love story that Diana blends into this exciting tale of the life of an early Christian. Diana is an engaging, thoughtful writer; I highly recommend Lydia, Woman of Philippi."
--Linda Ridley
Author, The Journey of Lucinda Jane and The Journey of Rosalyn

Smart, strong, and a follower of the Jewish God, Lydia has nonetheless always quietly conformed to the expectations of the wealthy Roman society surrounding her. Even though married off at fifteen to a man she dislikes, she is determined to be a faithful wife. But when her husband is killed some years later, Lydia vows never to remarry and returns to her father's house in Thyatira with her twelve-year-old daughter. There, a new life begins to emerge.      //       

As she is trained in the family dye business, Lydia’s shrewd management quickly creates profit, prestige—and envy. At odds with her jealous brother, who is a staunch Roman and can't understand her obsession with the Jewish religion, Lydia finds herself yet again at the mercy of a patriarchal society. Will fleeing to Philippi be enough to protect herself and those under her care? Will she keep her vow to widowhood when a handsome Greek God-fearer turns out to be more than just an employee? ?And when she meets a strange man named Paul the apostle by the river one Sabbath day, will Lydia have the courage to once more let her life be dramatically changed—this time forever?