Valeria is the beautiful, rather spoiled, daughter of the
Emperor Diocletian. When he sends her and her mother to
Egypt, they learn of the Christian faith and convert.
Valeria falls in love with Mauritius, a handsome warrior,
and the two hope to get married. Unfortunately, Rome is not
interested in the Christian faith and Mauritius ends up
dying a martyr's death. Grief stricken, Valeria is
horrified to learn that her father has arranged for her to
marry the man responsible for her true love's death.
VALERIA'S CROSS, by Kathi Macias and Susan Wales, is the
enthralling story of a woman strong enough to bend, but
never break. Fulfilling the prophecy of a blind priest,
Valeria's life becomes a powerful testimony to
Christianity. She's not perfect; costly mistakes are made,
which only make her story more believable. Valeria's
ultimate faith in God, and trust in His plan, is a shining
example of total submission, all the way to the end.
This novel is not your everyday love story. Based in part
on historical events, VALERIA'S CROSS is incredibly
realistic in flavor. Nearly 400 pages in length, this is
definitely not a casual book to pick up for an afternoon of
escape. It is very well-written, and is sure to please
readers who enjoy history, stories of faith, and tales of
overcoming insurmountable odds.
In the 3rd century, pampered Roman princess Valeria falls in
love with Mauritius, captain of the Theban Legion. She sends
him off to battle, where he suffers under the schemes of a
notorious pagan general with an ambition for power and a
lust for Valeria. In a scene based on true events, the evil
Galerius kills Mauritius and his entire legion for their
Christian faith. And in a shocking turn of events, the
grieving Valeria is forced to become Galerius’ wife against
her will. Never has a marriage been set up for such failure.
Valeria loathes her new husband, but he seems to undergo a
change of heart, adopting a child for her and giving her
power and authority, and even love. She struggles with the
commitment she knows she must keep, and the love she knows
she will never find again.