Jamie Ogle

Romance fiction is generally on the nightstand around Valentine’s Day, and there are plenty of great books to read to capture all the love. But this year I decided to read Of Love And Treason by Jamie Ogle, a historical novel set in 3rd century Rome and inspired by the real Valentine. What a great choice! This novel won the much deserved 2024 Christy Award for historical romance. But lest you think this book is all hearts and flowers, let me tell you it is about the true meaning of love show more — putting others ahead of self. The book presents a fictional, yet credible, re-telling of the legends that surround the true Valentine. A Christian martyr, this pillar of the faith faithfully led a group of believers and defied the emperor’s ban on marriage. The story as presented by Ogle is a beautiful depiction of what Christ does for His church. I loved every element! The plot is well-crafted, the historical detail is just right, and the characters are ones to truly love (or hate in the case of the bad guys). They come across as real people with real struggles, doubts, and flaws. The faith message is beautifully and profoundly presented without being preachy. While the reader knows in advance that Valentine will be martyred, and that is presented in a realistic manner without too much graphic detail, the HEA comes from the hope that Christ gives every believer. Be sure to read the Authors Note, as well, for the story behind the story. I spent a good bit of my last book club telling anyone who would listen about this book. I wish it had been one of our selections, because there are so many things to discuss. So get a reading buddy and dive in. I am sure you will love it as much as I did.

Very Highly Recommended.

Great for Book Clubs.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the ebook from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

As one man risks his life to thwart an emperor’s decree, a young blind woman learns the power of the One True God and His ability to heal & save despite allowing suffering & pain. Why did I wait so long to read this book?! Of Love and Treason was heart-achingly beautiful, deeply thoughtful, & filled with intrigue, romance, & faith. This powerful historical fiction based on the life of St. Valentine captured my attention from the very beginning & was impossible to put down.

The story takes show more place in 270 AD Rome, when Christians were horribly persecuted & the emperor newly instituted a marriage ban. Iris, the 21 year old daughter of a Roman jailer has tried every cure & prayed to every Roman god to heal her, not for herself, but so she can help her deeply in debt father. When Valentine comes into the bakery where she works, they strike up a meaningful conversation & he offers to pray for her. Suddenly, Iris finds a flicker of hope as her sight returns for brief moments at a time. As her faith in God grows, so does her relationship with Valentine.

Despite the marriage ban, Valentine agrees to marry people in secret. Each time he performs a ceremony, he risks his life, but, his convictions compel him to keep going. As his relationship with Iris blossoms, the cost of his faith comes at a heavy price. Titus is a Roman soldier tasked with finding ‘The Cupid’ who defies the emperor & marries couples in secret. He’s also Iris’ best friend though he longs for more. Iris’ father Quintus Magius is hostile to Christianity until his daughter’s sight begins to return. When these four lives intersect, their faith & convictions are tested as they come up against the power of the Roman Empire.

This story gave me such newfound respect for St. Valentine. I didn’t know much about him before reading, but quickly fell in love with the author’s portrayal & will never look at Valentine’s Day quite the same. The characters in this story were utterly amazing. I enjoyed reading from four different viewpoints as each character expresses various levels of faith from the deeply converted to the struggling skeptic. Their heartfelt conflicts were so real. I found myself on pins & needles especially as Valentine’s enemies begin closing in. The courage it took to be a Christian during this time period was really brought home.

Iris’ faith journey & Valentine’s profound teachings were some of my favorite moments. Their slow burn romance was absolutely delightful. I loved the witty banter & those close proximity situations. Their sweet relationship brought some much needed humor & lightness to the story. I also loved Valentine’s aunt & the other Christian believers who were such a support to Valentine, Iris, & her father.

Highest of recommendations for this stunning novel, even through it put me through the wringer. I definitely recommend having some Kleenex handy. Looking forward to the next book by this author. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided. show less

You think you know all about Valentine's day? The day dedicated to love and romance and syrupy expressions of love... Meet Valentine who gave up his life for love, and left his indelible imprint on life and the notion of romantic love.

Jamie Ogle's brilliant narrative about the man who gave his name to a day dedicated to lovers, will make you rethink Valentine's day as just a mushy, overdone celebration.

Set in 269 AD, Valentine was the only church leader in Rome who defied the Emperor's show more universal ban on marriage. A notarius publicus by day, he played Cupid by night, delivering any number of signed and sealed marriage licenses and contracts and conducting the wedding himself in different locations to escape the Praetorian Guard who are hunting for him.

The price on his head has just doubled and he is wanted not just for being Christian but also because he is defying the marriage ban.

Valentine proceeds to fall in love with the blind but beautiful daughter of the jailer, who is eventually miraculously healed, but not before she and her father come to almost total ruination and are on the run.

She must also escape the amorous advances of her father's and Titus's boss. Does she? What happens to Valentine, Titus, the Roman house church and so many others whose lives are touched? Read this page turner to find out more.

Jamie Ogle's novel is superbly written, the characterisations human. Unexpected twists and turns in the plot make it quite the page turner because one doesn't know what can happen next.

This book moved me and Valentine's example and life continues to haunt me. show less

Jamie Ogle is quickly becoming a favorite historical fiction writer. She beautifully captures the times when the Roman Empire ruled the Earth. I absolutely loved Of Love & Treason which was the amazing story of St. Valentine & couldn’t wait to read As Sure As The Sea, the inspiring story of St. Nikolas. I was completely enamored by his story, the history, faith, & experiences based on actual events.

In the Eastern Roman Empire 310 AD, Emperor Diocletian rules with anti-Christian edicts show more outlawing Christians from working, owning property, etc. Demetria & her brother Theseus survive using their expert diving skills in harvesting coral & pearls for an employer who overlooks their faith. By day they work for their exacting employer, but at night they deliver food & provisions to fellow believers. When Theseus is injured, a handsome stranger comes to the rescue.

Nikolas survives his journey to Myra, but his fortune & boat lie at the bottom of the sea. As the new pastor, he hoped to use his fortune to help those in need. Though Demi’s reluctant to work with Nikolas, she’s drawn to the charming man & helps him recover his fortune. But when the Roman Empire ratchets up their persecutions, their faith is tested to its limits.

I thoroughly loved Demi & Nikolas! Both have experiences in their past for which they long for forgiveness. Demi believes she can never be forgiven for what she did & Nikolas blames himself for his family’s death. As they work together, they forge a strong bond in strengthening each other’s faith & find love. I loved their epic story & romance.

The trials of the early Christians were horrific & the author poignantly illustrates the pain & suffering they went through for their beliefs. I was on the edge of my seat throughout the story wondering if they’d survive the awful conditions. This story definitely gave me a renewed admiration & appreciation for these early Saints.

I loved learning more about St. Nikolas who’s so much more than the St. Nick we look forward to at Christmas. I enjoyed getting to know him through the careful, meticulous research the author infuses into the story. The faith thread was inspiring & there were so many quotes I had underlined.

Highly recommend! Looking forward to reading more books from this author. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are my own & provided voluntarily. show less