I finished reading this book just yesterday in the night and I don't know how to explain what I'm feeling. So many unanswered questions as well as unfulfilled prophecies. The fact that such a kind and pure-hearted person like Hadassah who always looked for ways and means to serve others underwent such an excruciating ordeal in the end broke me into pieces. I literally woke up at dawn feeling this pain in my heart as though this happened to a close friend. It lead me to think of our forefathers in the faith who went through same or even worse fate, all because of this faith. I remember when Hadassah had the opportunity to worship with Trophimus and the other Christians she was so elated. Her faith was revived with their testimonies as well as theirs hers. It's so sad that we take for granted what the fathers of old gave their lives for. I pray that the good Lord strengthens us and keeps us, that we find strength from Yeshua to press on in the face of adversities be it sicknesses, addictions, hunger, persecutions and what not. And that like Hadassah in the face of Vitellius we still say that we believe that Jesus Christ is LORD!.....I just started reading book two and from what I've heard it answers most of the questions left in the book. I believe that God will use Francine Rivers's wrttings to draw us closer to Him. In all Francine Rivers is a wonderful writer whose writings leaves us wanting more!