Tessa was born in the Middle East and lived there for the first fourteen years of her life. The Way Home was chosen by Moody Radio SFL for their summer of 2020 book study. Optional videos of the same title are available with this book. Tessa’s Bible study, The Way Home: God’s Invitation to New Beginnings, based on the book of Ruth, won the 2021 ECPA Christian Book Award in the Bible Study category. Daughter of Rome is a finalist for the Carol Award, 2021. Tessa’s latest trilogy of biblical fiction, Thief of Corinth, Daughter of Rome, and Jewel of the Nile are based on minor characters from the book of Acts. In 2011, after publishing her first novel, Pearl in the Sand, Tessa was named New Author of the Year by the FamilyFiction-sponsored Reader’s Choice Awards. Harvest of Rubies was a finalist for the 2013 ECPA Christian Book Award for fiction. Tessa Afshar is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of biblical and inspirational historical fiction, including Land of Silence, which won an INSPY Award and was voted by Library Journal as one of the top five Christian fiction titles of 2016, and Harvest of Gold, which won a Christy Award in the Historical Romance category. If that sounds good, why don’t you linger with me a while? I want you to know, I just finished praying for you.Ībout Tessa Afshar Photo by Murphy Made Photography Until you become more of the blessing God designed you to be. In my Bible study and DVD teaching, I try to make room for God to carve these truths deeper into your soul until you grow in your faith. But my dearest hope is that by the last page, you are closer to God, and closer to your true self. You may find love stories that capture your imagination. In my novels, you will find laughter and tears. I write books that try to capture these truths.

He has set His affections on you and desires to heal your heart, forgive your failures, and renew your hope.

He considers you His treasure and calls you His beloved. Whether writing novels or non-fiction, I try to help my readers internalize these truths. Now, He wants to restore you to your true self and fulfill your destiny. That is why Jesus is lovingly pursuing you. You were made to belong, not to be abandoned. This is part of your original design according to Scripture. A universe without you is just not a good enough universe. I want to remind you of a few truths, in case they have grown dim in your heart.

But let’s start with something really important.

Land of silence by tessa afshar