Picture an American storyteller who transports you to the heart of the Roman Empire, where faith and forgiveness shine through perilous times—meet Carol Ashby! A master of biblical fiction, Ashby’s Light in the Empire series captivates readers with meticulously researched tales of early Christians navigating love, danger, and spiritual awakening.
With a scientist’s precision and a storyteller’s heart, Ashby brings ancient Rome to life, weaving narratives that resonate with modern readers. Her novels, set during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian, are more than historical fiction—they’re journeys of the soul, blending adventure, romance, and timeless truths.
The Making of Carol Ashby
Born with a fascination for the Roman Empire sparked in her middle-school Latin class, Carol Ashby’s path to authorship was anything but ordinary. Holding a Ph.D. in chemistry, she spent years as a research scientist in New Mexico, penning technical articles on lasers and semiconductors. This analytical background honed her obsession for historical accuracy, which she later channeled into fiction. In 2013, inspired by the parallels between early Christian persecution and modern-day struggles, Ashby began writing her first novel, marking the start of her literary adventure.
Carol Ashby’s Unforgettable Stories
Ashby’s Light in the Empire series, launched with her 2016 debut Forgiven, is a standout in biblical fiction. Set in AD 122 Judaea, Forgiven follows Marcus Drusus, a man driven by greed until love and faith transform his path. The series, now spanning 13 stand-alone novels, explores interconnected Roman families across the Empire, from Germania to Judaea. Each book, like Blind Ambition, delves into themes of redemption and forgiveness, with characters facing cultural conflicts and personal trials.
Ashby’s writing style is immersive, blending vivid historical detail with relatable characters. Her meticulous research—drawn from over 100 academic books—ensures authenticity, making readers feel they’re walking Rome’s streets. Novels like Hope Unchained and Truth and Honor showcase her knack for crafting emotionally gripping stories that balance romance, adventure, and spiritual depth, earning praise from authors like Mesu Andrews for their enthralling narratives.
What sets Ashby apart is her ability to make ancient struggles relevant today. Her characters, whether slaves or senators, grapple with choices that echo universal human experiences, inviting readers to reflect on their own faith and values. The series’ stand-alone structure welcomes newcomers while rewarding longtime fans with recurring characters and settings.
Why Carol Ashby Matters
Carol Ashby’s impact lies in her ability to bridge past and present, offering readers not just entertainment but inspiration. Her Light in the Empire series has carved a niche in biblical fiction, appealing to history buffs and spiritual seekers alike. By portraying early Christians’ resilience, Ashby encourages readers to find hope in their own challenges, earning her a loyal following and acclaim from peers like Roseanna White, who calls her a “true expert on Ancient Rome.”
Beyond her novels, Ashby shares her research through her website, enriching readers’ understanding of Roman life. Her work reminds us that stories can illuminate history and faith, making her a vital voice in Christian historical fiction.
- Born: Fascination with Rome began in middle-school Latin class
- Key Works: Forgiven, Blind Ambition, Hope Unchained, Truth and Honor
- Notable: Former research scientist with a Ph.D. in chemistry
Ready to step into ancient Rome? Snag Forgiven and dive into Carol Ashby’s captivating biblical fiction!