Great continuation of the story of Sarah and Darius. I loved that Afshar fleshed out the biblical account of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem walls. In both the previous book and this one, I really felt thatthe centerpiece of the story was how much God loves and fights for His people and even brings foreigners to faith. ( )

I was so disappointed with this sequel and didn't enjoy it nearly as much as the first. ā€œHarvest of Rubiesā€ was a delightful read, helped by the humorous dialogue between Sarah and her husband, Darius. In ā€œHarvest of a Goldā€, that humour was missing and the wonderful relationship between them felt stilted in this book. Also, in ā€œHarvest of a Rubiesā€, Sarah was portrayed as an intelligent, hard working and resourceful. In this book, sadly, she was reduced to a love-sick wife pining for her husband - such a waste.

The so-called mystery was disappointing, in fact it was also non-existent. Also, I found the plot dragged in parts, especially when it focused on the rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls. Overall, a meh read. ( )

This is book 2 ("Harvest of Rubies" is book one) and can be read as a stand alone story, BUT . . this is a continuation of the life of Sarah and Darius, from book one, and how they continue to learn to live together as man and wife. I recommend everyone reading them in order, they are both very good stories!

Sarah is a scribe and finds herself married to Darius, a Persian aristocrat who works for the King. They both have a lot to learn as husband and wife and about trusting in God to work out the details in life. The story will take them both to Jerusalem at the time when Nehemiah was sent to rebuild the wall. There will be treachery, opposition and danger throughout this story. Sarah will come to realize she loves her husband, but must face his wrath over a secret she kept hidden, and then wait patiently for him to declare his love for her.

This was a very engaging historical story that gives one a glimpse into what it might have been like in ancient Jerusalem and in Persia in the days of Nehemiah. As the author states so well in the 'author's notes' at the end of the story: "Harvest of Gold is a love story. But at its core, it is also a novel about overcoming in the midst of battle. Jerusalem is under attack. The king's life is threatened. Darius and Sarah's marriage is slowly unraveling. How do you respond to the interior and exterior forces that threaten to destroy you? Harvest of Gold tries to answer that question based on the timeless principles we find in the book of Nehemiah." Well doneTessa Afshar!

(For a biblical account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem read the books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Bible.) ( )

The scribe Sarah married Darius, and at times she feels as if she has married the Persian aristocracy too. But there is another point she did not expect in her marriage - Sarah has grown to love her husband. She has wealth, property, honor, and power, yet securing her husband's love seems unattainable. And though Darius has been on numberless battlefields facing fierce enemies, he finds himself standing before Sarah with a fear he has never before felt - all because he wishes to express the truth to his wife.
*Great book. Wasn't disappointed. Love Sarah and Darius. Love their story.* ( )

A beautiful ending to the love story of Darius and Sarah. Entwined in the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem, this is a story of learning to trust God and of putting aside our will. The subplots of Nehemiah and the Persian aristocracy are well placed and add to the charm of the novel. ( )