“She felt a presence within her, one so strong she could barely breathe, one so gentle she felt laughter bubble up. She never wanted to move, never wanted to lose the intensity of this moment, even as she thought that it would surely consume her totally if it remained over her much longer. The peace filled her so completely that there was surely no room left for anything else.”—Rosanna M. White, A Stray Drop of Blood
A Stray Drop of Blood by Roseanna M. White is a touching and soul-stirring tale that captivated me from start to finish. Abigail, born free but sold into slavery after her parents’ death, serves the kind Visibullis family in Jerusalem. Her beauty, however, draws the unwanted attention of Jason, the family’s son, upon his return from Rome. Abigail struggles with her feelings towards Jason, torn between her duty and the impossible task of loving him as he demands.
As political unrest seethes in Jerusalem and captivating stories of a rabbi named Jesus circulate, Abigail’s world is turned upside down. Tragedy strikes, leading her to seek justice at the trial of Barabbas. Instead, she encounters Jesus, condemned to die in Barabbas’s place. A stray drop of His blood falls upon her, and she realizes Jason was right—Jesus is indeed the Son of God. This divine encounter transforms Abigail, offering her the love and freedom she longed for.
The book’s emotional depth and historical richness reminded me of Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series, which is a tremendous compliment. The story is beautifully woven with themes of faith, redemption, and love, making it a highly recommended read for fans of Christian fiction. I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time, and it did not disappoint. I rate it 4.5 stars.