Celebrating the release of The Gladiator by Carla Capshaw

I am pleased to help promote this book. Thanks to Carla for sending me an advance copy to read and review. Carla and I became friends last year and I told her I would be honored to help promote her new book. The Gladiator has been released this month and is available at Wallmart and other stores which sell Love Inspired books. In Australia we will need to wait about 5 months.

Publisher's Description

He won his fame—and his freedom—in the gory pits of Rome's Colosseum. Yet the greatest challenge for once-legendary gladiator Caros Viriathos comes to him through a slave. His slave, the beautiful and mysterious Pelonia Valeria. Her secret brings danger to his household but offers Caros a love like he's never known….

Should anyone learn she is a Christian, Pelonia will be executed. Her faith threatens not only herself, but her master. Can she convince a man who found fame through unforgiving brutality to show mercy? And when she's ultimately given the choice, will Pelonia choose freedom or the love of a gladiator?

My Review:

I really loved this book. When I first heard about this story I wasn't sure this period would be one I enjoyed as much as others but I was so wrong. I really did enjoy this period and I have to say I found this book very thought provoking. Its set in the early Christian days in Rome when Christians are fed to the lions and worse. I hadn't really thought what that would be like but this book made me think about it. I am not sure I would have been as strong as the early day Christians knowing I could be fed to the lions or worse I would hope I would. It really made me appreciate the early Christians for there faith and stand. The story of Pelonia is very touching and her stand for Christ is very strong. Caros is a strong brooding hero who has been a slave and now has his freedom but still feels the stigma of it. Throw in a special cat (you have to read the story to find out about this animal) and you have a wonderful, strong and thought provoking book. Well done Carla on your first novel. I honestly can't wait for the sequel.