The Herod Chronicles Series by Wanda Ann Thomas

A deadly assault ... A former soldier in the Jewish army whose lethal talents earned him the title angel of death, NATHAN OF RUMAH just wants a quiet life on his family's olive farm. But his idyll ends abruptly when he rescues a wealthy and prominent Pharisee and his family from a brutal attack by rebels he calls friends. Nathan vows to right the wrong, never guessing it will lead to his hasty marriage to the Pharisee's shy daughter Alexandra... moreA deadly assault ... A former soldier in the Jewish army whose lethal talents earned him the title angel of death, NATHAN OF RUMAH just wants a quiet life on his family's olive farm. But his idyll ends abruptly when he rescues a wealthy and prominent Pharisee and his family from a brutal attack by rebels he calls friends. Nathan vows to right the wrong, never guessing it will lead to his hasty marriage to the Pharisee's shy daughter Alexandra. The tender passion he finds with his new wife only strengthens his need to seek justice for her and her family. Determined to end the bloody rebellion against Rome, Nathan picks up his sword again, seeking help from his friend-the newly-minted governor of Galilee, Herod. A formidable warrior ... ALEXANDRA ONIAS is enthralled and unnerved to find herself wed, not to a scholar, but to a warrior. The risks her valiant husband takes on her behalf come at a terrible price when Nathan's countrymen turn against him. Shaken as she realizes how much Nathan has sacrificed on her behalf, Alexandra fights to save her husband from the rebels' revenge... and from Herod's blind ambition. A clash of loyalty, deception and desire ... Betrayed by friends and hunted by neighbors, Nathan and Alexandra fight side by side to protect their loved ones, their home, and their very lives. But the couple's blossoming love faces ruin when the rebels strike out and Nathan unleashes the full fury of... The Warrior. less

An outcast and a pagan, KADAR THE NORTHMAN can't ignore the plea of a highborn Jewess who is desperate to recover her young son. Wronged by her power-hungry father, LYDIA ONIAS turns to the giant, blue-eyed barbarian who had been such a comfort during her bleakest moments. Denying their love as impossible to fulfill, Kadar and Lydia find more trouble when they align with Herod, whose power is threatened by palace conspiracies and murder... moreAn outcast and a pagan, KADAR THE NORTHMAN can't ignore the plea of a highborn Jewess who is desperate to recover her young son. Wronged by her power-hungry father, LYDIA ONIAS turns to the giant, blue-eyed barbarian who had been such a comfort during her bleakest moments. Denying their love as impossible to fulfill, Kadar and Lydia find more trouble when they align with Herod, whose power is threatened by palace conspiracies and murder. But everyone's lives and future prospects are jeopardized when Jerusalem is attacked by an invading army. Kadar accompanies Herod to the dangerous courts of Cleopatra and Mark Antony to seek men and money to strike back. With Lydia and Herod's family stranded atop the water-starved heights of Masada, the fate of a nation and the woman he loves depend on the sword of... The Barbarian. less

A devout man forced to go to war… A widowed priest from a wealthy family, Gabriel Onias is appalled at the greed and corruption permeating the priesthood. Unable to stomach another moment of deceit, he turns his back on the only life he’s ever known, shakes the dust of Jerusalem off his sandals, and joins Herod’s war to overthrow the corrupt leaders... moreA devout man forced to go to war… A widowed priest from a wealthy family, Gabriel Onias is appalled at the greed and corruption permeating the priesthood. Unable to stomach another moment of deceit, he turns his back on the only life he’s ever known, shakes the dust of Jerusalem off his sandals, and joins Herod’s war to overthrow the corrupt leaders. An honorable woman compelled to lie and cheat … A humble mule train operator, Shoshana Ehud courageously defends her family with nothing but her determination and a wooden club while they travel through war-torn lands. Abandoned by a deceitful, treacherous husband, she despairs of ever knowing the joy of true love. But her conniving husband pushes too far when he involves her family in a scheme to double-cross Herod. A fated love heals two hearts… Gabriel’s beliefs are shaken to the core after Shoshana rescues him from a bandit attack. Enthralled by a woman he shouldn’t pursue, Gabriel is determined to confront the Samaritan woman’s husband and demand he grant her a divorce. Fearing for Gabriel’s safety, Shoshana urges the princely man to master the sword rather than fight her battles. When Herod threatens Gabriel’s family and demands he forsake Shoshana for a more advantageous marriage, the soldier priest faces his biggest battle yet in a clash of…Warring Desires. less

Family turmoil led JAMES ONIAS to leave both the priesthood and the Jewish faith. But at the invitation of King Herod, he returns to Jerusalem with the prospect of rebuilding the city in the king’s grand design. James’s obsession with becoming a renowned master builder is second only to his love for Elizabeth Boethus. Married to a longtime rival, Elizabeth is about to be executed for adultery. Certain of her innocence, James whisks her to his ancestral home and appeals to King Herod for help... moreFamily turmoil led JAMES ONIAS to leave both the priesthood and the Jewish faith. But at the invitation of King Herod, he returns to Jerusalem with the prospect of rebuilding the city in the king’s grand design. James’s obsession with becoming a renowned master builder is second only to his love for Elizabeth Boethus. Married to a longtime rival, Elizabeth is about to be executed for adultery. Certain of her innocence, James whisks her to his ancestral home and appeals to King Herod for help. Seeing all his desires within reach, James is prepared to dupe or undermine anyone in his way. Anyone except Elizabeth. Once a defiled outcast, ELIZABETH BOETHUS is overjoyed by the prospect of again worshiping at the Temple, but joy turns to terror when her husband accuses her of unfaithfulness. Elizabeth’s relief over her rescue proves brief. Though she has always loved him, a marriage to James the Apostate means disgrace and treacherous court intrigues. Elizabeth faces the fight of her life convincing James to let her go. Especially when her heart is working against her. James’s goals of safeguarding Elizabeth and becoming master builder are tangled with the deadly strife roiling King Herod’s household. The king suspects everyone of treachery—even his royal-born wife. Anyone could be the next victim of his unstable temper. Meanwhile, Elizabeth fears for James’s soul as he plots to earn the title of Herod’s master builder. Will hate and misery be the victor? Or will love and joy triumph? Will the APOSTATE PRIEST be conquered by selfish passions…or choose the path of redemption? less