Jars of Clay Series by Lee Strauss

Jars of Clay (volume 1) and Broken Vessels (volume 2) contain strong religious themes and scenes of sensuality and violence. Recommended for ages 15 and up. Sixteen year old Helena Vibius is the daughter of a wealthy business man in the city of Carthage, North Africa in the year 199AD. She’s not granted a tutor like her two older brothers are and must be satisfied with the teachings of her father. Which she is not... moreJars of Clay (volume 1) and Broken Vessels (volume 2) contain strong religious themes and scenes of sensuality and violence. Recommended for ages 15 and up. Sixteen year old Helena Vibius is the daughter of a wealthy business man in the city of Carthage, North Africa in the year 199AD. She’s not granted a tutor like her two older brothers are and must be satisfied with the teachings of her father. Which she is not. Eighteen year old Lucius is a freeman--not a slave--living and working on the Vibius compound. His biggest desire is to learn about the world and one day leave Carthage to see it. A serendipitous meeting with the master’s daughter presents an opportunity. Should he take it? Helena agrees to secretly teach him, a rebellious gesture that surely could do no real harm--as long as they’re not caught. And she mustn’t fall for this servant boy, either. Sometimes one does what one must not. less

Jars of Clay (volume 1) and Broken Vessels (volume 2) contain strong religious themes and scenes of sensuality and violence. Recommended for ages 15 and up.Based on a true story With no way to prevent Helena from marrying another, Lucius flees to Rome to seek his fortune and mend his broken heart. In a loveless marriage with a child to care for, Helena finds comfort in the most unlikely place--with her brother amongst the Christians... moreJars of Clay (volume 1) and Broken Vessels (volume 2) contain strong religious themes and scenes of sensuality and violence. Recommended for ages 15 and up.Based on a true story With no way to prevent Helena from marrying another, Lucius flees to Rome to seek his fortune and mend his broken heart. In a loveless marriage with a child to care for, Helena finds comfort in the most unlikely place--with her brother amongst the Christians. The religious group is mostly ignored by the Pagan populace, until the Emperor returns to the city and celebrations are planned. There's a shortages of criminals for the games and Christians are now sought out for arrest. Fate brings Lucius back to Carthage, where his only wish is that he will get a glimpse of the girl he still loves. But when he finally sees Helena, it's under the worse possible circumstance... less