IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ANCIENT WORLD

A jealous Egyptian queen.

A lascivious Galilean governor.

How can one servant girl possibly make a difference?’

An orphan since birth, Lydia lives in the palace at the demand of Cleopatra and her royal child, the son of Julius Caesar.

But Lydia’s beauty is becoming a liability to the aging queen, and the visiting Herod’s undisguised interest in Lydia only makes matters worse.

When Lydia’s mentor is murdered, the handmaid inherits a daunting task. An ancient set of sealed scrolls, the secret writings of the prophet Daniel, must be returned to Jerusalem–before those who killed her mentor destroy the scrolls as well.

 Lydia joins Herod the Great’s retinue and soon becomes absorbed in the machinations of his Jerusalem palace.

 But dark forces, older than Jerusalem itself, are at work.

And Lydia has no idea of the true nature of her destiny.

A Prequel Novel to The Incense Road Trilogy

Note: The Queen’s Handmaid is a stand-alone book, and can be read without continuing on to The Incense Road Trilogy (Star of Wonder, Star of Night and Royal Beauty). However, if you’d like to read them in chronological order as the events happen, The Queen’s Handmaid comes before The Incense Road.

“Rich in historic detail, Higley’s vivid writing brings to life the plots and intrigues that swirled through the ancient world…’ — CBA Retailers + Resources

“Higley writes a fast-paced engaging plot that is not quickly forgotten. Readers will be enamored by the love story of Lydia; she may be a handmaid, but God has given her a life of service and devotion to Him.” — RT Book Reviews, 4 ½ stars