Seven Hills One Light follows two sisters whose faith places them in grave danger during the religious persecution occurring under Nero’s reign. Where did the idea for this book come from?

About eight years ago, my husband and I went on a 3-week road trip through most of Italy, and about a third of our time was spent in Rome. From the moment I got off the train, I was in love! I knew I had to write a story set in the ancient city. Then, a number of years later, we went back to Italy, this time to live there for a few months. We spent another week or so in Rome, and it was during that trip that I came across the names of two women, Tryphosa and Tryphena, who are mentioned in the bible as being early Roman converts to Christianity. But the details of their life are shrouded in mystery, so I sought to fill them in. I used a lot of what I saw in the city to influence how I wrote the novel.

What draws you to the historical fiction genre?

Ever since I was in third grade, I’ve had two major passions: writing and history, primarily ancient history. I often get lost down these rabbit holes researching [amaturely] my favorite historical eras. I primarily read historical fiction as well, so it only seemed right that my debut novel would be historical fiction.

Do you have a favorite character in your book? One that you especially enjoyed writing for?

Authors probably routinely say this, but I really enjoyed writing from Phosa’s point of view [my main character]. She has a lot of the same traits as I have. She is authentic and clearly shows her feelings. She isn’t afraid to say what needs to be said, but she also sometimes stumbles into social situations she didn’t intend to get into. And the best part of her is that she actually grapples with her extreme fear of being found out by the Roman authorities. I think too often, we are shown these stories of early church martyrs who were just 100% courageous and had no fear of death. I didn’t think that was very realistic.

What is the next book that fans can look forward to seeing from you?

So, right now, I am taking a break from the In the Shadow of Lions series and writing a super cute Christmas Romance novella. I am a huge fan of Christmas! But right after that, I will be diving right back into the thick of things and revealing what happened to Phena in book two!

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Two Sisters, One Fate: A Journey of Love, Survival, and Faith in Ancient Rome

In a city where whispers of a new faith ignite both hope and peril, two orphaned sisters find their lives forever changed by love and danger. Seven Hills One Light weaves a tale of passion, resilience, and faith that readers of The Nightingale and The Book Thief will love.

In the heart of Rome, danger lurks around every corner as rumors of Christianity spread through the streets. For Tryphosa and Tryphena, life is a precarious dance of survival—they are unmarried, vulnerable, and devoted to their faith in the enigmatic teachings of Jesus. With the telltale symbol of the fish discreetly hidden behind their ears, they live in constant fear of discovery.

When a sudden upheaval shatters their fragile existence, leaving them homeless and desperate, Phosa and Phena are forced to make choices that could seal their fates. Navigating a city rife with political intrigue and threats to their very survival, the sisters grapple with profound questions about their faith. As they struggle to reclaim their lives, the unexpected arrival of two captivating men—each harboring their own secrets—turns their world upside down and tests their resolve in ways they never anticipated.

Amid the chaos, a fiery romance ignites between Phosa and Simon, a passionate young man whose magnetic presence challenges her beliefs and stirs desires she thought she could suppress. Their connection is electric, yet fraught with danger, as every stolen moment becomes a risky gamble against the backdrop of a city that seeks to destroy them. Meanwhile, Phena finds herself drawn to a charismatic Jewish moneylender whose charm promises a life of luxury and safety, but also entangles her in a web of societal expectations and moral dilemmas.

As the stakes heighten and tensions rise, the sisters must confront the ultimate question: Can their faith withstand the trials of love, or will their hearts lead them down paths of betrayal and despair?

In her enthralling debut, Hazel Dains crafts a spellbinding narrative of passion, betrayal, and courage set against the dramatic backdrop of ancient Rome. As faith and love intertwine, readers will be captivated by the sisters’ journey, experiencing every heart-pounding twist and emotional turn.

Don’t miss your chance to dive into this unforgettable tale of love and survival! Order your copy of Seven Hills One Light today and immerse yourself in a world where faith and romance collide in the most unexpected ways.