Healer of Carthage: A Novel (The Carthage Chronicles)

A modern-day doctor gets trapped in third-century Carthage, Rome, where she uncovers buried secrets, confronts Christian persecution, and battles a deadly epidemic to save the man she loves.

A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.

First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become.

While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home?

Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God?

As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap?

"Until recently, I didn't think there could be a time-travel book that was also Christian. This book blew that idea right out of my head. Lynne Gentry has written a wonderful time-travel story that has elements of medical suspense as well, one of my favorite genres. Her characters leaped off the page, grabbed my heart, and pulled me through the portal. I lived every minute with them. The only problem is that I will have to wait a while before the next installment comes. Write faster, Lynne!"--Lena Nelson Dooley, award-winning author of Love Finds You in Golden New Mexico

"Healer of Carthage held me captive from the first page to the last. Lynne Gentry's authentic voice and rich detail in this breathtaking time-travel adventure delight with every twist. Gladiator games, plagues, romance, and high stakes political intrigue carried me from the filthy streets of ancient Tunisia to its lavish palaces with a cast of characters I won't soon forget. Highly recommended!"--Carla Stewart, award-winning author of Chasing Lilacs and Sweet Dreams

"With her debut novel, Ms. Gentry has proven to be a masterful storyteller. Healer of Carthage is full of depth and emotion, twists and turns that carry the reader away to ancient Rome. From the first page to the last, the reader is instantly taken into a world of emotion, secrets, and political intrigue. Ultimately, this is a story about healing past wounds and discovering love . . . in its many varied forms. I highly recommend accepting this author's invitation to fall into another world. A wonderful trip awaits."--Kellie Coates Gilbert, author of Mother of Pearl

"What a wonderful premise! Healer of Carthage follows Lisbeth, a modern-day doctor, as she's transported through time to ancient Carthage. I found it fascinating to watch Lisbeth apply her knowledge of medicine to a group of very early Christians. This novel is rich in detail and drama. A unique and terrific debut by talented author Lynne Gentry!"--Becky Wade, author of Undeniably Yours

"Lynne Gentry's debut novel pulls you in from page one and never lets you come up for air as you follow Lisbeth Hastings into the turbulent world of third-century Carthage in a gripping tale of mercy, passion, sacrifice, and deceit."--Lisa Harris, author of Dangerous Passage

"From a modern-day emergency room to third-century back alleys, Healer of Carthage pulls readers into a riveting story that will keep pulses racing and hearts twisting. Beautiful writing. Compelling story. Enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes every step of the way. Kudos to author Lynn Gentry for this remarkable, haunting storyline. Highly recommended!"--Janice Thompson, author of Queen of the Waves

"Extraordinary writing. Exceptional story. I've just discovered my new favorite author in Lynne Gentry. With an incredible, compelling new voice she weaves the past and present together in a fascinating tale that I couldn't put down. I can't wait to read more from her, and while I'm waiting, I think I'll read Healer of Carthage again!"--Elizabeth Goddard, Carol Award-winning author of Treacherous Skies, Riptide, and Wilderness Peril

"This exciting new series uniquely pairs time travel and an inspirational love story to create an adventure well worth taking. Lisbeth's refusal to allow anyone close to her heart is as much of a challenge to Cyprian as the Roman government's insistence on routing out Christians. The cliffhanger ending leaves their marriage and the history of Carthage both in question, with the promise of more thrills to come."--Romantic Times (four stars)