Lynne Gentry takes readers to third-century Carthage for a thrilling time-travel adventure in Valley of Decision (Howard Books), the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles. In her latest release, Gentry brings her thorough research of the Plague of Cyprian to life as she examines the power of family connections.
Thirteen years ago, Dr. Lisbeth Hasting made an impossible decision to leave third-century Carthage and her husband, Cyprian, behind for good to protect their daughter Maggie. Summoning all her courage, she struggled to move on with life and keep her promise to Cyprian to keep their little girl out of harm’s way.
Years later, that little girl is now a headstrong young woman starting to chafe under her mother’s protective wings. Craving an opportunity to express her independence, Maggie decides to do what her mother appears to be unable or unwilling to do: She secretly returns to the third century on a quest to bring her father back. When Lisbeth discovers what Maggie has done, she is left with no choice but to follow.
The idea of a child rebelling is not foreign to any parent, including Gentry. “I love my children. However, my kids are human,” Gentry shares. “Whenever they dared to step out of the safety of the boundaries I’d established for them, it was more than anger that kicked in. It was sheer terror. What if they were hurt? What if I couldn’t rescue them?” These are all issues Lisbeth and Cyprian must confront in Valley of Decision.
With Maggie’s surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. Finding her grandmother on trial for murder, she attempts to save her, but her efforts only spark a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of whomever instigated the riot.
Family ties are challenged, and every choice has a consequence in the Valley of Decision. Ultimately, Lisbeth will learn family is sometimes less about DNA and more about those who choose to love you – no matter what.
As Gentry concludes this series, she reflects on how she has grown along with her characters. “This series originated out of my own regrets. I nearly made myself sick longing for a chance to redo the past,” Gentry reveals. “Ironically, it was in the writing of Lisbeth’s desperate attempts to right her own wrongs I discovered poor choices and failures are the dark threads that give our life the depth of a tapestry. That’s how I felt when I wrote the epilogue of Valley of Decision. I’m comfortable with who I am: an imperfect person who loves God and is loved by God – even when I fail.”
Praise for Lynne Gentry
“Extraordinary writing. 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 I couldn’t put down.”
~Elizabeth Goddard, Carol Award-winning author of Treacherous Skies, Riptide, and Wilderness Peril
About the Author
Lynne Gentry has written for numerous publications and is a professional acting coach, theater director and playwright with several full-length musicals and a Chicago children’s theater curriculum to her credit.
Her love for writing stories was born while growing up on a Kansas dairy farm as she longed for adventure and dreamt of traveling to exotic places. She likes to write stories that launch modern women into ancient adventures, such as The Carthage Chronicles series (Healer of Carthage, Return to Exile and Valley of Decision).
Gentry is also an inspirational speaker and dramatic performer who loves spending time with her family and medical therapy dog.