This trilogy by Francine Rivers is some good, inspiring story-telling. She seems to be a conservate evangelical, but her writing is substantial enough to hold most any Chritian's attention, with some compelling character development.

However, one would probably need to have experienced Jesus, or God, in quite intimate ways to accept the literal import of her characters' transformations, as this takes place in biblical settings that might otherwise seem contrived in places. But in spite of those occasional props, the characters are believable.

I'm near the end of the second book, the first being "A Voice in the Wind." This first book jumps around a bit as the author introduces and begins the development of key characters, but it is a slight distraction worth enduring. The second book, "An Echo in the Darkness" deepens the characters and makes you glad you read the first.

I should add that the setting is first century Roman Empire, about the time of the destruction of Jerusalem. The characters come from various regions of the Empire, and are all drawn in various ways to the impact of Christianity via their interactions with each other.