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Psalm #3
Deep Calling Deep
Praetorian Prefect Sextus Burris has spent his life fighting for the glory of Rome, but that glory has lost its shine. As both his health and his career crumble, he is drawn toward the seemingly inexhaustible peace of one of his Jewish prisoners, the Apostle Paul.
The moment Timothy hears his mentor and surrogate father Paul has been arrested, he rushes to Rome. Under the looming threat of execution, Timothy struggles to make sense of what is happening. Finally, an unexpected crisis requires him to reexamine everything, and places their hope for Paul’s freedom on the shoulders of Praetorian Prefect Sextus Burris.
The moment Timothy hears his mentor and surrogate father Paul has been arrested, he rushes to Rome. Under the looming threat of execution, Timothy struggles to make sense of what is happening. Finally, an unexpected crisis requires him to reexamine everything, and places their hope for Paul’s freedom on the shoulders of Praetorian Prefect Sextus Burris.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2018
174 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Carole Towriss
22 books275 followersCarole Towriss and her husband live just north of Washington, DC. In between making tacos and telling her four children to pick up their shoes for the third time, she writes, watches chick flicks, and waits for summertime to return to the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 9, 2021
The author wrote this book as a study of Psalm 42, a song of Lament. She placed the setting in during the time period of Nero and Paul the Apostle. That time would of been full of danger and emotional distress for the Roman Christians but naturally they would have turned to Yeshua for comfort. This book was an encouragement to me as well.
September 11, 2018
I’m really enjoying this Psalm series and the different way each author is shining a light on the meaning and application of their chosen Psalm through fiction. In this third book in the series, the lives of the apostle Timothy and the Praetorian Prefect Sextus Burrus provided an interesting contrast through which to explore Psalm 42, where the Psalmist cries out, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God…Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” (vv. 5, 7)
I found Sextus Burrus to be the more interesting and better developed of the two main characters, and I loved the historical notes at the end that explained what was actually known about him. The broad outline of the story is based on historical fact in spite of the scant information that has come down to us, but being unfamiliar with Sextus Burrus himself meant that there was an element of surprise in the way the story ended. I recommend not reading up on him before reading this story!
Although I thought Timothy was less developed as a character, it was encouraging to see the way he grew in his faith through the circumstances of this story. So often we think of the apostles as beacons of faith, but they were human too, and the uncertainty that came with Paul’s imprisonment, as well as some other circumstances that arise during the novel, challenged Timothy to examine where his hope lay and to allow God to meet his deepest needs.
The historical setting was well-developed and the writing well-paced. An enjoyable read for lovers of Biblical fiction or those who would like to explore the meaning and application of Psalm 42.
I found Sextus Burrus to be the more interesting and better developed of the two main characters, and I loved the historical notes at the end that explained what was actually known about him. The broad outline of the story is based on historical fact in spite of the scant information that has come down to us, but being unfamiliar with Sextus Burrus himself meant that there was an element of surprise in the way the story ended. I recommend not reading up on him before reading this story!
Although I thought Timothy was less developed as a character, it was encouraging to see the way he grew in his faith through the circumstances of this story. So often we think of the apostles as beacons of faith, but they were human too, and the uncertainty that came with Paul’s imprisonment, as well as some other circumstances that arise during the novel, challenged Timothy to examine where his hope lay and to allow God to meet his deepest needs.
The historical setting was well-developed and the writing well-paced. An enjoyable read for lovers of Biblical fiction or those who would like to explore the meaning and application of Psalm 42.
August 26, 2018
I am speechless.
Well, not really, but this book did take my breath away.
There were several times during my reading that I was brought to tears by the Holy Spirit. When Timothy was in jail and finally gave his fears up to God...I felt a need to do the same with my own fears. I found myself praying that Sextus would accept Jesus even though I knew the story was taking place long ago.
I really appreciate how much work Carole and the other authors of the Psalms Series put into researching to get the historical picture as factual as possible.
I'd never paid much attention to Psalm 42 before but now whenever I read it I'm sure I'll think of all the characters I 'met' in this book and how that Psalm related to them.
Well, not really, but this book did take my breath away.
There were several times during my reading that I was brought to tears by the Holy Spirit. When Timothy was in jail and finally gave his fears up to God...I felt a need to do the same with my own fears. I found myself praying that Sextus would accept Jesus even though I knew the story was taking place long ago.
I really appreciate how much work Carole and the other authors of the Psalms Series put into researching to get the historical picture as factual as possible.
I'd never paid much attention to Psalm 42 before but now whenever I read it I'm sure I'll think of all the characters I 'met' in this book and how that Psalm related to them.
September 2, 2018
Deep Calling Deep is an extremely well-written, engrossing historical fiction book. I felt deeply with the characters. I was moved by the way they treated each other and how they responded to their circumstances. I enjoyed the historical and faith aspects of the story. The dialogue flowed naturally. I highly recommend this book. I hope to be privileged to read more of Carole Towriss’s works.
June 9, 2018
I was curious to see how Carole would use Psalm 42 in a story set in the early Christian church, with the Apostle Paul imprisoned in Rome, and a Roman Prefect as one of the main characters. Have to say, I wasn't at ALL disappointed. With frequently brilliant usage of research, Carole has crafted an emotional, fast-paced historical novel that gives myriad glimpses into the actual events in the apostles lives, and the culture of Rome, in vivid (accurate), yet never overwhelming, detail. We see Paul ACTUALLY write an epistle. We see the apostles' and early Christians' humanity, struggles, and doubts. We also see their faithfulness and peace. We see Epaphroditus (the man who risked his life to bring a gift to Paul from the Philippian church--mentioned in Philippians) struggling with illness, "near to death" (Philippians 2:27). And we see true historical events play out between a Roman Prefect who really lived, and the sociopath Nero, and how it involved the early Christians and likely even Paul. All while filtering their experiences through the lens of Psalm 42, and showing how Psalm 42 was used by the persecuted church as a song of encouragement.
Beautiful work that opened my eyes to things I never knew about Rome or the early church.
Beautiful work that opened my eyes to things I never knew about Rome or the early church.
February 26, 2019
This book was recommended to my by none other than my Dad. He saw it on Kindle deals and sent me the link. I purchased it as well as two others in the series for $.99/each.
I didn't really know what to expect but presumed it would be about King David- you know since he is generally the credited with writing the Psalms. Although looking back at Psalm 42 I guess its not one accredited to him- but that's beside the point right now anyway.
The story in fact in set in ancient Rome at the time Paul or Paulos was prisoner there. The story centers around a prefect, Sextus Afranius Burrus (a high up official in the Roman guard and adviser to Emperor Nero) and Paul's protege Timothy, or Timos as he was called in the book.
Sextus has become quite disillusioned with his own life and becomes intrigued with Paul's faith. He seeks to guard Paul more often. Learning from the teacher and forging a relationship with him.
You maybe wondering where Psalm 42 comes into play. At one point young Timos is arrested and spends a few nights in jail. Terrified and alone he remembers this "song" his mother used to sing and uses it to comfort himself. That being of course Psalm 42.
I enjoyed this book. I like stories that make the characters in the Bible and history in general seem more like the real people they of course were. It was a relatively short easy, read, only 159 pages.
A few favorite quote-
"He had allowed the waves to knock him down, hold him under, steal his breath. But now he realized that though fear was powerful, the love of Yahwah was stronger still" p. 72
"I felt him say, 'You can either be overwhelmed by your fears or be surrounded by my love.' I chose the more powerful of the two: his love." p. 81
"He [Timos to Sextus] smiled. I asked my mater that once.' He rubbed his shoulder, still aching. "She said it meant, 'My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love.' When we allow him [God] to meet our deepest needs with his unfathomable love, peace will always follow."
'Always?'
'Always. If you are truly trusting him.' He [Timos] grinned, splitting his lip open once more, "But that takes practice.' " p. 81
Hi Amy,
I just came across this and thought you might be interested in it for your 2019 reading schedule. It is Biblical Fiction based upon Psalm 42. There is another on based on Psalm 137 which I’ll send as well. Now available for a mere 99 cents.
I didn't really know what to expect but presumed it would be about King David- you know since he is generally the credited with writing the Psalms. Although looking back at Psalm 42 I guess its not one accredited to him- but that's beside the point right now anyway.
The story in fact in set in ancient Rome at the time Paul or Paulos was prisoner there. The story centers around a prefect, Sextus Afranius Burrus (a high up official in the Roman guard and adviser to Emperor Nero) and Paul's protege Timothy, or Timos as he was called in the book.
Sextus has become quite disillusioned with his own life and becomes intrigued with Paul's faith. He seeks to guard Paul more often. Learning from the teacher and forging a relationship with him.
You maybe wondering where Psalm 42 comes into play. At one point young Timos is arrested and spends a few nights in jail. Terrified and alone he remembers this "song" his mother used to sing and uses it to comfort himself. That being of course Psalm 42.
I enjoyed this book. I like stories that make the characters in the Bible and history in general seem more like the real people they of course were. It was a relatively short easy, read, only 159 pages.
A few favorite quote-
"He had allowed the waves to knock him down, hold him under, steal his breath. But now he realized that though fear was powerful, the love of Yahwah was stronger still" p. 72
"I felt him say, 'You can either be overwhelmed by your fears or be surrounded by my love.' I chose the more powerful of the two: his love." p. 81
"He [Timos to Sextus] smiled. I asked my mater that once.' He rubbed his shoulder, still aching. "She said it meant, 'My deep need calls out to the deep kindness of your love.' When we allow him [God] to meet our deepest needs with his unfathomable love, peace will always follow."
'Always?'
'Always. If you are truly trusting him.' He [Timos] grinned, splitting his lip open once more, "But that takes practice.' " p. 81
September 4, 2018
Deep Calling Deep by Carole Towriss
A Story of An Overcoming Faith
My rating is 4.5 stars
Rome at the time of Nero was a hotbed of intrigue, treachery, corruption, and violence. For the Christians, it was worse. Timos was torn between succumbing to his great fear and surrendering His cares to Christ.
Based on a prominent historical figure, Praetorian Prefect Sextus Burrus, Deep Calling Deep examines the life of a man close to Emperor Nero and ponders what his life might have been like and how he might have reacted to exposure to the prisoner, Paul.
Timothy, nicknamed Timos, was the other main character in the story. I loved the way the author showed him as fallible, a young man who experienced fears and doubts in the face of persecution. Hmm. Maybe a little bit like I can be at times. If you are at all like me, then perhaps you have always assumed that because he was so close to Paul, he was a strong man who never wavered. Yet if that was the case, then Paul wouldn’t have charged him to pursue faith or to fight the good fight of the faith and take hold of eternal life in his first letter to him.
The story was immersed in Scripture and gave glimpses of what it might have looked like for Paul to be under house arrest. And what life might have been like for the early Christians there in Rome. It gave hope and showed how to have peace in the midst of trials.
I was tempted to look up some of the Romans from the book while I was reading to see what happened to them, but restrained myself. I’m glad I did because it meant that I was surprised at the ending. I loved reading the author’s notes at the end and learning a few more details about Sextus.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Carole Towriss for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
A Story of An Overcoming Faith
My rating is 4.5 stars
Rome at the time of Nero was a hotbed of intrigue, treachery, corruption, and violence. For the Christians, it was worse. Timos was torn between succumbing to his great fear and surrendering His cares to Christ.
Based on a prominent historical figure, Praetorian Prefect Sextus Burrus, Deep Calling Deep examines the life of a man close to Emperor Nero and ponders what his life might have been like and how he might have reacted to exposure to the prisoner, Paul.
Timothy, nicknamed Timos, was the other main character in the story. I loved the way the author showed him as fallible, a young man who experienced fears and doubts in the face of persecution. Hmm. Maybe a little bit like I can be at times. If you are at all like me, then perhaps you have always assumed that because he was so close to Paul, he was a strong man who never wavered. Yet if that was the case, then Paul wouldn’t have charged him to pursue faith or to fight the good fight of the faith and take hold of eternal life in his first letter to him.
The story was immersed in Scripture and gave glimpses of what it might have looked like for Paul to be under house arrest. And what life might have been like for the early Christians there in Rome. It gave hope and showed how to have peace in the midst of trials.
I was tempted to look up some of the Romans from the book while I was reading to see what happened to them, but restrained myself. I’m glad I did because it meant that I was surprised at the ending. I loved reading the author’s notes at the end and learning a few more details about Sextus.
This review was originally posted on Among the Reads
I would like to thank Carole Towriss for giving me a copy of this book. This gift did not influence my opinion or review.
September 1, 2018
This fictional story based on Psalms was a joy to read. I was moved to tears in the first chapter reading about the actions taken against the Christians. The characters of the apostles were written very true to what is in the Bible and the descriptions of Rome made me feel as though I was right there watching everything take place.
The author did an excellent job of using historical information and adding fictional details to bring this story to life. I loved the easy to read writing style with dialogue and storyline that flowed very well. I look forward to reading more of this author's work. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
The author did an excellent job of using historical information and adding fictional details to bring this story to life. I loved the easy to read writing style with dialogue and storyline that flowed very well. I look forward to reading more of this author's work. Highly recommended.
I received an ARC from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 5, 2018
This is a wonderful historical fiction involving Sextus Burrus, a leader of the Roman Army, and his prisoner, the Apostle Paul. Carole Towriss brings the story to life; I felt I could understand what it must have been like to be a Cristian in Rome under Emperor Nero. The dangers believers faced daily and the peace they experienced when they trusted in Yeshua. The writing style is engaging and you will not want to put the book down until you reach the end. Then you will be waiting for Carole’s next book to be released. I highly recommend this book.
I received this book at no cost. I was not required to leave a review. It was my decision to do so
I received this book at no cost. I was not required to leave a review. It was my decision to do so
October 23, 2018
I am really enjoying this series. If you enjoy Biblical fiction I highly recommend diving into this series. They are super quick reads that you can finish in a couple of hours (or less depending on how fast you read).
This book made me wish I could sit down with Paul and hear his heart. Of course we can do that by reading his letters but I would love to sit face-to-face. But it has challenged me that when I read his letters to read them as if he is his telling me about Jesus.
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
This book made me wish I could sit down with Paul and hear his heart. Of course we can do that by reading his letters but I would love to sit face-to-face. But it has challenged me that when I read his letters to read them as if he is his telling me about Jesus.
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2019
Not my favourite in the series and not the most fast-moving story, but I enjoyed it. The author does a good job of describing Roman life.
My only real criticism would be that no human being is flawless, and yet the character Paulos hasn’t been given any faults. I admire Paul; he’s one of my favourite people in the Bible, but I imagine him being difficult to live with - very driven; maybe someone who worked tirelessly and sometimes didn’t consider other people’s needs ... In a novel like this, the author really could have developed his character more.
My only real criticism would be that no human being is flawless, and yet the character Paulos hasn’t been given any faults. I admire Paul; he’s one of my favourite people in the Bible, but I imagine him being difficult to live with - very driven; maybe someone who worked tirelessly and sometimes didn’t consider other people’s needs ... In a novel like this, the author really could have developed his character more.
April 5, 2023
Good read
We seldom hear the thoughts of another concerning the ministry after the death and resurrection of our lord. This was a refreshing read, well scripted, causing a vast of emotions. Something else the world seems to have lost. Our new world doesn’t allow us to feel on a daily basis, we grin and bear. This book awakened the numbness of the soul. I recommend to readers who are knowledgeable of the scriptures concerning the transformation of Paul and the ministry he lead. Otherwise one might be lost in the retelling of the story.
We seldom hear the thoughts of another concerning the ministry after the death and resurrection of our lord. This was a refreshing read, well scripted, causing a vast of emotions. Something else the world seems to have lost. Our new world doesn’t allow us to feel on a daily basis, we grin and bear. This book awakened the numbness of the soul. I recommend to readers who are knowledgeable of the scriptures concerning the transformation of Paul and the ministry he lead. Otherwise one might be lost in the retelling of the story.
August 30, 2018
This book was great. It was amazing how the author is able to transport the reader to the time when Romans ruled the Holy land. The terms used conveyed were so descriptive. Loved that a high-ranking officer was so drawn to Paul and thirsted after Paul's teachings of Jesus. This book pulls you in right away and does not dissapoint.
January 21, 2019
Praetorian Prefect Sextus Burrus fights for Rome. He is drawn to a Jewish prisoner, the Apostle Paul.
As I read this book, I experienced this psalms in reality. I love it when the Bible comes alive and it did.
Read today to see the early Roman Christian church brought to life through the lens of Psalm 42!
As I read this book, I experienced this psalms in reality. I love it when the Bible comes alive and it did.
Read today to see the early Roman Christian church brought to life through the lens of Psalm 42!
March 26, 2019
This is the first Biblical fiction story from the New Testament that I've read. I really enjoyed learning more about that time period. I've had this book on my Kindle for quite some time. I'm not sure why it took me so long to start it but, once I did, I hated to put it down. I look forward to reading more of Carole's books.
October 26, 2019
“Deep Calling Deep” is a beautiful novella based on Psalm 42 and Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome. The book also includes the story of Sextus Burrus, a man with a fascinating historical background, interwoven with the visit of Ephroditus from Philippi. But the story truly shines when the spotlight is on Timothy. This is truly a beautifully written book.
September 10, 2018
This is a new way to have a psalm to read as a story. Follow him as he tries to save his father with the help of his faith and help of others
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2018
I've loved each book in the Psalm Series. This story is especially moving as the author weaves Paul's imprisonment in Rome with her story of a prefect searching for inner peace as he confronts a fatal illness. Highly recommend each book in the series.
September 2, 2018
Good
Is one of my favourite Psalms. Roman history is so fraught with evil and man's basest behaviour. Always good to be reminded how God works even among all that, for good.
Is one of my favourite Psalms. Roman history is so fraught with evil and man's basest behaviour. Always good to be reminded how God works even among all that, for good.
September 7, 2018
I loved this. Wish it was a full novel
March 4, 2019
I really love the interpretation and story behind the use of this Psalm in the beginning church. I want to memorize this Psalm. I also want to read other books by this author!
January 15, 2020
A combination of historical novel and Bible study,set in the final years of the life of St Paul.
February 22, 2020
This book and this Psalm have stuck with me long after finishing. I have spend various time periods meditating on this verse and what it means in my life, so I was delighted to find a whole story dedicated to this particular verse. Carole does an excellent job of bringing it to life using NT characters. The unfolding of the story truly made different aspects of this Psalm stand out and have more clarification, so much so, that it has stuck me long after finishing the book.
July 21, 2020
Great book
This story was moving in it's depiction of Paul and his captivity in Rome. I enjoyed it very much. You should go read it for yourself.
This story was moving in it's depiction of Paul and his captivity in Rome. I enjoyed it very much. You should go read it for yourself.
September 29, 2020
Wow! Great use of Scripture in telling a story based on true people.
September 16, 2022
I really love all the books I have read by Carole Towriss. This one was so thought provoking and inspirational. So glad I read it.
April 1, 2023
Excellent read - very good audio book -
March 14, 2025
Never realized how vile Nero and his followers were.
Amazing psalm 42.
Thx for showing this history and how people were Persecuted.
It was good to read about Sextes.
Praise God.
Amazing psalm 42.
Thx for showing this history and how people were Persecuted.
It was good to read about Sextes.
Praise God.
February 20, 2019
I was so pleasantly surprised when I started to read this 3rd book in the Psalm series to learn that it was set in the time of the early church in Rome. As is true with all of Carole’s books, the descriptions are vivid and the research she does is evident in this fascinating story that combines fiction with actual historical characters. I loved her depiction of Paul and Timothy and the growth you see in especially Timothy’s faith. Sextus, a Roman guard, is inexplicably drawn to Paul and the peace and love for others he sees in the imprisoned teacher. We get a glimpse of how important the Old Testament, in this case the Psalms, was to the early Christians and how we today can draw that same strength and peace from it. This story is captivating and beautifully written.
I was given and advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The opinions shared here are entirely my own.
I was given and advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The opinions shared here are entirely my own.
November 15, 2018
This final book in the Psalm series was my favourite of the 3. The author (who is a new to me author) did a great job of making Paul and Timothy alive. Timothy was always someone I knew from the Bible, but with this story, the author got me to love his character.
The Roman characters, Marcus and Sextus I also enjoyed and love to read their interaction with Paul and see their journey.
At the end the author also included a Bible study on the Psalm this story was based on.
A series recommended to readers who loves Biblical fiction and bible studies.
The Roman characters, Marcus and Sextus I also enjoyed and love to read their interaction with Paul and see their journey.
At the end the author also included a Bible study on the Psalm this story was based on.
A series recommended to readers who loves Biblical fiction and bible studies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews