Discover "The Mark of the Lion" trilogy and you'll see what I mean.

I'm only a decade behind.  My daughter lent me this series over Christmas, but I never got to it.  By the time I began (after Valentine's day) I badly needed a diversion from my teacher overload.  Once I began A Voice in the Wind, (1993, Tyndale Houst Publishers, ISBN 0-842307750-6) there was no sleep for me until I finished. And this novel is 500+ pages.  There is even a glossary for us ignorant fools who don't know the correct terminology for all things common to ancient Roman life.

This novel has everything.  I don't often read Christian fiction, although I'm a devout believer.  Some Christian fiction is too dreamy and placid to interest me.  This series features Christians, Jews, Romans, gross immorality, fear, international intrigue, and a faith that conquers all. Prolifically sprinkled with accurate Bible application and authentic (I think) historical details,  I found the literature to be engrossing.   Rivers' writing is animated, lyrical, and funny. 
 

After devouring A Voice in the Wind, I madly ordered An Echo in the Darkness and As Sure as the Dawn.  I read them like a chocoholic gorging on Easter bunnies. Give them a look.  They are true treasures.  I've dipped my toe into Rivers' more contemporary book.  They're good, too, I'm sure.  But it's hard to match the allure of the danger and triumph of the more ancient setting. (I'm an avid Elizabeth Peters fan.  While she is a secular writer, her pen is similarly vivid, informative, and engrossing.) 

Next, I'm ordering The Warrior.  I'll let you know how it turns out. Better yet, tell me if you've read and enjoyed it already.