An Act of Grace: A Chronicle of Ephesus is the seventh novel in the series "Heartbeats of Courage." Each book takes the reader through one of the Seven Cities. These cities appear in Revelation, the last book in the Bible. In previous volumes, Books One through Six, Miriam, a Jewish woman, and Anthony, her roman soldier husband, have lived in different cities. Increasing persecution came from the Roman authorities, arresting Anthony for his belief in the Jewish Messiah. Pliny the Younger, the great Roman leader, has written a new proposal to Emperor Trajan requesting the trial of any person who follows the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It was a time when human slavery was taken for granted. It was also an age when important buildings, some still standing, were built as tributes to famous persons. This historical novel follows Miriam and Anthony, along with many friends, into the inner workings of the Roman government in Ephesus. This city, one of the most important in the Ancient World, is the site of Anthony's second trial. Many characters encountered in the first six books come together for a startling conclusion. The novel explores the value systems of many segments of society. What values do I associate with my worldview? This is the question many readers ask after reading this novel.