On the outside, Surura-the spoiled only daughter of the Reish Galuta-has everything a girl could dream of: servants at her command, beautiful clothing and ornaments, and no responsibilities at all.

Yet Surura's life is not as idyllic as it seems. She is plagued with loneliness, haunted by fears, and hounded by questions that seem to have no answers.

Is there anything that can fill the emptiness inside of her?

After she finally finds happiness, is it destined to be snatched away forever as a result of her father's violent temper?

 When Osnat marries Amram, she assumes they will live a happy, calm life together...but those dreams are shattered mere hours after their wedding. When tragedy strikes again, she is left all alone.

Can Osnat possibly rebuild her life when it seems there can be no happy ending?

Gershon sets out for a distant land, thinking he is in for an adventure.

But is he getting more than he bargained for with the perilous journey that has many surprising and frightening twists? Can Gershon maintain his spirits, even in the face of extreme hardship?

Set in Baghdad and beyond during the tenure of Rav Saadiah Gaon, Born to Rule is a fascinating story filled with characters who lived long ago, yet are timeless in their struggles. Sarah Feldbrand once again takes us on a captivating historical journey, interwoven with true facts about the period and people, that teaches us about the end of an era for the Jewish nation, and about how every person-no matter where or when-can rise above challenges in a triumph of the soul.

By Sarah Feldbrand