The Ark and the Dove The Story of Noah's Wife by Jill Eileen Smith

I was happy to be able to read this biblical fiction version of Noah's Ark, written in the view of Noah's wife, who in this book is known as Zara.  The narrative is lively, showing that families aren't always perfect and all have things that need to be worked through.  It was interesting to realize what an all encompassing job this ark was, not just the building of the ark, but rather, the feeding, cleaning and caring for the many creatures that were on board not to mention the humans, as well!  And realizing we can't go to the local hardware or grocery story to find the supplies needed for such an venture.  It does make you realize that God had a big hand in helping those building and preparing the ark for the flood to come.  I loved this book and am sure that I will be reading much more from this author who has a very enjoyable way of writing that causes the reader to be quickly engaged in the story and events.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Potiphar's Wife By Mesu Andrews

This was a very powerful novel.  I am thrilled that my husband and I have been reading the Old Testament recently so I knew the story very well.  The author did a wonderful job of meshing real history and fictional content.  This is the second Biblical fiction that I have read from this author.  I have enjoyed both of these books very much.

This Bible story totally came to life as I read it and was very entertaining as Potiphar's wife, Zully, tries to seduce Joseph and he wants nothing to do with that.  There is so much historical information in this book, you know the amount of research that goes into a work such as this.  I found myself totally captivated by the entire book as each of the characters truly are amazingly well written and you feel as you are right there experiencing their stories with them.  I love that Zully tells her story in her words and with her own feelings and  thoughts.  

This is a book I recommend.  It was very good!  

I received an ebook copy from WaterBrook through NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own. 

Mary Magdalene by Larry Hamersley

This was a nice Biblical retelling of the story of Mary Magdalene.  Although fictional in part, it was fun to read a little about what she may have experienced in her life and in her observance of the crucifixion of the Savior.  It was a short story but enjoyable to read.  The story begins as Mary was a child and as she grows up and becomes a woman.    I really enjoyed this Biblical story of an important woman during this time of Christ's life.

I received a copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.
 

The Prince And The Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

I have read quite a few Biblical fiction books lately and find that I really enjoy them.  I keep thinking how difficult it would be to write a book of this type.  Lots of research to be sure of details would definitely be necessary.  I love how the people come to life in this book and how easy it makes it to visualize what is happening as the book progresses.  This is an amazing book.  I enjoyed it very much and the author truly brings the characters to life, sharing their feelings, both good or not so good ones.  I found that as I read this book the characters seemed easier to understand in a very human way.

Joseph being the favored son, suffered at the hands of his brothers and it is so good to know that all of this had a  purpose with God.  It was good to see that he was faithful throughout and we see how God may be silent for a while but his purposes are always seen as in this story of Joseph.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.  All thoughts are my own.

Between the Wild Branches by Connilyn Cossette (The Covenant House Book 2)

 What an amazing book this was.  I had been waiting for this book since finishing book 1, To Dwell Among Cedars.  I could hardly wait to read it and it was as good as I had hoped and expected from this wonderful author.

This was Lukio's story as his past comes back into his life and finds the woman he cared so much for in his youth.  But so much has happened since they were torn apart from the wishes of her father.  So many changes and things to complicate their lives.

There is a very interesting storyline and a story of repentance and striving for the good as opposed to the evil. Both books of this set are excellent and make for good biblical period fiction.  I love historical things and the lifestyle and events are always very interesting to read about.

I love this author's work and can't wait to see what her next book will be about.  I am sure it will be amazing!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Jewel of the Nile by Tessa Afshar

This book was excellent.  I don't know how the author manages to carry everyone back in time to a story so lifelike you feel you are living in that very time.  I really have enjoyed her writing and this is a wonderful example of her work.

As Chariline searches for her father, I could totally relate as I searched for my grandfather for over 40 years.  As she comes to find out that her father is alive despite what she thought all along that he had died, her search stops at nothing to connect with him.

As the author weaves Biblical history into the story and trust in God and life lessons to be learned.

An excellent book that I recommend!

I received an ebook copy through NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.
 

Miriam's Song by Jill Eileen Smith

I enjoyed this new book by Jill Eileen Smith so much!  It tells the story of the sister of Moses who laid his woven basket into the Nile in hopes of saving him from death.  I love how the author interweaves the actual historical events and the fiction to bring the life of Miriam into an interesting and gripping story.

Miriam is presented as a loving and faithful sister to Moses throughout her life despite the trials that the Egyptians place upon her and the people of Israel.  The book is written in a very easy to read and understandable format making the Biblical story truly come to life.  I felt that the book was so interesting and engaging that it was hard to put it down.  It became one of my favorite books quite quickly.  I hope to read many more of this author's books.  

Miriam becomes very real and you can feel her feelings throughout the book.  It made this historical person very easy to understand and she became a real important and supportive person in these important historical events and times.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing.  All thoughts are my own.

To Dwell Among Cedars By Connilyn Cossette Book 1 The Covenant House Series

 This is book 1 of a new series.  And it's really good.  The research involved in this book must have been countless hours to get the biblical chronology correct and the Hebraic names of the characters, etc. I really, really enjoyed reading this book and will definitely be watching for future books in this series.  

There was only one thing that confused me a little and that was the story "first person" telling their story.  I didn't immediately realize that the chapter "name" was the person who was telling the story in their words in that particular chapter and that changed throughout the book.  So once I caught on to that, the confusion was clarified.

This was an excellent book and left me knowing that there is more to the story with a bit of a cliff hanger and I can't wait! This author is wonderful! The book had a little romance, action and kept my attention to the end. I loved how the Bible times came to life!  Incredible!

I received an ebook version of this book from the author.  All thoughts are my own.

Pearl In The Sand By Tessa Afshar 10th Anniversary Edition

 

Can a Canaanite harlot who made her living enticing men be a fitting wife for a leader of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes.

This 10th anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand includes new features that will invite you into the untold story of Rahab’s journey from lowly outcast to redeemed child of God. Rahab’s home is built into a wall, a wall that fortifies and protects the City of Jericho. However, other walls surround her too, walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness… Years of pain and betrayal have wounded Rahab’s heart—she doubts whether her dreams of experiencing true love will ever come true…

A woman with a wrecked past—a man of success, of faith... of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth and find healing in God.

My Review:

Ancient history comes to life in this moving story by Tessa Afshar.  It was so captivating how this book brought Biblical people into an understandable position, showing they had strengths and shortcomings.  Although I have read the Bible on numerous occasions, it is sometimes hard to think of these people as we see ourselves and that they have the same feelings we have because they lived so long ago. And that they fought wars, and felt the pain of their family members as they left to battle and felt the heartbreak of sin.

As Rahab struggles with her past, we see and feel the feelings that both she and Salmone have as he tries to accept her and finds himself falling in love with someone with a past that is not acceptable to him or his people. How will he overcome these feelings?

We read of  others who do not accept her and find her unworthy and that she also sees herself as unworthy.  She learns an important and life changing lesson of the pearl in the sand. We can also learn personal life lessons in this book which teaches us that self forgiveness is a most important part of our healing process.

I really enjoyed this well-written Biblical period book.  It's a book that has no dull moments and is totally engaging. Written about the Battle of Jericho, we find a true heroine.

Sunnie Reviews received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed here are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC's 16 CFR, part 255 Guidelines, concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising.

Author Bio - Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of biblical and historical fiction. Her books have won the Christy and INSPY Awards and been voted by the Library Journal as one of top five Christian fiction titles of the year. Her first Bible study and companion video teaching, The Way Home, based on the book of Ruth, was released from Moody Publishers in June 2020. Born in the Middle East, Tessa moved to England in her teens where she attended boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for one year. She worked in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker.

Purchase link

Star of Persia by Jill Eileen Smith

This was my first book from the author.  I can only say that this might possibly be my most favorite read of the year.  It is soooo good.  This book is an absolute page-turner full of action, and without any dull pages to skip past. 

The author literally makes you feel as though you are living in that time, experiencing all the things that the characters in this wonderful biblical fiction are experiencing.  It is fast moving in the days of Persia, with political conflict and "familial" conflict as well. 

Beautiful Queen Esther is chosen by the King and hides her personal heritage from all and wonders why she was chosen as queen?  But of course, there is a purpose for which God chose her to be in the position she has found herself in.  I love how the author has intertwined fiction and scriptural facts together to make an enthralling tale.

It may be the first book I have read from this author, but I will be looking for more.  Totally enjoyed the book!

I received a complimentary book from the publisher.  All thoughts are my own.

Until The Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette

Honestly, I never thought I would want to read Biblical fiction, but this author has it down!  The research that goes into this series is phenomenal.  I have loved this series and this book just added on to the already fantastic books of The Cities of Refuge Series.

Rivkah is a recent widow whose father has arranged a marriage to her deceased husband's brother.  A type of arrangement known as a Levirate marriage where she is to marry the brother of her husband.  She is not happy...  And she flees the city of Kedesh where she lives.  Eventually her heart changes and .... well, you will need to read it!  Can't give it all away.

The book is so fascinating it will be impossible to lay down.  You'll love reading this book!  It brings Biblical times to life.  It's so interesting to find yourself there in those days and the different culture and lives that these people lived.  It was a well-crafted book you will want to share with all your friends!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.  All thoughts are my own.

Jerusalem Rising Adah's Journey by Barbara M. Britton

I have been surprised how much I have enjoyed Biblical fiction.  This is a new author for me and I was lucky to win this book.  It is a great story.  The author brings the Bible years to life.  I would expect it would require quite a bit of research to do this.  Great job!

Loved it!

A Light on The Hill by Connilyn Cossette

This book is simply amazing.  It's Biblical fiction at it's best.  The story of Moriyah is  heartwrenching and beautiful.  There is never a dull moment as this book grabs you from page 1.

It is told in first person and she tells her own tale and her feelings as she experiences things she never expected and has never dealt with.  Her faith through all of it is powerful and deep.

As I read this book, I felt as though I was truly experiencing everything right along with her.

You will love this book.  I couldn't put it down, couldn't wait to see what happened next, and at the same time, didn't want it to end.

I received a copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts all my own.

The Pharaoh's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

This was the first book I have read written by Mesu Andrews.  I do enjoy Biblical fiction and this book was really good!

It is the story of Anippe whose roles change throughout her life as she sheds her royal robes for slave attire.  As this woman who drew Moses from the Nile, takes him as her own son, she takes on the role of mother, a role she had not wanted due to her personal fears of bearing a child.

This book must have required countless hours of research as fiction is interwoven with fact to bring about this dramatic tale of the life of Moses, Hebrew slaves and Egyptian Royals.

I enjoyed it very much.  This is a great read.

I received an ebook copy of this book from NetGalley for review.  All expressed thoughts are my own.

Slender Reeds by Texie Susan Gregory

This was the first book I have read from this author.  I hope it won't be the last.  It was really good.  I have to admit, that I have not read any Biblical fiction until reading this.  Wasn't sure how it would flow, but really enjoyed it.  I have read the Bible many times over but never really thought about how some of the Biblical characters actually felt and what they experienced on a more personal level.

This book, although a work of fiction, appears to be very well researched as far as customs, facts and actual events.   The story unfolded in such a way that you really felt like you knew them and their thoughts, fears and concerns were brought across very well.

As Jochebed begins to fear for the life of her son and takes actions to save him, you can feel her feelings and understand that she was a mother then with the same emotions as a mother in today's world.

This book brought across many Christian attributes of trust, both in God and your fellow man, love of family and friends and of staying true to God, regardless of the trials and persecutions that exist in life.

I highly recommend this book.  It gave great insights to a time period we may not have had a way to understand otherwise.

Disclosure:  I was given a copy of this book from the publisher, Barbour books, for my honest review which I have given.