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The Shadow Women
A fictional retelling of the life of Moses is narrated from the perspective of the women who loved him, from the mother and sister who saved his life by giving him up, to the Egyptian princess who adopted him, to the shepherd's daughter who became his wife. 30,000 first printing.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published November 21, 2002
213 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Angela Elwell Hunt
271 books1,968 followersChristy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly six million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 165 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards--one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006, and American Christian Fiction Writers bestowed the same award in 2019.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 2, 2017
Important Women in the Life of Moses
Various women in the life of Moses share their experiences as they interact with him . Pharoah's daughter, Miriam, and Zipporah come to life in a vivid way while they record the events of his life. I really enjoyed this book since it was well researched. The author knew what she was writing about. Good job!
Various women in the life of Moses share their experiences as they interact with him . Pharoah's daughter, Miriam, and Zipporah come to life in a vivid way while they record the events of his life. I really enjoyed this book since it was well researched. The author knew what she was writing about. Good job!
May 26, 2025
I read a lot of biblical fiction as a teenager, but haven’t picked it up very much since then. This book was a foray back into that literary realm, and while I appreciated many aspects, it was difficult to get through the last third.
1. There is a lot of very interesting biblical and historical information, specifically pertaining to three intertwining cultures (Egyptian, Hebrew, and Cushite). I always enjoy a well-researched and fresh perspective on a biblical account, as it draws the reader back to the Source when written effectively.
2. A writer obviously must take some creative liberties when presenting less detailed aspects of the Bible and history, and those aspects are left up to interpretation when they do not contradict the ultimate meaning of Scripture. Some of the interpretations in the book were not my favorite, and I didn’t necessarily agree with them from the viewpoint of the characterisation that we have available to us in the Bible (scant though it may be). However, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I still enjoyed the book despite not vibing with every added plot point.
3. Overall, the first 2/3 of the book are very interesting and more storytelling, but the last third unfortunately falls into exposition that becomes tedious. I understand that the book of Exodus is a massive undertaking in terms of adapting the text into a novel, but I think some of the more particular and less interesting aspects could have been left out…if I want to read the details about the institution of the tabernacle, I can go back to the Bible. I was hoping for more character development and fewer line by line restatements of the source material.
1. There is a lot of very interesting biblical and historical information, specifically pertaining to three intertwining cultures (Egyptian, Hebrew, and Cushite). I always enjoy a well-researched and fresh perspective on a biblical account, as it draws the reader back to the Source when written effectively.
2. A writer obviously must take some creative liberties when presenting less detailed aspects of the Bible and history, and those aspects are left up to interpretation when they do not contradict the ultimate meaning of Scripture. Some of the interpretations in the book were not my favorite, and I didn’t necessarily agree with them from the viewpoint of the characterisation that we have available to us in the Bible (scant though it may be). However, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I still enjoyed the book despite not vibing with every added plot point.
3. Overall, the first 2/3 of the book are very interesting and more storytelling, but the last third unfortunately falls into exposition that becomes tedious. I understand that the book of Exodus is a massive undertaking in terms of adapting the text into a novel, but I think some of the more particular and less interesting aspects could have been left out…if I want to read the details about the institution of the tabernacle, I can go back to the Bible. I was hoping for more character development and fewer line by line restatements of the source material.
December 23, 2022
Goed geschreven en door de perspectieven van drie vrouwen krijg je een beeld van Mozes dat je niet los laat en dat de aandacht vasthoudt. De schrijfster moet veel historisch onderzoek hebben gedaan en dat maakt het nog interessanter. Ze plaatst het verhaal van Mozes in de tijd van farao Ramses II en daar is geen enkel historisch bewijs voor, maar we weten simpelweg niet wanneer deze geschiedenis zich afspeelde. Angela Hunt brengt het oude Egypte, de woestijn en het Bijbelse verhaal iig tot leven.
De voorkant van deze Nederlandse versie is trouwens vreselijk en doet geen recht aan het boek.
De voorkant van deze Nederlandse versie is trouwens vreselijk en doet geen recht aan het boek.
May 23, 2020
Nicely done!
Certainly enjoyed the “fleshing out” of the Exodus story. Angela Hunt never disappoints and this book proves that again! Wonderful!
Certainly enjoyed the “fleshing out” of the Exodus story. Angela Hunt never disappoints and this book proves that again! Wonderful!
May 3, 2020
Wow!
This book is excellent! I love how we see the view from 3 totally different women in Moses' life. Each love him and view him in different ways so we get a really big picture of Moses. I also, as always love how much historical detail went into this book. I had started reading a review and they mentioned the detail, but it wasn't until I got into the book that I really noticed it. Knowing things about the Egyptian gods, the names the boys took (using a name of the god in their names), the make-up they used, the ceremonies, I could go on and on. The Midianite traditions, and Hebrew traditions as well! There was so much to research and Angela Hunt did and did an amazing job.
The book is extremely well written and I enjoyed reading the story or Moses through different lenses. Shadow Women is an excellent book and you won't be sorry you read it!
This book is excellent! I love how we see the view from 3 totally different women in Moses' life. Each love him and view him in different ways so we get a really big picture of Moses. I also, as always love how much historical detail went into this book. I had started reading a review and they mentioned the detail, but it wasn't until I got into the book that I really noticed it. Knowing things about the Egyptian gods, the names the boys took (using a name of the god in their names), the make-up they used, the ceremonies, I could go on and on. The Midianite traditions, and Hebrew traditions as well! There was so much to research and Angela Hunt did and did an amazing job.
The book is extremely well written and I enjoyed reading the story or Moses through different lenses. Shadow Women is an excellent book and you won't be sorry you read it!
April 22, 2020
Moses
I enjoy biblical novels
I am amazed at the depth of history and biblical knowledge angela has. This adds so much to the story.
I think her character development is so good and I must say how I did enjoy Mariam's character. You get a sense from scripture but the snarky comments were delightful and made her character so real.
I enjoy biblical novels
I am amazed at the depth of history and biblical knowledge angela has. This adds so much to the story.
I think her character development is so good and I must say how I did enjoy Mariam's character. You get a sense from scripture but the snarky comments were delightful and made her character so real.
October 4, 2012
Angela Hunt is one of my favorite authors; I usually find it so hard to put down her books!
The Shadow Women is a wonderful weaving of historical fact (for those of us who love history and enjoy learning about how people lived in ancient times) with scripture (many times I went to my own Bible to check if certain events were there and I was stunned by how much I did not know!) through the use of fiction to keep the reader interested as the story moves along - and it moves along very quickly! What makes this book so unique is that Moses' story is told from the points of view of the women in his life: his Egyptian princess mother, his foreign wife, and his estranged sister, all of which are so intriguing! It is beautiful to watch each character change over the course of the story, and a wonderful testament to the love of our gracious heavenly Father. If you think you know the story of Moses (and I sure thought I did!) think again - you really need to read this!
The Shadow Women is a wonderful weaving of historical fact (for those of us who love history and enjoy learning about how people lived in ancient times) with scripture (many times I went to my own Bible to check if certain events were there and I was stunned by how much I did not know!) through the use of fiction to keep the reader interested as the story moves along - and it moves along very quickly! What makes this book so unique is that Moses' story is told from the points of view of the women in his life: his Egyptian princess mother, his foreign wife, and his estranged sister, all of which are so intriguing! It is beautiful to watch each character change over the course of the story, and a wonderful testament to the love of our gracious heavenly Father. If you think you know the story of Moses (and I sure thought I did!) think again - you really need to read this!
August 27, 2017
I have become accustomed to setting low expectations before I reread these books. That way, not only do I avoid having my expectations dashed, I also sometimes am pleasantly surprised. Thankfully, this book fulfilled the later.
I loved the way that Hunt wove the story of Moses through the stories of the three influential women in his life. Obviously, some artistic liberty has been taken as is common for works of historical and/or Biblical fiction. Although Miryam's character persisted in stubbornness much longer than I preferred, this portrayal reflects the stories of many people today.
This book survives round two of the purge from my personal collection.
I loved the way that Hunt wove the story of Moses through the stories of the three influential women in his life. Obviously, some artistic liberty has been taken as is common for works of historical and/or Biblical fiction. Although Miryam's character persisted in stubbornness much longer than I preferred, this portrayal reflects the stories of many people today.
This book survives round two of the purge from my personal collection.
January 29, 2018
Absolutely WONDERFUL book!! The author builds a credible account of Moses life that is both historically and Biblically correct. The story is told from the perspective of 3 women in his life: his sister, the Egyptian Princess who rescued/adopted him, and his wife. A must read for fans of Biblical fiction.
July 22, 2019
The story of Moses' life, told from the three most important women in his life: Merytamon (mother), Miryam (sister) and Zipporah (wife). It was a very interesting perspective , woven with a lot of historical and Biblical fact, but I will admit it wasn't what I thought! Even so, I did enjoy this book and have, in many ways, learned much and have much to ponder.
Read
September 7, 2019Hunt does remarkable things when she tells a story. I was transported to ancient Egypt, Midian, and the desert with three women who matured from young girls to women with gray hair and aching bones. Their faith journeys were different but their final days were ones of faith and obedience. May that be true of me!
October 24, 2017
Wonderful book! The author of course took creative liberties with certain aspects of the story of Moses and the people of Israel. Really causes you to think about the way you perceive the people in your life and around you.
October 28, 2017
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 26, 2025
De schrijfstijl van het boek lijkt op Francine Rivers & Lynn Austin en dat is goed. Angela Hunt heeft veel informatie gewonnen over de Egyptenaren. Je krijgt meer inzicht hoe zij denken en de cultuur.
Ik heb al veel verschillende boeken gelezen over Aäron en Mozes perspectief maar niet vanuit de drie vrouwen: Merytamon, Mirjam en Sippora. Prachtig om vanuit deze drie vrouwen hun verhaal te lezen en hoe zij de bijzondere maar ook moeilijke momenten hebben beleefd. Je hebt een breder beeld gekregen over het leven van Mozes.
Aanrader! Mooi om te combineren met de Bijbel.
‘YWHW is niet bang voor je vragen. Hij wil dat je Hem op de proef stelt…. opdat Hij kan bewijzen dat Hij getrouw is. De persoon die te bang is om te twijfelen, twijfelt juist aan God.’
‘Tijdens de uren van eenzaamheid en leerde ik dat Hij barmhartig, maar soms moet verwonden om ons te kunnen genezen. Ik leerde ook dat alleen-zijn zelfs tijdens de verbanning naar de woestijn, niet gelijk staat aan in de steek gelaten worden.’
‘Je kunt pas echt onafhankelijk zijn als je op God vertrouwt. Alleen wanneer we begrijpen hoe Hij ons beziet, kunnen we echt vrij zijn.’
‘Soms spreekt God ons rechtstreeks aan en soms geeft Hij er voorkeur aan vanuit de schaduwen te spreken. Maar Hij spreekt altijd. Hij spreekt wanneer we bereid zijn om te luisteren.’
Ik heb al veel verschillende boeken gelezen over Aäron en Mozes perspectief maar niet vanuit de drie vrouwen: Merytamon, Mirjam en Sippora. Prachtig om vanuit deze drie vrouwen hun verhaal te lezen en hoe zij de bijzondere maar ook moeilijke momenten hebben beleefd. Je hebt een breder beeld gekregen over het leven van Mozes.
Aanrader! Mooi om te combineren met de Bijbel.
‘YWHW is niet bang voor je vragen. Hij wil dat je Hem op de proef stelt…. opdat Hij kan bewijzen dat Hij getrouw is. De persoon die te bang is om te twijfelen, twijfelt juist aan God.’
‘Tijdens de uren van eenzaamheid en leerde ik dat Hij barmhartig, maar soms moet verwonden om ons te kunnen genezen. Ik leerde ook dat alleen-zijn zelfs tijdens de verbanning naar de woestijn, niet gelijk staat aan in de steek gelaten worden.’
‘Je kunt pas echt onafhankelijk zijn als je op God vertrouwt. Alleen wanneer we begrijpen hoe Hij ons beziet, kunnen we echt vrij zijn.’
‘Soms spreekt God ons rechtstreeks aan en soms geeft Hij er voorkeur aan vanuit de schaduwen te spreken. Maar Hij spreekt altijd. Hij spreekt wanneer we bereid zijn om te luisteren.’
March 3, 2018
This story about Moses is told through the eyes of three women: His "adoptive" mother cannot bear children and to save her own life from her father/husband (the Pharoah Rameses) takes Moses from the biological Hebrew mother; his biological sister with whom he reunites after living decades as an Egyptian Pharoah's son; and his intellectual wife whom he marries late in life. Reminiscent of The Ten Commandments movie. Interesting to read what medical treatments the Egyptians and Hebrews believed in and how they "worshipped" their gods.
June 13, 2022
•GENRE•
Historical - Biblical Era
•TAKES PLACE IN•
Egypt, Midian, Sinai, Israel
•DURING•
Various
•OF•
13th - 14th century BCE
•THEMES•
- Strength of character
- Supporting loved ones
- Trusting God
- Learning how to follow God
- Liberation from what enslaves us
- God alone is Creator and Sustainer of all
- Be open to God's direction - not hard-hearted and stubborn
•FAVORITE QUOTE•
Sometimes God speaks to us face to face, and sometimes he speaks in the shadows. But always he speaks . . . when we are ready to listen.
Historical - Biblical Era
•TAKES PLACE IN•
Egypt, Midian, Sinai, Israel
•DURING•
Various
•OF•
13th - 14th century BCE
•THEMES•
- Strength of character
- Supporting loved ones
- Trusting God
- Learning how to follow God
- Liberation from what enslaves us
- God alone is Creator and Sustainer of all
- Be open to God's direction - not hard-hearted and stubborn
•FAVORITE QUOTE•
Sometimes God speaks to us face to face, and sometimes he speaks in the shadows. But always he speaks . . . when we are ready to listen.
February 28, 2021
Angela Hunt does an amazing job of setting the background and bringing the characters to life in this story portraying the exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt as they are led by Moses. Once you start reading this story, you will not want to stop.
One of the best historical biblical fiction stories I have ever read. You won't be able to put the book down once you start reading it!
One of the best historical biblical fiction stories I have ever read. You won't be able to put the book down once you start reading it!
August 29, 2021
Interesting take on the life of Moses
This author does her homework. It was interesting to focus on the women In Moses life. I like the fact that at the end of the book the author does a Q andA to clear up some passages and the story. Hunt portrayed Miriam as almost spiteful. I liked Zipporah the best of all the Shadow Women.
This author does her homework. It was interesting to focus on the women In Moses life. I like the fact that at the end of the book the author does a Q andA to clear up some passages and the story. Hunt portrayed Miriam as almost spiteful. I liked Zipporah the best of all the Shadow Women.
February 24, 2019
Another masterpiece
Although I have read a number of novels based on Moses’ life I felt this one gave a real depth of understanding of his character and a great insight into his sister Miriam’s struggle ( which I found very helpful)
Penny Callaghan
Although I have read a number of novels based on Moses’ life I felt this one gave a real depth of understanding of his character and a great insight into his sister Miriam’s struggle ( which I found very helpful)
Penny Callaghan
December 25, 2020
Story of the women of Moses
This book tells of the women in Moses' life. He was not perfect nor were they. The author weaved the different views and viewpoints of the characters in a fascinating way. I enjoyed this novel.
This book tells of the women in Moses' life. He was not perfect nor were they. The author weaved the different views and viewpoints of the characters in a fascinating way. I enjoyed this novel.
February 4, 2021
This book brought the story of Moses to lifein such a personal way, I felt as though I was there with them in Egypt and the wilderness.
A wonderfully written read for those hungry for Scripture stories that vividly captures the drama of the times. Great book!
A wonderfully written read for those hungry for Scripture stories that vividly captures the drama of the times. Great book!
April 16, 2021
Great story, an absolute must read
This was an absolute wonderful story. It is beautifully written. I highly recommend it. It is the book of Exodus told in a great way. Written as a masterpiece.
This was an absolute wonderful story. It is beautifully written. I highly recommend it. It is the book of Exodus told in a great way. Written as a masterpiece.
August 18, 2021
Captivating
This book was so beautiful and instructive. It taught me even more about God’s nature and His deep and enduring love. It also showed His Justice which was/is sometimes scary. It showed that He loves us even when we were not able to love Him.
This book was so beautiful and instructive. It taught me even more about God’s nature and His deep and enduring love. It also showed His Justice which was/is sometimes scary. It showed that He loves us even when we were not able to love Him.
August 26, 2021
Loved
I find Angela Hunt’s biblical/historical fictions very educational and revealing. And I love the fact that I keep running to my Bible to make notes as I read these novels.
I highly recommend her books to all Christians- ladies especially.
I find Angela Hunt’s biblical/historical fictions very educational and revealing. And I love the fact that I keep running to my Bible to make notes as I read these novels.
I highly recommend her books to all Christians- ladies especially.
April 9, 2022
Love the Women in Moses Life!
Excellent description of real Egyptian and Hebrew life of women during this ancient era. All emotions show trials and family love under unbelievable conditions.
Excellent description of real Egyptian and Hebrew life of women during this ancient era. All emotions show trials and family love under unbelievable conditions.
May 19, 2025
Brilliant
Totally brilliant! Bought everyone to life with profound truth hidden in plain sight. I’d love to meet Moses, Miriam,Zipporah and Aharon one day in the presence of my Lord.
Totally brilliant! Bought everyone to life with profound truth hidden in plain sight. I’d love to meet Moses, Miriam,Zipporah and Aharon one day in the presence of my Lord.
July 23, 2018
Beautifully written
A beautiful rendition of the story of Moses! I feel like I lived in these times and walked with these women. The characters truly brought him to life!
A beautiful rendition of the story of Moses! I feel like I lived in these times and walked with these women. The characters truly brought him to life!
November 6, 2018
Excelente sobre paso mis expectativas.
February 11, 2020
Possibly because I know how it ends, I was bored and couldn't finish this book- despite the interesting details that filled in the blanks of the Biblical journey of Moses.
April 21, 2020
Interesting perspectives
We know the story from a man's perspective, but the same through the eyes of the women was interesting. At times, too tedious of biblical detail.
We know the story from a man's perspective, but the same through the eyes of the women was interesting. At times, too tedious of biblical detail.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews