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Ruthless
Shelia M. Goss brings readers a modern day retelling of David and Bathsheba.
Bathsheba Richards has just discovered that she has a half-sister who needs her help. Sheba's long lost sister isn't too happy about their reunion, though, since she has a lot of problems of her own. Sheba's dealing with her husband's boss, who wants her all to himself. After succumbing to his advances, Sheba gets pregnant, and there's no question about who the daddy is, since her husband has been overseas for the past three months.
David King is the CEO of one of the largest media conglomerates in the country. Few people know that David has a calling on his life, but he's been running from it. He thought having fame and fortune would fulfill the need. Only after Sheba gets pregnant does he realize the error of his ways. Praying for God's mercy, David tries to right a wrong. Whether he will succeed or fail remains to be seen.
With a long lost half-sister and a husband who will surely feel betrayed, Sheba's life is filled with turmoil. Will David be her knight in shining armor as he professes to be, or is her nightmare just beginning?
Bathsheba Richards has just discovered that she has a half-sister who needs her help. Sheba's long lost sister isn't too happy about their reunion, though, since she has a lot of problems of her own. Sheba's dealing with her husband's boss, who wants her all to himself. After succumbing to his advances, Sheba gets pregnant, and there's no question about who the daddy is, since her husband has been overseas for the past three months.
David King is the CEO of one of the largest media conglomerates in the country. Few people know that David has a calling on his life, but he's been running from it. He thought having fame and fortune would fulfill the need. Only after Sheba gets pregnant does he realize the error of his ways. Praying for God's mercy, David tries to right a wrong. Whether he will succeed or fail remains to be seen.
With a long lost half-sister and a husband who will surely feel betrayed, Sheba's life is filled with turmoil. Will David be her knight in shining armor as he professes to be, or is her nightmare just beginning?
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
2 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Shelia M. Goss
40 books57 followersShelia M. Goss is a national best-selling author and a 2012 Emma Award Finalist. She has over thirteen books in print and over seven books as ebooks. She writes in multiple genres: Christian fiction, romance, women’s fiction, suspense, and young adult. USA Today says, “Goss has an easy, flowing style with her prose…”
She also writes under the pen name Sparkle and has a new young adult series: The Sweet Sixteen Diaries. The first book in the series is Sade’s Secrets (May/June 2012), where readers will delve into the dynamics of a mother/daughter relationship.
Besides writing fiction, Shelia is a freelance writer. She’s also an Essence Magazine best selling author, the recipient of three Shades of Romance Magazine Readers Choice Multi-Cultural Awards and honored as a Literary Diva: The Top 100 Most Admired African American Women in Literature.
Although Shelia has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, her passion for writing has always been there. Shelia decided to pursue her life-long dream after being down-sized from a Fortune 500 company.
She also writes under the pen name Sparkle and has a new young adult series: The Sweet Sixteen Diaries. The first book in the series is Sade’s Secrets (May/June 2012), where readers will delve into the dynamics of a mother/daughter relationship.
Besides writing fiction, Shelia is a freelance writer. She’s also an Essence Magazine best selling author, the recipient of three Shades of Romance Magazine Readers Choice Multi-Cultural Awards and honored as a Literary Diva: The Top 100 Most Admired African American Women in Literature.
Although Shelia has a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, her passion for writing has always been there. Shelia decided to pursue her life-long dream after being down-sized from a Fortune 500 company.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 14, 2011
Ruthless by Sheila M. Goss
Genre: Christian Fiction
Rating: 5.0 Stars
RUTHLESS by author Shelia Goss is a modern version of David and Bathsheba. This
book is Christian fiction filled with deceit, secrets, and surprises.
David King is a renowned business mogul and appreciates the “finest” things in
life. He is known for his power and success in the business world…but not so
much for being ruthless. Although he is well respected by his friends, business
associates, and his staff, David goes to great length to get what he wants.
When David sets his eyes on Bathsheba, he knows he wants to add her to his
collection.
Bathsheba is a beautiful and elegant woman. She is married to one of David
King’s top employees, Uriah. Uriah is a very dedicated employee and loves his
job just as much as he loves his wife. Bathsheba, in return, loves her husband.
But once David sees her, the wheels begin to spin…..Will David King be able to
separate the loving couple for his own sake? Will Bathsheba refuse David for
her marriage sake?
RUTHLESS is a fast pace and exciting novel. The more you read the more you
will want to read. This book has several surprises and you will enjoy this read
as the turn of events begin to unfold.
I enjoyed reading RUTHLESS and highly recommend this book to all readers.
Congratulations to Author Shelia Goss once again! Your writing skills and
creativity is well appreciated.
Reviewed by Barbara Morgan
Barbara Morgan is devoted book reader. She is the owner of Mobile Tax and
Bookkeeping and resides in Memphis TN.
Genre: Christian Fiction
Rating: 5.0 Stars
RUTHLESS by author Shelia Goss is a modern version of David and Bathsheba. This
book is Christian fiction filled with deceit, secrets, and surprises.
David King is a renowned business mogul and appreciates the “finest” things in
life. He is known for his power and success in the business world…but not so
much for being ruthless. Although he is well respected by his friends, business
associates, and his staff, David goes to great length to get what he wants.
When David sets his eyes on Bathsheba, he knows he wants to add her to his
collection.
Bathsheba is a beautiful and elegant woman. She is married to one of David
King’s top employees, Uriah. Uriah is a very dedicated employee and loves his
job just as much as he loves his wife. Bathsheba, in return, loves her husband.
But once David sees her, the wheels begin to spin…..Will David King be able to
separate the loving couple for his own sake? Will Bathsheba refuse David for
her marriage sake?
RUTHLESS is a fast pace and exciting novel. The more you read the more you
will want to read. This book has several surprises and you will enjoy this read
as the turn of events begin to unfold.
I enjoyed reading RUTHLESS and highly recommend this book to all readers.
Congratulations to Author Shelia Goss once again! Your writing skills and
creativity is well appreciated.
Reviewed by Barbara Morgan
Barbara Morgan is devoted book reader. She is the owner of Mobile Tax and
Bookkeeping and resides in Memphis TN.
October 30, 2015
A modern day rendition of King David & Bathsheba's adulterous relationship. The author stayed on course with the storyline mirroring actions but I never felt a true connection or any depth to the characters. The emotions were painted but never exhibited in authenticity.
January 25, 2015
Very boring. Very slow read. Modern day spin on the story of King David and Bathsheba. It just did not keep me wanting more.
December 12, 2014
Ruthless
I have read many modern-day version of the David and Bathsheba story, but this is the only one were I did not believe the characters had any real affection for each other or were sorry for their actions.
I do hope Ms. Goss will write a story about Nathan and Delilah. I think their is a story to be develop from those two characters. I believe they have feelings for each other. I just hope if she write their story it will be better than this one.
I have read many modern-day version of the David and Bathsheba story, but this is the only one were I did not believe the characters had any real affection for each other or were sorry for their actions.
I do hope Ms. Goss will write a story about Nathan and Delilah. I think their is a story to be develop from those two characters. I believe they have feelings for each other. I just hope if she write their story it will be better than this one.
April 8, 2012
This book makes you see inside yourself as well as the characters. Goss does a great job when it comes to creating three-dimensional characters that you can relate to. But they also challenge you because no one is what they seem.
The male characters were my favorite in the whole book. I loved David because I have a thing for villains or bad boys. David wasn't necessarily bad but he does all he can to get what he wants including going behind his friend and faithful employee, Uriah's back and trying to get his wife (Sheba) into bed. David was a tough one for me to understand sometimes. At first he comes off as this manipulator but as the story goes along you see glimpses of him that shows he does have a heart and really cares for Sheba. At first it's like he just wants to get her into bed and I don't doubt he has been with many women, but Goss does a great job with David. He's unpredictable, ruthless and a character that keeps you guessing.
Sheba, got on my last nerve constantly. I was upset with her half the time. I can understand David trying to get her but she was married to a good man and had a great life yet she slept with David the first chance she got. I think that's why I didn't take to Sheba. She had everything and I found her a little selfish because she whined about Uriah not spending time with her yet she goes off and cheats the minute his back is turned. I won't say more about that because I don't wanna release any spoilers but Sheba did make me wanna slap her a few times. I did think she was a good person deep down but I guess maybe part of me was jealous that she had such an ideal life but cheated. I know no one is perfect but still. The thing is Sheba had no reason to cheat! Uriah treated her like a queen and at times I found Sheba to be a big brat. Uriah worked hard to support her and yes she was a nurse but Uriah was the sole supporter and it just irked me how she seemed to never be satisfied with anything he did. She either complained about him being gone (even though he was working) then when he was home she was too busy thinking about David. Half the time I just could not get Sheba at all.
Uriah was another character I enjoyed. Sheba didn't deserve such a good man and all the while David was hunting Sheba I rooted for Uriah finding out. I felt like Sheba treated him like crap and he deserved to catch her in the act. Once again I won't say more for spoilers sake.
Ruthless is very powerful but it wasn't because of the plot but the characters. They really got into my head. I found myself nervous whenever David was on the page and I found him so compelling that I couldn't wait until his next scene came up. He oozed with sex appeal and tension for me and I couldn't get enough of him.
Sheba on the other hand made me wanna throw my ereader sometimes. I just wanted to smack some sense into her and shake her. But that proves the power of Goss' writing. She has the ability to bring all types of emotions out of the reader and that's exactly what a good writer is supposed to do.
I loved, loved, loved the book and even though Sheba got on my last nerve, I still had a pleasure following her character's journey.
I highly recommend this book!
The male characters were my favorite in the whole book. I loved David because I have a thing for villains or bad boys. David wasn't necessarily bad but he does all he can to get what he wants including going behind his friend and faithful employee, Uriah's back and trying to get his wife (Sheba) into bed. David was a tough one for me to understand sometimes. At first he comes off as this manipulator but as the story goes along you see glimpses of him that shows he does have a heart and really cares for Sheba. At first it's like he just wants to get her into bed and I don't doubt he has been with many women, but Goss does a great job with David. He's unpredictable, ruthless and a character that keeps you guessing.
Sheba, got on my last nerve constantly. I was upset with her half the time. I can understand David trying to get her but she was married to a good man and had a great life yet she slept with David the first chance she got. I think that's why I didn't take to Sheba. She had everything and I found her a little selfish because she whined about Uriah not spending time with her yet she goes off and cheats the minute his back is turned. I won't say more about that because I don't wanna release any spoilers but Sheba did make me wanna slap her a few times. I did think she was a good person deep down but I guess maybe part of me was jealous that she had such an ideal life but cheated. I know no one is perfect but still. The thing is Sheba had no reason to cheat! Uriah treated her like a queen and at times I found Sheba to be a big brat. Uriah worked hard to support her and yes she was a nurse but Uriah was the sole supporter and it just irked me how she seemed to never be satisfied with anything he did. She either complained about him being gone (even though he was working) then when he was home she was too busy thinking about David. Half the time I just could not get Sheba at all.
Uriah was another character I enjoyed. Sheba didn't deserve such a good man and all the while David was hunting Sheba I rooted for Uriah finding out. I felt like Sheba treated him like crap and he deserved to catch her in the act. Once again I won't say more for spoilers sake.
Ruthless is very powerful but it wasn't because of the plot but the characters. They really got into my head. I found myself nervous whenever David was on the page and I found him so compelling that I couldn't wait until his next scene came up. He oozed with sex appeal and tension for me and I couldn't get enough of him.
Sheba on the other hand made me wanna throw my ereader sometimes. I just wanted to smack some sense into her and shake her. But that proves the power of Goss' writing. She has the ability to bring all types of emotions out of the reader and that's exactly what a good writer is supposed to do.
I loved, loved, loved the book and even though Sheba got on my last nerve, I still had a pleasure following her character's journey.
I highly recommend this book!
June 25, 2011
Title: Ruthless by Shelia Goss
Amazon: 5 stars
5 Mosaic Stones
Heading: How Far Will You Go?
The second book Shelia Goss has written, where the main characters are from the Bible, is Ruthless. The first was Delilah; which left me with my mouth hanging wide open at the end. I could not wait to find out what happened to her, but Delilah was not the main character in this new book. Bathsheba “Sheba” Richards, a sophisticated, sexy nurse is married to Uriah Richards, who is trying to give her everything she wants and needs are the focus of this story; and so is David King, Uriah’s boss. The night Uriah introduces Sheba to his boss things change.
Sheba only has eyes for Uriah and the finer things in life. As much as she wants those finer things, she is not thrilled when David selects Uriah to go to Afghanistan to assist in opening another office. David uses this opportunity to try to snake his way into Sheba’s mind and heart. While Sheba is dealing with the time she left alone, another pressing matter is still hanging in the balance. She has been searching for an important person and may have a huge lead on where this person may be. Although Uriah is against it, Sheba cannot let this opportunity of getting to know this person pass her by. Who is this mysterious person? Will this distraction help David win Sheba over?
Lots of unexpected things happen throughout this book. By far, this is my favorite book penned by Ms. Goss. My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride, up and down. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Ruthless is a dramatization of how far a person is willing to go to attain the very things that are not his to begin with. I recommend this book to readers of romance, faith-based stories, and avid Shelia Goss fans. You will not be disappointed!
The author provided an uncorrected electronic copy for review purposes.
Jennifer Coissiere
Words Mosaic Reviews
Amazon: 5 stars
5 Mosaic Stones
Heading: How Far Will You Go?
The second book Shelia Goss has written, where the main characters are from the Bible, is Ruthless. The first was Delilah; which left me with my mouth hanging wide open at the end. I could not wait to find out what happened to her, but Delilah was not the main character in this new book. Bathsheba “Sheba” Richards, a sophisticated, sexy nurse is married to Uriah Richards, who is trying to give her everything she wants and needs are the focus of this story; and so is David King, Uriah’s boss. The night Uriah introduces Sheba to his boss things change.
Sheba only has eyes for Uriah and the finer things in life. As much as she wants those finer things, she is not thrilled when David selects Uriah to go to Afghanistan to assist in opening another office. David uses this opportunity to try to snake his way into Sheba’s mind and heart. While Sheba is dealing with the time she left alone, another pressing matter is still hanging in the balance. She has been searching for an important person and may have a huge lead on where this person may be. Although Uriah is against it, Sheba cannot let this opportunity of getting to know this person pass her by. Who is this mysterious person? Will this distraction help David win Sheba over?
Lots of unexpected things happen throughout this book. By far, this is my favorite book penned by Ms. Goss. My emotions were on a rollercoaster ride, up and down. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Ruthless is a dramatization of how far a person is willing to go to attain the very things that are not his to begin with. I recommend this book to readers of romance, faith-based stories, and avid Shelia Goss fans. You will not be disappointed!
The author provided an uncorrected electronic copy for review purposes.
Jennifer Coissiere
Words Mosaic Reviews
July 7, 2011
Date: 7/3/11
Title: Ruthless
Author: Shelia M. Goss
ISBN 10: 1601628145
Pages: 263
Publisher: Urban Christian
Cover: Electronic Uncorrected Proof
Reviewer: Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant– Literary Wonders!
Rating: 5 Stars
Uriah and Bathsheba Richards are a loving couple residing in Shreveport, Louisiana. Uriah is lucky to have Bathsheba and would do anything to keep her happy, including working hard for media mogul David King. Uriah’s is to get Bathsheba the house of her dreams and to pay for her frequent retail therapy session.
Bathsheba is a nurse at a local hospital when she is reunited with her long lost sister. When you find out who she is, you’ll be shocked. Bathsheba meets Uriah’s boss at a gala and Mr. King shows very little discretion about his plight for this beautiful woman. She makes it clear that she loves her husband, but even the strongest of flesh can be weakened.
David King, CEO of Dallas based DM King Media has offices around the country and oversees. He is powerful and has everything a man could ever want, except the woman of his dreams. That until he meets his employee’s wife, Bathsheba. He will do anything he can to make Sheba his, even if that means sending her husband to Afghanistan to get him out of the way.
I cannot give this review its due justice without giving away the story line. However, I will say this: Ruthless is full of sinning, sainthood, tons of praying and God’s grace.
Ruthless by Shelia M. Goss does not disappoint in the drama department. It is an example of what we’ve come to expect from this bestselling author. Once again, she has showed us her tremendous ability to weave a story line that always has a message. You have got to read this book!
Title: Ruthless
Author: Shelia M. Goss
ISBN 10: 1601628145
Pages: 263
Publisher: Urban Christian
Cover: Electronic Uncorrected Proof
Reviewer: Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant– Literary Wonders!
Rating: 5 Stars
Uriah and Bathsheba Richards are a loving couple residing in Shreveport, Louisiana. Uriah is lucky to have Bathsheba and would do anything to keep her happy, including working hard for media mogul David King. Uriah’s is to get Bathsheba the house of her dreams and to pay for her frequent retail therapy session.
Bathsheba is a nurse at a local hospital when she is reunited with her long lost sister. When you find out who she is, you’ll be shocked. Bathsheba meets Uriah’s boss at a gala and Mr. King shows very little discretion about his plight for this beautiful woman. She makes it clear that she loves her husband, but even the strongest of flesh can be weakened.
David King, CEO of Dallas based DM King Media has offices around the country and oversees. He is powerful and has everything a man could ever want, except the woman of his dreams. That until he meets his employee’s wife, Bathsheba. He will do anything he can to make Sheba his, even if that means sending her husband to Afghanistan to get him out of the way.
I cannot give this review its due justice without giving away the story line. However, I will say this: Ruthless is full of sinning, sainthood, tons of praying and God’s grace.
Ruthless by Shelia M. Goss does not disappoint in the drama department. It is an example of what we’ve come to expect from this bestselling author. Once again, she has showed us her tremendous ability to weave a story line that always has a message. You have got to read this book!
April 11, 2012
I wondered what happened to Delilah from the first Christian fiction novel written by Shelia Goss but she has a cameo appearance in this novel too. Surprised with Delilah's relationship with Bathsheba, the main character in this novel aside from her husband Uriah, and fatal attraction with David King.
Side note: I loved David's biblical story and wondered how the author would interweave it in the modern-day story as Goss proposes.
I always wondered how Bathsheba (Sheba) would give into David if she loved her husband Uriah so much! Goss gives us a simple explanation: mate away doesn't causes the heart to be fonder and faithful but leans to human fleshly desires: lust. This also helps me get a glimpse how Bathsheba gave into King David even from the biblical story, which doesn't necessarily outline for the reader to know.
Favorite line: "Only God dictates my move" (page 193).
3.75/4 stars
Side note: I loved David's biblical story and wondered how the author would interweave it in the modern-day story as Goss proposes.
I always wondered how Bathsheba (Sheba) would give into David if she loved her husband Uriah so much! Goss gives us a simple explanation: mate away doesn't causes the heart to be fonder and faithful but leans to human fleshly desires: lust. This also helps me get a glimpse how Bathsheba gave into King David even from the biblical story, which doesn't necessarily outline for the reader to know.
Favorite line: "Only God dictates my move" (page 193).
3.75/4 stars
August 22, 2014
It didn't take me long to finish this book at all. I don't usually like re-tellings of bible stories, but this one was really good. The author did a great job in keeping with the original story of David & Bathsheba. In reference to the intimacy of the couple, the author did a great job of making this a "gunk free" book (that's always something that I look for in Christian literature); she made it so that we knew what was going on without going into messy details.I did think that towards the end, some of the events in the book were a little rushed, but other than that, I loved it. I would read it again, and I would recommend it.
June 2, 2016
I think the book is not named correctly. I wouldn't say that one of the main characters is ruthless. He was a successful businessman with two failed marriages to his credit. He coveted another man's wife and sent him to Afghanistan to then work on seducing his wife. David and Bathsheba. Uriah was just the unfortunate husband in the way. David King quoted scripture and even had a spiritual advisor who told him to stay away from Sheba. He followed not the Bible or the advice. It was a quick read but not what I would call Christian fiction.
March 25, 2014
I may have been turned off by the similarity with David and Bathsheba in the Bible which was an upadated today's version. The plot line did not deal with the material obsession of Sheba which was not dealed with which in my opinion is one which many females struggle with to the point of maximizing their accounts and the suffering of the families as the result of this addiction. But it is a easy read and for pure enjoyment it meets the intent.
July 19, 2011
Ruthless....having no pity, merciless, cruel. Read Sheila Goss's book Ruthless to see what I'm talking about.
August 8, 2016
this was a great book. The author did a great job with keeping your attention and making you want to keep reading to see what happens next. Great job Sheila!
March 7, 2012
This was a great story based on the story of King David from the Bible. Some of things I knew where coming and then there were times during the story you just didn't see it coming.
January 11, 2012
Ms. Shelia Goss has done it again. This a great story about love, lust, greed, and betrayal. This is an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more books from this arthur.
May 8, 2012
A fast paced book based on Biblical characters with lifelike characters.
April 4, 2012
This was a great book and I really love how the author used the real characters from the bible. I would recommend this book to anyone that loves Christian fiction.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews