Rachel

Wives of the Patriarchs #3

by Jill Eileen Smith

Can true love overcome a legacy of betrayal?

Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household. Leah wishes her father would find a good man who would love her alone. Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him.

But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery. The man who wanted only one woman ends up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband. In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . . or will she?

Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out.

Genres: Biblical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Biblical

308 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2014

About the author

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs, Daughters of the Promised Land, Heart of a King, Star of Persia, Miriam's Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, Daughter of Eden, and The Ark and the Dove. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Bible times.

When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable cats Kody and Kaelee. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Contact Jill through email (jill@jilleileensmith.com), her website (http://www.jilleileensmith.com), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith), or Twitter (https://twitter.com/JillEileenSmith).

Reviews

[Jill Smith]

My comments would be biased because I'm the author. But I loved writing this story!

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Smith concludes the series, Wives of the Patriarchs, with Jacob's second, but most beloved wife, Rachel. With a great historical base along with a strong Biblical foundation, the story of Rachel is vividly brought to life. Filled with treachery, betrayal, jealousy, and competition, the story of Rachel and her sister, Leah sounds like a soap opera from today's times. Yet God's plans continue to unfold along with forgiveness, second chances, and faith.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and would recommend it especially for anyone who is studying the Book of Genesis.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoy Biblical Christian Historical Fiction, this is the genre that I first started with when I became so passionate about reading. Interestingly enough, the story that I was reading at the time was a modified timeline and location of Rachel (or Jamie, Rose, and Lena in Scotland). From the past reads, I’ve enjoyed the writing of Jill Eileen Smith, but not quite as much as Mesu Andrews, however this was a great book, a truly good read.

As a student of the Bible and biblical women, I have never been much a fan of Rachel. I always found myself feeling for Leah and saw Rachel as a selfish child of a woman. Interestingly I never put much blame on Jacob, after all wasn’t he a chosen one of God? Reading Jill’s version of the Rachel story is an interesting experience. This time I really feel like I have more of an insight into Rachel’s perception of the events that occurred and an optional theory that perhaps Leah wasn’t quite so ignorant in her participation.

When a story of Biblical Fiction has me turning pages with eager enjoyment to see what happens next (even when I know the story forward and backward already!) and then I’m left on the last page with a desire to crack open my Bible and read the story in Scripture verse and then even a further desire to grab my Chronological Bible and read the stories before and after in time… that’s when you know you’ve got a book meeting its purpose.

As a reader, I was fascinated to see these biblical characters through a new lens and to really see the child Joseph when I always think of him as an ignorant self-absorbed teen and later tortured man chosen of God and a perfect example of faith in the long run. Now I need more Biblical Fiction, what’s next?

I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.


posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...

[Savanna Kaiser · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third novel in the Wives of the Patriarchs series takes the reader, along with Jacob and Rachel, on quite an emotional and surprising journey. The beloved Bible story of a wandering shepherd and his true love has always captured me, but I had never really stopped and put myself in their shoes before. This story changed that. Written in a beautifully honest and intimate way, Rachel paints a fascinating picture of the hearts and personalities of the people behind the names.

From the moment you see Rachel first meet Jacob at the well, you're rooting for these two soul-mates to get together. Vows are made, time is invested, and many years spent when a sad deception threatens to destroy their dreams and brings great consequences to their lives. The unexpected introduces Leah, Rachel's sister, to the story and with it many complications.

I will admit that this was my first time reading Biblical fiction, so it took me a little while to get used to the setting and the already-familiar parts of the story and characters. At times, simply due to the truth of the text, portions seemed a little repetitious. There are a lot of children born in this story! ;) The power struggle and heartache between the sisters forced to share their husband wearied me along with them at times, but the author dutifully crafted in-depth layers to each of the characters. There are still plenty of surprises along the way – even if you're familiar with the Biblical account.

My heart broke for Jacob, Rachel, and Leah at many moments throughout this book, but God's grace and strength is quite evident and unwavering. Rachel offers an invitation for all of us to ponder the difficulties in our lives through the perspective that God's sovereign hand rules all for His glory.

After reading Rachel, I was very eager to go back and read their story in the Old Testament again. Jacob's wrestling with God. His wives. His children. Their prayers and fears. The journey back to his homeland. A beautiful story, indeed. This time, I feel like I know them a little better.

[Kate Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know it is a great book when you immediately want to go to the Bible to read the story. This book led me to Genesis more than once, remembering that these were real people not characters and real lives. The story of Rachel and Leah has everything that makes a wonderful story, love, betrayal, adventure, life, death... I would recommend this to anyone especially if you want to see the hand of God work and to know that He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Praise to the Elohim of Abraham, the Elohim of Isaac, and the Elohim of Jacob.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the book is titled Rachel it is told from both sisters' perspectives, Leah and Rachel, which I loved. I have always felt for Leah and was glad she wasn't made into a villain. Both sisters had their issues they had to deal with and it was interesting reading this story I know so well in a different light.

Several times with the way things were told I thought "that is not right" and stopped to look it up, only to read it and realize that it could be taken that way - it was just different than the way I had always understood it to be. That's one of the things I love most about Biblical fiction, how it can take a story you know and make you see it in a fresh way.

That being said the way some things were told didn't seem right to me, such as Judah being the favorite of Leah's children when they were young. Though that may have been the case, it doesn't clearly state it one way or the other, I don't think it was. This was the reason I couldn't give the story a five star rating.

Overall I found Rachel to be an entertaining and thought-provoking read, one that I very much enjoyed. I have loved every book in this series and highly recommend them to fans of Biblical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

RACHEL by Jill Eileen Smith is another exciting inspirational Historical Fiction set in 1879 BC. #3 in the "Wives of the Patriarchs" but can be read as a stand alone. See "Rebekah" and "Sarai". What a joy to read! Ms. Smith, makes these biblical characters jump off the page and come to life. She weaves facts, with fiction and tell some of the most romantic, dramatic stories and brings the Bible to life. Filled with treachery, secrets,betrayal, deceit, faith, healing, forgiveness, love,conflict and sibling rivalry. The agony of two sisters, and the grief that follows.
"Rachel" is the final installment of this series. What a powerful story from beginning to end. Ms. Smith is a wonderful storyteller and brings the people of the Bible to life. A must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a great story! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
*Coming in February from Revell Books*
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Katelyn S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good. Brought the characters and emotions alive. I'll never read this bible story the same again.

[Boshra · Rating 4 out of 5]

هل يمكن للحب الحقيقي أن يتغلب على طبع الخيانة؟
راحيل لا تريد أكثر من ان تتزوج شقيقتها الكبرى، ليئة ليتسنى لها ان تتزوج هي اﻻخرى. تتمنى ليئة أن يجد والدها لها رجلاً صالحاً يتزوجها ويحبها. يشق يعقوب طريقه إلى منزلهم، في محاولة للهروب من ماضٍ اخطأ فيه بخداع كلا من ابيه واخيه،
وفي تطلع لايجاد مستقبل زاهر حسب وعد الله.
لكن الماضي يعود ليطارد يعقوب عندما يجد نفسه في موضع المتلقي للخيانة. الرجل الذي أراد الزواح بامرأة واحدة فقط ينتهي به الأمر للزواج من اختين يتنافسن عليه، ويجب عليهن الآن قضاء بقية حياتهن في تقاسم هذا الزوج. في صراعات الضرر " هذه، ستنتصر امرأة واحدة فقط. . . من هي يا ترى؟"

لا تجمع المؤلفة الأكثر شهرة "جيل إيلين سميث" بين البحث الدقيق مع الخيال الخصب، واحدة من أشهر قصص الحب في كل العصور ، بل ستتمكن ايضا من ان تشد انتباه حتى أولئك الذين يعتقدون أنهم يعرفون القصة من قبل.
سبق لي ان قدمت في احدى تدويناتي قصة ليئة. واليوم تتاح الفرصة للخوض في تفاصيل قصة من اشهر قصص الحب من طرف اخر، هو طرف اﻻخت الضرة، راحيل، راحيل المحبوبة، والتي عانت طويلا من العقم، مما كان سببا في حسدها وغيرتها من اختها، بل واضطرابها النفسي الذي دفعها يوما لتقول لزوجها يعقوب "هب لي بنين واﻻ فانا اموت".. طبعها عنفها يعقوب بحسم قائلا "هل انا مكان الله الذي منع عنك ثمرة البطن"(تك30: 2). اﻻ ان هذا الموقف يدل على ما وصل بها اﻻمر الى اشتهاء الموت .. فلم تعد الحياة تطاق وهي تصارع مع غريزة اﻻمومة لديها.. ويأتى اليوم الذي تحبل فيه بولد وتسميه "يوسف" ومعنى اﻻسم "يزيد" ﻻنها قالت ليزيدني الرب ولدا اخر. وبالفعل تلد طفلها الثاني، ولكنه يأتى الى الدنيا ليكون سببا في فراقها هي للحياة وتسمي ابنها وهي في النزع اﻻخير "بن اوني" اي "ابن الحزن"..

[Jennifer Buczynski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I loved this. I’m quite familiar with the story in the Bible but oh how I loved this detailed retelling!! I was in tears in the last couple chapters, although I knew what was coming. The only problem I had with the book is that I struggled with knowing how old each person was at each part of the story. How much older than Leah was Jacob? I don’t think it says in the Bible but the author of this book did give some ages of the sisters when they first met Jacob. I kept trying to reconcile dates and imagine how old everyone was, especially as I kept reading “ten years later” or “been here for 20 years now” etc.

Overall I loved this book. It’s a beautiful story of their lives. I do wonder if there is one about Joseph? But his wife is Egyptian so I’m not sure?? Will have to research because I definitely want more!

I loved how the author made things make sense- like I’ve always wondered how Jacob couldn’t tell that it was Leah in his tent instead of Rachel, but with the details Smith offered I can understand. I tested up when God renamed Jacob to Israel, realizing how kind it was of God to do that. 💜

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third book of the Wives of the Patriarchs series was a well written and interesting Biblical fiction novel about Rachel and Jacob. It was an appropriately slow-paced novel that dealt with faith in God; with how Jacob ended up not only marrying a pair of sisters but also taking their maids, Bilhah and Zilpah, as concubines on the insistence of said wives; and with how Jacob has to deal with how he had deceived his brother and father. As usual, I was the most sympathetic towards Jacob in this mess of bickering women. However, during parts of the story, the author actually managed to make Rachel a sympathetic character, which is a feat because she generally comes across as a vain, complaining, spoiled whiner who in Scripture is known for her beauty, for jealousy of her sister's fertility, and for stealing her father's household gods and then lying about having them. Overall, this novel provided an interesting view of Rachel's story, and I am glad that I finally read this novel and was able to finish the series, and, all things considered, I did really enjoy the novel.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Rachel and Leah, sisters, and two of Jacob/Israel's wives is one that has always troubled me on a few levels. The deceit and heartache that followed said deceit, and then the jealousy as each woman tried to best the other in pursuit of Jacob's heart. So much pain.
And yet, as Jill Eileen Smith implies in this novelisation of the story, there is also room for much hope. Hope that the sisters became friends at the end, hope that they came to love the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as much as their husband and his ancestors did. Hope that God would bless the entire earth through their children.
And He did. And He does.
(I realise that the above 'review' doesn't necessarily speak to the book itself, which I really enjoyed . . . it brought the story to life for me, and helped me ponder what lessons I can take into my own life from the story of Rachel and Leah. 4.5 stars)

[Ana Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. At first it was a little hard reading through the many jealousies between Rachel and Leah, like yes I don’t believe for one second that they were not jealous of each other or that they hated sharing a husband but in parts of the book it just felt a little repetitive at times, but towards the end of the book, they both sort of just had to accept the way things were and their individual roles, and that’s when I really started to love this book.
Even though I did really like this book, I have to say there were times when I didn’t like Rachel’s character at all and much preferred Leah’s character. Also at times Jacob’s love for Rachel didn’t come of as love but more so like obsession so I didn’t like that so much.
After finishing this series from a new to me author, I did enjoy the series and I will continue reading more of her books.

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third time rereading this book and I enjoyed it the same as I did the first time! I’m not a fan of Jill’s newer books but the Wives of the Patriarchs series along with the Wives of King David Series and the book about Samuel’s mother Hannah will always be rereads for me.

[Isabelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

0.5 stars.

This was the last of the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and probably the worst.

As usual, it was SO VERY SLOW. I almost didn’t finish, but decided to fulfill my “vow” you could say, to finish just these three books. The reason this book didn’t even get one star was that of the characters.

My thoughts on the following characters:

Jacob:

What a selfish man. Leah repented of her actions afterward, but he is STILL FREAKING MAD at her. He only thinks of Rachel, and how she could “never die” in childbirth, or he would just DIE.🙄🙄🙄 The idiot is glad that Leah gives him sons, but he doesn’t mind that much. What a jerk!! Him and Rachel deserved what they received!!!!! Also, the only reason he sleeps with her is because Leah tricks Rachel into offering Jacob for a night, or if she begs him to. God probably took Rachel so that Leah actually received love for the first time, and also to punish Jacob for only caring about Rachel dying in birth.

Leah:

Not too much to say. Yeah, she shouldn’t have taken Rachel’s wedding night, but at least she repented later. I also feel SO bad for her - everyone deserves love, even if she tricked Jacob to become his wife. Jacob was a selfish jerk. There. I said it again.

Rachel:

Oooooh, of all the characters, she PISSED. ME. OFF. THE. MOST. Let me explain: she was a spoiled, rotten, selfish, WHINY BRAT. Emphasis on the WHINY. She was such a jerk to Leah. Didn’t forgive her until she was on her LITERAL DEATHBED. She expected that she would have to give birth first, so as to “outdo” her sister. 🙄 THAT’S WHY LEAH GAVE BIRTH FIRST, YOU A-HOLE! Second, she always, ALWAYS, A.L.W.A.Y.S. whined, and cried, and threw a tantrum like a TODDLER when Jacob actually took time for Leah. Spoiled? I would most definitely say so. The book was almost unbearable thanks to Rachel’s attitude: expecting the princess treatment, whining, complaining, not really helping with housework (at least that was mentioned in the book), being a selfish brat, etc.

So, in short, RACHEL. RACHEL. RACHEL. Jacob. RACHEL. RACHEL. RACHEL. And you guessed it folks, more Rachel.

[Maxine Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was book #3 in Jill Eileen Smith’s “Wives of the Patriarchs” series. Rachel, a beautiful maiden, wanted her older sister Leah to marry and move away with her husband’s tribe. Jacob (Isaac and Rebekah’s son) was en route to visit relatives while at the same time escape from his brother Esau who was in enmity with him. When he arrived at his uncle’s place he saw Rachel and wanted her. Laban, Leah and Rachel’s father, said if he worked for him for 7 years he could marry Rachel. When that time came Laban (and Leah) deceived Jacob and instead of marrying Rachel he married Leah. This of course was devastating to both Rachel and Jacob. Rachel became the second wife - favoured by Jacob. This caused no end of issues between the sisters. Leah bore many children, while Rachel remained barren for many years. Laban made Jacob work him for another 7 years (under arrangement to marry Rachel), but still didn’t let them go. Many more struggles occurred before all of Jacob’s family returned to his parents’ home.

[Rena Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always been fascinated by the story of Jacob, Rachel and Leah. However, I will admit I have always been on Leah's side. I looked at Rachel as the spoiled, beautiful sister who thought she was "it." Reading this book helped me get a more accurate view of this Biblical heroine. For example, Rachel was a shepherdess-a job that took real skill and responsibility. She loved Jacob deeply: It was love at first sight for both of them. What would it be like to be forced to share the husband you loved with your sister? Rachel desperately wanted a child to love. What would it be like to be barren in an era when a woman's fertility determined her worth? This wonderful portrayal of Rachel-AND Leah-will delight any historical fiction lover or Bible student.

[Kristen Rosener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jill Eileen Smith can weave such an incredible story. "Rachel" was my favorite in her Wives of the Patriarchs Series. As usual, she made me think long and hard about the Biblical account. I've known the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah my whole life but I hadn't really stopped to think through the dynamics of the characters. I can't imagine the competitive relationship Rachel and Leah must have had. I ached for Rachel and I ached for Leah (and their two concubines who get caught in their crossfire and thrust into an already difficult situation). Each chapter was full of tension, betrayal, heartache, and fear but at the same time, it pointed to God's sovereignty over the messes we make. Such a good read and one of my favorites by Smith.

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn't it ironic how Jacob deceived his father for the birthright, and Jacob himself was deceived into marrying the wrong sister? Then he was allowed to work 7 more years for his true love, the beautiful younger sister, Rachel. The book painfully shows the conflict of sisters Leah and Rachel, married to the same man. It also shows living in unfair circumstances, like having the ability to have children, or not. The author masterfully ending the book in a satisfying way, following the death of one of the wives.

[Karen Britton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this re-telling of the Bible's story of Rachel, wife of Jacob. It made me realize how difficult her father's deception made her life with Jacob. The author vividly portrayed the difficulties that she and Leah faced as they shared a husband. I came to appreciate and admire Leah as she learned to trust in God and not her husband for fulfillment. Those who enjoy biblical fiction will enjoy this story. Jill Eileen Smith meticulously researched this book and the details enhanced my understanding of the scriptural narrative.

[emily.rose.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating for this book is a 4.75/5 stars! I absolutely loved this book! It was so good and was interesting to see a book from the perspectives of Leah and Rachel. None of us can know what it was like for them, but this is one perspective and the way I personally imagine it being. This book really made me have more compassion for them both and understand them a little better. I would definitely recommend this book and series!

[Sara Downs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional recounting of Jacob, Leah and Rachel's story

This is one of the best imaginings of this story I've read. It shows the struggles that Jacob, Leah and Rachel must have all dealt with. And that none of them was completely at fault for the results of their decisions. There are also some inspirational moments I appreciated throughout the book. In short, I quite enjoyed this book and could hardly put it down.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rachel and Leah were rivals even before they married. It just became worse when Jacob entered their lives. Because of their father's deceit, the girls had to share a husband. Leah was jealous that Jacob loved Rachel more than her. Rachel was envious because Leah could have children while she was unable. The struggles in Jacob's household were very real but the promises of Adonai gave them hope.

[Gregory Van Den Berg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another interesting story written by Ms. Smith. Obviously, this is a fictional adaptation of Rachel's life with Jacob. The story covers the time Jacob escapes to his Uncle Laban. Jacob needs to escape the wrath of Essau when he deceives his father, Issac, to give him his blessing. What I like about this story and others similar to this make the characters real to us. Enjoy reading!

[Sarah Creeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brings the Bible story to life

This book is about Rachel, but it's about Jacob and Leah as well. It really brought out a number of thoughts from the Bible story. It made so much sense of Jacob usurping Esau and then Leah taking Rachel's place by deceit. And that's only one aspect. I highly recommend this book and this author.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can see where a reader could get tired of Rachel and Leah's pettiness, I know I nearly did. But at the same time, with the way the story is written, I understand it. I really loved the character's, especially after part 2. I can't wait to read another of Smith's books.

[Hazel McHaffie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jill Eileen Smith has a talent for bringing Old Testament women to life. Life in the time of the patriarchs is so remote from anything we know, but she sets the context for the well known stories that underlines their frailties, highlights their faith, and helps us understand their choices.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

When compared to other Biblical fiction about women protagonists, it's better than average. When compared to fiction in general, it's not great, but I think some people who are very interested in this genre might enjoy it.

[Miriam Jaynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful novel.

Hard to put down. Can’t wait to read more of her books..Love how she rendered the different personalities that really seemed to fill in what more could have happened but she stayed on track with the Bible story as well.

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing the story of Rachel includes Jacob, his three other wives and many other supporting characters. This version is well researched and tells the story of Rachel and Jacob well.

My favorite version of the story is The Red Tent by Anita Diament.