Ruth: Mother of Kings

by Diana Wallis Taylor

The story of Ruth has captivated Christian believers for centuries, not least of all because she is one of only two women with books of the Bible named after them. Now, Diana Wallis Taylor animates this cherished part of the Old Testament, with its unforgettable cast of characters. Experience Ruth's elation as a young bride and her grief at finding herself a widow far before her time. Witness the unspeakable relief of Naomi upon hearing her daughter-in-law promise never to leave her. And celebrate with Boaz when, after years as a widower, he discovers love again, with a woman he first found gleaning in his field. The story of this remarkable woman to whom Jesus Christ traced His lineage comes to life in the pages of this dramatic retelling.

Genres: Biblical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Fiction, Christian Romance, Christian, Inspirational

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 15, 2013

About the author

Diana Wallis Taylor is the author of the novels Journey to the Well and Martha and lives in California. Find out more at www.dianawallistaylor.com.

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth Mother of Kings is the fifth title in Diana Wallis Taylor’s great series about the women in the Bible, but it is the first to focus on a woman in the Old Testament. It also marks her debut with the publisher Whitaker House and, as a result, the first thing I noticed was that the cover is totally different to the covers of her previous titles. My main concern, however, was whether or not Ruth would be of the same standard as those novels. In the beginning, I wasn’t sure. I immediately noticed something that I’ll raise in a moment, and I felt that the writing just wasn’t as sharp as it could be. Thankfully, my opinion of this changed as I continued to read and I was soon soaking in the beautiful descriptions of life in Ruth’s time. I could picture the clothing, the food, and the homes of the characters. I also felt the pacing picked up as the story continued.

Taylor stays mostly true to the book of Ruth, and quotes it extensively. She has, however, written as though Ruth was an Israelite. The story starts when Ruth is a child living in the land of Rueben. She lives among God fearing people, including her grandparents who keep the Sabbath. In other words, Ruth might live on the Plains of Moab, but she’s a Reubenite and not a Moabite. Her promise to Naomi in Ruth 1:16 is interpreted to mean that she is an Israelite and already worships the same God, not that she is forsaking her Moabite family and gods. This interpretation, therefore, results in a different story from the one I expected. Moving with Naomi to Bethlehem isn’t a dramatic sacrifice. Ruth doesn’t have to adjust to a different culture or religion. When a character accuses Ruth of being a Moabitess, she explains her background and that she merely lived on the Plains of Moab. It’s a shame, really, because the story of how Ruth the Moabitess became the “Mother of Kings” in the lineage of Jesus is a wonderful example of how God’s amazing plan wasn’t just for the people of Israel but for us gentiles also. Taylor’s sincere belief that Ruth was an Israelite left me disappointed with what could have been a great story.

Thank you to Whitaker House for my free copy of Ruth Mother of Kings, which I received in exchange for an honest review.

[Julie Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by this author. The first was about Lydia of Thyatira.

The biblical account of Ruth is one of my favourite books of the Bible and this fictional account of her life weaves well with the account in the book of Ruth.

Well worth reading the Bible account before reading this, nevertheless this would stand up in its own right if you didn’t know who Ruth was.

[Noella Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved the story of Ruth and Boaz. This book was excellent. There were so many things happening in the book that kept my interest throughout and I totally loved it!

[Amber Lemus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was blessed enough to receive a complimentary copy of Dianna Wallis Taylor's new book Ruth Mother of Kings. I excitedly downloaded it onto my Kindle Paperwhite and started reading. :)

Dianna is a masterful storyteller. She really pulls you into the atmosphere and setting of the story. You can almost taste the juicy figs, smell the lamb stew and hear the bleating of sheep in your ears. I enjoyed how she portrayed Ruth's life in Moab with her grandparents and Orpah. She also did a masterful job in showing Ruth's pain and fear of being barren, and the reproach that it brought upon her and upon the family name when Malon dies without an heir.

Dianna did a wonderful job at showing the beautiful relationship between Ruth and Boaz, but I would have liked to see more of the relationship between Naomi and Ruth. However, I think Dianna captured the personalities of Ruth and Boaz perfectly. I really loved the way that she portrayed the importance of the kinsman redeemer as well. She did such a great job at showing what it really meant, not only to Ruth but also to Naomi, to be fully redeemed; to be fully restored to their former station and wealth. It really left an impact on me.

Dianna took a very interesting risk with Ruth Mother of Kings. The story portrays Ruth as being a Reubenite, however the Biblical text is very clear that Ruth was a Moabitess who was disdained by the people of Bethlehem because of it. The story of Ruth as the Gentile Bride is one of the most beautiful depictions of Jesus Christ and His mercy and redemption towards the gentiles, so this kinda put a damper on the book for me. (Dianna does offer an explanation of why she did it this way at the end of the book, so you can make your own determination on that.) There is also a scene in the book where Malon comes to Ruth alone in the field to see if she'd be willing to be his wife. This scene really disappointed me because a good-standing Israelite like Malon would never risk such a thing. According to the law of Moses, both of those individuals could be stoned for fornication if they were caught alone like that, so it seemed historically inaccurate to me.

In short, Ruth Mother of Kings was a delightful read with beautiful descriptions and masterful storytelling. I give it four stars.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book in the backseat of a fellow quilter, I asked if she was returning it to the library. When she said yes I asked if I could return it for her and then check it out for myself. I was positive this was one of the books on my “to read” list and I was quite surprised to find that it was not. I also have found a great new tradition that I will start next year during Lent of reading at least one Christian books during that time of year.

The book was very well written and would be a wonderful book for a Women’s Bible Study group to read and discuss. It would also be a wonderful book for a mother and daughter to read together during the teenage years when a girl is turning into a young lady. I could not put the book down and ended up spending a whole day just reading. After reading this book I had a greater appreciation of Ruth. I admired her before but the way Diana Wallis Taylor wrote the book I was given a better perspective of Ruth. What a great role model for women to have. I am looking forward to reading other books about women of the Bible by Diana Wallis Taylor.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story of Ruth, Mother of Kings, is different than many biblical fiction stories about her. In this book, one of the major differences is that she had Ruth, living in a country of Moab, but not being a Moabitess. While I found that an interesting take on the story, I am not sure it is completely accurate.

The reasoning behind this take on the story was because of the verse where God said “An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the LORD for ever:” Deuteronomy 23:3, KJV.

However, I have heard it explained, the reason that God accepted Ruth, was because she was a woman, and it was speaking of men...

This book is well written, interesting and full of many interesting historical theories relating to the bible. It will encourage you to study your bible more and find out the answers!

I enjoyed it!

[Mary Lou · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the author stays true to the biblical account of Ruth in some areas, the most important aspect of the story is not truthful. As a historical fiction work, it is important to stay true to the facts as they are known. Veering off from the truth in this book, that Ruth was an alien, a Gentile/heathen/pagan, cheapens the story of grace that we find as we study Ruth and her life and especially her designation as one of the few women in the genealogy of King David and thus Jesus the Messiah. It is for this reason that I gave it one star.

[Angieleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth: Mother of Kings

I watched an old movie that was on Netflix about a year or so ago and was somewhat startled how they changed so much of the Biblical story of Ruth.

This is not the case with this fleshed-out version. Ms. Taylor stayed true to the background of Ruth, using the NLT translation of the Bible to include much of the true story of This virtuous woman. I loved the expansion of possible conversations and how Ruth fell in love with Mahlon; how her best friend Orpah (I kept calling her Oprah as I read about her) fell in love with Chilion, Mahlon's brother.

Suffice to say that Ms. Taylor did her research and created a beautiful story of young love, heartbreak, new love, and redemption.

The Book of Ruth is my favorite book of the Old Testament and Ms. Taylor made me fall in love even more.

There are a few typos and mixed up information, but it did not detract from the overall story.

[Julynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful telling of this Biblical Story of Ruth. I had never thought of what Ruth or Boaz's life was like much before their story together. This book allowed me to think about the relationships in their lives: first spouses, parents, grandparents, children and community friends. I felt given the gift of understanding more about the culture of the Israelites at that time. Foods grown and prepared, clothing, market, city government, and faith practices. As an American Christian, learning more about the Jewish Faith helps me appreciate my own faith more. Thank yo Ms. Taylor for this inspiring read!

[Lo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting to hear of the Ruth that endured cruel persecution in Bethlehem on account of being a foreigner, but proved to be a woman of virtue/strength as she sought refuge from her afflictions under the wings of the LORD and His strength became her own.
This Ruth receives only minor aspersions at coming from another territory, which is understandable, since the author paints her background as Reubenite instead of true-blue Moabitess.

[Marylori Rieth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved reading Ruth's story in an expanded fictionalized version. It helps me think about how times were back then and how God shaped the lives of the people in this story for the outcome He had. I also was interested in Ms. Taylor's defense of her thesis that Ruth was not a Moabitess but rather an Israelite as I've heard some assert. It makes more sense that God would choose an ancestor of our Lord as one of his chosen people.

[cindy simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all of Diana Wallis Taylors Biblical fiction. She a great writer. I always love to read the stories of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. One of the most beautiful love stories from the Bible other than Gods love for us.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth is always a favorite of mine, and this book is no exception. Well written, and makes you feel the person that she was.

[Gretchen Hand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different take on the story of Ruth, not sure how Biblically correct it is, but a great read.

[Joy Fitzpatrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has an interesting view with having Ruth asks an Israelite instead of a Moabite. Not sure how I feel about that... other than that the story was great!

[Kristine Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ruth but Diana Taylor did take some liberties such as having Ruth talking about Hannukah and having Ruth be an Israelite as a opposed to a Moabite, otherwise good story.

[Hannah Hensler]

2.75 stars

[Gabrielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Ruth is one of my favorites, therefore, I so enjoyed hearing more of her background story. Seeing all that she went through before she married Naomi's son, up until her marriage to Boaz. I have a better picture of how gentle, kind and virtuous she was, and in my opinion Ruth is definitely a biblical woman to look up to and learn from!

I highly recommend this book!!

[Sunflower · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the Bible's most enduring romantic stories, the story of Ruth and Boaz,, "Ruth, Mother of Kings" has been brought to life, in a way that not only captures the blessing that God bestowed upon His people, but the love and loyalty that Ruth had for both her mother in law and eventually Boaz.

With a casual style that draws the reader in, Dianna Wallis Taylor, brings to life the life and times of the Old Testament while managing to stay true to the Scriptures, without the reader even realizing how they have been drawn into Ruth's world and experiencing with her, the changes and blessings that she and her mother in law experiences as they relocate to Jerusalem.

The cover for the book is beautiful and draws the reader to discover a truly extraordinary love story that in time will lead to the King of kings, while the writing style, as shared, is casual, not windy and captures with a knowledgeable description of what the life and customs of the people.

There are some discrepancies...for instance...Ruth is presented as a Reubenite, however when reading the Biblical text , no matter the translation, it is very clear that Ruth was a Moabitess and there is the biblical misrepresentation of Malon, however, for those who understand and know their Biblical texts, these are also minor discrepancies that doesn't take away, as a whole, a wonderful Biblical love story that also serves in the Bible, a tale of love, loyalty, compassion, mercy and redemption, along with a reminder that Jesus Christ came from a line that include, both faithful servants and imperfect people who made imperfect choices but still was used by God.

Entertaining, uplifting and a joy, "Ruth, Mother of Kings" is so well worth, taking the time to read.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: RUTH: MOTHER OF KINGS
Author: Diana Wallis Taylor
Publisher: Whitaker House
October 2013
ISBN: 978-1603749039
Genre: Biblical fiction

The story of Ruth has captivated Christian believers for centuries, not least of all because she is one of only two women with books of the Bible named after them. Now, Diana Wallis Taylor animates this cherished part of the Old Testament, with its unforgettable cast of characters. Experience Ruth's elation as a young bride—and her grief at finding herself a widow far before her time. Witness the unspeakable relief of Naomi upon hearing her daughter–in–law promise never to leave her. And celebrate with Boaz when, after years as a widower, he discovers love again, with a woman he first found gleaning in his field. The story of this remarkable woman to whom Jesus Christ traced His lineage comes to life in the pages of this dramatic retelling.

RUTH: MOTHER OF KINGS is the retelling of the story of Ruth, with all the backstory, from when she was orphaned as a four-year-old girl, sent to live with grandparents she didn’t know, and then grew up and fell in love and married Mahon. It also tells the tale of Boaz being worried about losing his wife and family to illness, mourning the death of his only son, and learning how to move beyond the grief.

Biblical fiction is not my favorite genre to read. I always end up wondering what is fact and what is fiction. The Ruth in this story has the prerequisite red hair that it seems that all heroines must have in fiction. Did the real Ruth have red hair? Would she be less heroic if she had black hair or brown?

If you are a fan of biblical fiction then you will surely love finding out more about Ruth. $14.99. 288 pages.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read and wonderful addition to the other works of Ms.Taylor! Her stories are always rich in detail, well researched and bearing a real impression of life in the set time period, down to simple household acts and family structure.

I was a bit if about Ruth being a Rubenite (and there fore a child of Israel) instead of being a Moabite and the effect it would have on the story, but the author not only backs up her decision with research, but the story is just as rich and effective. I would say this is the best interpretation of the story of Ruth I have come across yet.

The story moves quickly and flows well, following simultaneously the stories of Ruth, Naomi and her family and Boaz and his family, giving a well rounded picture of culture, personality and history. A testimony of trusting God in difficult times is clear.

I hope this is just the start of the authors tackling of Old Testament stories!!

[Patrice Doten · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well written, interesting novel, when viewed as strictly a work of fiction. However, as Biblical fiction, it fell short for me. The author strays too far from the Biblical account by making Ruth a woman of Israelite descent who happened to be living in Moab, rather than the Moabite the Bible clearly says she is. This change undermines the central themes of Grace and redemption in Ruth’s story (and ours). The Author Notes claim Israelites wouldn’t have married Moabites since God forbade it. That argument makes no sense, since the Israelites disobeyed God at least as often as they obeyed Him. So many details are left out of the Biblical accounts, novelists do have to make up a lot of it. But when I read Biblical fiction written for a Christian audience, I expect it to remain true to what the Bible does say. Since there are many authors in the genre who do that, this will be my last novel by this author.

[Linda Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and good imaginative historical fiction

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth is one of the only two books that are named after and focused on women. Ruth is a devoted, caring, strong, loving woman. She is the ideal role model for Christian women. Her devotion to Yahweh after she marries Mahlon and is influenced by her mother in law grows and strengthens.

Taylor writes a book that flows smoothly and seamlessly as she follows Ruth's life from childhood through her marriage to Boaz. The sights, sounds, and smells of the Promised land and both the Hebrews and their enemies come to life through her expansion of the Biblical story and the historical detail that shows Taylor's in-depth research. A quick, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed and definitely recommend.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit different take on the story of Ruth... she was an Israelite but lived in Moab. I'll have to research that a bit more. I found the story a bit lacking. If you are going to fictionalize a story there are important elements to add. What are the characters motivations, why is Ruth so loyal? What would cause her to obey her mother in law for an older man? This book just wrote the biblical account and added the foods eaten and clothes worn.

[Darlene Ferland · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with any of Diana Wallis Taylor's writings, the Ruth of the Old Testament springs to life in Ruth, Mother of Kings. Ms. Taylor's uncanny ability to explore the depths of feeling and life in a time so far removed from us is amazing. Our understanding about the life of Ruth is limited to Biblical accounts but her being is fleshed out by the author as she stays extremely close to the spirit of the times. Her historical accuracy supports what we do know about Ruth. A wonderful read. . .

[Deba · Rating 4 out of 5]

A compelling story of love, honor, fear, pain and the strength of a loving, loyal women. This book kept me riveted to the characters so deftly portrayed by this writer. I enjoyed being completely swept up in the wonderful totality of this poignant Bible story. Although some of the history did not match what was in the bible, I still really enjoyed it. I always look forward to reading Taylor books. Thank you Diana Wallis Taylor for sharing your work.

[Allison]

Beautiful.

Again, Diana Wallis Taylor has blended Biblical accounts with customs and manners in the Old Testament to bring a unique look at how Ruth's life might have looked. Her writing blends fiction with known Historical and Biblical accounts and brings to life a rich understanding of beloved women in the Bible.

[Noemi Goodson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read to see how it all begins with a non believer who falls in love with a believer. That start the bloodline for many kings. It is a good biblical romance story. You can really picture the scenery you can almost smell all the good food. It shows you what faith can do if you believe it and trust with all your heart. Noemi

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned a lot I did not previously know. Will seek out other books by the same author - she currently has three more that follow the same idea.

ANd it goes well with my current quilt block of the week - Women of the Bible.