The Last Drop of Oil Adaliah's Story

by Virginia Smith

A devastating fire threatens the lives of Adaliah’s four-year-old son and her abusive husband. In a desperate effort, she faces the raging inferno to rescue her son from certain death. But her husband is left to the fate of the flames and does not survive. Did she hesitate a moment too long? Could she have saved him if she’d truly wanted to? Left to cope with the aftermath of the fire, the condemnation of her husband’s relatives, and her own guilt, Adaliah struggles to scrape out a living from the ashes of her former life. She is an outcast in the village, thanks to the vicious rumors spread by her stepdaughter. When she and her son face starvation, a prophet of Yahweh appears, asking for her last drop of oil.

Genres: Christian

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 31, 2024

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Virginia Smith has written over fifty books with sales exceeding 1 million copies worldwide. Her book, Guilty Secrets, was recently produced as a movie now streaming on Lifetime. She lives in Kentucky with her husband, 27 chickens, a barn kitty, and a barky Maltese named Max. Learn more about Ginny and her books at www.virginiasmith.org

Reviews

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Biblical fiction

This is the first novel I've read by this author. The book does what good Biblical fiction should do, it drives you back to the Bible to read Elijah 's story in I and II Kings.

I found the beginning of the book difficult to read. Once I was through the first third, the plot picks up and moves quickly.

Smith has imagine a possible back story to the widow who fed Elijah her last grain.

[HAL · Rating 5 out of 5]

On My! What a Wonderful Story!!

Greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this for teens and adults. Sorry, this story is NOT ordinary. Like the God Who moves the hearts in this story, extraordinary events unfold in a culture of superstition, fear, anger and desperation when a kind man meets the needs of a hungry widow and child. Sure, we can't know the backstory of the Bible's account. Maybe the real story is too unbelievable for humans to grasp! But Smith paints a vivid enough picture that the reader is totally immersed in the account and begins to believe what the eyes see (through reading) as it happens all-around oneself. There is an underlying humor in the fact that a lonely widow and son probably host the largest Israelite gathering in the area but I don't want to spoil the plot. The big issues are in the Bible and this remains faithful to that narrative.
Because it is so good a book, I will keep this on my kindle (5 stars!) and encourage everyone who likes biblical fiction to read this.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story puts flesh and blood on the Widow of Zarephath, giving her a name, a family - at first abusive, then one God sends her - starting with Elijah. It gives her son a name and an age, and notes her gradual conversion and her son's gained knowledge of the Lord. It also gives her family dilemmas and soured relationships to heal dependent on her new-found faith. The book starts with the widowing of Athalia, as the book names the widow, and her subsequent descent into poverty, spearheaded by her stepdaughter's evil gossip...and then, when she is desperate, God sends Elijah to her and keeps her and her son, Danel, from starvation. The book ends with the departure of Elijah.

[Lisa Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly put this book off for months and kept waiting to read it. That was a HUGE mistake. This book was beautifully written, brought the story of the widow and Elijah to life, and told a beautiful story of forgiveness and everlasting love through the Lord. Seeing the way the Lord changed their hearts, provided in the midst of physical and spiritual drought, and the redemption of their souls was everything I needed in this book. Do not wait to read this story like I did. Pick it up now and don’t stop.

[Ivyalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Christian fiction story I've ever read!

This was one of the most well written fiction stories that I have ever read. I couldn't put the story down. I found myself reading well beyond my bedtime simply because I had to know what was going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story because the author gave so much attention to details! I may read this story a second time!

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good storyline

Knowing the widow was chosen by God is only the beginning of her miracle. I love this possible and believable back story or how she became a widow and of how it added to her hardship more than all the other towns people adds hope to someone who had lost all that she ever possessed.

I love the storyline, the characters, and the underlying hope and grace that accompanies the presence of God and the good He desires for His people.

[DEBBIE AGUILAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow !! What A Blessing !!

This Book has Such Up Lifting Message !! When we don't see Away Lord is Making it for Us !! I cried , laughed , prayed , with very word you are Blessed !! Loved It !!! So glad I read it , this story should be read by everyone !! Doubting that God is real or doubting that God can do miracles !! A Must Read !!!

[Carol Pummell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved

Such a great story! I love Biblical fiction. The way this author weaves Adaliah’s story with Elijah’s story is beautiful. This is my first time reading this author. Thank you for sharing your gift with me and my love to read. I cried, was angry, filled with joy and love. Great great story!

[Mr John Callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

inspiring story

This is a marvellous story of the widow of Zarapeth and her encounter with Elijah and then with the God of the Hebrews. Her sadness and rejection is turned into joy through Gods provision.
Really wonderful!

[Kathy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully Written Biblical Fiction

This was the first book I have read by this author, but it certainly won't be the last! It is a beautifully written story rooted in Biblical truth. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in Biblical times.

[Mary Arce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elijah obeys God as does the widow

What an amazing way to bring the story of a widow's desperate wish to care for her son. The prophet Elojah comes to life

[Kathy Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. It was well written.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time for me to read a book and not be able to put it down. Very well written.

[Debbie Lamoreux · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!