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A Harvest of Grace Ruth & Naomi's Story
A Harvest of Grace Ruth and Naomi’s Story is the third book in the Extraordinary Women of the Bible historical fiction series.
When a young Moabite woman marries into a Hebrew family, she gains affection and respect from not only her husband, Mahlon, but her mother-in-law, Naomi. For the first time in her life, Ruth feels safe. But then an illness tragically claims Mahlon and his brother, the last of Naomi’s family. Naomi bitterly urges her daughter-in law to leave and take another husband. However, Ruth has no intention of abandoning Naomi. Together, they flee Moab and seek a new future in Bethlehem, where they find themselves less than welcome until their paths cross with Boaz, a wealthy and kind landowner who shows an interest in Ruth. Can both women trust in Yahweh’s timely provision and healing? Or will the plotting of a bitter rival ruin their hopes for the future?
When a young Moabite woman marries into a Hebrew family, she gains affection and respect from not only her husband, Mahlon, but her mother-in-law, Naomi. For the first time in her life, Ruth feels safe. But then an illness tragically claims Mahlon and his brother, the last of Naomi’s family. Naomi bitterly urges her daughter-in law to leave and take another husband. However, Ruth has no intention of abandoning Naomi. Together, they flee Moab and seek a new future in Bethlehem, where they find themselves less than welcome until their paths cross with Boaz, a wealthy and kind landowner who shows an interest in Ruth. Can both women trust in Yahweh’s timely provision and healing? Or will the plotting of a bitter rival ruin their hopes for the future?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 14, 2023
36 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Jenelle Hovde
13 books463 followersJenelle Hovde writes regency romance, cozy mysteries, and Biblical era fiction. She especially loves antique stores and vintage books. Often found writing at the Florida beach, she navigates homeschooling with her family and manages two saucy cats who insist on interrupting her creative endeavors.
Stay updated with her latest works and musings by subscribing to her newsletter at jenellehovdeauthor.com.
Stay updated with her latest works and musings by subscribing to her newsletter at jenellehovdeauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 23, 2025
“A Harvest of Grace: Ruth & Naomi’s Story” by Jenelle Hovde is a sweet Biblical fiction retelling of the book of Ruth. It is well researched and full of historical and Biblical details. I love the story of Ruth, and Ms. Hovde really brings the story and the characters to life. I appreciated how faith-filled the story is and that the characters have relationships with the Lord and pray. I was encouraged in my own faith while reading the story. I loved the beautiful messages and themes of family and sacrificial love. It stays true to Scripture, which is so important. The characters wrestle with why God allows suffering and continue to trust Him, no matter how hard life becomes. I liked seeing the realities of what Ruth would have faced as a Moabite woman moving to Israel and how the Israelites would have treated her. I also enjoyed Ruth and Naomi’s relationship. The characters learn to rely on God and find that He truly is enough. I recommend this gentle and beautiful faith-filled story to lovers of Biblical fiction!
Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: loss and grief; mention of alcohol and people being drunk; mention of prostitutes; mention of a fallen woman.
TW: physical and emotional abuse; depression; stalker; mention of an alcoholic; infertility.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Content: I give this book a low PG-13 rating. Some examples of the content: loss and grief; mention of alcohol and people being drunk; mention of prostitutes; mention of a fallen woman.
TW: physical and emotional abuse; depression; stalker; mention of an alcoholic; infertility.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
August 31, 2024
Jenelle Hovde is a new to me author, and she does an excellent job of bringing Ruth's story to life. This is one of the series of Extraordinary Women of the Bible series done by Guideposts which does an amazing job of bringing the women of the Bible to life. Highly recommend for those who love Biblical fiction.
December 31, 2024
Soft, immersive, and truly enjoyable. This book provides an engaging, romantic, and adventurous version of a beloved bible story. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author!
January 19, 2025
Ruth
I have read the book of Ruth in the Bible many times, and this story just made more of her story! I love the way this was fictionalized, but stuck to the Word of God too. Thank you Janelle Hovde for your wonderful work with this story, what a blessing!
I have read the book of Ruth in the Bible many times, and this story just made more of her story! I love the way this was fictionalized, but stuck to the Word of God too. Thank you Janelle Hovde for your wonderful work with this story, what a blessing!
May 23, 2025
I have now read this twice, it's so good!
December 24, 2024
I admit a bit of hesitancy with Harvest of Grace, for a couple of reasons. First, the second book in the Extraordinary Women series threw me for a loop. That is, it struck me as so poorly written, I couldn't believe it was from the same great team of authors I was used to. Second, the story of Ruth and Naomi is so familiar and has been written about in fiction so often, I honestly wondered if Jenelle Hovde could say anything different. I was kind of prepared for a letdown.
Well, I was proven wrong, and rarely if ever so happy to be so. Jenelle Hovde's take on Ruth and Naomi, while Scripturally accurate, also vibrates with the details and characterizations I've come to love and expect from these novella series. From the earliest chapters, Jenelle truly brings ancient Moab, Israel, and their travails to life. For example, she shows the sickness and famine that took Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion in real time. Nothing's graphic, but it is a gut punch in the best way. It drives home, "These are real circumstances real people lived through. The Bible may not linger, because the Bible is about God, not people. But do *not* gloss over any of this."
This trend continues as Ruth and Naomi make their way to Bethlehem and begin new lives. The physical and emotional hurt they endured made me want to care for them, hug them, and give some of their neighbors a piece of my mind. Beyond that, I appreciated the realism of their desperate circumstances because yes, Naomi is bitter during this time. Yes, Ruth struggles with her new faith in Yahweh. But unlike the "church version" so many of us get, the story doesn't shame Naomi or Ruth for where they are. It doesn't linger on their bitterness or struggle as if the narrative is, "They had to get over that for God to work." Instead, the story and Jenelle show detached respect. They show Yahweh holding these women close in their struggle.
Don't make the mistake of thinking Harvest of Grace is all doom and gloom, though. There's plenty of grace to be had, as well as faith, hope, and love, including romantic love. In fact, what I loved most about Harvest of Grace is how Jenelle handled Ruth and Boaz' romance. As in, yes, they grow to love each other. Yes, Boaz is a gentleman and protective of Ruth, but also gives her avenues to dignity (ohhhhh, I fell for him, too, girl)! But Ruth and Boaz also get a lot of the smaller moments that make up a romance, such as everyday banter or a scene where Boaz helps Ruth with a runaway goat. I hadn't seen an author put a lot of that into the Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz story, so extra credit. :)
Finally, Jenelle gets kudos for her serious moments between Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, many of which are tied to her spiritual threads. Some of the best occur when Boaz opens up to Ruth about the painful parts of his past that have led to where he is now, and they both get to lean into their faith together. Watch for those moments; they truly "pop."
But Naomi is not to be left out. Throughout Harvest of Grace, she is a true mentor and "mama" to Ruth in a way I absolutely cheered for. I had wonderful grandmas, and I have a wonderful mom, as well as a life peppered by "church aunties." But if I had a Naomi in my life, in the truest sense, I'd want her to be like this Naomi. This Naomi, given time and gentleness, grows into the strong, faithful, wise woman, mom, and grandma she always was and could become again. (It's not a spoiler if you know the story, but seeing Nana Naomi absolutely melted my heart)!
So, in closing, don't embrace my initial skepticism on Harvest of Grace. No matter what order you're reading in, don't miss it. There are some great books and authors to do some comparing and contrasting with, such as Tessa Afshar's In Fields of Grace or Jill Eileen Smith's Redeeming Grace. But of all the Ruth and Naomi retellings I've read, this little novella was unexpectedly my favorite.
Well, I was proven wrong, and rarely if ever so happy to be so. Jenelle Hovde's take on Ruth and Naomi, while Scripturally accurate, also vibrates with the details and characterizations I've come to love and expect from these novella series. From the earliest chapters, Jenelle truly brings ancient Moab, Israel, and their travails to life. For example, she shows the sickness and famine that took Elimelech, Mahlon, and Chilion in real time. Nothing's graphic, but it is a gut punch in the best way. It drives home, "These are real circumstances real people lived through. The Bible may not linger, because the Bible is about God, not people. But do *not* gloss over any of this."
This trend continues as Ruth and Naomi make their way to Bethlehem and begin new lives. The physical and emotional hurt they endured made me want to care for them, hug them, and give some of their neighbors a piece of my mind. Beyond that, I appreciated the realism of their desperate circumstances because yes, Naomi is bitter during this time. Yes, Ruth struggles with her new faith in Yahweh. But unlike the "church version" so many of us get, the story doesn't shame Naomi or Ruth for where they are. It doesn't linger on their bitterness or struggle as if the narrative is, "They had to get over that for God to work." Instead, the story and Jenelle show detached respect. They show Yahweh holding these women close in their struggle.
Don't make the mistake of thinking Harvest of Grace is all doom and gloom, though. There's plenty of grace to be had, as well as faith, hope, and love, including romantic love. In fact, what I loved most about Harvest of Grace is how Jenelle handled Ruth and Boaz' romance. As in, yes, they grow to love each other. Yes, Boaz is a gentleman and protective of Ruth, but also gives her avenues to dignity (ohhhhh, I fell for him, too, girl)! But Ruth and Boaz also get a lot of the smaller moments that make up a romance, such as everyday banter or a scene where Boaz helps Ruth with a runaway goat. I hadn't seen an author put a lot of that into the Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz story, so extra credit. :)
Finally, Jenelle gets kudos for her serious moments between Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, many of which are tied to her spiritual threads. Some of the best occur when Boaz opens up to Ruth about the painful parts of his past that have led to where he is now, and they both get to lean into their faith together. Watch for those moments; they truly "pop."
But Naomi is not to be left out. Throughout Harvest of Grace, she is a true mentor and "mama" to Ruth in a way I absolutely cheered for. I had wonderful grandmas, and I have a wonderful mom, as well as a life peppered by "church aunties." But if I had a Naomi in my life, in the truest sense, I'd want her to be like this Naomi. This Naomi, given time and gentleness, grows into the strong, faithful, wise woman, mom, and grandma she always was and could become again. (It's not a spoiler if you know the story, but seeing Nana Naomi absolutely melted my heart)!
So, in closing, don't embrace my initial skepticism on Harvest of Grace. No matter what order you're reading in, don't miss it. There are some great books and authors to do some comparing and contrasting with, such as Tessa Afshar's In Fields of Grace or Jill Eileen Smith's Redeeming Grace. But of all the Ruth and Naomi retellings I've read, this little novella was unexpectedly my favorite.
July 30, 2025
Faith and Family
This book offers more details of what might have happened when two widows try to make a better life for themselves. Their faith in Yahweh is tested multiple times, but they don't give up. Their faith is inspiring and the reward is worth it all!
This book offers more details of what might have happened when two widows try to make a better life for themselves. Their faith in Yahweh is tested multiple times, but they don't give up. Their faith is inspiring and the reward is worth it all!
June 30, 2025
Such a beautiful story. The story of a faithful daughter-in-law, giving up her own people to go to an unknown town where she will be seen as an Moabitess by the locals.
February 23, 2023
Oh my gosh. Another adorable Cinnamon bun hero. I LOOOOOOOOOOOVED THIS BOOK. The love between family was my fav. Ruth and Naomi's story is a feel good novel all the away around with a sweet message.
February 16, 2023
I thought Ruth an even better story than Asenath, which I loved. The idea of overcoming grief to live again hit me afresh. For those who have lost loved ones, life remains and can still be beautiful. The romance between Ruth and Boaz was perfection with a wonderful chemistry. Don't get me wrong. It's clean, but there's a spark and a sizzle which I actually really loved. Marriage IS beautiful. I read until 2am in the morning and couldn't put this one down.
October 25, 2025
A Beautifully Written Story of God's Redemption
I love this Book of the Bible as much as the Book of Hosea. God's redemption is so beautiful to experience and to read about in the lives of people who have suffered such pain and loss that most never will or could ever imagine. Weekend compared to our own loss it is truly uplifting and offers hope that feels impossible but is truly available in an unending supply by our very Creator.
I literally cried. I happened at the unbelievable tenderness and the yelling fear that stemmed from such painful experiences in each of their lives.
It is impossible for me to feel worthy of God's unconditional love and unmerited favor. Yet, I know He chose me because He desires me. The story of Naomi includes Ruth because of the love of God that showed through Naomi to a woman who had never witnessed such pure and giving love.
The story of Ruth includes Boaz because of the love of God shown from Ruth in her humility, loyalty, sacrifice, and work ethic. Her character revealed God's transformation and presence in her to everyone who met her.
The story of Boaz includes his mother Rahab who shielded her son from the science and shame thrown at him because of her past. He was innocent and learned of true integrity from a mother who experienced the love, acceptance, and redemption of a God that saw her and proved faithful to a woman used by men and looked down on by women.
This lineage is beautiful story of our God's ability to hear our silent cries at night and know our hearts deepest desires because He placed them within us in hopes of fulfilling them in a way that surpasses our wildest imaginations of being loved, wanted, desired, and seen as beautiful while knowing our deepest and darkest regrets.
This story is so beautifully written and she's such a beautiful light on God's plan to shower His children in His perfect, unconditional, and unending LOVE. 🤗💕
I love this Book of the Bible as much as the Book of Hosea. God's redemption is so beautiful to experience and to read about in the lives of people who have suffered such pain and loss that most never will or could ever imagine. Weekend compared to our own loss it is truly uplifting and offers hope that feels impossible but is truly available in an unending supply by our very Creator.
I literally cried. I happened at the unbelievable tenderness and the yelling fear that stemmed from such painful experiences in each of their lives.
It is impossible for me to feel worthy of God's unconditional love and unmerited favor. Yet, I know He chose me because He desires me. The story of Naomi includes Ruth because of the love of God that showed through Naomi to a woman who had never witnessed such pure and giving love.
The story of Ruth includes Boaz because of the love of God shown from Ruth in her humility, loyalty, sacrifice, and work ethic. Her character revealed God's transformation and presence in her to everyone who met her.
The story of Boaz includes his mother Rahab who shielded her son from the science and shame thrown at him because of her past. He was innocent and learned of true integrity from a mother who experienced the love, acceptance, and redemption of a God that saw her and proved faithful to a woman used by men and looked down on by women.
This lineage is beautiful story of our God's ability to hear our silent cries at night and know our hearts deepest desires because He placed them within us in hopes of fulfilling them in a way that surpasses our wildest imaginations of being loved, wanted, desired, and seen as beautiful while knowing our deepest and darkest regrets.
This story is so beautifully written and she's such a beautiful light on God's plan to shower His children in His perfect, unconditional, and unending LOVE. 🤗💕
June 6, 2024
The story of Naomi and Ruth is a very sweet, faithful journey of suffering and healing. After they leave the Moabite city where Ruth’s husband has died, they return to Bethlehem where Naomi once lived and had started her family. Both are scorned and mocked throughout their entire journey, as well as in the streets of Bethlehem. They return to Naomi’s former home that is in disarray and needs repair. Their outlook is bleak. As Ruth goes to glean barley from the local landowner, Boaz’s field, she is ridiculed and mocked due to her being a foreigner and also a widower with no income or family to help. She soon wins friends with her kind heart, as well as the notice of Boaz. Boaz respects Ruth for staying by Naomi’s side and for her kindness and perseverance. Through God’s grace, they find their way to each other, keeping God first in their lives.
February 22, 2023
I really adored this story. It's just so uplifting and sweet even though it deals with heavier themes such as loss. The author note at the end was especially touching considering that Jenelle wrote about a dear friend losing her husband during the writing of the book. Ruth's story is laced with compassion and grace, especially to the foreigner in a strange land. The romance was fabulous.
February 16, 2023
The sweet romance and biblical history drew me in immediately. I especially loved Ruth's tender love for her mother-in-law. The romance was stellar, and the faith message beautiful. No matter how tough our circumstances, we can trust God to work all things for our benefit. Five stars.
February 22, 2023
Ruth travels to a foreign land with her grieving mother-in-law and bumps into Boaz, a wealthy landowner, who looks past her heritage to offer her safety. SO GOOD!!!!! I read it in a day. My only complaint is that the book ended.
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February 16, 2023A Harvest of Grace is with the Extraordinary Women of the Bible series published with Guideposts Fiction. See shopguideposts to purchase exclusively.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews