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She Walked Before Us: Grace, Courage, and Strength from 12 Women of the Old Testament
Sometimes life is hard. We walk through loss, heartache, and disappointment. But thankfully we don't do it alone. God is with us every step of the way, just as he was with the women of ancient times whose lives, struggles, trials, and triumphs are recorded in Scripture.
Drawing on her extensive research into women of the Old Testament, novelist Jill Eileen Smith shows us how we can glean wisdom and strength from our trials just like women such as Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, Bathsheba, and more.
You'll discover what these ancient women did right, what they did wrong, and how God used the hard things in their lives to make them into the women he always meant for them to be.
Drawing on her extensive research into women of the Old Testament, novelist Jill Eileen Smith shows us how we can glean wisdom and strength from our trials just like women such as Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Hannah, Abigail, Bathsheba, and more.
You'll discover what these ancient women did right, what they did wrong, and how God used the hard things in their lives to make them into the women he always meant for them to be.
Audible Audio
First published September 1, 2020
29 people are currently reading
1864 people want to read
About the author
Jill Eileen Smith
28 books1,479 followersJill 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).
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).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 10, 2021
She Walked Before Us is a wonderful Christian book which combines fiction and nonfiction in a creative way. The author first writes a part-true, part fictionalized story about twelve Old Testament women, based on their characterizations in the Bible. She then analyzes their predicaments and lessons learned. There is a separate chapter for each woman. There are study questions at the end of each chapter. This book would be great for a Women's Bible Study.
The twelve Old Testament women featured in this book are: Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Naomi, Hannah, Penninah, Michal, Abigail, Ahinoam, Maacah, and Bathsheba. Each chapter addresses particular conflicts or situations these women were facing. For Miriam, it was "When God Corrects Your Character." For Rahab, it was "Daring to Trust What You Cannot See. For Ahinoam, it was "Dealing With Heartache." Each situation is timeless, as we might be dealing with those same problems today in a different way.
My favorite chapters were: Miriam, Hannah, Abigail, and Rahab. Smith's portrayal of these women make them come alive and reminds us that these were real women, not just stories in the Bible.
Whatever issue you are facing, whether it is a crisis of faith, abuse, loss, hate, regret, hurt, or more, you can find a woman in the Bible who has faced something similar. She Walked Before Us helps us learn from the experiences of the women who literally did walk through these situations before.
I received two free copies of this book from Revell Books via The Blythe Daniel Agency and BlogAbout Blogger Network. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
The twelve Old Testament women featured in this book are: Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Ruth, Naomi, Hannah, Penninah, Michal, Abigail, Ahinoam, Maacah, and Bathsheba. Each chapter addresses particular conflicts or situations these women were facing. For Miriam, it was "When God Corrects Your Character." For Rahab, it was "Daring to Trust What You Cannot See. For Ahinoam, it was "Dealing With Heartache." Each situation is timeless, as we might be dealing with those same problems today in a different way.
My favorite chapters were: Miriam, Hannah, Abigail, and Rahab. Smith's portrayal of these women make them come alive and reminds us that these were real women, not just stories in the Bible.
Whatever issue you are facing, whether it is a crisis of faith, abuse, loss, hate, regret, hurt, or more, you can find a woman in the Bible who has faced something similar. She Walked Before Us helps us learn from the experiences of the women who literally did walk through these situations before.
I received two free copies of this book from Revell Books via The Blythe Daniel Agency and BlogAbout Blogger Network. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
June 27, 2024
An amazing devotion about 12 women in the Bible. Many I'd never heard someone talk about before, like Pinninah, Maacah, and Ahinoam.
The author told a short story from the woman's point of view, before diving into the devo. The devos were thought provoking, inspiring, heart breaking, and/or many other things. Although I didn't agree with all her points, I did learn things, and pondered others that I hadn't thought about for a while.
A wonderful devotion that helps you get a glimpse of women in the Bible, what circumstances might have been like, and how God was there, even in their lives. And how He wanrs to be a part of ours, too.
The author told a short story from the woman's point of view, before diving into the devo. The devos were thought provoking, inspiring, heart breaking, and/or many other things. Although I didn't agree with all her points, I did learn things, and pondered others that I hadn't thought about for a while.
A wonderful devotion that helps you get a glimpse of women in the Bible, what circumstances might have been like, and how God was there, even in their lives. And how He wanrs to be a part of ours, too.
January 15, 2021
In "She Walked Before Us", author Jill Eileen Smith provides awareness and encouragement as she relates the true stories of women who walked before us. As we read about these twelve women from the Old Testament, we are shown that they dealt with many of the problems that still plague women today. Trust issues, dealing with heartache, suffering disappointment, and learning to forgive are all covered, along with the subjects of physical and sexual abuse and infidelity. Smith doesn't gloss over these hard subjects or pronounce judgement. Instead, she offers her sympathy and her prayers and she reminds us that the God who witnessed Old Testament problems is the same God who sees what women are facing today! He is here and He is aware!
In each of the twelve chapters, Smith combines non-fiction with fiction, as she shares Bible scripture, a biblical narrative, and a fictional scenario that allows us to 'Imagine'. Each chapter also has 'Ponder This' and 'Taking It Further' and these sections help to deepen our understanding even further.
The stories of Naomi, Ruth, Rahab, Hannah, Miriam, Deborah, Abigail, and Bathsheba are well-known but what about Michal, Peninnnah, Akinoam, and Maacah? They weren't as familiar to me so reading She Walked Before Us has taught me so much! I'm always eager to increase my knowledge of the Holy Bible and I recommend this outstanding resource for both personal or group Bible study.
I voluntarily accepted this book from the publisher and Blog About Blogger Network. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. These are my honest opinions.
In each of the twelve chapters, Smith combines non-fiction with fiction, as she shares Bible scripture, a biblical narrative, and a fictional scenario that allows us to 'Imagine'. Each chapter also has 'Ponder This' and 'Taking It Further' and these sections help to deepen our understanding even further.
The stories of Naomi, Ruth, Rahab, Hannah, Miriam, Deborah, Abigail, and Bathsheba are well-known but what about Michal, Peninnnah, Akinoam, and Maacah? They weren't as familiar to me so reading She Walked Before Us has taught me so much! I'm always eager to increase my knowledge of the Holy Bible and I recommend this outstanding resource for both personal or group Bible study.
I voluntarily accepted this book from the publisher and Blog About Blogger Network. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review. These are my honest opinions.
November 18, 2020
I've read a number of Jill's books, and I've always enjoyed them. I loved the fact that this book focused on Old Testament women, particularly in relation to grace, courage, and strength.
Smith does a wonderful job of mixing Biblical truths with fiction. I love devotional books, and this book reminded me a bit of them. I was familiar, at least to some extent, with most of the women. They're presented in such a way that they're quite relatable to the reader. The author really brings them to life.
As always Smith's latest is well-researched and detailed. You can easily envision the women and the difficulties they endured ... and it shows how Old Testament women can still be relevant today. The book includes sections for the reader to ponder, as well as biblical discussions. It provides the perfect opportunity for the reader to draw closer to God.
Smith does a wonderful job of mixing Biblical truths with fiction. I love devotional books, and this book reminded me a bit of them. I was familiar, at least to some extent, with most of the women. They're presented in such a way that they're quite relatable to the reader. The author really brings them to life.
As always Smith's latest is well-researched and detailed. You can easily envision the women and the difficulties they endured ... and it shows how Old Testament women can still be relevant today. The book includes sections for the reader to ponder, as well as biblical discussions. It provides the perfect opportunity for the reader to draw closer to God.
January 8, 2021
She Walked Before Us by Jill Eileen Smith is a beautiful blend of biblical fiction and non-fiction, and I honestly haven't read anything quite like it before. If you're looking for a Bible study that will inspire and challenge you, look no further.
Smith's book is part Bible study, part biography, and part fiction. She examines the lives of twelve women from the Old Testament and breaks the chapters into sections. Some parts encourage the reader to imagine what these women's lives might have been like, and other parts examine the biblical record or what we know for sure about them.
At the end of each chapter, Smith includes a reflection section for us to "ponder" and apply the lessons of these women's lives to our own. Smith presented these truths with clarity and grace. Not once did I feel "preached at." Rather, the book invited me to walk alongside these women and see what their stories could show me. In a sense, I felt mentored.
Another element I appreciated is that Smith doesn't sugarcoat their lives. In fact, a few of these women serve as foils or opposites for what Scripture tells us to do. At the same time, Smith reminds us to view their stories with compassion, because we do not know the circumstances they may have faced.
Each woman's story will likely touch readers in different ways, and some might hit closer to home than others, but we can learn something from them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review. All ideas contained in my review are my own.
Smith's book is part Bible study, part biography, and part fiction. She examines the lives of twelve women from the Old Testament and breaks the chapters into sections. Some parts encourage the reader to imagine what these women's lives might have been like, and other parts examine the biblical record or what we know for sure about them.
At the end of each chapter, Smith includes a reflection section for us to "ponder" and apply the lessons of these women's lives to our own. Smith presented these truths with clarity and grace. Not once did I feel "preached at." Rather, the book invited me to walk alongside these women and see what their stories could show me. In a sense, I felt mentored.
Another element I appreciated is that Smith doesn't sugarcoat their lives. In fact, a few of these women serve as foils or opposites for what Scripture tells us to do. At the same time, Smith reminds us to view their stories with compassion, because we do not know the circumstances they may have faced.
Each woman's story will likely touch readers in different ways, and some might hit closer to home than others, but we can learn something from them all.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to give a positive review. All ideas contained in my review are my own.
January 19, 2021
She Walked Before Us provides a refreshing look at the life lessons we face, through the obstacles our Biblical counterparts faced. The narrative gives a background peek into how women might have responded in that day, knowing the human race has faced daunting odds across the boundaries of time. Do we struggle with hate and happiness, bitterness and in finding better attitudes? Women in the Bible did, too, and we can learn from them in this journey of life.
Jill Eileen Smith is the author of She Walked Before Us, as well as series on Daughters of the Promised Land, Loves of King Solomon, The Wives of King David, and The Wives of the Patriarchs.
In She Walked Before Us, we face the mirror of the human condition, and ask questions about motive, trust and control. The characters remind us control is an illusion, but God loves us through everything. We explore the difficulty of forgiving hurts and wounds, knowing pain rarely leaves us the same. Know this: courage to forgive is a grace God gives. You don’t have to muster up that ability by yourself!
I like the format of fictional narrative woven into nonfiction format. Jill Eileen Smith gives us plenty to process, as we study the lives of women from the Old Testament. If you’re caught between the now and the not yet, she would tell you, it will all be worth the wait.
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Jill Eileen Smith is the author of She Walked Before Us, as well as series on Daughters of the Promised Land, Loves of King Solomon, The Wives of King David, and The Wives of the Patriarchs.
In She Walked Before Us, we face the mirror of the human condition, and ask questions about motive, trust and control. The characters remind us control is an illusion, but God loves us through everything. We explore the difficulty of forgiving hurts and wounds, knowing pain rarely leaves us the same. Know this: courage to forgive is a grace God gives. You don’t have to muster up that ability by yourself!
I like the format of fictional narrative woven into nonfiction format. Jill Eileen Smith gives us plenty to process, as we study the lives of women from the Old Testament. If you’re caught between the now and the not yet, she would tell you, it will all be worth the wait.
Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 16, 2021
She Walked Before Us is a beautiful, life-giving book which shows us how universal yet personal our struggles are - so much that every story of God's chosen people is interwoven with facets of the human experience. You will read and see yourself in Jill's retelling of Hannah's aches in prayer, Ruth's faithful waiting for a promise, Rahab's unashamed trust in a God she never met by aiding His people, and more. But these women also complained, lost, forgave, sought restoration through troubled circumstances, and even more. Jill Eileen Smith weaves the stories of biblical women together with universal truths which stand the test of time, packaging them in a way which shows their gains, losses, struggles, and redemptive qualities, within the story God chose to use to further the purpose of His people and His kingdom. I truly appreciated the depth of honor and grace for the history of the biblical events, as the ancient world of the Old Testament is starkly different from ours today -especially concerning the culture and the understanding that original readers would have of the heartache these women walked through. Yet even with being so far removed, there is an abundance of knowledge in what we can learn from these women. So thankful to be given a copy of this book to review.
January 14, 2021
Smith paints beautiful pictures of the lives of some of the most (and least) well-known women in the Bible. She seamlessly weaves Biblical fiction and inspirational non-fiction to make this book a must-read for every woman. Smith highlights the major battles each woman encountered, and helps the reader apply Biblical truth in a practical way. Each chapter provides a glimpse into the life of the woman from the Old Testament, a personal application (as if you were sitting with a friend having a discussion), Biblical truths to reflect on, and several study questions to dive deeper. This is an easy read that I highly recommend.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are my own.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in order to write an honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 2, 2023
She Walked Before Us takes readers on a spiritual journey through the Old Testament to meet, (or become reacquainted with), some lesser-known women. Smith combines fictional scenes with ruminations on life and shows how these women experienced the same struggles that we have today; broken dreams, moments of bitterness, tragedies in their families and so much more. We have scenes featuring well-known women such as Rahab, the prostitute who expresses faith in a God she cannot see, Ruth, who leaves her family and culture behind in Moab to journey to a land and people she does not know, and Naomi, who makes the decision to return home despite the destitution and hostility she might encounter. In these accounts, we reflect on God's love and guidance as well as the importance of honest exploration of ourselves and the need for trust.
I particularly liked how Smith also explored lesser-known women, (both those who made right decisions and those who did not. In the end, we all make mistakes, so it was refreshing to read about lesser-known women). I enjoyed the exploration of Peennah, the second wife of Elkanah, who, though able to bear many children, did not have her husband's love. The story is sad and reminds us of the danger that bitterness can cause.
I also enjoyed the study of two of King David's lesser-known wives, Ahinoam and Maacah. I cannot imagine the pain these women endured, Ahinoam enduring the knowledge that her son becomes a rapist and is murdered, and Maacah having a daughter who was raped and a son who sought brutal vengeance. These accounts are so horrendous and really made me contemplate parental love, guilt (justified or not), and anger. I cannot imagine how I would have handled these situations.
My favorite account was the study of Abigail, a woman who lived with an abusive husband. She is an appeaser and a very strong woman but not in an overbearing or condescending way.
The author does a wonderful job of combining fiction and nonfiction into a cohesive character study for each woman. In the process, we are able to reflect on the world today and how we must seek God's guidance to overcome the trials we encounter.
She Walked Before Us is a wonderful read, perfect for a women's Bible study or independent study. The women of the past have much to teach us in the present.
God bless you all.
I particularly liked how Smith also explored lesser-known women, (both those who made right decisions and those who did not. In the end, we all make mistakes, so it was refreshing to read about lesser-known women). I enjoyed the exploration of Peennah, the second wife of Elkanah, who, though able to bear many children, did not have her husband's love. The story is sad and reminds us of the danger that bitterness can cause.
I also enjoyed the study of two of King David's lesser-known wives, Ahinoam and Maacah. I cannot imagine the pain these women endured, Ahinoam enduring the knowledge that her son becomes a rapist and is murdered, and Maacah having a daughter who was raped and a son who sought brutal vengeance. These accounts are so horrendous and really made me contemplate parental love, guilt (justified or not), and anger. I cannot imagine how I would have handled these situations.
My favorite account was the study of Abigail, a woman who lived with an abusive husband. She is an appeaser and a very strong woman but not in an overbearing or condescending way.
The author does a wonderful job of combining fiction and nonfiction into a cohesive character study for each woman. In the process, we are able to reflect on the world today and how we must seek God's guidance to overcome the trials we encounter.
She Walked Before Us is a wonderful read, perfect for a women's Bible study or independent study. The women of the past have much to teach us in the present.
God bless you all.
January 15, 2021
In this book, Jill Eileen Smith creates a beautiful blend of imagination and creative writing, along with the small and big truths about each woman revealed in God's Word. She brings each woman to life in a way that leaves you feeling you just had a visit with each one.
I enjoyed reading about women I knew about, but I also enjoyed learning about women whose names I had seen but never really took the time to get to know. The author did an exquisite job of putting her reader in the shoes of each woman. I left feeling like I had spent time with each one, and I had a new appreciation for where she had been.
From Miriam, to Ruth, to Rahab, to Hannah. From Deborah to Micha, to Abigail, and Bathsheba. Each one of these women had weaknesses and strengths. They learned that God could use them all for His purpose in their lives. They learned to trust God and to wait on Him, even when it seems like He wasn't there or what He promised would never come to pass. Their lives weren't perfect, yet they knew God's presence, discipline, love, and forgiveness.
At the end of each chapter there are application questions that would be perfect to use for a personal bible study or one you can do together with other women.
I enjoyed reading about women I knew about, but I also enjoyed learning about women whose names I had seen but never really took the time to get to know. The author did an exquisite job of putting her reader in the shoes of each woman. I left feeling like I had spent time with each one, and I had a new appreciation for where she had been.
From Miriam, to Ruth, to Rahab, to Hannah. From Deborah to Micha, to Abigail, and Bathsheba. Each one of these women had weaknesses and strengths. They learned that God could use them all for His purpose in their lives. They learned to trust God and to wait on Him, even when it seems like He wasn't there or what He promised would never come to pass. Their lives weren't perfect, yet they knew God's presence, discipline, love, and forgiveness.
At the end of each chapter there are application questions that would be perfect to use for a personal bible study or one you can do together with other women.
March 6, 2021
I enjoy studying women in the Bible, and this is a unique study resource. The author retells stories of 12 Old Testament women. The chapters open with a fictional story of the woman, then the author’s notes along with historical references. Then the story shifts back to fiction, and finally wraps up with more thoughts and questions from the author. I like the author’s probing questions, which help me consider the stories from new angles and apply the lessons to my life. I would have preferred a single switch between the fiction and nonfiction part, but it didn’t detract from the quality of the writing. A great read for fans of both fiction and nonfiction.
I received a preview copy of She Walked Before Us from the publisher.
I received a preview copy of She Walked Before Us from the publisher.
February 19, 2021
She Walked Before Us is a beautiful Christian book that creatively combines fiction and nonfiction. Different women separate chapters from the Old Testament. The author first writes a part-true, a part fictionalized story about twelve Old Testament women, based on their Bible characterizations. Each chapter addresses conflicts or situations the women are facing. Many of these struggles are the same challenges we face today. There are study questions at the end of each chapter, making this book an excellent option for a Women's Bible Study. She Walked Before Us helps us learn from the experiences of the women who did walk through these situations before.
March 18, 2021
She Walked Before Us is a beautiful Christian book that creatively combines fiction and nonfiction. Different women separate chapters from the Old Testament. The author first writes a part-true, a part fictionalized story about twelve Old Testament women, based on their Bible characterizations. Each chapter addresses conflicts or situations the women are facing. Many of these struggles are the same challenges we face today. There are study questions at the end of each chapter, making this book an excellent option for a Women's Bible Study. She Walked Before Us helps us learn from the experiences of the women who did walk through these situations before.
January 4, 2026
This book was very sweetly written. Little bits of fiction mixed in with non-fiction and some ideas for application in our lives. It helps so much to realize that these women of the Bible were real women, with real lives, real suffering, real faith, some loved, some unloved, but all cared for by our creator. The audio version is nicely narrated.
March 19, 2021
Smith is a scholar of the Old Testament and uses her knowledge and imagination to the lives of twelve women in the Bible. I like the format of imagining, looking at scripture and of historical facts.
Themes of forgiveness and reconciliation are featured in this book.
Themes of forgiveness and reconciliation are featured in this book.
June 17, 2021
I loved how the book was written each chapter for each amazing woman. Things to ponder and questions to think about at the end of each. I learned a lot about these women in this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 26, 2021
I've read Jill's books. But this one I want close by to go back to. Different women with different trials. It's got to be a resource and forever book to go back to. Different perspective needed at times.
December 26, 2021
Absolutely loved this book!
The format was great and gave an opportunity to really think about the characters - with additional prompting questions and perspectives.
This is one I will revisit again and again!
The format was great and gave an opportunity to really think about the characters - with additional prompting questions and perspectives.
This is one I will revisit again and again!
October 3, 2020
I loved the stories in this book and the way the author blended everything together.
February 7, 2021
Loved it.
December 20, 2023
A look at the 12 women in the old testament.
February 19, 2025
I rhink I was uncomfortable reading/listening to this book because it made me face my own shortcomings and thank you for it.
December 15, 2024
I did something with She Walked Before Us that I rarely do. I "cheated," meaning I assigned a rating before ever finishing it. It was that good. I also forced myself to slow down and savor it, because otherwise, I probably would've read the entire thing in one literary gulp, in the grocery store cafe, no less.
There are literally hundreds of "women of the Bible" books out there, including a fictional series I'm going to work through reviewing here little by little. Jill Eileen Smith, however, takes a unique approach. It's not just unique because you can read this book as a devotional, although that certainly plays in. Here though, we get entire chapters' worth of each woman's story, alongside impeccably researched details that back up Scripture and add to the context of ancient Israel.
The switches between fiction and nonfiction lend gravitas and immediacy to the women, making their circumstances relatable and reminding readers how many traits we share with them. Even before beginning the book, I thought I knew who I would identify with most. In some ways, I was right; I think parts of me will always identify with Hagar or Hannah, for instance. But I also encountered surprise--and sometimes chagrin--when I saw myself in the complaints and frustration of Miriam, or the impatience of Deborah, or the insecurity of Rahab.
Jill's discussion questions are also deep and probing, again, on levels I would never expect from a similar devotional or even study book. Many of them inspired me to go into deep prayers--yes, including in that grocery store cafe and other public places. :) It's actually been a while since I read this one through, but reviewing makes me excited to read it again. I'll close here though and encourage you to join me sometime, especially if it's your first time.
There are literally hundreds of "women of the Bible" books out there, including a fictional series I'm going to work through reviewing here little by little. Jill Eileen Smith, however, takes a unique approach. It's not just unique because you can read this book as a devotional, although that certainly plays in. Here though, we get entire chapters' worth of each woman's story, alongside impeccably researched details that back up Scripture and add to the context of ancient Israel.
The switches between fiction and nonfiction lend gravitas and immediacy to the women, making their circumstances relatable and reminding readers how many traits we share with them. Even before beginning the book, I thought I knew who I would identify with most. In some ways, I was right; I think parts of me will always identify with Hagar or Hannah, for instance. But I also encountered surprise--and sometimes chagrin--when I saw myself in the complaints and frustration of Miriam, or the impatience of Deborah, or the insecurity of Rahab.
Jill's discussion questions are also deep and probing, again, on levels I would never expect from a similar devotional or even study book. Many of them inspired me to go into deep prayers--yes, including in that grocery store cafe and other public places. :) It's actually been a while since I read this one through, but reviewing makes me excited to read it again. I'll close here though and encourage you to join me sometime, especially if it's your first time.
November 25, 2024
Some stories were misses for me, while others were interesting. I did like how the author focuses on a theme for each woman, and I found myself reflecting on these themes after reading each segment. (3.5 stars)
August 5, 2025
Learning from 12 women from Scripture about how to deal with life's challenges (or how not to).
Character building, learning to trust, dealing with loss and hurt and heartache. All very common to many, if not all of us in one way or another.
A thought-provoking book, well written, both easy and hard to read. Easy because it's written in clear language, hard because some lessons are tough to digest. Highly recommended!
One quote I'm taking with me from this read:
Every one of us is called to tell other people about jesus. That's not a popular mission today. We have become a "tolerant" people, and that trickles down to accepting what anyone believes, no matter what that may be, as their truth. If they believe it, it is true for them. We are expected to accept everything as true. But if we take that to its logical conclusion, then nothing is true. If we do not have a truth that is absolutely true all of the time without end, then nothing is true because no truth will last. It will die with the person who believes it.
Character building, learning to trust, dealing with loss and hurt and heartache. All very common to many, if not all of us in one way or another.
A thought-provoking book, well written, both easy and hard to read. Easy because it's written in clear language, hard because some lessons are tough to digest. Highly recommended!
One quote I'm taking with me from this read:
Every one of us is called to tell other people about jesus. That's not a popular mission today. We have become a "tolerant" people, and that trickles down to accepting what anyone believes, no matter what that may be, as their truth. If they believe it, it is true for them. We are expected to accept everything as true. But if we take that to its logical conclusion, then nothing is true. If we do not have a truth that is absolutely true all of the time without end, then nothing is true because no truth will last. It will die with the person who believes it.
September 30, 2021
Interesting take on selected women in the bible. The author writes a possible scenario for each woman and weaves a story dealing with pain, betrayal and forgiveness. I admit that I never considered the family members in the bibles feelings when their relative or spouse sinned before God. I'm sure that after reading this book, my prayer and thought life will be richer. I bought two copies. One was a birthday gift that is now circulating around Kentucky. This one will be heading to Florida.
February 26, 2025
Enjoyed listening to the great stories of various women of the Bible. It was interesting to have another point of view of each lady.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews