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Bethlehem's Daughter: A Christmas Story
EXPERIENCE THE NATIVITY.Eliyahu is a humble shepherd, more at home with livestock than people. When the time comes for him to leave the fields and choose a wife, Eliyahu fears more than just marriage. He fears failing as a leader. How can he guide a family when he can barely speak for himself?
Hodiyah eagerly looks forward to the day when she becomes a wife and mother, especially since she’s been in love with her intended husband for years. Though not without trials, they forge a strong bond based on mutual respect and understanding. It’s not perfect, but it’s comfortable—and she cherishes it deeply.
When Eliyahu hears the news of the Messiah’s birth firsthand from angels, everything changes. Hodiyah can hardly believe her quiet husband’s transformation, beginning to wonder what this could mean for their future and the future of the whole world. Will they choose to turn away, or fear not?
Bethlehem’s Daughter is a prequel novel to the Generations of Faith series, introducing readers to Eliyahu and Hodiyah’s story before they became “Sabba” and “Savta.”
Hodiyah eagerly looks forward to the day when she becomes a wife and mother, especially since she’s been in love with her intended husband for years. Though not without trials, they forge a strong bond based on mutual respect and understanding. It’s not perfect, but it’s comfortable—and she cherishes it deeply.
When Eliyahu hears the news of the Messiah’s birth firsthand from angels, everything changes. Hodiyah can hardly believe her quiet husband’s transformation, beginning to wonder what this could mean for their future and the future of the whole world. Will they choose to turn away, or fear not?
Bethlehem’s Daughter is a prequel novel to the Generations of Faith series, introducing readers to Eliyahu and Hodiyah’s story before they became “Sabba” and “Savta.”
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2025
18 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 27, 2026
I could not put this book down. A perfect story for the Christmas season, and one full of faith and love. Follow along Hodiyah and Eliyahu’s story during the greatest time in history.
December 26, 2025
My last book of 2025 was a 5 star read by far! ⭐️ Jenna has done it again, wrote a book filled with so much hope and humbleness, faith and love. She has a gift with her writing that goes straight to the heart. I have absolutely loved the Generations of faith series and I cannot wait for what comes next.
Ever since Jerusalem’s daughter came out, I’ve wanted this story and I was so glad when it was announced. Eliyahu & Hodiyah’s story did not disappoint! Eliyah was so sweet and Hodiyah was such a great character and I loved the romance, there was a feeling of such tenderness between this married couple that it made me smile multiple times. And I loved that they had kids — in my opinion, we need more couples in Christian fiction that have children. I loved the faith journeys, as always it was the best part. I loved getting to know more about Eliyahu & Hodiyah before they became Sabba and Savta. I’m glad I have this story to look back on when I see an older Eliyahu & Hodiyah in my next reread of Jerusalem’s daughter — which I hope will be soon! 💙
“The Lord was Jehovah-Raah, her shepherd, her comfort, her mishenet. He has always and would always be her best and greatest source of strength. He was a well that she could draw from day by day, hour by hour, and never run dry. He had promised their people a saviour, and that Saviour had come into the world not long ago as a baby boy. He would be coming back again soon as a man, and Hodiyah would be watching and ready.”
Ever since Jerusalem’s daughter came out, I’ve wanted this story and I was so glad when it was announced. Eliyahu & Hodiyah’s story did not disappoint! Eliyah was so sweet and Hodiyah was such a great character and I loved the romance, there was a feeling of such tenderness between this married couple that it made me smile multiple times. And I loved that they had kids — in my opinion, we need more couples in Christian fiction that have children. I loved the faith journeys, as always it was the best part. I loved getting to know more about Eliyahu & Hodiyah before they became Sabba and Savta. I’m glad I have this story to look back on when I see an older Eliyahu & Hodiyah in my next reread of Jerusalem’s daughter — which I hope will be soon! 💙
“The Lord was Jehovah-Raah, her shepherd, her comfort, her mishenet. He has always and would always be her best and greatest source of strength. He was a well that she could draw from day by day, hour by hour, and never run dry. He had promised their people a saviour, and that Saviour had come into the world not long ago as a baby boy. He would be coming back again soon as a man, and Hodiyah would be watching and ready.”
October 21, 2025
I have always loved the backstory to Van Mourik's "Generations of Faith" series and I loved this prequel. I read it in one day!
Eliyahu is the quiet, sensitive shepherd who loves from afar.
Hodiyah is the hardworking, sensible girl who keeps her desire to marry Eliyahu a secret.
Their sweet romance and the family atmosphere are wonderful. Van Mourik adds the story of Christ's birth and the declaration to the shepherds in her story.
The blessing of seeing angels and the Savior brings an aftermath of trouble for Eliyahu and Hodiyah and their boys.
What a heartwarming and heartfelt story. This is perfect to read before Christmas, but you will enjoy it all year long.
Eliyahu is the quiet, sensitive shepherd who loves from afar.
Hodiyah is the hardworking, sensible girl who keeps her desire to marry Eliyahu a secret.
Their sweet romance and the family atmosphere are wonderful. Van Mourik adds the story of Christ's birth and the declaration to the shepherds in her story.
The blessing of seeing angels and the Savior brings an aftermath of trouble for Eliyahu and Hodiyah and their boys.
What a heartwarming and heartfelt story. This is perfect to read before Christmas, but you will enjoy it all year long.
December 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. What a sweet new way to think about the nativity, from the point of view of a shepherd who it was announced to by the angels and how it affected him and his family. The story is sadly accurate of other events that occurred around that time, but it was all very well written. And I loved the characters so much! I enjoy realistic life struggles in characters, but it was so wonderful to read such a beautiful example of marriage between the main characters as they worked to communicate well and trust and understand each other. Even when it was hard. I loved it all. Can’t wait to read the series now!
October 28, 2025
Magnificent
This author puts her all into every book she writes. It was a pleasure to listen to this book as I followed along with my copy. The characters were brought to life as only a gifted author can do. Jenna Van Mourik always includes the best Author Notes. This book was enhanced with Scripture throughout the chapters just like the author's previous books. She has never disapointed. The front cover is so beautiful.
This author puts her all into every book she writes. It was a pleasure to listen to this book as I followed along with my copy. The characters were brought to life as only a gifted author can do. Jenna Van Mourik always includes the best Author Notes. This book was enhanced with Scripture throughout the chapters just like the author's previous books. She has never disapointed. The front cover is so beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews