The Well Women

by Ladine Housholder

"The Well Women" was an IndieFab finalist in the ForeWord Book of the Year Awards for 2013. The Samaritan Woman Comes to Life----The Samaritan woman at the well has gotten a bad rap. For two thousand years she’s been known as the loose woman with long affairs and the “five-time loser” of short marriages—a slut and a victim. But what is her truth? Former members of an international Bible study group in Rome are reunited on a tour of the West Bank city of Nablus, the historical site of Jacob’s well where Jesus encountered the Samaritan “woman at the well.” Beneath their stylish veneer of accomplishment and comfortable affluence, each woman has been deeply hurt and nearly broken by their lives. At the well, with a modern Samaritan woman as their guide, each woman shares her journey of recovery through the healing power of “living water” from Jesus Christ. Through the love and support of the study group’s members, they truly meet each other. Throughout this tour of life, healing, and history, the reader is treated to a rich tapestry of details about the people and culture of the Middle East. In this inspiring story of triumph, redemption, and healing, nine modern women discover what it is like to walk in the Samaritan woman’s sandals, each on her own path to becoming a Well Woman. With accompanying discussion questions, The Well Women is an excellent choice for Bible study groups and retreats. It makes a unique gift for anyone, especially those who are going through a difficult marriage, the loss of a child or spouse, or any of life’s other challenges. Dr. John Pilch, scripture scholar, says, “Whether selected for serious study or spiritual enrichment, this book provides fresh insights into a familiar story that will prove its enduring power to challenge and inspire readers, women and men alike.”

426 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 24, 2015

Reviews

[Suzann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book isn't in my preferred genre, I really enjoyed reading it! Householder does a magnificent job with creating a vibrant setting -- I could feel the soft desert air and smell and see the souq and the ancient monuments. The story of women sharing the personal Christian journey of each one is interesting, and the way their bond deepened with each story reflects the best that a community of women can achieve. The focus on God's work in the lives of each one is one of the best things that stays with the reader after the book is closed.

[Marta Żołnowska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, I’m Marta, I come from Poland. I’m completely smitten with The Well Women. I couldn’t stop reading it. I found the stories told by the women inspiring and moving. Even though I’m younger than them, there was always something I could relate to, and I believe it’s what makes the book so great! The book awakens imagination; you start to question a lot of things and wait for the answers on the next pages! I highly recommend this book!

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was a great fiction novel with many true historical facts,added in. I feel it was a great story and hearing about the eight women who went to tour Samiria and the sights of the Well woman who met Jesus at the well,, were very well written and uplifting. I would highly recommend this book.

[Kathy Hassig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another UMW reading program book. It was really good. Can't wait for the sequel.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of the UMW reading list, it was really good.

[Lydia Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it would be different; I was not prepared for personal stories. But still a good read. Love the cover image.
This was a 2015 United Methodist Women's Reading Program book.

[Missy Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good story

Even if it is just a novel it is a Godoy read that can give differing views or takes on the Samaritan woman's story. Take this books for what it is, a good story.