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Tribes of Israel #1
Providence: Hannah's Journey
As the sole daughter of the chief priest, Hannah is publicly shamed when the prophet of Israel refuses to heal her. Determined to restore her family’s honor, she escapes Jerusalem in hopes of finding the prophet and convincing him to restore her deformities. Gilead, a young Hebrew guard sympathetic to her plight, willingly accompanies her. On their way, they are captured by a band of raiders and Hannah is forced to serve in the household of the commander of the Aramean army, an officer who is in need of healing himself. Meanwhile, Gilead is being used as sword practice for the Aramean soldiers. Hannah must act fast to save Gilead and herself, but survival will mean coaxing the prophet of Israel to heal an enemy commander.
The story of Hannah is based on the servant girl from Naaman's story in 2 Kings 5.
The story of Hannah is based on the servant girl from Naaman's story in 2 Kings 5.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2016
232 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Barbara M. Britton
13 books248 followersBarbara M. Britton lives in Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes romantic adventures for teens and adults. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America, and American Christian Fiction Writers. You can visit Barb online at www. barbarambritton.com or follow her on Facebook and twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
May 10, 2020
Another great read from Barbara Britton. The story of Hannah and Gil and there adventure to find a prophet to heal a enemy leader, and return she prays she will be healed as well. A beautiful love story and again a great biblical fiction read. I still want to know who was the prophet is but it was a great read!!
August 28, 2020
Hannah was born with no sense of smell or taste and only ear buds surrounding her ears. Her father, a Jewish priest, has prayed, given sacrifices, and attempted to take her to an unnamed prophet without any success. When Hannah discovers she is to be wed to a much older man with children, she decides she has to find the prophet and ask for healing. But she needs someone to go with her, so she hopes her new friend Gil will go.
Not based on any particular story in the Bible, but rather on general Bible occurrences; Britton has written a beautiful story about hope, love, and forgiveness. Hannah was such a caring person always putting others' needs ahead of her own as well as doing what she knows in her heart is best even if it makes her "unclean" or not following Jewish law to the letter. Her strong will and independence paid off in the end. Gil was a wonderful match for her as he protected and stood up for her.
Beautiful Biblical fiction for anyone who likes this genre.
Not based on any particular story in the Bible, but rather on general Bible occurrences; Britton has written a beautiful story about hope, love, and forgiveness. Hannah was such a caring person always putting others' needs ahead of her own as well as doing what she knows in her heart is best even if it makes her "unclean" or not following Jewish law to the letter. Her strong will and independence paid off in the end. Gil was a wonderful match for her as he protected and stood up for her.
Beautiful Biblical fiction for anyone who likes this genre.
November 14, 2020
Received a copy from the author upon request for review.
I am absolutely blown away by the writing within this book. Everything about this book made me giggle and swoon. I had moments of wanting to cry and throw the book. The writing was impeccable. The characters were all excellent and the lessons were outstanding.
Hannah is the daughter of a chief high priest. She has a few deformities and doesn't know how to truly love herself and enjoy life. She is bound by her family and their views. I enjoyed Hannah and watching her grow in her faith. She went through some hardships but she never wished ill on another. She was always full of hope and faith for others. Hannah was a stunning and heroic young woman.
Gilead is a simple boy with a simple and pure heart. He is forever my cinnamon roll. I adored him from beginning to end. The way he cared for others and helped was amazing. I think his demeanor and all that he represented was perfect. Loved him!
The romance was insta-love, but considering the times and how the era was I thought it was written well. I swooned over Hannah and Gilead from their first meeting until the end. They were both pure hearted and made me giggle plenty of times.
The prophet irritated me at times with how he carried himself. The mountain scene made me want to jump through the pages and pop him upside his head. Naabak, the commander of the Aramean army, was such an interesting man. I enjoyed him and seeing him come to faith.
Reumah, as a wife, was terrible. Learning more about her made me warm up to her, but she was still disrespectful to me.
Konath is a character I hated from start to finish. He was pure evil!! Mereb was a traitorous character. I could not stand him. Hannah's family was terrible, especially her brother Shimron. He was the perfect example of a Levite who looked at himself above everyone else. I hated him.
That ending was so satisfying! I cannot wait to read more from the author!
I am absolutely blown away by the writing within this book. Everything about this book made me giggle and swoon. I had moments of wanting to cry and throw the book. The writing was impeccable. The characters were all excellent and the lessons were outstanding.
Hannah is the daughter of a chief high priest. She has a few deformities and doesn't know how to truly love herself and enjoy life. She is bound by her family and their views. I enjoyed Hannah and watching her grow in her faith. She went through some hardships but she never wished ill on another. She was always full of hope and faith for others. Hannah was a stunning and heroic young woman.
Gilead is a simple boy with a simple and pure heart. He is forever my cinnamon roll. I adored him from beginning to end. The way he cared for others and helped was amazing. I think his demeanor and all that he represented was perfect. Loved him!
The romance was insta-love, but considering the times and how the era was I thought it was written well. I swooned over Hannah and Gilead from their first meeting until the end. They were both pure hearted and made me giggle plenty of times.
The prophet irritated me at times with how he carried himself. The mountain scene made me want to jump through the pages and pop him upside his head. Naabak, the commander of the Aramean army, was such an interesting man. I enjoyed him and seeing him come to faith.
Reumah, as a wife, was terrible. Learning more about her made me warm up to her, but she was still disrespectful to me.
Konath is a character I hated from start to finish. He was pure evil!! Mereb was a traitorous character. I could not stand him. Hannah's family was terrible, especially her brother Shimron. He was the perfect example of a Levite who looked at himself above everyone else. I hated him.
That ending was so satisfying! I cannot wait to read more from the author!
Read
January 23, 2018Because of my background and training, whenever I read biblical fiction, I turn off the fact-checking part of my brain so that I'm not distracted by minutiae and hung up on what's factually historical and what's artistic/creative license. That's precisely what I did with this book; and once I did, I found a quick-paced narrative with unexpected splashes of humor and cheek (literal as well as figurative, *ahem*). Probably what I most appreciated was that the author didn't sugar coat the extremely vulnerable position of a captive slave, forcing us to grapple with the overt sexual component. [As is my custom when I have a personal connection to the author, I've foregone a star rating.]
May 15, 2017
Thank you for continuing stories from the Bible. I sometimes wonder what happens after a certain chapter. Especially when it's one of my faves!!!
I wanted to just reach out and choke Konath Shiram for the pig headness!!!
Men, they think they know everything!! Konath was just awful and I did feel that he got what he deserved. I'm surprised that the Lord didn't strike him down at first!
Poor Hannah!! I felt so sorry for her!!
I think she's a good woman and no one gave her credit for it and sometimes I feel just Hannah!!
Hannah did learn some lessons on her journey in which I don't think she would've in the beginning because she did think of herself.
But sometimes this ok. I feel we deserve things as well as everyone else
Women do have feelings as well as men except we're just more vocal about it.
Gilead is a sweetheart and my hero.
He saw Hannah from the inside out and didnt worry about being cursed.
Gilead is a pretty special giy in my book. I wish there were mode men like him!
As for curses, I don't really believe in them! It's a figment of one's imagination. Superstition.
I do believe in God and forgiveness even tho its sometimes is hard to do!!!
I enjoyed reading this beautiful book amd I strongly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and in no way required to review this book
I wanted to just reach out and choke Konath Shiram for the pig headness!!!
Men, they think they know everything!! Konath was just awful and I did feel that he got what he deserved. I'm surprised that the Lord didn't strike him down at first!
Poor Hannah!! I felt so sorry for her!!
I think she's a good woman and no one gave her credit for it and sometimes I feel just Hannah!!
Hannah did learn some lessons on her journey in which I don't think she would've in the beginning because she did think of herself.
But sometimes this ok. I feel we deserve things as well as everyone else
Women do have feelings as well as men except we're just more vocal about it.
Gilead is a sweetheart and my hero.
He saw Hannah from the inside out and didnt worry about being cursed.
Gilead is a pretty special giy in my book. I wish there were mode men like him!
As for curses, I don't really believe in them! It's a figment of one's imagination. Superstition.
I do believe in God and forgiveness even tho its sometimes is hard to do!!!
I enjoyed reading this beautiful book amd I strongly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and in no way required to review this book
June 23, 2020
This book is inspired by the story of Naaman and the servant girl who encourage him to seek the Prophet of Israel to be healed from his leprosy.
Hannah is a young girl who also need healing because of a deformity, when the Prophet tells her it is not her time for healing, she is very disappointed. Refusing to marry the man her father has chosen for her she decides to leaves with Gilead a young man she had recently met and look for the Prophet. Captured by raiders she becomes the servant of Naabak and his wife. Because of Hannah 's faith Naabak is going to know the One and Only true God who is able to heal and restore. Through this adventure Hannah and Gilead relationship will also grow...
I like Hannah's courage to pursue the Prophet, it reminds me of the importance of being thirsty for more of God's presence, where we can find our restoration, to seek him in every circumstance, for every need and wait for him. Hannah will also have to learn that healing does not happen the way we want it and that God is in control. Gilead accepted Hannah 's the way she was, despite her deformities, it is a great example of a true love.
It was ok, I just find it a little difficult with the way the author recreated the story.
Hannah is a young girl who also need healing because of a deformity, when the Prophet tells her it is not her time for healing, she is very disappointed. Refusing to marry the man her father has chosen for her she decides to leaves with Gilead a young man she had recently met and look for the Prophet. Captured by raiders she becomes the servant of Naabak and his wife. Because of Hannah 's faith Naabak is going to know the One and Only true God who is able to heal and restore. Through this adventure Hannah and Gilead relationship will also grow...
I like Hannah's courage to pursue the Prophet, it reminds me of the importance of being thirsty for more of God's presence, where we can find our restoration, to seek him in every circumstance, for every need and wait for him. Hannah will also have to learn that healing does not happen the way we want it and that God is in control. Gilead accepted Hannah 's the way she was, despite her deformities, it is a great example of a true love.
It was ok, I just find it a little difficult with the way the author recreated the story.
March 10, 2022
Excellent and full of action
The characters and settings are moving and personable. The story is interesting and easy to follow. It makes Bible times come alive and explains some of the traditions at that time.
The characters and settings are moving and personable. The story is interesting and easy to follow. It makes Bible times come alive and explains some of the traditions at that time.
April 24, 2021
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Me at the beginning of the book: Oooooh yay, a Biblical fictional novel about the miraculous healing of Naaman told from the perspective of the slave girl working in his household?! Me at the end of the book: I’m so glad that’s over!
Taken from the story of the Aramite commander Naaman found in 2 Kings 5, Providence: Hannah's Journey tells the story of Hannah, a young Israelite woman who has her own illness needing a cure. Hannah, born without the sense of smell & taste, has been promised in marriage to elderly priest by her prestigious Levite family. Hannah decides to flee the marriage arrangement, Jerusalem and all that she knows in the hopes of finding the holy man prophet she believes has the power to heal. She meets a young man named Gilead (Gil) that she inexplicably trusts immediately to help her rescue. Within a minute, they are in love and he is risking his life for her. They are captured by enemy soldiers, and Hannah runs into the first tent she can find for safety. Which happens to be the tent of a leperous commander Naaman who takes pity on Hannah and brings to Aram as a servant for his household. Eventually, Hannah is able to convince Naaman to go to the Israelite prophet for healing, which brings about a miracle. Other things happen also.
Here’s my chief complaint about this book. Every decision Hannah makes after meeting Gilead is about him. When she needs to be brave and face fear, she asks herself “What would Gill do?” or “I need to be brave for Gil!”. This girl seemingly has no agency or willpower of her own, only what was rooted to this boy she literally just met. I think this is written for YA audiences, which is fine because I love YA novels. However, if I had a teenage daughter that talked like this about a boy or a relationship, she would get a firm talking to about self-worth and identity. I kept hoping she would be revealed to have an inner strength or something making her stand up for herself, but no...it doesn’t. It’s just about this boy that she JUST MET. And marries. I can’t even.
My rating - 1.5 of 5 stars
Me at the beginning of the book: Oooooh yay, a Biblical fictional novel about the miraculous healing of Naaman told from the perspective of the slave girl working in his household?! Me at the end of the book: I’m so glad that’s over!
Taken from the story of the Aramite commander Naaman found in 2 Kings 5, Providence: Hannah's Journey tells the story of Hannah, a young Israelite woman who has her own illness needing a cure. Hannah, born without the sense of smell & taste, has been promised in marriage to elderly priest by her prestigious Levite family. Hannah decides to flee the marriage arrangement, Jerusalem and all that she knows in the hopes of finding the holy man prophet she believes has the power to heal. She meets a young man named Gilead (Gil) that she inexplicably trusts immediately to help her rescue. Within a minute, they are in love and he is risking his life for her. They are captured by enemy soldiers, and Hannah runs into the first tent she can find for safety. Which happens to be the tent of a leperous commander Naaman who takes pity on Hannah and brings to Aram as a servant for his household. Eventually, Hannah is able to convince Naaman to go to the Israelite prophet for healing, which brings about a miracle. Other things happen also.
Here’s my chief complaint about this book. Every decision Hannah makes after meeting Gilead is about him. When she needs to be brave and face fear, she asks herself “What would Gill do?” or “I need to be brave for Gil!”. This girl seemingly has no agency or willpower of her own, only what was rooted to this boy she literally just met. I think this is written for YA audiences, which is fine because I love YA novels. However, if I had a teenage daughter that talked like this about a boy or a relationship, she would get a firm talking to about self-worth and identity. I kept hoping she would be revealed to have an inner strength or something making her stand up for herself, but no...it doesn’t. It’s just about this boy that she JUST MET. And marries. I can’t even.
My rating - 1.5 of 5 stars
November 14, 2020
Received a copy from the author upon request for review.
I am absolutely blown away by the writing within this book. Everything about this book made me giggle and swoon. I had moments of wanting to cry and throw the book. The writing was impeccable. The characters were all excellent and the lessons were outstanding.
Hannah is the daughter of a chief high priest. She has a few deformities and doesn't know how to truly love herself and enjoy life. She is bound by her family and their views. I enjoyed Hannah and watching her grow in her faith. She went through some hardships but she never wished ill on another. She was always full of hope and faith for others. Hannah was a stunning and heroic young woman.
Gilead is a simple boy with a simple and pure heart. He is forever my cinnamon roll. I adored him from beginning to end. The way he cared for others and helped was amazing. I think his demeanor and all that he represented was perfect. Loved him!
The romance was insta-love, but considering the times and how the era was I thought it was written well. I swooned over Hannah and Gilead from their first meeting until the end. They were both pure hearted and made me giggle plenty of times.
The prophet irritated me at times with how he carried himself. The mountain scene made me want to jump through the pages and pop him upside his head. Naabak, the commander of the Aramean army, was such an interesting man. I enjoyed him and seeing him come to faith.
Reumah, as a wife, was terrible. Learning more about her made me warm up to her, but she was still disrespectful to me.
Konath is a character I hated from start to finish. He was pure evil!! Mereb was a traitorous character. I could not stand him. Hannah's family was terrible, especially her brother Shimron. He was the perfect example of a Levite who looked at himself above everyone else. I hated him.
That ending was so satisfying! I cannot wait to read more from the author!!
I am absolutely blown away by the writing within this book. Everything about this book made me giggle and swoon. I had moments of wanting to cry and throw the book. The writing was impeccable. The characters were all excellent and the lessons were outstanding.
Hannah is the daughter of a chief high priest. She has a few deformities and doesn't know how to truly love herself and enjoy life. She is bound by her family and their views. I enjoyed Hannah and watching her grow in her faith. She went through some hardships but she never wished ill on another. She was always full of hope and faith for others. Hannah was a stunning and heroic young woman.
Gilead is a simple boy with a simple and pure heart. He is forever my cinnamon roll. I adored him from beginning to end. The way he cared for others and helped was amazing. I think his demeanor and all that he represented was perfect. Loved him!
The romance was insta-love, but considering the times and how the era was I thought it was written well. I swooned over Hannah and Gilead from their first meeting until the end. They were both pure hearted and made me giggle plenty of times.
The prophet irritated me at times with how he carried himself. The mountain scene made me want to jump through the pages and pop him upside his head. Naabak, the commander of the Aramean army, was such an interesting man. I enjoyed him and seeing him come to faith.
Reumah, as a wife, was terrible. Learning more about her made me warm up to her, but she was still disrespectful to me.
Konath is a character I hated from start to finish. He was pure evil!! Mereb was a traitorous character. I could not stand him. Hannah's family was terrible, especially her brother Shimron. He was the perfect example of a Levite who looked at himself above everyone else. I hated him.
That ending was so satisfying! I cannot wait to read more from the author!!
August 16, 2020
With Covid-19 and social distancing, instead of going to my local Library I’ve been utilizing their e-lending apps. When I found this as well as the other two books in the Tribes of Israel series I was thrilled!
Providence: Hannah’s Journey is a Biblical fiction story written by Barbara M. Britton. In a way this is a retelling of the story of Naaman. It is the first in her Tribes of Israel series. In this the servant girl is given a background and a story. Hannah with the help of Gil sets out to find the prophet to get him to heal her. But their journey is cut short when they are captured and she is forced to serve in the household of the Aramean army commander. Gil, who she hopes to save, is being used as sword practice by the soldiers. In order to save both him and herself, Hannah convinces the commander and his wife to go to the prophet of Israel to heal him.
This was hard to put down once I started it. It honestly felt like I was there. Hannah’s courage and determination as well as faith made her a great character. I’m glad Gilead looked past Hannah’s deformities and saw her for her. This was well written and a fantastic way to spend part of my weekend. Barbara M. Britton does an amazing job of bringing biblical times to life in this story. I can’t wait to start Building Benjamin: Naomi’s story, book two in this series. I’m looking forward to reading her other series as well as her newest book in the future. She can definitely count me as a fan!
Definitely recommend if you enjoy biblical fiction or just historical fiction in general.
Providence: Hannah’s Journey is a Biblical fiction story written by Barbara M. Britton. In a way this is a retelling of the story of Naaman. It is the first in her Tribes of Israel series. In this the servant girl is given a background and a story. Hannah with the help of Gil sets out to find the prophet to get him to heal her. But their journey is cut short when they are captured and she is forced to serve in the household of the Aramean army commander. Gil, who she hopes to save, is being used as sword practice by the soldiers. In order to save both him and herself, Hannah convinces the commander and his wife to go to the prophet of Israel to heal him.
This was hard to put down once I started it. It honestly felt like I was there. Hannah’s courage and determination as well as faith made her a great character. I’m glad Gilead looked past Hannah’s deformities and saw her for her. This was well written and a fantastic way to spend part of my weekend. Barbara M. Britton does an amazing job of bringing biblical times to life in this story. I can’t wait to start Building Benjamin: Naomi’s story, book two in this series. I’m looking forward to reading her other series as well as her newest book in the future. She can definitely count me as a fan!
Definitely recommend if you enjoy biblical fiction or just historical fiction in general.
August 30, 2023
Very good
A very good book makes you believe you are there with Hanna. Also very interesting and gives us an insight of how life was in those days
A very good book makes you believe you are there with Hanna. Also very interesting and gives us an insight of how life was in those days
August 14, 2021
Everyday Biblical Romance
Storyline was not too pious nor too secular. Characters were believable and the reader could believe themselves to be in the story. GREAT READ!
Storyline was not too pious nor too secular. Characters were believable and the reader could believe themselves to be in the story. GREAT READ!
April 3, 2022
Providence: Hannah Journey
This story embellished what happened when a servant of God healed a foreigner. The trials of doubt and faith sharing one heart makes the miracle that much more. I enjoyed the telling of God's mercy and faithfulness.
This story embellished what happened when a servant of God healed a foreigner. The trials of doubt and faith sharing one heart makes the miracle that much more. I enjoyed the telling of God's mercy and faithfulness.
March 8, 2022
Great Read
I started the book and read it straight through. The author made the characters come alive. It was full of history and the awesomeness of God.
I started the book and read it straight through. The author made the characters come alive. It was full of history and the awesomeness of God.
May 1, 2024
intriguing adventures
Hannah has intriguing adventures, learning to stand for the True God and that healing isn’t always deserved, but always gives God glory
Hannah has intriguing adventures, learning to stand for the True God and that healing isn’t always deserved, but always gives God glory
August 7, 2024
Shimron
What a wild adventure this story is. It is full of religious traditions of the set time period. The character, Shimon, reminds me of the sadducees. I enjoyed this book.
What a wild adventure this story is. It is full of religious traditions of the set time period. The character, Shimon, reminds me of the sadducees. I enjoyed this book.
November 26, 2021
Great read!
This was a great read - loved the bible-based context and romance of this story. Looking forward to reading more by this author!
This was a great read - loved the bible-based context and romance of this story. Looking forward to reading more by this author!
February 20, 2018
Great biblical fiction
I love it when an author like, Barbara M Britton, brings a well-known story to life while bringing a new perspective from a slave girl. The Jewish ceremonial cleansing of washing 7 times has a vivid visual with a commander dying of leprosy entering the water, steaming like water on hot coals. Faith rises and impacts people from different beliefs with life. God heals, and an enemy commander at that.
I love it when an author like, Barbara M Britton, brings a well-known story to life while bringing a new perspective from a slave girl. The Jewish ceremonial cleansing of washing 7 times has a vivid visual with a commander dying of leprosy entering the water, steaming like water on hot coals. Faith rises and impacts people from different beliefs with life. God heals, and an enemy commander at that.
August 31, 2020
Not originally the story I thought it was. A bit slow at point but easy to follow plot. Made me reflect on my own journey with God.
April 29, 2020
Gilead and Hannah are by far my favorite of Barbara Britton so far
November 29, 2020
Haven't yet read a book by Ms Britton I don't like and this is no exception. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
February 5, 2020
Barbara Britton had me on the edge of my seat with this fast-paced Biblical fiction story! Hannah is a wonderfully relatable character. Because of physical deformities, Hannah believes herself cursed and unworthy of much of anything in this life. When she decides to seek out God's holy prophet and ask him to heal her, she meets up with Gilead, a handsome sheep herder from Judah, and convinces him to help her find the man of God. There wouldn't be of a story if Britton ended it there but these are two are captured by Aramean raiders and made slaves in a foreign country. In order to prevent herself from being ravished by the commander, she takes refuge in the tent of Naamen, whom she does not realizes suffers from leprosy. Over time she gains Naaman's trust and eventually gets him to save Gil from the arena where he's been forced to fight and return with them to Israel to seek healing from the prophet. The story is filled with one action scene after another and just when you think Gil & Hannah will have their happily-ever-after, Britton throws one more huge plot twist at the reader. Providence is filled with rich historical detail and cultural expectations that brought every scene alive for me. I thought the characters were authentically written, including the swoon-worthy Gilead, and the author weaved in plenty of Biblical truths about justice, self-acceptance and finding one's identity in the God who fashioned us. I'm looking forward to more from this author.
March 20, 2017
THE RED TENT found many new fans among those who had not previously read bible-based novels. If you're one of those fans, you'll find this to be another terrific example of fiction that places characters within the time, locations, and social/cultural/religious realities of ancient times. I'm no Bible scholar, but I felt Britton's portrayal of Hannah to be completely authentic. A young woman struggles within those parameters to adhere to her faith while pushing beyond limits and restrictions and suffering the consequences of her choices. Many women of the time would have quietly accepted their fates, despite their unhappiness with the hand life/God had dealt them. Not Hannah.
Hannah and Gil (and other key players) are so well developed that I was fully invested in the outcome of each within the early chapters. The relationships between and among them were emotional, powerful, and fully credible, allowing a complex plot to unfold naturally and dramatically without chest-thumping, bodice ripping, or other melodrama.
This book launched a forthcoming series and I look forward to reading subsequent titles.
Hannah and Gil (and other key players) are so well developed that I was fully invested in the outcome of each within the early chapters. The relationships between and among them were emotional, powerful, and fully credible, allowing a complex plot to unfold naturally and dramatically without chest-thumping, bodice ripping, or other melodrama.
This book launched a forthcoming series and I look forward to reading subsequent titles.
August 23, 2017
Ms. Britton's debut novel Providence is excellent. Hannah has a disability, which, if discovered, could bring shame on her family. With the help of a young man named Gil, Hannah sets out to find the Prophet of Israel in order to receive healing from her affliction. Instead she finds a leper Naabak, commander of the enemy armies. Providence is a story of steadfast faith and love, even love for your enemies. A strong and powerful story. A five star book.
January 28, 2021
I enjoyed Hannah's Journey! Ms. Britton expertly crafts this Biblical fiction. I was immediately immersed in the story. It's well written and nicely paced. It's a quick read.
Recommend to readers who enjoy Biblical fiction.
I won a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who enjoy Biblical fiction.
I won a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
February 16, 2017
Have you ever wanted to find out more about a biblical character? Ever wonder what happened after they were mentioned in scripture? For instance--what are some of the details of Ruth and Boaz’s marriage? What ever happened to Rahab? Or who was the slave girl that led Naaman, the Aramean army commander, who was also a leper, to Elisha the prophet? Barbara M. Britton’s Providence: Hannah’s Journey fills in the details
Surprisingly, Hannah’s life is exciting. She hooks up with a handsome hero from Judah named Gilead and the two of them get into all kinds of hot water.
I really liked that although the tale was fiction, the characters acted the way I believe a Jewish person with integrity would have in one of the stories from scripture. Although they were tempted, they took the high road. They were characters I could cheer for.
If you’re looking for a piece of feel-good fiction, a story that uplifts your spirit, give this story a shot.
Surprisingly, Hannah’s life is exciting. She hooks up with a handsome hero from Judah named Gilead and the two of them get into all kinds of hot water.
I really liked that although the tale was fiction, the characters acted the way I believe a Jewish person with integrity would have in one of the stories from scripture. Although they were tempted, they took the high road. They were characters I could cheer for.
If you’re looking for a piece of feel-good fiction, a story that uplifts your spirit, give this story a shot.
November 3, 2020
This different take on the servant girl of Naaman was unique in its presentation and the way the story went. I honestly did not expect some of the twists, but felt that it took me out of the story a couple of times, with the unexpected violent outbursts here and there. It was written in a unique style that just was not quite my favorite, but was interesting enough for me to go on to the second book.
January 24, 2018
Providence: Hannah’s Journey by Barbara M. Britton, published in 2016 by Harbourlight Books is Biblical fiction that will give readers a greater appreciation for the period, conditions, and especially the despotic, idolic lifestyles of Isreal’s neighbors, the Arameans. When Hannah, the young heroine, flees her father’s house to escape an arranged marriage, she is soon captured by the Aramean army who enslaves her to the wife of its general, a dying leper. There in Aramea, forced to serve the man’s unfaithful wife, and pursued by the woman's wicked lover, her own faith is challenged and grows, as is the faith of Gilead, the boy she loves who followed her and is also captured. The story is very edgy in sections, especially when dealing with the demands of the Aramean priests and false gods, but the story also brings to light an old testament story, while imagining what might have happened.
November 3, 2016
Providence was inspired by the story of Naaman, the Aramean general who was cured of leprosy by Elisha. The biblical account is brief. Naaman’s wife had an Israelite slave girl who suggested he go to the prophet for healing. Nothing else is known about the girl.
In Providence, she is Hannah, a teenager who was born without the senses of smell or taste, and without outer ears. Her father and brother are priests in the tribe of Levi. Her brother Shimron is not a nice man. He’s cruel to his sister and highly judgmental.
When Elisha refused to heal Hannah because it is not her time, she enlists the aid of Gilead, a young man of Judah. They set out to find Elisha, but are captured by raiders. The commander of the Aramean army, Naabak, has advanced leprosy. He gifts his wife with Hannah.
Throughout her time in Aramea, Hannah is threatened by Konath, second-in-command of the army. He is eager for Naabak’s demise so he can be commander and take Naabak’s wife and all she has, including Hannah.
Hannah and Gilead eventually succeed in having Naabak transported to the mountain where the prophet is. The result is Naabak’s triumph and Konath’s demise.
While inspired by the Biblical story of Naaman, this is fiction. It is different. It’s darker than my usual reads. Konath poses a constant threat, Hannah is thrown into a cave where prisoners are eager to assault her, Gilead is often beaten, Hannah’s brother behaves abominably.
Still, slavery wasn’t pretty. The Biblical account is clean and uncomplicated in its briefness. Providence shows what life may have been like for slaves in pagan lands.
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