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Tribes of Israel #2
Building Benjamin: Naomi's Journey
Love Grows Where God Grafts the Tender Shoot. Naomi desires to dance well enough to catch the eye of a wealthy landowner. Her father needs a substantial bride price due to the deaths of her brothers at the hands of the tribe of Benjamin. But when Benjamites raid the Ephraimite feast and capture young girls, Naomi is bound and carried from her home by Eliab, a troubled shepherd who needs a wife. As Naomi awaits rescue, she finds Eliab has a strong faith in God and a just reason for abducting her. A reason that affects all the tribes of Israel. The future of the tribe of Benjamin hangs in the balance, but if Naomi follows her heart and stays with Eliab to rebuild his lineage, she must forfeit her family and become a traitor to her own tribe.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2017
176 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Barbara M. Britton
13 books245 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 53 reviews
January 1, 2022
This surprisingly wonderful. This is my 1st read by Barbara Britton and I really liked it. The story of a women kidnapped by a man from a different tribe. At first she hated him but in time her feelings changed. Will she fall in love and forgive him. Will her family except the marriage?? The writing is wonderful and so is the story. Can’t wait to read another from ms. Britton. A good surprising read!!!
January 25, 2017
The last chapters in the Book of Judges aren’t pretty. The tribe of Benjamin is nearly wiped out by the rest of Israel. The remaining men can’t marry women from the other tribes because the women’s father vowed not to give them to Benjaminites. So the men of Benjamin steal women of Ephraim during a dance.
Naomi is captured by Eliab. She lost two brothers in the battle against Benjamin, and wants to hate Eliab. Turns out, he’s a handsome, honorable, God-fearing man. Her friend Cuzbi is happy with the man who stole her because no one in Ephraim was offering for her. Naomi wrangles a promise from Eliab that he will not consummate their marriage until after the Sabbath. In the meantime, Ephraim and Menasseh are massing to attack the remnant of Benjamin and retrieve their women. By now, Naomi is conflicted.
Barbara Britton weaves a fascinating story of what life may have been like in the time when Israel had no king and everyone did as they saw fit.
February 16, 2017
Set in ancient Israel, Building Benjamin offers a glimpse of the violence which surrounded God's people as well as their challenge to stay true to His laws. While there is a Naomi in the Bible, this is not her. Rather the story is inspired by Judges 19-21 where there is war against the Benjaminites that has left them in need of wives, yet unable to legally approach other tribes for them.
Naomi is prepared to dance with other virgins as a way to attract a wealthy husband. She isn't digging for gold for herself, but rather a good bridal price to help her family stay afloat. However, her goal is thwarted when the dancers are raided by men from the Tribe of Benjamin. She is one of the girls taken to be a bride. Only, the man who claims her does not force himself upon her to 'seal the deal.'
Rather Eliab shows that he is truly a man of God instead of some in his tribe who had strayed.
Beyond the story of Naomi coming to trust and then love Eliab, this title also has plenty of tension. Just as Naomi is finding her desire to stay and become Eliab's wife, men from her tribe come to slay the Benjamins in retaliation. This has her and Eliab traveling to the city of Bethlehem under the cover of night to seek help from the Tribe of Judah.
Overall, it was an interesting read. I'd consider it an interesting read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. In this case, it is not the actual people who are historical, but rather the events leading to this story are.
Thanks to the Publisher for an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
Naomi is prepared to dance with other virgins as a way to attract a wealthy husband. She isn't digging for gold for herself, but rather a good bridal price to help her family stay afloat. However, her goal is thwarted when the dancers are raided by men from the Tribe of Benjamin. She is one of the girls taken to be a bride. Only, the man who claims her does not force himself upon her to 'seal the deal.'
Rather Eliab shows that he is truly a man of God instead of some in his tribe who had strayed.
Beyond the story of Naomi coming to trust and then love Eliab, this title also has plenty of tension. Just as Naomi is finding her desire to stay and become Eliab's wife, men from her tribe come to slay the Benjamins in retaliation. This has her and Eliab traveling to the city of Bethlehem under the cover of night to seek help from the Tribe of Judah.
Overall, it was an interesting read. I'd consider it an interesting read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. In this case, it is not the actual people who are historical, but rather the events leading to this story are.
Thanks to the Publisher for an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
May 28, 2020
At first, when Naomi is captured by Eliab, a Benjamite, to be his wife I was a bit leery about this story. However, I was soon taken in by the way Barbara M. Britton brought this Biblical tale to life with realism, exciting action, and tenderness. Naomi's faith and courage are inspiring. Well-written and highly recommended.
August 18, 2020
Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey is my favorite in this series.
Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey is the second book in Barbara M. Britton’a Tribes of Israel series. Naomi and some of her friends are kidnapped during a harvest festival. Benjamites have taken them to be there brides, to help rebuild the tribe of Benjamin. Eliab, her captor, promises her a betrothal period to help her trust him. Along the way she finds him to be strong in faith. This story shows some of what it took to rebuild the tribe of Benjamin. Including keeping a war from happening. What I loved about this was the building of Naomi and Eliab’s relationship. I also appreciate the redemption between the tribes. Mrs. Britton has once again done an excellent job. I’m enjoying this series and the story’s she is telling through them. Another fantastic work of Biblical fiction from her.
I highly recommend this book. Though it is part of a series I believe these can be read as stand alones.
Building Benjamin: Naomi’s Journey is the second book in Barbara M. Britton’a Tribes of Israel series. Naomi and some of her friends are kidnapped during a harvest festival. Benjamites have taken them to be there brides, to help rebuild the tribe of Benjamin. Eliab, her captor, promises her a betrothal period to help her trust him. Along the way she finds him to be strong in faith. This story shows some of what it took to rebuild the tribe of Benjamin. Including keeping a war from happening. What I loved about this was the building of Naomi and Eliab’s relationship. I also appreciate the redemption between the tribes. Mrs. Britton has once again done an excellent job. I’m enjoying this series and the story’s she is telling through them. Another fantastic work of Biblical fiction from her.
I highly recommend this book. Though it is part of a series I believe these can be read as stand alones.
February 18, 2017
The tribe of Benjamin has been all but obliterated because of the actions of a few members of the tribe. At the instigation of the elders of the tribe of Judah, the remaining members of the tribe of Benjamin go to Ephraim and take wives from among the dancers of the harvest festival. Throughout the rest of the book, the trials of rebuilding the tribe, the trials of preventing more war, and protecting the women in the tribe come together to make a cohesive story of one of the favorite women of the Bible.
Barbara M Britton has done a masterful job of fleshing out this narrative with characters of her imagination. Her unbelievable talent in pulling a few words from the Bible into the whole cloth of a beloved story is incredible. She studied the history, culture, and customs to make this read so authentic and so enjoyable for the reader. This is such a quick read, and such a hard book to put down. This is no less than a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a perfect lamb.
My thanks to Pelican Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Barbara M Britton has done a masterful job of fleshing out this narrative with characters of her imagination. Her unbelievable talent in pulling a few words from the Bible into the whole cloth of a beloved story is incredible. She studied the history, culture, and customs to make this read so authentic and so enjoyable for the reader. This is such a quick read, and such a hard book to put down. This is no less than a five star book, with two thumbs up, and a perfect lamb.
My thanks to Pelican Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
November 28, 2021
Great book - loved it
The writer easily draws the reader into the story and leaves you wanting more at the end. What happened to Eliab and Naomi? How was the tribe rebuilt? I wish there was a sequel to this
The writer easily draws the reader into the story and leaves you wanting more at the end. What happened to Eliab and Naomi? How was the tribe rebuilt? I wish there was a sequel to this
July 5, 2018
I enjoyed this story and stayed up late reading a couple of nights to finish. Though of course there are differences, the tale of reluctant bride and her budding romance with her husband reminded me of Redeeming Love. Britton and I share a publisher, but I purchased my own copy of this book and was under no obligation to leave a review.
August 9, 2020
Building Benjamin is based on scripture in Judges. It is a wonderful story of forgiveness, redemption and blessing. I am certain you will be blessed as you read this book.
September 26, 2020
Well researched historical fiction
Loved this second book in the Tribes of Israel series. The characters are well drawn and I was transported into the land of ancient Israel.
Loved this second book in the Tribes of Israel series. The characters are well drawn and I was transported into the land of ancient Israel.
February 27, 2017
I haven’t read Christian Fiction in a while but I knew I had to get this book immediately I saw it on NetGalley. I don’t know much about Naomi from the Bible apart from her story in relation to Ruth and this is one of the reasons as to why I was interested in this book. However, the book is really not based on the Biblical Naomi but it is more about the Israelite tribes.
The story begins at the dance where all the women were dancing in hopes of attracting suitable suitors. The tradition was that the suitors would then pay the bride price before taking the selected woman. However, raiders from the Benjamites tribe soon came in and kidnapped the women. Not only were the women forcefully taken away from their families but their fathers were also denied the bride price. The man who took Naomi is Eliab. I don’t know how to describe this well but the custom at that time was for the men to immediately sleep with the women that they intended to marry. The act sort of solidified the union. However, Eliab was different from the other men. He decided to wait until Naomi was ready. This was a complication though because his failure to ‘properly’ claim her meant that any other man could. So the couple decided to hide this part of their agreement.
The narration describes Naomi’s journey to the new tribe. She is distraught at being taken away from her family by a strange man. In addition, she is haunted by deaths of her brothers. Nevertheless, Naomi is portrayed as a brave woman as she tackled different challenges. She is compassionate even to those who don’t deserve it. I also liked how Eliab was portrayed as a God-fearing man. He was gentle and so different from the others in his tribe. It was interesting to see how the relationship between the two developed over time.
This book is very well-written with captivating prose. I found myself lost in ancient Israel, experiencing the cultures and beliefs of the characters. Towards the end of the story, the story was so intense that I couldn’t stop turning pages to see how it ends. I think the ending was befitting and satisfactory. Barbara Britton did an amazing job with this book. She used Biblical narratives to create stunning work of fiction. However, the message wasn’t lost in the story. I liked how the character’s faith was subtly portrayed without the book losing its storyline. Building Benjamin by Barbara Britton is a book that I recommend to fans of Christian and Historical Fiction.
The story begins at the dance where all the women were dancing in hopes of attracting suitable suitors. The tradition was that the suitors would then pay the bride price before taking the selected woman. However, raiders from the Benjamites tribe soon came in and kidnapped the women. Not only were the women forcefully taken away from their families but their fathers were also denied the bride price. The man who took Naomi is Eliab. I don’t know how to describe this well but the custom at that time was for the men to immediately sleep with the women that they intended to marry. The act sort of solidified the union. However, Eliab was different from the other men. He decided to wait until Naomi was ready. This was a complication though because his failure to ‘properly’ claim her meant that any other man could. So the couple decided to hide this part of their agreement.
The narration describes Naomi’s journey to the new tribe. She is distraught at being taken away from her family by a strange man. In addition, she is haunted by deaths of her brothers. Nevertheless, Naomi is portrayed as a brave woman as she tackled different challenges. She is compassionate even to those who don’t deserve it. I also liked how Eliab was portrayed as a God-fearing man. He was gentle and so different from the others in his tribe. It was interesting to see how the relationship between the two developed over time.
This book is very well-written with captivating prose. I found myself lost in ancient Israel, experiencing the cultures and beliefs of the characters. Towards the end of the story, the story was so intense that I couldn’t stop turning pages to see how it ends. I think the ending was befitting and satisfactory. Barbara Britton did an amazing job with this book. She used Biblical narratives to create stunning work of fiction. However, the message wasn’t lost in the story. I liked how the character’s faith was subtly portrayed without the book losing its storyline. Building Benjamin by Barbara Britton is a book that I recommend to fans of Christian and Historical Fiction.
April 30, 2020
great story. terrible narrator. High whiny voice with little to no variation in tone.
August 12, 2024
Kidnapped
This is a historical fiction about events that took place after a tribe of Israel was almost made extinct. The fix: kidnap some dancing girls. Interesting story. I enjoyed it.
This is a historical fiction about events that took place after a tribe of Israel was almost made extinct. The fix: kidnap some dancing girls. Interesting story. I enjoyed it.
April 29, 2020
Loved this book Barbara Britton is a great Author and I just recently discovered her books and I am excited to read more!
July 1, 2021
Great read
This bloom made me think about the plight of these women taken. I have read this account in Judges but never looked at it from the. Perspective of the possible emotions of the women and the men of Benjamin
This bloom made me think about the plight of these women taken. I have read this account in Judges but never looked at it from the. Perspective of the possible emotions of the women and the men of Benjamin
October 28, 2021
Great story
I do encourage anyone reading this story to first read the biblical account upon which this story comes. Judges 19 .
I do encourage anyone reading this story to first read the biblical account upon which this story comes. Judges 19 .
April 7, 2017
Breathtaking biblical fiction! I appreciate and respect any author who tackles biblical fiction. In this tale, the tribes of the Old Testament are at war. Benjamite men swoop in to kidnap dancing Ephraimite woman to replenish their clan. Naomi finds a man of God in her protector, Eliab. They have both suffered loss of loved ones. It will take a miracle to bring peace and she prays she won’t lose her family as she follows her heart.
Romantic that I am, Britton wove a tale that touched my heart. Eliab and Naomi’s relationship bloomed to a beautiful conclusion. I received a free copy in hopes I’d give an honest review, and I recommend this one
Romantic that I am, Britton wove a tale that touched my heart. Eliab and Naomi’s relationship bloomed to a beautiful conclusion. I received a free copy in hopes I’d give an honest review, and I recommend this one
January 30, 2021
Received a copy from the author.
This was such an enjoyable read! Definitely heavy on the romance. Contains the enemies-to-lovers trope and the fake marriage trope. I enjoyed the romance between Eliab and Naomi. I loved the way they bantered and flirted. I enjoyed the growth between them.
The drama between the tribe of Benjamin and the other 11 tribes was insane! Definitely would recommend reading Judges 19-21 before reading this book because it will truly help and give you a better understanding.
Overall, this was so fun to read. I couldn't give it a 5 star only because I wasn't able to connect to the faith aspects enough. I still would recommend this book though as it is heavy on learning to forgive and move forward.
This was such an enjoyable read! Definitely heavy on the romance. Contains the enemies-to-lovers trope and the fake marriage trope. I enjoyed the romance between Eliab and Naomi. I loved the way they bantered and flirted. I enjoyed the growth between them.
The drama between the tribe of Benjamin and the other 11 tribes was insane! Definitely would recommend reading Judges 19-21 before reading this book because it will truly help and give you a better understanding.
Overall, this was so fun to read. I couldn't give it a 5 star only because I wasn't able to connect to the faith aspects enough. I still would recommend this book though as it is heavy on learning to forgive and move forward.
August 23, 2017
A great Biblical read. Ms. Britton packs a lot of emotion into her stories. This book is about self-sacrifice, healing and love. Naomi is kidnapped by a Eliab who is from the tribe of Benjamin. At first she tries to resist him and refuses to become his wife. But soon Naomi realizes that Eliab is an honorable man and she joins him on the journey to save the tribe of Benjamin. Excellent book. Worth the reading time.
September 23, 2018
I read this on #KindleUnlimited
February 5, 2020
As a lover of historical fiction, I have to admit I haven’t read a lot of Biblical fiction. Barbara M. Briton may have changed my mind on that topic with her stunning story, Building Benjamin! I found the topic fascinating! I found myself immersed in Naomi’s position—a young woman dancing for a husband who is captured and whisked away from her family and everything that is familiar to become the wife not just of a man she doesn’t know but a man from an enemy tribe. Naomi’s assumptions about the Benjamites are challenged as she sees the godliness and faithfulness in Eliab, the man who abducted her. Somehow she makes the reader root for her swoon worthy scaliwag! Britton writes with rich historical details, description that brings the scenes and setting to life, and with emotion that draws you in. This is a must read! I look forward to reading more from this author!
August 11, 2017
When I read Judges 19-21 for the first time I sat in stunned silence thinking What? This has to be the most bizarre story in the Bible! In fact, when my daughter and I came to Judges 19 in our reading plan this year I read it but allowed her to skip over it. Opting instead to explain how bad men had killed a man’s wife.
What Barbara Britton does in Building Benjamin is to pick up in Judges 21 with the abduction of virgins from the tribe of Ephraim and write how the girls and their families may have reacted to the events. Whereas her debut novel rewrote how Naaman was healed of leprosy, this second novel is set in biblical times, but apart from the stealing of virgins, takes place completely in the author’s imagination. I hesitate to label it as biblical fiction and instead would file it under historical fiction.
Building Benjamin is a quick read due to both its brevity (227 pages) and Britton’s fluid writing. Naomi’s initial response to Eliab her captor is plausible, as was her subsequent softening to his plight. While a host of other characters were necessary for the telling, the bulk of Britton’s character development rested with the male and female protagonist.
It took guts to select these chapters from Judges for the basis of a story! I applaud the author for her willingness to step out on a limb as well as her execution. Britton is honing her craft with each book and carving out a space for herself in Christian fiction.
I won this book in a giveaway hosted by Liz Tolzma. :) Thanks Liz!
What Barbara Britton does in Building Benjamin is to pick up in Judges 21 with the abduction of virgins from the tribe of Ephraim and write how the girls and their families may have reacted to the events. Whereas her debut novel rewrote how Naaman was healed of leprosy, this second novel is set in biblical times, but apart from the stealing of virgins, takes place completely in the author’s imagination. I hesitate to label it as biblical fiction and instead would file it under historical fiction.
Building Benjamin is a quick read due to both its brevity (227 pages) and Britton’s fluid writing. Naomi’s initial response to Eliab her captor is plausible, as was her subsequent softening to his plight. While a host of other characters were necessary for the telling, the bulk of Britton’s character development rested with the male and female protagonist.
It took guts to select these chapters from Judges for the basis of a story! I applaud the author for her willingness to step out on a limb as well as her execution. Britton is honing her craft with each book and carving out a space for herself in Christian fiction.
I won this book in a giveaway hosted by Liz Tolzma. :) Thanks Liz!
September 18, 2018
A wonderful and Blessed story!
This was a truly inspirational and lovely story to read. I highly recommend this book about discovering forgiveness and trusting in God to lead one even in the face of trials and tribulations. The story of Naomi's journey from her home to a new tribe is one of hope and love. It's wonderful that there is a author who has the ability to write a faith filled story of love!
This was a truly inspirational and lovely story to read. I highly recommend this book about discovering forgiveness and trusting in God to lead one even in the face of trials and tribulations. The story of Naomi's journey from her home to a new tribe is one of hope and love. It's wonderful that there is a author who has the ability to write a faith filled story of love!
July 27, 2019
Highly recommend.
This book holds your attention while inspiring you to follow in God's path regardless. The captivating way the life of biblical times is brought forth in a story from is wonderful. I will use this inspiration at my ladies bible study.
This book holds your attention while inspiring you to follow in God's path regardless. The captivating way the life of biblical times is brought forth in a story from is wonderful. I will use this inspiration at my ladies bible study.
June 8, 2017
I have always loved good Biblical fiction--and this one is definitely good!
The tribe of Ephraim (one of the half-tribes of Rachel's older son, Joseph) had developed a curious custom in the days following their settling in the Promised Land. The young women of marriageable age would perform a somewhat enticing dance for the eligible bachelors. Well, just a little before that, the whole of the Israelite nation declared war on the Benjaminites, killing every man, woman, and child they found in Gibeah in revenge for a brutal rape and murder of a priest's betrothed. Many men were left in the tribe, but not many women. Unless the Benjaminites could find wives, the tribe would die out. Families in Judah were forbidden to give their daughters to them. What was left for them to do? Kidnapping.
Which begins Naomi's story. She didn't like the dancing custom, but her friend Cuzbi, a less-than-beautiful girl, wanted to dance next to Naomi. Naomi's beauty might draw attention to Cuzbi. Cuzbi and Naomi were both selected, all right; just not as they hoped. Several Benjaminites raided their village, taking several of the virgins captive. Eliab took Naomi, and his brother took Cuzbi. Another brother selected Jael.
The captors with their new brides-to-be rode their mules hard for their land, east of Gibeah. Naomi was sure her father, brother, and many other men would surely follow to rescue them. Something odd happened, though. In fact, several odd things.
You might want to grab a copy. Definitely worth the price. Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I received a copy of this book from the author free in return for an honest review.
The tribe of Ephraim (one of the half-tribes of Rachel's older son, Joseph) had developed a curious custom in the days following their settling in the Promised Land. The young women of marriageable age would perform a somewhat enticing dance for the eligible bachelors. Well, just a little before that, the whole of the Israelite nation declared war on the Benjaminites, killing every man, woman, and child they found in Gibeah in revenge for a brutal rape and murder of a priest's betrothed. Many men were left in the tribe, but not many women. Unless the Benjaminites could find wives, the tribe would die out. Families in Judah were forbidden to give their daughters to them. What was left for them to do? Kidnapping.
Which begins Naomi's story. She didn't like the dancing custom, but her friend Cuzbi, a less-than-beautiful girl, wanted to dance next to Naomi. Naomi's beauty might draw attention to Cuzbi. Cuzbi and Naomi were both selected, all right; just not as they hoped. Several Benjaminites raided their village, taking several of the virgins captive. Eliab took Naomi, and his brother took Cuzbi. Another brother selected Jael.
The captors with their new brides-to-be rode their mules hard for their land, east of Gibeah. Naomi was sure her father, brother, and many other men would surely follow to rescue them. Something odd happened, though. In fact, several odd things.
You might want to grab a copy. Definitely worth the price. Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
I received a copy of this book from the author free in return for an honest review.
October 12, 2024
This book was an absolutely beautiful story of forgiveness. Naomi had to overcome all of the anger and resentment and ended up forgiving her “enemy.” Seeing her struggle inwardly, and outwardly, and finally finding the forgiveness both she and Eliab needed was a wonderful example of showing forgiveness ourselves. Plus, it was just a beautiful love story, it s was exactly what my inner romantic need.
January 31, 2017
Building Benjamin
Naomi's Journey
by Barbara M. Britton
Pelican Book Group
You Are Auto-Approved
White Rose Publishing
Romance, Christian
Pub Date 01 Feb 2017
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Building Benjamin through the publisher and Netgalley:
This book takes us back to Biblical times where we are introduced to Naomi,who strives to dance well enough to catch the eye of a wealthy landowner.
Naomi is kidnapped from a festival and held hostage.
Her captor is a man named Eliab, a troubled Shepard who is desperate for a wife, but despite circumstances Naomi soon finds herself seeing the good in this man, and finds comfort in his strong faith in God.
Soon that faith is tested when their city is attacked, and homes are burnt to the ground.
I give Building Benjamin five out of five stars.
Happy Reading.
May 13, 2017
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25. This is the setting for Building Benjamin. Reading the final few chapters of the book of Judges helped me understand and picture the harsh realities of life for ancient Israelites. The actions described seemed terribly barbaric, but Naomi and Eliab managed to avoid capitulating to the brutality around them.
Honor, courage, and faith elevated Naomi and her captor, Eliab, as they learned to appreciate one another and fought for their families. Author Barbara M. Britton’s extensive research shines through this story, creating realistic characters that I cared about.
If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you’ll want to read Building Benjamin. It earns four and a half stars. Disclaimer: I was given this book as a gift. All opinions are my own.
Honor, courage, and faith elevated Naomi and her captor, Eliab, as they learned to appreciate one another and fought for their families. Author Barbara M. Britton’s extensive research shines through this story, creating realistic characters that I cared about.
If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you’ll want to read Building Benjamin. It earns four and a half stars. Disclaimer: I was given this book as a gift. All opinions are my own.
May 23, 2021
Even Better Than the First
Although I enjoyed the first book (4/5), but found it to be a bit “lustily focused,” if that can be understood. I love historical fiction, especially biblical fiction, telling the fascinating stories of the Old Testament. This story told a beautiful love story, a bit sexually focused initially, but quickly became a story of forgiveness, redemption, God’s Providence, and goodness. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about the incredible stories of the God’s chosen people, the Jewish nation.
Although I enjoyed the first book (4/5), but found it to be a bit “lustily focused,” if that can be understood. I love historical fiction, especially biblical fiction, telling the fascinating stories of the Old Testament. This story told a beautiful love story, a bit sexually focused initially, but quickly became a story of forgiveness, redemption, God’s Providence, and goodness. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to read about the incredible stories of the God’s chosen people, the Jewish nation.
July 19, 2017
I really enjoyed the premise of this book. I think taking biblical characters and giving them life is brilliant. I also thought that the romance between the characters developed very naturally and was enjoyable to experience as a reader. My only difficulty with this story was the time period itself. Some historicals can be almost alien because the world is so different and unknown in the present day, and for me, this was one of them. Someone more versed in the Old Testament may not have this problem, or someone who has read this time period before. For me, there were times when I was confused as to what was happening or why, because I did not understand the world I was in. The romance, however, was sweet, and their faith was heartwarming.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews