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Prize of War
Acsah is the only daughter of the mighty Caleb, Israel’s most famous spy. When Acsah can’t seem to choose a husband, Caleb feels he must step in, and she soon finds herself betrothed to a warrior. That’s the last thing she wants, however. Soldiers are never home.... Othniel has loved Acsah for as long as he can remember. When Caleb makes his unbelievable promise of picking a trusted warrior for her husband, he fights not only for Israel but for her hand in marriage. Once safely settled in Debir, Acsah relaxes, believing Othniel can stay home and never fight again ... until the giants come back and threaten nearby Anab. Can Acsah deny the people of Anab her husband’s skill and leave them to the giants … or can she trust God if her husband goes to fight once again?
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2017
176 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Carole Towriss
22 books276 followersCarole Towriss and her husband live just north of Washington, DC. In between making tacos and telling her four children to pick up their shoes for the third time, she writes, watches chick flicks, and waits for summertime to return to the beach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 12, 2017
What a magnificent book by a first time author for me. Love the characters interaction. Can’t wait for another book by this author.
February 1, 2018
This is based on the biblical account of Acsah, the daughter of Caleb, who was offered as a prize to the one who could conquer the city of Kiriath-Sepher by getting rid of the Anakim (the giants who dwelt there). Although it was mostly a love story and I usually don't read "romance" books, this one was good and I enjoyed it. The lesson of depending on God who is always there for you, was nicely shown throughout.
Recommended for fans of Christian fiction.
Recommended for fans of Christian fiction.
December 1, 2017
I read 40% of this and lost interest. This is not really a love story and it is not well written. The couple spend very little time together, which is a minus in my book. A good love story has lots of good dialog between the characters. The first thing I noticed about this book was that it jumped around a lot and the transitions were not well done. The characters were leaning against a wall then suddenly they were touching and there was no explanation of how they got there. This got better over time, but there were many other things wrong. The characters had no depth, I didn't care for them, the bad guy was silly and I hated that he got his own chapters, show us don't tell us everything. So many of the conflicts in the story could have been completely avoided if the characters just sat down and talked to each other. If she had told her father or her husband about the widows they all could have come up with a good solution, but no she has to worry and stress the whole book about them. Just juvenile writing.
October 17, 2017
I love reading books like this because they help me imagine even better what it might have been like in bible times. Carole Towriss has done amazing research and combined it with her imagination to create this beautifully written story about Acsah. I highly recommend it.
October 14, 2017
I just finished this book. It is not the first I've read by this author, and I look forward to more in the future. The characters are well-developed and realistic. Her use of imagery and strong verbs allow one to feel as they are witnessing the events as they unfold. Carole's research of the cultural and biblical context of her story is impressive.
December 13, 2020
Caleb's daughter
This was an easy read but I was quite drawn by the story. Caleb promised his daughter Achsah to whomever captures a particular city. His relative, Othniel is the lucky man but Enosh is jealous. He tries to thwart Othniel's leadership but when danger arises he soon repents of his attitude. This is fascinating account of life during the conquest of Israel.
This was an easy read but I was quite drawn by the story. Caleb promised his daughter Achsah to whomever captures a particular city. His relative, Othniel is the lucky man but Enosh is jealous. He tries to thwart Othniel's leadership but when danger arises he soon repents of his attitude. This is fascinating account of life during the conquest of Israel.
September 6, 2018
I suppose I've mentioned a time or two that I love Biblical fiction and that Carole Towriss is one fantastic writer, but (in my humble opinion) these two facts (okay, opinions of mine) bear repeating. Prize of War is a high-five-star example.
Acsah is a young Jewish woman, daughter of the Biblical commander Caleb, unable to make up her mind as to a husband. She's almost to the age where she might not even be considered marriageable. Caleb, a widower, believes he must take action.
There is a nearby town, Kiriath-Sepher, that is filled with the giant Anakim. They are occupying what should be another in the land of Canaan to be now occupied by the Jews. Caleb decides to offer his daughter as a bride to the captain who can capture the impregnable city.
Most plans offered to him are ridiculously simple and simple-minded. It will take something more than brute force to overwhelm the Anakim. Two men offer plans to him that are reasonable--Enosh, a bear of a man, and Othniel, his daughter's childhood playmate who would give everything he had to win Acsah.
Acsah hates this arrangement, to be made a prize of war--she despises war and warriors. Warriors are never home. They're always off fighting somewhere, and you never know for sure that they will even be coming home at all. She loves her father, who is of course a warrior, but she hated the worry and fear and loneliness when he'd go off to another battle. Therefore--no husband for her! Although, she does sorta like Othni. Enosh just frightens her.
What will happen? Who will win?
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Acsah is a young Jewish woman, daughter of the Biblical commander Caleb, unable to make up her mind as to a husband. She's almost to the age where she might not even be considered marriageable. Caleb, a widower, believes he must take action.
There is a nearby town, Kiriath-Sepher, that is filled with the giant Anakim. They are occupying what should be another in the land of Canaan to be now occupied by the Jews. Caleb decides to offer his daughter as a bride to the captain who can capture the impregnable city.
Most plans offered to him are ridiculously simple and simple-minded. It will take something more than brute force to overwhelm the Anakim. Two men offer plans to him that are reasonable--Enosh, a bear of a man, and Othniel, his daughter's childhood playmate who would give everything he had to win Acsah.
Acsah hates this arrangement, to be made a prize of war--she despises war and warriors. Warriors are never home. They're always off fighting somewhere, and you never know for sure that they will even be coming home at all. She loves her father, who is of course a warrior, but she hated the worry and fear and loneliness when he'd go off to another battle. Therefore--no husband for her! Although, she does sorta like Othni. Enosh just frightens her.
What will happen? Who will win?
Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
October 20, 2017
I always love reading Carole Towriss's books! Her research is always strong and adds so much depth to the story! In this particular story from the book of Joshua, Caleb promises his daughter Acsah to the soldier who defeats the city of Keriath-Sepher. Although the Bible does not give us much detail about the marriage, through Carole's wonderful storytelling we can begin to imagine what might have happened. Following Acsah from her father's house to live with her new husband in a new town, with new surroundings, it's easy to see how she may have struggled with fear and worry.
Acsah must learn to seek Yahweh's presence in an unfamiliar setting which is something many of us have had to learn in our own lives! She must learn to trust that God will protect and provide and that she is never truly alone, even in some hard circumstances.
As I was reading I felt like I really knew the characters and could understand them, all due to great character development by the author. Prize of War is well written, exciting and captivating! For lovers of Biblical and historical fiction, it should be on your "must read" list!
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to provide a positive review.
Acsah must learn to seek Yahweh's presence in an unfamiliar setting which is something many of us have had to learn in our own lives! She must learn to trust that God will protect and provide and that she is never truly alone, even in some hard circumstances.
As I was reading I felt like I really knew the characters and could understand them, all due to great character development by the author. Prize of War is well written, exciting and captivating! For lovers of Biblical and historical fiction, it should be on your "must read" list!
Disclaimer: I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to provide a positive review.
October 20, 2017
A fascinating story, that pulls you in and keeps you reading!
Caleb has a beautiful daughter, Acsah, who has been slow to accept anyone for a husband. He decides to help her, by making her a reward to the man who leads them to victory over the city rebuilt by the Anakim, after Yahweh helped the Israelites conquer Jericho. Acsah isn’t very happy, because she thinks a warrior husband will be gone a lot, just as her father had been. But maybe Yahweh has a surprise for her, within that decision. This is a well written, believable story of what could have happened. I encourage anyone who enjoys a book based in biblical times, to read this book!
Disclaimer: I was given an advance copy of this book, and gladly offer my honest opinion in this review.
Caleb has a beautiful daughter, Acsah, who has been slow to accept anyone for a husband. He decides to help her, by making her a reward to the man who leads them to victory over the city rebuilt by the Anakim, after Yahweh helped the Israelites conquer Jericho. Acsah isn’t very happy, because she thinks a warrior husband will be gone a lot, just as her father had been. But maybe Yahweh has a surprise for her, within that decision. This is a well written, believable story of what could have happened. I encourage anyone who enjoys a book based in biblical times, to read this book!
Disclaimer: I was given an advance copy of this book, and gladly offer my honest opinion in this review.
December 28, 2017
Loved this story
I m so glad I didn't read this book first. I purchased a while ago and hadn't gotten to it yet but now realize that there were two before it which though they are different characters highly enriched this story. The author did a wonderful job of developing the characters in all three books. In this book the story moved right along and my feelings for Enoch especially developed right along with the storyline. This is a must read for anyone who loves biblical fiction. I love the storyline as it is a subject that is different. Many authors stick to the more popular biblical characters but Carol Towriss choses characters from the bible that are more hidden in the pages and develops them into larger than life stories. Awesome reading.
I m so glad I didn't read this book first. I purchased a while ago and hadn't gotten to it yet but now realize that there were two before it which though they are different characters highly enriched this story. The author did a wonderful job of developing the characters in all three books. In this book the story moved right along and my feelings for Enoch especially developed right along with the storyline. This is a must read for anyone who loves biblical fiction. I love the storyline as it is a subject that is different. Many authors stick to the more popular biblical characters but Carol Towriss choses characters from the bible that are more hidden in the pages and develops them into larger than life stories. Awesome reading.
September 23, 2022
Love this book
I absolutely love biblical history in non fiction writing. This is such a good book with lots of emotions flowing throughout. My only complaint is the need to stay true to real biblical characters when necessary. Rehab and Salmon were the parents to Obed not Simeon. This is an important omission because Obed is in the lineage of Christ. By omitting him from their family your break that all important crucial message of the family of Christ. This was hard to get over while reading this book.
I absolutely love biblical history in non fiction writing. This is such a good book with lots of emotions flowing throughout. My only complaint is the need to stay true to real biblical characters when necessary. Rehab and Salmon were the parents to Obed not Simeon. This is an important omission because Obed is in the lineage of Christ. By omitting him from their family your break that all important crucial message of the family of Christ. This was hard to get over while reading this book.
November 6, 2017
(I received this book in advance of its publication from the author and am voluntarily reviewing it)
This is one awesome read, with a very strong woman protagonist in a time where women had few leadership opportunities. Acsah must learn to seek Yahweh's presence in an unfamiliar setting, learning to trust that her G-d will protect and provide even when all seems lost.
A power, well researched historical fiction that draws you in and refuses to let you go.
This is one awesome read, with a very strong woman protagonist in a time where women had few leadership opportunities. Acsah must learn to seek Yahweh's presence in an unfamiliar setting, learning to trust that her G-d will protect and provide even when all seems lost.
A power, well researched historical fiction that draws you in and refuses to let you go.
June 18, 2018
I enjoyed this story and wondered why I had not read any of her books before this. It reminded of me of a similar flavor of Connilyn Cossette and Rachel Neal as I read. I wished that there were more books in this series, but instead I am looking at her other books!
It was a character that not is often spoken of, so it fascinated me to look up some of the stories and think of what it must have been like for the wives of warriors.
It was a character that not is often spoken of, so it fascinated me to look up some of the stories and think of what it must have been like for the wives of warriors.
January 5, 2022
I loved this book! The characters were really well built out and I found myself enthralled by the story based around a lesser known character in the bible, Acsah. I especially love the play of faith against doubt and fear, and it rang all too true with our own lives. We trust but we doubt; we believe but we’re afraid. Ultimately God is faithful and it is our own choice to walk with Him and believe what we cannot see, because He is good. A great read!
November 12, 2017
Right timing
Just been studying theses lesson of conquest,spies,and giants in our small groups at church. This story agreed with the research I did to lead the group studies . This author gets into heart of the times while frontline to the events. I liked being involved in Scans story
Just been studying theses lesson of conquest,spies,and giants in our small groups at church. This story agreed with the research I did to lead the group studies . This author gets into heart of the times while frontline to the events. I liked being involved in Scans story
April 11, 2018
Awesome
I love how she writes! It is like living the story yourself. I especially like all the details of the life there, how they make things, how they eat, how they follow God's commands, as well as how they are 'there' for each other. Will definitely get her other books to read.
I love how she writes! It is like living the story yourself. I especially like all the details of the life there, how they make things, how they eat, how they follow God's commands, as well as how they are 'there' for each other. Will definitely get her other books to read.
July 2, 2018
This is the first work of Biblical fiction that I have read from Ms. Towriss. It won't be the last. She brought Acsah's story from Joshua 15 to life. In a time of war, she brings out the faithfulness of God's people and a delightful romance with Othniel, son of Kenaz. I enjoyed the tension and Acsah's progress in trusting God in a land filled with battles and uncertainty.
October 4, 2018
A beautiful story!
This was a truly inspirational story about love,trust and faith. The author paints a vivid picture of the life of early Christians and their struggles to make a life. The Jewish communities and how much one young couple learn to let God lead in their relationships with one another.
This was a truly inspirational story about love,trust and faith. The author paints a vivid picture of the life of early Christians and their struggles to make a life. The Jewish communities and how much one young couple learn to let God lead in their relationships with one another.
May 9, 2020
Excellent read
I love how Carole bring little known Biblical characters to life , while simultaneously bringing us into their time and place teaching us how things “might have been” during The time period of early Israel history. Keep on writing Carole! You are fantastic at your craft!
I love how Carole bring little known Biblical characters to life , while simultaneously bringing us into their time and place teaching us how things “might have been” during The time period of early Israel history. Keep on writing Carole! You are fantastic at your craft!
May 14, 2021
Great Read! Old Testament come to life
Towards has away of making you fall in love with the men of the Bible. You can see these great warriors fighting an loving there family's. Relive in your mind everything they went thru, I enjoyed the second time of reading all three books again. Why not five stars you ask , it followed scripture but I want a better ending. Enjoy!!
Towards has away of making you fall in love with the men of the Bible. You can see these great warriors fighting an loving there family's. Relive in your mind everything they went thru, I enjoyed the second time of reading all three books again. Why not five stars you ask , it followed scripture but I want a better ending. Enjoy!!
October 14, 2017
This is a great book. It was hard to put down. The people in the book are interesting and I can put myself in as a part of their lives. A must read for anyone who likes Historical Fiction. A MUST read
November 28, 2017
Learn to listen differently
Again i love it love it,love it. You have an amazing talent in making these old testament stories come alive. Each character, plot, is alive on every page. Its indeed a challenge to learn to listen for the voice of God differently
Again i love it love it,love it. You have an amazing talent in making these old testament stories come alive. Each character, plot, is alive on every page. Its indeed a challenge to learn to listen for the voice of God differently
December 22, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a little slow getting started, but after I got into it I found it to be well written and the characters were well developed. I definitely plan on reading more of Ms. Towriss' books.
December 26, 2017
Great book!
This book is very well written. I liked the main characters and seeing how Ashish learned how to trust God. It was interesting how the writer made a story from a little known bible character. Good job!
This book is very well written. I liked the main characters and seeing how Ashish learned how to trust God. It was interesting how the writer made a story from a little known bible character. Good job!
January 6, 2018
Good read !
If, you are a real lover of Bible characters as I am, then you'll enjoy this book. The people seem to come to life when you go back and read about them again in scripture.
If, you are a real lover of Bible characters as I am, then you'll enjoy this book. The people seem to come to life when you go back and read about them again in scripture.
March 30, 2018
Can the faith of another work for you or must you work out your own?
Acsah was determined to marry anyone but a warrior but her abba have her in marriage to the man who won a city and she was obedient.
Acsah was determined to marry anyone but a warrior but her abba have her in marriage to the man who won a city and she was obedient.
March 22, 2020
Wonderful book
I have read all four of this series. I love the you the author stays close to the Bible when she writes and starts each chapter with a Bible verse. I did, however, find quite a few grammatical errors. I did enjoy this book and the whole series.
I have read all four of this series. I love the you the author stays close to the Bible when she writes and starts each chapter with a Bible verse. I did, however, find quite a few grammatical errors. I did enjoy this book and the whole series.
June 13, 2021
Great read!
This was a great read from start to finish. This author does great research for her story. I really enjoyed all of her work. I definitely recommend this story and many others written by this author.
This was a great read from start to finish. This author does great research for her story. I really enjoyed all of her work. I definitely recommend this story and many others written by this author.
May 10, 2018
Interesting and enjoyable
I liked this book. I think that I will be thinking about the theme of this for a while, which is a mark of a well written story.
I liked this book. I think that I will be thinking about the theme of this for a while, which is a mark of a well written story.
June 12, 2018
Nice read
I liked the story line and character development. It was well written and good entertainment, suspenseful with resolution. I would recommend this book to friends.
I liked the story line and character development. It was well written and good entertainment, suspenseful with resolution. I would recommend this book to friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews