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Hadassah #2
The Hadassah Covenant
"This sequel to Hadassah parallels the lives of Hadassah and Queen Esther in modern day Israel and the Persian kingdom. Each woman must remain strong as she fights for her people"--Provided by publisher.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
22 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Tommy Tenney
124 books113 followersTommy Tenney is the author of multi-million selling The God Chasers series. He has written more than thirty books, with eight best-selling titles to date. Tommy has books in over forty languages, traveled into more than seventy-two countries and television broadcast into one hundred twenty nations. Tommy spent ten years pastoring and has spent over twenty years in itinerant ministry. His two passions are leading others to seek the presence of God and encouraging unity in the body of Christ. He is the founder of GodChasers.network, a mission's ministry organized to assist pastors globally, and distribute Tommy's teachings through various media. Three generations of ministry in his family heritage, and three daughters, have given Tommy a unique perspective on ministry. The Tenneys reside in Louisiana with their three daughters, their son-in-law, four grandchildren and two Yorkies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 28, 2016
I love these types of books because they bring the Bible stories to life in a way that the modern reader can connect with the characters and find new ways to connect with God (though loosely based on scripture and more historical additions). Sometimes it is easy to believe that God only works in big ways using big events like Ester becoming Queen and saving her people. For the rest of us, His hand is not always so readily seen, but He has a purpose for every single person.
In times past an Exilarch represented the Jewish people in exile to their foreign lords. A modern-day Exilarch might hold the key to ending the violence and restoring peace and safety to the Middle East. But such a person would have to be descended of both the Davidic bloodline and of Mordecaiís line. I am not well acquainted with Middle East politics, and I feel even more confused after reading this book. To be honest, how would establishing an Exilarch help to solve the violence in the Middle East? Wouldn't it just create a more prominent target for terrorists? It seemed a little simple a solution to a long, dark history of terror.
The authors do a great job of imagining what might have happened in the lives of Esther and Mordecai and placing that possibility as a backdrop for present-day tensions in the Middle East. Brilliant idea not fully executed.
I loved the first book, but this sequel does not hold a very bright candle against the original. The cuts between modern and ancient times is confusing and scattered. I never really connected with any characters because there is not much I can relate to in either lives. Then there were the news stories put in front of chapters, which really helped to confuse me more about the multiple different stories revolving in the book. The plot felt disjointed, the modern characters not fully developed, and the ending simplistic.
In times past an Exilarch represented the Jewish people in exile to their foreign lords. A modern-day Exilarch might hold the key to ending the violence and restoring peace and safety to the Middle East. But such a person would have to be descended of both the Davidic bloodline and of Mordecaiís line. I am not well acquainted with Middle East politics, and I feel even more confused after reading this book. To be honest, how would establishing an Exilarch help to solve the violence in the Middle East? Wouldn't it just create a more prominent target for terrorists? It seemed a little simple a solution to a long, dark history of terror.
The authors do a great job of imagining what might have happened in the lives of Esther and Mordecai and placing that possibility as a backdrop for present-day tensions in the Middle East. Brilliant idea not fully executed.
I loved the first book, but this sequel does not hold a very bright candle against the original. The cuts between modern and ancient times is confusing and scattered. I never really connected with any characters because there is not much I can relate to in either lives. Then there were the news stories put in front of chapters, which really helped to confuse me more about the multiple different stories revolving in the book. The plot felt disjointed, the modern characters not fully developed, and the ending simplistic.
November 6, 2014
Hadassah: One Night with the King was the incredible story of Queen Esther. In The Hadassah Covenant, Tenney continues the story of Queen Esther as it interplays with the antagonism between Israel and Iraq and the Jewish remnant still hiding in Iraq in modern times. The author wove the discovery of ancient letters from Esther, Leah (a later Jewish concubine in the Persian palace), and Mordecai into a modern day story of intrigue and dissension between the two countries. Both the characters and storyline are very well done, and this book definitely keeps your attention.
November 1, 2020
Loved it 👍
November 4, 2020
Her unlikely marriage to the King of Persia. The saving of her people. Queen Esther's life doesn't end right after the first Feast of Purim, and ongoing intrigues play into a critical political time, centuries later—when mortal danger again faces a prominent woman and her people in The Hadassah Covenant by authors Tommy Tenney and Mark Andrew Olsen.
It's been over a decade since the first time I read this dual-timeline thriller, the sequel to Hadassah: One Night With the King. I'd forgotten most of the modern-day side of the plot in this second novel, so I had the chance to view it with fresh eyes.
The novel has its share of tragedy and violence, sometimes a cruel and bloody reflection of what twisted people inflict upon other human beings. The story further illustrates how what happened with Esther and Xerxes was no romantic fairy tale, and the queen's legendary, heroic acts didn't mean smooth sailing from then on.
Now, there are several places in the novel where the historical characters unnaturally narrate events in their pasts, making explanations to each other that are obviously just for the reader's benefit. Also, the novel is pretty slow-paced for a thriller. With such a density of pivotal turns, it seems so many of the moments must be extremes, with prolonged descriptions of their significance.
Yet, the density ultimately works in favor of the rich plot, along with the affecting imagery, the sharp sense of atmosphere, and the depth of emotion. The characters' collective journey makes a compelling case for purpose that outlives the limelight and premature conclusions.
After more than ten years, I found this story powerful all over again.
It's been over a decade since the first time I read this dual-timeline thriller, the sequel to Hadassah: One Night With the King. I'd forgotten most of the modern-day side of the plot in this second novel, so I had the chance to view it with fresh eyes.
The novel has its share of tragedy and violence, sometimes a cruel and bloody reflection of what twisted people inflict upon other human beings. The story further illustrates how what happened with Esther and Xerxes was no romantic fairy tale, and the queen's legendary, heroic acts didn't mean smooth sailing from then on.
Now, there are several places in the novel where the historical characters unnaturally narrate events in their pasts, making explanations to each other that are obviously just for the reader's benefit. Also, the novel is pretty slow-paced for a thriller. With such a density of pivotal turns, it seems so many of the moments must be extremes, with prolonged descriptions of their significance.
Yet, the density ultimately works in favor of the rich plot, along with the affecting imagery, the sharp sense of atmosphere, and the depth of emotion. The characters' collective journey makes a compelling case for purpose that outlives the limelight and premature conclusions.
After more than ten years, I found this story powerful all over again.
August 1, 2020
I was actually dissaponted in this story.
And considering I loved the first one makes my heart break even more.
This is a complete work of fiction. There is no biblical accuracy and only slight historical accuracy.
How old is Easter as she is in her 40s in one pasage and then it sounds like her 80s the next. Also her instant love for Jesse after her "beloved" dies makes her love seem fickle and adulterous. If she was so consumed by her love for xerses she would not have been kissing jesse under some trees just a few months after.
A grandfatherly Mordecai falling in love and marrying a young jewish concubine sounds creepy. Remeber the king Artexerses is mentioned as being about 16 when he takes the throne. That makes him 18 or 19 when he startes looking for a wife. That makes Leah roughly the same age if not younger as most woman where married at 14 during that time period. A 18year old virgin would be a rare accorance in that time.
All tied up nicely in a bow at the end.. was hoping for more biblical substance.
And considering I loved the first one makes my heart break even more.
This is a complete work of fiction. There is no biblical accuracy and only slight historical accuracy.
How old is Easter as she is in her 40s in one pasage and then it sounds like her 80s the next. Also her instant love for Jesse after her "beloved" dies makes her love seem fickle and adulterous. If she was so consumed by her love for xerses she would not have been kissing jesse under some trees just a few months after.
A grandfatherly Mordecai falling in love and marrying a young jewish concubine sounds creepy. Remeber the king Artexerses is mentioned as being about 16 when he takes the throne. That makes him 18 or 19 when he startes looking for a wife. That makes Leah roughly the same age if not younger as most woman where married at 14 during that time period. A 18year old virgin would be a rare accorance in that time.
All tied up nicely in a bow at the end.. was hoping for more biblical substance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2016
I am not completely done reading this book, but it is based upon the Book of Esther from the Bible. It is written as a work of fiction as to what Esther's life really could have been like. I love these types of books because they bring the Bible stories to life in a way we can better understand them. This book holds your attention, right down to the details. This book explains a lot about how Esther was groomed to be Queen. When she becomes Queen, she realizes the power she has and how she can use it to save her people, the people no one knows she is of. The Jewish people.
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February 12, 2015Hmmmm...I'm not sure the plot synopsis is valid. Antaxerxes didn't find a Star of David medallion on Leah or was outraged as a result of her being a Jew. He had fallen in love with her but b/c of politics couldn't take a jew as Queen.\nThis is more the story of how the ancient story of Leah and Mordeccai affects the present day Jewish state with Iraq.\nIt was well written...although slow in a lot of parts. Interesting concept.
October 18, 2017
This is the 2nd in the series. It was better written than the first. To understand it, it's better that you have read the 1st one, but it's not a requirement. They do go over the areas that overlap. I would recommend this book if you are interested in historical fiction.
July 20, 2022
The book is really good! I read in two days. I was quite intrigued by the mystery of scrolls, family bloodline and why Hadassah determined to find the truth behind her family legacy. The story has depth and intensity and well done. Only reason for me four stars because I didn't like how Leah fall in love with Esther's uncle. That was kind of weird. I guess it is my opinion, however, it make sense for the story itself. Anyway, I high enjoyed it.
April 21, 2024
This book is a follow-up to a night with the king, and it has definitely a different Twist on things. The Hadassah Covenant is about the granddaughter from the character from the first book. There's a secret plot to take down the Jews in another country, and it's all based off of hadassah's family. In the book there is a gentleman looking for certain artifacts that led to the Jews that were hidden in iran. And it was all based off of hadassah's family line. Definitely a really good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2019
AWESOME😍😍
I absolutely LOVED ❤️❤️ it!! It actually used stories from history, and made them very interesting 😊😊. I loved the author(s) way of making the story ✏️✏️. My praise to you!! 👏👏
I absolutely LOVED ❤️❤️ it!! It actually used stories from history, and made them very interesting 😊😊. I loved the author(s) way of making the story ✏️✏️. My praise to you!! 👏👏
January 20, 2019
Exciting. Some unbelievable moments. I didn't take the time to find out how much truth was behind the story of Mordecai marrying and beginning a line of rulers called the Exilarch, but it was very interesting regardless.
July 2, 2022
Excellent two-book series.
This story I believe is very much historical in understanding the times and seasons; what it was like to be found in the various situations different ones lived under. God is always faithful@. Thank you Jesus!!
This story I believe is very much historical in understanding the times and seasons; what it was like to be found in the various situations different ones lived under. God is always faithful@. Thank you Jesus!!
December 17, 2017
Another Brilliantly told story. That takes you between to time periods and keeps you guessing until the end
November 29, 2018
Bored and undefined!
Read
June 27, 2019I loved the woven threads from Queen Esther days to modern day drama. Done well.
March 10, 2020
LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!
March 21, 2020
I was worse than the first book and only finished reading it for the sake of finishing the book
January 16, 2023
Lastig om in te komen. Wel interessant om zo na te denken over het wereldbeeld!! Blijft me wel bij
August 27, 2015
If you read my review for Hadassah: One Night with the King, you know I had a few minor issues with that book, wishing that they would delve a bit more into the present day character and her pre-wedding situation. Clearly, this book was meant to address that. This book is much more of a political suspense novel than Biblical fiction. Even so, I still liked it. It really was a companion novel to Hadassah and the two go very well together telling a tightly-woven tale that winds its way from ancient Persia to the modern Middle East. I also avoided the whole G-d phrasing that disrupted my reading so much in Hadassah by listening to it in audiobook form the whole way through. I know the history and tradition behind not writing out God's name, but I found that so disruptive reading the last book that I didn't want to mess with it at all this time around.
I really liked seeing the behind-the-scenes relationship of modern day Hadassah and her Prime Minister husband. It felt loving and real, seeing their private moments as well as the public ones. I started to really care about them as characters. How would they cope when tragedy and scandal come to their doorstep?
It seems the answers might be found once again in Hadassah's family past. This time, we learn more about what might have happened in the days after Esther's famous salvation of her people. It raised an important question: after doing something like that, does the Lord's hand just depart? Is there nothing more for Esther once that glory has past? We see others rise up to do big things in small ways: Mordecai, Nehemiah, Ezra, and even Leah. If there were more to the story, I'd gladly read that too.
I really liked seeing the behind-the-scenes relationship of modern day Hadassah and her Prime Minister husband. It felt loving and real, seeing their private moments as well as the public ones. I started to really care about them as characters. How would they cope when tragedy and scandal come to their doorstep?
It seems the answers might be found once again in Hadassah's family past. This time, we learn more about what might have happened in the days after Esther's famous salvation of her people. It raised an important question: after doing something like that, does the Lord's hand just depart? Is there nothing more for Esther once that glory has past? We see others rise up to do big things in small ways: Mordecai, Nehemiah, Ezra, and even Leah. If there were more to the story, I'd gladly read that too.
May 6, 2016
A wonderful sequel to the earlier volume "Hadassah" and a seamless narrative of "what happened next."
Esther is now in the shadows after her King Xerxes is murdered before her eyes in their own bedchamber, dispossessed and without any real royal power the hunt is on for a new bride for the next king so using the little wherewithal at her disposal, she Mordecai and her faithful childhood love Jesse try to coach and inform a beautiful lady of the harem called Leah but the country is war torn and full of turmoil and when the future king finds out she is Jewish that puts pay to her chances at being the royal favourite and future queen.
But all these circumstances are having a modern day twist and causing problems for the first lady of Israel, family secrets, succession and a hidden list of Jews throughout the ages leading down to the modern day families are all ingredients for a historical / modern tale.
To secure the dynasty the modern day Hadassah NEEDS that list to save the Jews from further extermination by terrorists and as actual proof that is blood lineage of the Davidic line thereby ensuring a place for a Exilarch.
But time is running out as the country is being torn apart by war can Hadassah and her loyal friends ever find the proof they seek to try to secure peace?
A brilliant blend of history, Biblical figures, fact and novel this is a must for any historical fans or even those who have an interest in religion.
Esther is now in the shadows after her King Xerxes is murdered before her eyes in their own bedchamber, dispossessed and without any real royal power the hunt is on for a new bride for the next king so using the little wherewithal at her disposal, she Mordecai and her faithful childhood love Jesse try to coach and inform a beautiful lady of the harem called Leah but the country is war torn and full of turmoil and when the future king finds out she is Jewish that puts pay to her chances at being the royal favourite and future queen.
But all these circumstances are having a modern day twist and causing problems for the first lady of Israel, family secrets, succession and a hidden list of Jews throughout the ages leading down to the modern day families are all ingredients for a historical / modern tale.
To secure the dynasty the modern day Hadassah NEEDS that list to save the Jews from further extermination by terrorists and as actual proof that is blood lineage of the Davidic line thereby ensuring a place for a Exilarch.
But time is running out as the country is being torn apart by war can Hadassah and her loyal friends ever find the proof they seek to try to secure peace?
A brilliant blend of history, Biblical figures, fact and novel this is a must for any historical fans or even those who have an interest in religion.
December 30, 2016
I also could not put this one down.. Exquisite storytelling skills!
January 3, 2013
One Night With the King: A Special Movie Edition of the Bestselling Novel, Hadassah
After going to the theater for what turns out to be my favorite movie to date, I had to buy the DVD. Then I noticed that author Tommy Tenney had also written a novel. Thinking it was just a repeat of the movie, I almost skipped it. I am so glad I didn't! The novel is well written and fleshed out the story so much more. I love the backstory of the modern day descendant of Hadassah and the letter that connects them. If you liked the movie, may I also recommend Hadassah, One Night With The King and The Hadassah Covenant? Same author, same topic but the additional subject matter fleshes out the letter admirable. Though not a fan of most historical fiction, all the books will be keepers in my little home library.
After going to the theater for what turns out to be my favorite movie to date, I had to buy the DVD. Then I noticed that author Tommy Tenney had also written a novel. Thinking it was just a repeat of the movie, I almost skipped it. I am so glad I didn't! The novel is well written and fleshed out the story so much more. I love the backstory of the modern day descendant of Hadassah and the letter that connects them. If you liked the movie, may I also recommend Hadassah, One Night With The King and The Hadassah Covenant? Same author, same topic but the additional subject matter fleshes out the letter admirable. Though not a fan of most historical fiction, all the books will be keepers in my little home library.
June 19, 2010
I enjoyed this book a lot, this is truly fiction and only loosely based on scripture. This assumes Queen Esther wrote a letter to another lady who might become Queen. There is lots of family connections through the generations, edge-of-your-set suspense, espionage...it keeps you guessing with even a twist at the end. My only complaint about it is there are so many stories within the story it is sometimes hard to follow.
July 24, 2012
Grade: F
The back of this book purported to have an intriguing story that tied modern and ancient together in an exciting story. However, that was not the case. It had a juvenile plot and was just plain boring. I really wanted to like it, but I had to set it aside after I was well into it, ummm, maybe page 225? And move on to one of the many books waiting to be read.
The back of this book purported to have an intriguing story that tied modern and ancient together in an exciting story. However, that was not the case. It had a juvenile plot and was just plain boring. I really wanted to like it, but I had to set it aside after I was well into it, ummm, maybe page 225? And move on to one of the many books waiting to be read.
October 26, 2016
This book is not based on the Bible like 'Hadassah: One night with the king was'. It is a fiction work on what may have happened after the book of Esther. It also tries to bring it up to date to present time and there is no mention to any Christianity at all. I liked the story, but it was hard to keep up with it.
Read
May 8, 2008This is book is set in two time frames--modern day Israel and Iraq and ancient Persia and Jerusalem. The story links Easter, Gueen of Peria to the wife of the Prime Minister of Ireael. It's fascinating and eye oopening.
March 15, 2009
The book kept going from the past life of Queen Hadassah (Eshter) and Leah, then back to the recent day in Iraq. It was difficult for me to get into this book. I enjoyed Hadassah book previously written, did not feel the same with this one and stopped on around 110 pages before I gave up.
February 24, 2011
I really loved the book before this one. This one was good and the love stories twined into it were sweet, but it wasn't my favorite and there were a few things where I just couldn't suspend my disbelief to accept them. I did enjoy it though.
August 2, 2014
A great sequel to the first novel. It spends far more time in the contemporary world than the Biblical and therefore loses some of the magic of the first book. In addition the Biblical characters aren't written as vividly and so it is not quite as captivating, but still a great read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews