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A Timeless, Beautiful Allegory of the Biblical Love Story of Ruth and Boaz
The Great Rebellion of 1857 was a remarkably bloody business. At a time when Britain’s imperial influence in India was sparking brutal clashes on both sides, no one could have expected Rena, an Indian woman, to marry a British officer—nor do they understand her decision to follow her mother-in-law to England after her husband’s tragic death.
Once the two widows are in Abbotsville, the stern yet compassionate Lord Barric attempts to help them despite his better judgment. Soon he is torn between the demands of reputation and his increasing desire to capture Rena’s heart for his own.
A Timeless, Beautiful Allegory of the Biblical Love Story of Ruth and Boaz
The Great Rebellion of 1857 was a remarkably bloody business. At a time when Britain’s imperial influence in India was sparking brutal clashes on both sides, no one could have expected Rena, an Indian woman, to marry a British officer—nor do they understand her decision to follow her mother-in-law to England after her husband’s tragic death.
Once the two widows are in Abbotsville, the stern yet compassionate Lord Barric attempts to help them despite his better judgment. Soon he is torn between the demands of reputation and his increasing desire to capture Rena’s heart for his own.
Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2019
47 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Stephens
5 books279 followersNaomi Stephens is a bookworm turned teacher turned writer. She received a B.A. in English from Concordia University in Ann Arbor, and an M.A. in English from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.
In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight.
Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.
In bookstores, Naomi gravitates towards 19th-century British novels—the broodier the better (i.e., Jane Eyre)—but she can also be found perusing the young adult, mystery, and fantasy sections. Anything that keeps her turning pages past midnight.
Though she has called many places home over the years, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband, her two children, and a rascal of a dog named Sherlock. When not writing or having adventures with her family, she can be found drinking tea, practicing photography, and pining for London.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 12, 2019
This novel is a beautifully written retelling of the Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz story from the Bible.
The characters feel real in terms of their actions, hesitations, and motivations. I could empathize with Rena's despair at being cast off and widowed. I could understand Barric's hesitation and indecision regarding aid to the two widows and how it would look. I really appreciated the Pastor's statement that Barric could NOT do nothing -- the women were already his responsibility as a Christian. Some of the language in the book reminded me of poetry in its depth and beauty. The setting and historical references appear to have been well researched and add considerably to the reader's understanding of societal pressures of the day. I hope this author writes more; she reminds me of Sandra Byrd, whose books I absolutely LOVE. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a moving story to get caught up in for days and remember for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Inc. for a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions in this review are my own.
The characters feel real in terms of their actions, hesitations, and motivations. I could empathize with Rena's despair at being cast off and widowed. I could understand Barric's hesitation and indecision regarding aid to the two widows and how it would look. I really appreciated the Pastor's statement that Barric could NOT do nothing -- the women were already his responsibility as a Christian. Some of the language in the book reminded me of poetry in its depth and beauty. The setting and historical references appear to have been well researched and add considerably to the reader's understanding of societal pressures of the day. I hope this author writes more; she reminds me of Sandra Byrd, whose books I absolutely LOVE. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a moving story to get caught up in for days and remember for a long time.
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing Inc. for a free copy of this book to read and review. All opinions in this review are my own.
March 10, 2019
While not perfect, this was a good story about a young Indian widow who leaves her homeland to travel with her English mother-in-law back to England. It’s a story of the journey through grief, of selfless love, determination, and prejudice (both racial and social).
I admired the heroine’s strength and watching her own self-discovery of that strength as she faced her grief, her struggles with prejudice and ultimately her reconciliation of her Indian heritage and her new English circumstances.
I did feel the story was a bit too long and drawn out and a bit draggy in spots, however overall it was a satisfyingly good read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Barbour for the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
I admired the heroine’s strength and watching her own self-discovery of that strength as she faced her grief, her struggles with prejudice and ultimately her reconciliation of her Indian heritage and her new English circumstances.
I did feel the story was a bit too long and drawn out and a bit draggy in spots, however overall it was a satisfyingly good read.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Barbour for the ARC. The opinions are strictly my own.
October 22, 2021
The only difference between the story of Ruth in the Bible and this story are the names and locations. (Barric for Boaz, Nell for Naomi and Rena for Ruth). This is set in England instead of Israel, and the Ruth character is Indian instead of a Moabite.
I am so familiar with the book of Ruth that I decided not to buy the full length story. (Actually I didn’t realize I was reading a sample until it abruptly ended.)
The writing is very good though, I have to admit. The full length book would be great for someone unfamiliar with the Ruth and Naomi.
I am so familiar with the book of Ruth that I decided not to buy the full length story. (Actually I didn’t realize I was reading a sample until it abruptly ended.)
The writing is very good though, I have to admit. The full length book would be great for someone unfamiliar with the Ruth and Naomi.
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October 8, 2022Wonderful! Ruth & Naomi re-written
This is by far one of the best books I've read in a very long time. It took me well into the first chapter to realize I was reading an 1800's version of Ruth & Naomi. Perfectly written and held my attention until the very end. I wanted to bawl to be honest. Great writing.
This is by far one of the best books I've read in a very long time. It took me well into the first chapter to realize I was reading an 1800's version of Ruth & Naomi. Perfectly written and held my attention until the very end. I wanted to bawl to be honest. Great writing.
April 11, 2019
Lovely reading
I loved this story it made me believe that some people can still be kind even when they are rich. I want to read more about Rena so does this story continue?
I loved this story it made me believe that some people can still be kind even when they are rich. I want to read more about Rena so does this story continue?
October 17, 2022
Excellent
I truly enjoyed this book. It is the type you want to continue to read cover to cover without putting down.
I truly enjoyed this book. It is the type you want to continue to read cover to cover without putting down.
April 29, 2025
Amazing writing that really helps bring the story of Ruth alive through the authors reimagining in her characters and their struggles. I had a hard time putting it down!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews