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True: A Contemporary Retelling of Rahab
Traded away as a young girl by her father, True relies on no one but herself. She knows the enemy army is coming—General Kohl repeats it each night, after he puts the money on her bedside table.
When two foreigners show up at her door, True hides the men from the soldiers who arrive with a presidential search warrant. Colonel Holoke vows her life will be spared, along with any family members who are inside her house, when his army returns. The rest of the city will be annihilated.
True must reconcile with her father’s disastrous choice and convince the family who turned a blind eye to save their lives. But as drones arrive and circle the city, True’s trust in Holoke’s God is tested as the walls to her city tumble down.
When two foreigners show up at her door, True hides the men from the soldiers who arrive with a presidential search warrant. Colonel Holoke vows her life will be spared, along with any family members who are inside her house, when his army returns. The rest of the city will be annihilated.
True must reconcile with her father’s disastrous choice and convince the family who turned a blind eye to save their lives. But as drones arrive and circle the city, True’s trust in Holoke’s God is tested as the walls to her city tumble down.
- GenresChristian Fiction
108 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2019
2 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Clancy
7 books330 followersI'm just a sarcastic, Jesus-loving author taking the publishing world by storm...one facepalm at a time. Just say no to mayo.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 30, 2019
Wow. For such a short book this was a powerful story.
In less than 100 pages the author gets the story of redemption and forgiveness through the pages.
The story was raw, it had emotion. The author has a nice writing style which did make it easy to fly through the book.
The story of Rahab is a very popular story to retell, and it can be a hard one to pull off. However this author did a good job.
I could DEFINITELY see the actual Bible story coming off the pages, but to be honest I don't know if that will make this book stand out in the market or if it will get lost among the other stories.
I make this a point because it is a marketed as a "contemporary retelling" and I had a hard time finding what was contemporary about the book since I just saw the actual Bible story. It felt like it followed very closely to the biblical story and wasn't so much a retelling.
Rahab was such a strong biblical character, and True definitely stayed authentic to that.
Because it was a short book there honestly wasn't that much world building or character building, and I think that might hinder its growth in the market. And I honestly felt that the book was missing a complete ending.
There was also a lot of language that was hinted at, and though the character who did the cussing was not saved, it did start to bother me. Though the words weren't spoken aloud, I personally don't enjoy when characters swear constantly.
This author has potential and I'm excited to see where God takes her next.
Though not my favorite retelling of Rahab, it might be a story that touches someone.
I rated it a 3/5 stars.
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
In less than 100 pages the author gets the story of redemption and forgiveness through the pages.
The story was raw, it had emotion. The author has a nice writing style which did make it easy to fly through the book.
The story of Rahab is a very popular story to retell, and it can be a hard one to pull off. However this author did a good job.
I could DEFINITELY see the actual Bible story coming off the pages, but to be honest I don't know if that will make this book stand out in the market or if it will get lost among the other stories.
I make this a point because it is a marketed as a "contemporary retelling" and I had a hard time finding what was contemporary about the book since I just saw the actual Bible story. It felt like it followed very closely to the biblical story and wasn't so much a retelling.
Rahab was such a strong biblical character, and True definitely stayed authentic to that.
Because it was a short book there honestly wasn't that much world building or character building, and I think that might hinder its growth in the market. And I honestly felt that the book was missing a complete ending.
There was also a lot of language that was hinted at, and though the character who did the cussing was not saved, it did start to bother me. Though the words weren't spoken aloud, I personally don't enjoy when characters swear constantly.
This author has potential and I'm excited to see where God takes her next.
Though not my favorite retelling of Rahab, it might be a story that touches someone.
I rated it a 3/5 stars.
*I received this book from the author**All opinions are my own*
May 29, 2019
*DISCLAIMER: The author of this novella gave me a published copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.*
True is a contemporary retelling of Rahab. To me, it felt kind of dystopian, but maybe I'm wrong. I've never read a retelling about a biblical person before, and I liked the modern twist on it, as opposed to just a retelling still set in biblical times. I thought the book gave a very fresh perspective on Rahab's story.
True was the character fashioned after Rahab. Due to things that happened in her childhood, she learned to put on a brave face and act confident for those around her. I wanted more of True's story. It intrigued me. Because this was a novella, Sarah could only put so much information in there, but I wanted a little more. I felt like because it was a novella, the major moments in True's life were kind of rushed. I also would've liked to see more of True battling with thoughts and experiences from her past. I felt like True was too okay to have been through what she went through. Again, part of this was because it was a novella, but I wanted to learn how she overcame her struggles. This could have been a full fleshed novel, in my opinion. Sarah had a lot of interesting starts to full plot lines. I wanted more character development and more relationship development. I liked seeing her interactions with her family. Overall, this is a good book, but I felt a lot was thrown in there with a short time to explain it all and I want another book to continue the story. There was a good base and there could be more. It was an enjoyable read. This book was clean for the most part. The word p*ss was said once, as well as the word h*ll. Obviously, since Rahab is a prostitute, there is some talk of that in this book, but there are no explicit scenes and there are not even any kissing scenes. I rated this 4.5/5 stars for cleanness, 4/5 stars for characters, and 4.5/5 stars for plot. My personal rating is 4/5 stars.
True is a contemporary retelling of Rahab. To me, it felt kind of dystopian, but maybe I'm wrong. I've never read a retelling about a biblical person before, and I liked the modern twist on it, as opposed to just a retelling still set in biblical times. I thought the book gave a very fresh perspective on Rahab's story.
True was the character fashioned after Rahab. Due to things that happened in her childhood, she learned to put on a brave face and act confident for those around her. I wanted more of True's story. It intrigued me. Because this was a novella, Sarah could only put so much information in there, but I wanted a little more. I felt like because it was a novella, the major moments in True's life were kind of rushed. I also would've liked to see more of True battling with thoughts and experiences from her past. I felt like True was too okay to have been through what she went through. Again, part of this was because it was a novella, but I wanted to learn how she overcame her struggles. This could have been a full fleshed novel, in my opinion. Sarah had a lot of interesting starts to full plot lines. I wanted more character development and more relationship development. I liked seeing her interactions with her family. Overall, this is a good book, but I felt a lot was thrown in there with a short time to explain it all and I want another book to continue the story. There was a good base and there could be more. It was an enjoyable read. This book was clean for the most part. The word p*ss was said once, as well as the word h*ll. Obviously, since Rahab is a prostitute, there is some talk of that in this book, but there are no explicit scenes and there are not even any kissing scenes. I rated this 4.5/5 stars for cleanness, 4/5 stars for characters, and 4.5/5 stars for plot. My personal rating is 4/5 stars.
April 17, 2019
My thoughts: 4.5/5 stars
This is a contemporary biblical retelling.
Trigger warning: True is a prostitute. (Because Rehab was a prostitute. If you're unfamiliar with the story of Rehab I suggest you read Joshua chapter 2.)
There was a little more detail than I'd like in the scenes where True was working.
This novella was a combination between old and new. It was modern but it didn't feel modern.
I felt the story progressed at the right pace. It wasn't too fast but it was not slow.
The characters were interesting! It was nice to see things from True's perspective (the Rahab character). The reason why she lived the way she did.
In the Bible we aren't actually given Rehab's back story, so it was nice to get some perspective from this retelling.
I love True overcomes her past. She realizes she has the right to hold a grudge, and for so long, she did. But underneath her profession, underneath her mask, she's a good person.
One I'm sad to see go.
I definitely recommend this book!!
You can get your copy of True on Amazon
Thanks so much to Sarah for reaching out to me about reviewing True! I loved it!
* I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. *
This is a contemporary biblical retelling.
Trigger warning: True is a prostitute. (Because Rehab was a prostitute. If you're unfamiliar with the story of Rehab I suggest you read Joshua chapter 2.)
There was a little more detail than I'd like in the scenes where True was working.
This novella was a combination between old and new. It was modern but it didn't feel modern.
I felt the story progressed at the right pace. It wasn't too fast but it was not slow.
The characters were interesting! It was nice to see things from True's perspective (the Rahab character). The reason why she lived the way she did.
In the Bible we aren't actually given Rehab's back story, so it was nice to get some perspective from this retelling.
I love True overcomes her past. She realizes she has the right to hold a grudge, and for so long, she did. But underneath her profession, underneath her mask, she's a good person.
One I'm sad to see go.
I definitely recommend this book!!
You can get your copy of True on Amazon
Thanks so much to Sarah for reaching out to me about reviewing True! I loved it!
* I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way obligated to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. *
April 23, 2019
True is a contemporary retelling of the Biblical story of Rahab. If you are familiar with this story you will know the basic outline however, in this modern version, author S.E. Clancy fills in the details beautifully. As the story began, I immediately felt invested in True and wanted to know what happened in her past to shape who she was. True’s childhood was cut short to say the least. She was separated from her family for many years, at first a forced separation then one of her own choosing. Faith, trust and forgiveness are all themes in this novella. Although it is short, at just under 100 pages, it is extremely well paced with enough action and dialogue to keep the story moving forward. I definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with great character development and a slight dystopian feel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 22, 2019
This is such a page turner I don’t even know where to start! For now, we can start with how much I loved True, a wounded soul with plenty to give. At first glance it’s easy to judge her, but as you get to know her an unshakeable connection forms, and in few pages I’d imagine that’s difficult to do. The author did a ridiculously good job at bringing her to life. I appreciated the fact that I was not immediately told her history or who she was. The reader is left to discovery her as the story naturally unfolds.
Clancy also did remarkable work at painting each scene. I felt like I was there in True’s home as the fly on the wall. And the dialogue moved the story at a steady pace, just what the doctor ordered. Not a dull moment in sight. It was easy to get immersed in the plot, which had me gripping my kindle way too tight. So many thrilling moments! Very satisfying for this suspense junkie! No complaints there. Easily ten stars, and I invite anyone to get lost in this beautiful story.
Clancy also did remarkable work at painting each scene. I felt like I was there in True’s home as the fly on the wall. And the dialogue moved the story at a steady pace, just what the doctor ordered. Not a dull moment in sight. It was easy to get immersed in the plot, which had me gripping my kindle way too tight. So many thrilling moments! Very satisfying for this suspense junkie! No complaints there. Easily ten stars, and I invite anyone to get lost in this beautiful story.
March 21, 2019
What an amazing retelling! I sat down last night and finished it in about two hours! Clancy's writing illuminates the characters and I found myself hurting for True--the young girl who'd never had the chance to finish her childhood.
If you're familiar with the story of Rahab, you know what's coming. But Clancy puts a contemporary spin on the tale, making it fresh and new.
I thoroughly loved True and will be looking for more from this author!
If you're familiar with the story of Rahab, you know what's coming. But Clancy puts a contemporary spin on the tale, making it fresh and new.
I thoroughly loved True and will be looking for more from this author!
June 8, 2019
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.
Wow!!!!!! I don’t even know where to start! @authorseclancy novel “True: a contemporary retelling of Rahab” is beyond words!
As the title says, the book is a contemporary retelling of the Bible story of Rahab, and I can tell you, this book will exceed your expectations! I know it exceeded mine! @authorseclancy has written this beautiful novel in such a skilled and talented way that it will captivate you from the very first page! The original descriptions and references used in this book give you a sense closeness to the characters feelings and personalities that pleasantly surprised me. The character development in this book as well as the story development is impecable. I’m so thankful to @authorseclancy for giving me the opportunity to review her book, and I’m so excited to read any of your future works. Available on March 14, 2019.
Ps. @authorseclancy please write a second book! I need to know what happens next!🙈
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.
. Summary from book:
Traded away as a young girl by her father, True relies on no one but herself. She knows the enemy army is coming—General Kohl repeats it each night, after he puts the money on her bedside table.
When two foreigners show up at her door, True hides the men from the soldiers who arrive with a presidential search warrant. Colonel Holoke vows her life will be spared, along with any family members who are inside her house, when his army returns. The rest of the city will be annihilated.
True must reconcile with her father’s disastrous choice and convince the family who turned a blind eye to save their lives. But as drones arrive and circle the city, True’s trust in Holoke’s God is tested as the walls to her city tumble down.
#betterthanrubiesreviews
.
Wow!!!!!! I don’t even know where to start! @authorseclancy novel “True: a contemporary retelling of Rahab” is beyond words!
As the title says, the book is a contemporary retelling of the Bible story of Rahab, and I can tell you, this book will exceed your expectations! I know it exceeded mine! @authorseclancy has written this beautiful novel in such a skilled and talented way that it will captivate you from the very first page! The original descriptions and references used in this book give you a sense closeness to the characters feelings and personalities that pleasantly surprised me. The character development in this book as well as the story development is impecable. I’m so thankful to @authorseclancy for giving me the opportunity to review her book, and I’m so excited to read any of your future works. Available on March 14, 2019.
Ps. @authorseclancy please write a second book! I need to know what happens next!🙈
.
.
. Summary from book:
Traded away as a young girl by her father, True relies on no one but herself. She knows the enemy army is coming—General Kohl repeats it each night, after he puts the money on her bedside table.
When two foreigners show up at her door, True hides the men from the soldiers who arrive with a presidential search warrant. Colonel Holoke vows her life will be spared, along with any family members who are inside her house, when his army returns. The rest of the city will be annihilated.
True must reconcile with her father’s disastrous choice and convince the family who turned a blind eye to save their lives. But as drones arrive and circle the city, True’s trust in Holoke’s God is tested as the walls to her city tumble down.
#betterthanrubiesreviews
April 7, 2019
I finished reading "True" by S.E. Clancy and it was really good!! 5★. It was a short easy read that draws you in. I was hooked from the first page and read it in one sitting. Both the story and the writing were excellent. I really loved it. I recommend this book and I can't wait to read more books from this author.
This book is a contemporary retelling of Rahab from the Bible in the book of Joshua. The prostitute that, through her faith in God, became a direct descendent of Jesus. Rahab's story is really inspiring for all of us sinners saved by grace.
This book is a contemporary retelling of Rahab from the Bible in the book of Joshua. The prostitute that, through her faith in God, became a direct descendent of Jesus. Rahab's story is really inspiring for all of us sinners saved by grace.
April 11, 2019
For being a debut novella of just under 100 pages this book was packed with so much detail and character development. From the very first page you are deeply submerged into True’s life. A life that beautifully shadows that of Rahab. Even though I knew how the story was going to end, the writing was so good that I was on the edge of my seat every step of the way. The only thing I wanted was more Holoke!
September 26, 2019
This story is fewer than a hundred pages, and S.E. Clancy uses every single one of them well.
I didn’t know what to expect when the author asked me to read and review her novella, but it wasn’t to find a new writer to put on my “favorites” list. Still, that’s what happened. From the first chapter, Clancy reels you in with the life of a modern-day Rahab who is vivid, unexpected, and somehow so natural, every piece you learn of her along the way, clicks into this bigger picture that simply makes sense.
You may be saying to yourself, “Okay, this is only 100 pages. I won’t have time to get attached or really be involved in this story.”
Yeah, I thought that, too.
I was incorrect.
Clancy knows how to immerse you in her fictional world. She offers that connection between character and reader, almost instantaneously. Good or bad, every character has a story—whether or not it is unraveled, the underlying depth remains, just barely out of reach.
S.E. Clancy writes with a well-done humor in a poetic, engaging, and matured voice that builds from Page One to The End. She can craft humor. She can pen endearing relationships---proven to me by the fact my heart was entangled with the depictions of True’s family, from the first time her nieces are introduced, to the final scene.
If you’re thinking this book is too short or not your thing, I can understand. I hope you will try it, though, because it is a creative work from an author with a God-given talent for stringing words together, and I am excited to see what other stories He has in store for her to share.
*I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my review, but all opinions expressed are my own.
I didn’t know what to expect when the author asked me to read and review her novella, but it wasn’t to find a new writer to put on my “favorites” list. Still, that’s what happened. From the first chapter, Clancy reels you in with the life of a modern-day Rahab who is vivid, unexpected, and somehow so natural, every piece you learn of her along the way, clicks into this bigger picture that simply makes sense.
You may be saying to yourself, “Okay, this is only 100 pages. I won’t have time to get attached or really be involved in this story.”
Yeah, I thought that, too.
I was incorrect.
Clancy knows how to immerse you in her fictional world. She offers that connection between character and reader, almost instantaneously. Good or bad, every character has a story—whether or not it is unraveled, the underlying depth remains, just barely out of reach.
S.E. Clancy writes with a well-done humor in a poetic, engaging, and matured voice that builds from Page One to The End. She can craft humor. She can pen endearing relationships---proven to me by the fact my heart was entangled with the depictions of True’s family, from the first time her nieces are introduced, to the final scene.
If you’re thinking this book is too short or not your thing, I can understand. I hope you will try it, though, because it is a creative work from an author with a God-given talent for stringing words together, and I am excited to see what other stories He has in store for her to share.
*I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my review, but all opinions expressed are my own.
October 26, 2019
S. E. Clancy explores behind a Bible story, placing it in a modern world and putting a small spin on it. Her writing was crisp and she gave just enough detail to know what was happening. I loved this story and I cannot wait to see what S. E. Clancy writes in the future.
November 11, 2024
I enjoyed the fast pace of this thought-provoking story, and at times I wished the author had developed it into a full length novel! This was the first CONTEMPORARY Biblical retelling I've read, and I liked how the "Israelite" army used drones and advanced technology and how True had the perfect view of it. I enjoyed reading about True's reconciliation with her family and how Holoke explained God with a capital G to True. I recommend True for readers who appreciate Biblical retellings.
June 8, 2019
A gripping taut story that draws you in
This story had me up past my bedtime and left me wishing there was more. The characters’ emotions were palpable and the tension and stakes were high. A great read.
This story had me up past my bedtime and left me wishing there was more. The characters’ emotions were palpable and the tension and stakes were high. A great read.
October 27, 2019
Such a creative, beautifully-written retelling! My short video review can be found on:
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August 28, 2019
This futuristic retelling of Rahab’s story was creative and exciting. I’d recommend it to older teens and adults.
January 16, 2020
An enemy army is set to attack True's city, but because she harbors two of the enemy's spies, there may be a way for True to save herself and her family when destruction comes in True: A Contemporary Retelling of Rahab by author S.E. Clancy.
Indeed, I think it's best to be familiar with the biblical story of the prostitute Rahab and the city of Jericho when you read this novella. I skipped the book blurb beforehand but was pulled right in by the cover, stunning in its clear and simple understatement of emotion. A calm, a peace, before a coming storm.
The heroine herself is an effectively understated one in this story of dreams, pain, family, and war. It's real and raw without being showy about it, and it has moments of atmospheric beauty and characters who are imperfect and natural.
Now, I would have liked to see more to the explanation about the enemy army. They've been going around doing a lot of killing, apparently with the sanction of their God, and now they're about to kill off the people in True's city. Is that just how it is, and it's okay? Why or why not? The "why" would be a crucial something to wrestle with in a contemporary war story.
No, this isn't a fairy tale with a carefree wrap-up. The ending leaves plenty to the imagination while still giving enough of a conclusion to satisfy. A novella that's worth the read.
Indeed, I think it's best to be familiar with the biblical story of the prostitute Rahab and the city of Jericho when you read this novella. I skipped the book blurb beforehand but was pulled right in by the cover, stunning in its clear and simple understatement of emotion. A calm, a peace, before a coming storm.
The heroine herself is an effectively understated one in this story of dreams, pain, family, and war. It's real and raw without being showy about it, and it has moments of atmospheric beauty and characters who are imperfect and natural.
Now, I would have liked to see more to the explanation about the enemy army. They've been going around doing a lot of killing, apparently with the sanction of their God, and now they're about to kill off the people in True's city. Is that just how it is, and it's okay? Why or why not? The "why" would be a crucial something to wrestle with in a contemporary war story.
No, this isn't a fairy tale with a carefree wrap-up. The ending leaves plenty to the imagination while still giving enough of a conclusion to satisfy. A novella that's worth the read.
March 27, 2022
Loved it. Just wish it was longer and more in depth.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews