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Song of the Shepherd Woman
Avram has spent his life raising sheep in the hills around his native Bethlehem. Old age finds him cynical, peculiar, and perhaps dangerous. After Avram and his mute wife Yael reluctantly accept responsibility for an unwanted child, the girl’s charming innocence endears her to the couple. When Channah is a young teen, her stepfather unexpectedly appears and demands custody, taking her away to an arranged marriage. The young woman hopes for a kind husband, cherishing the dream of someday having her own child to love. Meanwhile, an old friend persuades Avram to investigate rumors of a miraculous healer. What the old shepherd discovers challenges everything he has ever believed.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2017
330 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Carlene Havel
28 books110 followersCarlene Havel writes Christian-themed romances and historical novels set in Biblical times. She’s lived in Turkey, Republic of the Philippines, and all over the United States. Carlene worked for a banana importer, a software development company, and everything in between. She attended several colleges and universities, including one that—surprisingly--granted her a diploma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
December 29, 2017
I edited this book, but that's not the reason I love it. I agree to edit books only if I love them when I read a sample, and that was certainly the case with Song of the Shepherd Woman.
The characters are so real I felt like they were my friends and neighbors. The struggles of women trying to survive in a harsh time and place seemed real. The truth of the Gospel was portrayed beautifully in the story itself, without preaching.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character-driven Christian fiction.
The characters are so real I felt like they were my friends and neighbors. The struggles of women trying to survive in a harsh time and place seemed real. The truth of the Gospel was portrayed beautifully in the story itself, without preaching.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys character-driven Christian fiction.
August 6, 2023
Excellent
Loved the story from start to finish. Yes, it has hard things that the characters must deal with. Loved Avram's approach to things. He has a great heart. It inspired me. Love stories of this time and era that are Scripturally sound. It whetted my appetite for more books/reads like this. Highly recommend it if you are into this type of book.
Loved the story from start to finish. Yes, it has hard things that the characters must deal with. Loved Avram's approach to things. He has a great heart. It inspired me. Love stories of this time and era that are Scripturally sound. It whetted my appetite for more books/reads like this. Highly recommend it if you are into this type of book.
September 26, 2018
Review of Song of the Shepherd Woman by Carlene Havel
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in reading Song of the Shepherd Woman but the title and a brief review intrigued me enough to begin.
I had never read any of Carlene Havel’s books before but I took a chance on winning this one in a free Facebook giveaway that was posted in July of this year, and was surprised to learn that I had won! Soon the 252 page book was in my hands and I was excited to begin reading it.
It is a very interesting story about a young girl who is orphaned and is sent to live with her Uncle and Aunt who are keepers of sheep in the fields of Israel and tells how shepherds lived in biblical times.
This book was filled with little surprises throughout. If you are a fan of biblical fiction you will surely enjoy this book as it tells a story of places and people that are not often written about but then weaves their story to bring familiar bible events to life within their lives, sort of like they were living during the time of the these events, yet not really a part of them, .
It also shows the deep love, dedication, sacrifice and faith of those who truly believe and follow Christ and how they lived among those who didn’t as the story was set during a time when believer’s had to meet secretly or face death for their faith.
I am very glad to have read this book, it made an impact on my life in many ways and I highly recommend others to read it.
Though I did receive this book as a free gift, I was not required to write a review and all thoughts I have written are my own.
–Leona J. Atkinson
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in reading Song of the Shepherd Woman but the title and a brief review intrigued me enough to begin.
I had never read any of Carlene Havel’s books before but I took a chance on winning this one in a free Facebook giveaway that was posted in July of this year, and was surprised to learn that I had won! Soon the 252 page book was in my hands and I was excited to begin reading it.
It is a very interesting story about a young girl who is orphaned and is sent to live with her Uncle and Aunt who are keepers of sheep in the fields of Israel and tells how shepherds lived in biblical times.
This book was filled with little surprises throughout. If you are a fan of biblical fiction you will surely enjoy this book as it tells a story of places and people that are not often written about but then weaves their story to bring familiar bible events to life within their lives, sort of like they were living during the time of the these events, yet not really a part of them, .
It also shows the deep love, dedication, sacrifice and faith of those who truly believe and follow Christ and how they lived among those who didn’t as the story was set during a time when believer’s had to meet secretly or face death for their faith.
I am very glad to have read this book, it made an impact on my life in many ways and I highly recommend others to read it.
Though I did receive this book as a free gift, I was not required to write a review and all thoughts I have written are my own.
–Leona J. Atkinson
January 9, 2018
Song of the Shepherd Woman is a loving and faithful look at life in first century Biblical times. Havel and Faucheux have teamed up on several novels about biblical characters. All have been diligently researched and are thoughtful recreations of the period and possible events. The other characters have been well-known: Rahab, and Michal. The shepherd woman, however, is a typical country woman affected by profound events. Her uncle, generation earlier, was witness to an astonishing sight, but subsequently lost his faith.
Excellent writing aside, the mindful story made me think deeply about events surrounding the birth, life, and death of Christ, and how everyday people might have heard and reacted to his ministry. Channa lived only two miles from Jerusalem, yet, as a young woman fleeing from a disastrous trouble, had no idea exactly where home was. I found this poignant and very truthful. Often what we are seeking is within reach, and we are unaware. Avram lost his faith for a simple reason—he knew all the boy babies had been killed and assumed the savior was among them. Also very believable.
This story is painfully realistic on many levels. Don’t get too entrenched with anyone, just love the moments. Told from Channa’s viewpoint, this beautifully, haunting story is sure to help you dig deeper into your beliefs and appreciate the ordinary lives in the first century.
Excellent writing aside, the mindful story made me think deeply about events surrounding the birth, life, and death of Christ, and how everyday people might have heard and reacted to his ministry. Channa lived only two miles from Jerusalem, yet, as a young woman fleeing from a disastrous trouble, had no idea exactly where home was. I found this poignant and very truthful. Often what we are seeking is within reach, and we are unaware. Avram lost his faith for a simple reason—he knew all the boy babies had been killed and assumed the savior was among them. Also very believable.
This story is painfully realistic on many levels. Don’t get too entrenched with anyone, just love the moments. Told from Channa’s viewpoint, this beautifully, haunting story is sure to help you dig deeper into your beliefs and appreciate the ordinary lives in the first century.
July 16, 2018
I like the way this writer wrote, surprising readers along the way with characters, tidbits, history.
I don't really want to say why or how to spoil it for readers, just that it's interesting that she takes readers into a certain time line in history we know well but on the other side of the situation.
I don't really want to say why or how to spoil it for readers, just that it's interesting that she takes readers into a certain time line in history we know well but on the other side of the situation.
July 13, 2020
I enjoyed this story a lot. It was written in a matter of fact, to the point way.
The story begins when Channa is a young girl. Her uncle Yakov brings her to live with her other Aunt and Uncle, Yael and Avram. Avram is a shepherd with a large flock of sheep. He happens to be one of the shepherds who heard the angels tell of Jesus' birth and saw Him in the stable. But he also believed that when Herod killed all the boy babies from two and under in Bethlehem, including his own son, that hope was lost, the Savior died in this terrible act. His heart fills with bitterness and he does terrible things, and is proud to be called the lunatic shepherd. But Channa loves her aunt and uncle and grows and flourishes under their care. Until she is 14 and her uncle Yakov returns - he has found a husband for her. Channa has all these dreams of love and tender care under her husband's roof, but it isn't all she dreams it will be and Channa must grow up fast.
A quick one sentence steamy moment with Keren left me a bit rattled because I wasn't expecting it. Other than that the story was clean and quite enjoyable.
The story begins when Channa is a young girl. Her uncle Yakov brings her to live with her other Aunt and Uncle, Yael and Avram. Avram is a shepherd with a large flock of sheep. He happens to be one of the shepherds who heard the angels tell of Jesus' birth and saw Him in the stable. But he also believed that when Herod killed all the boy babies from two and under in Bethlehem, including his own son, that hope was lost, the Savior died in this terrible act. His heart fills with bitterness and he does terrible things, and is proud to be called the lunatic shepherd. But Channa loves her aunt and uncle and grows and flourishes under their care. Until she is 14 and her uncle Yakov returns - he has found a husband for her. Channa has all these dreams of love and tender care under her husband's roof, but it isn't all she dreams it will be and Channa must grow up fast.
A quick one sentence steamy moment with Keren left me a bit rattled because I wasn't expecting it. Other than that the story was clean and quite enjoyable.
July 24, 2018
Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux have prepared a literary banquet for readers. A feast filled with intriguing and memorable characters, an enlightening journey back through biblical times, and a story so heart rending and filled with love I couldn’t put it down.
They immersed me in the beauty of the Bethlehem countryside, gave me snatched glances of the peace and wildness of the surrounding pasture lands and life as a shepherd, and made me consider how very spoiled we are. The intertwining of Avram and Yael’s story with Channah’s journey mesmerized me yet tugged my heart when I think about the freedoms women have and take today, and the wisdom God gives when we depend on Him
.
The twists and heart wrenching turns in this story are carefully constructed and flow strategically to the edge of each cliff but catch you in the safety net of God’s sovereign will as you plunge into act after act of Channah’s surrender to her Lord Jesus.
This will be one of my favorite reads. Wish Amazon allowed more stars for such a great book!
They immersed me in the beauty of the Bethlehem countryside, gave me snatched glances of the peace and wildness of the surrounding pasture lands and life as a shepherd, and made me consider how very spoiled we are. The intertwining of Avram and Yael’s story with Channah’s journey mesmerized me yet tugged my heart when I think about the freedoms women have and take today, and the wisdom God gives when we depend on Him
.
The twists and heart wrenching turns in this story are carefully constructed and flow strategically to the edge of each cliff but catch you in the safety net of God’s sovereign will as you plunge into act after act of Channah’s surrender to her Lord Jesus.
This will be one of my favorite reads. Wish Amazon allowed more stars for such a great book!
November 20, 2017
The writing team of Havel and Faucheux does not disappoint with another Historical Fiction.
Channa’s stepfather considers her a burden and another mouth to feed. He takes her to her maternal uncle, a shepherd. She is a happy helpful child and learns to care for the sheep, but within a few years her stepfather arrives telling her she’s betrothed. Channa is excited to return to the city for her marriage, but sorry to leave her aunt and uncle.
The story portrays the struggles of women in the first century. Channa finds herself in one circumstance after another where she’s required to perform duties others will not accept. She longs for a child of her own, but embraces her responsibilities putting her longings aside.
The underlying story centers on the last days of Christ and Channa’s desire to follow the Way.
Channa’s stepfather considers her a burden and another mouth to feed. He takes her to her maternal uncle, a shepherd. She is a happy helpful child and learns to care for the sheep, but within a few years her stepfather arrives telling her she’s betrothed. Channa is excited to return to the city for her marriage, but sorry to leave her aunt and uncle.
The story portrays the struggles of women in the first century. Channa finds herself in one circumstance after another where she’s required to perform duties others will not accept. She longs for a child of her own, but embraces her responsibilities putting her longings aside.
The underlying story centers on the last days of Christ and Channa’s desire to follow the Way.
March 13, 2021
2021 READ: 4.5 STARS!
(Book that I read during Lent 2021)
It was an interesting read. I love some of the twists but
My review is not for intelligent discussion. It's what I felt/thought while reading the book. For 2021, I would rate the book this way:
1 - DNF'ed
2 - does not exist
3 - did not like
4 - it was okay
5 - I like it / I enjoy reading it (but it doesn't mean I recommend it)
April 1, 2021
Interesting story
This is a story based in biblical times when Jesus walked the earth , although it is not centered on a him
The story is about Channah who becomes a shepherd woman, her uncle Avram and his wife who are old who are shepherds who take h er in as a child and raise her until age 14
We get a chance to how Abram one of the original shepherds who had the encounter with the angel announcing the birth of Jesus deals with the realization that He is alive and is the Messiah
Overall the fictional views of how it could have been was interesting of all the characters and gives the readers something to thing about in relation to the bible stories this story is based on
This is a story based in biblical times when Jesus walked the earth , although it is not centered on a him
The story is about Channah who becomes a shepherd woman, her uncle Avram and his wife who are old who are shepherds who take h er in as a child and raise her until age 14
We get a chance to how Abram one of the original shepherds who had the encounter with the angel announcing the birth of Jesus deals with the realization that He is alive and is the Messiah
Overall the fictional views of how it could have been was interesting of all the characters and gives the readers something to thing about in relation to the bible stories this story is based on
January 4, 2018
I really loved the way this book connected the whole of Jesus' life to characters who don't come into direct contact with Jesus (at least in a way we see). The story didn't start off where the blurb made me feel like it would, but I loved getting to know the characters Avram and Yael. You can definitely tell the research was well done. The plot was interesting and as in real life, the characters faced challenges they never expected. If you like Biblical fiction, I would definitely recommend this book.
June 23, 2021
I loved this book. I sat down to make a start on this book and next thing you know I had finished it. I could not put it down. The book flowed easily for me. I loved the main characters in this book, a couple that frustrated me but it brought the story to life. I loved that it was based in the time of Jesus and even had Him in the story but wasn't preachy. This for me was a story that was believable of someone who is a worshipper but also had a job to do.
November 19, 2023
A beautifully crafted story of faith, love, self-sacrifice, hard choices, difficult people to love, easy people to love, pain, death, sickness, and joy, love, caring. It it set during the span of the birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. The story starts with the adoption of an unwanted child, and this becomes a theme throughout the book, as a background to how our Saviour adopts us once we repent and accept His free gift of salvation, becoming God's children.
December 28, 2018
Life in the 1st Century
Channah was raised by a shepherd near Bethlehem. When she gets older she gets married off to become the second wife of a tanner in another village. Life isn't always easy but she learns about Jesus she tries to follow His teachings. This was an interesting and likely accurate portrayal of life in Israel during the first century.
Channah was raised by a shepherd near Bethlehem. When she gets older she gets married off to become the second wife of a tanner in another village. Life isn't always easy but she learns about Jesus she tries to follow His teachings. This was an interesting and likely accurate portrayal of life in Israel during the first century.
May 31, 2019
Humble life
How does one survive when your back is against the wall? When you are placed in a situation beyond your control? - especially when you are a child. This is a great book to read. I just wished the last chapter ended with Channah's new life of happiness. (Make sure you have a box of tissue).
How does one survive when your back is against the wall? When you are placed in a situation beyond your control? - especially when you are a child. This is a great book to read. I just wished the last chapter ended with Channah's new life of happiness. (Make sure you have a box of tissue).
February 19, 2021
Love this book!
This book was very well written. You're absorbed in the characters from page 1 until the end. I read in another review that this book made then think about Jesus from a different light. I totally agree, from the point of Jesus being a shepherd over His flock and how He tends to us. I well definitely be reading more books by the authors!
This book was very well written. You're absorbed in the characters from page 1 until the end. I read in another review that this book made then think about Jesus from a different light. I totally agree, from the point of Jesus being a shepherd over His flock and how He tends to us. I well definitely be reading more books by the authors!
Read
February 27, 2021An enjoyable story
The book was well written. I help your attention and interest. I did not agree with the portrayal of Karen as the audultress Jesus forgave as I feel her life would have been changed but that is a matter of interpretation of events not told. I did especially enjoy that the shepherds at the birth of Jesus were incorporated into the story.
The book was well written. I help your attention and interest. I did not agree with the portrayal of Karen as the audultress Jesus forgave as I feel her life would have been changed but that is a matter of interpretation of events not told. I did especially enjoy that the shepherds at the birth of Jesus were incorporated into the story.
June 3, 2022
amazing read
This book captured my attention throughout. I couldn’t put it down. Enjoyed the interwoven aspect of Jesus birth life and resurrection and also how lives were changed spiritually at that time. Of the trust and faith the people had as they lived a difficult life in that time in history. An inspiration.
This book captured my attention throughout. I couldn’t put it down. Enjoyed the interwoven aspect of Jesus birth life and resurrection and also how lives were changed spiritually at that time. Of the trust and faith the people had as they lived a difficult life in that time in history. An inspiration.
July 6, 2023
Song of the Shepherd Woman by Carlene Havel retells the birth and crucifixion of Christ from the perspective of a shepherd. The challenging life of a shepherd is depicted as well as assuming the care of those God brings into one's life.
For a touching story about faith, I recommend Song of the Shepherd Woman.
For a touching story about faith, I recommend Song of the Shepherd Woman.
January 22, 2024
Beautiful story
I loved this sweet story of a shepherdess during the time of Jesus. The author does a wonderful job of weaving together emotions and all the ups and downs of life. You can really see the story unfolding as you read. I actually wanted to keep reading when the story ended. Wonderful characters! I highly recommend reading this book!
I loved this sweet story of a shepherdess during the time of Jesus. The author does a wonderful job of weaving together emotions and all the ups and downs of life. You can really see the story unfolding as you read. I actually wanted to keep reading when the story ended. Wonderful characters! I highly recommend reading this book!
February 10, 2018
Wonderfully written about the times surrounding the crucifixion of Jesus and His resurrection
Have you wanted to know about those who saw the angels at the birth of Yahshua this is a book of some possibilities.
Have you wanted to know about those who saw the angels at the birth of Yahshua this is a book of some possibilities.
August 2, 2018
Wonderful and absorbing!
After a study of Psalm 23, it was very interesting to read a fictional work about shepherds in Bible times, especially a story of those present in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth.
After a study of Psalm 23, it was very interesting to read a fictional work about shepherds in Bible times, especially a story of those present in Bethlehem at the time of Jesus' birth.
May 7, 2020
Thoroughly Enjoyable
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Did you ever wonder about the shepherds who saw baby Jesus, those who were still alive when He was crucified? This is a very fast paced, never boring story. A clean Biblically historical novel.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. Did you ever wonder about the shepherds who saw baby Jesus, those who were still alive when He was crucified? This is a very fast paced, never boring story. A clean Biblically historical novel.
June 29, 2020
I enjoyed this book. So many Biblical Novels try to base characters on people in scripture and weave tales that we have no way of knowing the truth about them. This refers to actual Biblical events but they are added to a totally fictional story.
December 31, 2020
Good storyline that keeps your attention
Good storyline
I liked the book. It was an easy read. The research for the story l. It really made the story seem like it could have really happened. I would recommend this book to friends and family.
Good storyline
I liked the book. It was an easy read. The research for the story l. It really made the story seem like it could have really happened. I would recommend this book to friends and family.
March 18, 2021
Reads like a first book
This was a somewhat disappointing book. The characters were not well developed and the plot was not stimulating. I felt like this was the author's first book and was surprised to find she has written several others.
This was a somewhat disappointing book. The characters were not well developed and the plot was not stimulating. I felt like this was the author's first book and was surprised to find she has written several others.
August 5, 2021
Interesting
I found this novel interesting because it told the story of Jesus' birth and the beginning of Christianity from a shepherd's point of view. Also gave insight into women's role at that time.
I found this novel interesting because it told the story of Jesus' birth and the beginning of Christianity from a shepherd's point of view. Also gave insight into women's role at that time.
February 14, 2022
Enjoyable
Didn't take long to get hooked and interested in this story. Didn't end like I hoped but still a good overall ending. I feel there was more that could be drawn from the story...ie did she ever get pregnant? Did they have s boy or girl that sort of thing.
Didn't take long to get hooked and interested in this story. Didn't end like I hoped but still a good overall ending. I feel there was more that could be drawn from the story...ie did she ever get pregnant? Did they have s boy or girl that sort of thing.
May 2, 2022
Decent Story About Sheep
If you want to know what a shepherds life was like in Biblical times, then read on. The story is shallow on story and heavy on shepherding. I liked it well enough, but I prefer books with more in-depth and realistic storylines.
If you want to know what a shepherds life was like in Biblical times, then read on. The story is shallow on story and heavy on shepherding. I liked it well enough, but I prefer books with more in-depth and realistic storylines.
September 25, 2024
Thought this was a very pleasant story of a shepherd woman. The tells of her life's tragedies pulled me in a she navigated through them. The love and compassion she had for others never wavered regardless of how she was revered by others.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews