New Biblical Fiction Novel from Jill Eileen Smith

 

Daughter of Eden by Jill Eileen Smith

 

This book takes the account of Eve from the book of Genesis and imagines some of the conversations and emotions that Eve and Adam and their children might have had.  Since the Biblical account is not very detailed, the author adds some likely details to the story.

This was a fascinating read for me because of the amount of thought that the author had to put into her book.  She had to imagine what it would have been like for Eve to be created, to live in a perfect garden with her perfect husband, and to commune with God.  Then she had to relay to readers what the fall of Eve and Adam would have been like, and how the consequences of it would have dogged Eve for the rest of her life.

The author’s writing was convincing and brought me into the story.  I could easily imagine Eve’s pain, discomfort and disappointment in the fallen world, and especially her despair over the death of Abel and the banishment of Cain.  And this emotional connection kept me reading, especially since I knew the outcome of the story.

Readers who enjoy biblical fiction, especially by Jill Eileen Smith, will enjoy this story and find themselves wanting to dig deeper into the Genesis account of the first woman.  I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this, my honest review.

Riveting Spy Novel

 Code Name Edelweiss by Stephanie Landsem

Liesl Weiss is a secretary just trying to keep her family together after the disappearance of her husband.  Her mother, younger brother and 2 young children depend upon her to provide for them.  When she is let go from her job at MGM studios, she is desperately seeking employment and finds it in a most unlikely position as a spy for a Jewish lawyer.

This story had lots to enjoy.  The characters were well written and complex.  The historical setting was enlightening. The plot had enough intrigue to keep me reading and wondering what would happen next. It seemed that the author set up the ending to lead into a sequel, which I look forward to reading.

I received a complimentary copy of this advance reader copy in return for this, my honest review.  

 

 

 

Mesu Andrew's Latest Biblical Fiction Novel

 

In Feast or Famine by Mesu Andrews

This book is the continuation of Joseph’s story begun in Potiphar’s Wife.  It chronicles his rise to power, his marriage to Asenath and his reunitement with his brothers.  As usual, Mesu uses her skills as a researcher to recreate the world of ancient Egypt.  While her description of its politics and religion were not my favorite parts of the novel, they were key to understanding the elements of the plot. 

I did enjoy how she created realistic characters with motivation that drove the plot.  She answered questions I had asked regarding Joseph’s marriage to a priestess mentioned in the Biblical account.  I appreciated how her non-Hebrew characters came to trust in Elohim due to the lives of His followers.  And as always, she includes redemption and some unforeseen plot twists!

Readers who enjoy Biblical fiction will find much to like in this novel.  I am grateful to the publisher for a complimentary copy in return for my unbiased opinion.