#christianhistorical,  BOOKS

Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith

Genres: Christian Fiction, Christian Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction

Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith
Wives of the Patriarchs, #1
Genre: Christian Biblical Fiction – Genesis: Sarah & Abraham
Old Testament – Middle East
Pages: 320 Trade Paperback
Date Published: March 2012
Publisher: Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group

He promised her his heart. She promised him a son. But how long must they wait?

When Abram finally requests the hand of his beautiful half sister Sarai, she asks one thing–that he promise never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even Sarai’s father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if she makes a promise in return–to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees.

But as the years stretch on and Sarai’s womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain, lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his. To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son? And how long will Abram’s patience last?

Combining in-depth research and vivid storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the beautiful and inscrutable Sarai in this remarkable story of love, jealousy, and undaunted faith.

In reading Biblical based Christian Historical Fiction I really have to be in the mood and it really has to be a talented author. The author needs to bring life to the stories that are already such a part of my knowledge base and life. The sand and garments need to blow in the wind and the heat in the day with the cool in the night needs to show through the pages. I’ve been curious to read The Wives of David series, but feel like I really need to start at the beginning, but I haven’t been able to quite yet as I had gotten the second book in the series before the first. Now, thanks to a free eBook promo I have remedied that, and soon will be reading that series from the beginning. This book, Sarai, is the first book in the new Wives of the Patriarchs series and it’s enchanting.

Starting with an incredible cover image that brings the woman to life, already my images in my mind are changing. They are becoming more rich and alive as the scriptures are leaping from the page. The best form of Biblical Fiction in my opinion is the kind that makes you thirst for your Bible to go back and delve more into the scriptures. Jill does that, and she does that well.

*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*

“Available March 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

The Wives of the Patriarchs is a three-book biblical fiction series set in ancient Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt, and ancient Canaan. Each story is a fictional rendering of the biblical account, focusing on one or more of Israel’s four matriarchs.

Enter a world where love isn’t always what it seems, and sincere longings can lead to devastating choices. Meet Sarai, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah, all amidst a backdrop of deceit and control and a struggle to make a united family. Sometimes we must be careful what we wish for, as many of these matriarchs discovered much too well.


Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series. She has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

http://www.jilleileensmith.com/ <– Very cool author website!

http://thewivesofkingdavid.com/ <– Awesome series website for her previous series.

Connect with Jill on Goodreads.com

https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith

Endorsements

“What a marvelous retelling of an old and sacred story! Though I knew it well, I could not put Sarai down. Smith takes us into the minds of the characters as they struggle with their flaws, fears, and disappointments, armed only with an often fragile faith. Sarai is an inspiring offer of hope for all.”–Linda Windsor, author of the Brides of Alba series

“In Sarai, Jill Eileen Smith takes the reader back to ancient times and the nomadic life of Sarai and Abram. This is an absorbing visit to the past, filled with wonderful details and fascinating characters, including Abram’s nephew Lot and his wife. Smith reveals timeless doubts and struggles, along with the triumphs of some and the ill-fated but fascinating paths of others. Remarkable research is folded into a story that builds to an unforgettable ending. Smith truly brought the era to life!”–Maureen Lang, author of Springtime of the Spirit and Whisper on the Wind

“Jill Eileen Smith’s Sarai gives ‘the rest of the story’–Abram and Sarai’s journey toward faith. Don’t hesitate to open this rich biblical drama for new insight and a new perspective on the patriarch and his family. A well-written story filled with human emotion.”–Lyn Cote, author of Her Abundant Joy

Michal Abigail Bathsheba

Wives of King David (3 books)
by Jill Eileen Smith (Goodreads Author)

Sarai

Wives of the Patriarchs (1 book)
by Jill Eileen Smith (Goodreads Author)

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The Creative Madness Mama also known as Margaret is a Christian Stay-at-home Mama, married to the Enginerd, quilter, cross stitcher, avid reader and book-a-holic. As book blogger for various publicists, she loves to share the latest and greatest about books coming out as well as her needle art and other crafty projects with some pictures of her fourteen-year-old AppleBlossom, twelve-year-old OrangeBlossom (the Princess), nine-year-old Almond Blossom (the Rascal boy!), six-year-old (red) Mermaid Warrior, the four-and-a-half-year-old Viking Dragon, and Huckleberry (due in June 2024!) in between. Homeschooling, cloth diapering, breastfeeding, babywearing, bone broth brewing, tea drinking, list making mama full of a little creative and a lot of madness.

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