The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

Product Description

Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture–a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.

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“A story of forgiveness, grace, and redemption, and Smith tells it in a creative and believable way, which is a hallmark of her writing.”–

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Joseph is the favorite son of Jacob, which doesn’t sit so well with his older brothers. When the chance came to get rid of Joseph, they were nothing but happy to sell him off to slave traders. Author Jill Eileen Smith does an amazing job of bringing this story to life. With her deep research you will learn things you may not have heard before about this story. Join this author in her retelling of a story I’m sure many people love hearing over and over many times during their lifetime.

I love any story by this author. And I love this brand new read from Jill Eileen Smith, The Prince and the Prodigal. If you love Biblical fiction, you will love this beautiful story of God’s love and the forgiveness that was needed to bring this family back together. This is a powerful story. One that has reached so many people and it is still reaching people today. I encourage you to check this story out. And it would be an amazing gift to give your friends.

A special thanks to the author/publisher and Library Thing for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

About the Author

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, Wives of the Patriarchs, Daughters of the Promised Land, The Heart of a King, Star of Persia, Miriam’s Song, and the nonfiction When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams, and She Walked Before Us.

The Prophetess by Jill Eileen Smith from Revell

The Prophetess by Jill Eileen Smith “At last, the mystical figure of Deborah comes to life! Jill Eileen Smith gives vivid voice to the women at the center of Israel’s victory over Canaan. A tale of strength and faith that bears relevance even today. Not to be missed!”–Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author Canaan has ravaged Israel. The people are in hiding. All that stands between surrender and hope is one untested woman.  Deborah will never forget the day her father and brothers left to worship at the Lord’s tabernacle–or the wails of her mother after finding their bodies at the city gates. The memories of Canaan’s cruelty haunt her and all of Israel. Now in this dark time, the Lord calls on Deborah to lead His people away from the idols of other nations and back to Him.  Deborah never asked to be a prophetess or a judge over God’s people. Still, she cannot deny His voice or the visions that accompany it. Can her family ever understand? Will her people believe God’s calling on her life? And can the Canaanite menace be stopped? With her trademark impeccable research and imaginative storytelling, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the story of Israel’s most powerful woman in this intriguing and inspiring novel. Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Wives of King David series and The Crimson Cord, as well as the Wives of the Patriarchs and the Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. She lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Jill loves to hear from her readers. Contact her at http://www.jilleileensmith.com, or follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith or Twitter @JillEileenSmith.   MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

Revell Presents The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith

The Crimson Cord

by Jill Eileen Smith

The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith “Rahab’s story is one of the most moving redemption accounts in Scripture. The Crimson Cord perfectly captures all the drama of the original, fleshing out the characters with care and thought. Jill’s storytelling skills kept me reading late into the night. A beautiful tale, beautifully told!”–Liz Curtis Higgs, New York Times bestselling author of Mine Is the Night Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband’s debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime. In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho’s walls–or if she will ever know the meaning of love. Under Jill Eileen Smith’s talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity–and a permanent place in your heart. Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs series, and The Desert Princess, first in the Loves of King Solomon series. 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. Learn more at http://www.jilleileensmith.com.   … MY THOUGHS ON THIS BOOK I love, love this book! It seems like everyone remembers Rahab as a harlot, but they don’t see the rest of the story as they should. My heart hurt for Rahab throughout the entire story, the way she was treated by everyone was just horrible and heartwrenching for me. I was glad when she finally found someone to care for her for who she really was. We all know the story from the Bible, and we all love the story of the spies and the red cord. But reading Jill Eileen Smith’s take on how it could have been during those years talked about in Scriptures was just amazing. And it just brings Rahab’s story to life. And it fiction, not true to how their life was, but the facts from the Bible are true, and this is an amazing Biblical fiction that I loved!! I received this book from Revell to read and review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith from Revell

Rachel

by Jill Eileen Smith

ABOUT THIS BOOK Can true love overcome a legacy of betrayal? Rachel wants nothing more than for her older half sister Leah to wed and move out of their household. Leah wishes her father would find a good man who would love her alone. Unbeknownst to either of them, Jacob is making his way to their home, trying to escape a past laced with deceit and find the future God has promised him. But the past comes back to haunt Jacob when he finds himself on the receiving end of treachery. The man who wanted only one woman ends up with sisters who have never gotten along and now must spend the rest of their lives sharing a husband. In the power struggles that follow, only one woman will triumph . . . or will she? Combining meticulous research with her own imaginings, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith not only tells one of the most famous love stories of all time but will manage to surprise even those who think they know the story inside and out.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I have always thought Rachel to be a interesting woman of the Bible, so I was excited to read about her in Jill Eileen Smith’s new book, Rachel.  And as usual, Ms. Smith delivers a story that will stick with you for a long time!

Already familiar with the story of Leah, Rachel and Jacob, this book brought the story to life as I read each page, and I loved imagining being there as these years passed by. And as I always am, I was really not happy that Laban deceived Jacob on his first seven years of working with him and gave him Leah, instead of Rachel as was promised, but that’s the way it was. I wanted to feel that way towards Leah, but she was deceived as well really because she knew she would always be second best to Jacob. And I could go on and on because I love this story, but I won’t. Ms. Smith did her homework well in researching the Biblical account of this story very well. The characters were amazing in their rolls throughout this story. This is fiction, so this is the author’s account of what Rachel’s life may have been like, but to me she does an awesome job of taking us back to that time in history.

If you enjoy historical fiction, and Biblical fiction, this is a must read for you and you will not be disappointed!

I received this book from the publisher Revell  to read and review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 55.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Photo Credit:  © Amanda Matilla Photography

Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series, and of Sarai and Rebekah in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. 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. Learn more at http://www.jilleileensmith.com.

Rebekah by Jill Eileen Smith

Rebekah

A Novel

by: Jill Eileen Smith

series: Wives of the Patriarchs

About

Can love heal the rift between two souls?

When her beloved father dies and she is left in the care of her conniving brother Laban, Rebekah knows her life has changed forever. Though she should be married by now, it’s clear that Laban is dragging his feet, waiting for a higher bride-price to line his pockets. But then Rebekah is given a chance to leave her home to marry Isaac, a cousin she has never even seen, and her hope for the future is restored. Little does she know what a wondrous and heart-wrenching journey she is beginning.

As Rebekah experiences the joy of young love and the bitterness of misunderstanding and betrayal, her resolve is tested. When the rift between Isaac and her grows so wide it is surely too great to be mended, can she trust the God of Isaac’s father Abraham to bridge the gap?

Join bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith as she fills in the blanks around the life of the enigmatic Rebekah.

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK

I always enjoy Biblical fiction because it brings the lives of those people we read about in the Bible to life before our eyes. And is just what Jill Eileen Smith did with her new book Rebekah. I so much enjoyed this entire book and the lives of Isaac and Rebekah and their family. It just makes their story more personal and heartwarming, yet lets us know that as a family, they had difficult times just as we all do.

I will say to remember that this is fiction, and the author took liberties in writing this story, but she does let readers know where these liberties are in the story. But saying that, I did really enjoy the imagination of Jill as she tells her version. And I loved the scripture all throughout this story, it was just so refreshing and heartwarming.

So all in all, I love, love this book! If you enjoy Biblical stories, historical fiction, or just Christian fiction in general, this is a must for you to read. You will not be disappointed!

“Available February 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

I received this book from Revell Publishers. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own.

Photo Credit:  © Amanda Matilla Photography

Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail, and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series, and of Sarai, book 1 in the Wives of the Patriarchs series. 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.

A Revell Tour……Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith

Sarai  A Novel

Series: Wives of the Patriarchs 1 by Jill Eileen Smith

ISBN: 978-0-8007-3429-9

Price: $14.99

Format: Paperback

Publication date: Mar. 12 | Division: Revell

 

MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK!

Sarai by Jill Eileen Smith

The story takes  the reader through the messages God sent Abram to leave Ur and take his family to Canaan and their long travels. And the situation with Abram’s decision to tell that Sarai was his sister instead of his wife in order to protect Sarai because of her beauty. This is not good for Sarai and Abram’s relationship, and doesn’t help in Sarai trying to conceive. Since Abram’s God had promised to give them a son, Sarai didn’t want to spend time apart from her husband.

Sarai’s devotion to her husband is heartwarming, she strives to do everything to make him happy, and that is why she is so obsessed with the fact that she can’t have a child. She knows that this is the one thing that will really make Abram happy. But his God has promised him a son, hasn’t he? Sarai still doesn’t fully trust the God who loves her and Abram enough to believe He will give this son He promised. This causes Sarai to make bad decisions that she shouldn’t have made. We all know the story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this Biblical fiction about Abram and Sarai. This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible, and it was really neat to place them in a real life setting. The author did a wonderful job of researching this topic and writing the characters into a fiction novel. I also enjoyed a deeper look into Lot and his wife’s life. After reading book, I now want to go read about Sarai, and dig deeper into her life.

I encourage you to go grab a copy of this book to read and enjoy. You will not be disappointed!

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

I received this book from Revell Publishers. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are my own.

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.

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

“Jill Eileen Smith’s research shines in this gem of a novel detailing the lives of Abram and Sarai. Fans of biblical fiction will be delighted by Smith’s retelling of two of the most beloved personalities from the book of Genesis.”–Kacy Barnett-Gramckow, author of the Genesis Trilogy

“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

“I’ve read Jill Eileen Smith’s writing with great interest since before she was published, and I’ve enjoyed watching this talented woman be discovered as a powerful novelist. Jill has a special insight into her characters and a great love for biblical stories. I highly recommend her latest novel, Sarai. You will not be disappointed.”–Hannah Alexander, award-winning author of Eye of the Storm

“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

About the Author

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.