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Jill Eileen SmithRevell / 2014 / Trade PaperbackOur Price$13.494.5 out of 5 stars for Rachel, Wives of the Patriarchs Series #3. View reviews of this product. 23 Reviews
Retail Price$16.00Save 16% ($2.51)Availability: Expected to ship on or about 04/12/24.Stock No: WW734310
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SavannaAge: 18-24Gender: female4 Stars Out Of 5A Fresh Look at a Beloved StoryFebruary 10, 2014SavannaAge: 18-24Gender: femaleQuality: 4Value: 4Meets Expectations: 4This third novel in the Wives of the Patriarchs series takes the reader, along with Jacob and Rachel, on quite an emotional and surprising journey. The beloved Bible story of a wandering shepherd and his true love has always captured me, but I had never really stopped and put myself in their shoes before. This story changed that. Written in a beautifully honest and intimate way, Rachel paints a fascinating picture of the hearts and personalities of the people behind the names.
From the moment you see Rachel first meet Jacob at the well, you're rooting for these two soul-mates to get together. Vows are made, time is invested, and many years spent when a sad deception threatens to destroy their dreams and brings great consequences to their lives. The unexpected introduces Leah, Rachel's sister, to the story and with it many complications.
I will admit that this was my first time reading Biblical fiction, so it took me a little while to get used to the setting and the already-familiar parts of the story and characters. At times, simply due to the truth of the text, portions seemed a little repetitious. There are a lot of children born in this story! ;) The power struggle and heartache between the sisters forced to share their husband wearied me along with them at times, but the author dutifully crafted in-depth layers to each of the characters. There are still plenty of surprises along the way — even if you're familiar with the Biblical account.
My heart broke for Jacob, Rachel, and Leah at many moments throughout this book, but God's grace and strength is quite evident and unwavering. Rachel offers an invitation for all of us to ponder the difficulties in our lives through the perspective that God's sovereign hand rules all for His glory.
After reading Rachel, I was very eager to go back and read their story in the Old Testament again. Jacob's wrestling with God. His wives. His children. Their prayers and fears. The journey back to his homeland. A beautiful story, indeed. This time, I feel like I know them a little better.
This is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review. -
Reading RoverMidwest4 Stars Out Of 5Think Twice if you are Leah!February 4, 2014Reading RoverMidwestQuality: 3Value: 4Meets Expectations: 5Rachel by Jill Eileen Smith
Narrator told story of a Love Triangle- of
Old Testament Jacob, Rachel, and unwanted half-sister Leah.
Jacob and Rachel have the gift of Love at First Sight-True Love, the kind that leaves no room for "another".
Leah is the older, First Wife's -First born, whose Father has neglected to provide a chosen Husband for her, who must be married before the Younger Rachel, daughter of the Second Wife or socially lose all chances of marrying.
You haveEdit Tutor Consult to pity Jacob. A repentant inheritance "thief", who works seven years with smelly animals to earn Rachel as his wife. Rachel is the sum of his life, all he wants, and all he needs.
But his Uncle, soon to be Father-in-Law using low-light and lots of veils, sticks him with Leah, the forgotten daughter.
Leah's just desperate enough for the future security of bearing children, to take the "switch".
The misery of the next twenty plus years, especially for single-hearted Jacob, 'I love only Rachel-I WANT to love only Rachel', suffers the most.
All the turmoil of hidden hearts, replayed around them till God's strength, maturity and self-honesty begin to free them, and those in their world.
You'll come away with a list of 'not for me' that will save you a world of regret. You can survive the pain of choosing the least choice, but it is not simple, straightforward, easy-and it lasts your life. Choose the best you can, and try to avoid the 'Jacob deceits', the 'Leah desperations', and the 'Rachel regrets'.
Based on true history. -
SherrySouthfield, MIAge: Over 65Gender: Female1 Stars Out Of 5Boring & tediousJanuary 31, 2014SherrySouthfield, MIAge: Over 65Gender: FemaleQuality: 1Value: 1Meets Expectations: 1I read the first two books in the series but this one didn't sit well with me. It is not as well written. It goes on and on and on about who will get to sleep with Jacob next and produce the most sons. I wanted to take the characters of Jacob, Rachel, Leah, Laban, Fara and Suri and slap them silly into the next generation. It is constantly describing the jealousies and infighting between Rachel and Leah and talks way too much about their sex lives. Not good subject matter for a book as far as I am concerned. I can think of way better things to read that will be more interesting and less tedious.
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