::From the back cover::
To Be Silent Would Be to Deny Their God, To Defy Would Bring the Wrath of the King.
Seeking quiet and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she'll have peace. But the very nation Judah was named for has been conquered by a cruel king, who decrees that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws or risk death for following the laws of Moses.
Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands Judah to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of Israel. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long?
The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage . . . and sacrifice.
::My Thoughts::
Okay, let me just start out by saying I LOVED this book! Seriously, I have recommended this book to so many people. This book has many things I haven't found in a book in a long time. I felt a mixture of emotions while reading this book, and I just plain could NOT put this book down. You know it's a great novel when you are rushing through to get time to sit down and read again. I can honestly say I was hooked from the first chapter, and only a few books have captured me that quickly.
Angela Hunt is a great author. I have had the pleasure of reading a couple of her novels, and this one definitely didn't disappoint. Giving biblical characters lives and stories outside of the bible can definitely be tricky, but Angela Hunt did a fantastic job for the Maccabees.
My heart broke for Leah's mother, and Leah who had to live in a house filled with such physical abuse. My heart hurt for them, but the love that Judah and Leah had for each other was amazing. And Judah's entire family just honestly had my heart. Judah was such a surprising character for me. The gentle giant who put God above all, and loved his family with his entire heart as well.
The war parts in this story were difficult to read at times, but a must. It gives you a bit of insight on what things were like in biblical history. As graphic as it is, that was just how it was at times.
This is definitely a great read to show that no matter what is going on in life just trust and hold fast to God. Never let your faith waver. It is also a great show that everyone in life has a purpose for God. Even if you feel you have no purpose or you don't think you found your purpose you just might have and not even realized it. Leah felt often lost in life, and she was confused. Growing up the way she did she didn't fully talk to God and even though she believed it was clear that it was hard to put her complete trust in Him. Her growth as a woman, and a wife was amazing to read.
I don't want to give too much away because I don't want to spoil the novel for anyone. However, if you are looking for a novel that has war but love, despair but faith, loss but gain, then this book is definitely for you. It had me on the edge of my seat, and it gripped me in many ways. Highly recommended.
::My Rating:: 5/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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Click here for my review on Goodreads
::Product Details::
- Series: The Silent Years
- Paperback: 384 pages
- Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (January 2, 2018)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0764219332
- ISBN-13: 978-0764219337
- Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 1 x 8.4 inches
- Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
