Redeeming Grace: Ruth's Story

December 12, 2016
Smith (Wives of King David), beloved for her biblical fiction bringing new life to women from the pages of Scripture, turns her imagination to Ruth, a Moabite who returns with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Israel. Naomi lost her husband and two sons in Moab after moving there to avoid famine in their hometown of Bethlehem. Readers familiar with the tale will enjoy this retelling of the love story between Ruth and Boaz, a kinsman who redeems the lost family’s land and finds a worthy wife in the process. Smith’s attention to detail regarding Moab and Israel’s feasts and laws makes the narrative believable without distracting from the engrossing narrative. Side plots such as that of Hamul and Hava will please readers deeply familiar with Scripture. Those who don’t know the story will learn a lot about ancient Bible lands, practices of the Jewish faith, and love and redemption in Smith’s fine rendition of this much-loved story. Agent: Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary

March 15, 2017

When Naomi's two sons die and leave her with two childless Moabite daughters-in-law, it appears that a life of hardship and poverty await the three women. Deciding to return to her homeland in Judea, Naomi is accompanied by Ruth, the daughter-in-law who chose not to go back to her family. When Ruth meets Boaz, this may be the opportunity that God has given to ensure a better life for both women. Smith's fresh retelling of the story of Ruth and Naomi portrays these strong biblical women in a thoughtful and reflective manner. Her impeccable research and richly detailed setting give readers a strong sense of life in ancient Israel. VERDICT Admirers of biblical historical fiction will love this uplifting third series outing (after The Crimson Cord and The Prophetess).

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2017
The familiar quote Whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God (Ruth 1:16 KJV) comes from one of the great love stories in the Bible. But it's not about a romance but rather the unbreakable bond between Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth. Although the Book of Ruth consists of only four short chapters, Smith has brought the story to life in this richly descriptive and dramatic novel, enhancing it with colorful details about life in ancient Moab and Israel, including the political and religious climates of the time. Readers who enjoy historical biblical fiction will find this book, as well as the other titles in Smith's Daughters of the Promised Land series, The Crimson Cord (2015) and The Prophetess (2016), fascinating.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)