I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
Judah's Wife by Angela Hunt Series: The Silent Years #2
Published by Baker Books on January 2nd 2018
Genres: Christian, Fiction, General, Historical, Romance
Pages: 384
Source: Bethany House, NetGalley
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Seeking peace 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 can rest easily. But the land is ruled by Antiochus IV, descended from one of Alexander the Great's generals, and when he issues a decree that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws upon pain of death, devout Jews risk everything to follow the law of Moses.
Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. 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.
I’m going to be honest. I don’t even know how to start this review. With everything that has happened in my personal life over the last month I heeded Kristin’s advice when she suggested that I put off reading this book. She didn’t say why but just encouraged me that now wasn’t the time so to speak. I appreciated that advice as I read this book more than she will ever know. I probably really could have waited a bit longer but then publishers do want timely reviews. The first book in this series didn’t do much for me so I wasn’t certain what I would discover in book two. With characters so deeply woven and a story line that tugs at your emotions this book is not for the weak but it is most definitely worthy of being book 30 for the year for me. This is a story that I will carry with me for a while. And honestly, will end up in the re-read pile. There are layers there that I feel like deserve another chance to be shown.
One word that comes to me when I think about this book is desperation. Leah was desperate to escape her abusive father. Judah’s family was desperate to escape the defilement that was happening in Jerusalem. The Jews were desperate to escape the oppression of the Gentiles. Leah escapes her father, Judah’s family leaves the city and then eventually lead the battles that will help to ease the oppression. Judah was a peaceful man unless he was up against a bully. The Gentiles were bullies. Judah’s father chose him to lead the army, not the oldest son, but the peaceful son. Not the smartest son, but the gentle son. The son who would turn to HaShem for help. The son who earned the trust of those that chose to join them. The son who lost his wife’s trust in taking the mantle of commander. The wife so filled with fear of violence that she went out of her way to attempt to convince her husband to leave the fighting to others. The wife who learned to trust HaShem because of her husband and his steadfastness to serve as called by HaShem. A wife who finds her calling because of her husband.
This is not a butterflies and rainbows kind of book. This is a story of grit and depth and amazing people doing ordinary things. This is a story of desperation and hope. A story of love and redemption. A story of faith and doubt. This is the story of one man’s willingness to serve as he is called and ultimately one man’s mistake to believe he needed a backup plan. While not a part of the canonized Inspired Bible the books of the Maccabees are based on historical truth and lay the ground to the birth of Christ. One man on that journey inspired this book. One woman of the author’s imagination brought that story to life. Love does not come with ultimatums. Desperation does not come without hope. Faith does not require a backup plan.
About Angela Hunt
Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
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