The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story by Jill Eileen Smith

Title: The Crimson Cord: Rahab’s Story (Daughters of the Promised Land #1)

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Pages: 368

Year: 2015

Publisher: Revell

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the book:

     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.

My review:

     This is an incredibly well written Biblical fiction novel.

     Jill has done a masterful job of taking a biblical character that we are given very little information about and developed a wonderfully believable version of her life and times. The early part of the story has Rahab struggling through many trials and situations that are not of her choosing. At many points during this portion of the story my heart broke for her and all that she had to endure. By the time that the Israelite spies appear on the scene I had an understanding of how she would be open to believe in and trust in a God that she had never known.

     The scriptures that were given at the beginning of each part of the novel gave some direction as to where Jill had taken her guidance from the Word of God to craft this fantastic depiction of one possible scenario for the story of Rahab’s life. I know that here in this life we won’t know what exactly is the truth of Rahab’s story. But I found nothing in this novel that left me feeling that it could not have taken place the way it is presented in this novel.

     I thoroughly enjoyed this novelization of the story of Rahab’s life. I’m giving it a resounding 5 stars and highly recommending it to everyone. You can’t go wrong if you take time out of your life to immerse yourself in this story.