Judah's Wife: A Novel of the Maccabees (The Silent Years #2) by Angela Hunt

Title: Judah’s Wife: A Novel of the Maccabees (The Silent Years #2)

Author: Angela Hunt

Pages: 384

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Genre: Biblical Fiction - The Silent Years

Publisher: Bethany House Publisher

Format: Paperback (also available in eBook)

Note: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

About the book:

     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.

My review:

     This is a captivating biblical fiction story!

     The idea of a book set during the silent years between the Old and New Testaments of the Bible fascinated me. I knew nothing about this 400 year period. I knew that there were some books in the Catholic Bible called the Apocrypha and that some of them take place in this period. I have never read them so there is all my knowledge.

     The main male characters in this wonderful book are actual historical figures from this period. Their story is contained in the First and Second books of the Maccabees. 

     Angela has done a marvelous job of researching this historical period. She then developed wives and other characters to fill in the information that isn’t known. I loved all of her main characters and feel that she has presented a completely plausible account of what could have happened.

     One of my favorite characters was Rosana. She was gentle and caring to her family and any others that came into their lives. She shared her wisdom and encouragement in a sweet manner. She truly lived in a way that was guiding the younger women in how they should love and honor their husbands.

     After reading this marvelous book I am seriously considering reading all of the books of the Apocrypha.

     I find myself having to give this great book a rating of 5-stars. I am highly recommending it.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*