Title: A Passionate Hope
Author: Jill Eileen Smith
Publisher: Revell
ISBN: 978-0-8007-2037-7
“What could one woman possibly do to save her family, let alone her nation?” Hanna asks herself in Jill Eileen Smith’s historical fiction novel, A Passionate Hope: Hannah’s Story.
~ What ~
Fourth in the Daughters of the Promised Land series, this three-hundred-and-sixty-eight-page paperback targets those who enjoy an enhanced version of the Biblical story of Hannah, Samuel’s mother. Containing no profanity or explicit sexual scenes, topics of rape, murder, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. An author’s note and biography, as well as acknowledgments and advertisements, complete the book.
In this retold story taken from I Samuel, young Hannah willingly agrees to marry Elkanah, twelve years her senior. Although she has trouble conceiving, their relationship has grown into a deep love for each other until her husband is coerced into taking a second wife to produce an heir. Peninnah, a nagging, spoiled girl, does all she can to get Elkanah to pay more attention to her, but the plan backfires as Hannah’s prayers and faith in Adonai are unyielding. After Samuel is born late in life to Hannah and given back to God to be Israel’s judge, both wives realize they both have felt no one wants them or needs them, finally establishing their healthy relationship.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like fictionalized Bible stories may pass on this one as the author has used liberties to enhance the story with many added characters. Some may find the rantings of Penninah and the almost-perfect behavior of Hannah are unrealistic at times.
~ Wish ~
With a plethora of characters, it would be helpful having a list at the beginning of the book.
~ Want ~
If you enjoy learning about Biblical Old Testament women in a fictionalized setting based on Scripture, this historical story shows the more emotional side of women and their struggles of sharing a husband and dealing with being infertile while living in Israel.
Thanks to Revell for this complimentary book that I am not obligated to review.
This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/passionate-hope-jill-smith/1127760969
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