Judah’s Wife by Angela Hunt Book Review

To Be Silent Would Be to Deny Their God, To Defy Would Bring the Wrath of the King.

Seeking quiet 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'll have peace. But the very nation Judah was named for has been conquered by a cruel king, who decrees that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws or risk death for following the laws of Moses.

Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands Judah to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of Israel. 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 Thoughts:

Every year during the season of Hanukkah my family remembers the ternary that the Jewish people endured during the time of Antiochus IV, and the bravery of the Maccabees during the revolt. WE celebrate the freedom to worship God and not the battles. You can read the story in the Maccabees in the Apocrypha. It isn’t a light reading but a powerful story of a faithful God.

First off, this is the first time I have read any of Angela Hunt’s books. I love reading historical fiction especially those that center on the Jewish people. The author uses    many references to create this novel. I love the familiar liturgy that is translated within the story.

I like characters that have a lot of depth and are complex. Not only that but, I like characters that feel realistic. Leah is a complex individual she lived in fear and obedience to her abusive father. Leah watches her mother being emotionally and physically beaten makes her wonder if Ha-Shem is hearing her prayers.

Then one day Leah and her friend encounter a group of young Greek men with not so wholesome intentions. The outcome doesn’t look good for them. That is when Judah Maccabee enters her live. Leah couldn’t image a man standing up for a woman to defend her.

Judah is nothing like her father he is gentle, his life is one of a God fearing man who follows the Torah. He is a man to be reckoned with to protect his right to worship God and not to profane what is holy and sacred.

I’m not going to give away any spoilers. This is a powerful story that I recommend.

 I received a free copy of this product from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this information accordance with the FTC Regulations.