Hannah and her husband, Elkanah, share a deep and abiding love, for each other, for their God, and for his tabernacle at Shiloh. Greatly disturbed by the corruption of the priests, they long for restoration and pray for a deliverer. But nothing changes as the years pass. Years that also reveal Hannah to be barren.Pressured by his family to take another wife, Elkanah marries Peninnah, who quickly … who quickly begins to bear children. Disgraced and taunted by her husband’s new wife, Hannah turns again to prayers that seem doomed to go unanswered. Do her devotion and kindness in the face of Peninnah’s cruelty count for nothing? Why does God remain silent and indifferent to her pleas?
Travel back to the dusty streets of Shiloh with an expert guide as Jill Eileen Smith brings to life a beloved story of hope, patience, and deliverance that shows that even the most broken of relationships can be restored.
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In my ignorance, I had never even heard of Hannah in the Bible. I have never been able to pick up a Bible and read it. I do not understand what it means at all. Little by little I have been able to start understanding events in the Bible. And Ms Smith is one of the brightest authors capable of weaving a truly magnificent epic slice of that period of time in the Bible. Ms Smith has inspired me to pick up the Bible and begin to understand, in my own capacity, the events and the meanings therein.
Biblical fiction at it’s finest! Jill never fails to transport me back into the pages of scripture with her writing, as if I’m right in the midst of the people & culture of the times. Surrounded by the sights, sounds, and feel of Shiloh & the annual feasts this time around in her book. Honestly, it’s as real as being there myself!
She also always nudges me to re-read the account of whatever character she chooses to portray in whatever book I happen to be reading. Though I’ve probably read the account of Hannah, her husband Elkanah & Peninnah many times in the Bible, the author has a way of breathing life into them who I only know through God’s word. Making them real in my mind and feeling, seeing, tasting and touching everything they do. From walking with them on the dust covered roads as they travel to many feasts, and seeing the priests & many sacrifices made in the temple. It must have been quite a lot to take in, and to worship Adonai so freely among others who do the same must have been incredible! My own spirit leaps with them!
I’d have to say I resonated with Hannah in so many ways. Not in the fact that she couldn’t bear children, but that she wrestled with doubt that God heard her prayers when she prayed in earnest for a child, especially after so many years of barrenness. And when Peninnah cruely reminded her and oftentimes goaded her after bearing her own children. I know she had faith in the Lord and loved Him with all her heart, but I also know how it is to doubt. Both her and Elkanah also saw the wickedness of the priests & corruption of the temple and wondered how long God would tolerate it. They struggled with how a loving God could ever put up with evil! The author reminded us throughout the book that no matter our doubts or questions, God is a God that does hear and see even when we think He seems silent. I also know He used their son Samuel to mete out His judgment. But oh, my mother heart grieved when it came time to send him to live with Eli (the high priest) to fulfill Hannah’s vow!
Loved this book, just like the others I’ve read by Jill. She brings so much life to them and reminds us of God’s ways in our own lives. Biblical fiction has quickly become one of my favorite genres thanks to authors like this who prod us to delve into God’s word even deeper!
Favorite lines:
Page 34: “Did not Moses say that our God is near to us whenever we pray to Him? I think He hears our prayers no matter where we pray them. I don’t think our God is hindered by where we are.”
Page 68: “If a foreign country were trying to invade us, we could join forces and oppose them, but we are corrupt from within our own tribes and leaders. How are we suppose to battle that?”
Page 69: Hannah talking; “ I do not understand how the God I worship could allow a widow to be so bereft. Or why He allows the priests to act as they do without consequence.” She searched his face. “Do you know?”
Elkanah’s response; “You ask hard questions, my love. Who can truly know the mind of God? He tells us to pray, He commands our obedience, but His ways are not our ways. How can one created understand the One who made him?”
* I received a complimentary copy by the publisher on behalf of the author. No favorable review was required. *
“Hannah knew that God did not look on the outward person but on the inner workings of the heart. And that made all the difference.”
Oh. My. Goodness. What a book! I’ve always enjoyed Jill Eileen Smith’s books but this one blew me away. Hannah’s story is well-known though we don’t know much about Hannah herself or her husband Elkanah. The story is incredibly well-crafted and so heart-stirring. I found myself crying at multiple portions of the book.
From page one, Hannah and Elkanah are such real people, full of hope and faith but also full of human failings and doubts. God’s grace and mercy shine through in their lives even though they make mistakes. The love they share for Adonai brings them together and fuels their love for each other. Hannah is gracious, hopeful, joyful, devoted, compassionate, kind, and loving yet fearful of barrenness and unable to break out of the bondage that her fear creates. Elkanah is honorable, faithful, loyal, righteous, gentle, and loving but doesn’t have the backbone to stand up to his parents or the evil high priests.
Their love is sweet and tender. The regard and kindness Elkanah shows Hannah is amazing. And yet their love is fraught with heartache and turmoil and so so many heart-wrenching events and mis-events. Hannah’s grief over her barrenness made my heart twist every time her sister-wife Peninnah jabbed at her.
And, yes, we all know Hannah returns Samuel to the Lord’s service at a young age but their last feast together as a family before Samuel’s presentation to Eli made me bawl shamelessly.
This book has added such depth to Hannah’s story. Thanks to the story, I could hear, see, taste, smell, and touch the details of that Biblical time and empathize deeply with Hannah. As the author points out in her Note to Reader, “may we all learn despite hardship to be as gracious and joyful as Hannah”. Indeed Hannah’s story is about the God who can turn weeping into laughing and sorrow into joy.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
A Passionate Hope is such a touching, heart warming story. I mourned with her, I cried with her, I prayed with her, I got disappointed with her. I got aggravated and confused with her. I didn’t give up with her, I hung on with her. I questioned with her, and then I rejoiced with her. My tears stung my pillows for her. I was shocked with her. I was angry at her husband for her. I was angry with her husband’s second wife for her and I asked GOD why with her. I just couldn’t understand and then I realized through her – hey I am not GOD and HE has HIS reasons and like her I just have to keep praying and HE WILL answer when it is right. I absolutely love Jill Eilleen Smith as an Author – she is truly gifted as an author – and GOD does use her to tell Biblical stories and I am honored to read her books – -and I pray I get to read her next one – I truly do…….I hope you do too…… I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
I’ve read the story of Hannah so I’m ashamed to admit that I couldn’t recall that her husband had two wives. While I don’t think that Biblical fiction should take the place of the Bible, this is why I am a fan of the genre. It always prompts me to open up the scriptures and read them. It helps me retain details such as these that slip from my mind.
A Passionate Hope tells the story of Hannah and how she must have felt as the barren wife. Elkanah favored Hannah, the Bible tells us this in 1 Samuel 1. It also tells us how Peninnah (his other wife) mocked and provoked Hannah until she wept and refused to eat.
Jill Eileen Smith captured the heart of Hannah in a beautiful, thought-provoking way. I appreciated that she also gave a fictional account as to why Peninnah would have so provoked Hannah. It’s the subtlety of motive that I often do not consider when I’m reading scripture. It is why these books are such a blessing to me. It helps me humanize the experience.
This author tells Hannah’s story beautifully. I felt her pain and despair, her hope and her joy. This is a book that I would suggest for anyone that loves the story of Hannah.
This book was provided to me by Revell Reads. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.
I loved A Passionate Hope by Jill Eileen Smith! It is the fourth book in her Daughters of the Promised Land series and definitely worth reading.
Hannah and Elkanah are truly in love with each other and share a passionate love for the Lord also. They love to make the trips to the tabernacle to work and worship when needed, but are deeply disturbed by the corruption that has been allowed and practiced by the priests for years.
They both desperately want children, but years without having any finds Elkanah pressured to take another wife by his family, but in doing so stills finds him and Hannah without a child.
Hannah wonders if God hears or cares about her pleas for a child so her prayers change. She now just doesn’t pray for a child, but promises that if she and Elkanah are blessed with a son she will give him back to God to serve Him in the tabernacle.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
The story of Hannah came alive in this fascinating book. The story follows the little we know about the life of Hannah from the Bible and expands it so the reader learns about Israelite history, culture and religion of the day. Characters are beautifully written. The author has an incredible way of writing emotion. I could hear the taunts of Penniniah and feel the pain Hannah in turn felt. I could follow the story like a movie in my head. This story makes me want to read more like it. It was my first book by this author and I definitely want to read more. I would highly recommend this book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
A Passionate Hope by Jill Eileen Smith is book four in the Daughters of the Promised Land Series. A Passionate Hope is Hannah’s story, a strong believer who trusts her God completely, yet not without questions about her barrenness. Her husband, Elkanah, loves her deeply and exclusively, but both of them yield to the family’s pressure concerning heirs for him. Reluctant and with deep heartache, they choose for him to take a second bride, a woman whose jealousy and bitterness make Hannah’s life almost unbearable. Yet, Hannah never gives up hope and trusts that someday God will grant her desire and prayers for a son who will serve God and their people.
As with all of this author’s writings, she imparts lessons and guidance through the characters and their actions. Hannah’s character shows how one can overcome through difficult situations and through trying relationships with the help of God. Her journey through barrenness and through the strife with the second wife reveal how God allows grace and love to flow through her to impart on those who deserve it least. Jill Eileen Smith’s books always entertain but always teach lessons on faith, love and relationships with God and others. This novel examines a life totally dependent upon God—one that waits for His good purpose without seeing any glimpse of her dream fulfilled. God does reward her trust and bless her life as He promises.
Realistic settings and portrayal of culture immerse the reader in ancient times. The author skillfully draws the reader into the compelling story of Hannah and her world through detailed research and descriptive scenes. This is a truly wonderful story that engages while presenting life lessons from the Bible. I was gifted a copy of this book but only asked to give an honest opinion. I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy a captivating tale based upon biblical teachings.
A Passionate Hope is the story of Hannah, a woman who made a promise to God: If God would give her a son, she would give her son back to God to serve in his temple for life. Could you make and follow through with such a promise?
Author Jill Eileen Smith uses detailed research and skillful writing to create a world that allows modern readers to imagine the lives of the women of the Old Testament. A Passionate Hope tells the story of a strong woman of God who learned that God answers prayer in his own time and that faith can lead to great rewards. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Bible-based fiction or wants to read an inspirational story of a woman who overcomes challenges with grace.
#apassionatehope #february2018
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review. All opinions included in this review are my own.
As I read through the pages of “A Passionate Hope” I felt I was in the biblical hill country of Ephraim, interacting with Hannah, the mother of Samuel, and Elkanah, son of Jeroham as they lived their lives as Kohathite’s dedicated to daily worshiping Adonai Tzva’ot, at home and at the tabernacle of Shiloh during the time of Eli the Priest and his two corrupt sons, Hophni and Phinehas.
Though these people lived long ago they have been brought to life through Jill Eileen Smith‘s newest book titled “A Passionate Hope.”
The Bible doesn’t say much about Hannah except what is read in 1 Samuel 1:2 and 2:21. Other than that, she is never mentioned anywhere else in the Bible.
But Jill Eileen Smith took what was said in those few Bible verses and coupled it with biblical history and research to weave an incredibly true to life story of hope and trust that is captivating to read.
“A Passionate Hope” is the story of Hannah, who though married to a man who truly loves her as much or more then she loves him, cannot conceive a child that both of them desperately want.
It is a story of hope that endures through many trials. It is a story of trust in a God who seems to not hear the prayers prayed day by day, and year by year.
It is a story of heartache and heartbreak as a childless Hannah deals with the unkindness and rejection of family and the evil she sees being carried on in the tabernacle by those who are supposed to be God’s priests. It is a story of a woman whose faith is strong, who chooses to pray and praise instead of murmur and complain.
Many times as I read this book I found myself relating to the situations Hannah and Elkanah faced.
When I read: “Tears fell in drops as though she were standing in a storm, her heart burning within her. Oh, Adonai. Do You even listen to my prayers? I ask and I ask and beg and I plead, and nothing changes.” (page 180)
Many times, I like Hannah, prayed and prayed for something for years and years without any results, wondering, as Hannah did, if God actually did see and hear.
“Oh Adonai, why do You not act? Why do You let the evil go on and on?” (Page 199)
Many times I have also uttered a similar question to God regarding evil works I have seen, just as Elkanah did when he saw the continual evil being done by Eli’s sons.
This book was filled with emotions of frustration, fear, sadness, and anger. Yet, also of hope, love, forgiveness, kindness, self-sacrifice, hope and trust.
This book shows us that God does see and hear all the circumstances we face but sometimes He seems to be silent because we have to wait for His timing. He has a plan for good that can only be fulfilled in His time.
So, we have to wait, trust and hope, sometimes for what seems like a long, long time. But, in the end it is always worth the wait.
–Leona J. Atkinson
http://www.leonajatkinson.com
If you like reading biblical fiction books, you will absolutely love this book! “A Passionate Hope” is Hannah’s story and is another book in the “Daughters of the Promised Land” series.
The book begins in 1141 BC and follows Hannah’s story as she becomes betrothed to Elkanah and as they marry and try to start a family. The entire book spans at least 40 years of their lives.
Through out the book I could feel Hannah’s heartache and longing to have a child leap from the chapters as the years went by and she still couldn’t conceive. Elkanah’s love and devotion to her regardless of her condition was so sweet and inspirational.
The author used the scriptures as her foundation for her story which mentions that Elkanah took a second wife for her to bear his children and that Hannah was “taunted by her continuously”.
The monthly and yearly heartache of not being able to get pregnant, extended family issues, wickedness of the people and priests, along with her husband taking a second wife; were all burdens Hannah faced but yet she continued to pray and have faith in God. Her husband continued to love her unconditionally, pray with her and seek guidance to help her.
I like that the book focuses mostly on Hannah but we also get to read from Elkanah’s and the second wife’s points of view through out the book. This story was very well written, lots of descriptive historical facts and details-very real and emotional.
A Passionate Hope (2018) by Jill Eileen Smith is the fourth book in her Daughters of the Promised Land series. A Passionate Hope just released on February 6th, and can be purchased wherever books are sold. This novel is available in all forms including eBook, and is 384 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very active 5-year old at home, this story took me TWO days to read. I received a review copy of this novel in paperback form from Revell Books. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this superb story 5+++ STARS. A Passionate Hope is Biblical Christian fiction.
I genuinely do not have adequate words to express just how deeply this book affected me. A Passionate Hope is one of the best books I have ever read! Yes, the characters are well written. Yes, the setting feels so realistic it was as if I was right there in Ancient Israel with Hannah and Elkanah. And, yes, the research is stellar. Jill Eileen Smith definitely did thorough homework on this book! But, what impressed me the most is the depth of emotion I experienced as I read this beautiful and painful tale. I sobbed on my couch (both sad and happy tears) throughout the course of this story.
I have an enormous soft-spot in my heart for most all the females in the Bible. I love to read into the stories of Ruth and Esther, of the woman with the 12-year blood flow, of Deborah and Jael, of Rahab and the spies and try to imagine what these women really felt and thought as they experienced their well-known moments described in the Bible. What was a regular day like for these women? What did they worry or fear? What did they like and dislike? Would Esther have been terrified as she went into the king’s chamber? Did Ruth experience a twinge of regret as she left Moab and all she had ever known for Israel? Did Jael doubt her ability to take out Sisera? And, the woman with the 12 year blood flow…what is her name? How did she manage 12 years of weakness and exhaustion? How did she keep from totally giving up? I hope one day in Heaven I will get to meet these fabulously strong women!
My heart bleeds for Hannah. Jill Eileen Smith does a masterful job of using precise language that perfectly captures the emotional moment of each and every scene. This book is a roller coaster ride. One minute I was excited and nervous and giggly right along with Hannah as she discusses her upcoming nuptials with her best friends. The next I was plunged into a sadness so great it was suffocating. I have never wanted to be there for a fictional character more than I did for Hannah as she went through the disappointment and discouragement of another month passing and no pregnancy forthcoming. I was so into the story that when Hannah finally goes to the temple and prays her heartfelt prayer before God asking for a child, I was right there with her begging God to send her a son. My heart was crying out to God for Hannah. Talk about an interactive reading experience! The absolute best part of this book for me is that Hannah never gave up. She never gave up on her marriage, and she never gave up on God. She knew He had a plan for her. Hannah trusted Him to see her through the plan in His time. I’m walking away from this novel more in love with God — HE is SO good!
A Passionate Hope is a fast-paced, highly engaging, amazing read. This book is SO good, I was hooked from page one and could not put it down. I got totally lost in the setting, the culture, and the struggles the characters faced. I truly cannot recommend this book enough. If you are looking for a excellent Biblical Christian novel to escape into, then look no further — A Passionate Hope is the book for you. Run to your nearest bookstore and purchase a copy of this book today. You will not be disappointed that you did.
Brings the bible to life!
The two main women characters, Hannah and Peninnah, are so well written that I found myself fighting off feelings of depression as I read this wonderful book. Hannah’s story is covered in just a few verses in the bible. I can breeze through all of her difficulty in just a few seconds, get to her joy, and move on. The author has done a fantastic job of researching biblical times so that she could write a very believable story based on the short section we are given.
I was so burdened down with grief for all that Hannah was enduring at times that I simply had to put this book aside to let my own emotions settle down. Yet I also felt compelled by the depth of the story to return very quickly to progress through the book. I desperately wanted to see Hannah reach her time of rejoicing.
Jill Eileen Smith has an incredible gift and I’m thrilled that she uses it to bring the stories and characters of the bible to life.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Jill Eileen Smith is one of my favorite authors. God has graced her with the gift of being able to take a character from the Bible and bring her to life in such a way that her story is still relevant today.
A Passionate Hope is no different. The main character in A Passionate Hope is Hannah. As a young girl, Hannah dreams of the day when she will marry and give birth to a houseful of children, as so many young girls do. Hannah is passionate about her love for the Lord and her dreams of being a wife and a mother. A certain young man falls in love with her passion and before she knows it, Hannah’s betrothed and on her way to making her dreams a reality.
When a year passes and Hannah still hasn’t become pregnant, she reflects on the stories of Sarah and Rachel in the Bible and doesn’t lose hope. Five years later, she does the same thing. But how much hope can she hold onto
after twenty years have passed and still her womb remains barren?
Hannah’s story will appeal to so many women today who are patiently waiting to give birth. Her hope derived from her passionate love and belief that God sees her and has a perfect plan for her life is sure to inspire hope in even the most cynical reader.
I was provided a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.