Noah bat Zelophehad has tended her father’s herds and flocks since she was a girl. With God’s gift of land, she plans to make her sisters wealthy with livestock. But when a conniving clansman takes a liking to the bold shepherdess, his scheme may snatch her from the fields she loves. Only one person understands Noah’s gifts with the animals—Jeremiah, the mute shepherd who has been her field … field companion for years. After the walls of Jericho collapse, God stays silent in the battle of Ai, leaving Jeremiah wounded and Noah’s marital status in jeopardy. But, Noah remains faithful to God and her animals and trusts that she will be able to forge a future with her sisters, even when enemies abound.
Will the daughters of Zelophehad be able to settle their land together, or will Noah get left behind, trapped in the tent of a troublemaker?
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The second installment of Britton’s well-researched and imaginative biblical fiction series is a delight. The author focuses on the little-told story of the daughters of Zelophehad who were bold enough to claim their rightful inheritance in the Promised Land after Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt.
Noah is specially gifted in animal husbandry and the story opens upon her assisting in a difficult birth and devising an innovative therapeutic approach to encouraging the offspring to thrive—a talent that will come in handy in the future. Although her clan of five women has been recognized in the world of men, it’s still an unusual and prejudicial struggling community of Israelites navigating and battling to follow God in an alien land and culture. The women must continually stay alert to protect their reputations and future. If the feisty Noah has any weak spot it’s for her fellow shepherd, the deaf-mute Jeremiah, strong and faithful and utterly devoted to her and their work. Neither dares entertain more than a passing fancy that they could join their lives; in fact, Noah is so dedicated to her work she would rather not marry anyone if it means she might not be able to care for her beloved herds.
Jeremiah knows he has to prove himself a man in the eyes of his clan before he can dream of marrying. Even if it means risking his life in battle…as well as with his crafty brothers.
Heavenly Lights is the story of Noah and Jeremiah’s devotion to the God who created the earth and all the stars of the sky; the God who listens and cares for His people and provides not only our needs but the desires of our hearts. Told through both Noah and Jeremiah’s viewpoints, readers of biblical fiction will appreciate Britton’s detail and faithful retelling of the story of these deserving women.
Before starting to read, I wondered how the story would proceed with one of the characters being a deaf mute. Would it slow down the story? Would the dialog lag? But nothing is lagging here.
As usual, Barbara Britton puts us in fast motion, sweeping us into early Old Testament events from the perspective of this unique family of 5 daughters. They (and we) witness the after-effects of the fall of Jericho, the battle against Ai, Achan’s sin of plundering forbidden goods, and Rahab’s deliverance. Having recently studied the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua, I couldn’t help but be drawn to this time when God is establishing His own people in a world of godlessness.
Some of that godlessness is within their own tribe of Manasseh. Noah and Jeremiah (the deaf mute), both shepherds together, find themselves at the mercy of Jeremiah’s evil brother Keenan, who wants Noah for a wife–but only because of the land she will inherit. His scheming brings about a terrible twist over halfway through the tale, and raises the stakes greatly for both Noah and Jeremiah. I didn’t see it coming, but it made perfect sense. And kept my heart pounding.
As God is shaping the tribes of Israel into His own people, His punishment of evil (Achan’s sin) is juxtaposed with His continual graciousness as a champion of the weak, the outsiders, and the marginalized. I loved seeing it all through Noah’s eyes, with her unfaltering faith in God despite His silence at times–which rings true. I feel like I know these 5 sisters, and look forward to reading about their next set of challenges.
I’ve never read biblical fiction before, but I picked this up for a reading challenge (I needed a book with a character who has the same name as a family member).
Even though this was book two of the series, I didn’t feel lost or confused. The large cast of characters sometimes got confusing (I couldn’t always remember who was related to whom) but it wasn’t overwhelming.
It was so interesting to read this kind of historical novel. I never thought about what the other Israelites were doing while the warriors fought at Jericho. It was also interesting to think about how they responded to the laws of cleanliness and such.
Overall, there were a few parts I thought were a little slow, but the story did catch my attention and I had to know how it ended. I’m not sure biblical fiction will ever be my go-to genre, but this was a fun introduction to it.
PG rated for thematic elements.
They each have something to prove…
I’ve really been waiting for this story since I was about halfway through the first book in The Daughters Of Zelophehad series. I couldn’t help but wonder how a romance between Noah and Jeremiah might play out. Trust me, I can say that in all my wonderings I had no real clue where Barbara M. Britton would take these two before they can conquer the seemingly insurmountable odds and find the love they’ve each been hoping and praying for.
I wasn’t disappointed in Heavenly Lights at all and it more than met my expectations. The backdrop of the fall of Jericho, disaster at Ai, and the continuing conquest of Canaan, is quite fascinating in and of itself. The sweet romance thread and the suspense thread were nicely done and complemented each other.
I’ve listened to the first two books in this series in audiobook and I’ve enjoyed them both. The narrator for Heavenly Lights was different but she did an excellent job so I really didn’t notice. I’d say the audio quality was good with no major issues. The listening experience was enjoyable and it did justice to Barbara M. Britton’s Biblical fiction story. If you like the genre check into this book and series!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Another excellent book in this amazing series! Barbara Britton has done an amazing job bringing to life the story of the five orphaned daughters of Zelophehad. Heavenly Lights conveys Noah’s journey as a shepherdess, something rather uncommon in her day. The hero is also unlikely, as Jeremiah cannot hear or speak, but that didn’t stop him from totally stealing my heart. Britton once again packs a touching romance between the pages of a Biblical adventure. Heavenly Lights is a wonderful faith-filled journey that reminds the reader that God longs to give you the desires of your heart.
Barbara Britton has once again brought Biblical times to life with Heavenly Lights. The third story in the Daughters of Zelophehad series features Noah, a young shepherdess who is a force to be reckoned with. In a time when women had no rights, this family of orphaned girls are given the right to own land and make their own decisions. With a strong personality and mind of her own, Noah has the perfect job in caring for her families herds. She is brave, clever, and knowledgeable about keeping the camels, sheep, and goats safe and well cared for. Vivid description enabled me to feel the dust of the desert, smell the mingled aromas of sweat, food, and animals, and hear the sounds of battle. Ms. Britton’s use of similes and metaphors throughout the story is effective, often putting twists on common phrases. Noah’s friend, Jeremiah, is a deaf-mute, and the author effective puts readers in his head. As one who is treated as less worthy than others, even in his own family, he struggles to prove his value to the tribe, and I was sad at his treatment. His situation gave me pause to think about how I treat others who are unlike me or one of society’s forgotten citizens. I will re-read Heavenly Lights often.
I received a copy of this book from the author, and a review was not required, positive or otherwise. All opinions are my own.
Book 2 of the Daughters of Zelophehad: Heavenly Lights: Noah’s Story.
Miss Barbara Britton continues the story of the daughters of the Zelophehad in Heavenly Lights: Noah’s story.
This story touched my heart. It beautifully shows how those who feel lost, invisible, and unwanted are every bit as precious to God as those who believe themselves to be heroes. Often the things we see as our greatest weaknesses are what God chooses to use as our greatest strength for him.
This story follows the third daughter of Zelophehad, Noah. Her father sent her to watch the flocks at a young age. She has become a skilled shepherdess.
Jeremiah has been a Shepherd from the time he could walk, he knows animals, people not so much. He cannot speak or hear. Together Noah and Jeremiah learn keeping faith in the one true God is a blessing way beyond their dreams.
If you like stories that help bring Bible tales to life and show practical application don’t miss book 2 of the Daughters of Zelophehad: Heavenly Lights: Noah’s story, by Barbara Britton.
I give this story Five encouraging stars.
In oldest sister Mahlah’s journey, the five daughters of Zelophehad were granted their father’s inheritance in the Promised Land. Now Moses is dead, and Joshua leads the Israelites in conquering Jericho.
Noah, sister two, is a shepherdess and enjoys the company of shepherd Jeremiah, a deaf mute. Jeremiah’s brother Keenan decides Noah can provide him with heirs, plus he’d get her land when she marries him. He tries to trick her into marriage by making her believe Jeremiah is killed in the battle for Ai. That backfires on him, big time.
Jeremiah is a gem. His frustration over his silent world is palpable.
I enjoyed Noah more than Mahlah, although Mahlah seems to have softened now that she’s married.
I’m thinking if we took away ALL electronics, social media, all modes of transportation except foot or animals, we could have plenty more time for worship, praise and prayer time with God. As I read about what Noah and her sisters may have encountered in a day and how often they gave thanks or acknowledged God for his favor, I started to examine my day. I questioned how often I found myself in prayer or a simple “praise God”. I thought about how many times, I’ve jumped in my van and drove nearly 2 hours, alone to go visit my daughter and her family. Noah and her sisters knew to not go away unescorted, not to be alone in the company of men. They didn’t accept dates, they waited until their father or guardian was approached for their hand. They didn’t spend months planning an elaborate wedding and expensive honeymoon.
Author Britton has an amazing way of taking a small portion of Biblical facts and telling a bigger picture of what their life and culture would have been like. I like to believe that her telling of Noah’s story is little “God breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16).
The second book of the series
It is always such a pleasure to read Biblical fiction and to reconsider what I had always thought I knew about the event. To see things I hadn’t seen before or simply to stretch my imagination.
Heavenly Lights depicts events surrounding the battle of Jericho and the defeat at Ai mostly from the viewpoint of Noah, a daughter of Zelophehad. The complications involved with being a shepherdess in a male-dominated society were quite interesting to ponder. Duties considered normal for a shepherd would have been taboo for her or compromised her reputation.
And then there is Jeremiah, the deaf-mute shepherd who questions his worth because his family treats him as if he has none. I loved the way he and Noah developed a way of communicating with one another through a combination of lip-reading and sign language.
Care for the herds and the camels and other animals was described in several parts of the story. Situations like a difficult birth of a camel resulting in a potentially lame baby, predators, and a premature bull all added color and interest. And in some places, smells. Noah came up with some interesting solutions for problems with the animals.
I liked the idea that the repercussions of the walls falling caused more than just better access to the city for the army. I won’t tell you what happened, though. While reading this, I was so surprised I hadn’t considered before – it just simply made sense. I also really liked the way Rahab was portrayed, her faith and the way the Israelites might have dealt with her immediately after the battle.
If you enjoy Biblical fiction, Heavenly Lights would make a great addition to your library.
Read my review of Heavenly Lights by Barbara Britton at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
I’ve always admired the Daughter’s of Zelophehad in scriptures for thier bravery. Their father died without a male heir. So they went to Moses to ask for lands and inheritance of their father so that his name would not be wiped off. And God granted their request.
Heavely lights is the story of Noah one of the Daughter’s of Zelophehad. A shepherdess, brave and very handy. I admired her fearlessness in handling what would be called a man’s job. She did it with grace and great skill. Her kind and fearless heart gained her a husband; Jeremiah. He was mute and couldn’t hear and was pushed aside as the runt of his family.
Their fortunes changed after the battles of the Israelites with Jericho and Ai.
I love the themes of God’s love for all his children. No one is less important in His sight. Obedience to God was a profound theme too in this book.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Heavenly Lights is a continuation of Barbara M. Britton’s Daughters of Zelophehad series. The series is based upon the biblical account found in Numbers 27:1-11 and 36:1-13. If you missed it, Lioness: Mahalah’s Story (Book 1) details how a man named Zelophehad dies and how his daughters (Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah) petitioned Moses to grant them an inheritance among the tribes entering the Promised Land. Heavenly Lights picks up just after the walls of Jericho come down and continues through Israel’s victory over Ai.
Whereas in the first book, Britton had to devote space to introducing all of her characters, I felt she was able to really zone in on Noah in this second book. Noah possesses the compassion of a shepherdess along with a fiery streak that seems to be an inherent trait among these sisters. Another admirable trait is the reverence and adoration she directs towards the One True God.
When Moses inquired of God on behalf of Mahlah and her sisters, the stipulation to the land grant was that all the daughters would marry within their own tribe. At the outset of this story, Noah doesn’t want to marry. The only man she even remotely cares for is “her shepherd”— Jeremiah. The way he and Noah have developed their own sign language to overcome his disability is remarkably tender. So was how the author turned a defeat in battle into a victory of the heart for these two.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions I have expressed are my own.