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 … 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.
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Judah’s Wife is a story revolved around the historical significance of the Maccabees and the fight to save the Jewish faith before the time of Christ. The story of the Maccabees takes place during the “silent” 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. When I found out that Angela Hunt had published a story revolved around the Maccabees, I knew I had to read it. The resilience of these people and their determination to fight for their beliefs has always intrigued me.
Taking off with excitement, Judah’s Wife drew me in right away. Leah was the only child of her parents. Her father, a merchant in Jerusalem, was a fierce and abusive husband and father. Leah witnessed the beating of her mother on a regular basis. Leah’s fear, as well as her desire to toe the line so that her father didn’t beat her or her mother, was palpable.
The introduction of Judah Maccabaeus made me smile. Judah protected Leah and her friend from some young men who were out to cause trouble. I felt that Judah’s character was very well penned. Loyal, trustworthy, firm yet kind.
Leah saw her marriage to Judah as a way of escaping her father’s harsh hand. Leah’s and Judah’s building relationship was so sweet to see unfold. He was very gentle and loving toward her, and because of her past, Leah was unsure of herself. I was delighted to read as Judah began to draw her out of her fear and watched Leah begin to blossom as a person.
However, shortly afterward, the story seemed to take a downward turn. After the battles had begun, there wasn’t much more character development of Leah until the last couple chapters of the book. I increasingly became confused and frustrated with the flatness of her personality. I kept waiting for little things like a description of her appearance or little nuances like scenes with Judah helping her make cheese or tending the goats together. Something. Instead, there were short spurts of meals with the family or frequent disagreements in their house. All of the scenes were very short with very little interaction between the two of them.
Speaking of the house: What did the house look like inside? What was the atmosphere like in the caves? I missed seeing little things like this in the story. Though Angela did a terrific job bringing to life the historical scenes of the battles, I felt that the depths of the characters was sacrificed. I feel like I didn’t really get to know Judah’s wife as much as I got to know Judah himself.
Though the story fell flat for me by the middle of the book and I struggled to keep reading, I was pleased to find that Leah’s attitude toward her husband eventually resolved.
The end of the book was emotionally gripping. Death is part of any battle story. This one is no different.
All in all, Judah’s Wife was a good read, and I am taking away a bit more appreciation for the Maccabee story, so that’s a good thing. I would rate it 3.5 stars, if that was possible on Amazon.
I didn’t know much about the silent years, between the Old and New Testaments. Hunt has done her homework, using the apocryphal books of the Macabees and other sources, to describe that time when the Jews were able to throw off their oppressors. It was the beginning of Hanukkuh. Very good!
I was on facebooks Avid Readers of Christian Fiction blog and saw so many wonderful comments on this book that I had to buy it. I called my local bookstore and had them order it. I absolutely loved this book and Angela Hunt immediately went on my “favorite authors” list. Judah’s Wife is set in the Old Testament era. The hard times of the Jews being ruled by a cruel king cause any peace to errupt into war. All Leah wanted was to marry a peaceful man and have a quiet life as a wife and mother. Her husband Judah is soon a leader in the fight for religious freedom when the Jews are ordered to follow the Syrian laws or die.
I read this book in less than two days and had a hard time putting this down. I bought the book and no one asked me to leave a review. All opinions are my own and the author nor the publisher knew I would be leaving a review. The cover caught my attention and then I read the comments and I loved this book. Will definitely be reading a lot more of Angela Elwell Hunts book. They are terrific and page turners.
Can one simple family change an entire country?
Judah’s Wife was one of the most different novels that I’ve read. It wasn’t the easiest book to read, and it took me quite awhile. I found myself reading a few pages, most of the chapters are pretty short, and then having to take some time to digest what I’d just read.
In some ways it seemed more like reading a history book. But, oh, what a history! Epic battles, divine miracles, and a family that must make terrible sacrifices during one of the most momentous times in Jewish history!
I never really connected with Leah or Judah but I found their struggles to be one of the most interesting parts of the story. They are just ordinary people but it is the ordinary people that God so often calls to do extraordinary things and to give of themselves in ways that the modern American reader can scarcely imagine.
In Judah’s Wife author Angela Hunt brings to life the lost years between the Old and New Testaments, a time that was harsh and unyielding, and is oft neglected in Christian fiction. She weaves a poignant story of love, loss, and sacrifice that will stay with the reader after that last page is turned.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
I’m going to be honest. I don’t even know how to start this review. With everything that has happened in my personal life over the last month I heeded Kristin’s advice when she suggested that I put off reading this book. She didn’t say why but just encouraged me that now wasn’t the time so to speak. I appreciated that advice as I read this book more than she will ever know. I probably really could have waited a bit longer but then publishers do want timely reviews. The first book in this series didn’t do much for me so I wasn’t certain what I would discover in book two. With characters so deeply woven and a story line that tugs at your emotions this book is not for the weak but it is most definitely worthy of being book 30 for the year for me. This is a story that I will carry with me for a while. And honestly, will end up in the re-read pile. There are layers there that I feel like deserve another chance to be shown.
One word that comes to me when I think about this book is desperation. Leah was desperate to escape her abusive father. Judah’s family was desperate to escape the defilement that was happening in Jerusalem. The Jews were desperate to escape the oppression of the Gentiles. Leah escapes her father, Judah’s family leaves the city and then eventually lead the battles that will help to ease the oppression. Judah was a peaceful man unless he was up against a bully. The Gentiles were bullies. Judah’s father chose him to lead the army, not the oldest son, but the peaceful son. Not the smartest son, but the gentle son. The son who would turn to HaShem for help. The son who earned the trust of those that chose to join them. The son who lost his wife’s trust in taking the mantle of commander. The wife so filled with fear of violence that she went out of her way to attempt to convince her husband to leave the fighting to others. The wife who learned to trust HaShem because of her husband and his steadfastness to serve as called by HaShem. A wife who finds her calling because of her husband.
This is not a butterflies and rainbows kind of book. This is a story of grit and depth and amazing people doing ordinary things. This is a story of desperation and hope. A story of love and redemption. A story of faith and doubt. This is the story of one man’s willingness to serve as he is called and ultimately one man’s mistake to believe he needed a backup plan. While not a part of the canonized Inspired Bible the books of the Maccabees are based on historical truth and lay the ground to the birth of Christ. One man on that journey inspired this book. One woman of the author’s imagination brought that story to life. Love does not come with ultimatums. Desperation does not come without hope. Faith does not require a backup plan.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
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 received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
If you read my review of Egypt’s Sister, you’d see that I didn’t care too much for that book. I was unsure if I would read Judah’s daughter but ultimately decided that I have loved other books by this author and that I would give this book a shot. I am so glad that I did!
I have read twenty-five books as of 2/16/18 and Judah’s Wife is one of the most moving and compelling books that I have read out of those.
I want to talk about the 4-star rating right fast (which is actually closer to 4.5 but Goodreads doesn’t allow half-stars).
When it comes to plot and characters, this book is 100% a five-star book. I was emotionally engaged with the story and there is a certain scene in Judah’s Daughter that is perhaps one of the most gripping scenes I’ve ever read in this genre. Without giving too much away; Leah is completely broken and begs Judah to do to her what she expects that he eventually will. Judah places his life in her hands and proves to her that he will not harm her—not matter what she chooses to do to him. My heart dropped at her response. I was shocked, sad and completely overwhelmed. Judah’s response won my respect and a piece of my heart.
So, as I was saying about this 4-star rating. It has absolutely nothing to do with the characters or the story. Although, the ending did leave me so melancholy that I wanted to cry out of frustration. In fact, I did. More on that in a bit…
I had only two issues with this book and they’re fairly minor.
In a particular battle scene in this book, Judah and his brothers encounter men on elephants. Judah’s brother dives under the legs of the armored elephants and slashes at them. This felt too much like a particular battle scene in Lord of the Rings. It detracted from the story to me in a small way as that is all I could picture. This will not be an issue for readers who have not read the books or watched Lord of the Rings.
Two characters deaths were mentioned in passing. After having been an integral part of the story for me; I wanted to know how they died. I needed closure for their deaths.
This book comes to a melancholy end. If you’re looking for a book that has a happy ending then this book is not the one for you. However, if you’re looking for a book that features a broken woman who learns to put her trust in God then I would definitely suggest this book. Leah’s life is one that many women live. She experiences abuse, love, and loss; realizing that God never promised that life would be easy. But that He would be there for her through all of life’s trials.
This book was provided to me by Bethany House Bloggers. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. All opinions are my own.