King Solomon was wealthy and wise beyond measure. He could–and did–have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands. But for all his wisdom, did he or the women in his life ever find what they searched for all of their lives?In this engrossing novel, you’ll find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you’ll meet Solomon and four of the women he loved: Naamah the desert … desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba. As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and the eyes of these women, you’ll ask yourself the ultimate question: Did Solomon’s wisdom ultimately benefit him and those he loved . . . or did it betray them?
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Smith first introduces readers to four of King Solomon’s loves in a series of Ebook shorts…The Desert Princess (Naamah’s story), The Shepherdess (Abishag’s story), Daughter of the Nile (Siti’s story), and The Queen of Sheba (Nicaula’s story). In her recent release, The Heart of a King, Smith brings these four loves of King Solomon together with the additional insight of what might have been going through Solomon’s heart and mind. The Heart of a King can be read as a stand-alone book, but reading the Ebook shorts listed above first will greatly enrich your reading experience.
Smith’s telling of King Solomon’s story stays close to the biblical narrative and the artistic liberty she takes to fill in the gaps of what Scripture doesn’t tell us is rich with historical and biblical research and preserves the integrity of God’s Word. Written in the third person, The Heart of a King is an enjoyable read that holds you captive with great dialogue and vivid descriptions. Smith masterfully transports readers to another time and place and gives them a look into the life of the wisest but possibly most tormented man to ever live.
*I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions stated here are my own.
Wow! What can I say? I was once again blown away by the talent of Biblical fiction writer Jill Eileen Smith as she transported me back to the twilight of King David’s life and the world of his son, King Solomon.
The Heart of a King follows Solomon’s amazing life, from his early years when he wanted nothing more than to please and glorify God, through his years of testing limits as he took many foreign wives and acquired vast riches. Jill’s story stays true to all we know from the Bible about his life while adding plausible fictionalized background and details that engage readers and encourage them to delve more deeply into Scripture. It recounts how Solomon interacted with his parents, King David and Bathsheba, as well as his brothers and other members of the royal court. It paints a vivid picture of how he used the unparalleled wisdom given to him by God for great good, but how human desires lead him to drift slowly but steadily away from the solid foundation on which he began.
Jill focuses on Solomon’s relationships with four women who are believed to have been particularly important in his life: his first wife, Naamah, who was the mother of his heir; Abishag, of Shunem, who had been a helpmate to his father; an Egyptian Pharaoh’s daughter, called Siti in this story; and the Queen of Sheba. In doing so, she reveals more about the complex, brilliant, passionate man who held such power and potential, yet who began to care more about the gifts than the Great Giver.
This book brings together modified versions of four e-books Jill previously wrote (The Desert Princess, The Shepherdess, Daughter of the Nile, and The Queen of Sheba) into a more complete narrative of King Solomon’s life. I have not read these e-books yet but will likely do so now to gain even more background on these intriguing women and the influence they may have had on a royal reign.
I highly recommend The Heart of a King to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or has an interest in Old Testament times. I received a complimentary copy from Revell Publishing but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Jill Eileen Smith is a great storyteller and she does her homework before writing. She writes with passion and her words are descriptive, enticing and detailed enough to draw a reader in and making them want more. This is the first book of hers that I have read but it certainly will not be the last! This is a biblical fiction book that brings scripture to life.
As this book walks us through the life of King Solomon and his 4 wives, it certainly transported me back to where I felt like I knew each of them in a different way. As a reader, we can sympathize with them. As a wife myself, I can surely feel and understand the feelings of jealousy and inadequacy.
Early in the book, Bathsheba tells Naamah “only God can give us all that we need. Only he can feed the hungriest places in our soul”. As a new Christian, some think they can be all, fix all, and do all. Until we fully understand God’s love for us, how we must commit and walk in faith, we struggle just as King Solomon does. Though King Solomon seemed to have it all, we could feel his struggle with his love for God but also for his throne and his wives.
As I read this book, I remember the commandment “Thou shall have no Gods before me”. Because he loved power, money, and women before God, his life was not blessed. But he finally comes to the conclusion that God is what matters most and he asks for God’s forgiveness.
Though this book is fictional, there is insight into some of the thoughts and feelings that the characters may have had.
I disclose I have received this book free of charge as part of Jill Eileen Smith’s “The Heart of a King – The Loves of Solomon “ launch team. This review is based solely on my thoughts and opinions of the book
Thank you Jill Eileen Smith…. I am now a forever fan and reader of your books!
#TheHeartofaKing #biblicalfiction #bookstagram #bookclub Jill Eileen Smith #revellbooks
A beautifully written story of King Solomon and his wives. This is a fictional book but the way Jill Eileen Smith writes real accounts of the Bible into the story helps the reader understand more about King Solomon and his life. The book shows how his relationship with his wives started. I loved the particular part of him meeting Siti. She worshiped a different God and his questions were of great wisdom giving Siti much to ponder on about her God and Solomon’s God.
The author shows us in her book how compromising can lead to sin and sin can have a snowball effect.
The author does a fabulous job staying with the truth of the Bible but weaves a tale around it to give us a better understanding of what could have been going through Solomons mind and his reaction to things that happened around him. You will be so pulled in that your sure to turn back to your bible just to read about Solomon. I felt like praising God and closer to him just by reading this book.
Was given a complimentary copy by Revel. All opinions are my own .
This is a very interesting book. I was instantly drawn into this fictional world of King Solomon and his family. I was fascinated by his life and the struggles he endured due to his great wisdom and many wives. This book kept me intrigued throughout the entire thing.
Jill Eileen Smith is a master at Biblical Fiction, and she always stays true to the Bible while adding fictional background and lives to her characters. This book was no different. Comparing this book to the Bible, all the Biblical accounts were there, and none of the fictionalized additions conflicted with it. It is a great way to get a deeper understanding of what King Solomon and his wives COULD have experienced and endured.
The only problem I endured was when reading Queen Sheba’s story. I felt like I was just thrown into the middle of her story and didn’t get enough background to fully understand her life. Jill Eileen Smith has explained that this is due to her previously released books written about each of King Solomon’s wives, and she didn’t want to repeat what was there. I didn’t have this issue with any of the other wives, just Queen Sheba.
Recommendation: I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Biblical Fiction and/or anyone who would like to get a deeper look at King Solomon and the wives who helped shape him.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of the book mentioned above in the hope that I would review it on my blog. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
A look at Solomon and his wives
The Heart of a King is a fascinating look at what it might have been like to be one of Solomon’s wives. Beginning with Naamah, the mother of Rehoboam, and ending with the Queen of Sheba, each women’s thoughts and motivations are examined.
The author speculated as to which woman Solomon married first and chose Naamah for this distinction. Seeing her perspective as the first wife – how she would have reacted in finding out that Solomon was to marry again. And again. And again. Ouch!
My favorite aspect of the story is the way the author pulled so in much of the Old Testament. I loved Solomon and David’s excitement as they planned the temple and the descriptions of the temple and the sacrifices once it was built. Bits of wisdom from Proverbs and portions of the Song of Solomon were sprinkled through the book as were portions of Ecclesiastes. This was done quite well.
Solomon’s character as shown in the book was quite multifaceted. He sought to follow God and showed a deep love and concern for following His ways – at first. Though in some ways he appeared strong – in his rulings – he also seemed quite insecure and unsure of the right actions to take, especially after the death of his mother. His portrayal was a bit swarmy in the way he related to the women. Then again, this is probably the way it really was. Seeing his alleged reason for taking on all his wives was quite thought-provoking.
Each wife portrayed had a different personality and experience with Solomon, as would be expected. Seeing things from the viewpoint of his Egyptian wife was interesting, especially considering she is the one who had a palace built for her outside Jerusalem. As a result, we learned the author’s speculation on how this came about to be mentioned in the Bible. While I didn’t much like the personalities of the women, I very much enjoyedntheir stories.
The subject matter here is a little mature, in my opinion, for younger teens. While entirely clean, there are numerous preludes to lights-out liasions.
Read my review of The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith 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 could not put this book down. Jill’s beautiful words enraptured me so much that I could almost smell the exotic spices and feel the heat from the lamps as I turned each page. I believe Jill has truly captured the essence of who Solomon and his wives really were. It was a joy to read, and it is a great reminder to not cling to the gift but the ultimate gift giver.
I was given an early copy of this book to read and honestly review. The opinions expressed are of my own accord.
From the minute I opened the book I was transported back to the days where Solomon was awaiting his turn to be king. I could see the palace, guards and servants as King David barked commands. The author breathes life into a story we know with a fresh look at the women in Solomon’s life.
When Solomon becomes king, you can feel the honor and blessings that are bestowed upon him. His first wife has given him a child but will that keep his eyes from wandering? I loved getting a better insight into each of King Solomon’s wives. Each one played an important part in his legacy. The words he spoke to them was poetic and filled with love. The risks he took in having many wives was a heavy price. As you read the book, take note of each wife and how they impacted King Solomon as he made decisions, betrayed people and grew to know the gift of wisdom was the one gift God had given him. Did he use it wisely?
The book is fictional with some liberties taken to give readers a glimpse of what it may have looked and sounded like as King Solomon ruled. There isn’t much in the Bible about his wives, but with the authors gifted artistic way she lets us imagine what they may have said . I was captured by King Solomon’s story and basked in the beauty of how the author paints a masterpiece in words. Each chapter becomes more involved and let’s us see the heart of a King.
King Solomon did have his faults as we clearly see by the wives he took and the need for material wealth. God was very specific in the orders he gave Solomon but when they are ignored will there be consequences? It is important to read “Note to the Reader” at the end of the book. The author explains more about King Solomon and his passion to serve God. Oh that we may have that same desire. There is much to learn from this story such as, “he came to realize that even amid our failures, life isn’t meaningless but can have great purpose if we fear God and keep His Word.”
I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
3.5 Stars for this biblical historical fiction novel. This novel follows the life of Solomon and 4 of the prominent women in his life – Naamah the Ammonitess, the mother of Rehoboam (who followed Solomon as king); Abishag – the shunamite who was in David’s harem and was the subject of Adonijah’s downfall; The Pharaoh’s daughter (Ms. Smith named her Siti), who received her own palace and had the city of Gezer as part of her dowry, and the Queen of Sheba (named Nicauala in this book). While there was some overlap in the women’s stories, it seemed that each woman got approximately a quarter of the book, starting with Naamah and ending with Nicaula. The book stayed as true to scripture as it could (there was a good bit of speculation, which is what makes it biblical FICTION) and told the story in a fresh and realistic way.
I did struggle to get into this one as I did not like any of the main characters very much until Nicaula showed up in the last quarter of the book. Though the representation was likely accurate, I felt the women were too whiny and needy (but that is no doubt what caused Solomon to give in to worshiping other gods). I have since been informed that there are ebook novellas from the first person perspective of each of the women that helps to flesh out their characters better. This likely would have helped me to appreciate them more, so I’d probably recommend reading this alongside those books as well. Another struggle I had is that I recently read another biblical fiction author’s book about Solomon and this one took a different take on some things, so it was difficult for me to wrap my head around those differences. Both stayed true to scripture, but took different avenues on the speculation. I would recommend not reading different authors’ takes on the same biblical story in such close proximity in order to not have that struggle!
All in all, this was a well-written biblical fiction account of the life of Solomon and 4 of the women in his life. I did find it interesting how he went from the exuberant sacrifices in Gibeon at the beginning of his reign to the “everything is meaningless” of Ecclesiastes. If you enjoy biblical fiction that brings scripture to life and are intrigued by the wisest king in history and how he was influenced by the women in his life, I would recommend this one! Special thanks to the author and publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. I was in no way obligated to write a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.
Once again, the award-winning author, Jill Eileen Smith has written another excellent Biblical Fiction Book. This book is well written and thought provoking and a real page turner. I was drawn in from the start , from where Solomon was appointed by his Father King David as his successor all the way thru until the end of Solomon’s life. I enjoyed reading the Authors ideas about how four of his wives could have possibly been introduced to him and then married and entered into his kingdom which not only included 700 wives but hundreds of women in his concubine. Jill also included his mother Bathsheba in this book, a fascinating women in herself.
Jill’s writing style is easy to follow and makes each of these women, whom Solomon chose as his wife relatable even if I don’t agree or like his reason’s for marriage to them. This Book” The Heart of a King” reflects what scripture already tells us and by reading all of Jill’s books, I’m drawn to re-read the supporting scriptures that correlate to Jill’s idea’s. I especially liked Jill’s “Note to the Reader” section at the end of this book that explains her research and how some of her opinions were formed either by that research or scripture.
This book is well written and even having scripture state that no-one had ever had, nor will ever have the wisdom as King Solomon, we as mere humans still find a way to justify our actions.
In regards to Solomon, Jill writes on pg. 419 of this book ” He let passion rule him and learned to trust the gift instead of the giver.”~ Jill Eileen Smith.
How remarkably sad is that statement, yet don’t we all do this at times?
Thank You Jill Eileen Smith, for another great book, and I can’t wait for your next one.
** Note I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing, However, all opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
This book did to me what no book has done to me in a long time! I’m usually the person who is constantly watching the clock while I read – not because I don’t like the story, but just because my attention span isn’t what it used to be. The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith did that! I glanced down after what felt like 5 minutes, and I had already read 30 pages!
Jill brings the Bible to life in a way I didn’t think possible. She researched thoroughly and tells you when she has taken liberties when there were conflicts in research.
She has me almost inderstanding Solomon (although he was very complex and I doubt we will be able to ever fully grasp his mind).
Jill does an excellent job of fleshing out characters and making us imagine the what ifs of Biblical fiction, all the while nudging is closer to God and reading the Bible more for ourselves.
** Note I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing, However, all opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
I loved learning more about King Solomon and four of his many wives. Biblical Fiction tends to stick with me better than reading the Bible because it gives depth to the people of the Bible. This book focuses on how those four wives may have felt before, during, and after marrying the King. We can only imagine what feelings they may have had in such a situation but I felt like Jill portrayed them very well. The book also gives depth to Solomon and what thoughts and feelings he may have had as he was leading a nation and what may have lead to his eventual worship of idols.
The beginning of the book also includes a portion of King David’s life and that of his wife Bathsheba. Where this story begins is toward the end of their lives, when they have a nice love story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I love it when an author who has the heart and does the research it takes to make a story come to life—especially biblical fiction. Even though some of the story is fictionalized, it still gives me a strong feel for the culture and practices of the time period.
The Heart of a King gives a well-rounded view of Solomon’s life and loves. I’ve always been both intrigued and puzzled by Solomon. He was blessed with wisdom, yet he made some poor choices.
Each of these loves of Solomon (Naamah, Abishag, Siti, and Nicauala) have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and I was able to connect with them in different ways—some stronger than others.
As with any of the books I’ve read by Jill Eileen Smith, I really enjoy the wonderful descriptions and the characters’ journeys of faith. In this particular story, I love how the Songs of Solomon (from the Bible) are tied to each of these wives. It unifies the story and gives it the softness it needs.
If you enjoy biblical fiction or would like to read about the wisest king in history and the women he loved, I’ve no doubt you’ll enjoy this book.
Source: I received an advanced copy from the publisher as a member of the author’s street team. I was not required to leave a favorable review.
Award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith’s latest biblical fiction novel, The Heart of a King, is a fascinating look into the life of King Solomon, his incredible wisdom granted by God, his numerous foreign wives and many indulgences, which ultimately led to his downfall. Jill Eileen Smith is a master at bringing Scripture to life and realistically filling in the details which encourages readers to dig deeper into the Bible and discover more about the word of God.
Portions of this book were previously published as e-books by this author (The Desert Princess, The Shepherdess, Daughter of the Nile, and The Queen of Sheba), so readers will thoroughly enjoy how all of these stories come together to tell a more complete narrative of King Solomon’s life. This novel focuses on four important loves in King Solomon’s life, while also exploring the relationships Solomon had with his parents, King David and Bathsheba, one of his half-brothers, Adonijah, and most importantly, his relationship with God. Readers will learn about his first wife (and mother of his heir) Naamah, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of an Egyptian pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba.
King Solomon was a highly charming, wise ruler of Israel, whose seven hundred wives, hundreds of concubines and extravagant life of excess was in contrast to the teachings and obedience that God asked of him. Jill Eileen Smith’s eloquent writing style thoroughly captivates readers and keeps them invested in the novel until the very last page. The Heart of a King is highly recommended for readers of biblical and historical fiction. Readers will be eagerly awaiting Jill Eileen Smith’s March 2020 release, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.
“Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray.” (pg. 186)
I’ve always wondered why King Solomon in all the wisdom God gave him at the beginning of his reign, was foolish in disobeying God’s laws in the end. Jill Eileen Smith explores this question in The Heart of a King, taking literary license since scripture doesn’t expound on many facets of his life or those of his wives. As I read this fictional account of a true story, I had to shake my head at Solomon whenever he justified his actions in disobeying what God so clearly told him not to do. As in the case of his third wife Siti; she worshiped the goddess Bastet and he built her a palace outside the walls of Jerusalem for her to honor her goddess and to display Bastet’s images. In his thinking, as long as it wasn’t seen or placed inside the walls, it was okay. He also justified that since his heart remained true to Adonai, he could take many foreign wives, horses and chariots as gifts from the kings & dignitaries to keep his kingdom peaceful. For anyone who knows scripture, would know that Solomon was unwise in these things.
Ultimately, this reminded me that in many ways we can be the same in making excuses or justifying our actions and decisions. The more we justify, the more our hearts turn from the Lord. For me, this book laid bare my own failings in taking seriously what God has said not to do or say or see in my own life. And how many ways even the most seemingly insignificant compromise can have devastating effects. It was a real eye-opener for me! I know oftentimes when I read how the Israelites turned from God in the desert and complained, I shake my head. But how often do I do that in my own life? How often to I complain when God has given me so much or answered my many prayers? Oh that we would be the opposite of Solomon!
I love how the author can bring what is in Scripture to life and flesh out the people we only read about. They were real with feelings, failures, struggles, and shortcomings. I think every time I read Jill’s biblical fiction novels, she makes me look inward to my own self and evaluate my own heart. And that’s a good thing in my book! It brings me closer to the heart of God every time.
“To those who have tasted what is forbidden only to find it meaningless. May Solomon’s wisdom and the love he craved show you a better way.” ~Jill Eileen Smith
*I received a complimentary copy from Revell on the authors behalf and was under no obligation to leave a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
The heart of a king is well written. It seem to be about the life of King Solomon. We see it though the view of the his wives. This is what I got though reading the book. It seem like book that tell the story of the king.
It starts out with him with his father being King of Israel and his son a prince. We see how he becomes King and what he wants. Do his wives get what they want? I believe this is a story about King Solomon and his god. We are brought back to ancient Israel.
We also see him struggle with himself and his god. He seem to questions if he is doing what is right by his god. His he not following God commands or comments?
If you are into reading the bible, but in a simpler way. This book is good for you. This is what it kind gave me as I was reading it. I enjoyed it, do not get me wrong. It seem better then reading the bible it self to get the history or story of King Solomon. Wish is best for me to understand.
I am not into reading the Bible for say but learning about ancient Israel is something different and the lives of King Solomon and his wives. This book did have look up a bit about King Solomon on google. Which is interesting say the least.
The Heart of a King brings you into the Kingdom of Israel in the days of King Solomon. We put into the life of Solomon and four of the prominent women in his life.
1. Naamah the Ammonitess, the mother of Rehoboam (who followed Solomon as king)
2. Abishag- the Shunammite who was in David’s harem and was the subject of Adonijah’ downfall;
3. The Pharaoh’s daughter (Ms. Smith named her Siti) who received her own palace and had the city of Gezer as part of her dowry
4. Queen of Sheba (named Nicauala in this book).
The book started with Naamah and ends with Nicaula.
Jill Eileen Smith did an amazing job showing how the wisest man in history lost the sight of God’s commands. It also shows how his wives to deal with their situations. I don’t have a lot of knowledge about the Holy Bible, but from what I do know about it it seems to use the scripture in the correct way.
However, I found myself having a hard time not losing interest in the book. Each of the women was very unique. They all brought something to the table. I really connected with Queen of Sheba because my cat loves Sheba. Oh wait isn’t a review on cat food. LOL. On the serious note, I like Queen of Sheba because I felt she is a woman of faith and honor. “The Heart of the King” was an interesting read. It truly brought scripture to life on one of the wisest kings in history who was greatly influenced by many women in his life.
Overall its a gripping look into the life of one of the most famous kings. I highly recommend this book who are fans of well-written Biblical fictions. This would make a great book to read for a bible study group.
I received a copy from Revell Publishing Company. This has not influenced the content of my review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
I love reading biblical fiction and this author is talented in telling a story.
They do a very good job of capturing the life of a king with the love for God, but also the draw to women to obtain more peace, power and lands.
Her skill weaves a tale of the confusing facts of polygamy, and its downfalls, even when you think it is sort of ok. I loved Solomon, and yet, I didn’t like him at all. He was the hero that you wanted to do the right thing, but felt like he kept going back to his desire for power, but had a good heart in it all.
If you want to understand more about this unique king that married, what seems like half the world’s princesses, pick this book up. It is fascinating with a lot of stories in it.
The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith is part of The Loves of King Solomon series and a book you definitely don’t want to miss.
Jill Eileen Smith is one of those authors that draws you in and transports you back in time with her wonderful stories and characters. While reading The Heart of a King I felt like I was witnessing King Solomon and his loves first hand and it makes me want to read more of the stories in this wonderful series.
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith is an intriguing imagining of the life of King Solomon and “the women he loved.”
Although I cannot say I agree with all of the author’s creative licenses, I believe she did a masterful job of weaving a fascinating story of “what might have been” in the life of the wisest man who ever lived.
I enjoyed being able to see the story unfold, not only through the viewpoints of the different wives, but also through Solomon’s eyes as well.
I appreciated the uniqueness of each woman’s story, and how they intertwined, with King Solomon, and also with each other throughout their lives.
I have not yet read the individual Loves of King Solomon books, but I thought this book read well by itself, although I may have received a more “rounded” view of the women had I read them beforehand.
This book was fascinating and unique, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy wonderful Biblical fiction—the story is captivating, and certainly inspires the reader to dive even deeper into the real world of the Bible, and find out more about the truth in this powerful story.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for FREE, and a positive review was not required.