I first encountered Author Jill Eileen Smith when I read the first book in her Daughters of the Promised Land Series, The Crimson Cord. I absolutely loved it and I knew I had to read book two, The Prophetess. In The Prophetess, Smith writes a historical retelling of Deborah, the only female judge in the Bible. The story of Deborah can be found in The Book of Judges, chapters 4 and 5. Jill Eileen Smith amazes with her ability to imagine what life was like for Deborah. She tells her story in such a way, the Bible comes to life. Smith writes this novel with the same precision and thoughtfulness as she did the story of Rahab in The Crimson Cord.
The Prophetess recounts the life of Deborah, her marriage to Lappidoth, and her leading in the successful attack against King Jabin of Canaan and his commander Sisera. I loved the way Smith brought Deborah’s marriage full circle. It is hard to imagine how a man could be married to such a woman at such a time. I was so glad that Smith ended this book the way she did. I am blown away with Smith’s ability to tell a story with so little to go on, and do it well. This book is more than a Bible story, it is a beautiful piece of historical fiction.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opines are my own and I have not been compensated in any way.
