Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar: A Book Review

Pearl in the Sand
Author: Tessa Afshar
Genre: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction, Biblical Fiction
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Release Date: 2020
Pages: 416
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Synopsis: Can a Canaanite harlot who made her living enticing men be a fitting wife for a leader of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes.

This 10th anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand includes new features that will invite you into the untold story of Rahab’s journey from lowly outcast to redeemed child of God. Rahab’s home is built into a wall, a wall that fortifies and protects the City of Jericho. However, other walls surround her too, walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness… Years of pain and betrayal have wounded Rahab’s heart—she doubts whether her dreams of experiencing true love will ever come true…

A woman with a wrecked past—a man of success, of faith... of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth and find healing in God.

My Review: Pearl in the Sand retells the story of the Battle of Jericho. It tells about Rahab, her early tragic past, and the after events of the Bible. Rahab begins to listen to God’s voice and help the Hebrews. She slowly falls for the Hebrew leader, Salmone, and they plan to marry. As their marriage draws near, can Rahab ever forgive herself and move on from the past?

I have always admired Rahab from the Bible. I have always thought that she was a courageous woman to put her life at risk by helping the Hebrews. However, Mrs. Afshar gives a deeper look at Rehab. She fleshes out her backstory, and makes Rahab a complex character with real emotions and gives her a voice. In this novel, Rahab’s story is not for the faint of heart. She goes through many horrific events. She is a young woman who is traumatized by her past and does not forgive herself. Throughout the course of the novel, she struggles to love herself. It is with the help of God that she gradually learns to heal and find love. I also love her relationship with Salmone. They do not fall immediately in love. Their relationship took time and also had God’s help. With God’s help, they were able to start a new chapter in their life that is filled with much promise.

Overall, this novel is about redemption, forgiveness, and recovery. The message of this book is God’s love is the best form of healing. All the characters seemed to be developed. The story was very beautiful and heart-wrenching. Rahab is truly a heroine who deserves her happy ending. Unlike other biblical fiction writers that paint these biblical women as almost perfect, Rahab is far from perfect. Therefore, this seems like a very realistic take on Rahab. The story also moves at an even pace. Pearl in the Sand is perfect for fans of The Crimson Cord, The Scarlet Cord, and Jewel of Jericho! Pearl in the Sand is a must read for fans of Biblical fiction!

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn: A Book Review

The Rose Code Author: Kate Quinn Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: Harper Collins Release Date: 2021 Pages: 635 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: 1940, Bletchley Park, Buckinghamshire. Three very different women are recruited to the mysterious Bletchley Park, where the best minds in Britain train to break German military codes. Vivacious debutante Osla has the dashing Prince Philip of Greece sending her roses – but she burns to prove herself as more than a society girl, working to translate decoded enemy secrets. Self-made Mab masters the legendary codebreaking machines as she conceals old wounds and the poverty of her East-End London upbringing. And shy local girl Beth is the outsider who trains as one of the Park’s few female cryptanalysts. 1947, London. Seven years after they first meet, on the eve of the roya...

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