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Hannah: Mother of a Prophet by H. B. Moore: A Book Review

Hannah: Mother of a Prophet
Author: H.B. Moore
Genre: Christian, Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Release Date: 2022
Pages: 256
Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Journey back in time to the dusty roads of Shiloh and witness anew the story of Hannah and her son, Samuel. 


      Hannah is no longer a young woman. In the twilight of her life, she holds her memories close to her heart. Above all, she treasures the miracle of conceiving Samuel after years of barrenness and the promise she made to the Lord to release her child to the high priest Eli’s care to train and serve in the temple. But Samuel’s story does not end at the gates of the temple and neither does his family’s enduring legacy of faith, patience, and deliverance. In this richly detailed and sweeping fictional account of Samuel’s life as a prophet in the making, discover how his mother, Hannah, made impossible decisions guided by her deep and abiding love of God.


My Review: Hannah tells the story of the mother of Samuel the Prophet. For many years, Hannah has been barren. Elkanah, her husband, is forced to take a second wife named Peninnah. Peninnah bears him many children. Through her faith with God, Hannah finally bears a son. 


     Hannah’s story has been one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It is a true testament of faith. Hannah, who has been barren for decades, has finally produced a son who would become one of God's greatest prophets. Therefore, I was excited to read H. B. Moore’s version of Hannah and experience a truly moving tale. This novel did not disappoint and was in for an emotional ride.


     Hannah is a very admirable woman. She goes through many hardships and her faith is often tested. Through every obstacle, she becomes a stronger woman and is eventually rewarded. On every page, I felt Hannah’s pain. I could feel her heartbreak as Peninnah gives her husband the children she so desires. I could feel her frustration as she wondered if she would ever have children. It is only when she gives herself up to God that she is able to find her own peace. Thus, Hannah was very relatable and human. Her story made me cry many times. However, her ending was very satisfying and made me smile.


     Overall, this novel is about faith, perseverance, and love. The message of the story is that God will test your faith before he blesses you. I found all of the characters to be fully fleshed out and realistic. I love the relationship between Elkanah and Hannah. They had a very touching love story. I thought the story was very well-written and was rich in detail. I also thought that it was a faithful retelling of the Biblical story. The only thing I did not like about this book was that it had some scenes that I thought were unnecessary. Still, it was a very short and heart-wrenching read! Mrs. Moore has written a stunning inspirational novel, and I can’t wait to read her take on a Biblical figure. I recommend this novel for fans of A Passionate Hope, The Song of Hannah, and Hannah!


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


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