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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

A Must Read: Pearl in the Sand, by Tessa Afshar

I just read an absolutely fabulous book called Pearl in the Sand.  It's the first book by author Tessa Afshar, but you would never know it.  May I suggest that you reserve this at your library, order it, or do whatever you need to get this book in your hands?  It is that great of a book!

First, I have to tell you that this is biblical fiction.  Not everyone likes to read biblical fiction.  Because really, the Bible is our only real source for knowledge of the events and people.  Biblical fiction uses the few facts that are known and creates a story.  But what I love about Tessa Afshar is she says the following in the introduction.

"The best way to study the Bible is not through a novel, but simply to read the original.  This story can in no way replace the transformative power that the reader will encounter in the Scriptures.  For the biblical account of Rahab, refer to Joshua 1-10, the book of Ruth, and Matthew 1:1-17."


That's right, this incredible book is about Rahab, the well-known prostitute from Jericho.  Tessa Afshar brings to life the fictional story of how a prostitute living in a land of child sacrifices and idol worship could come to live in Israel permanently and even marry an Israelite man of position.  Later she mothers Boaz, and is also an ancestor of Jesus.

When I read through the Old Testament, I often wonder how in the world these people lived, especially during the forty years of wandering through the desert.  Pearl in the Sand was extremely well researched to help a person understand such things.  It was a story of real characters with depth, emotion, and conflict.  I appreciate this work of biblical fiction, not just as book that explains what may have happened with Rahab and Salmon, but as a book that spoke to my heart and mind.  This is another book that shows me how a person can become trapped in a bad situation that is foreign to me.  For that alone I like this, but really, I like this book for the story telling and even how it taught me about the Israelites and especially the main character, Rahab.

I know I am not really saying too much about the plot of Pearl in the Sand.  If you know the story of Rahab from the Bible, then you know the main summary, but the book is SO MUCH MORE.  Why don't you go and read the first two chapters for yourself?

As I said, get your hands on this book.  You won't regret it.  I'm certain it will be one of my favorite books of the year and will not be forgotten!  I have some great news for you, too!  Moody Publishers is offering a giveaway copy to one reader!!  


Giveaway
To Enter: Leave a comment telling me another book (fiction or nonfiction, but not the Bible) that has given you insight to something in the Bible.  Make sure I have a way to contact you through an email address or your blogger profile.  This is open to any resident in the US.


Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each.)
Follow Live, Learn, Love with Google Friends Connect or subscribe by email.
Follow Live, Learn, Love on Facebook.


Giveaway runs through Tuesday, May 31, 2011.  
Giveaway is now closed.  The winner is #12 Michelle!  Congratulations.


(This is my own copy, not provided for review.  After reading so many positive reviews, I knew I wanted it for myself and am thrilled that Moody is offering you a copy, too.)

23 comments:

angie said...

I liked the Joshua series of books. Right now I can't recall the author's names. They helped to understand how people could resist a prophet.

angie said...

Oops--my email is angiechadwell@yahoo.com in case you need to reach me.

Shonda said...

I read a series by Angela Hunt about Joseph. The first book is called Dreamers. It just brought to life the character that I love and makes me want to read it again in the Bible! shondaet@gmail.com

Shonda said...

I follow your blog GFC. shondaet@gmail.com

Shonda said...

I like you on FB. shondaet@gmail.com

RivkaBelle said...

One of the most powerful books I read has been 'Israel, My Beloved' by Kay Arthur -- it looks at God's relationship with the nation of Israel through the perspective of a husband's relationship with his wife. I read it several years ago, and it was just - wow. It's actually really been on my mind to reread lately :o)

quarterback.girl[at]gmail[dot]com

RivkaBelle said...

I'm a GFC follower :o)

quarterback.girl[at]gmail[dot]com

Linda said...

I've read Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett. A different insight on Queen Esther. I love Biblical novels!

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Linda said...

I follow via GFC.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Linda said...

Sent a request to like you on FB.

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Mrs. Whary said...

I love all of Liz Curtis Higg's books!
musingsofme@yahoo.com

Mrs. Whary said...

I follow your blog

Mrs. Whary said...

I sent a request to follow you on FB

Christine Long said...

I just finished A Reluctant Queen by Joan Wolf. It is based on the story of Esther but Joan takes the love story angle. I will have a review on my blog beginning June 1.
Please enter me in your giveaway. teaching by writing at yahoo dot com

Miller Moments said...

I haven't read a lot of Biblical Fiction, although I read a lot of christian fiction. (somehow I missed this give away! until today!) I like Karen Kingsbury and Dee Henderson. I also like Lynn Austin.

Miller Moments said...

I follow.

karenk said...

hi annette,

i loved roseanna's white novel A STRAY DROP OF BLOOD. an amazing story.

thanks for the opportunity to read this beautiful novel.

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Francine Rivers has a set of books all starting with "Un" like Unveiled that focus on a woman of the Bible. They were very well done and helpful to revealing more of the possible character of the women of the Bible.
Melanie
melanieinoh2003@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Following you on GFC, but seems blogger is acting up again, so posting anony.
Melanie
Melanieinoh2003@yahoo.com

A Cooking Bookworm said...

I enjoy Elizabeth George, especially A Woman's Walk with God.

Stephanie
mybabyblessings [at] gmail [dot] com

Anonymous said...

I love the book Centurion's Wife by Janette Oke and Davis T. Bunn. It takes a look at what it may have been like for the Centurion, mentioned in the Book of Matthew, whose servant was healed, to come into Faith through Christ. It is a really good Biblical Fiction book.

Melissa
melissaferraro@ymail.com

new usa online casinos said...

I love your posts:) My friends referred me your site for the first time. And I'm still following your posts everyday. Take care. Keep sharing.

Emily Scifres said...

If you enjoyed Tessa's novel, you might want to check out her new Sands of Jericho reader contest.

The prize is valued at over $200 and includes perfumes from the Bible, and an incredible golden jewelry box.

You can see the contest here: TessaAfshar.com

:) Emily

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