About the book:
Title: The Heart of a King; The Loves of King Solomon
Author: Jill Eileen Smith
Publisher: Revell
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 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?
Purchase a copy HERE!
About Jill Eileen Smith
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and the Loves of King Solomon series.
Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.
When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
My Thoughts:
King Solomon and his world comes to life in the pages of Ms. Smith's new release The Heart of a King; The Loves of King Solomon.
While it is believed that he had seven hundred wives and three hundred concubines. Could you even imagine that? My husband says keeping one happy is hard enough. *wink*
In this novel Jill Eileen Smith focuses on Naamah a desert princess from Ammon, Abishag who was king David's care giver at the end of his life who Solomon inherited after David's death and was Solomon's brother, Adonijah's downfall, Siti the Egyptian princess, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba.
Both king David and Bathsheba make cameo appearances which I enjoyed! I loved the Wives of David series so I was thrilled to see them again.
Within the four hundred plus pages of this beautiful, well crafted novel Ms. Smith brings the time, place, and people to life. I felt as though I had been taken back in time to Jerusalem. The detail she put on the page brought the building of the temple to life beautifully with reverence.
Out of the four wives this book concentrates on Abishag and Nicaula are my favorites. I believe he loved all four of the wives featured but I choose to believe the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon were written because of his deep love and connection with these four. Ms. Smith weaves scriptures from Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon in the story, which was a nice treat.
My heart broke for Solomon. He had wealth beyond measure, wisdom from God, enough wives and children to keep him occupied every hour of everyday. And while God said he would be the king of peace for Israel, he really had no peace. He was trying to be wise and peaceful in his own strength not relying on the strength and wisdom of the One who bestowed the gift.
Just like Solomon, I do that too. I know in my head God is in complete control and will do what he says he will. I just have to let Him handle it but in my humanness I think I know better so I attempt to handle it in my own strength and make a complete mess of things.
Jill Eileen Smith has been a favorite author of biblical fiction since I read Michal in 2009. She not only brings the biblical world to life she weaves spiritual truths that grab at your heart and make you sit and ponder.
I highly recommend this book! It is a must read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with Jill Eileen Smith's street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
No comments:
Post a Comment