Judah's Wife

When Angela Hunt sits down to write a book, she has all of her ducks in a row.  Her research is done, her characters are developed, and the culture is fixed in her mind.

Judah's Wife takes place during the years of "silence" between the testaments in the Bible.  Leah is the daughter of the cheese-maker, but it is not a happy existence.  Her father is abusive toward her mother,  and her mother won't stand up for herself .  When Judah Maccabeus sees her in the marketplace, he is interested, but when his father says to choose a wife, his mind can only think of Leah.  Leah's father will offer his daughter for marriage, but only after he makes the absolute best deal he can make for himself. 

The political structure of the time was antagonistic toward the Jews, and Angela makes sure to work in that part of history into her novel.  At the same time, she gives her characters personality and depth. 

This is a five star book, with two thumbs up, and some goat cheese for your dinner.

My thanks to Bethany House for allowing me to read and review this book.