I don't really have any complaints with this novel. It's not a five star simply because I wouldn't want to read it again. That is not a reflection of the writing, just that this story is so painful.

Ms. Smith did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life. I felt like she did them justice, presenting their strengths, weaknesses, struggles, and victories without prejudice, without bias. As a result, it really showed me the condition of my heart. I've always known I have an unforgiving spirit, but I'd thought I'd been getting better. Not so. Watching the sisters struggle, I heard my own heart responding in kind, taking up arms, and thinking about how I would feel, what I would do. And it was never to my own sacrifice, never for the good of others over myself. At least Rachel felt occasional guilt and eventual repentence and remorse. I have a long way to go.

In addition, this retelling really made me aware of how differently this story could have gone. Every step of the way, if they had chosen another path, things could have been so different. From the getgo, if just one of the sisters had chosen to love the other, regardless of how they were treated, I don't think Leah could have done what she did. I wonder if Rachel could have refused the marriage? I know she wouldn't have wanted to, but if she was trusting God and his ways, and I wonder if she would have been allowed to break her own marriage contract since Jacob had taken her sister by mistake? Hm. What a different story that would have been.

I completely understood her fear of allowing Jacob and Leah to spend any time together, to be close. How different it would have been, if she had even just chosen to love her sister herself- respond in kind words, compliments, companionship, encouragement, and ultimately forgiveness.

And I don't know if this part was accurate (will have to reread the Bible story myself now) but I noticed that Rachel did not turn to God much, except to beg for a child. But like so many of us, instead of trusting His silence (and perhaps pouring herself into her nephews), she attempted anything she could to make the decision herself. When will we learn that we cannot force God's hand?

Though so painful to read, this story was full of hard-earned wisdom. It was a colorful, vivid retelling. ( )

RACHEL by Jill Eileen Smith is another exciting inspirational Historical Fiction set in 1879 BC. #3 in the "Wives of the Patriarchs" but can be read as a stand alone. See "Rebekah" and "Sarai". What a joy to read! Ms. Smith, makes these biblical characters jump off the page and come to life. She weaves facts, with fiction and tell some of the most romantic, dramatic stories and brings the Bible to life. Filled with treachery, secrets,betrayal, deceit, faith, healing, forgiveness, love,conflict and sibling rivalry. The agony of two sisters, and the grief that follows.
"Rachel" is the final installment of this series. What a powerful story from beginning to end. Ms. Smith is a wonderful storyteller and brings the people of the Bible to life. A must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and a great story! Received for an honest review from the publisher.
*Coming in February from Revell Books*
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: SWEET
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )

Rachel is a fictional tale that seeks to speak to the heart of the readers of the Biblical account that anyone can read in the Old Testament book of Genesis. Rachel is the woman who Jacob worked seven years for as a bride price only to be tricked by Laban, the girl’s father. Then Jacob works seven more years for the one his heart truly longs for, Rachel.
Why is Jacob even in a land so far away from his brother Esau, his mother Rebekah, and his father Isaac? To fully appreciate the God who reveals Himself throughout the Biblical narrative, one must read the words God inspired Moses to write in Genesis. Some of what the audience will read in the novel will ring true with the Biblical account; other parts are purely fiction as God chose not to reveal everything at this time.
What can we learn from both the Biblical account that is solely God-inspired or God-breathed, and the fictional rendering offered by this author? While this is certainly not an exhausting list, here is what spoke to me as I read: 1) The choices we make may reap consequences, both good and bad, long after they are sown. Jacob was a deceiver, and look how was he then treated by his father-in-law; 2) Relationships whether familial, marital or friendly take work in order to thrive, especially through harsh and trying times. Sometimes that entails seeking forgiveness or giving it when we would rather give back the grief we received. Other times it means that like Jesus we don’t have to speak a word to defend ourselves as our God can defend His children quite well in His own time and way; 3) No matter how long we walk this earth we really just get a glimpse of the heart of love God has for us.
Read the Biblical story in Genesis, and then read the fictional tale. Then, sit back and allow God to speak to your heart and mind. You might just be surprised what He has to say to you. We all wrestle like Jacob did in one way or another, whether it is grieving past mistakes or current ones or really believing God’s love for us. We might even be wrestling with understanding the great gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to save us when we have such an easier time remembering our sins rather than thanking Him for coming to us. Enjoy the fictional tale and perhaps share the novel with someone else. ( )

Deceptions! Right Or Wrong?

This book will stay with me for a long time. While I already knew the story of Jacob, Rachel, and Leah the author made this story come alive for me. I witnessed the competition between two sisters, at times coming close to hating each other, while fighting for Jacob’s favor.

I found the author Jill Eileen Smith to be an amazing story teller. I was caught up in so many of the scenes in this book. I was torn with emotion while Leah yearned for Jacob to visit her tent as often as he did Rachel’s. I felt pity for her even though Leah was aware that Rachel was Jacob’s first and only love.

I was angered at Laban for treating Jacob the way he did. Just who does he think he is? Then I remembered, Jacob was not an innocent bystander in this story. But still…..

So many deceptions in this Biblical story. When we set out to deceive others we must pay for the choices we make.

The author most certainly did her research for this book. I compared the happenings in this story to the Bible and it is an accurate account of the Biblical story. This is why I will read more books by this author. I have already ordered a few more of her novels. I can’t wait to once again be engrossed in another great read!

I urge those who are reading this review of Rachel to purchase a copy of it. I highly recommend this 5 star book to you! ( )