{Something Old}: My Review of Pearl in the Sand

{Something Old, Something New} Challenge

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible's answer is yes.

Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab's untold story. Rahab lives in a wall; her house is built into the defensive walls of the City of Jericho. Other walls surround her as well - walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness.

A woman with a wrecked past; a man of success, of faith...of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth and find healing in God.

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My Rating

Summer

My Review

I'd heard great things about this book, and why I let it languish so long on my bookshelf is a mystery. (I guess it's a testament to my reckless book-buying habit and my ever-growing physical and electronic TBRs.)

Well, I'm pleased to report that I agree with the glowing recommendations. Pearl in the Sand is a beautiful and engaging debut novel!

From the harsh and horrific introduction to her character, to the heartfelt depiction of her turning to faith, Rahab stands out as an absolutely wonderful heroine. Imperfect, with a difficult past, but inspiring in the way she embraces the hope of the Lord and the challenges and rewards of a new life.

As for the hero, well...there's a lot to love about him. And there's a lot to learn from his own set of challenges, weaknesses. and lessons.

The excellent setting and cultural descriptions provide a striking background for this fictionalized account of the fall of Jericho and the life of Rahab. But while there's strong drama in the demise of the walled city, the main tension revolves around the siege against emotional and spiritual strongholds.

It's a great thing to be reminded of the very real struggles of the people mentioned in the Scriptures, as well as the very real examples of faith. Pearl in the Sand showcases the grittiness and preciousness of both.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for my copy of the book, which I won on the Window to My World blog.*