” Judah’s Wife ” by Angela Hunt
This was my first time reading an Angela Hunt book, but it will not be my last! I was totally captured by her very descriptive writing and attention to detail.
“Judah’s Wife” is a story of The Maccabees, who were a group of Jewish warriors living in Judea, which at the time was part of the Seleucid Empire. They strictly adhered to the Jewish religion and expanded the boundaries of Judea by waging war and conquering those under the influence of Hellenism who were trying to take over the Jews and silence their beliefs and worship.
The Books of The Maccabees are not in our Christian Bible today, but are part of the Apocryphal books. These Apocryphal books are included in the Catholic bible and I do remember reading Maccabees years ago when I was raised Catholic.
They are historical books that are about the many wars that were fought by Israel against the ungodly kings and rulers of those days. However, Angela Hunt weaved a wonderful personal story of love, strength and courage throughout her telling of all the wars and fighting.
“Judah’s Wife” focuses on Leah, a girl raised by an abusive father, who becomes the young wife of Judah, who was Judas Maccabaeus. one of the five Maccabaeus brothers, and the leader of the Maccabees. The story goes back and forth showing events from the perspective of Leah and then from Judah. This way of writing, to me, made the book much more interesting.
If you enjoy Biblical History coupled with a sweet love story and the drama of those fighting for freedom to live their beliefs, then you will enjoy this book. It will truly hold your attention from the first page to the last. I found it very hard to put down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher but was under no obligation to post a positive review.
–Leona J. Atkinson