Book Review: Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett

Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett

You know I read a lot. A lot, a lot. This book intrigued me from the get-go, and it was worth all the anticipation. I loved it. It's one of those books that, as I finished, I started thinking of all the people I wanted to pass it along to, so we could talk about it.

Esther is a beautiful, orphan girl, in love for the first time. She spends her days selling lamb meat that she can't afford to taste.

She has her trials, but she is happy, until she is wrenched away from everything she knows and cares about.

King Xerxes desires a new Queen, nevermind that he already has a whole harem of women already at his disposal.

Esther is chosen as one of many girls to go the palace and be prepared for one night with the King. As a Jew, she believes that sex should be between one woman and one man who have a life-long commitment to each other. Despite this, she feels that God is directing events.

I wouldn't give anything away, except you know this story, don't you? If not, stop reading.

Esther is chosen to be Queen, and she and the King share a love for one another. However, when a decree goes out that all Jews are to be executed, Esther must risk her life, revealing the she is a Jew, to save her people.

This book gave me a lot of food for thought.

In terms of cleanliness, there is talk of preparing for sex. Esther is given sensuality lessons and rubbed with oil daily to prepare for the King's touch. However, the sexuality does not go any farther than that. I consider this a clean read, although I'd only recommend it to adults because of subject matter.

THE SCRIBE by Francine Rivers

THE SCRIBE by Francine Rivers

Review by Lauren, regular contributor.
Baseballs and Bows

The Scribe, the fifth and final book in Francine Rivers' Sons of Encouragement Series, is the story of Silas, an important figure in the early church. The story begins shortly before the apostle Peter's death, but much of the narrative focuses on Silas' memories of the events surrounding Jesus' ministry, Jesus' death, and the spread of the gospel after Jesus' resurrection. The book is short and easy to read, but it carries a powerful punch. As with all the books in this series, I am so glad I read it.

Although this is a fictional story, Mrs. Rivers sticks closely to the Biblical text; the details she adds are based on research and what she believes could have happened. One of the aspects of this book that I appreciated was that after reading this book, I wanted to reread the Biblical account to compare and contrast the two. Additionally, reading this book gave me a greater appreciation for the historical setting and the context in which the early Christians lived.

The other books in this series are written in a similar style; they tell the stories of Aaron, Caleb, Jonathan, and Amos. Mrs. Rivers also has five books, called the Lineage of Grace Series, highlighting the five women that are named in the lineage of Christ: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary (I enjoyed this series tremendously). Be sure to give these books a try!

This book is suitable for older teens and adults.

Thorn in my Heart by Liz Curtis Higgs

Thorn in My Heart is a retelling of the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel from the first book of the Bible, Genesis. The author uses the Scottish Lowlands as the setting for this masterful retelling. The story begins in the autumn of 1788, as Jamie McKie schemes with his mother to steal the familial blessing that rightfully belongs to his brother Evan and continues as Jamie is forced to flee his home in search of refuge and a bride at the home of his Uncle Lachlan. After an arduous journey, Jamie arrives at his uncle's home, and the story of love, deception, and greed continues.

When I began reading this book, I had my doubts about whether I would enjoy it. I am very familiar with the story of Jacob, Leah, and Rachel, and I didn't know how interested I could be in a story if I already knew the ending. I shouldn't have worried! As soon as Jamie arrived at the home of his uncle, I was hooked. I found myself pleading with the characters to make different decisions and hoping the story would end differently than the Biblical account. I was often angry with characters on one page and pitying them on the next. Truly, for Mrs. Higgs to capture my attention and my emotions with a story so familiar was remarkable.

I will warn that Scottish words are used throughout the story. While the author includes a glossary at the end of the book, most of the words are easily understood based on the context. Additionally, I was impressed with the way Mrs. Higgs worked out certain details of the Biblical account while staying true to the historical Scottish setting. I also appreciated that reading this story allowed me to consider in greater detail the emotions and conflicts that the Biblical characters faced and inspired me to study the story another time.

I recommend this book, and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Fair is the Rose. This book is recommended for adults.

Review by Lauren, regular contributor

Baseballs and Bows