Song of the Shepherd Woman
By Carlene Havel and Sharon Faucheux
Genre: Biblical Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Orphaned girl, Channa, is cast aside by a self-centered uncle who decides she should be someone else’s responsibility to raise. Shifted to the care of her “crazy” Uncle Avram and mute Aunt Yael, Channa is raised as a shepherdess and finds the love and comfort of a real family.
Thinking her life it to be forever with them, her world is shaken when her first uncle returns to take her to the husband she has been sold to. If being taken from the family she loves and given to a stranger isn’t bad enough, she discovers she is his second wife. The first wife, Keren, is jealous of Channa and makes life difficult.
Circumstances continue to grow more complicated and force Channa to make difficult decisions. As the story progresses, followers of the Way intersect her and Uncle Avram’s lives, but following the Way is not easy, and doing what is right isn’t always what is desired.
Favorite Character: My favorite character is actually the “crazy” Uncle Avram. He uses the false rumors to his advantage and is actually a very caring man. My favorite part was how he intersected the Gospel story in so many ways that are indirect in reading but still so powerful.
What I liked: I really savored all the historical details. The Jewish culture and beliefs of the time were very well researched and presented in the story. I also loved how the Gospel story was integrated indirectly but so powerfully.
Who would like this: Those who like Biblical fiction, stories where life doesn’t go as planned but the heroine makes the best of the situation, and those interested in a different culture/lifestyle.
Rating and Why: I give this story 4.5 stars. I enjoyed the plot and characters but it took me a little bit to get into the story. Based on the blurb I had previously read, I thought it would take us through the marriage issues as the main problem starting from the beginning. However, my mind was thrown off a bit by the thirteen chapters that happened before the actual marriage. The beginning was necessary and enjoyable but I kept getting distracted by when the events in the blurb would happen. I will be honest in saying this misconception probably tainted my enjoyment, by no fault of the author.
The story taken as a whole was engaging and something I would recommend others read.
*I received a free copy of the e-book from the author for my enjoyment. The review above is my own opinion and was not influenced in any way.*