Abigail: a review

Abigail has always been a special Biblical character to me. A strong woman who saved her household because of her wisdom and faith in God. She was beautiful, but that wasn't her primary value. No, to me, I've always wanted to have the wisdom and humility she showed. So I was delighted to receive a copy of Jill Eileen Smith's latest book from her publisher to review.

Jill has taken on a tough challenge. Taking a woman who is mentioned in a few chapters and expanding her life to fill a 300 page book. The extent of her research on the times is evident from the very first pages as I was transported to ancient Israel. I was quickly captivated by both the woman and the story. The one caution I have for readers is to remember that this is one woman's imagining of what else might have happened to this woman and how she came to be the Abigail shown in the pages. It isn't the Bible, but it is a fascinating story.

From Jill Eileen Smith, bestselling author of Michal, comes the latest biblical fiction in The Wives of King David series: Abigail. Abigail's hopes and dreams for the future are wrapped up in her handsome, dark-eyed betrothed, Nabal. But when the long-awaited wedding day arrives, her drunken groom behaves shamefully. Nevertheless, Abigail tries to honor and respect her husband despite his abuse of her.

Meanwhile, Abigail's family has joined David's wandering tribe as he and his people keep traveling to avoid the dangerous Saul. When Nabal suddenly dies, Abigail is free to move on with her life, and thanks to her brother, her new life includes a new husband--David. The dangers of tribal life on the run are serious, but there are other dangers in young Abigail's mind. How can David lead his people effectively when he goes against God? And how can Abigail share David's love with the other wives he insists on marrying?

Smith draws on Scripture, in-depth historical research and her vivid imagination to unveil the story of Abigail and David in rich detail and drama, for a riveting page-turner that will keep readers looking forward to the next book in this trilogy.

“Drawing on Scripture and historical research, Smith crafts a tale that will attract readers who enjoy their inspirational fiction set in biblical times.”—Library Journal

Jill Eileen Smith has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of David's wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.