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As the daughter of King Saul, Michal lives a life of privilege--but one that is haunted by her father's unpredictable moods and by competition from her beautiful older sister. When Michal falls for young David, the harpist who plays to calm her father, she has no idea what romance, adventures, and heartache await her. As listeners enter the colorful and unpredictable worlds of King Saul and King David, they will be swept up in this exciting and romantic story. Against the backdrop of opulent palace life, raging war, and desert escapes, Jill Eileen Smith takes her fans on an emotional roller-coaster ride as Michal deals with love, loss, and personal transformation as one of the wives of David. A sweeping tale of passion and drama, listeners will love this amazing story.
382 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
509 people are currently reading
5,826 people want to read
About the author
Jill Eileen Smith
31books1,424followersJill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Wives of the Patriarchs, Daughters of the Promised Land, Heart of a King, Star of Persia, Miriam's Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, Daughter of Eden, and The Ark and the Dove. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Bible times.
When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable cats Kody and Kaelee. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
Contact Jill through email ([email protected]), her website (), Facebook (), or Twitter ().
When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable cats Kody and Kaelee. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
Contact Jill through email ([email protected]), her website (), Facebook (), or Twitter ().
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 438 reviews
March 18, 2017
Alright, so enough is enough. My limit has been overreached. Michal, I gave you a fair chance, but at 70% in I'm forced to abandon if I want to retain what I have left of sanity.
If I painstakingly reach another chapter only to read the words "Five Million Years Later" as the heading, I WILL EXPLODE. ASJKGJKAJKDJ, I. WILL. EXPLOOOOOOOODE!!!
Why the heck do authors think it's cool to skip years ahead in a story?! WHY?! It's incredibly annoying, and I feel cheated beyond belief every time it happens. Especially when the previous chapter ends on a cliffhanger or a dramatic note. Oh, by all means, do skip ahead 8 years, no one minds at all!
I mean, let me- let me sum up how the majority of this book was written:
- Michal whines because David is in hiding somewhere from the mad King Saul who is trying to kill him. Usually hides in odd places like his backyard or bushes behind the royal palace. *snickers*
- Just kidding, Saul doesn't want him dead anymore, David goes back to his house. Michal is immensely relieved and they go back to doing whatever.
-Wait, though. Saul actually STILL wants David dead.
-David goes back into hiding. Michal sulks.
- Oh, David. *insert heart constrictions and painful, unendurable waves of chagrin here*
Next Chapter: 1 year later
- Oh, the sky is so blue today! What a lovely day! I'm still doing whatever in my house!
(Reader: Mmmm'kay, but what about David?! Isn't he being persecuted by the King? Where is he? Is he safe?)
- David is actually in the palace playing his lyre for King Saul.
(Whaaaaaa??? I thought the King wanted him dead? Am I still reading the same book?!)
-King Saul throws his spear at David. RUN MAN, RUN. He runs to his house.
- "Oh dear, Michal, your father has tried to kill me again, see you later!"
- He goes into hiding.
- Michal is devastated. Oh, David. When will I see you again?! *more disgustingly emotional whimpers here.*
Next Chapter: 2 years later
(Reader: What, again? 'This a joke?????)
- King Saul: Okay for sure this time, I HAVE TO KILL DAVID.
(Reader: Well what the hell has been going on for the past 2 years?! David been hiding in them bushes behind yo' palace all this time?!!?!)
- David goes into hiding again. This time, he actually leaves the city. Smart thinking there, David.
-Oh wait no, he's back. It's apparently safe now, and he's back.
(Reader: Sweet. We'll be spared Michal's wailing!)
- Michal: Oooh, David. OH, DAVID. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. I live in constant fear that you will die. OOOOOHHH, I CANNNNN'T!!!
(Reader: Well, darn. APARENTLY NOT! *throws book in frustration*)
Next Chapter: 1 year later
(Reader: Lord Almighty have mercy on us all, HERE WE GO AGAIN.)
- King Saul: NO JOKE, I'M REALLY KILLING DAVID NOW. NOOOWWWWW!!!
- David runs back into hiding. This time it's pretty serious and he has to leave the city and cannot come back. King Saul wants him dead. He can't ever come back!
(Reader: What's so special about this time?!?!?! They've been playing cat and mouse for YEARS. Why is it suddenly more serious?!?)
- Michal: Oh, what will I do without David?!?! Why didn't I go with him!?! I cannot live without David! I cannot live without my husband! I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT MY LOVE!
(Reader: Hellooo Wuthering Heights! We meet again!)
Next Chapter: 3 years later
(Reader: *takes painstakingly slow, calming breath, caaaaaalmiiing breeaaaathhhh. Ahhhh-fuuuu, Ahhhhh- fuuuuu, AAAAAHHHHHHH WHAT THE HELL AM I READING?!?!)
-David is still in hiding from the King, and Michal is still sulking in her house.
(Reader: Well, at least he didn't try to go back home this time. BUT THREE YEARS?! Where is he hiding, the North Pole?!?)
- King Saul will not stop hunting David until he is DEAD.
(Reader: Yes, WE KNOW. Just get on with it already!)
Next Chapter: 5 years later
(Reader: HAHAHAHAHA!! Okay, at this point I'm so exhausted, let me just laugh at it instead. FIVE YEARS LATER. FIVE. LOL.)
- David, surprise, surprise, is still in hiding.
(Reader: You don't say!! He's still hiding?! No! What a twist! Dang, stop the suspense, it's killing me!)
- King Saul is unfortunately still around, still relentlessly plotting David's death.
- War has broken over Israel between Saul's supporters and David's.
- Michal, meanwhile, has gotten married again, is helping to raise her sister's children, laments over the fact that she doesn't have children of her own, and is just generally miserable.
(Reader: Really, this book is just so full of surprises. I can't handle it. *drowns in sarcasm*)
Next Chapter: 8 years later
(Reader: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!!?! Is this a timeline or a novel?!??! WHAT HAS HAPPENED DURING THOSE EIGHT YEARS!?!)
- David is still in hiding.
- Michal is still whimpering. Oh, David. My heart aches for you. David.
(Reader: Seriously, WHAT ON EARTH AM I AM READING?? WHat am I doing with my life?! Who am I as a person?! JUST WHAT!!)
Next Chapter: 2 years later
(Reader: *groans agonizingly and violently throws book across the room* WE. ARE. DOOOOOOOOONE.)
Everyone knows David eventually becomes King anyways, so SCREW THIS.
I generally consider myself a rather patient and optimistic person in regards to most things, but this tested my self-control beyond limits. I mean, seriously, I have never read a novel as jumpy and disjointed as this one. Nothing was held together, nothing ran smoothly, nothing was connected. Each chapter was a pure repetition of its predecessor (set a few years later, naturally, GRWARG!), with nothing new and nothing exciting.
The first few chapters had actually been pretty good, I got into it and was enjoying the pace and the atmosphere, but it soon dwindled down into nothingness and we were left with bland, boring characters. There was no development whatsoever, be it in the plot or in the characters. There was no depth to the writing, I didn't connect to anything or anyone, and the only emotion that came out as genuine was Michal's whimpering.
Seriously, what a ninny. In the fifty million years this book spans, she doesn't change one bit from beginning to end.
And for the love of all that is holy, authors, PLEASE, refrain from endlessly italicizing characters' names to add emphasis to the emotional instability of mind of whoever is thinking about them!!
David.
Oh, David.
Sure, once or twice adds a bit of poignancy for good measure, but do it every single time one character is thinking about the other, and suddenly it sounds like this:
"DAVIIIIIIIIID. OH, DAVID!! I NEED YOU! I LOVE YOU! I MISS YOU! I CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT YOU! AAAAAHHHHHH, AHHHHHH!!! WHAT SHALL I DO?!?! WHERE ARE YOU?!?! OOOHHH, DAVID!!!"
SERIOUSLY CAN YOU GET ANY MORE LANGUISHINGLY DRAMATIC????? (No, no, Anne. You can't. You're dramatic enough as it is, thank you.)
Oohhh. This boooook. I just couldn't, friends. What a horrible mess.
If I painstakingly reach another chapter only to read the words "Five Million Years Later" as the heading, I WILL EXPLODE. ASJKGJKAJKDJ, I. WILL. EXPLOOOOOOOODE!!!
Why the heck do authors think it's cool to skip years ahead in a story?! WHY?! It's incredibly annoying, and I feel cheated beyond belief every time it happens. Especially when the previous chapter ends on a cliffhanger or a dramatic note. Oh, by all means, do skip ahead 8 years, no one minds at all!
I mean, let me- let me sum up how the majority of this book was written:
- Michal whines because David is in hiding somewhere from the mad King Saul who is trying to kill him. Usually hides in odd places like his backyard or bushes behind the royal palace. *snickers*
- Just kidding, Saul doesn't want him dead anymore, David goes back to his house. Michal is immensely relieved and they go back to doing whatever.
-Wait, though. Saul actually STILL wants David dead.
-David goes back into hiding. Michal sulks.
- Oh, David. *insert heart constrictions and painful, unendurable waves of chagrin here*
Next Chapter: 1 year later
- Oh, the sky is so blue today! What a lovely day! I'm still doing whatever in my house!
(Reader: Mmmm'kay, but what about David?! Isn't he being persecuted by the King? Where is he? Is he safe?)
- David is actually in the palace playing his lyre for King Saul.
(Whaaaaaa??? I thought the King wanted him dead? Am I still reading the same book?!)
-King Saul throws his spear at David. RUN MAN, RUN. He runs to his house.
- "Oh dear, Michal, your father has tried to kill me again, see you later!"
- He goes into hiding.
- Michal is devastated. Oh, David. When will I see you again?! *more disgustingly emotional whimpers here.*
Next Chapter: 2 years later
(Reader: What, again? 'This a joke?????)
- King Saul: Okay for sure this time, I HAVE TO KILL DAVID.
(Reader: Well what the hell has been going on for the past 2 years?! David been hiding in them bushes behind yo' palace all this time?!!?!)
- David goes into hiding again. This time, he actually leaves the city. Smart thinking there, David.
-Oh wait no, he's back. It's apparently safe now, and he's back.
(Reader: Sweet. We'll be spared Michal's wailing!)
- Michal: Oooh, David. OH, DAVID. I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. I live in constant fear that you will die. OOOOOHHH, I CANNNNN'T!!!
(Reader: Well, darn. APARENTLY NOT! *throws book in frustration*)
Next Chapter: 1 year later
(Reader: Lord Almighty have mercy on us all, HERE WE GO AGAIN.)
- King Saul: NO JOKE, I'M REALLY KILLING DAVID NOW. NOOOWWWWW!!!
- David runs back into hiding. This time it's pretty serious and he has to leave the city and cannot come back. King Saul wants him dead. He can't ever come back!
(Reader: What's so special about this time?!?!?! They've been playing cat and mouse for YEARS. Why is it suddenly more serious?!?)
- Michal: Oh, what will I do without David?!?! Why didn't I go with him!?! I cannot live without David! I cannot live without my husband! I CANNOT LIVE WITHOUT MY LOVE!
(Reader: Hellooo Wuthering Heights! We meet again!)
Next Chapter: 3 years later
(Reader: *takes painstakingly slow, calming breath, caaaaaalmiiing breeaaaathhhh. Ahhhh-fuuuu, Ahhhhh- fuuuuu, AAAAAHHHHHHH WHAT THE HELL AM I READING?!?!)
-David is still in hiding from the King, and Michal is still sulking in her house.
(Reader: Well, at least he didn't try to go back home this time. BUT THREE YEARS?! Where is he hiding, the North Pole?!?)
- King Saul will not stop hunting David until he is DEAD.
(Reader: Yes, WE KNOW. Just get on with it already!)
Next Chapter: 5 years later
(Reader: HAHAHAHAHA!! Okay, at this point I'm so exhausted, let me just laugh at it instead. FIVE YEARS LATER. FIVE. LOL.)
- David, surprise, surprise, is still in hiding.
(Reader: You don't say!! He's still hiding?! No! What a twist! Dang, stop the suspense, it's killing me!)
- King Saul is unfortunately still around, still relentlessly plotting David's death.
- War has broken over Israel between Saul's supporters and David's.
- Michal, meanwhile, has gotten married again, is helping to raise her sister's children, laments over the fact that she doesn't have children of her own, and is just generally miserable.
(Reader: Really, this book is just so full of surprises. I can't handle it. *drowns in sarcasm*)
Next Chapter: 8 years later
(Reader: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?!!?! Is this a timeline or a novel?!??! WHAT HAS HAPPENED DURING THOSE EIGHT YEARS!?!)
- David is still in hiding.
- Michal is still whimpering. Oh, David. My heart aches for you. David.
(Reader: Seriously, WHAT ON EARTH AM I AM READING?? WHat am I doing with my life?! Who am I as a person?! JUST WHAT!!)
Next Chapter: 2 years later
(Reader: *groans agonizingly and violently throws book across the room* WE. ARE. DOOOOOOOOONE.)
Everyone knows David eventually becomes King anyways, so SCREW THIS.
I generally consider myself a rather patient and optimistic person in regards to most things, but this tested my self-control beyond limits. I mean, seriously, I have never read a novel as jumpy and disjointed as this one. Nothing was held together, nothing ran smoothly, nothing was connected. Each chapter was a pure repetition of its predecessor (set a few years later, naturally, GRWARG!), with nothing new and nothing exciting.
The first few chapters had actually been pretty good, I got into it and was enjoying the pace and the atmosphere, but it soon dwindled down into nothingness and we were left with bland, boring characters. There was no development whatsoever, be it in the plot or in the characters. There was no depth to the writing, I didn't connect to anything or anyone, and the only emotion that came out as genuine was Michal's whimpering.
Seriously, what a ninny. In the fifty million years this book spans, she doesn't change one bit from beginning to end.
And for the love of all that is holy, authors, PLEASE, refrain from endlessly italicizing characters' names to add emphasis to the emotional instability of mind of whoever is thinking about them!!
David.
Oh, David.
Sure, once or twice adds a bit of poignancy for good measure, but do it every single time one character is thinking about the other, and suddenly it sounds like this:
"DAVIIIIIIIIID. OH, DAVID!! I NEED YOU! I LOVE YOU! I MISS YOU! I CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT YOU! AAAAAHHHHHH, AHHHHHH!!! WHAT SHALL I DO?!?! WHERE ARE YOU?!?! OOOHHH, DAVID!!!"
SERIOUSLY CAN YOU GET ANY MORE LANGUISHINGLY DRAMATIC????? (No, no, Anne. You can't. You're dramatic enough as it is, thank you.)
Oohhh. This boooook. I just couldn't, friends. What a horrible mess.
Read
February 4, 2009Since I'm the author of the book, I can only say that I learned a lot about David and Michal as I wrote the story. I hope readers will enjoy what's there and will come to love their tale as much as I do.
February 10, 2019
Sadly Michal was a miss for me. I just felt no connection to David or Michal. I didn't believe their great love for one another. I felt like I was told more than shown how they felt, so nothing came across as genuine for me. They felt two-dimensional & immature the entire story.
I'm not sure why, but when I read novelizations of Kind David, I end up disliking him intensely, which I don't believe was the author's intention. He seemed arrogant and totally willing to discard one wife for another. I know this is how things were then, but his "reasoning" for taking on another wife didn't ring true, and he never seemed all that upset about being separated from Michal for all those years. In fact, he seemed to blame her for the fact that he loved her. Also, as he is supposed to be a man after God's own heart, then I find it hard to believe that he never tried to talk to Michal about his relationship with God. He seemed pretty content to just go ahead and marry yet another wife.
Michal's character was a bit more genuine, but not much more. I empathized with her growing up in under Saul's kingship. That must have been terrifying. I thought the author did a great job in portraying Saul's madness. It was chilling without being over the top.
My favorite character was Johnathan, to be honest. His struggle to support David while still maintain being heir to the throne for Saul's benefit really endearing him to me, and he was the only one whose emotions felt truly real. The fact that I knew his ultimate fate made that more poignant.
I really did try to like this, and there were certainly parts that I liked. The story line itself was engrossing, but I found it hard to be invested when the characters felt flat and stirred no empathy for me. So many of my ŷ friends gave this 5 stars, so I was sort of baffled by this one. It just wasn't for me.
I'm not sure why, but when I read novelizations of Kind David, I end up disliking him intensely, which I don't believe was the author's intention. He seemed arrogant and totally willing to discard one wife for another. I know this is how things were then, but his "reasoning" for taking on another wife didn't ring true, and he never seemed all that upset about being separated from Michal for all those years. In fact, he seemed to blame her for the fact that he loved her. Also, as he is supposed to be a man after God's own heart, then I find it hard to believe that he never tried to talk to Michal about his relationship with God. He seemed pretty content to just go ahead and marry yet another wife.
Michal's character was a bit more genuine, but not much more. I empathized with her growing up in under Saul's kingship. That must have been terrifying. I thought the author did a great job in portraying Saul's madness. It was chilling without being over the top.
My favorite character was Johnathan, to be honest. His struggle to support David while still maintain being heir to the throne for Saul's benefit really endearing him to me, and he was the only one whose emotions felt truly real. The fact that I knew his ultimate fate made that more poignant.
I really did try to like this, and there were certainly parts that I liked. The story line itself was engrossing, but I found it hard to be invested when the characters felt flat and stirred no empathy for me. So many of my ŷ friends gave this 5 stars, so I was sort of baffled by this one. It just wasn't for me.
March 15, 2009
This is the story of Michal, the first wife of King David. In this book, readers get to know Michal at home before her marriage, and get an insider's glimpse of her father, Israel's infamous first king. We stay with her all the way through her second marriage, her return to David when she joined his harem, and beyond.
One thing I truly dislike about some Biblical fiction is when the author takes liberties with the Biblical account in order to enhance the story. I'm very happy to report that Jill Eileen Smith is true to the source! The Biblical account of Michal is followed faithfully, with enough original detail added to flesh her out and make her come alive to the reader.
One thing I truly dislike about some Biblical fiction is when the author takes liberties with the Biblical account in order to enhance the story. I'm very happy to report that Jill Eileen Smith is true to the source! The Biblical account of Michal is followed faithfully, with enough original detail added to flesh her out and make her come alive to the reader.
March 19, 2009
Michal captivated me from the first page. I know that sounds, cliche, but it's true. I read the first two chapters about four years ago and they were just as good back then. I adore Biblical fiction when it is well done. The author did a fabulous job showing the culture of King David's time and explaining things that don't set well with our modern ways, such as having more than one wife. It made sense the way it was presented. I loved how the developing love story continued throughout the book, yet the story stayed true to Scripture. There were so many things that I've read in the Bible before in the book of Samuel, but when placed inside a novel such as this one it really comes alive, from the horrors of war to the politics of the day. I enjoyed the sensual tension between characters and the wedding ceremonies.
I'm glad in our present day that the wedding attendants and in-laws don't park outside the honeymoon suite until the marriage was consummated like they did in ancient Israel. How awkward! I also enjoyed the subtle humor about managing a household with so many wives being a challenge for a king. There were so many incredibly interesting details to this story I could talk for hours. And I won't mention the Philistine foreskins. Oy! Gruesome stuff. I really felt like I was there in Hebron, in Gibea, and finally in Jerusalem. I can't wait for the next installment in this series. I have a feeling Abigail's story will be quite compelling, too.
I'm glad in our present day that the wedding attendants and in-laws don't park outside the honeymoon suite until the marriage was consummated like they did in ancient Israel. How awkward! I also enjoyed the subtle humor about managing a household with so many wives being a challenge for a king. There were so many incredibly interesting details to this story I could talk for hours. And I won't mention the Philistine foreskins. Oy! Gruesome stuff. I really felt like I was there in Hebron, in Gibea, and finally in Jerusalem. I can't wait for the next installment in this series. I have a feeling Abigail's story will be quite compelling, too.
April 29, 2017
"Michal" is the first book in the "Wives of King David" trilogy. I am more familiar with the story of David's wives Abigail and Bathsheba than the daughter of King Saul. It turns out that Michal ( which according to two websites is pronounced "mee-CHAL") was David's first love. I felt that the story was really rushed and so much time elapsed between their first months of marriage until their reunion that I didn't find myself liking their story. Personally, I loved so much better!
August 8, 2023
Michal is the daughter of King Saul, the first king to rein over the united tribes of Israel. Plagued by evil spirits, only David can calm the mad king with his harp playing. Saul has displeased Yahweh. Yahweh's prophet has anointed another. No other than David, the giant slayer, the warriors, the hard player.
This story is told through multiple eyes. The eyes of Michal as she falls in love with David.Of David as he progresses towards becoming Israel's most remembered and beloved king. Of Saul, the King, who's loves turns to hate a suspicion after David slays Goliath and gains the people's admiration.
This tale is told through ALOT of eyes. It feels as though every character gets at least a paragraph from their perspective. Even with this many voices, the author does a beautiful job of weaving them all together in one concise story that flows effortlessly. There is absolutely no strain to figure out who is speaking. It's easy to follow along and get lost in the majestic history of it all. Each character is stunningly written. Easy is admire and feel for. Their strength and fortitude jump off the pages.
The descriptiveness of the book was mesmerizing. I could see the places being described and feel the hot Israeli air on my skin. I got lost in the world as it was presented to me.
I immensely enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading other works of the author.
This story is told through multiple eyes. The eyes of Michal as she falls in love with David.Of David as he progresses towards becoming Israel's most remembered and beloved king. Of Saul, the King, who's loves turns to hate a suspicion after David slays Goliath and gains the people's admiration.
This tale is told through ALOT of eyes. It feels as though every character gets at least a paragraph from their perspective. Even with this many voices, the author does a beautiful job of weaving them all together in one concise story that flows effortlessly. There is absolutely no strain to figure out who is speaking. It's easy to follow along and get lost in the majestic history of it all. Each character is stunningly written. Easy is admire and feel for. Their strength and fortitude jump off the pages.
The descriptiveness of the book was mesmerizing. I could see the places being described and feel the hot Israeli air on my skin. I got lost in the world as it was presented to me.
I immensely enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading other works of the author.
March 10, 2010
Jill Eileen Smith's first book in The Wives of King David series has made me a follower. Michal, not only made me a fan of Smith, but made it easy for me to decide what to read next in the Bible. I want to reread the history of King Saul, David, and Michal; therefore, I've started 1 Samuel again. As far as Biblical fiction is concerned, I believe the ultimate goal is turning readers back to God's Word. Smith stayed true to the Biblical account in her novel, while adding both emotional and historical insights.
The book covers a large time span: from when Michal is a young girl with a crush on her daddy's harpist, through their marriage and separation, to David finally becoming king. What I liked most in the narrative was the clearly portrayed interlacing relationships. Michal was Saul's daughter, David's first wife, Jonathan's sister, Paltiel's wife, a woman in David's harem, and she lost most of her family. First, David was a shepherd, Saul's harpist, and Jonathan's friend. Then he was the commander of Saul's army and national war hero. After that he was Saul's enemy and on the run. He lost many he loved as well. Finally he was king of Judah and all of Israel.
The changing relationships and varying emotions within and between the characters was intriguing and raised my awareness to the complexity of these peoples' lives. Michal had two husbands. David had multiple wives. Jonathan was David's friend and Saul's son. David was first given a position of honor by the king, then a death sentence. Smith shows great empathy in her writing, and I believe a major strength of the book is her portrayal of emotion in both the characters and relationships, and in specific situations. She does not explain everything, but as this is a fictionalized account of true events and people, I enjoyed the added questions the narrative raised as to what these people really went through. For example: How did Michal feel when her father ordered David killed or when David was gone for so long and she had to take another husband? What turmoil did she experience when she was separated from her second husband and returned to her first, now only to be one of David's many wives?
(slight SPOILER ALERT)...My favorite part of Smith's retelling was the development of Michal's faith in the end and the demonstration of strength in silent witnessing. David's love for God was evident to Michal and that caused her to look at her own relationship with Yahweh. I actually hope that part really did turn out the way Smith wrote it! I enjoyed Michal and I look forward to reading both Abigal and The Wives of the Patriarchs that Smith has planned next!
The book covers a large time span: from when Michal is a young girl with a crush on her daddy's harpist, through their marriage and separation, to David finally becoming king. What I liked most in the narrative was the clearly portrayed interlacing relationships. Michal was Saul's daughter, David's first wife, Jonathan's sister, Paltiel's wife, a woman in David's harem, and she lost most of her family. First, David was a shepherd, Saul's harpist, and Jonathan's friend. Then he was the commander of Saul's army and national war hero. After that he was Saul's enemy and on the run. He lost many he loved as well. Finally he was king of Judah and all of Israel.
The changing relationships and varying emotions within and between the characters was intriguing and raised my awareness to the complexity of these peoples' lives. Michal had two husbands. David had multiple wives. Jonathan was David's friend and Saul's son. David was first given a position of honor by the king, then a death sentence. Smith shows great empathy in her writing, and I believe a major strength of the book is her portrayal of emotion in both the characters and relationships, and in specific situations. She does not explain everything, but as this is a fictionalized account of true events and people, I enjoyed the added questions the narrative raised as to what these people really went through. For example: How did Michal feel when her father ordered David killed or when David was gone for so long and she had to take another husband? What turmoil did she experience when she was separated from her second husband and returned to her first, now only to be one of David's many wives?
(slight SPOILER ALERT)...My favorite part of Smith's retelling was the development of Michal's faith in the end and the demonstration of strength in silent witnessing. David's love for God was evident to Michal and that caused her to look at her own relationship with Yahweh. I actually hope that part really did turn out the way Smith wrote it! I enjoyed Michal and I look forward to reading both Abigal and The Wives of the Patriarchs that Smith has planned next!
August 1, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. It's about Davids first wife, as well as David and all he endured with Saul, before becoming king. As always with this author, such a rich description of the cultural setting really made this fictional account of David and Michal become real as I was reading it. I love how this author creates a story with so many characters, but all tie into the central story line. While I was expecting a steady biblical fiction book, this one surprised me with the amount of intensity and suspense there was. Also, the bitterness Michal developed towards David and how it impacted their marriage was astounding. The slow build, uncovering of it and then how it manifested itself...and then the fruit of it all coming into play was a story in itself about marriage, relationships and forgiveness. It was incredibly thought provoking. The depth to this book pleasantly surprised me. I'm very much looking forward to the other two books in this series, The Wives of David.
September 13, 2012
Although the novel was a bit slow in places, overall it was an interesting read. I enjoyed Michal's POV as to everything that she probably went through. Jill's ability to capture the time period is amazing. I learned a lot and enjoyed the story.
January 7, 2022
Dit boek gaf me veel meer inzicht in het leven van Michal (en David). Ik leefde mee met haar wensen, haar liefde, haar dromen en haar leven met God.
December 28, 2012
“Michal� is a Christian adventure romance book. It takes place during the reign of King Saul when David of Bethlehem is merely a shepherd boy. David would occasionally come to the palace to sing and play his harp to give King Saul peace from the demons that were torturing him. While King Saul was in one of those moods, he’d get into tantrums and abuse his family, even Michal. Michal and her sister, Merab, would very much look forward to David’s coming, for they both loved him.
During a battle the Israelites were having with the Philistines, the Philistines used Goliath as their secret weapon. For forty days, no one dared fight him. King Saul promised that whoever killed Goliath would be given his oldest daughter, Merab, in marriage. David went to the Israelite camp to visit his brothers, and ended up being the one to kill Goliath. Merab was delighted, but Michal was devastated. She ended up tricking her father into marrying Merab to a well-respected, rich man. During her sister’s wedding, Michal and David see each other and Michal confesses her love to David. David is shocked and thinks of her as a young girl, but he definitely notices her beauty. Later, David makes a deal with King Saul. He’d be allowed to marry Michal if he killed two-hundred Philistines during a battle. Before he knew it, the two-hundred Philistines were dead, and he was married to Michal. They had a very happy, young love experience. However, King Saul became jealous that David was becoming more powerful that himself. Therefore, he sought to take David’s life multiple times. Eventually, David ran away to save his life. He left Michal behind, and her father forced her to marry Paltiel. Paltiel patiently tried to get her to love him, but she refused and constantly fought back. All she wanted was to be with David.
Multiple years later, after King Saul’s death, David came back to the area of Israel with multiple followers and power. He sent for Michal, and she goes to his palace. She is very hurt at the sight of his multiple wives and children in his harem. She feels abandoned and hates David and his godly ways. David is soon anointed as king over Israel and is highly respected by the people. She and he face many years of little contact. Finally, when a drought affects Israel for three years, Michal turns to God in despair. She repents for the first time in her life and feels an unexplainable peace in her heart. She later tells David of the change in her life, and he forgives her for her hatred towards him. However, he makes it clear that God didn't choose to bless their marriage, and she understands that.
I thought this book was fairly well written. It showed romantic struggles that all couples face in their marriage. It also had adventure, war, and plenty of emotion. However, I don't think it ended very well. I also think David should've been portrayed with a more genuine love.
This book causes you to think of your relationship with God, and how important the decisions you make are. It also has plenty of excitement. However, I think that David could've been portrayed as a more godly man. He seemed more like a teenage boy for a large part of the book. Overall, this book was an enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone seeking a Christian romance book.
During a battle the Israelites were having with the Philistines, the Philistines used Goliath as their secret weapon. For forty days, no one dared fight him. King Saul promised that whoever killed Goliath would be given his oldest daughter, Merab, in marriage. David went to the Israelite camp to visit his brothers, and ended up being the one to kill Goliath. Merab was delighted, but Michal was devastated. She ended up tricking her father into marrying Merab to a well-respected, rich man. During her sister’s wedding, Michal and David see each other and Michal confesses her love to David. David is shocked and thinks of her as a young girl, but he definitely notices her beauty. Later, David makes a deal with King Saul. He’d be allowed to marry Michal if he killed two-hundred Philistines during a battle. Before he knew it, the two-hundred Philistines were dead, and he was married to Michal. They had a very happy, young love experience. However, King Saul became jealous that David was becoming more powerful that himself. Therefore, he sought to take David’s life multiple times. Eventually, David ran away to save his life. He left Michal behind, and her father forced her to marry Paltiel. Paltiel patiently tried to get her to love him, but she refused and constantly fought back. All she wanted was to be with David.
Multiple years later, after King Saul’s death, David came back to the area of Israel with multiple followers and power. He sent for Michal, and she goes to his palace. She is very hurt at the sight of his multiple wives and children in his harem. She feels abandoned and hates David and his godly ways. David is soon anointed as king over Israel and is highly respected by the people. She and he face many years of little contact. Finally, when a drought affects Israel for three years, Michal turns to God in despair. She repents for the first time in her life and feels an unexplainable peace in her heart. She later tells David of the change in her life, and he forgives her for her hatred towards him. However, he makes it clear that God didn't choose to bless their marriage, and she understands that.
I thought this book was fairly well written. It showed romantic struggles that all couples face in their marriage. It also had adventure, war, and plenty of emotion. However, I don't think it ended very well. I also think David should've been portrayed with a more genuine love.
This book causes you to think of your relationship with God, and how important the decisions you make are. It also has plenty of excitement. However, I think that David could've been portrayed as a more godly man. He seemed more like a teenage boy for a large part of the book. Overall, this book was an enjoyable read and I recommend it to anyone seeking a Christian romance book.
July 9, 2015
Jill Eileen Smith had me transported to the time of King Saul and David. The book starts out in Gibeah, 1023 BC, with a young David rising up for the challenge and battle with Goliath. The author says this about David, “without a doubt, David knew the Most High had called him to this moment, and nothing anyone could do or say would shake his confidence in the Almighty.�
Even after Saul watches David slay Goliath and promises David his daughter Michal in marriage, he makes David pay a very high dowry for her, in hopes he would die before the price could be paid. Through the pages of this story and in the bible God used David to turn the people’s focus back to the Lord. It was amazing to read all that David went through in chronological order.
When David has to flee for his life he is unable to take Michael with him, it’s too dangerous. I enjoyed the way Jill Eileen Smith told of the times, culture and events with so much emotion and insight. This author pens an up-close and personal look at David through Michal’s eyes. Starting when she first falls in love with him and all the drama that plays out before and after David becomes King.
Jill says in the author notes that this book was twenty years in the making. Originally she wrote this book about King David. Later on a publisher suggests she writes it from the point of view of Michal. I’m so glad she did write it through Michel’s eyes, it made the book more intimate. Jill Eileen Smith drew me into the story quickly and captured my imagination from the very beginning with the story of David and Goliath—a story I’m familiar with yet I found myself captivated by this tale and her passionate storytelling
There were events in this book that made me go back to scripture to see if what she wrote was true or she just added it to make the story work. I learned several surprising things about Michal and David that I hadn’t known before. I love when that happens because then the facts stay with me. This is the first book in the Wives of David series. I cant� wait to read the next booking this series called Abigail.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising�
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
Even after Saul watches David slay Goliath and promises David his daughter Michal in marriage, he makes David pay a very high dowry for her, in hopes he would die before the price could be paid. Through the pages of this story and in the bible God used David to turn the people’s focus back to the Lord. It was amazing to read all that David went through in chronological order.
When David has to flee for his life he is unable to take Michael with him, it’s too dangerous. I enjoyed the way Jill Eileen Smith told of the times, culture and events with so much emotion and insight. This author pens an up-close and personal look at David through Michal’s eyes. Starting when she first falls in love with him and all the drama that plays out before and after David becomes King.
Jill says in the author notes that this book was twenty years in the making. Originally she wrote this book about King David. Later on a publisher suggests she writes it from the point of view of Michal. I’m so glad she did write it through Michel’s eyes, it made the book more intimate. Jill Eileen Smith drew me into the story quickly and captured my imagination from the very beginning with the story of David and Goliath—a story I’m familiar with yet I found myself captivated by this tale and her passionate storytelling
There were events in this book that made me go back to scripture to see if what she wrote was true or she just added it to make the story work. I learned several surprising things about Michal and David that I hadn’t known before. I love when that happens because then the facts stay with me. This is the first book in the Wives of David series. I cant� wait to read the next booking this series called Abigail.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising�
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
March 20, 2011
What would you give up for love? What would you pass up? What would you gain?
Such are the questions to ponder in MICHAL, the first installment of THE WIVES OF KING DAVID, by Jill Eileen Smith � an epic story surrounding King David of the Bible, you know, the one who slayed the giant Goliath.
It’s not exactly my type of reading. In fact, the only reason I even downloaded it to my Kindle was because it was on the Free list. When I read the description, I was instantly intrigued, not because I’m an avid reader of the Bible, but because it just sounded interesting. That was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made regarding books.
Set against a backdrop of Israel circa 1000 BC, MICHAL tells the tale of the daughter of King Saul who chooses her love of David over her father’s ruling. It’s a twisted tale of family and loyalty and family. There are gruesome moments that are gag-worthy, tender moments that make hair rise in anticipation, and heart-wrenching moments that make chests hurt and cry.
Far from being perfect, the perspective tends to jump around a bit too much for my liking, especially for a book that is titled after a main character. While it’s sometimes interesting to find out what is happening outside of Michal’s story, there are no warnings to the transitions which tends to be jarring to the reader.
That being said, this is a book I would definitely recommend. It sometimes seems a bit long but the traditions of the time period as well as the connection of writing about God are really poignant and interesting.
How interesting? Well, let’s put it this way. When I finished the book, I asked my parents if there was a Bible I could borrow because I wanted to read the actual book of Samuel.
It won’t be for everyone and it’s thick with history and religion but if anyone is willing to read it, it’s worth it.
Such are the questions to ponder in MICHAL, the first installment of THE WIVES OF KING DAVID, by Jill Eileen Smith � an epic story surrounding King David of the Bible, you know, the one who slayed the giant Goliath.
It’s not exactly my type of reading. In fact, the only reason I even downloaded it to my Kindle was because it was on the Free list. When I read the description, I was instantly intrigued, not because I’m an avid reader of the Bible, but because it just sounded interesting. That was probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made regarding books.
Set against a backdrop of Israel circa 1000 BC, MICHAL tells the tale of the daughter of King Saul who chooses her love of David over her father’s ruling. It’s a twisted tale of family and loyalty and family. There are gruesome moments that are gag-worthy, tender moments that make hair rise in anticipation, and heart-wrenching moments that make chests hurt and cry.
Far from being perfect, the perspective tends to jump around a bit too much for my liking, especially for a book that is titled after a main character. While it’s sometimes interesting to find out what is happening outside of Michal’s story, there are no warnings to the transitions which tends to be jarring to the reader.
That being said, this is a book I would definitely recommend. It sometimes seems a bit long but the traditions of the time period as well as the connection of writing about God are really poignant and interesting.
How interesting? Well, let’s put it this way. When I finished the book, I asked my parents if there was a Bible I could borrow because I wanted to read the actual book of Samuel.
It won’t be for everyone and it’s thick with history and religion but if anyone is willing to read it, it’s worth it.
September 19, 2020
3.5 Stars
I really liked some parts but other parts not so much.
I like that this book opened my eyes to a real life perspective to the life of David and his first wife. In the bible you read a brief description of the events that take place. But I have never stopped and thought about life in between the verses. For example if you have read 1 Samuel in the Bible you know that Saul was challenged at times with evil spirits and David played instruments in order to bring peace to Saul. However this story has made me think about how unstable Saul was, how his disobedience opened the door to constant attacks from evil spirits. This effected Sauls mental state, actions and his family. How this effected his family was heart breaking! I also have developed a compassion for David that I didn’t have before. Imagine the King who is also your fathering law despising you to the point that he tries to murder you every chance his get.
So this leads to what I didn’t like about this book. David and Michals Story is sad and had no chance to develop! No fault to the author it’s just the truth of this tragic story.
My favourite theme in this story is the message that God’s Will shall be done regardless how messy things may get.
I give 4 Stars to Callie Beaulieu for an engaging and enjoyable audio performance.
If your looking for a romance this is not the book for you but if you are looking for a different perspective of the life of David and his first wife this is definitely worth a read :).
I really liked some parts but other parts not so much.
I like that this book opened my eyes to a real life perspective to the life of David and his first wife. In the bible you read a brief description of the events that take place. But I have never stopped and thought about life in between the verses. For example if you have read 1 Samuel in the Bible you know that Saul was challenged at times with evil spirits and David played instruments in order to bring peace to Saul. However this story has made me think about how unstable Saul was, how his disobedience opened the door to constant attacks from evil spirits. This effected Sauls mental state, actions and his family. How this effected his family was heart breaking! I also have developed a compassion for David that I didn’t have before. Imagine the King who is also your fathering law despising you to the point that he tries to murder you every chance his get.
So this leads to what I didn’t like about this book. David and Michals Story is sad and had no chance to develop! No fault to the author it’s just the truth of this tragic story.
My favourite theme in this story is the message that God’s Will shall be done regardless how messy things may get.
I give 4 Stars to Callie Beaulieu for an engaging and enjoyable audio performance.
If your looking for a romance this is not the book for you but if you are looking for a different perspective of the life of David and his first wife this is definitely worth a read :).
February 22, 2013
This is just one of the most awful books I've ever tried to read. (I can't say "I've ever read" because there was no way I was going to spend my time reading the whole thing.)
It reads like it was written by a 12-year-old (or at the very least *for* a 12-year-old) -- overly melodramatic, overly simplistic, no plot line whatsoever, no character development whatsoever. It just jumps from scene to scene with no narrative structure, and the writing itself is just ... really, really terrible.
I mean, you know a book is not going to be great, or deep, when it starts off "Michael ducked as a shard of pottery soared past her head." But it gets worse from there. "Her father's eerie laugh followed." (Eerie? Really? Is he a ghost or something?) "Dark, smoldering rage burned in the abyss of his gray eyes."
And I knew it was a "Christian book," and that genre isn't exactly known for literary depth, but I figured, hey, it's about a historical biblical figure, so it makes sense that it's marked as "Christian literature." Is there some reason, though, why "Christian" means "horribly badly written"?
I genuinely do not understand the good ratings that this book has gotten. If you like Harlequin romances, this book is for you. If not... well, 'nuff said.
It reads like it was written by a 12-year-old (or at the very least *for* a 12-year-old) -- overly melodramatic, overly simplistic, no plot line whatsoever, no character development whatsoever. It just jumps from scene to scene with no narrative structure, and the writing itself is just ... really, really terrible.
I mean, you know a book is not going to be great, or deep, when it starts off "Michael ducked as a shard of pottery soared past her head." But it gets worse from there. "Her father's eerie laugh followed." (Eerie? Really? Is he a ghost or something?) "Dark, smoldering rage burned in the abyss of his gray eyes."
And I knew it was a "Christian book," and that genre isn't exactly known for literary depth, but I figured, hey, it's about a historical biblical figure, so it makes sense that it's marked as "Christian literature." Is there some reason, though, why "Christian" means "horribly badly written"?
I genuinely do not understand the good ratings that this book has gotten. If you like Harlequin romances, this book is for you. If not... well, 'nuff said.
March 14, 2012
The daughter of King Saul falls in love with a simple shepherd, who happens to be God's chosen king. Michal convinces her father to allow her to marry David. When David must flee for his life because of Saul's desire to kill him, she helps him escape. In response to her help, her father gives her as a bride to another man. Yes she does rejoin King David's household. But her position is no longer that of the first wife, and she's bitter.
This book has been on my to be read list for a long time. I've read the Biblical account of David and Michal's story several times. I've always loved having a chance to read a historical fiction based upon events of the Bible. I think that the author did a good job of building a story around the events of David's life. Staying true to Scripture and still telling a captivating story is a good feat.
I read the Kindle edition of the book.
This book has been on my to be read list for a long time. I've read the Biblical account of David and Michal's story several times. I've always loved having a chance to read a historical fiction based upon events of the Bible. I think that the author did a good job of building a story around the events of David's life. Staying true to Scripture and still telling a captivating story is a good feat.
I read the Kindle edition of the book.
August 17, 2012
Biblical fiction stories are written to inspire people to read the actual account in the Bible...(for me, I also like to see how they compare). The story of Michal, daughter of King Saul and David's first wife is one story that inspires. As mentioned in her notes at the end of the book, the author tried to stay close to what's written in the Bible as much as possible. I found myself with the Bible on hand for easy reference while I was reading. It's really as close as it can get. The stories in the Bible itself are interesting...Biblical fiction like this one make them more so.
November 29, 2013
I loved the ending of this book!!! I can't say I enjoyed the entire book, I would have liked to have seen more on David, but I love David's story.
This story did open my eyes a lot about the reign of Saul, his daughters, and the early years of David's reign. When I've read 1 & 2 Samuel in the past the time between events didn't really sink in the way it did reading this story. I do want to go back and read those books.
I'm glad I finally took the time to read this story even though it was not one of my favorites.
This story did open my eyes a lot about the reign of Saul, his daughters, and the early years of David's reign. When I've read 1 & 2 Samuel in the past the time between events didn't really sink in the way it did reading this story. I do want to go back and read those books.
I'm glad I finally took the time to read this story even though it was not one of my favorites.
October 8, 2014
This book flowed smoothly enough but it didn't really pull me in. Michal's is not an easy story. I think the author did a good job of portraying the biblical story of David and Michal but there just wasn't much happiness to it. And I realize it was necessary, but it was also somewhat jarring to skip years at a time which happened more than once. I have the next book in the series so I'm hoping I'll like it better.
Read
September 7, 2019a to long book for such a story
January 26, 2023
I don’t understand why this book has such low ratings and bad reviews because I quite enjoyed it.
Yes there are a lot of time jumps but it’s understandable because it covers a lot of years of David’s life but the focus of the book is on Michal’s life so on a lot of those skip years that David was doing a lot of things in different places we don’t get to see a lot of it because for Michal her life was probably a lot of the same away from him.
I think it was an interesting idea to make David and Michal have a love story that lasted years since in the Bible it tells us that Michal loved David but it doesn’t tell us if David also truly loved her.
I think the book also really reminds you how much Michal lost in her life, how all her family died and how the man she loved married so many other women after her. Not condoning her behavior when it came to how David was worshiping God but you are given a context of what might have turned her love into hatred.
I also thought the ending was interesting since the Bible never tells us whether Michal found redemption or not.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Yes there are a lot of time jumps but it’s understandable because it covers a lot of years of David’s life but the focus of the book is on Michal’s life so on a lot of those skip years that David was doing a lot of things in different places we don’t get to see a lot of it because for Michal her life was probably a lot of the same away from him.
I think it was an interesting idea to make David and Michal have a love story that lasted years since in the Bible it tells us that Michal loved David but it doesn’t tell us if David also truly loved her.
I think the book also really reminds you how much Michal lost in her life, how all her family died and how the man she loved married so many other women after her. Not condoning her behavior when it came to how David was worshiping God but you are given a context of what might have turned her love into hatred.
I also thought the ending was interesting since the Bible never tells us whether Michal found redemption or not.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Jill Eileen Smith is a pro at Biblical Fiction and never fails to transport me back to the Old Testament days.
Prior to reading it, my knowledge of Michal was limited to her being Saul's daughter and her disapproval of David's dancing during the ark's procession. However, I never delved into understanding the reasons behind her bitterness or why God chose to close her womb. This book has helped me truly understand Michal's character and shed light on the significant events that unfolded during the years of Saul and David's reign. I can't wait to read the others in this series!! Definitely recommend.
Prior to reading it, my knowledge of Michal was limited to her being Saul's daughter and her disapproval of David's dancing during the ark's procession. However, I never delved into understanding the reasons behind her bitterness or why God chose to close her womb. This book has helped me truly understand Michal's character and shed light on the significant events that unfolded during the years of Saul and David's reign. I can't wait to read the others in this series!! Definitely recommend.
January 1, 2021
Michal was always someone I felt sorry for when reading about her in the Bible - being handed over from one husband to another and then back again.
I have never read a book about her and it was nice to bring her to life as well as read about David’s journey to becoming king from a different perspective.
The audio sometimes felt a bit like a computer reading it - the story part was good but sometimes the characters� dialect felt a bit flat. However, I will listen to the audios for the rest of the series as well.
All in all liked it.
I have never read a book about her and it was nice to bring her to life as well as read about David’s journey to becoming king from a different perspective.
The audio sometimes felt a bit like a computer reading it - the story part was good but sometimes the characters� dialect felt a bit flat. However, I will listen to the audios for the rest of the series as well.
All in all liked it.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
November 15, 2023I've tried three different times to read this book. I always feel like there is something in my mood that is keeping me from enjoying the story.
I think I'm ready to admit that this story just isn't for me.
Also, they didn't get a good narrator for this book. However, I also tried reading this on my kindle before giving up. It's just not for me.
Content notes: As one would expect with the nature of the story and with David, there is a lot of noticing/desiring.
I think I'm ready to admit that this story just isn't for me.
Also, they didn't get a good narrator for this book. However, I also tried reading this on my kindle before giving up. It's just not for me.
Content notes: As one would expect with the nature of the story and with David, there is a lot of noticing/desiring.
Read
March 19, 2025I am pleasantly surprised by Jill Eileen Smith’s “Michal�, the first installment of her “The Wives of King David� trilogy. I was a bit wary because sometimes this genre of Biblical Fiction can be clumsy, theologically biased, and overly simplistic. But Smith’s portrayal of the madness of King Saul and the rise of King David, as seen through the eyes of long suffering Michal, David’s first wife, was gripping, fast paced and realistic. I liked the mix of genres: part historical fiction, part political thriller, part romance novel. What a fun way to learn about an important section of the Hebrew Bible!
July 16, 2019
I enjoy reading biblical fiction. It reminds me that the people I read about in the pages of Scripture were real with the same feelings and similar failures as the rest of us. This story about Michal followed Scripture very well, telling some of David's story but focusing on Michal's aspect of it. I also liked the bit of redemption the author added at the end, even though Scripture doesn't indicate such a transformation happened. I look forward to continuing this series.
December 19, 2018
I really wanted to like this more. I love historical bible fiction but I felt this one went a little too far with the fiction.
October 22, 2023
Most of this book seems very plausible and those parts I may not feel were as strongly likely (especially the last chapter) I loved anyway. ❤️
May 12, 2022
When David came to play before King Saul, Princess Michal fell in love with him. By the time her hero killed Goliath she was determined to marry David, no matter what the cost. Through a lifetime of disappointment her love eventually turned to frustration and eventually to hatred. The author did an excellent job of providing empathy and hope for Michal at the end of the book.
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