This is the third book in ‘The Silent Years’ series by the author. I read the book #1 (Egypt’s Queen) last month and you can read my review of it HERE
The series do not have to be read chronologically because they are all stand-alone novels but follow a similar theme of trying to fill a void in time between the books of Malachi (The last book of the old testament) and Mathew (the first book of the new testament) where there is a period 400 years that was not recorded in the bible.
Jerusalem’s Queen is the coming of age story about Salome Alexandra (also known as Shelamzion by her family). She loses her father and elder sister when she is six years old to an unfortunate accident and is left with a grieving mother who never gets over their loss. John Hyrcanus, a cousin to her mother miraculously come to their aid, takes them into his care and home in Jerusalem. Salome is given a hand maid Kissa as a gift and the two become close friends despite the disparity in their social classes.
As high Priest of the Jewish nation, John Hyrcanus is king in everything but name where his priority is to protect and govern the Jewish people and their territories. Salome grows under his leadership, learning about HaShem by studying the Torah, politics and so many other matters of state. He marries her to his youngest son, Alexander Jannaeus who later becomes High Priest and King of Judea. After the death of Alexander Jannaeus, Salome becomes the queen of Judea.
This is a story about Salome’s rise to the throne, the trials she faces and God’s favor upon her life throughout this time. The story is told by both Salome and Kissa which gives the reader an opportunity to view it from two different perspectives.
What I liked most about this book is the fact that it has opened my eyes to a time in history that I know little or nothing about and has spurred my interest to learn more about this time. I also think that the author did a good job in creating a fictionalized account of this story especially when this time in history is not well documented.
However, I did not take a particular liking to any of the characters as colorful as most of them were. This affected how I felt about the entire story and didn’t make my reading experience as enjoyable if the reverse was the case. It only succeeded in educating me on the historical aspect of things and It wasn’t satisfying for me.
Finally, it was a good read but it wasn’t great but If you love historical fiction especially biblically related ones, then you will probably like this book.
Rating: 3 Stars
Published: November 6th, 2018 by Bethany House Publishers
Pages: 384
Genre: Historical Fiction (Christian)
Purchase @ www.amazon.com/jerusalemqueen
The Author: Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With over three million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children have reached their thirties, Angie and her husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Turner and Hooch and Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards–one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City.
Afterward, the dog gave out pawtographs at the airport.
Angela admits to being fascinated by animals, medicine, psychology, unexplained phenomena, and “just about everything” except sports. Books, she says, have always shaped her life— in the fifth grade she learned how to flirt from reading Gone with the Wind.
Her books have won the coveted Christy Award, several Angel Awards from Excellence in Media, and the Gold and Silver Medallions from Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award. In 2007, her novel The Note was featured as a Christmas movie on the Hallmark channel. Romantic Times Book Club presented her with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006.
In 2006, Angela completed her Master of Biblical Studies in Theology degree and completed her second doctorate in 2015. When she’s not home reading or writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
