Judah's Wife: A Novel of the Maccabees Paperback - 2018

From the rear cover

To Be Silent Would Be to Deny Their God, To Defy Would Bring the Wrath of the King.

Seeking quiet and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she'll have peace. But the very nation Judah was named for has been conquered by a cruel king, who decrees that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws or risk death for following the laws of Moses.

Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands Judah to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear responsibility for the obliteration of Israel. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long?

The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage . . . and sacrifice.

"In the second title in her Silent Years series, following Egypt's Sister, Hunt continues to breathe new life into our understanding of the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments by telling the story of Leah, the wife of Judah Maccabaeus. . . . Hunt, who has clearly done her research, narrates from both Judah's and Leah's perspectives, and this tale is sure to please Hunt's legion of fans."--Booklist


Praise for Angela Hunt's Silent Years series

"Once again, Hunt demonstrates her stunning mastery of historical biblical literature as she begins her new Silent Years series. . . . This fresh approach brings a faith-based perspective to the tension and complexity of the Intertestamental Period. Rich in history, atmosphere, emotion, and spirituality, Hunt's ambitious series debut is astounding."--Booklist starred review

"The historical detail, depth of characterization, and hopeful outlook of this story will keep readers entertained and inspired."--RT Book Reviews

"Setting her new biblical series half a century before the birth of Christ, Hunt once again vividly brings the ancient world to life."--Library Journal

"Hunt continues to bring the Silent Years, the four hundred years between the end of the Old Testament and the New Testament, to life with historical details and emotional depth worthy of her subject. . . . Readers who enjoy Biblical history will be captivated by this fascinating series."--RT Book Reviews Top Pick

"Hunt's latest series puts a human face on an a momentous event in ancient history--the Maccabean Revolt of 167-160 BCE--by presenting it from the perspective of Judah's wife. Fans of biblical fiction will be captivated."--Library Journal

"The way Leah copes with her early home life is sensitively explored and compassionately told. . . . Hunt does a great job making the time period come alive. Her two narratives blend well, and the characters are well fleshed out. Recommended." --Historical Novels Review

Media reviews

Citations

• Booklist, 12/01/2017, Page 39
• Library Journal, 02/01/2018, Page 81