The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story

February 1, 2015

Sold into slavery and prostitution to cover her husband's gambling debts, Rahab has nothing to lose by harboring two Israelite spies in exchange for protection when the army of Israel arrives at the gates of Jericho. Putting her trust in an unfamiliar God gives Rahab the strength to believe the spies will keep their word. VERDICT Impeccable research and vivid prose from Smith ("The Wives of the Patriarchs" series; "The Wives of King David" books) brings the ancient city of Jericho to life. The author's reinterpretation of a classic Old Testament story rings with authenticity. CF devotees who relished Tosca Lee's Legend of Sheba, Tessa Afshar's In the Field of Grace, or Angela Hunt's Esther: Royal Beauty will enjoy this pleasurable read.

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from February 15, 2015
In Smith's (Sarai, 2012) retelling of the biblical story of Rahab, her husband, Gamal, is not only abusive but he also has a gambling addiction. He goes into debt to the prince, who forgives what he owes. But when the prince learns that Gamal has insisted on payment from someone who owes him a smaller debt, the prince sells Gamal to Syrian slavers and makes the beautiful Rahab a court prostitute, effectively turning her into a prisoner serving a life sentence. Then two Hebrew spies, sent by Joshua, find refuge in her quarters. Because of her kindness, Rahab is spared from the destruction of Jericho and allowed to live with the Israelites, but she feels unworthy, especially when Joshua suggests that she marry Salmon, one of the spies. The themes of this bookgrace, faith, redemption, and healingare interwoven with an exciting, suspenseful story. Each trial Rahab bears could easily end in death as she encounters men who range from the righteous to the abusive and duplicitous. Smith, the author of the best-selling Wives of King David and Wives of the Patriarchs series, has made Rahab's dramatic tale newly affecting and vivid.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)