Pearl in the Sand: A Novel

Pearl in the Sand: A Novel Paperback – September 1, Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab’s untold story. In Pearl in the Sand, Tessa Afshar has created compelling characters that bring new meaning to this well-loved biblical tale.
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Did he see no hope for them? The answer welled up within her like nausea she could not ignore. They had gone too far. And they were arrogant about it.

Pearl in the Sand: A Novel - eBook

By the time the Israelites arrive at Jericho, Moses is dead and Joshua is now their leader. To see these characters come to life was such a treat! Rahab is an easy character to identify with despite her circumstances and instead of judging her, I was moved to sympathy and understanding for her. Her character and strength amazed me. The remainder of the story goes further into detail about how her family adjusts to their new life and becoming Israelites themselves.

It was amazing reading how they go from fearful of the Hebrew life into faithful Hebrews themselves. The last part of the story focuses on the romance of Rahab and Salmone. This was also such a precious encounter.

Salmone starts out detesting Rahab, but the story slowly shows his respect for her and eventually he becomes completely dedicated to her. As he submits to God, he slowly understands what it will take to help Rahab completely heal from her past and he does not disappoint. This is not a light read, but the messages of redemption and forgiveness are powerfully described in this story and the references to names and events in the scriptures are quite exciting. These elements are not the focus of the story, but they are realistic and for me some were disturbing.

I was very pleased with the overall story nonetheless and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes adventure and romance. The romance in this book is not just between Rahab and Salmone. There is a tangible romance between Rahab and God. I want to thank NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Aug 28, Michelle rated it it was amazing Shelves: I found it profoundly moving at times, and incredibly realistic.

Having worked with many women who were used by men, and as a result were deeply emotionally scarred, I found Rahab's view of herself very believable. While Salome was judgmental as men typically are at first, the Lord changed him over time into an admirable hero. But this only happened when his pride was slowly stripped away.

Pearl in the Sand

I found it incredibly moving how God would not allow him to stay in that prideful state, but kept working on Salmone's heart and using the most unlikely people and situations to work the greatest miracle in his life. We serve such an amazing God! The author created a setting that rang true to me in many ways, from the damaged beginnings of Rahab's life, to the crumbling of Jericho's walls.

It almost felt like I had crawled into the pages of the Old Testament and witnessed some of the events as they happened, including the battles the Hebrews fought. I found that very inspiring. I loved how the author used many symbols in her story to illustrate points I found Rahab to be both strong and weak, and yet so very human that I loved her even when she was unreasonable with Salmone, who often reacted to her insecurities like a typical man would.

That was very well done. The part that touched me the most in this story was when Rahab finally recognized her incredible worth in God's eyes as well as her husband's. That was powerfully written. I could sense Rahab's heart healing as the scene progressed. I felt her pain and her tears as she released all of the hurt. I was profoundly moved by Salmone's sudden realization of the damage that had been done to her and his tenacious desire to participate in the healing process.

The love scenes between husband and wife were emotional, yet tastefully done. This book was so incredible. I'm sure readers who enjoy Biblical fiction will adore this story, too. Jun 06, Dundee Library rated it really liked it Shelves: The author takes readers into the time of the nation of Israel right at the end of their forty-year desert hiatus. It is time to claim their promised land.

One of the cities standing in their way is the impenetrable Jericho. The Canaanites dwelling inside the city believe no one can conquer their massive walls, except for one woman, who believes the god of the Israelites is more than capable of doing anything. She wishes to ally herself with this god. One problem- she is a Canaan harlot. How can The author takes readers into the time of the nation of Israel right at the end of their forty-year desert hiatus.

How can a woman such as she, ever be accepted by a holy god such as He? Get immersed in the tale of a Rahab, a woman who risks her life for a god she does not know, and a people who are her enemies, all on an act of faith. Based on the Biblical account in the book of Joshua, the author weaves a story around this mysterious woman, such as why she entered the life of prostitution, and how she assisted in the capture of Jericho. She also imagines how life must have been once Rahab and her family abandon their idolatry to join the Hebrew tribes.

And of course, there is the story of Salmone, the Israelite leader who would later marry Rahab.

Book Review: Pearl in The Sand | By The Book

Reading Biblical fiction helps me better understand the background and culture of the time and get an idea how these ordinary people must have felt. There was a point in the middle and end when I felt the plot stalled and kept repeating itself, but I enjoyed the ending. This book reminds readers how great of value each person, no matter how damaged, is to God.

Although Christian fiction, this book leans more towards a PG rating in light of the situations and mature topics. Jul 23, Rebekah rated it it was ok Shelves: This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I was intrigued by the premise of this book, hoping that it would be realistic historical fiction based on a little-known Bible character. I still maintain that such a premise is a brilliant idea. I wonder if authors are too afraid to boldly follow this idea, fearing Christian reprisals from close-minded people who would freak out at any attempt to make these stories and characters human and realistic, instead of "holy" and full of miracles.

Regardless, this is not the book that I was hoping for I was intrigued by the premise of this book, hoping that it would be realistic historical fiction based on a little-known Bible character. Regardless, this is not the book that I was hoping for. This reads very much like a Bible story, quite cheesy at times, full of miracles, and overly preachy. Not much different from reading my Children's Bible back in the day. Rahab being sold into prostitution by her family at 15 and the trauma of that is brushed over by an author that appears to want to avoid the nitty gritty details of trauma and focus on converting and healing people with PTSD solely through faith and God and of course, marrying a good man.

I will say that it could have been much worse, and I was fearing as it progressed that it was going to become very patriarchal, but the author presented a fairly even-handed portrayal of the failings of both the male and female character and I liked that Rahab wasn't "saved" through her husband. There was some stuff that made me very squeamish though, such as him ordering her around and forcing her to talk about her trauma. Somehow I don't think that's how it works, dude. Overall, interesting premise and provided some insight into a long forgotten culture and to a barely mentioned female character in a religious book dominated by men, a fairly enjoyable read, but I wish it had gone deeper and braver into the subject matter.

Thanks Nicole for "lending" this to me! Sep 13, Teresa Griffis rated it it was amazing. Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar. An amazing story based on the life of Rahab in the Bible.

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I'm always a little leary reading a book based on a Bible character because so often the story follows little of the known facts from the Bible. But I was pleasantly surprised that not one known fact was changed. And, yes, I had to check a few of them. The author built a believable story around a very few Biblical truths, and I continue to think about this story. God had great things in store for Rahab. I Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar. I believe He honored her for her great faith. Raised in an heathen country, she protects Israel's spies and is delivered from the destuction in the fall of Jericho.

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She and her family then become a part of God's chosen people, and she is an ancestor of God's Son Jesus. I know this was fiction based on fact, but the research by the author of the history of that time made the story so real I had a hard time getting anything else done. And the love story between Rahab and Solome was so touching. This one I will probably read again. Feb 24, Joy rated it it was amazing. This book stayed with me for so long I had to revise my initial 4 star rating to 5 stars.

It's a redemption story, taking the Biblical story of Rahab and making it something more. We aren't given much about Rahab, but we know she was in the oldest profession and when she met some men of God she made a decision that would change both her life and ours. I loved the imagination the author used to fill in the "what ifs" that we couldn't know. The audio version was excellently produced and narrated a This book stayed with me for so long I had to revise my initial 4 star rating to 5 stars.

The audio version was excellently produced and narrated as well. This book was my introduction to an author I am coming to love. Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar , read by Laural Merlington Part of me is hesitant to read an author's fictitious rendering of truth in the Word. But if I continue to think of it as someone's imagination of what it "could" have been like, then I am okay.

He takes a biblical narrative and expands it into the most imaginative stories you've ever heard. So if I can enjoy his retellings, Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar , read by Laural Merlington Part of me is hesitant to read an author's fictitious rendering of truth in the Word. So if I can enjoy his retellings, I can be open minded about an author's retelling.

Anyway, this is the story of Rahab the harlot what a way to be remembered throughout history! She hid them in her house, and then helped them to escape over the wall to report back to Joshua in exchange for sparing her life and her family's lives. Once she and her family were helped by the Hebrews to escape the destruction of Jericho, that's when most of the "imagination" really comes out, and characters and events not in the original became the basis for the rest of the story.

The author did add two significant events to her story that were in the bible, and the telling of those was interesting. Plus, we do know that Rahab was the mother of Boaz, and Salmon was his father, according to Matthew 1: So the author wove a unique story around Salmon, beginning with him being seriously antagonistic toward her. This was the audio version of the book, read by a narrator who was quite good. However I wondered why she didn't pronounce Rahab the way we do.

She pronounced it Ray-have. Sometimes it sounded like Ray-half. It was bothersome okay It may be the accurate Hebrew pronunciation, I don't know, but the English language is used for this book and a "b" isn't pronounced as a "v" ever in English as far as I know. I'd be curious to hear if anyone else has heard Rahab pronounced that way.

Ah well, the book had decent lessons about God's law for the Jews, prejudices against outsiders, and redemption. Listened to this in audio format. Not sure how this follows the Biblical story, but I was impressed with how this story was told in such a way one could relate to it. The devastation of poverty, barren land, lack of work, the huge sacrifices families had to make to try to survive all set the tone for the story. The sacrifice of your own daughter to men for the needs of the family, are not as uncommon as we might think.

The obedience of children to their parents against all odds-tears at your hea Listened to this in audio format. The obedience of children to their parents against all odds-tears at your heart. There is so much covered in this story. The second half dealt with insight into the strength God upon us and our lives. His guidance in our lives is stronger than many of us give credit to. A book I am grateful to have come across. Sep 27, Kara rated it it was amazing Shelves: Most of us are familiar with the Biblical story of Rahab.

Really, though, all we know are a few basic facts. She was a harlot who hid the spies of Israel, was subsequently spared during the destruction of Jericho, and married an Israelite named Salmone. A woman of faith, she was the mother of Boaz from the book of Ruth, meaning she was also in the direct lineage of both David and Christ. Other than these mentions in a handful of verses, we're left to fill in the details. Filling in the details is Most of us are familiar with the Biblical story of Rahab. Filling in the details is exactly what Tessa Afshar set out to do in her debut novel, Pearl in the Sand.

Basing the story on the facts we do know from the Biblical account and her extensive background knowledge, Ms. Afshar has written a realistic, vivid portrayal of this familiar story. At the age of fifteen, Rahab is forced into prostitution by her beloved father in order to save the family from starvation. In her years as a successful courtesan, she learns to mistrust men and hate herself. Into the emotional turmoil of her inner world walks Salmone, a prominent leader of Judah who is held in high esteem by all Israel.

Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable in bed make a fitting wife for one of the leaders in Israel? A woman with a wrecked past who no longer believes she can be loved; a man of success, of faith The walls of Jericho are only the beginning. The real battle for Rahab will be one of the heart.

Women struggling with issues of self-worth will be able to relate to Rahab. Those caught in a difficult marriage may also find this novel encouraging. Women who need a fresh understanding of the redeeming, grace-drenched love of God the Father will come face-to-face with it in these pages. Having been born and lived in the Middle East for fourteen years enables her to present the cultural landscape of this novel from a unique perspective. A Master of Divinity degree from Yale University gives her the technical tools to weave biblical fidelity into this fictional account of one of the most fascinating women in Scripture.

I found Pearl in the Sand engaging, compelling, and vividly written. I had a hard time putting it down. I'd never really stopped to consider exactly what happened in between Rahab's leaving Jericho and becoming the mother of Boaz. What a culture shock it must have been for a Canaanite woman and her family to find themselves living among the Israelites! Afshar did a superb job of portraying this aspect of the story and what life in the Israelite camp would have been like.

The Israelite conquest of Canaan comes alive seen through the eyes of Rahab and Salmone, with many of the incidents in the book of Joshua recounted from their perspective. Rahab's emotional turmoil about her past is also realistically and sensitively portrayed against the beautiful backdrop of God's unconditional acceptance and grace. Afshar did a wonderful job of blending the historical, biblical, and emotional facets together into one compelling story.

Her portrayal of God's character was beautifully balanced If you'd like, you can read the first chapter online. I'm looking forward to reading more by Ms. Pearl in the Sand is a title I'll be recommending to friends and family again and again. Thanks so much to Moody Publishing and Tessa Afshar for a complimentary copy for review.

Under Creative Commons License: Feb 06, Libbie Hawker L. Ironside rated it liked it Shelves: She was born in Iran, lived there for the first fourteen years of her life, and attended an English boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. She has spent the last twelve years in full- and part-time Christian work. Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar is a fantastic example of the proper use of artistic license. Afshar paints the redemptive story of Rahab in vivid color.

Central themes that come out in the story are: Pearl in the Sand is a novel that presents a relatively accurate historical account in a fun form. The characters are engaging and even humorous at times.


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Rahab was a young girl who was forced into prostitution by her family so they could buy food. Her main hurdles in this story are forgiving her family and accepting forgiveness herself for what she has become. Salmone is a leader of the tribe of Judah. He has a reputation to uphold, and he is not happy when Joshua asks him to take care of Rahab and her family and help prepare them to become part of Israel. Ezra and Hanini are two young Israelite spies who go scouting in Jericho and end up being rescued by Rahab.

Even though she comes to find faith, loving care and forgiveness from God, not everything is healed in her heart overnight. God uses others to come alongside her to peel away the onion layers, so to speak.

One of those ways is through Salmone, our hero of the story. After all, romance hinges on suspense, right? Not so in this story. He has some problems of his own. Although there was a lot of deep problems for them to work through, they decided to work through them together , and in that respect they forged a stronger marriage and a greater intimacy than a couple without problems. I strongly disagree and argue those readers have missed the point. However, —and I want to make this point clear—, in no way did I feel these parts of the story to be the goal driving the book. I felt Afshar was able to balance her romance scenes and use them in a constructive way that portrayed realism.

Truthfully, for these reasons I was able to handle this romance novel a lot better than a previous one I recently felt I had to give up. Her heart is yearning for cleansing from what she knows in her spirit is wrong. After learning more about Him, she finds God is willing to extend His love and grace to her. It is the result of many years of thirsting, even if she did not know it. Although the book was a relatively short read, I took my time going through it and copying down many quotes.

There are many great conversations between several characters. However, unlike shallow romance novels, I believe this deep story is a cut above.