Jill Eileen Smith

While the first few pages of this were slow, once I started reading, I didn't put it down.
Jill brought in so much detail about the culture and traditions and I really appreciated getting to see this story in a detailed manner. Just due to the nature of the story of Joseph (with it being fairly detailed in Genesis), there was not much deviation from the Bible at all. Almost everything lined up exactly. If you want a Biblical fiction novel without creative liberities, this would be one to pick up.
It was also super interesting to see part of the story from Judah's perspective. Oftentimes, he is overlooked and I learned a lot, especially about the Canaantie culture where he lived.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes Biblical fiction (and especially to those who love the animated film, Joseph: King of Dreams.)

4 Stars

Content: as true to the story in Genesis, there are some s*xual situations but none of it is much more detailed than what is found in Genesis

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.… (mais)

I feel like this book had potential, but the content did not cut it for me.

Let's start with what I liked about this book. First, we see that Soloman had struggles with trusting in God. He had started worshiping wisdom instead of the One who gave him it. It makes him seem more human instead of this 'wise guy from the Old Testament' that is taught in Sunday school.

The setting seemed well-researched and I enjoyed the tidbits of what life looked like back in Biblical times. From the musicians at the festival to the architectural details, this book was accurate in its portrayal of Ancient Israel.

However, what I had an issue with was the content. There were too many unnecessary details strewn throughout the whole novel.


Rating: 2 Stars

Content: 1 Star

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.… (mais)

This novel is an incredible fictional glimpse into the very real story of Noah and his family obeying the call of God to build an ark despite the ridicule of their society. I thought the author did a great job depicting likely emotions and judgments of those around Noah and especially his wife, Zara. I could easily imagine the heartache she faced. I am amazed at the way the author takes Biblical details and adds rich fictional dialogue to help us better understand the faith and sacrifices of these people. As expected, the story is heavy at times, but I appreciated the thread of hope woven among the pages. This novel served to deepen my relationship and faith in a God who fulfills his promises and provides strength when trials seem great. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.… (mais)

“What should I do, Adonai? Did God care about their personal spats with one another? He’d saved them to repopulate a world where evil ran rampant. But they could not run from the sin in their own hearts.”

Jill Eileen Smith. A name of long associated with Biblical fiction, yet The Ark and the Dove is the first book I’ve been privileged to read by Smith.

First, I suggest bringing your waders. While obviously this is the story of Genesis 6, the flood of Noah’s day, it is so much more. While it is an engrossing read, it is not a quick read, compared to many books. You will be immersed in the deep waters of the Nephilim, the Watchers, the ever-encroaching evil, and the intense oppression of Noah’s family as they build the ark and preach about the coming judgment.

Somehow, as a mother of adult children, this novel hits especially hard, emotionally, but even young adults can relate to the sibling issues. It seems we see the stresses on the family as seen mostly through the eyes of Zara, Noah’s faithful wife. She has to place her faith in Noah to lead her family spiritually, but it is hard for all of them to follow God’s few personal directives given only directly to Noah. It is also hard for each son to maintain his marriage and close relationships with the other two brothers as doubts and fears assail. I ached along with Zara as she is heartbroken when her the families of her daughters-in-law turn against them and join in the persecution and rejection. No matter how hard she tries, one of the wives seems bent on trouble-making. Do we know these things for gospel fact? No, we only know what the Bible gives us, which Smith quotes or rephrases multiple times. She even includes references to Romans 1. The rest is author’s license, as long as it does not contradict Scripture. That is what Biblical fiction is.

I will be thinking on this book for a while to come! I was glad I had previous teaching under my belt about the Nephilim and the Watchers. Otherwise, I might have wanted them explained a little more. The Ark and the Dove caused a good discussion between myself and my husband, and I believe it would be a great book for a church book club.

I received a copy of the book from Revell Reads through Netgalley. I also bought a paperback copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Abba said that God did not want to judge us. His heart was broken by our rebellion. I never thought of the Creator as having a heart that could break like ours does.”

“We are made in His image, so perhaps that’s one way that we are like Him. We feel because He feels. Perhaps that is the greatest kind of love.”

“If someone wants to worship something other than the Creator, they will use anything to replace Him in their hearts. It does not have to be a creation of wood or stone. An idol can be anything we place above Him as the most important thing in our lives.”… (mais)