I didn't like this book nearly as much as I'd hoped. Some of that I'm sure is personal preference, since Ruth is my favorite book in the Bible and the account of Ruth and Boaz has long held a kind of romance for me. Even outside of that, though, I think there were some issues with how the author handled this retelling.

The author spent so much time on some things and not enough time on others, in my opinion. For example, not to be too flippant about it, but the story doesn't really get going until Naomi's husband and sons have all died. This is covered in 5 verses of the 4 total chapters of Ruth in the Bible, but by 130 of the 350 pages of the book. Some of that time was spent introducing Ruth's character, but a lot of her personality and loyalty can easily be seen in her actions later in the story. Some of those pages were given to Boaz, too, during which he had a wife of more than 10 years. If you're like me and would have thrown the book across the room if this account had made Ruth a 2nd wife to Boaz (while the 1st wife was alive, a common practice in those days), don't worry. I still don't care for how it all worked out, romance-wise, but at least it wasn't that.

What I wish the author had spent more time on was showing and explaining some of the customs that might seem strange to us modern folks, like why Ruth uncovered Boaz's feet on the threshing floor. And this leads to my other main issue with the story, the blending of the fictional with what is directly out of the Bible. Though Smith does do a decent job of making the dialog seem like something from back then most of the time, when the characters say words that are taken directly from Scripture, the difference is a bit jolting to me. And I believe that Boaz's first marriage in this story is likely a way of explaining why he is an older man, yet unmarried, but Boaz in the Bible speaks about God as if he fully trusts in Him and believes in His goodness. Yet here we have a Boaz who is broken and questioning God, even for a while feeling a bit numb to Him, yet still speaks those same trustful words to Ruth at the necessary time from the biblical account...it just doesn't mesh.

What I did love, however, is Ruth herself and how she's portrayed in this book. I think the author did right by the biblical account in that respect, and I really liked Ruth's conversion and how she always wanted to know more about Naomi's God and the Israelite customs. I also appreciated the completely fictional side-story of Hamul, Elimelech's brother's son, both in its own respect and in how it showed Boaz following not only the letter of the law, but also the spirit of it.

I do wonder if I should cease attempts to find a fictionalized version of this account, because it may be impossible to find one to my liking. I think, though, that what bothers me most is when the author feels the need to come up with modern-mindset reasons for things from the historical account, even though we all know how different cultures were back then. Also, this is another Christian book where a newly married couple's first night together is described a bit further than I would prefer. Not graphic by any means, but enough to make me start to feel uncomfortable before we moved on. If you're interested in reading this book, however, don't let me dissuade you. Many other people thought it was great, and you can check out their reviews at the link below. ( )

"Redeeming Grace" was a moving retelling of Naomi and her daughter-in-law, Ruth, and the love Ruth had for the older woman. Ruth was a wonderful protagonist full of kindness, courage, compassion, humility and inner strength.

The romance that developed between Ruth and Boaz was touching and believable, and Ms Smith did an excellent job bringing their story to life. Despite the grief and hardships Naomi, Ruth and Boaz had to endure, their faith remained strong and the book ended well. A beautiful read. ( )

I loved the first two books in Jill Eileen Smith’s Daughters of The Promised Land series, The Crimson Cord and The Prophetess. But I think my favorite so far is the latest installment, Redeeming Grace. This retelling of the beloved story of Ruth added dimension to a very familiar tale. Smith is a master at capturing the historical setting and creating believable characters that speak to modern readers while being faithful to the culture of their day. I’ve read and re-read the book of Ruth many times, but this fresh take opened my eyes to the depth of God’s sovereignty portrayed in the Biblical narrative. Thanks Jill, for a wonderful book!

It’s the time of the Judges in ancient Israel, and a famine has gripped the land for years. Naomi’s husband Elimelech seeks prosperity in the land of the enemy, Moab. As the family prospers materially, a spiritual decline occurs, and Naomi yearns for a return to the home of her God. When tragedy strikes, Naomi, bitter in heart, begins the return journey with few possessions, but with a faithful daughter-in-law, Ruth. Can hope replace Naomi’s bitterness?

I loved the backstories that Smith created for each of the main characters. Plausible what-ifs add to the story without altering the truth taken from the biblical record. The reader will take Naomi, Ruth and Boaz into her heart as they struggle with doubts, grief, and questions. Many questions and prayers seem to go unanswered, but God’s sovereignty is powerfully displayed as the rest of the story unfolds. This is really the strength of the novel — a God who is faithful even when we can only see with darkened eyes and partial understanding.

For fans of biblical fiction, Redeeming Grace is a must read, but it is also for anyone who enjoys a good story well-told. It gets a highly recommended rating from me.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults.

(Thanks to the author and Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

This was a wonderful biblical fiction story. I did not want to put this book down. I loved Naomi and Ruth. Naomi and Ruth had many trials to overcome in their lives. Jill Eileen Smith put true life to these people from the Bible. Can Ruth be redeemed? I received this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

Redeeming Grace is the third book in the Daughters of the Promised Land by Jill Eileen Smith and is a wonderfully written historical novel. Redeeming Grace is Ruth's story. A much-beloved story of the Old Testament becomes even more endearing and real with the expert touch of this author's hand. Naomi, heartbroken, leaves her drought-stricken homeland only to find more heartache in the land of Moab. She became more wretched than she ever thought possible--her heart felt nothing but pain. Ruth, a Moabitess, an alien in a foreign land, a young woman who just wants to be loved, finds herself married to an Israelite whose God might just be One who hears her prayers. Boaz is a trusted elder and leader in Bethlehem who knows following God's Law is always the right thing to do, despite the sometimes inexplicable harshness of life. The blending of these three lives as they each go through loss and grief, filled with disillusionment, anger, and bitterness is a testament to a gracious and redemptive God. The author gives great attention to historical detail and with beautiful prose and dynamic dialogue fleshes out these characters so they seem to step out of history right into the reader's heart. To watch Ruth's faith grow from belief in a false god to believing in Naomi's God and on to belief in a personal God is marvelous. To read how God changes seemingly wasted years in Moab into a blessing for Naomi is miraculous. And to recognize that even though one is often left with the broken remains of what once was, there is hope that God makes all things new. Redeeming grace is a wonderful story of renewal, resurrection, and redemption...a story you will not want to miss.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher. A positive review was not expected and the opinions are my own. ( )