Great story line based on events that took place during the rebuilding of the Jewish Temple after the seventy years of exile.
924768
Great story line based on events in the book of Zachariah in the Bible. As usual, Lynn Austin writes an intriguing account of an actual event from the Bible.
2543815
Interested in the Holy Land?  This noval  will chalange  your  throught  process as  you  read a story  so  possible as if it  was  history.  Level upon level of digging  will inspire your  faith knowing  that this was  a real place and this could  be  history.  A littl heavy  but  very  worth  your time. If you like history of  Israel, you  will  enjoy  this  book.
3487343
An interesting & dramatic story about a turbulent period in Jewish history.  Almost as good as Anton's Rav Hisda stories & if you liked those, you'll like this one, too.
349905
Great story that helps paint a larger picture of Gon's character and events in his long life.  I like the historical nature of this book with examples of how life was in Rome and major events.  Loved it!
2337942
I love this book!  I had wondered what life was like for the people in Israel before it became a state and after...  The characters and their situation really comes to life and is relate-able.
2419727
I loved this series of novels set in Israel after the death of Jesus. It was both historical and inspirational.
4402945
The story of a romance between a Jewish woman and an Arab man set in Jerusalem begins in 1947 and culminates in 2006.  the book is well written and illuminates the complications of personal relationships between the Jews and Arabs in Israel.
3437582
This is a wonderful story about a young Jewish lady surviving the Holocaust due to risk taking and defiance of a gentile family.  It seems to be based on facts, and will definitely hold the attention of younger readers.  I highly recommend it for 9-14 year olds.
1559194
A well written book that brings the early days of Talmudic Judaism alive. Written as a fictonal novel based on the life of Elisha bar Abuiya, the book explores the challenges of faith, doubt, redemption and logic. A page turner, the 500 pages move swiftly from boyhood through death, and bring the cultural clashes between Gentile and Jewish philosophy and religion into a perspective that can be compared to our modern era. A great read.
2131888
The story was historical fiction - the characters made real by authors attention to actual events. I really liked the interactions described between Jews, Catholics during this horrible period in history. Appreciated the description of involvement between The Vatican and Jews of Rome.
2364299
Great historical story about a female scholar of an ancient Era of learning and discovery.  This movie also brings to light the conflicts that existed between Christians, Jews, and pagan religions.
1273637
Loved the story, though it unfolded a bit clumsily. It was a very interesting perspective of Arab -Israeli life during Israel's infancy.
4311604
I really enjoyed having these characters come to life in a 3 dimensional way. The story starts off with the young boy Jesus being left behind in Jerusalem during a pilgrimage. The worried parents (Joseph and Mary) find the boy in the temple. During the trip back home Joseph flashes back to his youth and the events that led to his current predicament. The Book tells the story and life of Joseph from his perspective. The bible says very little about him and even though I know this book's account is fictional, it's interesting to imagine what Joseph's life was like as the human father of Jesus and to see him as a flesh and blood regular person.  I found myself relating to his doubts about the faith he had been brought up to believe.  I very much enjoyed being immersed in Jewish culture and language. Even the names of the characters in the story are pronounced in Hebrew and not in the Anglicized version we have come to know. The author strives to accurately recreate the historical setting during the roman occupation of Israel, Herod rule as king, and the Jewish zealots who struggled for independence from foreign leaders;  as well as biblical accuracy for key individual and events.  I could not put down this book even though I had to get up early the next day for work. Highly addictive.
2915537
I thought that this book was interesting.  I wondered how much of it at the beginning was true.  I suppose that if Mr. Halter did have the "Book of Abraham" available, he would be able to work off that.

This is a story of one family's trials through the ages, all documented in a scroll started in 70 AD when the patriarch was expelled from Jerusalem.  The book continues, with great detail, up through WW2.  I am hoping that the book "The Children of Abraham" continues the story and that it answers the questions I have at the end of this book.
958527
Well written historical fiction. Draws you in. Makes the Old Testament scriptures it is taken from, come alive and makes you want read the whole story in the Bible.
1123812
"The Fruit of her Hands, the Story of Shira of Ashken" by Michelle Cameron is a fine historical fiction novel based on some true events and people. It is a story of European Jewish history in the 13th century. There are definite historical figures including Rabbi Meir ben Baruch of Rothenberg, an outstanding rabbi (teacher) who wrote extensively about Talmudic law but also poetry. Rabbi Meir and the author are connected. The author apparently is one of his descendants. Nicholas Donin, a Jew who was excommunicated and became a Franciscan is featured in this book as well. He is portrayed as an instigator of Jewish persecution in France resulting in the deaths of 3000 Jews and conversion of 500. He was also involved in the burning of 12000 Talmuds in Paris.

Shira is portrayed as an intelligent and observant Jewish woman who is married to Rabbi Meir. She is fictional, but a similar person could have existed. The story takes us through her life in France, Germany and England. We also learn of riots, blood libel, and many other anti-semetic activities including among others, extortion and conversion tactics.

There is a pleasant and sometimes terrifying love story of Shira and Meir and their children. A nasty mother-in-law is included. The book was well written and polished. I enjoyed reading it.
293931
This is a very well written book about the developments in Israel/Judah through the eyes of Benaiah. The book did end rather abruptly and I fervently hope there is a sequel in the making. Well worth the read.