Jill Eileen Smith is well-known for her ability to bring biblical women to life through compelling storytelling. Rebekah, the second book in her Wives of the Patriarchs series, is no exception. This novel takes the well-known biblical account of Rebekah and Isaac and weaves it into an engaging, deeply personal narrative that explores love, faith, and the challenges of trusting God’s plan.

One of the strongest aspects of Rebekah is its readability. Smith’s writing is smooth and simple, making this a relatively quick and easy read. The author skillfully develops Rebekah’s character beyond the brief passages in Genesis, painting her as a woman of deep emotions, strong convictions, and human flaws. Isaac, too, is portrayed with depth, and his quiet strength and struggles make him relatable. Smith’s talent for historical detail shines through, immersing the reader in the ancient world with descriptions of daily life, traditions, and the challenges faced by a nomadic people. For those who enjoy biblical retellings, Rebekah provides a fresh perspective on a familiar story while remaining mostly true to Scripture. However, as with any Biblical fiction, it is important to refer back to the story of Rebekah in Genesis 24 to understand where Biblical truth ends and Smith’s fictional narrative begins.

One area where the book may cause concern for some Christian readers is its handling of intimate scenes. While biblical fiction often delves into the realities of marriage and relationships, Rebekah approaches being sexually graphic in a way that feels unnecessary for a book in this genre. Some descriptions, while not explicit, go beyond what many Christian readers might expect or feel comfortable with in a faith-based novel. This may be particularly troubling for those who are sensitive to such content or prefer their biblical fiction to maintain a more modest approach to romance.

That being said, readers who enjoy well-researched biblical fiction will likely appreciate the depth of character development and the way Smith brings Rebekah’s story to life. Her portrayal of Rebekah’s struggle to trust God, her longing for children, and the tensions between Esau and Jacob are compelling and thought-provoking. The novel does a beautiful job of highlighting the consequences of taking matters into one’s own hands rather than waiting on God’s timing, which is one of the central themes of Rebekah’s biblical story.

Overall, Rebekah is an engaging and well-written novel that breathes life into an important biblical figure. However, Christian readers should be aware of the more sensual aspects of the book before diving in. Those who are comfortable with such content may find themselves blessed by the vivid storytelling and the way Smith captures the faith journey of Rebekah and Isaac.