Batsheva Hagiz is the daughter of Jewish merchant in the 12th century. A spirited young woman, well educated and skilled in swordplay. Betrothed to a young man, named Akiva, living in the Holy Land, she is kidnapped from the caravan traveling to her wedding. Her captors make a gift of her to a sheik. Batsheva finds her way through the initial shock, fear, and grief, resolving to live her life on her own terms. And so begins an incredible story of determination and courage.
I was hooked within the first ten pages and could hardly put this book down. The story is well-paced and action-packed. Batsheva is a fascinating character, faced with repeated trauma, she maintains an inspiring resilience. I also admired her determination to maintain her Jewish observances and traditions, maintaining this core of herself.
Schwaidelson is a captivating storyteller, with a wonderfully careful attention to historical detail. This book is impeccably researched. I highly recommend this book. It is historical fiction at its best.
Do you have a book in new of review? Would you like to be interviewed about your latest project? I’d like to work with you! Please visit my Contact Me page to complete the form with your details.
This page contains affiliate links. This means for any purchase made, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
New York born, but living in Minnesota, S. J. Schwaidelson is a novelist, current events blogger, and playwright.
S. .J. met her husband Ziggy at the University of Minnesota while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in theater. Since Minnesotans don’t transplant well, they settled in Saint Paul, his home town. After the boys were born, she concentrated on plays for children as the book creator for Schwaidelson and Waterman, Playwrights. Between plays, there were kids to raise, a husband to humor, day jobs to handle, and novels to write.
After Ziggy passed away, her alter ego began blogging. The Wifely Person Speaks has been around since 2010 and is read globally. She continues to publish her take on current events, politics, and the art of the ridiculous late on Monday nights, and has yet to skip a week.
By S. J. Schwaidelson Leah Fine is an Anthropology student from Minnesota, recording the rituals of an ancient civilization in Peru. A year studying their culture and rites carries a deeper meaning for Leah and, on returning home to Minnesota, to continue her studies, she finds she’s left something of herself behind. Tan, a member…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
By Jill Culiner In her latest work, Jill Culiner takes her reader on a journey through 19th century eastern Europe as she searches for a rebel and contrarian, Velvel Zbarzher. Zbarzher spoke in favor of Jewish Enlightenment at a time when communities were ruled by the Hasidic rebbes and Jewish law controlled all aspects of…
By Kyra Robinov When her husband’s work in food opens up the opportunity for their family to spend a year living abroad, they make the decision to spend a year in Rome. Kyra Robinov’s latest memoir recounts their year of new experiences, challenges, and personal growth as she and her husband, along with their two…
By Rachel Zolotov After bombs started dropping in Minsk, Raisa and her husband, Abraham, decide they need to escape in order to keep their daughters safe. As they were seeking a train out of the city, Abraham is conscripted into the Russian Army, leaving Raisa to manage on her own with their two young girls.…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
