Do you enjoy reading Biblical Fiction? I know it’s not for everyone. I personally really enjoy it. I know going into the book that it’s fiction, and so I try to look at it from that standpoint, not for 100% biblical accuracy. What I love about this genre is that it makes me want to dive into my bible and learn more for myself. Compare what’s in the novel to what’s in the bible. And to me, that’s what it should be about. 🙂
** Affiliate links used **
About the Book
Daughter of Eden Author Jill Eileen Smith
Published by Baker Books
on February 14, 2023
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Biblical, Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Romance / Historical / General
Pages: 336
Amazon | GoodreadsThe first time she opens her eyes, Eve gazes on One whose beauty nearly blinds her, whose breath is in her lungs. Her Creator takes her hand and gives her to one like her and yet different. Together, she and Adam experience pure joy as they explore Eden. But her favorite moments are when the Creator comes to walk with them, day after day.
Until everything changes. With one act of disobedience, Eve finds that her world is no longer a friendly place. With remorse in her heart, she must face the unknown future--the births, the deaths, the sacrifices, the loss of the one home she has ever known. Perhaps worst of all is the loss of trust, not only with her Creator but with the man who shares her life. How will they ever survive out of Eden?
Bestselling biblical fiction author Jill Eileen Smith imagines the life of the first woman to ever live, unspooling a story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.
My Perspective
Jill Eileen Smith has taken a bible story that has so little information about it in the bible, and truly made it come to life. It was so fun to read her take on Adam and Eve and their journey. The emotion they had throughout the entire book really spoke to me. Made me think about how it must have truly been to be the first people created, but also the first people to sin. Even reading about some of Lucifer’s thoughts in the process really makes you realize the reason we do sin. The tempter is out there and is real. He tempts us on a daily basis.
Do we know that these were their exact thoughts and how everything went? No. That’s the fun of biblical fiction. You can fictionalize, use your imagination and run with it. When I read my bible, I try to imagine the scene in my head, and sometimes that includes a little ficitonalization – especially with tone and facial expressions. The thing we need to do is distinguish that we understand it’s not actually God’s Word. It’s an author’s interpretation of what could have happened. As long as we know that going in, and rely on the Bible as the only True Word of God, then we’re good.
Back to Smith’s story. It really just opened my eyes and made my connect with this Bible figures even more. It made me want to dive back into Genesis and see what nuggets of information she gleaned from it. Made me want to dive into references and historical documents to see if I could find anything on my own. That’s the beauty of biblical fiction to me. It makes me want to learn more.
If you enjoy biblical fiction then I highly recommend Daughter of Eden. And grab your bible while you’re reading it. Look up verses as you read and see where the similarities are. I think it’ll make for a fun reading experience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, Wives of the Patriarchs, Daughters of the Promised Land, The Heart of a King, Star of Persia, Miriam’s Song, and the nonfiction When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams, and She Walked Before Us. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.
When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” kittens. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
What interests you about this story?
I enjoy Biblical Fiction and feel it connects me to the sights, sounds, and culture. I loved this book.
I agree. So glad you loved it too!
Biblical fiction is not my go-to genre. But, I loved this story by Jill Eileen Smith and, glad you did too. Great review!
Thanks Michelle! It’s not my go-to genre either, but I do find it fascinating 🙂