The Crimson Cord: Rahab's Story

Written by Jill Eileen Smith

Narrated by Callie Beaulieu

Wife to a gambler who took one too many risks, Rahab finds herself sold as a slave to cover her husband's debt. Forced into prostitution, she despairs of ever regaining her freedom and her self-respect. But when Israelite spies enter Jericho and come to lodge at her house, Rahab sees a glimmer of hope and the opportunity of a lifetime. In one risky moment, she takes a leap of faith, puts her trust in a God she does not know, and vows to protect the spies from the authorities. When the armies of Israel arrive weeks later, Rahab hopes they will keep their promise, but she has no idea what kind of challenges await her outside Jericho's walls--or if she will ever know the meaning of love. Under Jill Eileen Smith's talented hand, the familiar story of Rahab bursts forth in high definition. Immerse yourself in a world of dark and dusty streets, clandestine meetings, and daring escapes as a mysterious biblical figure claims her full humanity--and a permanent place in your heart.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781501911361

Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther's Story, Miriam's Song, The Prince and the Prodigal, and Daughter of Eden. She is also the author of the nonfiction books 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 biblical times. Jill lives with her family in Michigan. Learn more at www.JillEileenSmith.com.

Reviews for The Crimson Cord

[Veronica Jones · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a beautiful story of God's grace, patience and forgiveness!?

[Shelly Alllen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Salmon was the husband to Rahad. See-
Matthew 1. Verse 5 kjv
5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse;

Amazing book, thank you

[heatherlinc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rahab has always fascinated me and I was captivated by Jill Eileen Smith's version of her story. The author's research was meticulous taking the reader back in time and immersing them in the culture religious practices, food and the role of women in the ancient city of Jericho and its surrounds. The plot was dramatic and I found it difficult to put the book down once I had started.Despite being sold into prostitution, Rahab was an inspirational character and I admired her strength, compassion and courage. My heart bled for everything she had to endure and from the start I cared for her. Her gradual romance with Salmon was touching. Although they weren't always fond of each other, I still enjoyed the scenes when they were together and following their deepening feelings for each other. I liked how Salmon struggled with his attraction to Rahab, knowing her background, and their romance was a delight.Beautifully written, "The Crimson Cord" brought the story of Rahab alive. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

[janerawoof · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Interesting concept on the whole. The author gave a plausible backstory for this Biblical heroine, filling in the gaps--the author invented a life for Rahab before, during, and after the events in the Book of Joshua: her life in Jericho, how she became a prostitute, Biblical events and her subsequent life with the Israelites, acceptance of their God, and marriage. I enjoyed the book but I felt it a bit cloying. I didn't like how Rahab and Salmon tiptoe around each other--each liking the other but not admitting it. I felt soap [mentioned several times] would have been an anachronism in that time and place.

[janarose1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Sold into slavery to cover her husband’s bad debts, Rahab is forced into a life of prostitution. When the Israelites camp outside their doors, Rahab protects two young Israelite spies in exchange for her and her families lives when they attack the city.This was a pretty quick read. It wasn't preachy, but merely showed what life would have been like for Rahab, first in Jericho and then living among the Israelites. Overall, an interesting story.

[polarmath · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a thought provoking story of Rahab. It takes elements from the Bible telling her story and weaves them with the back story that the author puts together. It really gives insight as to what it was like living in that time period and what might have led to her lifestyle. It is a good story of redemption and I liked how the story from the Bible is there to back up what was written. I felt like the author put much research into this story so she could tell it in a way that would keep the reader's attention.I received this book free from the publisher to review.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

For a book based on a story in the bible it was so well written and researched. I loved her slant on what happens to Rahab to turn her into a prostitute. I really enjoyed how she treated the way God took care of the non Jewish people and the jewish people.i received copies of this book from Revellreads and bookfun.org for a fair and honest review. I look forward to more books by this author.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Biblical fiction done well moves the reader to discover more, to dig deeper, into scripture. The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith does that and more. Smith’s re-imagining of the story of Rahab brings to life the clashing cultures of Canann and God’s people as they enter the land to claim it, as well as a credible account of Rahab’s life before and after the walls fell in Jericho. Both the account in Joshua and references to Rahab in the New Testament served as the inspiration for this excellent story. If you are a fan of Biblical fiction, this one is a must read.The Crimson Cord begins with a young Rahab, abused and used by her husband and forced into prostitution. Unable to prevent the unfolding circumstances, Rahab plays the game that keeps her alive and her family safe. But Rahab never fully accepts her lot in life and hopes for a future that includes freedom from men and their control. When she hears of a God who leads a large company of people, her spirit responds. But can a God who demands strict obedience show mercy to a woman like her?Smith’s novel has many strengths. Characters are real and relatable, a true test of great writing. Modern readers will have no problem putting themselves in the place of Rahab, the two spies and the many minor characters that support the narrative. The place and time of Jericho are also brought to life. Smith’s painstaking research is evident in the detail given to home life, religious practices and the role of women in the cultures of both the people of Canaan and the children of Israel. The contrast of life among these two peoples, sets the stage for the important spiritual truths Smith explores. Themes of justice and mercy are woven throughout the novel. Rahab struggles with her sin in the face of the obvious mercy God has shown her. Her statement of faith — There was no reason to doubt a God who could part the Red Sea (page 169) — prompts the reader to examine what he/she really believe about God.The Crimson Cord does not sugar coat Rahab’s life (abuse and brutality), nor does it seek to soften the demands God put on his people (circumcision and blood sacrifice). It does what the Scripture it portrays does — points the reader to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.So, run don’t walk to your local book store or online retailer to get The Crimson Cord! The first book in a new series, Daughter of The Promised Land, I look forward to many more by Jill Eileen Smith.Highly Recommended.Audience: adults.(Thanks to the author and Revell for my review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[passionforbooks_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Are You Ready For A Life Changing Journey?I have enjoyed all the books that I have read by this author. I must say, this is my new favorite! Author Jill Eileen Smith took me on a Biblical journey that was vividly real to me. I pictured the scenes, I felt the abuse, I could smell the devastation and I felt the terror.We know very little about Rahab from the Bible. What we do know is God used her in a mighty way! While this story is fiction, the author paints a very believable story line. I loved it!If you think that God can never use you, that your sins are too awful and too many, think again. Often we have a harder time forgiving ourselves for what we have done but God is faithful and just to forgive us. Rahab is the perfect example of what God can do.The Crimson Cord is a book you don’t want to miss. It just might change your life!I was given a copy of this book from the author and publisher to read and review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.