The Prince and the Prodigal

Written by Jill Eileen Smith

Narrated by Rachel Botchan

Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture--a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705050774

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 Prince and the Prodigal

[Liz Gaasenbeek · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story drew me closer to God with a deeper love for the characters. It makes me long to one day meet them in God's Kingdom.

[charlette · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This the first book I’ve read by this author. I love the biblical fiction retelling.The audio book really brings the characters to life. The narrator for this book was really good.

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

Love all of the detail. I know it’s not all in the Bible per word but it sure makes the story come to life and really enjoyable

[simmmba · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith is an excellent example of Christian Historical Fiction. It tells the familiar story of Joseph in a detailed and interesting way. The author's descriptions of the geography, dialect, customs, and people of the area are very detailed and accurate. I appreciated the level of authenticity to this place and time she brought to the story. I felt like I learned a lot about everyday life in both Egypt and Goshen, and it was fascinating! I will also add that all of the information was shared as a natural part of the story, so it wasn't like reading a textbook. Very interesting.The story itself was also enjoyable. While I've read a fair bit about Joseph before, I've never seen his story as the major focus of a full-length book. I appreciated both the way the author was absolutely true to the Biblical account and the way she used historical research to really flesh out the detail of who Joseph was as a person and what his life was probably like.One major upside of this book for me was that the story also focused on Judah, one of Joseph's brothers who sold him into slavery. Judah is typically grouped into the "brothers other than Benjamin" category and not given any true history of his own. I liked learning more about him, and how the well-known Joseph story may have impacted and affected him.Joseph was a strong Christian. I liked how he regularly prayed about things before making decisions, letting the reader see what it's like to actually be guided by God in your life. I found a lot of inspiration in the character of Joseph, and was happy to have had the opportunity to read his story and have new details and depth added to my understanding.Overall, I can happily rate this book 5 stars. An excellent story with detailed characters and plenty of accurate period detail. Guaranteed to make you think more about something you thought you already knew.

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

Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres and Jill Eileen Smith does an excellent job of bringing history to life in her books. The Prince and the Prodigal is no exception. Joseph is one of my favorite characters in the Bible and in fleshing out his story, the author brings readers a thoroughly captivating read. With descriptive prose that makes the reader feel like you are right there in the scenes and realistic dialogue, the author expertly portrays the struggles and the depth of emotions of the characters. I enjoyed the portrayal of Joseph throughout the story, not just seeing him as a man who was continually faithful to Yahweh but as a husband and father as well, a man who knew the depths of desolation and the joy of restoration as well. He knew God was good and nothing would make him deny the One True God. Joseph's brother, Judah, is portrayed as well in this book which I found fascinating. In the many times that I'd read the Biblical account of Joseph, I'd given little thought to the reactions of his brothers. Readers who enjoy Biblical historical fiction will not want to miss The Prince and the Prodigal.I received a complimentary copy of the book from LibraryThing and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[lifeofliterature · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story of Joseph is well known to me, but I loved how this author was able to embellish fictional details into the Biblical story to craft a tale that came alive. It was fascinating to read Joseph’s intimate thoughts as he wrestles with betrayal, anger, sadness, and finally hope as he sees God’s plan for his life play out. Judah we get to know better as well, with his own guilt and fear being carefully described in the story. Just as the Old Testament does not shy away from harsh truths, so too this author is not shy about some uncomfortable scenes, but I do not think the details are too unpleasant for Christian fiction. I especially liked reading about the forgiveness and hope that were central to the story and loved how the author made these truths applicable to modern life. I enjoy her Biblical fiction writing and will definitely read more by this author!I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[fcplcataloger · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm aware of this author's ability to weave fictional details and biblical history together, but this book has truly made me a believer! Jill Eileen Smith tells the well-known story of Jacob, the special love that he had for his son Joseph, and the intense jealousy that was inspired by Jacob's obvious favoritism. Jacob's other sons allowed their jealousy to turn to hatred and prompted them to commit an act of deceit that forever changed their family and biblical history. I've always been fascinated with Joseph's story, with his coat of many colors, but Smith's imagination has given me a different perspective. As I read it, I could imagine Jacob's grief and I could feel Joseph's fear and disbelief that his brothers would do this to him. Smith offers a stunning depiction of the betrayal, Joseph's indignation that he was now a slave, and his amazement about achieving such prominence in Egypt. Finally, Joseph understands, and believes, that God had truly been guiding him along the way.'I never imagined the dreams meant this, Adonai. It is beyond my understanding that You would allow me to care for my family in this way.'I'm aware of this author's ability to weave fictional details and biblical history together, but this book has truly made me a believer! Jill Eileen Smith tells the well-known story of Jacob, the special love that he had for his son Joseph, and the intense jealousy that was inspired by Jacob's obvious favoritism. Jacob's other sons allowed their jealousy to turn to hatred and prompted them to commit an act of deceit that forever changed their family and biblical history. I've always been fascinated with Joseph's story, with his coat of many colors, but Smith's imagination has given me a different perspective. Joseph is the prince in this book's title, and the prodigal refers to his brother Judah, who suffers from tremendous guilt. This story suggests what might have happened during the years that Judah was apart from his family, and it's reminiscent of another prodigal son. Judah does decide to return home, but he doesn't know how his father will greet him. His return is emotional, and this is one of many emotional scenes in The Prince and the Prodigal. Smith also includes some unpleasant topics, but she doesn't go into explicit detail, and we certainly know that God's Word also dealt with unpleasant topics!This is an intriguing look at Joseph's betrayal and Judah's overwhelming guilt, but we also get a look at several others who were part of this history. It's a wonderful introduction to those who aren't familiar with Joseph's story, and it offers a different perspective for those who are. I found myself going back to the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, to read the many chapters that deal with Joseph and his family, and this is meant as a compliment. If you enjoy biblical fiction, you will want to read The Prince and the Prodigal!I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.

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

This author takes biblical fiction to new heights. She gives each of these characters such wonderful personalities. I loved how we get to know Judah as much as Joseph. She shows why Josephs brothers hated Joseph so much. She shows that Joseph was a spoiled person though that did not give the brothers the right to try to kill him. I always look forward to this authors stories to see what type of personality she weaves into her stories. I received a copy of this book from Revell for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[cherylk_44 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I thoroughly enjoy reading books by Jill. She brings respect and honor to the Biblical stories she writes. This newest offering is no different. I am familiar with the story of Joseph. Yet, it was wonderful to read his story again. As soon as I started reading, I was instantly, transported back in time. It was as if I was living the story through all of the characters. Joseph is a good, faithful servant of God. Readers of this author will really enjoy this book. Once I started reading it, I could not stop and finished it in one afternoon.

[prairiegirl1986 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received this book as an ARC from Revell in a LibraryThing giveaway so first of all thanks to LibraryThing, Revell and the author for giving me the opportunity to receive this book.Overall it was a good book and an interesting take on the Biblical story of Joseph and Judah. I've loved this Bible story since I was a child so it was fun to read someone's interpretation of what might have occurred between the parts of the story we know because there is a lot that we don't know and can only imagine. The reason I only gave this 3 stars was for me I struggled a bit with the writing style and a couple elements in the story. It took me awhile to get into the story and connect with the characters. But I do think it is a good story it just wasn't for me.

[starbritejan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A true story of love, betrayal, forgiveness and redemption. This is a story I could read over and over and continue to learn something new each time. I know I will be reading it again. A 5 Star book!

[amybooksy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have had the pleasure of reading all of Jill Eileen Smith’s to date and was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, The Prince and the Prodigal. I was far from being disappointed. This one has become my new favorite of her books. I enjoyed to see her vision of how Joseph lived. The historical details were so vivid, I felt as though I had gone back in time. I thought the whole book was great. I loved it. I am giving The Prince and the Prodigal a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Biblical fiction. As always, I will be looking for more by Jill Eileen Smith in the future. I received a digital copy of The Prince and the Prodigal from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[grammy57 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love reading fictionalized Bible accounts, I'd say stories but they are true accounts, not stories. I especially like reading the ones written by Jill Eileen Smith. Her books are almost like she was there as a witness to what went on.I had a better understanding of the events that surrounded the account of Joseph being sold into slavery than I had previously. I had read and learned the story many times in church but this book brought it to life better than any account I've heard.The characters were very well defined. The editing, though an ARC copy was also very well done. I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys fictionalized Bible accounts. I rarely give a 5-star review but this book deserves 5 stars. This review has been posted on several sites. To read this and other reviews of books I've read go to:bloggeratcom/blog/posts/8318347962489892701

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

A fantastic rendition of Joseph's story from beloved son to slave to prince in a contrast I've never before considered with Judah's story. I love the portrayal of Judah as a prodigal son and the redemption story it holds for him. Joseph wrestles with real feelings and is more relatable than I could have imagined. I feel God's grace in this story for my own life as well.

[sdbookhound · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The story of Joseph has long been one of my favorite Bible stories. I have read it more times than I could ever count. The Prince and the Prodigal is a fictionalized retelling of the stories of Joseph and his half-brother Judah. The author follows very closely to the way the Bible story is told. She includes conversations as they appear in the Bible while adding to the story to make it come more alive in our minds as we read. I feel this was very well done and the integrity of the Bible story is kept intact. I want to read this again after re-reading the story from my Bible so that I can compare the two. My sincere thanks to the Library Thing Early Reviewers program and Revell publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion of it. I am interested in checking out more of Jill Eileen Smith's books.

[croknot1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you to Library Thing for allowing me to read this wonderful book. I swear if she wrote the phone book, I'd read it cover to cover! I am donating this book to my church library.

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

The Old Testament Bible story of Joseph and his brothers, and one in particular, namely Judah, really comes alive in this author's deft hand. Once I got into the story, I simply could not stop reading. This says much about the author's prowess with a pen that she can make a novel so absorbing and compulsively readable, even though I've read it tons of times before in the Bible and knew what was going to happen. This book is so alive and vibrant, much as I image Joseph's coat of many colors to have been. Don't pass this one up.

[hobbitprincess · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a faithful retelling of the Genesis story of Joseph and his 11 brothers, particularly Judah. The book covers the entire story, up to Jacob's arrival in Egypt. While I knew the story well and therefore could see what was to come, I still enjoyed reading the story as it may have happened, especially getting a better idea of what the people may have been thinking and feeling. Some of the conversations came straight from the Bible, lending the story an air of authenticity. While this is primarily Joseph's story, we also see the tortured soul that was Judah and how he came to accept God and to be thankful for how He used Joseph's captivity to benefit many, not only their own family but the country of Egypt and surrounding countries also. Even though I know the story well, I enjoyed this fresh take on it.**I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing's Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.**

[julie2013-544404 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story of Joseph is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. Judah's is less well-known. "The Prince and the Prodigal" blends these stories seemlessly and gives insight into the lives of these half-brothers, their sister Dinah, and the rest of Jacob's children. Jill Eileen Smith brings life and depth to these Biblical characters, letting us walk in their shoes and get inside their heads as they grapple with their position in the family, circumstances and faith. Smith explores the motivations behind the actions we read about in Genesis, giving understanding of how they lived and what drove them to behave as they did. Was Joseph proud of his dreams and the fact he was favored by Jacob? Or was he humble, seeking only to get along with everyone? Was Judah proud of his actions? Why did he go away from his family, after Joseph was sold as a slave? Did he learn from his mistakes? A story of a dysfunctional family, jealousy, betrayal, repentance and reconciliation that urges me to return to Genesis and read the Biblical account once more, with new appreciation for the time, the way of life, and the motivations of each person in the story. It was very well written, the pacing was excellent, and it held true to the Biblical account. An excellent read that I could not put down. I received an advance reader's copy to review.

[jenniferrobb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received an ARC through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Group. As far as I remember, I have not read this author before. If you are familiar with the Bible Story of Joseph or "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", the main plot points of this book won't be a surprise to you. I wondered if that was why it took me so long to get into the story. The story also took a bit of time to get to the point where Joseph is given the coat and then his brothers take the coat and sell him into slavery. I felt like once that event happened, I got more invested in the story.It was probably a little less than a 4 for me but close to it.

[coverloverbookreview · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jill Eileen Smith is a master storyteller, historian, and researcher. I'm drawn to anything she writes. This story of Joseph and Judah is moving, meaningful, and memorable. This will stay with me for some time!Thank you to Librarything for my complimentary copy from the Early Reviewers giveaway.

[jjean7-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I like her writing style (have read her books before) - well researched and written to hold your interest to the end - life style explained - you feel as you know each charcater - a biblical fiction with tragedy, love, hope, and forgiveness -

[khoyt-43756 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I received this book as an ARC from Revell in a LibraryThing giveaway. All they asked in return was an honest review. I have not read a book by this author previously and that is why I entered the contest. I enjoyed reading her imaginings of all that was happening at this time. The book is well researched as to the life and culture of the times. I never thought of the coat of many colors the way she portrayed it. She gave flesh to the people of this great Bible story while preserving a reverence for God's sovereignty which she is so accurately portraying. The animosity of His half-brothers was indeed intense. I never thought of Judah as a prodigal until this book. Having the lives of Judah and Joseph being played out concurrently helped me to understand that part of Genesis better. I loved her descriptions of God: the God who sees, quiet God, ever-present God. I am glad Dinah was also included in the story. Throughout the narrative, the same themes are repeated: God has not and will never abandon you, God prepares us for His purposes, God's timing is perfect.The reason for the 4 stars, not 5, is not the fault of the author per see. She described the thoughts and emotions of the biblical characters very well. Because the parts of her story quoted from the Bible are so well known, it feels as if you are being slowed down as you read it. Or else you want to race through those parts and get back to the author's words. This is an excellent evangelical tool for new Christians, however, who want to delve deeper into the historical stories in the Bible.