A Simply Enchanted Life

Bathsheba Bathed in Grace: How 8 Scandalous Women Changed the World by Carol Cook

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I was excited to read this story. I’ve not read anything by this author and I can’t recall ever reading anything about Bathsheba other than in the Bible. I really wanted to give this book 5 stars but I felt as if each individual story should have been a little longer. I felt it was over too fast. That’s how much I enjoyed reading from these ladies perspectives. It definitely made me think about thinks in a different light.

This book is a narrative of eight scandalous women of the Bible and starts with the story of Bathsheba. Each of these ladies was involved in some sort of scandal—not all on their own accord. The Bible doesn’t expand on the thoughts that these ladies may have had; this book does. I found it so interesting.

The ladies in this narrative are: Bathsheba, Sarah, Hagar, Leah, Rachel, Tamar, Rebekah and Eve. We follow along from their viewpoint of the events that shaped a nation and I have to say—I was fascinated. I had never taken the time to think about how Rachel may have felt to be betrayed by her father and by her sister nor as to why Leah agreed to such a horrible thing. Pure intrigue and fascination was found for me on each and every page.

If you’re looking for a book that will maybe open your eyes to new possibilities or make you think about how these ladies felt then this is definitely one to read. I was so intrigued by this take on Bathsheba that I’ve spent days reading up on her. I had always heard her made out to be partially at fault for the affair with King David but after reading this story I did some digging and now I’m seriously thinking that she was an innocent victim in this scandal. It’s certainly food for thought.

The only reason I am giving this book 4 stars is because I was left wanting more from each of the narratives. I think a full novel could have been written about each and every one of these intriguing ladies!!!
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Carol Cook loves to write, teach, and mentor young women. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and unique insight into the dynamics of Biblical women and the profound application of those tales to the lives of contemporary women have made her a “Remembered Experience”. Look in any Christian bookstore and you will find myriad books on women of the Bible … none putting flesh on bones through the poetic retelling of courageous, yet riveting tales like Carol does. These ancient stories will be the very source of inspiration for you to courageously overcome your fears and temptations through faith and grace as they’ve been for Carol over the years. Living in Paradise Valley, Arizona, Carol has been happily married to Jim for 48 years and together they’ve raised three kids and enjoy the never-ending creativity and energy of ten grandkids.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”