A fictionalised story of Bathsheba, the woman King David seduced, and then married. The author sticks pretty much to the Biblical accounts, although weaves a few extra things in, like a prophesy that she would be mother of someone great, and how the other prominent wives interacted with her. As a reader who is already very familiar with the story, it's hard to know how a reader not knowing the story would appreciate this book.

My view of Bathsheba, and indeed of David, did not change because of this book. She was an innocent victim of David's lust, and she became an influential advisor to ger husband.

My physical image of her, no doubt 100% in correct, was formed by the painting of Rembrandt; so the image on the book cover stands in contrast to this. ( )

The best biblical fiction will send its readers to the ultimate authority, God’s Word, to find out what really happened. As I read Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty by Angela Hunt, I found myself referring to the biblical record over and over. I began to view the story of Bathsheba in a new way — the characters became multi-faceted with emotions and motives I had not considered. Hunt is faithful to scripture, but fills in the what ifs realistically.

The story opens with Bathsheba’s wedding day to Uriah the Hittite. Eager to embark on a new life, the new bride is filled with the anticipation of a life of love and joy. A year and a half later, Bathsheba finds herself raped, her husband murdered and pregnant by a man she hates — the King of Israel. David loves Adonai, but he is a man who is deeply flawed. How can God redeem the brokenhearted and bring forgiveness and healing?

Pages and pages have been written about the relationship between David and Bathsheba. Scholars are in disagreement about what really happened. Did David rape Bathsheba? Or was she a willing seductress? I think Hunt gives a balanced and unbiased explanation of what might have happened. Based on her own research into what scripture has to say about the incident, she has created a sympathetic character who must make a future despite abuse, violence and grief. David is Israel’s anointed king, a man after God’s own heart, but also a man who doesn’t rule his own household wisely and gives into lustful passions. This story doesn’t end here though. The turbulent history of the later years of David’s reign are told in a flowing narrative from the first person perspectives of Bathsheba and Nathan the prophet. The two viewpoints give unique insights. Others that play pivotal roles during this time in Israel’s history — David’s wives, sons, advisors and military leaders — are written with depth.

Intrigue and betrayal are hallmarks of the time of David. His sin brings calamity down on his own house and the nation of Israel. Sin is never secret — a theme that is played over and over in Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty. David often acted according to his own desires because ” . . . he believed he would get away with sin”. Aren’t we all guilty of that? Repentance and forgiveness are the remedies, and this novel portrays that as well. If there is a take away from this novel it is that there is sorrow in sin, but joy in the Lord.

Faithful to scripture and written with historical detail and a heart for the subject matter, Bathsheba: Reluctant Beauty is a highly recommended read!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: adults.

Great for Book Clubs.

(Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for a review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )

I didn't find this book as good as "Esther" which was the first book in this series. It didn't flow as smoothly and I found King David rather annoying especially with the stupid choices he kept making. The storyline often lagged with unnecessary detail and Bathsheba wasn't really a compelling character despite her tragic story. She was kind and forgiving, but did little to move the novel along. ( )

The second book in a series about women in the Bible, Bathsheba's story was not a disappointment. It's once again clear that the author has done her research -- I felt like I was transported back in time.

This story made Bathsheba's character more relatable, David seem more human (which I assure you, he was), and Uriah's tragic fate that much more tangible. Hunt did a fantastic job on making this real life events come alive for us today.

I highly recommend this series for lovers of Biblical Fiction! I'll be keeping my eye out for more from Angela Hunt.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. ( )

Bathsheba….one of David’s wives, and the mother of Solomon. I am not sure what you think of when you read the name. Some feel she was a harlot or at the very least what some people would call ‘loose’. Whatever you have thought when you have read the story, i think reading this story as Angela Hunt has portrayed it will give much food for thought, if it does not change your thinking completely. The first few chapters of the book, and the author sets the tone and background for the rest of the narrative i must admit i found it a little dry. It soon changed and i was engrossed with Bathsheba. Told in the first person from her viewpoint, as well as from the prophet Nathan’s point of view, the story is well rounded and well told. Angela pulls the reader into the story and you soon feel as if you know both Bathsheba and David intimately.
Thank you to Graf-Martin Publicity Group and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group for the opportunity to read this novel. I received a free book through their Nuts about Books program in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions are my own. ( )