Jill Eileen Smith

I adore Jill Eileen Smith’s books and the way she makes the Bible come alive. In her latest Biblical fiction, The Ark and the Dove, she shares the compelling story of Noah & his family before, during, & after the Flood.

I loved the fresh, new perspectives on this familiar story. Building the ark would have been so scary with people actively trying to destroy it. I enjoyed how she captured the suspenseful atmosphere of that time. I also loved how she expanded on the personalities of Noah show more and his family.

The story is told mostly from Noah’s wife Zara’s point of view. While we don’t know much about her from the Bible, the author created a believable, compelling narrative. Zara’s and her daughters-in-law’s thoughts on leaving loved ones behind who wouldn’t change their ways drove home how difficult leaving on the ark would have been. There’s one particular daughter-in-law that makes the journey less than enjoyable, and it made me more fully realize the challenges of dealing with imperfect people in a tight space for so long. Then there’re caring for all the animals!

Definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction, particularly Biblical fiction. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided. show less

I read The Ark and the Dove during some particularly powerful storm that came through my area, and I kept thinking about Noah and his family and all the apprehension they must’ve felt when the rain started to fall. I’ve never really stopped to think about the myriad of emotions that went along with such an endeavor. Not only the ridicule but the personal fears and doubts that must’ve plagued them. There were many things I’ve never considered the myriad of times I’ve read the show more Biblical account of Noah’s ark. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever let my mind go to just how emotional and traumatic of an experience that must’ve been.

The overall story is great, but I felt like the middle began to drag. Much like those on the ark that felt like time was going at a snail’s pace, I felt that same sensation as I was reading. Keziah’s character in particular was so grating to me. I have zero patience when it comes to people who have malicious intent and a scheming, selfish spirit, and this is Keziah in a nutshell. You would think with everything that she’d witnessed that she would choose a better path, but sadly that wasn’t the case.

My favorite part of the story was the moment they exited the ark. That had to be such a moment of rejoicing and such a surreal feeling. To be on the ark for so long to then touch dry land and essentially start life over is just wow.

Seeing this Biblical account through fresh eyes was quite refreshing and brought up a lot of points that I had not considered before. I am thankful that I was able to read this novel.

*I have voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own. show less

“Freedom coursed through me. This man, Jesus—I didn’t know who he was or where he came from, but one thing was certain. No one had ever helped me like he had. I never wanted to leave his side.”

Jill Eileen Smith authors a well-researched, Scripture-based fictional account of Mary Magdalene that will have you amazed, terrified, and wondering. You will be amazed by the miracles Jesus does as they are fleshed out with details that truly bring them to life. You will be terrified for Mary show more as you see her descent into demonic oppression and get a better grip on the horrors that began to be an unpredictable part of her life, until she wishes for death. You will be left struggling with the reality of Jesus’s predictions of his death, wondering how much you might understand if His teachings and miracles were a new thing. What if the Bible were happening before your eyes, not something well-known, documented, and read and learned. I read with fresh eyes as the disciples and others see multiple miracles and still struggle to process it all, to believe Jesus is really the Son of God as He claims. And then the seemingly contradictory statements. As much as possible, Smith has Jesus speaking using Bible passages, in a concerted effort to avoid any conflict with Scripture. It is so interesting to view Jesus’s ministry from a woman’s point of view- so many emotions while the men reasoned and argued.

I found it especially interesting to see how Smith handles a few things, like Mary’s need for deep love. “What I really wanted, I didn’t have. I wanted someone to love me.” As Mary follows Jesus, she has accepted that He truly loves her, but she deals with the human emotion of trying to understand how God can love all people equally, when people naturally want to be the most important in a relationship. Can God love Mary ( and us) specially, uniquely, but still love others with the same intensity? Does His love spur us on to do for Him as it did Mary? And doubts. Can we have doubts? I loved how Smith imagines Jesus addressing the disciples’ doubts: “It is not wrong to have doubts and confusion, Philip.”… “It is what you do with your doubts and confusion that matters. Do they lead you to me, to faith and to seeking the Father, or do they push you to go your own way?”

I received a copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit via NetGalley. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“We all have a past, Mary,” he said softly. “Everyone needs Jesus to forgive them of something. If we were all holy as God is holy, we wouldn’t need him.”
-Joseph Justus

“I did not come to make friends with those who think they are righteous. I came to save those who know they are not,”

“To realize Jesus accepted the worst members of society comforted me in a way I could not explain.”

“I think we need him far more than he needs us.” show less

As Easter approaches, I picked up Dawn of Grace that’s been sitting on my shelf for a while. This fictional account of Mary Magdalene was surprisingly insightful & timely. Jill Eileen Smith once again weaves a beautiful story of redemption & faith, offering a historically plausible explanation for Mary’s possession of seven demons. While her experience is a harrowing, cautionary tale, it ultimately demonstrates the healing power of Jesus. I also appreciated the fictionalized look at His show more ministry leading up to the Crucifixion & Resurrection from a disciple’s perspective.

As young girls, Mary & her friend Susanna stumble upon a discarded idol. While Mary is cautious, Susanna embraces it & begins talking to spirits. As they grow, Mary sees troubling changes in her friend but stays close, especially after becoming betrothed to Susanna’s older brother. When Mary’s father goes missing & is presumed dead, a desperate Mary seeks help from a Rabbi who dismisses her. She finally gives in to Susanna’s urging to consult the spirits. At first, they offer hollow comfort & a sense of power, but soon reveal their true, controlling nature. Tormented & broken, Mary finally finds freedom when she’s healed by the Savior. She becomes a devoted disciple, fearing the demons may return if she leaves Him. As she witnesses the final days of His ministry, her fears resurface until she sees the Resurrected Lord, who brings her peace.

Honestly, the first part was difficult to read. I don’t enjoy stories about possession, but it was insightful in showing how seemingly harmless idols can take over if placed before faith. Mary’s need for control & answers nearly destroys her. The adversary’s lies were portrayed masterfully, offering a plausible picture of what may have happened.

The second half follows Jesus’ ministry through Mary’s eyes, portraying His miracles & teachings with scripture woven in directly, without much embellishment.

I loved gaining new insight into Mary through this story. Though fictional, it made her feel real & deeply sympathetic. I especially appreciated the historical detail & careful portrayal of both Mary & Jesus.

Recommend to Biblical fiction fans. I received an advanced copy from the publisher with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided. show less