I feel like this book had potential, but the content did not cut it for me.

Let's start with what I liked about this book. First, we see that Soloman had struggles with trusting in God. He had started worshiping wisdom instead of the One who gave him it. It makes him seem more human instead of this 'wise guy from the Old Testament' that is taught in Sunday school.

The setting seemed well-researched and I enjoyed the tidbits of what life looked like back in Biblical times. From the musicians at the festival to the architectural details, this book was accurate in its portrayal of Ancient Israel.

However, what I had an issue with was the content. There were too many unnecessary details strewn throughout the whole novel.


Rating: 2 Stars

Content: 1 Star

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. ( )

The heart of a king is well written. It seem to be about the life of King Solomon. We see it though the view of the his wives. This is what I got though reading the book. It seem like book that tell the story of the king.

It starts out with him with his father being King of Israel and his son a prince. We see how he becomes King and what he wants. Do his wives get what they want? I believe this is a story about King Solomon and his god. We are brought back to ancient Israel.

We also see him struggle with himself and his god. He seem to questions if he is doing what is right by his god. His he not following God commands or comments?

If you are into reading the bible, but in a simpler way. This book is good for you. This is what it kind gave me as I was reading it. I enjoyed it, do not get me wrong. It seem better then reading the bible it self to get the history or story of King Solomon. Wish is best for me to understand.

I am not into reading the Bible for say but learning about ancient Israel is something different and the lives of King Solomon and his wives. This book did have look up a bit about King Solomon on google. Which is interesting say the least. ( )

In The Heart of a King, Jill Eileen Smith imaginatively explores the life of Solomon, king of Israel, lover of many women, and receiver of God’s wisdom. It’s a story rich in history and detail, proving absolutely captivating.

Smith focuses on four women in Solomon’s life: Naamah, Abishag, Siti, and Nicaula. Each woman comes to him with a different background, yet prompts similar questions of whether Solomon is living in accordance with the wisdom granted him. As the story unfolds, all five of these central characters come to life on the page with their strengths, flaws, and emotions, as well as a thought-provoking message, vividly displayed.

I enjoyed this fictional peek into the life of Solomon. Though I would have liked to see a little more of the women throughout the novel, I understand that the accompanying novellas dive deeper into each woman’s perspective—I will most assuredly be reading those soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own. ( )

I received this book as part of the Revell Reads blog tour. I chose to be a part of this and my review is my own opinion.

I truly enjoyed this book. Jill Eileen Smith does research into the Bible and history and it shows. This is a fictional book based on her research and opinion of what King Solomon might have been like and what his life may have been like as an adult.

The characters are very believable and the background of the story is well written. You feel like you could be reading an autobiography, it is that realistic in my opinion.

The story flowed well and it was very well edited. The grammar and punctuation were done well and it did not detract from the book at all. That is a very important element, in my opinion on my enjoyment of a book.

I give this book 5 stars out of 5. I would recommend it to my friends. ( )

Solomon, the storied King of Israel known for his wisdom, is the subject of Jill Eillen Smith’s newest novel, The Heart of A King. Drawn from her ebook novella series, The Loves of Solomon, this standalone novel brings all four women’s stories together with the unifying thread of Solomon’s life. Set in the exotic courts of Jerusalem, Sheba, and Egypt, this what-if explores the motivations and heart-decisions of the last ruler of the unified kingdom of Israel. As always, Smith delivers a highly readable novel that causes a reader to reach for her Bible, as well as examine her own life.

In a dream, God offers Solomon what his heart desires. Although Solomon could have asked for any number of things — wealth, love, a larger kingdom — he chose wisdom. In the Bible, Solomon is described as the wisest man who ever lived, astonishing the many visitors to Jerusalem with his knowledge of nature and his insight into human hearts. Smith portrays Solomon as a charismatic leader and a sensitive lover — he has 700 wives, you know! 😉 But the wisdom he cherishes becomes a burden when he puts it above all else, including his relationship with God. I think that is the most important take away of this novel. Despite the fact that he has such a powerful gift, the advice of his priests and a godly mother, and the word of the Lord, Solomon believes in his own abilities more than anything else. The four women who figure prominently in the novel, Namaah, a princess of Ammon, Abishag, his father’s last wife, Siti, the daughter of Pharaoh, and Nicaula, the Queen of Sheba, are interestingly portrayed. There isn’t much in the Biblical record from which to draw, but Smith makes them believable. They love Solomon, and he in turn loves them, but never whole-heartedly. Solomon is a restless man striving to gain more and more. Each part of the novel is introduced by musings of the Teacher, an older Solomon who found that life is meaningless. While it would be easy to throw stones at Solomon, this novel made me examine the many blessings that God has given me that I in turn take for granted. Like Solomon, I believe in my own abilities and wisdom in running my life.

The Heart of A King will appeal to fans of Biblical fiction. Its unique perspective, historical details, and insightful message make this book a recommended read.

Recommended.

Audience: adults.

(Thanks to Revell for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) ( )