Egypt's Sister is the first novel in Angela Hunt's new series, the Silent Years, which follows the Jewish people during the time period between the Old and New Testament when they have no communication with God via prophets. I recently wrote a review on the second novel in this series, Judah's Wife, which covers Israel during the Maccabean era. Egypt's Sister is about the Jews living in Egypt during Cleopatra's reign as Egypt begins to fall under the control of Rome. The story centers around Chava and her childhood friendship with Urbi (aka Cleopatra) and what happens to both girls as they age. It was very interesting to see the backstory behind Cleopatra, to see the tragedy and betrayal that existed in her own family, and to watch as the decisions she made led her further and further into uncertainly, lies, and deceit. I also was intrigued to follow the fictional story of Chava as she suffered under the slavery conditions in Rome and had to learn to persevere and to forgive even in the midst of great pain. I was pulled into the story from the first page, and I could not put it down until the end. I was moved to tears at times by the realistic narration and the hardship that both girls experienced for different reasons. Overall, I highly enjoyed diving into this novel, and I look forward to reading more of Angela Hunt's new series.

I received this novel from Netgalley and Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.

The Intertestimental Period isn't one we know much about, and while this silent era spans 400 years between the Old Testament and New Testament, history didn't not end. People kept living and growing as the Lord intended them too. There is much we don't know about these years, and many questions we might have, but some of them won't be answered until we reach heaven. Angela Hunt's story during this period captures a little of what it might have been like and what people might have done.

The history intwined in the pages of this book is amazing. I love how Hunt captures the culture and beliefs of the Jews. HaShem is the name Hunt uses most for the Lord God in the book, and I think it brings the Jewish faith and practices into reality. She uses rabbis, and Scriptures, and other writings to emphasis the continuation of the Old Testament in the lives of the family of Chava. While I don't necessarily care for the way Chava's father continually sought to arrange her marriage and the way in which HaShem supposedly revealed His will to Chava, I don't think they are misused by the author. The Lord does indeed speak to His children in different ways, and some parts of culture (arranged marriages) did, and do, exist.

I love Chava's commitment to HaShem's will. She denies herself, her passions, and her desires because she delights to do the will of God. She suffers for it, and while she searches for resolution in her life, she continues to find refuge in HaShem's words and vision to her.

Cleopatra is an interesting character. I appreciated how Hunt wrote of the pagan, Greek and Roman society without condoning it. Cleopatra's life is not one lived under the guidance of HaShem and royalty's lives are riddled with immorality and violence. While the Jews would never dream of living in the manner of the Alexandrians, they know how to worship despite the culture around them, and they know how to interact and live with those who blatantly sin.

Among the death and sadness that surrounds Egypt and Rome, the Jews continually await the coming of Mashiach--the Prince of the world mentioned in Daniel's prophecy. This is a theme that unites the book and gives the people hope in a pagan culture.

The Author's Note was amazingly helpful. I loved how Hunt detailed which historical details were fictional and which weren't. Because I love history and fiction together, I learn a lot when history is woven into a story. This is a beautiful story of God's revelation to a faithful Jewish girl and His redemption in a nation despite the darkness of the culture.



*I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions expressed are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.

I have enjoyed each and every book I have read by this author. She has a real knack for writing about Biblical and ancient times that makes it interesting. If you've ever thought about this genre, this author is a great place to start.

I have long been a fan of Angela Hunt for a long time, and this story takes place during the 400 years between the last book of the Old Testament and the New Testament. She takes those silent 400 years, and writes a historical biblical fiction novel that whisks you back in time, and captivates you from word one.

Could she not comprehend that our faith was an elemental part of who were? A dart of guilt pierced my soul. Had I hidden the essence of my beliefs so completely that she could not see how different we really were?

I am a big fan of Angela Hunt's writing and her gift of narration. She is poignant with her pen and her words are poetic to the heart. She does well in getting to the heart and bringing humanity to far off places and times such as this time in the reign of Cleopatra. She has taken actual history and weaved in a story of a young Jewish woman who grew up in the palace with Cleopatra. Chava's father being a tutor of the royal family gave Chava opportunity to develop a friendship with Cleopatra and what that might look like coming from different cultures.

When the Lord gives Chava a word "Your friendship with the queen lies in my hands. You will be with her on her happiest day and her last", Chava's fate is sealed. You are now taken to Cleopatra fears, insecurities, and her wit in the eyes of a faithful friend. However, the friendship takes a pivotal turn and now the evils of slavery and the fight for survival are Chava's way of life. Chava never looses faith of God's word and remembers from her father's teaching the names of God and places her faith in his promises.

Chava's story becomes a great history lesson of the reign of Cleopatra and her struggle to survive in the manipulation of powerful men. It is also a story of faith when circumstances turn from plenty to nothing. How can you trust God in those circumstances? Chava lives what she believes and rests in those promises. A great reminder for us in our turbulent times.

A Special Thank You to Bethany House and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review

Chava and Urbi have been friends since childhood. But Chava is the royal tutor's daughter, and Urbi is the daughter of the king of Egypt. Chava believes that she will be with Urbi all her life, to support her and bless her- but Urbi has different plans. In a stunning act of betrayal, Chava is sold into slavery and her family is destroyed along with her. Only God can save her now- and only He can bring to fulfilment the prophecy that Chava will see Urbi again.

Egypt's Sister was a fascinating journey into ancient Egypt. It is packed with historical details and the author's research into the time period is obvious. Angela Hunt writes intelligently without being cumbersome, and as a reader you come away from the story feeling as though you have studied the time period yourself. 

Chava's story is both hopeful and heart-rending.  Her personality and character change significantly as she grows older. Her experiences as a slave and midwife are at times difficult to read about. Infanticide, slavery, and the worth of human life are all issues that are dealt with. The story ends, not triumphantly, but with a quiet sense of rightness.

I enjoyed Egypt's Sister and would certainly recommend it to others. I rate it a five out of five stars.

Chava, daughter of Jewish scholar and tutor Daniel, and Urbi, an Egyptian princess, grow up together in ancient Alexandria. Urbi goes on to become Cleopatra, while Chava’s life takes a completely different turn. Chava is convinced she has heard God tell her she will be with Cleopatra on her happiest day and on the last day of her life, but Chava is soon living very far away from her childhood friend.

Set in the time of Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony and the Triumvirate, this story pulls you into the wonderful, innocent, loving heart of Chava as she faces the many challenges she encounters, never letting go of her deeply-held faith and values, even when separated from family and friends.

Egypt’s Sister is the perfect read to curl up on the couch with, cup of tea or coffee at hand, and immerse yourself in the culture and times of Alexandria and Rome about 100 BC.

I really enjoyed this book. I love all of Angela Hunt's books, and her writing style is very engaging and entertaining. I am fan of history, and this book did not disappoint in that regard. I actually found the history intriguing, and learned a lot about that time period. The beginning chapters of the book did drag a bit with all the history, and the plot not moving forward much, but once Chava and Urbi had their falling out, the book moved very quickly.

I love Chava as a character. She is very real. I wanted many times to shake her for not listening to her father's counsel. I, too, have made choices believing I was following God's will, when in reality I was trying to manipulate events to coincide with what I thought God was telling me.

I really enjoyed the book, but was disappointed that we learned the end of Urbi's story, but not Chava's. I would have preferred to have the historical parts of the book cut down in order to know what became of Chava, her father, Asher and Josef. I really hope there is another book in the works! I will definitely read it!

Egypt’s Sister is not the first book that I’ve read by Angela Hunt. It is the first book of hers that I didn’t love. It’s important for me to mention that because I do think she’s a gifted writer. This book fell flat to me.

First off, Chava, good gravy, I wanted to love this girl but she was obsessed with Cleopatra. It was borderline stalker like obsession. I felt like I was reading Pretty Little Liars
The Sims

Credit: BuzzFeed

Additionally, I’m convinced that Chava is a sim. What is a sim? Well, a sim is a fictional person in Electronic Art’s life simulation game, The Sims. So, what makes Chava a sim? Well, the chick managed to become a midwife after reading a scroll and one impromptu birth. I mean, she was good enough to train another midwife at this point! I sure wish real life were that easy!

Last of all, Chava heard God tell her that she would be with Cleopatra on her best day and her last. Okay, she was there for the last, I’ll give her that. But, I never saw the first part of this promise fulfilled.

Cleopatra was portrayed to be vindictive and murderous. I admit that I do not know much about Cleopatra, so this may be historicall accurate. But with such a portrayal, I had a hard time understanding Chava’s infatuation with her.

In the end, there was no measure of true reconciliation for Cleopatra and Chava. She seemed to benefit nothing from having been Chava’s friend.

Likewise, Chava seems to have squandered her life based on a promise that was never fulfilled. The fillers and lack of character building left me feeling unsatisfied and frustrated. I would have liked to have seen more spiritual content in this book as a whole. Chava never seemed to have a great impact with her life and her promise from God seemed null.

I’m not sure if I’ll finish this series. It was lackluster and I was so disappointed. The cover is great but the story didn’t deliver.

I’m a big fan of Angela Hunt. She is a gifted storyteller and creates beautiful Biblical Fiction. She puts a lot of research and dedication into her writing, and many of her characters are based on real people in history.

With that said, this isn’t one of my favorites that she’s written. It is a good story, but it didn’t fully captivate me. I found myself putting the book down and not being in a hurry to pick it back up. Although I wasn’t fully invested in Cleopatra, Chava gave me reason I continued on.

The aspect I loved about this book was Chava’s unique and intriguing relationship with God. Her faith is touching and carried the story, but I wish the pacing was a bit more steady.

Overall, this is a good story (but not great like the other books I’ve read by this author!)

3 Stars

Cover: Love
Title: Love
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Pages: 384

I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House and NetGalley.

This book is so hard to review right now. When I saw it come across the available titles at Bethany House and NetGalley it captured my attention and I HAD to read it. Biblical fiction is a favorite genre of mine (well, lets face it there's so few genres that aren't a favorite!). While not exactly Biblical the synopsis definitely fits into the genre. There's the added bonus of Angela Hunt who is just amazing. However, the execution didn't quite hit the expectation, at least for me. Set during the 'Silent Years', this book tells the story of a young Jewish girl, Chava, who is raised with and envisions a lifelong friendship with Cleopatra VII. The appearances of Cleopatra were few, which was disappointing in a book about her, but Chava's story had potential to be interesting.

There are several things, if you haven't figured out yet, that fell flat for me with this book. I felt like I was reading a historical text as opposed to a novel about the lives of two historical women, one of which is quite famous as the subject of books, movies and documentaries. There was so much historical 'filler' that took away from the story. Just an example, referencing that the battle with Caesar in Alexandria would become known as the Alexandrian War seems out of place for a character to reference something that would come later, most likely after her time. With all the extra research filler the story tended to drag along. It read quickly but the story was sluggish. I don't to pick about everything but another thing that struck me as beyond odd was how quickly Chava became a midwife and trained another midwife. It felt like 'hey look at me, I successfully delivered a baby and read a scroll, put me in coach!'. There were a few things that just didn't add up or were just too much that brought this down for me.

It wasn't all drawbacks and sluggishness. Honestly, my favorite portrayal was of Agrippa. He was a gentleman, kind, honest and accommodating. He didn't just look at for number one but for all those he cared about. Chava, when she was simply telling of her life was engaging. When the story slipped into research mode that was lost but she kept me in the story. I promise I didn't totally fall flat on the book. It left a lot to be desired for me but I love the premise, I adore the author and I think in the right hands this book will be a blessing and become well loved.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Bethany House and NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

This was one of those books that commanded my attention while I was reading it, yet somehow left me a little disappointed at the same time. I love reading historical fiction based around actual historical figures—particularly political or military leaders who have played a huge role in shaping history. I don’t even mind when the story invents (or fleshes out) an unknown companion as a narrator, such as Chava in this story, but in this case I thought it was a little misleading to label the book ‘A Novel of Cleopatra’. Despite Cleopatra’s influence in Chava’s life, she remains little more than a background character in the novel.

The novel begins in Urbi and Chava’s childhood, capturing the essence of their developing friendship from the age of eleven, when they swear to be forever friends, through to Urbi’s rise to the throne as an eighteen-year-old and the early years of her reign as she shares the throne with her ten-year-old brother. Throughout this time, Chava holds fast to the words she believes HaShem (God) spoke to her one night: Your friendship with the queen lies in my hands. You will be with her on her happiest day and her last. And you, daughter of Israel, will know yourself, and you will bless her. As a result, Chava refuses to marry, believing her place is beside Cleopatra, and she waits patiently for the time when Cleopatra will finally call her to the palace to be her lady-in-waiting.

My attention began to wane during this first part of the story because it felt as though the real story was happening to Urbi, and Chava was simply relating what she could see from the sidelines. But then things drastically changed for Chava, and not in a good way. From here, the story became more engaging, because it really was Chava’s story, rather than Chava waiting to take her place in Urbi’s story. But a word to sensitive readers: The first century BC was a brutal world. There were a few events in Chava’s journey that turned my stomach, and while the story didn’t dwell on them, simply knowing they took place was unsettling enough.

From a historical point of view, the novel was well researched, and I found myself wishing I could visit the Alexandria described in these pages, but Chava’s story felt less compelling than the political figures in whose shadows she stood, and I couldn't help wanting more of their stories; more of the tensions between Octavian (Augustus Caesar) and Mark Antony, and more insight into Cleopatra’s motivations.

Still, it was an interesting read overall, to see the way in which Chava’s life was taken completely out of her control, but HaShem used that to fulfil the words He spoke to Chava in His own way, rather than in the way Chava had envisaged.

You’ve heard of Cleopatra, but have you heard of her friend?

Chava is daughter to a Hebrew royal tutor living in Alexandria during the time of Julius Caesar. She has always had the opportunity to spend time at the palace with her friend and princess, Urbi, daughter to Ptolemy. But when he suddenly passes away, Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra. No one has heard from Yahweh for over 300 years, but one night Chava clearly hears a message that she will be with the Queen on her best day and her last day and will bless her. But Chava finds herself in some unfavorable situations with the Queen that ultimately lead to her imprisonment and sale into slavery. Could she have misheard her mission? Or is there still hope for her and her family?

I love reading Angela Hunt’s historical fiction novels because she pours so much research into her work that it makes it an amazing read. The amount of history that shines through makes it so interesting. I’ve always been fascinated with this time period, so needless to say, I enjoyed the book. However, there are some disturbing sections of the book that represent the way of live in the Roman world during that time that some readers will find difficultly reading. However, Hunt keeps the read clean and enjoyable throughout.

Chava was an interesting character to get to know. She was extremely naïve throughout much of the first portion of the book, but then had to learn life lessons the hard way. Even then, she stayed very optimistic despite being used as a pawn in wealthy men’s wars. She grew and found grace.

I recommend this book to history lovers, especially if you enjoy reading about the life of Cleopatra.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

This book made me laugh, cry and ride the roller coaster of emotion. The sweet innocence of young girls and the betrayal of a precious friend, anger, bitterness, and forgiveness and the thread of the names, the very character of God to remind the main character and even us as the silent partner walking through the streets of Egypt and Rome that even when we, in our frail flesh and finite mind cannot see God's hand in our lives. In our turmoil and when things seem to be going horribly wrong, He is there. I found this book precious. I am sad as I finished it because the character has somehow become a friend and I hate to see her go. My recommendation to you is to read this book, walk the dusty ancient streets with Chava and be carried away into the past with a dear friend.

Angela Hunt has begun a wonderful new Christian series with Egypt's Sister, the story of Cleopatra.  No one had heard from God in four hundred years, yet the Jews were forever faithful servants.  

This story was so filled with descriptions that you could picture each and every scene with amazing detail.  The characters were realistic and believable.  The story increased my faith and I'm sure it will yours.

As the Jewish daughter of a royal tutor, Chava grows up close to palace life in Alexandria. She’s sure that she’ll not be parted from her girlhood friend, the princess Urbi, not even when Urbi ascends to the throne and becomes Queen Cleopatra. But when a crushing betrayal lands Chava in slavery, she wonders what will become of her life and a promise God once spoke to her in Egypt’s Sister, a novel by author Angela Hunt.

I’ve enjoyed Biblical Fiction by this author before and was intrigued to hear that she’d be writing a series about the biblical “Silent Years.” My favorite aspect of this novel is the fact that Chava hears God during this period when He’s supposedly silent. (Yeah—I don’t believe God goes mute so much as we go deaf, but I won’t get into that.)

Now, there were some things in the novel that didn’t make complete sense to me. The process of Chava’s enslavement, for one, didn’t seem to make logical business sense. Aside from that, while this book is called A Novel of Cleopatra, the queen is off screen for most of it. She’s out there living her (now notorious) life, while Chava is left to pine and obsess over her. Eventually, Chava herself alludes to “obsessing over Urbi” for years.

I also found the extent of Chava’s naiveté to be unbelievable at times. Although she’s done some growing by the later chapters, it’s hard for me to be super-enthused about a story when I only feel so-so about the main character.

Still, the ending of the novel has put me in anticipation of the next one in The Silent Years series.
___________
Bethany House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

I adore Angela Hunt. Everything that I have read of hers, I haven't been able to put down. Egypt's Sister is no exception. I adore the way that Angela writes, as she has this amazing ability to land you smack-dab in the middle of the book's setting. The setting of this book...being a serious history nerd...greatly appealed to me. (Ancient Egypt? Cleopatra? Are you kidding me? Count me in.) I adored the characters, I adored the writing, I adored the storyline. Another bookshelf favorite!

Egypt's Sister is such a wonderful yet one that taught me so much. I know what the author wrote was fiction but it was made to be so real - it was fascinating, I loved every moment I stole away to read it and I did have to steal away to read it and I honestly meant it - it was worth it - magnificent, intriguing and most of all enjoyable - what a story. Now I know and I am sure you are too that American-isms are not going to come from them but that is what makes the book so enjoyable - and that is just an unspoken agreement - between reader and writer that that is just A-ok with us because this book would not be the hit it is without it. The main character Chava is immature and obsessive in the beginning and due to all her trials and tribulations she starts to trust in GOD and ends up in trusting in GOD and Mature and strong - if you trust in GOD you become strong and mature - Amen?

I had a few reservations before picking this book on Netgalley, mainly due to an older book I read by this author years ago which: wasn't great at all. I did, however, enjoy the movie adaptation of her more recent work 'Risen' and the subject was interesting. I know a little about Ceasar and Cleopatra.
My final feelings on the book were decidedly mixed. There were definitely shades of Ben-Hur in the plot, and I liked Ben-Hur a lot, but this was lacking in some of the charm of that story.
The over-arching story could be seen as that a Jewish girl remaining faithful to her God and her principles when her whole world was turned on its head, and in the midst of terrible adversities, and in that was it was genuinely well-told, emotional and exciting. Chava grew a lot in the course of the story, and though I rooted for her, I'm not sure I ever warmed to her.

The religious message was also touching and delivered authentically without being preachy. I thought it was well handled, as since of course the novel is set a few decades Before Christ, it does not fit into the traditional remit of 'Biblical Fiction'. Judaism, not Christianity is the faith of the faithful, and of course, no New Testament existed so they drew guidance, encouragement, and peace from what they had whether that was the Old Testament Scriptures or the works of the Great Philosophers of old.

However, I had a number of issues. Whilst the author's research was spelled out at the end, and many details well-researched and authentic, others were not. Obvious Americanisms coming from the mouths of first century BC Alexandrians were just--- no. Chava talking about traveling several 'blocks' to the city docks was almost too much. (For goodness sake, stop it with everyone in the Ancient and Medieval world measuring distance in 'blocks'! I'm sure readers can grasp miles and yards). There were other glaring historical errors- one that stood out for me was the mention of raw sewage flowing down the streets of ancient Rome. Rome is the city that became famous for its underground sewage network (some of which survives today) and transporting this technology across the Empire.

Also the description of slaves being transported in Tiny berths and conditions reminiscent of the transatlantic slave trade and terrible also didn't ring true. I mean seriously, why would the person who had supposedly paid over a year's wage one slave then keep her in conditions so bad it destroyed her beauty and nearly killed her only to sell her for a fraction of the price? It's this inconsistency in terms of research and accuracy that bothers me with a lot of Christian Fiction, in which minor details are correct, but major ones are allowed to slip.

I have also noticed in several of this authors books the tendency to idealize the culture in which her protagonists lived: but at the same time have historical people judge the world around them and its people according to modern expectations and standards, unattainable and unrealistic at the time. So there were some modern romantic ideas bandied about 'Why can't Cleopatra just marry whoever she wants because she loves them no matter who they are?' and 'Poor her, having to marry for duty/politics'.

Finally, I really did not buy the sympathetic depiction of Cleopatra as a type of victim who just wanted to do the best for her country: I think it's a naive depiction that does not take account of the savage realities of the ancient world and its politics. Many people were just looking out for Number One: and had few scruples about murdering anyone they deemed a threat- including family members. Cleopatra may have been a good friend who loved her country, but that does not negate the fact that she was determined to keep hold of power by any means necessary, to the point that she killed her brother and sister.
Don't try and tell me they deserved it because they were worse than her, or that she did not use what her brother and his advisors could not: her feminine wiles to win over powerful men for her ends.

I requested a copy of this title from Netgalley and listened on the Audiobook of my own volition. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Egypt's Sister

A Novel of Cleopatra
by Angela Hunt

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers
Christian

Pub Date 04 Jul 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Egypt's Sister through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Five decades before Christ Chava, the daughter of the royal tutor grows up with Urbi a princess in Alexandria's royal Palace. Urbi grows up to become Queen Cleopatra.

Ten days after Alexandria buried the twelfth Macedonian Greek to call himself King of Egypt people gathered outside for the wedding of Cleopatra VII and Ptolemy XIII.

Chava has always known Cleopatra as Urbi, not the queen, but her friend, but now Queen Cleopatra is in danger, at the risk of assasinated. Will Chavabe able to protect her friend?

Chava finds herself cast off alone in Rome, forced to choose between love and honor, between her desires and God's Will in Life.

I give Egypt's Sister five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!