Angela Hunt is one of my must-read authors. Her writing and topics are so varied. I always enjoy her books.
This book is set in the 400 years of silence between the old and new testament. Shelamzion is a fatherless little girl who ends up queen in Jerusalem. Despite the difficulties of her life, including marrying a young man half her age in an arranged marriage, she is faithful to HaShem. I admired her for her faithfulness and her desire to learn and study the Torah.

The author presents the historical background so that the reader can understand the events of Shelamzion's life. I learned a lot about the culture of the time and the political structure. This adds a depth of understanding that applies when I read my Bible.

Readers who enjoy biblical fiction will find much to enjoy in this story. Kudos to the author for a well-researched and interesting story that informs us of some of the historical happenings in the intertestamental times, as well as a heroine that can be admired for her faithfulness.

Once again Hunt takes biblical times and makes them come to life. Jerusalem's Queen is captivating, breathtaking, and so much more.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel and was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sadly, I did not enjoy this book. Angela Hunt has always been a go to author for me but I just couldn’t get into the book or connect with the characters. This is not a review I like writing.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a wonderful Biblical novel!

Before I started reading this series of books I didn’t really know anything about the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments. I love the fact that the author has researched this period extensively so that she was able to write accurate and informative stories based on historical facts. I found it fascinating after finishing the story to read her note at the back of the book and learn where she found out her information and which aspects of the book were factual.

I absolutely loved both Salome Alexandra and Kissa. They both started off with very difficult situations that they were trying to figure out how their lives were going to progress. The way they were able to forge a deep friendship and help each other out along the way was incredible.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

This book was wonderful! A fascinating and thoroughly intriguing look into the world of Jewish history, post-Maccabees and pre-Messiah. The characters were fabulous and the history was incredible—I definitely recommend this one!

I devoured this book. It's a time in Israel's history that I didn't know about at all. Well-developed characters and a good handle on the culture of the day. This would be a good book club read or for anyone who wants to piece together the Bible narrative a bit more.

When I choose a book to read I don’t always read the back cover, unless I am unfamiliar with the author. So, when I was selecting a book to review for Bethany House and saw Angela Hunt’s name, I scooped it up, having no idea what it was about. I can’t say I always love first-hand accounts, but this one I did. The novel goes seamlessly between the point of view’s of Kissa and Salome Alexandra (also referred to as Shelamzion).

Jerusalem’s Queen is set a generation or two before the birth of Christ. Angela Hunt’s vivid descriptions took me out of the comfort of my living room and straight into Egypt where Kissa was sold into slavery, chained to other humans beings and trafficked to Judea. It took me back to Salome Alexandra’s hometown of Modein when she and her mother bore the grief of her father and sister’s death and didn’t know what their future would look like. I could see the palace in Jerusalem where Shelamzion was given her slave and handmaiden, Kissa. I could see acts of kindness from a God-fearing king, and I could see acts of evil from a horrid king.

I really didn’t know how much of this book was fact, how much was fiction, so I started googling. I could have just saved the time and read Angela’s notes in the back (which I loved).

It turns out, Salome Alexandra was a real woman and once ruled Judea. Shortly before the birth of Christ. And she really did throw everything away when she realized one of the servants was menstruating, therefore everything prepared for the banquet was now unclean. She even made the silverware be melted down and remade.

She loved the Lord, she loved the Torah.

Spoiler alert.

If you are looking for a traditional love story, this isn’t it. I was sad to realize that Salome Alexandra would not marry for love. But she did love HaShem. In case you’re unfamiliar with the term, this mean’s “The Name”. It is what the Hebrews called the Lord at that time because they feared His name and felt it too holy to say.

I was in one of Angela Hunt’s writer’s workshops last September at the American Christian Fiction Writer’s conference and it was a highlight for me. Hearing her talk about the several drafts she goes through, all the research (!!!), all the edits, well, reading Jerusalem’s Queen made all of the make sense.

Angela Hunt is a fabulous writer and did a stellar job on this novel. I not only enjoyed the story (even though it was violent and gruesome at times, very eye opening). I learned so much about this time period and about a Queen who was a part of preparing Judea for the coming of the Messiah.

Don’t take my word for it. Read the book. Research Salome Alexandra. More importantly, love the Torah, the Word of God, as she did.

I give this book 5+ stars.

I liked this book so much I bought a copy for my mom for mother's day!

Anticipating a romanticised version of a time when Jerusalem has a queen…one of whom I have never heard…Jerusalem’s Queen by Angela Hunt was a surprise! It is a phenomenally accurate historical journey through a very difficult time in lives of the Jews. Written from a first-person perspective, the story begins by switching between a young Jewish girl Salome Alexandra and an Egyptian slave girl, Kissa and follows their journey and friendship into old age.

It’s a horrible time to be living in and, if you are a sensitive reader like me, the slaughter of humans and animals alike is traumatic!

Focused on the generations of Jews when the Bible is silent, the history was unfamiliar to me as were the characters and I enjoyed learning about them in the novel and then, digging deeper into the facts behind it. Salome Alexandra is an amazing queen of Judah and lives and rules just a few years before Jesus arrives in the world!

If you love historical, biographical fiction, this one’s for you! It is the third in a series but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by starting on this one. Whilst I won’t be reading more in this line (I can’t read with my eyes closed), I have to give it a four out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale as the writing is fantastic and the story moving and enlightening!

Salome is the often neglected daughter in her family. Her mother prefers her prettier older sister named Kentura in favor of her. When her favored sister is killed, Salome is invited to enter her uncle’s house John Hyrcanus. Under her uncle’s teachings, she studies the Torah and learns about Judea's laws. Because of Salome’s intellect, her uncle bethroths her to a prestigious prince of the Ptolemies.

However, her fiance marries another woman, saving her from marrying into the violent and cruel family. Instead, she marries her cousin Alexander Jannaeus and eventually becomes queen. When her husband dies, Alexander Jannaeus chooses her to become his successor. Salome enforces God’s laws and practices in her kingdom.

I did not know that before Israel became a Roman province, that the kingdom was ruled by a queen. Therefore, reading this novel gave me an excellent introduction to a fascinating woman whom I had never heard of. Salome Alexandria’s story is very compelling. She is a very smart and capable woman. Her uncle has given her an education that befits a queen. It is because of her abilities that her husband chooses her to be his successor. Salome Alexandra is also very devout and righteous. She cares about her people and to help her people love God. I also like that she wants girls to have an education. Thus, Salome Alexandra seems like she was a great queen.

Overall, this novel is about faith, hope, and duty. This novel is about a woman who learns that she has a role to play in God’s plan. I found Salome Alexandra very similar to Esther because both of them use their power and status for the good of their kingdoms. I thought the characters were very realistic. The writing was filled with rich details about Ancient Jerusalem. While Jerusalem's Queen is a Christian novel, this book will appeal to those not interested in the genre because it is a biographical novel of a strong female ruler. Jerusalem’s Queen will appeal to fans of The Legend of Sheba, One Night with the King, and Queenmaker.

I had no idea Jerusalem had a ruling-in-her-own-right queen, ever! But they did – Queen Salome Alexandra, shortly before the time of Christ. Salome begins life as the beloved daughter of her father, and the tolerated daughter of her mother. Yet, through a series of unusual events, eventually becomes Queen of Jerusalem. Her father is her first teacher, teaching her to read. Her uncle gets her tutors to learn other things, but then she learns to love HaShem (God) and stays totally devoted to Him, through all the ups and downs of her life. At times, I really felt so sorry for her!
I really enjoyed this book as the author tells a story of a true, historical person, fleshing out the known facts with what could have been and human nature. The author also weaves in Jewish history and traditions. I appreciate her doing all the research so I could enjoy learning in a more pleasurable, easy to read manner! At the end of the book she even tells which things are historical and which are fictional! Great author, enjoyable book and totally worth the read! I received a copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. I am freely writing a review - all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! You can tell the author did a lot of research. It was such a good mix of history and fiction. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction.

Jerusalem's Queen
A Novel of Salome Alexandra
by Angela Hunt
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 06 Nov 2018


I am am reviewing a copy of Jerusalem’s Queen through Bethany House Publishers and
Netgalley:


Salome Alexandra was born in the small village of Modein a town made famous by the warrior Maccabees. Salome Alexandra knows better than to have great dreams for her future. Her beauty pales in comparison to her beautiful older sister. She learns to read at an early age but intellectual ability in women holds little or no value. After her Father and sister are killed she and her Mother are invited to Jerusalem by their distant relative John Hyrancus. In Jerusalem her intell pursuits are both noticed and indulged.


After she is bethroved to a pagan prince by her guardian Salome Alexandra finds herself questioning HaShem’s plan. And when Hyranus marries her to a boy half her age she can’t help but question her guardian’s Sanity. Although Salome spends most of her life as a pawn ordered by powerful men, but she learns that women committed to Hashem can change the world.


I five Jerusalem’s Queen five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Jerusalem’s Queen is a fascinating look into the intertestamental period of history in Jerusalem. It brings to life a period of time that I’m sadly unfamiliar with, but Hunt’s well-spun tale has sparked an interest in me to know more.
I truly enjoyed how the author showed two simultaneous points of view: Salome Alexandra’s version of events interwoven with the story as told by her Egyptian maidservant, Kissa. What an intriguing way to bring so much more depth to the tale. It made for a very interesting read.
If you have ever wondered about what went on in the 400 years between the history recorded in the Old Testament and that of the New Testament, I’d highly recommend you read Angela Hunt’s Jerusalem’s Queen. It is an intriguing introduction to the people and events of the intertestamental period of history.
Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for the copy of this novel for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own!

Jerusalem's Queen by Angela Hunt is a phenomenal book that reveals an era of Israel's history that I was not at all familiar with. This novel is the third book in Angela Hunt's series, The Silent Years, which covers the time in between the biblical book of Malachi and Matthew when the prophets were silent. While this is the third book in the series, the books can be read in any order (though you will have more backstory if you read the second novel, Judah's Wife, prior to reading this one). This novel takes place a few decades after the Maccabees free Jerusalem and goes until just a generation prior to Jesus' birth (in fact, I love how the author connected Salome's tutor, Simeon, to the Simeon that gets to see Jesus in the tabernacle as an infant). I did not know much about this time in Israel's history, and it was really interesting to learn about the powerful female leaders that existed in the ancient world during this time. The interactions between Israel and the other powerful nations at the time was intriguing, and it was shocking at times to see the pure evil that spilled out between family members, rulers, and nations.

The plot of this novel was well crafted and alternated between the third person view of Salome and the third person point of view of her slave, Kiera. It was interesting to see their very different perspectives and also to see how they both grew to trust and to believe more fully in HaShem and His plan for their lives and for Israel. I loved seeing Salome Alexandra grow and change as she attempted to guide her wicked husband in order to keep Israel from being destroyed both externally and internally. I was pulled into the disputes, different beliefs, and the tragedies that occurred between the different Jewish religious sects and how these set up for much of what is seen in Jesus' interactions with the teachers of the law in the Bible. Overall, I really enjoyed this novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys good historical fiction.

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

Shelamzion. The peace of Zion. With her father and eldest sister killed in an accident, and a mother who grieves that it wasn't her second-born daughter taken from her, Shelamzion begins a new life in Jerusalem at her uncle John Hyrcanus's household. Her handmaid, Kissa, quickly becomes her confidant even though Kissa is five years older. Thrown into a world of battle strategy and politics, Shelamzion navigates the servant-slave relationship beautifully. Abandoned at heart by her mother, she learns from Alena, John's wife, and Shelamzion's role model. The household quickly realizes that she is clever and intelligent, even if they recognize that she's not particularly beautiful. Little does she know that her devotion to HaShem and her study of the Torah will prepare her for a different life than she ever imagined, even though she is beginning to see how little she is valued by her own family.

Hunt once again tells a compelling story during the 400-year silence between the old and new covenant of Scripture. In a world where the wealth of a man was demonstrated by the number of his wife's himations (a colorful mantle) and the age of 20 was too old to be considered a beautiful bride, Salome Alexandra watches her life unfold in mysterious ways when she is required to marry a man about 15 years younger. HaShem, however, has a plan for her as a judge in Galilee, and a queen in Jerusalem.

Salome Alexandra's marriage and country are soon unstable, but she remains faithful to HaShem. Teaching her sons faithfully, worshiping with other citizens of faith, and acting on the Torah in ways that she can, she helps her husband rule during a rugged time of history. She find friends in place of family, courage despite unfaithfulness and immorality, life in the faith of death, and even lives through the golden age of Jerusalem after massacre and apostasy. Shelamzion, the peace of Zion, brings temporary peace and prosperity to Judea as she yearns and waits for the promised Messiah who would bring eternal peace to a world of turmoil.

Can you ever really go wrong with an Angela Hunt book? This third book in The Silent Years series does not disappoint and if you haven't read the previous books, don't worry. This can be interpreted as a standalone book.

The story focuses on Salome Alexandra and is told in her voice and the voice of her servant Kissa, switching back and forth between chapters for different perspectives on the events happening to them. I loved how each character supported the other, and even though Kissa was technically Salome's slave, their relationship with each other was more sisterly than anything else.

When Salome's father and older sister die, they are rescued from poverty by their relative John Hyrcanus, the high priest of Jerusalem. He soon realizes the thirst for knowledge Salome has and encourages her to study the Torah and gets her a tutor in other areas as well.

As the story progresses, Salome grows in her knowledge of the Torah and vows to live a righteous life. While many events in her life have her questioning her uncle's motives and wondering what the Lord was doing, she remained obedient and committed to God, trusting that He has everything in control and that nothing happening to her is going unnoticed by Him. I loved this about her.

I was most surprised that this story was based on a real person and that Jerusalem did have a queen. I did not know this at all which made the book all the more interesting.

If you love Biblical Fiction, you must get this book. I highly recommend it!

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

The Third installment of Angela Hunt’s Silent Years series provides an intriguing account of the Holy Land in the second and first century BC. (BC dates are counted backwards, so Salome Alexandra was estimated to have been born around 140BC and died around 67BC) I knew nothing about her before reading this, in fact I had not heard of her, so this novel represents a useful tie in with the last one which was about the Maccabees, and the next one which is about the notorious King Herod.

It explores something of the political, dynastic and religious situation of the times from the perspective of Salome and her fictional Egyptian handmaid Kissa. It was a period when the High Priests had left behind their purely religious role, and virtually Judea and other parts of the fractured lands which made up Israel as virtual Kings. Then as literal Kings for a time, mixing religion and politics. Never a good combination.

In my experience, many of this author’s previous stories have been Romances, or there’s an element of romance shoehorned into them. There isn’t in this one. It’s mostly the story of two brave and intelligent young women, and lifelong friends two live through turbulent times. The focus is more on Salome Alexandra who wanted to make something of herself and ‘matter’ to people after a challenging childhood situation.
In her later years, she became one of the most well-beloved Queens in the (brief) history of the independent Kingdom of Judea. This novel covers more of her early life as a woman who wanted to follow her God and remain faithful to the Torah in hard times: sometimes literally deadly times. On that level, it’s a very good story, although the part of the book that covers her actual independent reign is very short. Which is a shame, as it might have been interesting for it to be covered at more length.

My only real complaints were about some of the historical details: I do believe the primary characters, and the political context of the period was well-researched, but there were a few things that did not seem so credible. Coaches for example, fairly sure they did not have coaches 2100 years ago.

Also, there was one historical slip- up with a reference to Hadrian’s Wall. The reference itself only a minor thing, mentioned in the context of Salome’s education when she was reading about the Roman Empire. She reads about Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall in the far-off provinces of Britannia and Caledonia. The problem is that part of the novel takes place 240 years before Hadrian’s wall was built- and nearly two centuries before Britain even became part of the Roman Empire.

Also, there were a few of the inevitable modern Americanisms in the character’s speech, but apart from that, I rather liked the novel. In fact, I think it might be my favourite of the series yet. Salome is not silly or bratty like the heroine from the last one. Although the narrator of the audiobook is a little annoying, since she sounds like a 12-year-old: and when she’s supposed to be giving voice to a mature woman, that just does not work.

Thanks to Bethany House and Netgalley for an Electronic Galley of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Jerusalem's Queen: A Novel of Salome Alexandra is book three from The Silent Years series. I thought Salome's story was fascinating. I enjoyed the author's ability to transport a reader back in time to Jerusalem. I found this to be intriguing and held my attention throughout.
I give Jerusalem's Queen: A Novel of Salome Alexandra three and a half stars. I would love to go back to read the other from The Silent Years series. I recommend this one.

I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

I’m conflicted over this novel. On the one hand, as a history-lover, I felt it had a lot going for it. It was well researched, it brought to life a period of history that was hitherto unknown to me, and it gave me a protagonist who was anticipating the promised Messiah. I love fiction that explores how God’s faithful viewed and interpreted Scripture prior to the New Testament period, and have found this “Silent Years” series all the more interesting for dealing with a period of time not covered in Scripture.

And yet, as a story-lover, I found it somewhat dissatisfying. I had a teacher at school who was known for the unsympathetic mantra “Life’s tough, then you die,” and that felt a little too true in Salome’s case. In all fairness, Angela Hunt didn’t have a lot to work with. Salome married a guy thirteen years younger than her who was nothing to write home about (well, maybe he was, but not in a good way!). In fact, with the exception of Salome’s servant Kissa (who is an invention of the author, as far as I can make out), there was virtually no one in Salome’s life who did not cause her grief. Not even her children were an exception, much as she loved them.

Even so, I think I could have endured all of that if there had felt like more of a payoff at the end. Instead, her actual reign as queen is summarised in the short epilogue, so it felt a little like I was cut off right at the moment when I was finally about to share in her achievements. And just when it seemed like she might find some personal joy in her life, she denied herself for reasons I didn’t totally understand—apart from the fact that it would have been altering history to have it happen.

So I guess my recommendation is to consider what you’re looking for when you pick this book up. If it’s a close-up of this period of history, go for it. As a story, however, you may find it less satisfying.

In the Christian Bible, one turns the page after Malachi and finds Matthew as if only a few days fell between the activities of the prophet and the arrival of Jesus Christ. In reality, however, four hundred "silent years" lie between the Old Testament and New, a time when God did not speak to Israel through His prophets. Yet despite the prophets' silence, God continued to work in His people, other nations, and the supernatural realm. He led Israel through a time of testing and developed a sense of hope and yearning for the promised Messiah.

Such a rich historical account of Jerusalem's Queen, Salome Alexandra. I knew nothing of her but in the end of my reading and the help of Angela Hunt, I felt a strong connection. Not that I am anything like this strong righteous woman but I desire what she had. Hunt takes actual accounts and weaves a compelling story of Salome and what drove her. God's glory and integrity.

With the death of her sister and father, Salome and her mother find redemption in her father's brother. Salome's mother grieves deeply for the loss of her other daughter and the expense of Salome. Theirs is a troubling relationship, that only brings pain to Salome but a resolve to know her God.

Hunt takes two women's point of view from very different backgrounds. One a believer and one a slave. I found it interesting and compelling that young slave woman Kissa that was given to Salome when she entered her uncles home who became her best friend and confidant. It is the relationship one a slave and one free that gives the plot contrast but also shows the gospel that we are slaved to sin and the affect of sin no matter what are status.

With the help of Salome's uncle and his confidence in her ability, she becomes betrothed to her uncle's youngest son. It is this relationship and her study of the scriptures where the reader is given a deeper understanding of the anticipation of Jesus and what is arrival means for Israel. Freedom and redemption. It is for us as well. Totally loved this one.

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