Characters were awesome.. I found myself drawn to characters that I normally wouldn’t be. Well written and very intriguing.

One of my favorite things to read about is Ancient Historical Fiction. I think what draws me in is that all of it is based on real events and we don't know the real story and it becomes that much more mysterious. The author weaving a beautiful story about a woman whose gravestone was first century and located in Southern Italy. What historians have discovered about her story is truly breath taking and heart wrenching. Reading this book and knowing that it is a work of fiction makes me want to find out more about Esther and Tiberius and also learn more about that time period.

The beautiful story of Esther…

I have always been fascinated with the history surrounding Israel and the biblical time frame especially. So, I was particularly interested to read this book, and it did not disappoint. It is a story full of so much strength, courage, and faith, that it almost seems unbelievable. Yet, Lori Banov Kaufman does a fantastic job portraying this story and not shying away from the tragedies (slavery, female abuse, etc.,) that surrounded the story with historically accurate detail. It brought to life Esther and Tiberius in a compelling story that I had a LOT of trouble putting down to do school.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars, for the phenomenal research the author did on the historical aspects of the story, the unique storyline, and for engaging my interest the whole way through.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed within are my own.

Rebel Daughter is a YA novel that will absolutely appeal to readers of historical fiction--in fact, I hope this is marketed or repackaged for adults as Rebel Daughter is an impeccably researched and well written book. In fact, if you (like me) were disappointed with one of last year's big titles, The Book of Longings, I strongly suggest you read this! While not set in the same time period, it takes place during the Jewish rebellion of Jerusalem--including all the infighting, the uprisings, and the aftemath of the Roman army retaking the area after the death of Nero under Emperor Vespasian.

Esther, the main character, is refreshingly real--she's not perfect, but loves her family and, as events unfold, to save what and who she has left. The historical detail is rich and deftly offset by the many twists and turns of the plot, all of which are fascinating.

This isn't a perfect happily ever after story and I really loved that because it is realistic for the era and for what Esther endures. A compelling and utterly fascinating read, I hope this wonderful book (with a truly amazing cover!) finds the audience it deserves.

How many of you are familiar with biblical stories? Strong characters, the battle between good and the bad, the beautiful and charming, injustice, brutality, and of course, the heroic action of those who love and care deeply. These are just a few that I have encountered in reading this book. I am astonished by the details and how the author tells the character’s journey towards peace and success. The most important thing I love about it is that it showcases why loving yourself and appreciating who and what you are matters to be happy.

Rebel Daughter is marketed as a YA book but honestly, the graphic brutality and themes explored in RD can appeal to any demographic. Rebel Daughter was a great read to launch back into my one true love, historical fiction.

Esther is a character that I couldn't love, wanted to but couldn't. She's childish and selfish however she's also complicated and resilient. Taking into account her age at the start of the book (13-14) it's easy to see her growth through the story (as it takes place over a span of 6-7 years). I enjoyed the setting and the historical narrative more than anything else throughout Rebel Daughter . The lengths Esther would go through to help her family was tear-jerking and I felt her pain and emotion everything something went awry. I have not read any books on the destruction of Jerusalem and the second temple so I was quite enthralled with the description of it all. A lot of research obviously went into Rebel Daughter . The fact that this was based on a true free Jewish women makes it even more interesting, though I was saddened to learn that the woman did not live past her mid-twenties. I wanted to know that she lived a long happy life.

Thank you to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the free review.

How do I even begin to do this lovely book justice with a review? No really, accepting tips! Instead, I shall just do a list of what made me fall so in love with Rebel Daughter, and why you need to read it too! (I will caution, there are parts that are incredibly dark and difficult to read, as well as some certain triggers, including slavery, rape, and murder/death.)

►I don't know how to explain how much Rebel Daughter broke my heart then put it back together over, and over, and over. It's such a gutting, heart-wrenching story, but it's also a story of hope and survival and the strength of the human spirit. So basically, it's incredibly emotive, and will own your soul.

►To say the author did her research would be a gross understatement. "Research" is the wrong term here, but I don't know the correct one. The author breathed life into Esther's story. The details, from the bigger historical elements down to the most minor details of everyday life were incredible. I absolutely felt immersed into this first century Jerusalem, in a way I never imagined I could. Often in historical novels, I have a vague sense of the world, but cannot truly feel myself in it. Not so here. And as a reader, I could genuinely tell that the author poured her soul into every page of this novel. There's truly no better way to explain it.

►I adored Esther with every fiber of my being. Esther herself is just such a well-rounded, well-developed character. When we first meet her, she's so relatable, worries about boys and spends time with family and does chores. And as her life unravels before her eyes, we see the loveliness of her spirit persevere, despite the overwhelming odds against her. There's a quote, one that really struck me, that sums it up so much:
"But someone had to gather the eggs and milk the goats, check the wood pile and fetch the water. Not having a choice didn’t make her strong. It made her tired."

But the truth is, as much as she didn't feel it, she was strong. Just being able to keep going is strength, and one we should give ourselves credit for, even when we don't think we deserve it. Because in the moment, I knew that Esther could have chosen differently. She could have given up, threw up her hands in disgust, but she didn't. She kept going, because she wanted to live, wanted her loved ones to live. It speaks volumes about who she is as a person, frankly.

►Not only did I love Esther, but her family and their relationships as well. It was great to see that they were all loving and caring, but that they did have their issues as well, aspects that were complicated and messy. None of them was perfect, but they were all good. Decent people, trying to get through everyday life, then trying to get through something far worse. Their love for one another was so incredibly uplifting.

►I learned so much about this time period that I'd never known. I don't know about your education, but my crappy American one basically brushed past the history of everyone, in every time, because we are gross. Like did I know that the Romans were kind of the "big bad" of the era? Sure. Did I know the extent? Goodness, no! And I think it's so important to know the atrocities mankind has inflicted on each other. It made me so angry, frankly. That, sometimes, is worth holding onto.

►Telling Esther's story as something beautiful instead of solely tragic is worth everything. Was this a tragic time period for the Jewish citizens of Jerusalem? Of course, I don't think "tragic" is even a severe enough word. It was inhumane, frankly. And the author certainly did not shy away from these atrocities, not at all. But to show the love and hope that Esther and her people unarguably possessed was equally important, and this book somehow managed to incorporate both.

Bottom Line: I genuinely cannot remember the last time a book has affected me this much. Esther's story, and the story of her people, owns my whole heart. This is truly a book I'll never forget.

This is a fantastic example of what a ya historical fiction novel can be. The main character was incredibly well done and her relationships and the side characters were all very developed and fleshed out. I felt that the setting was extremely well done as well and you felt as though you were right there with her in Jerusalem under Roman oppression. The book was well researched and so full of detail. Overall I really enjoyed this one and I think any historical fiction fans will enjoy it as well.

This ARC was provided for review, but in no way affects the following impartial and unbiased review:
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4,5*
Pros: A story from the point of view of Jews under the Roman Empire powerful fist. Inspired by a story believed to be true, it is a portrait of resilience and survival in times of war, of grief and mourning, and of healing and hope. As someone that grew up in the church, this story felt familiar like many of the stories in the Bible, heartwarmingly and heartbreakingly so. It is a story that must be told and read, and I am glad I had the chance to do so.
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Cons: Slightly forced love story. Poorly and at times, casual handling of slavery.
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Trigger warning: Slavery, molesting, sexual assault, child grooming, forced marriage, graphic imagery, physical violence and abuse.

Rebel Daughter was one of my anticipated releases from a Jewish author including Jewish representation. I am embarrassed to admit that I misinterpreted the subject of this book, thinking it was about Queen Esther from the Purim story. In fact, it is about another strong woman named Esther who lived during the time of the Roman occupation of the biblical Israel, up until the destruction of the second Temple in 70 CE. I am sure I learned about this time period in Jewish history, and yet I did not know how difficult life was at the time and how the Jewish people were treated following the Roman success in the final battle that destroyed the Temple.

Some of the characters in the book are based on real people, and if I had been more in tune to the history I might have realized who Joseph in the story was before it was revealed! Esther is not a person I have heard of, but I imagine she lived as she was described in this very detailed book. It is not an easy read, as it contains details of war time and some of it can be upsetting. I learned so much from this book and will certainly read anything else that this author writes in the future!

Wow, what an interesting story! I cannot even begin to fathom the amount of time and research went into this book (but apparently it was ten years' worth if you're ready to be in awe). The fact that this is based on real people that were lost to history and time made it a really strong choice for me to read.

Why wasn't this a higher rating for me? Though Esther is our MC and the timeline we follow, I feel we do not get to know her as much as I would like. I wanted to know her on a deeper level, but it felt rather shallow in the depth we get to see of her. BUT, that doesn't mean she's a shallow character! There are many things happening to her, I just found myself wishing to know more of her emotions than the ones that we expect given her situation.

Still, well written, a well-laid plot, and a good SOLID read. There isn't a reason I wouldn't recommend this book to someone who enjoys historical fiction and I was so happy to find a YA targeted one.

3/5 cups of hot chocolate (my coffee cups return next month) from me! Thanks so much to Delacorte Press and Netgalley for an eARC of this in exchange for my honest review.

Lori Banov Kaufmann's debut novel, Rebel Daughter, is a delightful and powerful read – one that blends Jewish literature with historical fiction, and so much more.

Esther is a woman torn. She wants to make her family proud, to do the right thing. However, she also has her own wants and desires – both of which take her away from the path that her family would have her follow.

Her internal conflict is mirrored by her city. Jerusalem has become a battleground, in nearly every sense of the word. What happens here will threaten to tear the city and her family apart, and Esther must face it all.

“She missed his small, dark study, its shelves stacked with rolled parchment scrolls, its smell of the wax tablets.”

Rebel Daughter is a wonderful yet intense read. One that isn't afraid to pull in historical and human elements in order to tell the tale of one determined woman. Esther's story is a powerful one, the story of story that really does stick with you.

It's amazing how complex the story became, before it all wrapped up. The fact that it includes real characters, and made heavy use of research probably didn't hurt that any, but it is still an incredibly impressive feat, one that I want to acknowledge.

If you're looking for a novel that's capable of carving a path to your heart, pick up Rebel Daughter. If you're looking for a novel that's steeped in history, and that did its research, pick up Rebel Daughter. If you're looking for a novel revolving around a strong female lead, pick up Rebel Daughter.

The point I'm trying to get at here, in case it wasn't obvious, is that you should go and read Rebel Daughter. It's worth it.

Lori Banov Kaufmann reveals history in this powerful, painful, unforgettable window into the destruction of the Second Holy Temple in Jerusalem by the hands of the Romans. Betrayal, friendship, brutality, and kindness transform this history into one that lives and breathes. Meticulously researched, Kaufmann must be commended for allowing readers to understand life in Jerusalem and what it was like for the Jewish people who were captured and enslaved. May we merit to see the rebuilding of the Temple in our days.

Highly recommend this unique, gorgeously written, and eye-opening historical novel.

What a great historical fiction read! The reader quickly is immersed in the first century. Esther is a believable character and through her experiences, you really find out what it was like living in the first century as a Jew. What was even more surprising was that many of the characters were based on real-life people. This reader could tell that the author, Lori Banov Kaufmann, spent a lot of time researching the characters and that time period. At the end of the book, she includes many references to her research. The book has a little romance which moves the story forward but is not the central part of the book.
I typically do not like historical fiction in this time period, but I really found this book an enjoyable read and I really learned a lot. I was expecting to read about the character, Esther, from the bible and although it was not what I was expecting, I quickly was immersed in the story. Readers will find themselves understanding the conflict between wanting to do things differently but still clinging to the traditions and survival of oneself. Highly recommend this title to readers who want to no more about the Jewish lifestyle back in the first century, or those who like strong female characters who take action on what they think is right.

Rebel Daughter starts off strong with heartfelt characters and careful attention to historical detail. It really felt like I’d been visiting 1st century Jerusalem every time I picked up this book! The best part is that all the details felt natural, time-traveling descriptions never bogged down the plot or emotional depth of scenes. The story is of Esther, the daughter of a priest, worries for her marriage prospects and for her family as tensions erupt in her home between the Jewish people and their Roman conquerors. As war erupts, Esther struggles not only to keep it together but also to keep her family together. A story where people and friendships are not as they seem, Rebel Daughter bears witness to all the strong women who have shaped and desperately survived history.

My only critique is that there a couple jarring time-jumps. One between chapters is excusable and between chapters can be a murky passage of time, but the one that happens between mere paragraphs not demarcated in any way ruined the immersion for me. It took several pages to re-adjust back to the plot. I realize that the time jumps probably fit with a historical timeline, but it could have been padded or headlined for a smoother flow of the story.

Rebel Daughter
by Lori Banov Kaufmann

From page one to the last page of this book containing the author’s information, I was in this tale 100%. Jerusalem, busy and bustling. Jerusalem and the insult of Romans within. The fighting factions, factions within factions fighting. Jerusalem and the mighty fall of the Temple and Jerusalem itself. The scatter and fate of its people. One section that squeezed my heart had the Jews looking to hide everywhere, anywhere - like doves, nervous and fearful, but hopeless as they watch predatory birds fight over them – they are going to die either way. So well described!

Esther struggles with her family, and her own natural rebellions. Who wants to be told who they will marry? Reading of her wrestling with feelings as she meets the ordinary and extraordinary social upheavals of her life, with the setting in such a holy place, was a pull on my sympathies and mind. I read my mother’s copy of Josephus when I was in high school, so much of what I found in this story, felt familiar – and he is in this story! The characters are well drawn, and as I read, the scenes played out in my head in a cinematic way. . . .taking me back to all those big Bible movies of the past. (I sincerely hope someone is out there ready to turn this one into a movie!!!)

Much study, research and time has been taken with this tale. After the conclusion of the novel there are notes to assist a reader know what is fiction and what is non-fiction – such notes always bring joy to my nerdy self because I want to know that and to have it immediately available is pure bliss.

Best of all, Esther was real, with a monument of love and respect standing through the centuries on a hill that stands witness to her life – you can go there today and see it. A woman who survived the tumult and chaos that ended her family’s life in Jerusalem, who was enslaved, was freed and who someone loved enough to beg future generations to care for her monument and memory. I’m not a romancer, but oh, boy, this sure is a good one. And, it turns out, is true. Best of all.

A stellar debut from Lori Banov Kaufmann. I look forward to whatever is next!

A Sincere Thanks to Lori Banov Kaufmann, Random House Children's, Delacourte Press and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review.

A Sincere Thanks to author Lori Banov Kaufmann for providing me an ARC to read and review.
#RebelDaughter #NetGalley

This book was an amazing read. The characters drew you in, everything about this historical fiction novel was carefully researched so you felt like you were right there. I hardly ever read any historical fiction novels because I don't like how loosely based on true stories they are but this one was not like that. There was some difficult subjects in this book but the author handled them perfectly and with sensitivity and care without being indirect or not doing it justice.

This book was epic and utterly gorgeous! The characters were vivid and outstanding! To some degree this book is a difficult book for me to review, being very picky about historical fiction as a whole and yet I was blown away by this book!. I understand it can be hard to write historical fiction especially in this time line and for young adults, but I applaud the author for venturing into this realm and for the wonderful story that has been brought to us readers. There was definitely endless hours of research and thought about that era and culture that went into this book, and that was evident and came through this book amazingly. I loved the storyline and the depth of story, it is mesmerizing. This book was different than most YA out there which was wonderful and unique. There was more focus on the main character and family more than only romance which really made you enjoy the storyline and love it all. It was a very well thought out book with characters that grew throughout. It really connects the reader with a timeline and characters that don’t have a lot of presence in the young adult section. It was fascinating to hear about these journeys and the possibilities of what actually happened, and how this story came to be. As a whole, this genre of book isn't something I normally enjoy, but this was a good book and had me thinking I should read more in this category! The author did a lovely job of transporting you through time and getting you immersed in this book. Good recommendation to all who enjoy a good book!

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the ARC!

Don't mind me, just browsing the web for information on the Jewish-Roman wars. I haven't read much about this time period, so when Esther was confronted with the Jewish revolts, my thoughts went from vague recognition to morbid despair. Because, really? Rebelling against the Roman Empire? Not a great idea, friends.

This story captures that dark futility of desperate rebellion, but also fear of oppression, class divisions, and one teen's struggle to respect tradition and family in the face of adversity. It puts me in mind of Ben Hur, for similarity in historical period, and themes of misguided love (and hate) and reconciling religious beliefs with hard realities.

**Thanks to NetGalley and Delacorte for the ARC**

“Rebel Daughter” is, though I knew the subject matter would be heavy, far more intense than I expected it to be. However, that worked in its favor - I found myself unable to put it down, hoping the tide would turn for our heroine, Esther; Banov Kaufman portrayed the harrowing reality of the period depicted here very effectively. I felt more informed about this time period after reading “Rebel Daughter” and would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in rarely-told historical stories.