This Scarlet Cord
A Tale of Forbidden Love and Divine Destiny
-
-
4.4 • 14 Ratings
-
-
- $6.99
Publisher Description
Bestselling author Joan Wolf delivers a sweeping tale of forbidden love, divine calling, and redemption in This Scarlet Cord, a stirring retelling of Rahab's story from the battle of Jericho. Perfect for readers of Tessa Afshar and Angela Hunt, this powerful novel combines historical detail with timeless romance.
"Wolf holds our interest by skillfully conjuring up a fascinating version of Rahab's story, successfully persuading us that the story is far more complex than merely a scarlet cord." --Publishers Weekly
When Rahab, the youngest daughter of a Canaanite farmer, is brought to Jericho to find a wealthy husband, she never expects to reunite with Sala--the Israelite boy who once saved her life. Their love is undeniable, but their faiths divide them. As Jericho teems with pagan rituals and looming destruction, Rahab's courageous choice to trust the God of Israel sets her on a path toward redemption, love, and a place in the very lineage of Christ.
This Scarlet Cord is a poignant tale of destiny, devotion, and redemption--perfect for fans of biblical fiction and sweeping historical romance.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A few verses in the book of Joshua tell the story of Rahab, the prostitute who lived in Jericho when it was besieged by the Israelites. Two spies sent to the city were protected by Rahab, who helped them to escape by using a scarlet cord to climb out of her window. In return, they promised that Rahab and her family would be saved when Joshua captured Jericho, if she hung a scarlet cord out of her window, which she did. With this brief account as a point of departure, Wolf imagines Rahab's life, beginning when she was a beautiful young girl taken to Jericho, where her Canaanite farmer father hoped to find a rich husband for her. She met and fell in love with Sala, an Israelite whose father was a spy for Joshua. A series of subsequent complications eventually lead to the biblical account. Wolf (A Reluctant Queen) holds our interest by skillfully conjuring up a fascinating version of Rahab's story, successfully persuading us that the story is far more complex than merely a "scarlet cord."
Customer Reviews
Great Historical Romance
I don't know much about Rahab and the story of Jericho - other than the walls fell down and the Israelites were victorious. But Joan Wolf has a way with words. The city jumps off the pages, from the crowded and congested lower city, to the pristine temples of Baal and Ashera.
Rahab is a very fascinating character. She is a strong woman that seems to really look at what is going on around her, choosing her decisions based on what her heart tells her. She seems a great math for Sala, but there is one huge problem. She is a Canaanite and he is an Israelite. Neither of their families would ever agree to a marriage.
But as her life begins to fall apart, she begins to re-think her beliefs and her way of life. This was no sudden epiphany, but a good long soul-searching that was quite touching and a little scary. As an army approaches the city of Jericho, her decisions will mean the life or death of her entire family.
While this is an inspirational romance, you do not have to be religious to enjoy the romance and time period. It's a very well told story of two amazing people during a time that isn't visited very often.
Writer needs to know biblical history
Although the story would have been interesting if it was about another girl and an Israelite young man set in the proper period. It is very disappointing to see that the writer didn't do her homework for biblical history. Israelites were not in Canaan until after Moses led them through the wilderness and Joshua finally got then to enter Canaan which was the promised land. Therefore, this story of Rehab's early life is impossible.