I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Bloggers, Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review. No compensation was received for sharing this review and all opinions are my own.
Series: The Silent Years #1
Published by Bethany House on July 4th 2017
Source: Bethany House Bloggers, Netgalley
Genres: Christian, Fiction, General, Historical, Romance
Pages: 384
New York Times Bestselling Author's Newest Biblical-Era SeriesFive decades before the birth of Christ, Chava, daughter of the royal tutor, grows up with Urbi, a princess in Alexandria's royal palace. When Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra, Chava vows to be a faithful friend no matter what--but after she and Cleopatra have an argument, she finds herself imprisoned and sold into slavery.
Torn from her family, her community, and her elevated place in Alexandrian society, Chava finds herself cast off and alone in Rome. Forced to learn difficult lessons, she struggles to trust a promise HaShem has given her. After experiencing the best and worst of Roman society, Chava must choose between love and honor, between her own desires and God's will for her life.
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
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.
About Angela Hunt
Christy-Award winner Angela Hunt writes for readers who have learned to expect the unexpected in novels from this versatile author. With nearly five million copies of her books sold worldwide, she is the best-selling author of more than 100 works ranging from picture books (The Tale of Three Trees) to novels.
Now that her two children are grown, Angie and her youth-pastor husband live in Florida with Very Big Dogs (a direct result of watching Sandlot too many times). This affinity for mastiffs has not been without its rewards–one of their dogs was featured on Live with Regis and Kelly as the second-largest canine in America. Their dog received this dubious honor after an all-expenses-paid trip to Manhattan for the dog and the Hunts, complete with VIP air travel and a stretch limo in which they toured New York City. Afterward, the dog gave out paw-tographs at the airport.
When she’s not home writing, Angie often travels to teach writing workshops at schools and writers’ conferences. And to talk about her dogs, of course.
The cove is pretty!! Sorry the story disappointed you so though