Synopsis:~
Destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God, Ruth arrives in Israel with nothing to recommend her but Naomi’s, love. Her loftiest hope is to provide enough food to save Naomi and herself from starvation.
But God has other plans for her life.
While everyone considers Ruth an outcast, she is shocked to find one of the wealthiest and most honored men of Judah showing her favor. Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz is irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the dark, haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his Cousin Naomi’s chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from harm, but his heart knows better.
My take:~
Tessa Afshar’s debut novel, Pearl in the Sand, the story of Rahab & Salmone, probably holds the place of my favourite Biblical fiction novel. Her attention to detail – the sensitive and thoughtful creation of emotions, the Biblical backdrop, the evocative scenery – was second to none. It’s also no surprise to me that Harvest of Gold is in the running for a Christy Award this year. Tessa’s latest release, In the Field of Grace, tackles another well known and oft told Biblical story, that of Ruth the Moabite, who became part of the lineage of King David and Jesus Christ. Once again, Tessa’s seemingly effortless talent breathes new life into this beautiful love story and makes it come alive. With vivid imagery and impeccable descriptions the land of Judah, Boaz’s fields, the protagonists in this story, Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, all leap from the page. The sights and smells of the countryside, the bitterness of Naomi, the devotion of Ruth, and the heroics of Boaz are told with insight, tenderness, and authenticity – as much as a 21st century author can imagine of years gone by! The gamut of emotions felt by these people as they negotiated loss, grief, heartache, hope, and love pour out from the pages and into the reader’s heart. Ruth’s story is one of sacrifice, courage, and deep devotion and Tessa tells is with grace and beauty. While Pearl in the Sand may still hold that very special place in my heart, In the Field of Grace has certainly given it a nudge!
With thanks to Wynn-Wynn Media for my review copy
Relz Reviewz Extras
Reviews of Pearl in the Sand, Harvest of Rubies, and Harvest of Gold
Tessa ~ FamilyFiction Plus interview
Visit Tessa’s website and blog
Buy from Amazon: In the Field of Grace or Koorong
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June 21, 2014 at 10:05 am
I LOOOOOOOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH SO MUCH
June 21, 2014 at 2:45 pm
Kindred spirits, Rach, kindred spirits!
June 21, 2014 at 10:40 am
So excited for her newest book! She’s a fav of mine 🙂 Pearl in the Sand is such a fav it’d take a lot to knock it out of top spot for me too 🙂
June 21, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Oh, glad you agree, Meghan. Pearl is simply amazing but then so is In the Field of Grace!
June 21, 2014 at 12:04 pm
Adding this one to my reading list!
June 21, 2014 at 2:47 pm
It’s special, Christy – hope you love it!
June 21, 2014 at 2:11 pm
Hi Rel. Boy these books sound good. I would love to be told the story of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Would love to win this one. Thanks for the chance. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
June 21, 2014 at 2:48 pm
Good choice, Maxie – Mary is probably an obvious one but rarely the subject of a novel. Interesting!
June 21, 2014 at 3:43 pm
Eve. The telling of the first relationship would be great. and kinda funny.
June 22, 2014 at 4:34 pm
Beckie – have you read Tosca Lee’s Havah? Loved her retelling of Eve – very intense!
June 21, 2014 at 8:59 pm
I have note yet read any of Tessa Afshar’s novels, but have heard great things!
June 22, 2014 at 4:35 pm
Tessa is an excellent storyteller, Staci – well worth a look!
June 21, 2014 at 10:14 pm
Never read any of her books but I can’t wait to start now.
June 22, 2014 at 4:35 pm
You won’t be disappointed, Julie 🙂
June 21, 2014 at 10:37 pm
We have Tessa’s books in the church library but not this one. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win it.
June 22, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Glad to do it, Janet, with thanks to Wynn-Wynn Media & River North
June 21, 2014 at 10:44 pm
I enjoy reading Biblical fiction novels, and Tessa is new to me.
Even if I don’t win I will write her name down for future reference.
June 22, 2014 at 4:36 pm
Hope you do read her stories, Michelle. I’ve found them both compelling and challenging.
June 21, 2014 at 10:46 pm
I would like to hear the story of Tamar.
Thank you for the chance to win .
June 22, 2014 at 4:37 pm
Francine Rivers wrote a novella, Tamar – it makes for excellent reading, Michelle. Great choice, though, and I’d love to read a full length novel about her.
June 21, 2014 at 11:16 pm
This is one of my favorite books in the Bible and I can’t wait to read this novelization of it! Thanks for the review, which cemented it’s place near the top of my TBR pile, and for the giveaway!
June 21, 2014 at 11:19 pm
Ooops–and I’d love to read Anna’s story, what her life was like before she was at the temple day and night, and what happened to her after she met baby Jesus.
June 22, 2014 at 4:40 pm
Yes, Anna. Worshipping day and night at the temple into her 80s! Pretty impressive.
June 22, 2014 at 4:37 pm
Hope you love it, Lynda – you can see I did!
June 22, 2014 at 1:22 am
This book looks very inspiring. I would like to read more about Martha the sister of Mary and Lazarus. Or Bathsheba.
Thank you for giveaway, I have not read any of Tess’s books but loved your review.
June 22, 2014 at 4:41 pm
Jackie – if you haven’t already, do check out Jill Eileen Smith and Diana Wallis Taylor’s books. I think they have both those women covered!
June 22, 2014 at 1:57 am
I would enjoy reading a story about Naomi.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of A Field of Grace. It looks like and amazing story.
June 22, 2014 at 4:42 pm
Naomi is covered well in this novel by Tessa, Cindi – all the best!
June 23, 2014 at 5:34 am
Thanks, Rel. I’ll be sure to pick up a copy.
June 22, 2014 at 3:16 am
Abigail, who married King David after the death of her horrible husband, would be a great one to read about! I really enjoyed the author’s book about Rahab and look forward to reading this one.
June 22, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Jill Eileen Smith’s Abigail is an excellent read – well worth looking into. Jill has devoted a three book series to the wives of David. Good thing she’s not tackling all Solomon’s wives 😉
June 22, 2014 at 5:07 am
I would like to read a story about Lydia.
June 22, 2014 at 4:43 pm
Good choice, Andrea 🙂
June 22, 2014 at 5:36 am
Abigail
June 22, 2014 at 4:44 pm
Check out Jill Eileen Smith’s story, Abigail, Apple Blossom!
June 22, 2014 at 6:08 am
Lydia, the seller of purple cloth, or Mary Magdalene. I love the story of Ruth and look forward to reading this novel. Thanks for this,giveaway.
June 22, 2014 at 4:44 pm
Angela Hunt has written a wonderful story, Magdalene, which you might enjoy, Connie.
June 22, 2014 at 6:41 am
I think it would be interesting to read the story of Hannah, Samuel’s mother.
June 22, 2014 at 4:45 pm
Yes, Pam, Hannah’s would be a very moving story, I’m sure.
June 22, 2014 at 7:39 am
I was going to say the same thing… the story of Mary! 🙂
June 22, 2014 at 4:45 pm
Good one, Lisa!
June 22, 2014 at 9:19 am
I know at least one of Tessa Afshar’s books is on my reading list–I’ll have to add this one, too!
June 22, 2014 at 9:22 am
It would help if I read all of the instructions first. Oops. I would like to read Miriam’s story. Although Esther has long been a favorite biblical character of mine, I always liked reading about the Exodus, too.
June 22, 2014 at 12:47 pm
I’ve always loved Rachel and Leah’s story. I can’t to read this book!
June 22, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Rachel and Leah – sigh. Such a story. Jill Eileen Smith has tackled them well, as has Liz Curtis Higgs, but in a historical Scottish setting!
June 22, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Well here I go again add another book to my TBR stack or list! This really sound good.
June 22, 2014 at 4:46 pm
Sorry, Gail…but kind of not really – hehe!
June 23, 2014 at 2:26 am
A story of sisters, Mary and Martha, could be interesting.
June 23, 2014 at 11:12 am
I think a story about Isaac’s wife, Rebecca, would be an interesting read.
June 23, 2014 at 11:28 am
I’m jealous you’ve already had the chance to read this book! I love Tessa’s novels so so much! I can’t wait to read this one!
June 23, 2014 at 11:33 am
This sounds so good! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity 🙂
June 23, 2014 at 12:01 pm
Looking forward to reading in The Field Of Grace Relle as well as gaining new insights into Ruth’s story.❤️
June 23, 2014 at 11:33 pm
I LOVE Tessa’s books! Pearl in the Sand is one of my all time favorites so I’m looking forward to In the Field of Grace. I too am jealous you’ve already read it!
I agree w/ Andrea & Connie–I would like to see a story on Lydia–the seller of purple. Or a really good one on Deborah.
June 24, 2014 at 5:29 am
How about Sarah, wife of Abraham…
June 24, 2014 at 11:27 am
Esther is done a lot. I’d like to hear about Eve or perhaps Abigail, David’s wife.
June 24, 2014 at 11:54 am
I’d like a book about Mary Magdalene.
June 24, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Want to read!
June 24, 2014 at 12:31 pm
I’ve always wanted to read – or write – Anna’s story. It must have been fascinating. Tessa, tell us this one!
June 24, 2014 at 2:46 pm
Hi Gee I want to read her books now. Would love to read story about Mary but through the eyes of a female relative. Also what about the one regarding the women who followed Jesus not Mary Magadeline. Hmm what about the friendship of Jesus with Lazarus and Mary and Martha.
June 24, 2014 at 10:06 pm
Oh this is so exciting! Glad I didn’t miss this. Tessa Afshar is my favourite author (I’m serious). I love all three of her books and no doubt I will adore her fourth!
Hmm…well, if Ms. Afshar chose to write something on another Biblical woman, any would be amazing! 🙂
I would like to see a book about Mary, the mother of Jesus, in the beginning – when the angel visits her, etc.
🙂
Thank you for this chance!
June 24, 2014 at 11:59 pm
Can’t wait to read this!
June 25, 2014 at 12:19 am
I discovered Tessa’s book Pearl in the Sand 2 years ago and and followed her books with eager anticipation of the next. Her writing compels me to keep reading. I love books that make me want to continue the story waiting to discover what comes next!! Keep up the great work Tessa!
June 25, 2014 at 1:17 am
I’ve enjoyed Tessa’s books and look forward to reading more. I love well-done novels based on biblical characters and history.
June 25, 2014 at 1:23 am
The story of Ruth has been a favorite with me since childhood! In fact, my first Heartsong is a post Civil War re-telling of this beautiful story. This one is a must for my TBR list! Thanks for the chance to win a copy! 🙂
June 25, 2014 at 4:15 am
I haven’t read fictionalized stories about biblical characters. Ruth, perhaps. Or put a Biblical lady in a more recent setting and weave the story in the same vein.
June 25, 2014 at 6:20 am
I think it would be interesting to do something completely different like writing about the Apostle Peter’s wife. Jesus healed his mother-in-law, so we know he was married. It would be interesting to see her “point of view.”
June 25, 2014 at 6:32 am
I would love to hear some of the prophets’ wives
June 25, 2014 at 7:41 am
I would love a story of Deborah.
June 25, 2014 at 10:01 am
I loved Pearl in the Sand and excited to get my hands on this new one! I would love to read a novel about Mary of Bethany (Lazarus’ sister).
June 25, 2014 at 10:09 am
This sounds really fascinating @
June 25, 2014 at 10:58 pm
There are two ladies who I can’t choose between. One is Bathsheba and her views on what occurred during the events of 2Samuel. Then the other is Michal it would be interesting to see her turn from love for David to hate.
June 26, 2014 at 10:40 am
I’m eager right now to read about this heroine! I love Ruth’s story. 🙂
June 26, 2014 at 12:49 pm
I agree with other commenters that Mary Magdalene’s story would be very interesting. This book sounds awesome…I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance!!
June 26, 2014 at 1:07 pm
What a great giveaway! Have been wanting to try her books. Other Biblical women whose story i would like to read?….
Not as large as Ruth (just a brief mention really…) but Jael (she risked her reputation in a way, by inviting a male into her tent. But won the victory for Israel. would love to get in her mind…did she audibly hear from God? What possessed her? How did she feel after? How did her husband feel? That sort of thing.
And in the same chapter/book…Deborah. Strong woman but not married to a weakling, just a husband (i’d like to think ) that knew his wifes’ giftings and let her. And she wouldn’t have been in a position of authority had someone worthy (male) stepped up to the plate and led righteously.
There are a few others whose story should be told. thanks for offering this giveaway.
June 27, 2014 at 3:16 am
I must try this.