Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Kerry's Satin Sheets Romance Review of Michal's Window by Rachelle Ayala

Title:  Michal’s Window 
(A Novel: King David's First Wife)    

Author:  Rachelle Ayala

Author Website:  http://www.rachelleayala.com/

Genre:  Historical Romance

Length:  460 pages

Find It On:   Amazon, Barnes & Noble


Barnes and Noble


From the Author:

Michal is one of those fascinating women in history who had the guts to stand up to the establishment and the courage to take her punishment. I knew there was more to her story than the surface presentation in the Bible. If God was so adamant about men remaining with the wife of their youth (Proverbs 5:18-19) and not mistreating their covenant wife (Malachi 2:14), then why did it seem as if David got away with his burgeoning harem?

Michal was shortchanged in most history books, novels and Bible commentaries, so I wrote my own version of her story to vindicate this heroic woman, too strong for her time.

Not your Grandma's Bible Story...

It's not easy being a woman, least of all princess of Israel. Married as a prize, abandoned as a wife, Michal fights to claim her rightful spot next to King David, the man she loves with all her heart.

Separated by war, concubines, and kingdom politics, Michal embarks on a journey of adventure and heartache where she is befriended by a goddess-worshipping priestess and tempted by a Philistine prince.

From reading scrolls high atop the palace walls to seduction with a henna-painted body, Michal is not your ordinary Bible heroine. Join her in Michal's Window and let her delight you with her courage, devotion, and outrageous passion in her relentless drive to win back her husband.

Content advisory: sexual situations, blood and violence


Kerry’s Review:



I’ll admit that I was super excited to read this book. I love historical novels, and this one sounded so unique. It was just after 1am one night last week when I decided I would read “a little” of it—figuring I would finish it up over a few days. Next thing I know, the sun is coming up and I had stayed up all night reading. I only had about a hundred pages left at that point, and no way was I closing my eyes until I found out how the book ended.

Wow.

What an amazing, epic story. Kudos to Ms. Ayala—this is the best historical novel I have read in a while. I spent the whole next day thinking about the characters and the time period and the choices Michal faced in the book. Would I go to the ends of the earth to reclaim my husband? Would I risk everything? Including my children? Death? Violence?

This book isn’t for the weak. It will tear at your heart—over and over again. You will be joyful, angry, sad, lonely, hungry… You will also find yourself asking if you would make the same decisions and take the same paths that these characters take.

Michal is a heroine, first class reminiscent of Scarlett O’ Hara. King David loses sight of his path—and pays for it. Every single supporting character is well developed and interesting—what a cast of characters. I can see this book as an epic movie—like Spartacus, or The Ten Commandments. Though there are lots of Biblical references, it never once feels preachy—in fact, it is a perfect blend of religion and humanity. A MUST read.


An overwhelming, not even close, 5 pillows! 
4 Candles--pretty sizzling!


About the Author
Rachelle Ayala was a software engineer until she discovered storytelling works better in fiction than real code. She has always lived in a multi-cultural environment, and the tapestry in her books reflect that diversity. Rachelle lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.

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