Rahab has always fascinated me and I was captivated by Jill Eileen Smith's version of her story. The author's research was meticulous taking the reader back in time and immersing them in the culture religious practices, food and the role of women in the ancient city of Jericho and its surrounds. The plot was dramatic and I found it difficult to put the book down once I had started.

Despite being sold into prostitution, Rahab was an inspirational character and I admired her strength, compassion and courage. My heart bled for everything she had to endure and from the start I cared for her. Her gradual romance with Salmon was touching. Although they weren't always fond of each other, I still enjoyed the scenes when they were together and following their deepening feelings for each other. I liked how Salmon struggled with his attraction to Rahab, knowing her background, and their romance was a delight.

Beautifully written, "The Crimson Cord" brought the story of Rahab alive. I look forward to reading other books by this author. ( )

Interesting concept on the whole. The author gave a plausible backstory for this Biblical heroine, filling in the gaps--the author invented a life for Rahab before, during, and after the events in the Book of Joshua: her life in Jericho, how she became a prostitute, Biblical events and her subsequent life with the Israelites, acceptance of their God, and marriage. I enjoyed the book but I felt it a bit cloying. I didn't like how Rahab and Salmon tiptoe around each other--each liking the other but not admitting it. I felt soap [mentioned several times] would have been an anachronism in that time and place. ( )

Sold into slavery to cover her husband’s bad debts, Rahab is forced into a life of prostitution. When the Israelites camp outside their doors, Rahab protects two young Israelite spies in exchange for her and her families lives when they attack the city.

This was a pretty quick read. It wasn't preachy, but merely showed what life would have been like for Rahab, first in Jericho and then living among the Israelites. Overall, an interesting story. ( )

This is a thought provoking story of Rahab. It takes elements from the Bible telling her story and weaves them with the back story that the author puts together. It really gives insight as to what it was like living in that time period and what might have led to her lifestyle. It is a good story of redemption and I liked how the story from the Bible is there to back up what was written. I felt like the author put much research into this story so she could tell it in a way that would keep the reader's attention.
I received this book free from the publisher to review. ( )

For a book based on a story in the bible it was so well written and researched. I loved her slant on what happens to Rahab to turn her into a prostitute. I really enjoyed how she treated the way God took care of the non Jewish people and the jewish people.i received copies of this book from Revellreads and bookfun.org for a fair and honest review. I look forward to more books by this author. ( )