I received "A Passionate Hope: Hannah's Story" in a Librarything.com Early Reviewer's Giveaway. I really enjoy reading Biblical fiction, and this one was no exception. It was a good read.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the "Daughters of the Promised Land" series and this one was one of my favourites. I have loved how Jill Eileen Smith has brought ancient Israel alive with her meticulous research and vivid descriptions of daily life, and I felt completely immersed in Hannah's life.

Hannah was a character many women could relate to and I loved her strength, graciousness and perseverance. It was impossible not to share her deep longing to be a mother, especially when Elkanah's second wife bore him so many children. Despite being the beloved first wife and adored by her husband, her sorrow and despair was palpable and the continual cruel taunts and barbs from Peninnah must have been gut-wrenching for her. I hated Peninnah for the way she treated Hannah, but at the same time I felt sorry for her, especially near the end.

Overall, a heartfelt, inspiring novel and a wonderful end to a fabulous series. ( )

When I look for a Biblical fiction novel, this is exactly the type I'm looking for! Ms. Smith creates a wonderful story taken from the Bible, and bringing it to life with these beautiful characters and captivating story lines of hope, longing, grace and mercy. This book completely pulled me in and kept me hooked until the final page was read. I can't wait for another one just like it! Well done, Ms. Smith! ( )

What an incredible book! Scriptures leap to life as they are fleshed out with the daily “might-have-beens” in A Passionate Hope by Jill Eileen Smith. I’m not sure what I expected, but what I found was a novel rich in Biblical truth; accurate in Israeli history; strong in Jewish tradition.

Hannah and Elkanah and other characters are very well drawn. I quickly felt myself part of the turmoil that was Shiloh with her arrogant, deceitful, and lustful priests. My heart twisted with those of Elkanah and Hannah as they consider the trip to the temple with anticipation, fear, and longing.

Smith’s protagonists ask the hard questions: where is God when His temple and offerings are being desecrated, the young women ruined and families threatened by the priests?

Lots to love here. I greatly appreciate the spiritual foundation that Elkanah and Hannah’s marriage is based upon. I loved the inside look at Peninnah and her marriage to Elkanah. I was certainly struck by the fact that while the situation was less than ideal, one wife chose to honor God and make the best of it, while the other chose to curse and complain. Their happiness did not lie in their circumstance, but in their response to it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. No positive review is required and all opinions are solely my own. ( )

I received this book in March 2018 through the LibraryThing Early Review Giveaway. Jill is an amazing writer. It’s obvious she has done her homework. I loved looking at what Hannah’s life may have been like. ( )