Redeeming Grace: Ruth’s Story

Smith (Wives of King David), beloved for her biblical fiction bringing new life to women from the pages of Scripture, turns her imagination to Ruth, a Moabite who returns with her mother-in-law, Naomi, to Israel. Naomi lost her husband and two sons in Moab after moving there to avoid famine in their hometown of Bethlehem. Readers familiar with the tale will enjoy this retelling of the love story between Ruth and Boaz, a kinsman who redeems the lost family’s land and finds a worthy wife in the process. Smith’s attention to detail regarding Moab and Israel’s feasts and laws makes the narrative believable without distracting from the engrossing narrative. Side plots such as that of Hamul and Hava will please readers deeply familiar with Scripture. Those who don’t know the story will learn a lot about ancient Bible lands, practices of the Jewish faith, and love and redemption in Smith’s fine rendition of this much-loved story. Agent: Wendy Lawton, Books & Such Literary (Feb.)