The Ark and the Dove ~ Review

The Ark and the Dove
The Story of Noah's Wife
by Jill Eileen Smith

The Ark and the Dove is the story of Noah's wife. Zara has been married to Noah for many years and they are among the very few who even acknowledge that there was much less is a Creator.  Idol worship has become rampant, and God has had enough of humanity's disobedience and their embrace of any and every form of wickedness. For years, Noah has been speaking out, trying to divert his family, friends, and neighbors from the path of destruction that they are on. But nothing Noah has said has made any difference other than to earn him and his family scorn and ridicule.

Zara and Noah have three sons, two of whom are married. When word comes that God's wrath will soon destroy everything, Zara knows they need to find a wife for their youngest son, Ham. But finding a wife for Ham is not easy, though they manage to locate a young woman who will make do. 

As time grows short, Noah, Zara, their sons, and daughters-in-law must work together to fulfill God's command. The ark they build will house them and the animals God provides, as well as the supplies they will need while the earth is cleansed of all its wickedness. 

But people being people, sin is still in the hearts of those who survived the flood. This will challenge them as they live in the confined space of the Ark and later leave it to begin a new life again on dry land. And will the children and grandchildren of Noah and Zara find favor in the eyes of God? All of these are things that trouble Zara as the world she's known faces the wrath of God. She knows God created everything and that as time has gone by, even her own friends who had once believed have turned to other worldly pursuits, finding displeasure in God's eyes. Trusting the Creator after all that she has witnessed seems like it should be an easy thing, but can she protect her children and grandchildren from the evils that they witnessed before the end of everything?

This was an interesting read. Biblical Fiction is a tricky genre, as the author needs to walk a fine line between what is known and what could have been. The author has done so with this book. She's presented a story that could easily follow the daily lives of Noah and his family without stepping out too far by changing the known to fit her story. This book covers decades of time with noticeable jumps to move the story from point A to point B, which is fine - it takes a long time to build an ark that will have to be sea-worthy for who knows how long. If you like Biblical Fiction you may want to give this one a try. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations, but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Zara and Noah have walked together with the Creator for their entire lives, and they have done their best in an increasingly wicked and defiant world to raise their three sons to follow in their footsteps. It has been a challenge--and it's about to get much, much harder.

When the Creator tells her husband to build an ark to escape the coming wrath against the sins of humankind, Zara steps out with him in faith. But the derision and sabotage directed their way from both friends and extended family are difficult to bear, as is knowing that everyone she interacts with beyond her husband, her sons, and their wives is doomed to destruction. And when the ark is finally finished, and the animals have been shut up inside, Zara and her family embark on an adventure that will test their patience and their faith as they await deliverance and dry ground.

Experience the story of Noah and the flood like you never have before. With bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith as your guide, you'll never look at a rainbow the same way again.