Saturday, October 15, 2011

Book Review: Desired: The Untold Story of Samson and Delilah by Ginger Garrett/5 Stars

About the book:

Meet the legendary Samson as you've never known him before … through the eyes of the three women who loved him.

Before Samson was an Old Testament legend, he was a prodigal son, an inexperienced suitor, a vengeful husband, and a lost soul driven by his own weakness. This is his story as told by three strong women who loved him—the nagging, manipulative mother who pushed him toward greatness, the hapless Philistine bride whose betrayal propelled him into notoriety, and the emotionally damaged seductress—the famous Delilah—who engineered his downfall and propelled him to his destiny. Desired celebrates the God of Israel's to work powerfully in the midst of hopes, fears, desires, and sorrows.

My thoughts:

Ginger Garrett is a masterful storyteller.  Through vivid descriptions and accurate research, she sweeps the reader away on a trip to the ancient city of Timnah during Philistine rule.  The wine is plenty, the idol worship is rampant, yet love is still sought in this heathen land.  It is here that the Hebrew, Samson, meets his Philistine wife, Amara, and where she becomes the first woman to betray him. 

But she will not be the only women to claim such a title.  Delilah, who most have always associated with a seductive nature, begs and pleads for Samson to share his secret with her.  Through several tests, we know that he does indeed share this well-kept secret, and it leads to his demise.

For those readers familiar with this tale from Judges, do not be convinced yet that you know the whole story of Samson.  Garrett has a few surprises up her sleeve.  This dramatic Biblical story will have you burning the midnight oil, and will also have you reaching for your Bible to compare both stories when you are finished. 

5 Stars

Southern?  No
Sass?  No

**Many thanks to Wynn-Wynn Media for providing a copy for review.

**There's still time!  If you'd like the opportunity to win a copy of Desired for your personal library, click here to read my interview with Ginger, and fill out the entry form to be included in the giveaway. You've only got today and tomorrow to get that entry in, so don't miss out!



4 comments:

  1. Sounds excellent. I really want to try this one.

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  2. It was, Juju. I need to get my hands on her other Biblical fiction books. :o)

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  3. Biblical Fiction is one area I haven't ventured into. I keep thinking that knowing how the story is going to end will ruin the reading experience. Did you find that, Christy?

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  4. Kav~

    Great question! No, it doesn't hinder the reading experience at all...at least, not for me. I get more pleasure having a better idea of the time and places the authors take me to with these stories. While I know many things did not happen as they describe, I like that there is new life breathed into each story. I usually come away with a better understanding of the original story every time. :o)

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I love your comments!! They make me happier than cold sweet tea on a hot summer day! :o)