Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Based on multiple interviews with his friends and courtiers, palace insiders and critics, and rare access to Charles himself, before his kingship, this biography explores his philanthropy and his compulsive interventionism, his faith, his significant impact on politics and the philosophy that means when he seeks harmony he sometimes creates controversy. Some of the author's interpretations of different Bible verses and accounts didn't sit well with me. For instance, I don't believe David and Bathsheba would have been so happy with Solomon marrying Naamah, a foreigner (especially to the point where they were encouraging the marriage).
Smith poses and explores the question of whether Solomon’s wisdom ultimately helped or hindered him and how his relationship with God was affected. Even though I had already read the bulk of this story, I enjoyed every minute of it and it never felt stale or repetitive. Smith always writes fantastic Biblical fiction and I definitely recommend this one! My new favorite from this author, The Heart Of A King is a novel I think lovers of biblical fiction would very much enjoy reading!Solomon woos several of his wives with the same poems and sayings, including calling each of them "my dove" and a passage describing Solomon holding and kissing intimately them prior to marriage, resulting in a sexual rise from the lady, only to say "we must wait until love awakens"as he walks away. Let tyrants fear. I have always so behaved myself that, under God, I have placed my chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects; and therefore I am come amongst you, as you see, at this time, not for my recreation and disport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live and die amongst you all; to lay down for my God, and for my kingdom, and my people, my honour and my blood, even in the dust. If you are into reading the bible, but in a simpler way. This book is good for you. This is what it kind gave me as I was reading it. I enjoyed it, do not get me wrong. It seem better then reading the bible it self to get the history or story of King Solomon. Wish is best for me to understand. The Heart of a King is a compilation of short stories about four of the wives of King Solomon. I was apprehensive from the start as this book seemed to fit into my preconceived notions of what I would be reading.
This book was fascinating and unique, and I would recommend it to those who enjoy wonderful Biblical fiction—the story is captivating, and certainly inspires the reader to dive even deeper into the real world of the Bible, and find out more about the truth in this powerful story. Award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith’s latest biblical fiction novel, The Heart of a King, is a fascinating look into the life of King Solomon, his incredible wisdom granted by God, his numerous foreign wives and many indulgences, which ultimately led to his downfall. Jill Eileen Smith is a master at bringing Scripture to life and realistically filling in the details which encourages readers to dig deeper into the Bible and discover more about the word of God. Siti, the young Egyptian princess who gives Solomon Gezer, but refuses to give up her god, Bastet and demands a palace of her own. Four wives are central in this story: Naamah, Abishag, Siti and Nicaula. All four different types of women. All four captured his heart in some way. The Heart of a King is a fascinating look at what it might have been like to be one of Solomon's wives. Beginning with Naamah, the mother of Rehoboam, and ending with the Queen of Sheba, each women's thoughts and motivations are examined.With tenderness and hopefulness, this story will wrap you up and put you in the center of a time, that is only read about in the Bible, of a time many have forgotten to remember. The rich historic detail is vivid and captivating and Smith has once again managed to make me fall in love with yet another amazing book. This is beyond 5 star worthy and I hope you, too, will fall in love with the story of Solomon and his loves. I really enjoyed reading this new biblical fiction book featuring King Solomon and some of his wives. The story focused on 4 main women as the chapters followed from one story to the next. As the divisions of waters, so the heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord: whithersoever he will he shall turn it.
Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles share a joke as Raymond Blanc looks on during the 2014 Edible Garden Show. Photograph: WPA Pool/Getty ImagesIf you are looking for a romantic view of Israel's (and the world's) wisest king, then this is the book for you. Smith introduces you to four wives of different histories from different times in Solomon's life.
Great Deal 
New Comment