Shoshana's Refuge by Donna Flower Lawrence

Quotes: “…I do not think that God is so insecure that He cannot stand it when we ask questions. Exhibit more of God’s love and grace rather than judgment. Learned: Don’t judge someone by their circumstances. Overall, I enjoyed the character growth of Shoshana throughout this story. There were romance and drama as well but it was realistic and not overly drawn out.

Liked: This book was a heart check for me as Shoshana sought refuge and found grace, love, and forgiveness along the way. Impressions: I really enjoyed this read and ended up staying up past my bedtime to finish it. Will she find freedom among God’s people? Or will she seek refuge somewhere else?” When an accident forces her to take refuge under the law of God and away from all that she loves, she struggles to see God’s grace in her circumstances. Traditions, expectations, and the laws of the God of Jacob rise up like a prison around Shoshana, but she takes refuge in her favorite places: her kitchen and the top of the hill where she feels the breeze in her hair. A positive review was not required.īack of the Book: “Shoshana’s Refuge explores the struggles of a young Israelite woman during the reign of Solomon. I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy Biblical fiction that does not fictionalize people from the Bible, relatable characters, and exotic settings. And the musicians, Talia, Shoshana's sisters and father, and even the villains were engaging regardless of how likable they were. Keren and Kaila, the twins who worked in the kitchens, were such fun, with their easygoing, chattery ways.

And that scene when she says she is tired of being the 'useful' one, when the author showed how draining it was to be valued by how useful she was to other people instead of being truly loved, really spoke to me. I was excited for her as she met new friends and enemies, explored life without the family she'd come to rely on, and found a place for herself with people who cared for her.

Our protagonist is used to settling for something she doesn't really want, but the day she is forced to flee for her life is the day that she discovers the choices open to her, and how much agency she has. Shoshana's Refuge takes readers to Israel during the times of the high priests and brings them on a journey alongside a girl without a home as she searches for belonging and purpose among strangers.

Shoshana's Refuge by Donna Flower Lawrence