Rating: 
Summary: Francine Rivers does not disappoint
Review: In Francine Rivers' novella, Unveiled, the plight of Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, is explored. Francine paints a vivid picture of the lives of women in the B.C. Biblical era. Tamar is a woman who has been used and abused by all the men in her life, but she continues to submit to their authority. Once again, Francine has written a book that causes the reader to continue to turn the pages, eager to know what happens next. There is a lot of speculation, but none that goes outside the Biblical realm of possibility. She has made her characters come alive, and helps the reader to understand the frame of mind with which Tamar was operating. This book will not be a disappointment. In addition, there is a study guide included at the end of the book, for readers that want to get more out of this story directly from the Bible. There are Scripture passages to read and questions to provoke thought, as well as room to journal thoughts in the study. This would be an excellent source for a discussion group.
Rating: 
Summary: A Heartrending story with a beautiful finish
Review: It is sad to see how supposed men of God treated their women at times. This young woman, Tamar, went to this family with some hope, even though she knew that folks were talking about that man that was to be her husband and folks knew that he was cruel and very unfeeling. Despite all, she put on a brave front and was loyal to a family that really didn't deserve it. Even after seeing two sons die, they didn't comprehend that perhaps the sons themselves were at fault and not the other way around. It had to be an act of pure trickery for Tamar to get the honor and respect she was so deserving of. And the fact that they were going to kill her without knowing the facts, well, that is too much for me. Judah knew that he didn't marry a good woman, and that her countenance was passed to their children. which is why one must choose well in marrying someone. It can cause a heaven or hell in your own home. Yet, he overlooked the evil done to Tamar and didn't speak up in her defense. It took almost certain death to this woman for him to speak up on her behalf. What a story. We may feel that in this society we live in, we are free from such things. Instead, sexism rears its ugly head in other things such as pay,child care,domestic violence, and other issues and makes us ask Are we truly free as women in this world we live in today? Tamar's story should be an example of God's grace towards us even in difficult times.
Rating:
Summary: Fast reading..you'll be sorry when the book is over!
Review: It takes me ages to get through 1 book. Okay, these books are smaller than most but I couldn't put this down! I got through it in 2 or 3 days (I don't have much time to read either). I'm on the second book in the series now. I was disappointed when the book was finished because I was so into it that I didn't want it to ever end! It really made me realize a lot that I never would have even reading the story straight from the Bible. I learned a lot more about their customs too, which makes things make a lot more sense. Very good book!!!
Rating: 
Summary: A pretty good *novel* with a bias Christian viewpoint.
Review: It's a good *novel*. Emphasis being on novel. She takes artistic license to write about the life and customs of Tamar and Canaanites and of course, gives it a very bias Christian view. Being that it's a book written by a Christian for Christians that's to be expected. It did hold my interest and I just had to keep reminding myself that this person probably hasn't a clue when it comes to ancient customs and to keep in mind she's taken a story from the Bible and given it her own spin. I can only give this book 3 stars because her obvious ignorance on the ancient customs will mislead people as to what the Canaanites were really like. Other than that it was an interesting piece of fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Thank you for another great read!
Review: Outstanding portrait of one of the great women of the Bible. I was so encouraged by her hope and the way that God blessed her and rewarded her for her patience and obedience to His will, even though she came from a family who lived in denial of Him. This book comes to me at a time in my life when I am constantly being reminded of Gods timing in my life, and not my own. Incidently, the only reason I'm giving this book 4 stars is because it was too short! :) I can't wait for the next!
Rating:
Summary: Compelling
Review: Seeing how distraught Tamar was in the beginning - when she wanted to fight the fact that she had no option of whether to marry Judah's oldest son, Er, or not - grabbed my attention - hook, line, and sinker. She didn't want to marry Er. She had heard of how cruel he was, and she feared him... yet, she was obedient. And even beyond that, she hid her fear, and she was the best wife, even to a cruel and cold man, as she could be. It was compelling reading seeing how Tamar didn't get her way but she obeyed her family, became a part of Judah's family even though no one except Judah came remotely close to welcoming her to the family. It helped to put MY struggles into perspective - I mean, I kept thinking, in amazement, "and I thought that I had it rough???" Tamar's loyalty to the family of Judah is impressive, but her search for, and then her loyalty to, God, despite her upbringing and despite those around her who worshiped idols, is truly inspiring.
Rating:
Summary: Hope in the Face of Despair
Review: Tamar didn't feel ready to be married at 14. And she certainly didn't want to marry Judah's eldest son, Er. But being a woman, her opinion was never even asked. She is disappointed to find that the stories about his cruelty are true. Furthermore, her mother-in-law is horrid as well. Still, Tamar does her best to fit in with her new family and do her one duty, produce a son. But when tragedy strikes the family, she faces more hardship. Will the God of Judah be with her?This book had an almost insurmountable task ahead of it. I've never particularly liked the story of Tamar in Genesis. Still, I tried to read this with an open mind. I found I enjoyed most of it, especially the connections it made that I had never made with the story of Joseph. It made me view the story in a completely different light by viewing the context. It also goes a long way in explaining the customs of the times which help put the story in perspective as well. Still, I did feel the fictitious part of the ending was a tad unrealistic and rushed. This well researched novella sheds a different light on one of the woman God honored by including by name in the genealogy of Jesus. The included study guide helps us take lessons from this story into our everyday lives. While not my favorite story to begin with, this book helped me see past that to the importance of it in the greatest story ever told.
Rating:
Summary: Hope in the Face of Despair
Review: Tamar didn't feel ready to be married at 14. And she certainly didn't want to marry Judah's eldest son, Er. But being a woman, her opinion was never even asked. She is disappointed to find that the stories about his cruelty are true. Furthermore, her mother-in-law is horrid as well. Still, Tamar does her best to fit in with her new family and do her one duty, produce a son. But when tragedy strikes the family, she faces more hardship. Will the God of Judah be with her? This book had an almost insurmountable task ahead of it. I've never particularly liked the story of Tamar in Genesis. Still, I tried to read this with an open mind. I found I enjoyed most of it, especially the connections it made that I had never made with the story of Joseph. It made me view the story in a completely different light by viewing the context. It also goes a long way in explaining the customs of the times which help put the story in perspective as well. Still, I did feel the fictitious part of the ending was a tad unrealistic and rushed. This well researched novella sheds a different light on one of the woman God honored by including by name in the genealogy of Jesus. The included study guide helps us take lessons from this story into our everyday lives. While not my favorite story to begin with, this book helped me see past that to the importance of it in the greatest story ever told.
Rating:
Summary: Tamar: The Amazing Woman
Review: The first book of the series and already I am in awe of how much strength this woman had. She had to go through several trials and came out a winner.
Rating:
Summary: Tamar is a woman I won't soon forget.
Review: This book is a departure from Francine River's usual style, but it is a living story of a woman who was a product of her time. I have never completely understood the biblical story of Tamar (what was it with the staff and disguise?), but now I understand what women had to deal with and how God showed his mercy through Judah and Tamar. Must reading! I highly recommend!
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