About the Book

Book: She’erah’s Legacy

Author: Naomi Craig

Genre: Historical fiction, Biblical fiction

Release Date: August 15, 2023

As tragedy ravages the camp, can She’erah step up and complete the outpost?

She’erahs is a woman trying to leave her mark in a man’s world. Her vision and ability surpasses her father’s, yet she remains second-in-command as they are tasked to build Pharaoh’s outposts in Canaan. She knows she is worthy of the task, but her clan is skeptical.

The last place She’erah expects support is from her charioteer, but Lateef is the lone voice of encouragement. His integrity and steadfastness is a plumb-line in She’erah’s life and she can no longer deny her growing feelings for him.

Acts of sabotage threaten the construction and the shaky foundation of She’erah’s pride. It’s up to She’erah to break generations of rivalry, distrust, and jealousy—if she can learn to rely on the strengths and abilities of those around her to help.

Will she learn to trust God and others before her life’s legacy comes crumbling down around her?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Author of Biblical fiction, avid reader, pastor’s wife, Naomi loves reading the Bible and imagining how things were at the time. When she’s not serving in various areas at church,  trying to stay on top of mountains of dishes or convincing her rescue dog, Freeway, to be cute on command for Instagram reels, you’ll most likely find her enjoying a good book and a cup of coffee. Naomi co-hosts #BehindTheStory with Naomi and Lisa, an author interview show on YouTube and your podcast platform of choice.

 

 

 

More from Naomi

 

A woman architect in ancient times?

She’erah’s family is mentioned in five verses in 1 Chronicles 7:20- 24. In this brief detour from the list of genealogy, we learn some interesting facts.

She’erah is the granddaughter of Joseph (yes that Joseph with the coat of many colors, vizier to Pharaoh)

Two of her brothers get themselves killed for cattle rustling.

Her father, Ephraim, goes into deep mourning  for his sons.

There is a late-in-life baby (as a result of dad’s mourning)

and She’erah built Lower and Upper Beth Horon and Uzzen She’erah.

Then we are right back to the begats.

Wait, hold on. That’s all we get? What is the story behind her building these towns (two of which are still standing today)? What was the reaction of those around her?

Something I find helpful to remember is that when you know about someone’s family, you in a way know the person. With her grandfather being Joseph, suddenly we have opened a whole new world of what we know. She’erah and the clan would have had access to all of Egypt’s knowledge and resources. Where she still might have gotten backlash from her more Hebrew clan, Egyptian women had more independence, managing their husband’s estates, or even their own.

We also know the generational legacy that was passed down of the younger sibling being favored above the older. Ephraim over Manasseh, Joseph over his ten elder brothers, Jacob over Esau, Rachel over Leah, Isaac over Ishmael. I’m sure sibling rivalry could have been present.

So now we can see She’erah’s picture a little more clearly. A brilliantly minded woman determined to prove herself and her abilities. Raised in Egyptian courts, yet also Hebrew. A strange mix of cultures and dynamics that shape She’erah and nurture her gifts.

She’erah’s legacy is not only the towns she builds for  generations to come, but also how she starts the work of unearthing the deep-seated rivalry that is entrenched in her family.

I pray you’ll enjoy She’erah’s adventures, as she learns to trust the Lord and those around her.

Best Regards

Naomi

MY REVIEW

There is only one verse in the Bible about She’erah so I was very intrigued by this book. We do know that she built towns but how? The author takes  us back in time and answers the what ifs as we journey with this woman who was the granddaughter of Joseph. Her lineage is impressive and I decided that I had to read how the author interprets this woman and her contributions.

With the threat of war and land  being taken She’erah offers suggestions that are quickly shut down by her father. It was such a harsh tone it felt like he had slapped her in the face. It is evident that our leading  lady is not respected but she has such a desire to help. I did appreciate her father standing up for her when one of the laborers protest her orders. It is going to be a long journey for She’erah I believe.  

There are some sad moments in the story as two of She’erah’s brothers go against their father. The consequences are devastating and will affect many throughout the land. I felt so sorry for her mother as she grieves a great loss. The author does a good job of seeing what it may have been like during this time period. She’erah is a strong woman which some don’t approve of. 

I liked learning about the family and how sins from the past can affect those now. It is a generational curse that She’erah is under and she needs to be able to break that in order for her to achieve her goals. I understand very well about generational curses. If we don’t stand strong and ask God to help us those curses can follow for generations. I admire She’erah for taking that stand while encouraging her father not to blame himself for the evils that have come upon them.

Examples of jealousy run rampant throughout the story as family members start to bicker with each other. Who is really in charge?  That question is what brings this story to an interesting look at the dynamics of a family. Pride, greed, unforgiveness and power are planted in the family as She’erah tries to make others see the truth. 

I did enjoy the relationship between She’erah and Lateef. He is a hard worker and very humble. I think sometimes She’erah was a bit pushy towards him. He wants to honor her but she does make it difficult at times. It is easy to say that She’erah is a strong woman who has no problem sharing her thoughts. Will Lateef return the same feelings  for She’erah ? 

The most critical relationship to me was between She’erah and her brother. Both are stubborn and want to be in charge. I’m sure it grieved their parents to witness their continuous disagreements. If only they can find a way to work together, then things  would go smoother.  She’erah will come to a point where she starts to feel like a failure. A very wise man will guide her to where she will seek the Lord. I loved this part of the story because it reminds us to keep out eyes on God and remove any jealousy and pride from our lives. 

I really learned a lot  in this story where sometimes we take our focus off of God and try to do things on our own. It is not easy to admit our sins, but when we do freedom comes. Don’t miss this emotional story that shares unconditional love and forgiveness that will go for generations to come.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 28

Texas Book-aholic, September 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

The Book Club Network, October 1

Connie’s History Classroom, October 2

Artistic Nobody, October 3 (Author Interview)

The Book Nook, October 3

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, October 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 5

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 6 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 8 (Author Interview)

Christina’s Corner, October 8

By The Book, October 9 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Naomi is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/282a4/she-erah-s-legacy-celebration-tour-giveaway