Book review: Sarai (Wives of the Patriarchs #1)

Sarai, the last child of her aged father, is beautiful, spoiled, and used to getting her own way. Even as a young girl, she is aware of the way men look at her, including her half brother Abram. When Abram finally requests Sarai's hand, she asks one thing--that he promise never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even her father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if Sarai makes a promise in return--to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees. 
But as the years stretch on and Sarai's womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain--lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his. To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son? And how long will Abram's patience last? 
Jill Eileen Smith thrilled readers with The Wives of King David series. Now she brings to life the strong and celebrated wives of the patriarchs, beginning with the beautiful and inscrutable Sarai.


Review:
I've seen a couple reviews that complain about the plot, but as a maybe not-so-devoted wife to a very-devoted husband, I related to this book So. Much.
Now, I hadn't actually read the bible passages pertaining to this story since I was maybe 8 years old. But I remembered enough of the story and had helpful bible passages at the beginning of each chapter to guide me.
If you don't relate to the story itself as much as I did, you can still enjoy this book for its characters. Hagar is willful and interesting. The portrayal of emotions and interest in the writing are enough to make me really want to read the rest of the series. 
Because of the accuracy to scripture and justice done to the Heart of the Message, I very much recommend this book to those who want to get more into the bible, but get caught up in the thous and thees and what ifs. Smith does a great job in both entertaining those who know the Book well and those who have honestly never read the Bible and know all that they know from Veggie Tales.
5/5