There are some books that, when you read the last page, you think, “Oh, that was good. Now, what do I want to read next?” And then there are other books that you just sit back and savor the final words of, and drink in the beauty of the story for a while before you can even think about moving onto another.
That is how Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar was for me.
Can a Canaanite harlot who made her living enticing men be a fitting wife for a leader of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes.
This 10th anniversary edition of Pearl in the Sand includes new features that will invite you into the untold story of Rahab’s journey from lowly outcast to redeemed child of God. Rahab’s home is built into a wall, a wall that fortifies and protects the City of Jericho. However, other walls surround her too, walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness… Years of pain and betrayal have wounded Rahab’s heart—she doubts whether her dreams of experiencing true love will ever come true…
A woman with a wrecked past—a man of success, of faith… of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth and find healing in God.
I read the second half of this book in one sitting, and by the time I reached the ending–which I could hardly believe I had managed to do in just a handful of hours–I felt as full in my heart as my stomach would be after Thanksgiving dinner. I just had to sit back and savor this book and let it sink into my soul. If you ever doubt the power of a story, particularly a fictional one, think of my words about this book. It is a perfect example of how a story can reveal truth to us in ways that barebone facts cannot! In this novel, Tessa brings to life the Biblical figures of Rahab and Salmone in a way that is not only relevant to our lives today, but inspires the soul to find a deeper understanding of the love and mercy of God.
Fiction often inspires deep thoughts from me, but it’s usually not until I have finished the book. The book was different, though, as from the first chapter I began to reflect on the messages it was speaking to me. The themes of God seeing us and meeting us in our brokenness, Him showing love and mercy to even those we would deem most unworthy, and Him calling us His priceless treasures are beautifully represented. I will be feeling the effects of this in my spirit for a long time–perhaps forever, as this book is not one you can soon forget.
One thing I love about Tessa’s writing is that it has a very real, down-to-earth quality to it that makes it so easy to relate to. Her books are simple to read and yet breathtakingly profound, and this book is possibly the best example of that. Pretty much anyone could read this book and walk away not only entertained, but with a clear understanding of the deeper themes. **Though please note, there is some sensitive (but very tastefully handled) content in this book due to the nature of Rahab’s profession, which could make it unsuitable for younger readers.**
The love story between Rahab and Salmone is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and genuine I have read. Most romance novels end with “I do” or some other form of “happily ever after” moment before the characters have experienced hardship in their marriage. But this story goes beyond that, showing the deep struggles between this unlikely couple and how God can heal even the most fractured people and relationships.
THIS is what a true love story looks like! Yes, that initial romantic tension between a couple is wonderful and fills us with happy-sighs. But that is only the beginning of love. True love is formed over time, through deep, dark valleys and struggles. True love must fight to be birthed through the rigors of real life. And that is what Tessa has illustrated through these characters. There is nothing more romantic than a man fighting to love his wife as God loves us–without condition, without reserve, without condemnation. And there’s nothing more beautiful than seeing how God knits together the hearts and lives of a married couple.
That is what this book is, at its core–a true love story, not only between a man and woman, but between God and us. Through these characters we glimpse this true love that has been lavished upon us by our Creator. He loves enough to find us, to break down our walls, to pick us up out of the rubble and sand, brush us off, straighten us out, and call us His treasure. His beloved.
If you have ever doubted God’s love for you and your inherent worth as His creation, or experienced deep hurts or broken relationships, you need this book in your life! Pearl in the Sand is worthy of 5 Stars and beyond! It’s no wonder that the original edition was such a bestseller when it was released ten years ago, and that it has remained popular enough to warrant this gorgeous 10th Anniversary edition!
**Thank you to the author and Moody Publishers for the opportunity to read this book for review! I was not required to give a positive review, and all thoughts and opinions are completely my own.**
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author Bio – Tessa Afshar is an award-winning author of biblical and historical fiction. Her books have won the Christy and INSPY Awards and been voted by the Library Journal as one of top five Christian fiction titles of the year. Her first Bible study and companion video teaching, The Way Home, based on the book of Ruth, was released from Moody Publishers in June 2020. Born in the Middle East, Tessa moved to England in her teens where she attended boarding school for girls before moving to the United States permanently. Her conversion to Christianity in her twenties changed the course of her life forever. Tessa holds a Master of Divinity from Yale University, where she served as co-chair of the Evangelical Fellowship for one year. She worked in women and prayer ministries for twenty years before becoming a full-time writer and speaker.
To learn more about Tessa’s books, check out my blog post that featured her as one of my Author of the Month picks! You can also visit Tessa at her website and find her on Facebook and Instagram!
