The Wives of King David

I recently finished Jill Eileen Smith's three book series, The Wives of King David, and could not put the books down.  These books are Biblical fiction that focus on three of King David's wives and each story is told from their perspective.  Jill Eileen Smith pulled me in with her vivid characters that follow Scripture closely and kept me hooked with the unfolding of the storyline from a different viewpoint. 

Michal, the first book, is about David's first wife and her struggles as she loves her father's worst enemy.  As the daughter of King Saul, she is left behind at the palace when David has to run for his life.  The book follows the path of her love, loss, and reunion with King David.  This book made me contemplate how hard it must have been to be the first wife of David and then to have to share him with other women. 

Abigail, the second book, is told from the perspective of Abigail, wife to Nabal, who saves her family from her husband's foolish pride.  By acting in faith, she catches the notice of David.  Abigail becomes another of David's wives after the death of Nabal and moves with David on his run from King Saul.  Abigail decides to follow God's will no matter the cost to her or her family.

Bathsheba, the third and final book, is the book that I was most interested in reading to see how Smith would portray the adulterous beginning of King David and Bathsheba's relationship.  I thought this book was very skillfully written as Bathsheba and David share the guilt for their mistake that cost the life of Uriah and their first born son.  The storyline interweaves the devastation that sin causes with the forgiveness and grace of God. 

All in all, The Wives of King David is a great series that I look forward to reading again and again!