Book Review: Michal's Window by Rachelle Ayala
Title: Michal’s Window
Author: Rachelle Ayala
Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance
Form: Kindle Edition
Publisher: Amiga Books
Amazon: Paperback
Author: Rachelle Ayala
Genre: Fiction, Historical Romance
Form: Kindle Edition
Publisher: Amiga Books
Amazon: Kindle edition
Book Description ~ Michal's Window
In ancient Israel, where women are property, Princess Michal loves her father's worst enemy, the future King David. She sacrifices everything to save his life, but will her heart survive war and separation?
Michal's story comes to life in this powerful and emotional journey through love and heartache to self-realization. Her intense love for King David coupled with tragic circumstances causes her to do the unthinkable. Too strong for her time, Michal's story resonates with women today.
Michal’s Window Book Review
“A very long, interesting, colorful, and worthy read. This book is far from the ordinary – it’s an imaginative journey with Michal and David. This book made me smile, blush, cry, and many more. This will be a great TV series.” – Ara of My Book and My Coffee
I received this book, Michal’s Window, for free from the author herself, Rachelle Ayala.
Michal’s Window is not an ordinary historical romance novel. The book’s characters (most of them) were taken from or based on the Bible. This work, although fiction, has resembled a lot of events from the Bible. At one point, I had to stop reading the book to consult with a priest, who also happens to be a friend of mine. I’m ashamed to admit that even though I worked as a Parish Secretary for five years (that was a long time ago though), I’m still not familiar with all of the stories from the Bible. Anyway, after learning – and separating - the truth (Bible’s story) from Rachelle’s work, I smiled. The author definitely created a story that is full of colors, controversies, secrets, and most importantly, a story that will pique a reader’s curiosity. Oh, and as a woman, it will certainly make you thankful that you were born in this time and not around 1000 B.C in Israel.
The cast of characters: As I’ve mentioned above, most of the characters were based or taken from the Bible. I should tell you now that you’ll love and hate the characters here; sometimes, at the same time. Confusing? You’ll know what I mean when you read the book. Also, I should let you know now that there are a lot of characters in this book, and they fit just right.
The main character is Michal, daughter of Saul. For me, she was born in the wrong era. She’s almost fearless and liberated in her own way. She thinks she knows what she wants but gets confused along the way. But you can’t blame her. In the end, you’ll love her more as she stayed and pursued what is right. Although she has sinned a lot of times, she asked for forgiveness, and did what is lawfully right in the end. And it is what she really wanted in the first place.
David, the son of Jesse, is Michal’s love interest. From the Bible, this is the same David who fought Goliath and won. It is the same David who became the most glorious King. Anyway, in this book, when they first met, David was just a servant, a harpist that sang and played the most heavenly songs. I hated the character of David the longest, especially when he became the King. But you can’t blame him either. He just acted based on what he knows. Although, you know, for me, I think he should know better. But then again, being a king and a human, I believe his judgments were sometimes clouded by his power.
While discovering Michal and David’s love story, I can’t help but think of Ross and Rachel from F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Of course, Michal and David’s story are far more different than theirs but the fact that their relationship runs hot and cold, I can’t help but think of the two (Ross and Rachel).
I'm just happy that women in this day and age can do so much; I mean, more than just being a wife who obeyed whatever her husband tells her. The freedom to love and have a say in all of it. And not be just someone’s property, that’s a real plus. :D
My favorite character is Ittai. Apparently, this character is also mentioned in the Bible and I have yet to discover his true character. But from this book, I loved his character the most. He was not perfect, but he was patient, almost surreal, but utterly lovable. I loved that he has a real care for Michal, and that over the years, he didn’t seem to hate Michal and the things that has happened between them. I feel that Michal also loved him truthfully but under the circumstances, well, let’s just say that first love never dies? :D
My favorite quote that came from Ittai’s character:
“It’s why God chooses not to tell us the future. He gifts us only with the present, so we can love to the fullest, without fear or reservation.” – I agree.
I also like Jada. She has a very open mind.
And yes, someday, this could be a great TV series (should be less ‘steamy’ scenes though). I say TV series as I think that this will be too long for a movie. But come to think of it, they can probably show this in parts, like the Twilight saga. Michal’s Window saga. :D I’m rooting for that one.
My dear friends, readers, viewers and followers, if you like a historical romance read, and a long journey that includes events and happenings that will surely make you eager to turn the next page to see what will happen, then this book is for you.
I also want to let you know that there are ‘steamy’ scenes in here, and lots of them. So, if you are not comfortable with it, knowing that most of these characters resemble the ones from the Bible, this may not be the book for you. But keep in mind as well that this is fiction.
I also want to let you know that there are ‘steamy’ scenes in here, and lots of them. So, if you are not comfortable with it, knowing that most of these characters resemble the ones from the Bible, this may not be the book for you. But keep in mind as well that this is fiction.
About the Author:
Rachelle Ayala was a software engineer until she discovered storytelling works better in fiction than real code. She has over thirty years of writing experience and has always lived in a multi-cultural environment. The tapestry of characters in her books reflect that diversity.
Rachelle is currently working on a romantic suspense involving software engineers. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.
Visit her at: http://www.rachelleayala.com or follow @AyalaRachelle on Twitter.
Michal's Window by Rachelle Ayala is available in Paperback and Kindle edition.
Michal's Window by Rachelle Ayala is available in Paperback and Kindle edition.
4 Dazzling Comments
You've got me thinking about this one, Ara. It looks very good and I do love Biblical historical fiction from time to time.
ReplyDeleteHello there! ;) Yes, I really liked it. Check it out when you have the time. It is really good. ;)
DeleteI won this book on Melissa Foster's Blog tur but haven't got to reading it... Your review makes me want to get to right now!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog! Following you back through GFC & Twitter!
DDS @ b00kr3vi3ws
Hi DDS :D Wow, that's sooo cool! You'll enjoy it for sure.
DeleteYou are very welcome. Thanks for visiting my blog as well :D