Bathsheba is a woman who longs for love. With her devout husband away fighting the king's wars for many months at a time, discontent and loneliness dog her steps--and make it frighteningly easy to succumb to King David's charm and attention. Though she immediately regrets her involvement with the powerful king, the pieces are set in motion that will destroy everything she holds dear. Can she find forgiveness at the feet of the Almighty? Or has her sin separated her from God--and David--forever?With a historian's sharp eye for detail and a novelist's creative spirit, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the passionate and emotional story of David's most famous--and infamous--wife. Smith uses her gentle hand to draw out the humanity in her characters, allowing readers to see themselves in the three-dimensional lives and minds of people who are often viewed in starkly moralistic terms. You will never read the story of David and Bathsheba in the same way again.Editorial ReviewsFrom Booklist*Starred Review* When King David' suffers a devastating loss, it seems that nothing can break through his cloak of grief--until he sees the legendary beauty, Bathsheba. Their affair, as well as David's ruthless disposal of Uriah the Hittite, Bathsheba's husband and one of David's loyal officers, are among the Bible's biggest scandals. Smith puts a refreshingly different spin on this familiar tale of adultery, delving into the motivations and feelings behind Bathsheba's and David's actions within the context of the customs and religious expectations of the times. There's plenty of suspense, court intrigue, and excitement in Smith's rendering, especially when David's other sons, worried that his child by Bathsheba, Solomon, will be king, lead a revolt against their father. Smith has a strong voice, and her seamless blending of David's words from the Psalms with her narrative adds to the novel's authenticity. Bathsheba will appeal to a wide variety of readers, including fans of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent (1997). The third novel in Smith's splendid Wives of King David series (Michal, 2009; Abigail, 2010), this works as a standalone, but libraries will want all three books. -Shelley MoseleyFrom the Back CoverCan love triumph over treachery?Bathsheba is a woman who longs for love. With her husband away fighting the king's wars, she battles encroaching loneliness--which makes it all too easy to succumb to the advances of King David. Will one night of unbridled passion destroy everything she holds dear? Can she find forgiveness at the feet of the Almighty? Or has her sin separated her from God forever?With a historian's sharp eye for detail and a novelist's creative spirit, Jill Eileen Smith brings to life the passionate and emotional story of David's most famous--and infamous--wife. You will never read the story of David and Bathsheba the same way again."Thoroughly engrossing. Jill Eileen Smith receives my highest recommendation as an author of biblical fiction."--Kim Vogel Sawyer, award-winning author of My Heart Remembers"Bathsheba is Jill Eileen Smith's finest work to date. It vividly portrays the devastation caused by selfish passion and betrayal, and the incredible blessing of repentance and restoration through God's grace."--Jill Stengl, award-winning author of Wisconsin Brides"This well-researched and beautifully crafted story will resonate in your heart and mind long after you've read the final page. An excellent read with a message that transcends time."--Judith Miller, author of the Daughters of Amana seriesJill Eileen Smith's research into the lives of David's wives has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill is the author of the bestselling Michal and Abigail and lives with her family in southeast Michigan.