Rahab’s Courage by author Naomi Craig is a captivating retelling of Rahab’s story from the book of Joshua in the Bible. I am very skeptical when it comes to Biblical Fiction because some stray too far from the truth. When that starts to happen, I am finished reading. This one was wonderful and did not disappoint.

Author Craig has penned Rahab’s story in such an inviting way that I was immediately invested. It did not matter that I knew the story well. I could not put this well written novel down. With vivid descriptions, biblical accuracy, and well researched details, I was transported back in time. I was able to get a new perspective on this story.

This is the story of Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho. It is a story of faith, love, hurt, and redemption. One thing that stuck out to me was the age that the author assigned to Rahab. In my mind it was far from what I imagined so I had to read the Biblical account again. Her age is not specified.

The author’s writing style is pleasing. The story flowed along at an even pace. She is definitely gifted. The characters were relatable and much as I expected the actual ones were like. Rahab was tough and yet vulnerable at the same time. My heart hurt for the things that she had gone through. This novel helped me see her in a different light.

The tension and attraction between Rahab and Israelite spy, Salmah, made this romance sizzle. The faith element was inspiring. Old Testament people had a true, strong faith. It made me question the strength of mine. I loved that this book moved me in that way. Nathan was the other spy. His character was written with kindness and caring.

I highly recommend this breathtakingly beautiful view of Rahab and her journey to God. The Epilogue was especially touching so I enjoyed this novel from beginning to end. It would have been nice to have discussion questions for a reading group. Lovers of Biblical fiction will thoroughly enjoy reading Rahab’s Courage. I do agree with the author that this should be for older readers:

“Please use caution with younger readers or if this is something that would act as a trigger for you. If this book were a movie, it would have a rating of PG-13. Naomi Craig, Author”

My rating is 5 out of 5 stars for this stunning retelling. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words. Grab a copy for yourself. You will be entertained, inspired, and edified.

About the Book

Book: Rahab’s Courage

Author: Naomi Craig

Genre: Biblical Fiction

Release date: August 17, 2021

A scarlet cord tethers one ruined woman to the salvation of mankind.

Harboring two fugitives in a city slated for destruction, Rahab has one small chance of escape. In exchange for their safety, she bargains for her own. Their agreement rewards her courage, and she flees Jericho and a life of prostitution for a new life among the people of Israel. Never again will she have to depend on anyone—especially men.

Except Salmah won’t take the hint.

High ranking soldier and leader of the tribe of Judah, Salmah is determined not to repeat his parents’ mistakes. He will keep the Lord’s commandments. Rahab’s growing faith fits right in with phase one of his plans: find a wife who loves the Lord and settle down in the new land.

Rahab finds shelter and meaning in the Lord’s ways until her past comes back to haunt her. As her new faith is put to test, she finds herself alone. Isn’t that what she’d always wanted?

With her courage waning, only the Lord can turn Rahab’s life around again, but will He do it before she loses everyone and everything that really matters to her—to her heart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Naomi writes Historical Fiction set in Bible times.
She lives in a small town in the south-eastern mountains of Arizona
She is an avid reader, Pastor’s wife, and homeschool mom.

More from Naomi

Matthew 1:4b-6a (NKJV)

Nahshon begot Salmon. Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king.

On the brink of war and conquering the Promised Land, The Israelites stand fierce and determined, ready to see God’s victory. This time they will not waiver. This time, obedience will be their theme. But it wasn’t always that the Israelites stood with resolve as strong as Jericho’s impenetrable walls.

Rewind forty years. The Israelites have just been delivered from slavery in Egypt. 12 spies were sent into the land and brought back a good report. There were bountiful crops peace and giants.

Nahshon, as the leader of Judah (Numbers 2:3), should have been influential in his tribe’s decision to trust the Lord—especially since Caleb one of the two who trusted, was from Judah. Yet nobody believed. They all grumbled. So instead of what should have been a quick journey, it took forty years.

And the entire generation couldn’t enjoy the benefits of trusting God and His promise.

Enter Salmah.

He sees the penalty of his father’s disobedience. It shapes his life he adheres to the ways of the Lord. Plague after disobedience hardens his resolve. He will obey the laws of the Lord so it will go well with him in the new land.

So what is a man with this moral stature doing with a Canaanite? A harlot? Every sordid detail that makes up Rahab goes against his moral fiber.

But faith.

Faith that was spoken about all the way into the New Testament. Rahab steps out in sacrificial faith to a God she doesn’t yet know, for strangers who have no reason to trust her.

As such, the Lord honored her faith. As He does when you and I step out on that limb because we’ve felt that stirring in our soul.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.

Not only did the Lord spread His mantle of protection over Rahab, He also saw fit to include her in the lineage of His Son, Jesus.

Rahab’s Courage is a love story. A story of stepping out in faith. Of changing expectations of yourself and others. Of how the Lord can redeem and use any who are willing to put off the old and become that new creation.

***The scripture is clear that Rahab is a harlot. Due to the nature of this life, this story addresses prostitution, rape, and post traumatic stress. Please use caution with younger readers and if these subjects would act as a trigger for you. If Rahab’s Couragewas a movie, it would have a rating of PG-13