Rescued Heart

Author: Angela Hunt
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Series: The Matriarchs #1
Pages: 368
Release Date: October 7, 2025
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

In Ur of the Chaldeans, Ishcah faces the daunting prospect of marrying Abram, a man she has never met and who renames her Sarai on their wedding day. Their union, arranged since childhood, tests her as she grapples with uncertainty about her future and Abram's character, including his devotion to an unseen God--entirely unlike the idols she has worshiped all her life.

When Abram reveals that Adonai has directed him to leave the family, Sarai chooses to trust him and follow his God, even though she is not sure Adonai can make them a great nation. As the years pass without conceiving a child, Sarai wrestles with doubt and faith within her marriage. Her skepticism that their descendants will "outnumber the stars" grows with time. It will take nothing short of a miracle to prove Adonai's faithfulness to His promise.

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Reviewer: Raechel Helwig

Rescued Heart tells the story of Sarah, Abraham’s wife and the mother of a multitude. 

I enjoy how Biblical Fiction offers a deeper look into familiar accounts and causes the reader to ponder and consider the characters in new lights. 

Sarah’s life journey is one riddled with challenges, despair, and hope. Sometimes her bitterness overwhelmed her, coming from the deep hurt of not being able to bear children. Her sorrows came across the page with strength, and I felt for her in many ways.

Sometimes I did not love her character, but I appreciated the perspective change.

Rescued Heart was a bit more slow paced, and I occasionally had a difficult time really getting into the story.

But I am glad for the opportunity to read it, and I am curious to see which book comes next in this new series.

This book was provided courtesy of Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and all thoughts expressed are entirely my own.

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Reviewer: Laura J. Davis

Rescued Heart by Angela Hunt is an immersive Biblical fiction look into the life of Sarai/Sarah, Abraham’s wife. What made her tick, and what made Abraham give in to her whims? The author’s well thought out possibilities make this a great read. 

While the author stayed true to the Bible, she also added some extra non-biblical stories that, while it might disappoint some, I found added to the story. In the end, I wept for all that Sarah and Abraham and even Hagar went through. Making this an emotional read.

I enjoyed the first book in The Matriarchs series, and I look forward to reading the next one. I highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers via NetGalley for my honest review.

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Reviewer: Conny Withay

“As the years pass without conceiving a child, Sarai wrestles with doubt and faith within her marriage. Her skepticism that their descendants will ‘outnumber the stars’ grows with time,” the back jacket states in Angela Hunt’s novel, Rescued Heart: The Story of Sarah.

The first in The Matriarchs series, this 368-page paperback targets those interested in a fictional Biblical account of Sarah and Abraham. Using the Holy Scriptures, Tree of Life Version, the rendition contains topics of slavery, infertility, and death, so it may not be appropriate for immature readers. With a map included at the beginning of the book, the ending has an author’s note, ten discussion questions, a snippet of the next book in the series, the author’s biography, references, and advertisements.

In this advanced reader copy, written in first person by Sarah and Abraham, both marry at older ages without first getting to know each other. Throughout the decades, Sarah yearns for a child while Abraham yearns for Adonai, no matter who or what gets in the way. The two must learn to surrender to God as they travel the lands in search of where they are supposed to settle. Time after time, Sarah is challenged to trust not only in her husband but also in the Almighty.

Well-researched, retold Biblical stories can add clarity and understanding when rereading Scriptures, as the words come to life in a new way. As a huge fan of Hunt, I appreciate the immense detail in this Old Testament story and how Sarah had to rely on God as she dealt with infertility, insecurity, and disappointment, which sometimes occurred due to her husband’s insistence. I liked how Sarah was portrayed as a woman who loved her husband yet was frustrated with some of his decisions.

Those who do not have any interest in restated Old Testament stories may not enjoy this read. Others may not prefer the addition of literary license that includes Abraham knowing Noah, Nimrod sending Abraham into a fire, Sarah growing younger, and a stranger who appeared to Abraham and Sarah. However, the author states in her notes that some of these added stories are from The Book of Jasher, which is not in the Bible and is not inspired by God. I have heard Isaac may have been in his thirties when he was to be sacrificed, which could have been a type of Jesus.

I appreciated Hunt’s deep and obvious research, but I was disheartened that the iconic story was enhanced using The Book of Jasher for many of the added tales, as they may be true to someone who does not know the Word of God. Capitalizing every pronoun of God would be appreciated.

If you are seeking a fictional Biblical story of Sarah and Abraham, this one is interesting as it focuses on surrendering to God, but be aware that it contains several added tales not conveyed in Scripture.

Thanks to Bethany House and Interviews & Reviews for this complimentary book. I am under no obligation to give a positive review.

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

I really enjoyed this story of Abraham and Sarah very much! I simply couldn’t put this wonderful story down!

I very much loved getting to know these characters so much better.

I had forgotten that there was a king named Nimrod. He reminds me a lot of Herod in his selfishness.

Faith played a very strong part in Sarah’s courage too. I admired her as well.

I did admire Abraham for his strong faith in Adonai and his going willingly wherever Adonai led him. He’s a very brave man.

I didn’t like his father. I couldn’t believe that he’d be a wolf in sheep’s clothes so to speak, but I guess some parents are like that.

Some wonderful scenes that have made me feel like I was right there with my favorite couple.

I found myself rooting for them as they were tested time and again for following God’s ways, NOT Nimrod’s or his earthly father’s ways. I really admired that.

I appreciated and loved the many faith-filled messages. A reminder that God is always there and He will always keep His promises. In His time, NOT ours.

I enjoyed every minute of this beautiful story of love, faith and hope. I didn’t want it to end. I look forward to her next read!

5 stars from me for a job well done.

I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Bethany House Publishers through Interviews & Reviews via NetGalley for my honest opinion.

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