Miriam's Song

Author: Jill Eileen Smith
Genre: Biblical Fiction
Release Date: March 2, 2021

​She has prayed for deliverance from Egypt.

But perhaps the greatest liberation happens within the heart.

From the very beginning, Miriam has lived in her younger brother's shadow. Thrust into the role of protective older sister before Moses was even born, she will grow up into a woman who not only keeps her family's secret but bears the burden of leading a new nation.

In her mind, she knows that she is serving both her God and her people. But in her heart, Miriam yearns for more. She longs to experience the privileges Moses has--to talk with God face-to-face. But when God finally does speak directly to her, the outcome is not at all what she expects.

With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic novel to fill in the gaps in Miriam's story, following her from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfillment as she learns that what God promises He provides--in His own perfect timing.

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Reviewer: Lynn Rountree

JILL EILEEN SMITH IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE AUTHORS!!!!!!!!

She has such a beautiful imagination and does her study work to open up the past. 

Miriam's song takes you deeper into the story of Moses. If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction, you'll enjoy this. 

Sit back and let Jill open up scripture in a deep new light. 

Book received for an honest review by Revell through Interviews & Reviews. 

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Reviewer: Lori Parrish

This quote is a favorite because it is Moses telling Joshua, "You understand much already, Joshua. It is hard to wait on the Lord, for He sees far beyond what we can see. Excellent advice, my friends! God's timing is not ours. His ways can be hard to understand." Yes, God's ways are hard to understand, but the way Smith writes this story makes it a lot easier.

Miriam's point of view from the story of Moses was wonderful! It's like Moses's story has taken on a whole new and fresh look at this beloved story of our Biblical hero. Moses was wise beyond his years, and I liked how he really listened to God in his later years. Sometimes we just have to grow up and grow with God in those years.

I enjoyed Miriam's story because it offers hope through the book and wisdom too. My favorite thing about this book was learning about Miriam's life, and I was tickled pink to know that she had a family of her own. I loved her integrity, and I think that we can all relate to Miriam at one time or another. Most especially in her feelings. I loved that she was flawed. 

There were lessons as well, which I liked the most. Lessons on the patience of God's love and how far and how much He can take of our sins. God is merciful and mighty. His Love is greater. God knows when we are ready to listen. He has plans for us that we could never begin to imagine.

Smith did an excellent job with Miriam. I finished the book in one day. I love Smith's books, and this one is my favorite. This book has earned a place on my list for my favorite 2021 reading list. Five stars for this favorite story!  I highly recommend it!

My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. Received courtesy of Revell through  Interviews & Reviews.

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Reviewer: Marie Edwards

As much as I was new to Historical Fiction as of last year, I am also new to Biblical Fiction. In fact, this is only the second book I've read in the genre.  This is my first introduction to Smith's writing, and this book was a perfect introduction to it. This is a standalone book, so readers won't have to read any books before it or after it to know the complete story. I recommend reading the Exodus chapter in the bible to get a sense of the story's entirety.

For those who are unsure of who Miriam is, she is Moses' older sister in Exodus. She was five when she placed her baby brother in the Nile River, later found by Pharaoh's daughter and raised as her child. Beyond minor mentions, not much is known about her. She lived, she died.

Anyone familiar with the Bible knows that Exodus is the story of Moses' birth, his upbringing as an Egyptian, his return as a Hebrew, the plagues of Egypt, and the journey from slavery out of Egypt.

Given the disparities between Biblical history and Egyptian history, it is hard to know with any accuracy which Pharaoh was ruling during the time of Exodus (Approximately 1500 B.C). Egyptian, Hebrew, and Biblical records were not in sync at the time. So, the author does her best (with some errors) to try to bring the two together for this story and to put it in perspective.

Miriam's Song is the Exodus story from Moses' sister's point of view (POV). Smith's novel covers Miriam from about age five until her death at around 126/127, about the end of their time wandering in the desert.

It is the story in between, written with such authenticity, that is captivating, uplifting, tragic, and draws the reader in. At times, it can feel as if the reader is right there. The use of authentic terms (Ima – mother; Abba – father) gives it a realistic feel and becomes a visual telling of the story. And, it starts right off with a gorgeous and prophetic looking cover. I loved Smith's use of short chapters to advance the story. In addition, Smith also doesn't rush the story but doesn't linger on any event and/or year too long.  

Since most of the story takes place during the Hebrew's time in Egypt as slaves, there are references to slavery, cruelty and abuse, discrimination, infanticide, and potential rape. There are mentions of arranged marriages and, by today's definition, child marriage.

Since Miriam's Song is based on a bible story, spoilers are inevitable as anyone reading the bible or having read it will know what happened. Told over five parts and 54 chapters with prologue and epilogue, Smith weaves the story's threads to bring it to life.  

Without going into detail, Smith highlights the effect the plagues had on the Hebrews. She doesn't spend too much time on the Egyptians' suffering. Smith also details the harshness and complaining of the Hebrews during their delivery to freedom. She also shows the family dynamics of belief between Miriam, Aaron, and Moses – even more so when Moses remarries yet another woman, not of their tribe.

This is not a happily ever after read, but an inspiring and uplifting read about hope, faith, and perseverance under the harshest of terms that life back then had to offer. This is a testament to the will and faith of the Hebrew people.

As I said, this is a genre I am very new to. To be captivated by such a compelling story, so much so I did not want to put it down, attests to the writer's storytelling ability.

Fans of the author and genre are sure to enjoy this particular story.

Thank you to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing an advanced review copy through Interviews & Reviews. A positive review was not required, and all words are my own.

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