In the Field of Grace

by Tessa Afshar

Paperback, 2014

Status

Available

Call number

F AFS

Collection

Call number

F AFS

Publication

Moody Publishers (2014), Edition: New, 304 pages

Description

Fiction. Historical Fiction. HTML: Two women. All alone. With no provision...Can they find hope in a foreign land? Ruth leaves her home with a barren womb and an empty future after losing her husband. She forsakes her abusive parents and follows the woman she has grown to love as a true parent, her late husband's mother, Naomi. Ruth arrives in Israel with nothing to recommend her but Naomi's love. She is destitute, grief-stricken, and unwanted by the people of God. But God has great plans for her. While everyone considers Ruth an unworthy outsider, she is shocked to find the owner of the field�one of the wealthiest and most honored men of Judah�is showing her favor. Long since a widower and determined to stay that way, Boaz finds himself irresistibly drawn to the foreign woman with the dark, haunted eyes. He tells himself he is only being kind to his cousin Naomi's chosen daughter when he goes out of his way to protect her from harm, but his heart knows better. Obstacles. Heartache. Withered dreams. How can God forge love, passion, and new hope between two such different people?.… (more)

Media reviews

Let's Talk About It
I have always enjoyed the story of Ruth, when she tells Naomi, "In treat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou longest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest will I die, and there
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will I be buried; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." How many daughter-in-laws would do that for their mother-in-law. This is my first book by Tessa Afshar. I was not disappointed. I like her writing style, smooth, easy flowing. Her characters were memorable. Pick up a copy and walk in Ruth's shoes and learn what she learned. If God be for you, who can be against you? Good Reading!!! I received a complimentary copy from MPnewsroom for this review
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User reviews

LibraryThing member darquette
An incredibly well written story that further brings to life the Bible's tale of Ruth and Boaz. Afshar has worked hard to keep the story in line with biblical truth whilst also adding to the characters in such a way that readers are compelled to find out more with them, see how God is going to move
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in their lives and discover how two characters so different can be drawn together by an Almighty God.

A beautifully entertaining and enchanting read. A delightful Christian romance based on biblical truths.
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LibraryThing member KimberlyDuBoise
This book was very gripping to me emotionally and kept me involved in the characters throughout the story..I wish it were longer! What iI loved is the growth of the characters,the bonds so well defined and real.. Everything in this book flowed and kept my heart and mind focused and enraptured. The
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biblical quotes were perfect and the ending... Great. So moving and stirring! This is a beautiful book that portrays the life of Ruth and others in such a way that is seamless, poetic at times and with a depth of insight that is pure art. This book is a love story and source of inspiration and wisdom all rolled in to one and you must read it!
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LibraryThing member imakittycat
Without wealth or family, the widow Ruth left her people and followed Naomi, her beloved Heberew mother-in-law, to rebuild Naomi's home in Israel. Provisions gone and starvation at the door, Ruth used all that she had left - a strong back and a willing heart - to gather grain in a field, abandoned
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after the harvest.
Tormented by others, Ruth is shocked to find the owner of the field watching her. Talking to her. Bringing food to her and Naomi. Boaz tells himself his kindness toward Ruth is repayment for the love she has shown to his cousin Naomi. but his heart knows better.
*This was probably my favorite Tessa Afshar book by far. I loved the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Can't wait for her next book.*
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LibraryThing member wareagle78
A lovely novelization of the story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz.
LibraryThing member Jean_Kellman
I have always enjoyed the story of Ruth, when she tells Naomi, "In treat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou longest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God; where thou diest will I die, and there
Show More
will I be buried; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." How many daughter-in-laws would do that for their mother-in-law. This is my first book by Tessa Afshar. I was not disappointed. I like her writing style, smooth, easy flowing. Her characters were memorable.
Pick up a copy and walk in Ruth's shoes and learn what she learned. If God be for you, who can be against you? Good Reading!!!
I received a complimentary copy from MPnewsroom for this review
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LibraryThing member BeautyintheBinding
Disregarded by her birth family, Ruth's desire to belong is satisfied in her marriage to Mahlon, a kind man whose mother, Naomi, treats Ruth as her own daughter. When Mahlon and his brother die, Ruth and Naomi journey to Bethlehem, Naomi's former homeland. Desperate for food and income, Ruth
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gleans, picking up the pieces left behind by the field reapers employed by Boaz. As the camaraderie between Ruth and Boaz transforms into romantic inklings, both are convinced that they can never be together. Will love find a way? Read more in Tessa Afshar's In the Field of Grace.

In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar is a Biblical retelling of the Book of Ruth. The author used plenty of literary license to add story details and character motives, but also inserted quotes from the Book of Ruth. Throughout the story, various characters are taught spiritual lessons which became the themes of the book. At times, I felt like characters learned certain lessons too easily. Without enough internal struggle or tension, the development seemed a bit inauthentic. Still, themes such as surrendering what one wants most into God's care and accepting God's will with joy even when circumstances are hard are primary messages in the book that will resonate with Christian readers. I enjoyed the storyline and interspersed humor. In the Field of Grace is a keeper that I'm likely to re-read.

Those who liked Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar will enjoy In the Field of Grace as there are substantial similarities in characters and plot. I recommend In the Field of Grace to Christian readers looking for a historical romance combined with prevalent spiritual themes.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
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LibraryThing member kykim
I so enjoyed reading In the Field of Grace by Tessa Afshar. Based on the biblical account of Ruth. The author has based the story on the Bible account of the book of Ruth and adds what she thinks might have happened to really bring one of my favorite bible stories to life.

It starts out with
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telling us what might have been Boaz' history before Ruth. About Ruth's family and how they treated her. How Naomi and Ruth met, their trip to Bethlehem. The things that they may have had happen to them on this trip.
Goes on to tell us how Ruth and Boaz met and brings to life the night on the threshing floor.

I was so drawn into this book that I didn't want to lay it down at all. As I read I felt that I was there with them thousands of years ago when all of this did take place.

One of my favorite quotes from the book Boaz said to Ruth - "What’s a little dung compared to the riches of a good harvest? If you want blessing, you must accept the manure that accompanies it."

I highly recommend this book to anyone that would like to read a good story based on biblical history.

I received an advanced copy of this from the publisher in exchange for my review rather it be good or bad.
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Language

Physical description

304 p.; 8.5 inches

Pages

304

ISBN

0802410979 / 9780802410979

Barcode

59732
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