The Queen's Handmaid: Book Review

I've found a new genre of fiction which I now love! This is the second novel from Tracy L. Higley I've reviewed...and loved! I love history and historical fiction, but I've stayed away from anything that wasn't American History. I pretty much stayed with novels set in the 1800's. I'm so glad I gave something different a try. 

It may be because my oldest daughter and I are studying this period of history extensively, but I found it much more interesting than I would have a few years ago. Set in the time of Cleopatra (About 40 years before Christ's birth) and follows the journey of her oldest son's nurse, Lydia, as she travels from Egypt to Israel in search of her own heritage. 

This beautiful tale weaves history throughout the pages in a way that doesn't feel as if you are reading a history book. I've become a huge fan of living books, books which tell history in a story-like way. This is an excellent example of how one can enjoy learning history. I knew Cleopatra existed, but had no idea what time frame or what she was really like as a ruler. This was not an area I remember studying in grade-school. I actually did a little historical research of my own as I began reading because I wanted to make sure I knew when it was taking place. 

I really enjoyed Lydia's spiritual journey as well. She struggles with knowing what or who to follow religiously because of the Egyptian, Greek, and Jewish cultures she has learned. She knows she must choose, but it is a long process, not a quick decision. 

I also was surprised at many turns this novel took. It helped to be rather unfamiliar with the history surrounding the story, but I love a novel that keeps me guessing. So much already published is predictable and I'm more excited to read author's who don't take the predictable route. 

Even if you don't normally read historical fiction or this particular time of historical fiction I urge you to give this book a try. I think you'll find yourself as drawn to it as I was!

Disclosure:  I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook.com® <http://BookLook.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.