Book Review - The Heart of a King by Jill Eileen Smith

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King Solomon was known for his wealth and wisdom. He could get anything he wanted, including many wives and concubines. King Solomon had four women he loved: Naamah was his first wife, Abishag was his father's caretaker, Siti was a daughter of a pharaoh and Nicaula was the queen of Sheba. Even with all his wisdom, was Solomon or his wives ever truly happy?

I was torn between liking this novel and hating it. I felt like the novel went into details for some trivial things and then other things were just glossed over. The novel seemed like it was all over the place and that I didn't get to know anything. I think this mostly applied to Solomon's wives. We get to know a bit of them before they get married and then a bit more after their marriage. Then they mostly fade into the background of the story. He also sings the same line of poetry to each of his wives, it makes me wonder if he was actually in love with any of them. The author does portray different sides of Solomon and his life but, it wasn't enough to keep me interested.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - A Land of Permanent Goodbyes by Atia Abawi

The heartbreaking novel is narrated by "Destiny" who tells the story of a family who lives in the war torn Syria. Tareq is surrounded by his big close knitted family. He is surrounded by people who love and care about him. Unfortunately, that all changes when a bomb hits his neighborhood causing his family to suffer a few casualties. Tareq and his family that survived must leave Syria, if they hope to remain alive. Their journey to "freedom", is one filled with violence and heartbreak, but also of love and hope. Will Tareq be able to escape with his family? 

The tear provoking novel is so beautifully written that it allowed readers to be transported to the hellish experience Tareq and his fellow refugees endured. It is hard to read this novel and not be sympathetic to the plight refugees face, but also hopeful when they manage to make it. For young readers, this book offers the perfect gateway for having conversations about volunteering, being sympathetic to your fellow humans and also not to lose hope when you feel like all the cards are stacked against you. An emotionally charged novel with an interesting concept with part of the narration being told by "Destiny". I look forward to reading other books by the author!

About the author: An award-winning author and journalist--and a refugee herself--Atia Abawi captures the hope that spurs people forward against all odds and the love that makes that hope grow.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**