Ruth and Naomi

by Toni Sorenson

It is a time of famine and despair in the land: crops are failing, idol-worship is widely practiced, and those who follow the God of Israel are cruelly oppressed. Israel's defeat at the hands of Moab has left a nation in despair, and among the struggling are Naomi and her blacksmith husband, Elimelech. Following a series of unspeakable tribulations, Elimelech is a harder man and despite his family's misgivings, he makes a decision that changes their lives forever.The King of Moab is in need of the kind of weaponry that Elimelech can produce, and Naomi feels she must support her husband in his desire to heed the call to serve. So, along with their two young sons, the family leaves their home in Bethlehem to begin a new life. As the family gains favor in the sight of the king, Naomi's sons endear themselves to two of the king's daughters, Orpah and Ruth, and marry into the royal family. But when tragedy claims the lives of their husbands, events are set in motion for Naomi and Ruth that will alter the course of history.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Lds, Lds Fiction, Religion

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Kayla E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most recent audiobook was Ruth and Naomi: Whitersoever Thou Goest written by Toni Sorenson and read by Luone Ingram. This was one of my first experiences with Biblical fiction, and I have to say I absolutely loved it!

The story follows Naomi, devoted wife of Elimelech and mother to twins Malan and Killian. Living in Israel under the Moabites is a hard life for Naomi's family - there is little food and much oppression. When Moabite soldiers kidnap a young girl, Elimelech decides to rescue her from the king's clutches sparing her from being sacrificed to a false idol. However, his heroic decision leads to the king demanding Elimelech to serve him in Moab. Naomi and her sons follow Elimelech to Moab, leaving behind their home in Bethlehem. But Naomi vows not to leave her God behind. As Malan and Killian grow up, they find favor with the king and each marry one of the king's daughters, Ruth and Orpah. But a series of tragedies leave Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth all widowed. Through great devotion, Ruth becomes the daughter Naomi never had and both women find happiness through God's blessings.

This is a beautiful story of faith, family, and redemption. Sorenson provides excellent crafting of characters from scripture and creates a a vivid world of Christian history. Ingram makes the story come alive with her expressiveness and different character voices. Just shy of 10 hours, you are guaranteed to be entertained while you listen for God's word through Sorenson's writing. Personally, I hope I serve my own mother as justly as Ruth served Naomi - their relationship was beautifully told. Please excuse me while I go call my mom...Overall, I give this book 5/5 stars, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction or simply good books.

[Amandalynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though there was some artistic licensing in building the back story I loved the idea of getting to know Naomi better. It was eye opening to see into what is so magnificent about Ruth’s loyalty...suddenly you see and understand that Ruth is from a different world and pledges loyalty to Naomi. I know it wasn’t identical to the Bible story but to understand the significance into Ruth doing what Naomi asked her to do with Boaz. She was not from Bethlehem, this was a pretty big act of faith in a religion that was not something Ruth grew up with. The gravity of what she did is more apparent to me now than it was before.

[MykeWeber · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading this book, but when the facts were so wrong and it became apparent that the author was so clueless, I just couldn’t bring myself to read on.

Ruth and Naomi lived around 1200 years BC and Ruth was King David’s Great-grandmother. The Pharisees and the 613 commandments didn’t come into existence until nearly a thousand years later! If you are going to attempt historical fiction, you might start by learning some history. How this glaring error made it past an editor is beyond my comprehension.

Ruth and Naomi’s story deserves much better than this.

[Mekayla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was really looking forward to reading about Ruth and Naomi and how their lives were interpreted. But I was disappointed. There was so little real story and plot and so much explanation and jumping around. It didn't hold my interest, it didn't stir any feeling in my heart. I kept hoping to have more of the story be about how Ruth and Boaz met and came to be, but there was only a scant 30 pages on them. It was long, and far from entertaining.

[Maria E Fawcett · Rating 5 out of 5]

She has done it again!

She has so lovingly told the story of this two wonderful women from the Old Testament. I love how she images their friendship. I look forward to reading more of her stories. If she finds so much time to write I can make time to read what she has written. This story was definitely a journey faith, love and friendship. Just loved it so much. I wish that my friend Margaret was still here so we could discuss this book.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Toni's book Master and so I was so excited for this book and a take on the lives of Ruth and Naomi. However I found myself very disappointed. The beginning was fine but about 2/3 of the way through I found myself really struggling to finish the book. Partly the audio book narrator was grating on my nerves and partly I was tired of the book. I did eventually finish and appreciated having a broader view of the time and story but it took too long to get through it.

[Edy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had grown up known the story of Ruth and Naomi. What I particularly liked about this historical fiction book was that it places these two women in a historical context. Knowing more about the historical context of their lives helps me understand them better. Sorenson's characters are dynamic and believable. She weaves history into her story. Great book.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say almost 4 but not quite. This was a good change of pace from what I have been listening to. I loved how the author created the story with what we know. It was worth a read but, of course, if you already know the story there won’t be any surprises 😉

[James Biser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good retelling of the stories of Naomi and Ruth. It is interesting as the author includes comments on the political and social situations that exist while Israel is conquered by a gentile nation.

[Christine Maynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was super interesting. I knew a little about the stories of Ruth and Naomi before reading this book. But now I really admire these women and their love for each other, their resilience in tough times and their faith in God.

[AnneMarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

[Angieluila Bradley · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a nice story. It doesn't seem to have stuck to the bible very well. It was good enough that I finished it.

[Lawana Sisam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the story but I didn't care for the reader. I must have gotten used to the reader because at the end it didn't bother me as much! I knew the story and this book didn't disappoint!

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story! So glad I decided to read this one!

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Although i know many of the details are made up it still helped me make some more sence of the old testament.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and well thought out rendition of a familiar story.

[Linda K · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful interpretation of one of my favorite bible stories!

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the insite this book gave me into what life might have been like for Ruth and Naomi. It made me grateful for my life!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE books like this that breathe extra life into the stories from the scriptures!

Added details and emotions and relationships just bring so much more understanding to my mind.

I have been taught about Ruth and Naomi from the time I was a little girl, but the focus has always been on Ruth and her decision to convert and stay with her mother-in-law.

I have never really thought about Naomi...until now...

WOW! I have such a GREAT LOVE for Naomi!

Naomi lived in a time of famine and false idol-worshiping...

Read as Toni Sorenson weaves in extra details about Naomi's husband, Elimelech, and his decision to follow his heart to move his family in hopes of giving them a better life.

Watch as Naomi has to leave everything behind...her family, her friends, her home, her way of life.

Learn that the one thing Naomi holds strong to is her faith.

Hope with Naomi as she watches her family being fully immersed in the ways of the Moabites, even going so far as her sons choosing Orpah and Ruth as wives.

Mourn with Naomi as she looses her husband AND her sons...

Know that the Lord is mindful of Ruth and Naomi and will provide a way for them to be taken care of...just as he is mindful of us today.

The story of Naomi and Ruth will endear your heart to them and bring you comfort as you travel this path we call life.

A BOOK WORTH READING!
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!

[Chanae · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay book. It mostly focused on Naomi, and her life. Ruth made an appearance a few times, and then married her son, but I didn't see a really strong relationship/bond form. It was the tradition of the time for the daughter-in-law to take care of their mother-in-law, but still... to leave her home and family and go with Naomi to a new land where the people were very likely to hate her just seemed unrealistic... It obviously really happened, but I've always had in my mind that Ruth and Naomi must have had an amazing relationship and bond to fully commit to her like that.
I wasn't all that interested in the story until Ruth and Naomi finally return to Jerusalem. And that was only the last 60 pages (a 5th of the book).

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although the end of the book was good, I didn't enjoy the first 3/4 of the book to give it a higher rating.

I'm really struggling to feel anything for anyone in this book. I don't feel connected to anyone. At all. Zilch. That's a problem...

Dear King of Moab,
You are gross. I really think I'd be okay with not knowing what you eat, and what is stuck in your teeth, and how large you are, and how badly you smell... Especially when it comes to any sort of bodily function.
That's all.

Everyone is so grumpy! And mean, and harsh, and cruel, and sad, and selfish... The list could go on and on...
I hope this isn't how I feel throughout the entire book :/

[Camille · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was interested in reading this story to see the author's interpretation of what we know about Ruth and Naomi from the Old Testament. I was quite disappointed, as I felt no real connection to the characters or the writing in the book. I'm not sure why I even finished it, except that I kept hoping it would improve. It seemed like a story that could have had real potential, and although the end was better than the beginning, I didn't care for how Toni Sorenson fleshed things out and most of the book dragged for me.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel, but not nearly as much as some of her other books. I have always liked the story of Ruth and Naomi. Poor Ruth really was like Job in this story. She lost everything and everybody--almost. I did give me perspective as to what her life may have been like.
language: clean, heat level: mild

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need to read Ruth again to see how close she followed the scriptures. Did give me things to think about.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learned some things I didn't know

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not big on fictionalized stories from the Bible but this one was fun to read.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Clara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet book that highlighted sacrifice and how loss can bring people together. The close relationship between Ruth and Naomi is a testament to the deep bonds of family.
It was beautiful.