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Lineage of Grace #1
Unveiled: Tamar
Book 1 in the 5-book biblical historical fiction series by the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind.
Betrayed by the men who controlled her future, she fought for her right to believe in a loving God.
Meet Tamar , one of the five women in the lineage of Christ. She risked her life and her reputation to be the woman she was called to be. Her story serves as an example of how God uses our circumstances and our steps toward Him, however faltering, to fulfill His plan.
Unveiled is book one in the popular Lineage of Grace series about five unlikely women who changed eternity.
“Francine Rivers utilizes her expertise as master storyteller to unveil Tamar’s saga, a tale of deception, betrayal, and ultimately hope.”
― Romantic Times
This novella includes an in-depth Bible study perfect for personal reflection or group discussion.
Betrayed by the men who controlled her future, she fought for her right to believe in a loving God.
Meet Tamar , one of the five women in the lineage of Christ. She risked her life and her reputation to be the woman she was called to be. Her story serves as an example of how God uses our circumstances and our steps toward Him, however faltering, to fulfill His plan.
Unveiled is book one in the popular Lineage of Grace series about five unlikely women who changed eternity.
“Francine Rivers utilizes her expertise as master storyteller to unveil Tamar’s saga, a tale of deception, betrayal, and ultimately hope.”
― Romantic Times
This novella includes an in-depth Bible study perfect for personal reflection or group discussion.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published April 6, 2000
459 people are currently reading
11750 people want to read
About the author
Francine Rivers
60 books21.6k followersNew York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers continues to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her numerous bestsellers include Redeeming Love, A Voice in the Wind, and Bridge to Haven, and her work has been translated into more than thirty different languages. She is a member of Romance Writers of America's coveted Hall of Fame as well as a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).
www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers
www.francinerivers.com
www.facebook.com/FrancineRivers
Twitter: @FrancineRivers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 851 reviews
July 7, 2012
I picked up this novella by chance from the free table at my local library, and I am so glad I did. I've never really read a novelization of biblical stories before, but I'm going to have to get the rest in this series.
Unveiled is a beautiful and uplifting story about the Canaanite woman Tamar, who was married to the great-grandsons of Abraham and the daughter-in-law of Judah. Although Christianity is often disparaged for the poor treatment and bland roles of women, this novelization points out the intense courage and faith of a woman who took YHWH as her own god. Risking a slow, painful death by stoning or burning as well as eternal shame and humiliation, she made sure she had a son to carry on the name of Judah and to care for her.
To read these stories and see past the role of the men to what the women are doing in the background, you really see how the God of all uses both sexes. Women, as the ones who bear children and (traditionally) manage the household, are actually in a place of great responsibility and honor. Tamar, Ruth, Esther, Mary, and all the other women of the Bible took risks as great as the ones Joseph, David, and all our other Biblical heroes did.
As a Christian women, it's comforting and uplifting to hear the unsung stories of my foremothers in the faith. The risks they took and the humility they showed in the face of danger, death, and dishonor helps me to remember my faith in trials. Faith is the single hardest commodity to hold on to, but each woman's story shows it. It's a vital and uplifting lesson.
Tamar's story was short, but I loved it and greatly commend Francine Rivers for taking on the task of writing it. Now, I'm off to find the other four in her series!
Unveiled is a beautiful and uplifting story about the Canaanite woman Tamar, who was married to the great-grandsons of Abraham and the daughter-in-law of Judah. Although Christianity is often disparaged for the poor treatment and bland roles of women, this novelization points out the intense courage and faith of a woman who took YHWH as her own god. Risking a slow, painful death by stoning or burning as well as eternal shame and humiliation, she made sure she had a son to carry on the name of Judah and to care for her.
To read these stories and see past the role of the men to what the women are doing in the background, you really see how the God of all uses both sexes. Women, as the ones who bear children and (traditionally) manage the household, are actually in a place of great responsibility and honor. Tamar, Ruth, Esther, Mary, and all the other women of the Bible took risks as great as the ones Joseph, David, and all our other Biblical heroes did.
As a Christian women, it's comforting and uplifting to hear the unsung stories of my foremothers in the faith. The risks they took and the humility they showed in the face of danger, death, and dishonor helps me to remember my faith in trials. Faith is the single hardest commodity to hold on to, but each woman's story shows it. It's a vital and uplifting lesson.
Tamar's story was short, but I loved it and greatly commend Francine Rivers for taking on the task of writing it. Now, I'm off to find the other four in her series!
October 4, 2009
In the Bible there are many accounts of lives that are summarized in only a few short verses. It's easy to read them and keep going without giving them much thought. I am not saying that we need to read more into them then is there, but there are times we don't really meditate on the passage to the fullest. Francine Rivers takes a passage like that and turns it into a novel that explores what MIGHT have been. Remember, this is fiction based on a few facts...so while the skeleton may be truth, the body of the book is made up based what knowledge there is about that time period. I think this is a great read, and I highly recommend it, but what I don't want it for anyone to approach it as truth through and through. For me, reading this helped me see beyond the cold facts to the emotion...to the reality of life in those days. I am amazed at the grace and mercy that God showed towards Tamar. I am horrified at what life was like for women in those days. I am awed by the power of God. This story takes a woman we quickly read past and brings her to life. She was not perfect by any means, but God chose to use her for His glory.
May 3, 2022
This book was great...a quick read as well. It is a fictional story based on scripture regarding Joseph's brother Judah. I enjoy Francine Rivers writing because she does studies at the end of her books and states this is her perception based on scripture.
There is a series of these books of women in the Bible. I can't wait to read the next one!
I am reading this series for the second time...and thoroughly enjoyed again. A true book of hope.
There is a series of these books of women in the Bible. I can't wait to read the next one!
I am reading this series for the second time...and thoroughly enjoyed again. A true book of hope.
November 26, 2019
Kaut es esmu izlasījusi Bībeli no A līdz Z, un pārlasu tās fragmentus regulāri, laikam esmu ļoti tālu no tās dziļas pārzināšanas. Ja man liktu nosaukt sieviešui vārdus Bībelē, Tamāras vārds laikam man nenāktu prātā - un, godīgi sakot, pirms šīs grāmtas es arī neko nevarētu atbildēt, ja man prasītu, kas viņa ir. Viņas otro vīru, Onanu, gan zinu kā tēlu, bet diemžēl ne to labāko iemeslu pēc. Tāpēc vien ir lanbi, ka kādam citam citi stāsti ir likušies gana nozīmīgi, lai tos ne tikai pastāstītu citiem, bet piešķirtu tiem elpu un dzīvi. Tā kā šajā Riversas sērijā izrādās ir veselas 5 grāmatas, notiekti noklausīšos tās visas.
January 10, 2024
The story was very intriguing.
This book is part of a series: five women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.
This book is part of a series: five women who are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary.
Audiobook source: Audible
Narrator: Barbara Rosenblat
Length: 4H 19M
July 17, 2013
I had never studied Tamar. I could not put this down.
February 28, 2012
I picked this book up and when I had a few hours to wait this afternoon, and was delighted with this little novella. It made for an easy read -- I finished it in one sitting -- and yet it had a lot of heart behind it, too.
I have always been intrigued about Tamar's story in the bible. I often wonder what she must've been thinking as she was given first to Er, then to Onan, and then promised to the youngest son...but the promise was never fulfilled. Francine Rivers view of how this young woman might have been like, how she felt, and why she reacted the way she did was very well done. Tamar was a very extraordinary woman, and I just loved how she kept seeking God, even when Judah kept putting her off.
I have always been intrigued about Tamar's story in the bible. I often wonder what she must've been thinking as she was given first to Er, then to Onan, and then promised to the youngest son...but the promise was never fulfilled. Francine Rivers view of how this young woman might have been like, how she felt, and why she reacted the way she did was very well done. Tamar was a very extraordinary woman, and I just loved how she kept seeking God, even when Judah kept putting her off.
March 27, 2014
It is a good thing that i wear waterproof eye makeup! I listened to the last section of this book on my to to work. Although this book is mostly fiction in the dialog and some of the storyline, the core of it is 100% scripture.
This is a great story of a strong, courageous, and righteous young Canaanite woman who found a great faith in the Unseen God of Abraham. Isaac, and Jacob. it is also a remarkable and wonderful story of the redemption of a man named Judah .
I love the way Francine uses scripture for dialog as well. it shows how scripture permeates our life, to give us hope, strength and courage.
Now.....time for the next book of the women in the linage of Christ....Rahab.
This is a great story of a strong, courageous, and righteous young Canaanite woman who found a great faith in the Unseen God of Abraham. Isaac, and Jacob. it is also a remarkable and wonderful story of the redemption of a man named Judah .
I love the way Francine uses scripture for dialog as well. it shows how scripture permeates our life, to give us hope, strength and courage.
Now.....time for the next book of the women in the linage of Christ....Rahab.
March 23, 2019
“Tamar. Her name meant “date palm”. It was a name given to one who would become beautiful and graceful.”
A lovely biblical retelling of Tamar. Not an easy story to tell but I love how Francine Rivers leads your imagination beyond what is provided in the Bible.
I listened to the accompanied audiobook performed by Barbara Rosenblat. I give 5 stars for a an excellent dramatic performance.
This is my first book by this author but will not be my last.
Recommended for those who like to read biblical fiction.
A lovely biblical retelling of Tamar. Not an easy story to tell but I love how Francine Rivers leads your imagination beyond what is provided in the Bible.
I listened to the accompanied audiobook performed by Barbara Rosenblat. I give 5 stars for a an excellent dramatic performance.
This is my first book by this author but will not be my last.
Recommended for those who like to read biblical fiction.
June 20, 2021
I enjoy the way Francine Rivers tells and expands upon Bible stories. Some of the details were speculation, but she didn't change the part of the narrative we do know from the Bible.
It's hard to give this particular title more than 3 stars because the story is just....icky. Tamar found a way to hold Judah accountable to what he owed her. I just can't even imagine being in that position. 😱🤢
Rivers did a good job telling the story accurately, but she was tasteful in the way she shared some of the more unsavory details.
It's hard to give this particular title more than 3 stars because the story is just....icky. Tamar found a way to hold Judah accountable to what he owed her. I just can't even imagine being in that position. 😱🤢
Rivers did a good job telling the story accurately, but she was tasteful in the way she shared some of the more unsavory details.
October 4, 2024
Just finished this and I would say.. This is a very much an interesting and more indulging retelling of the story of Tamar in the bible, when I first read the verses it almost seems like the plot changes every sentence so i loved how the author makes there vague simple sentences and transforms it into a story with more action and dialogue but is still reminiscent of the original text verses.
January 21, 2020
5 stars. This was a fantastic retelling of Tamar's story in the book of Genesis. Review to come.
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March 15, 2026Biblical fiction of Tamar’s story(Genesis 37:1- 38:6).
Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, is treated with injustice after injustice at the hands of men who should’ve protected her. To vindicate her name and claim her right, she must use other means to secure herself. To her are born children whose descendants would include Jesus Christ.
Tamar is a foreigner. She did something very bold and sneaky to her Father in law. Her story is one that made me curious about why people call her a brave woman.
I never could understand why people praised her without acknowledging that she was deceitful in how she achieved her ends.
This is a very, very messy story. Every inch of it. Unlike most biblical fiction, (that I’ve read) it has very few moments where we stop to dwell on God’s kindness and glory. There’s more injustice, more death, and more regret as the story progresses.
A recurrence throughout Tamar’s story is a feeling of God’s silence regarding the matters of their hearts. God’s apparent silence can be a word to us, though. Tamar and Judah’s grief, longing, and hopelessness are the loudest sound in the story. It’s another part of being Christian. The part when we are alone in our heads, feeling separate because of sin and hardship.
We get to be in on both Tamar and Judah’s POVs. A choice I didn’t understand at first, but fully supported by the end. This story only works when we acknowledge how inseparable their lives are regarding the lessons and developments in both their walks with the Lord.
Tamar was easily my favourite character.
That’s a Note From the Author that I had to share. I’d been considerate with others concerning the cultural history, but not so with Tamar. I let my ignorance of Levirate marriage rule my poor opinion of her. It’s a bit embarrassing. This note helped un-bias me. A story like this one finally forced me to go research what life was like for widows back then and why a law like this had any goodness and value. I’m grateful for it.
It also helped that Francine Rivers’s Tamar is an amazing girl.
My assumptions turned her into an angry, wronged woman. She had every reason to be a whiny, annoying heroine. Instead, Rivers’s made her the type of girl you’d wish justice for.
We all know Tamar’s marriage to Er was destined to be awful. If you are familiar with the bible story, you know what kind of person Er was.
Yet, the first set of tears Tamar cries, in the story, are the last set. She is dead set on making the best out of her situation by being one who desires to honour her new family. She’s strong, smart enough to know when to shut her mouth, never tries to provoke others when bad situations arise, and she knows how to absorb hits. She has an excellent measure of judgement for her situation, and she remains respectful no matter what is thrown at her.
Like I said, Er is a terrible husband. Rivers’s choice depiction of him was perfect. He is a character who made me shiver instantly.
The bible doesn’t even say what Er did. Just that he was wicked enough that God dealt with him. Rivers blended a perfect combination of traits to make him the most detestable person ever. I promise.
Then there is Judah.
We meet Judah in the middle of a life heavy laden with the guilt and shame of his decision.
Rivers actually primes the story by beginning with Genesis 37:1, when Joseph has his dream and hasn’t even been sold yet.
-Genesis 37:26-27 NKJV
Judah is the one who suggests they sell Joseph. As a young Christian, I once thought that was a lifesaving act. Without looking at the people of the bible as people, I’d forgotten that selling one’s own brother is still treacherous and evil. Rivers drives that point home well in Unveiled.
I didn’t think one could come up with a character based on so little, but the details of his circumstances are well displayed throughout the story to come up with a believable and personal-feeling Judah.
He isn’t some beast, but he’s also not a man whose remorse moves him to great change. Judah actively lives in sin and tragedy by his passive behaviour.
When we look at the quality of his life since then, we can see just how far he has veered from God. He married a foreign wife, his sons are evil, and if we follow the story well, we see other extremes. He isn’t living in obedience at all.
The atmosphere of his household is familiar for any of us who have grown up in less than pleasant environments. The tiptoeing around an emotional minefield, the yelling, the fights… Francine Rivers really captured that tension. And she places Judah in the middle of it. When you meet his character, you’ll understand it immediately.
I’m amazed at how well the dual POV worked in this case. It was necessary to deliver the message and tell this story without any gaps. If it were just Tamar, I feel like I would’ve missed the whole point.
When you reach the end, it all comes together as to why the story had to be told in this way.
Tamar and Judah’s story draws attention to the full circle of what transformative moments can look like in our lives.
Because Judah is the same man who went from selling a brother to being the one who intercedes on his behalf in Genesis 44:18-34.
Genesis 44:33 NKJV
Judah first had to become a man who would exchange his life for a brother. To become that man, he needed everything before it. Especially this realisation that he was an unjust man where Tamar was concerned.
After reading this story, I understood that with greater depth.
Francine Rivers takes the culture, the circumstances, the past of the characters, and biblical truth to bring us into a fictional Tamar’s world where, for the first time, I could empathise and actually see how much injustice she suffered, how at risk she was, and how God protected her.
I walked away with more knowledge for sure, but not everything was answered.
Don’t you love it when biblical fiction encourages you to get in your bible, though?
The book itself also has a bible study upon completion to do just that. Which I love.
I will also leave this sweet lesson right here from a dear friend (shout out to Catherine 🥰) who really blessed me by sharing her knowledge on the topic. It brought everything into perspective for me. Even without reading the book, I suggest that you give this lesson a listen:
Tim Keller’s Teaching on Tamar: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/tamar/
I fully recommend this book. I had an insightful read with it, and it really opened my eyes to how God uses everything in our lives for our good.
Content Note: This is Tamar’s story, so there are particular elements of her story involving sexual content that you may be wondering about.
Nothing graphic is expressed in this book. Sexual scenes are fade to black or skipped entirely, but their consequences are not. Sexual activity is implied rather than described, I should say.
I do not advise this book as suitable for very young readers. But it is clean to that standard.
Tamar, the daughter-in-law of Judah, is treated with injustice after injustice at the hands of men who should’ve protected her. To vindicate her name and claim her right, she must use other means to secure herself. To her are born children whose descendants would include Jesus Christ.
Tamar is a foreigner. She did something very bold and sneaky to her Father in law. Her story is one that made me curious about why people call her a brave woman.
I never could understand why people praised her without acknowledging that she was deceitful in how she achieved her ends.
This is a very, very messy story. Every inch of it. Unlike most biblical fiction, (that I’ve read) it has very few moments where we stop to dwell on God’s kindness and glory. There’s more injustice, more death, and more regret as the story progresses.
A recurrence throughout Tamar’s story is a feeling of God’s silence regarding the matters of their hearts. God’s apparent silence can be a word to us, though. Tamar and Judah’s grief, longing, and hopelessness are the loudest sound in the story. It’s another part of being Christian. The part when we are alone in our heads, feeling separate because of sin and hardship.
We get to be in on both Tamar and Judah’s POVs. A choice I didn’t understand at first, but fully supported by the end. This story only works when we acknowledge how inseparable their lives are regarding the lessons and developments in both their walks with the Lord.
Tamar was easily my favourite character.
"These are historical women who actually lived. Their stories, as I have told them, are based on biblical accounts. Although some of their actions may seem disagreeable to us in our century, we need to consider these women in context of their own times."
That’s a Note From the Author that I had to share. I’d been considerate with others concerning the cultural history, but not so with Tamar. I let my ignorance of Levirate marriage rule my poor opinion of her. It’s a bit embarrassing. This note helped un-bias me. A story like this one finally forced me to go research what life was like for widows back then and why a law like this had any goodness and value. I’m grateful for it.
It also helped that Francine Rivers’s Tamar is an amazing girl.
My assumptions turned her into an angry, wronged woman. She had every reason to be a whiny, annoying heroine. Instead, Rivers’s made her the type of girl you’d wish justice for.
We all know Tamar’s marriage to Er was destined to be awful. If you are familiar with the bible story, you know what kind of person Er was.
“But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord…”
-Genesis 38:7
Yet, the first set of tears Tamar cries, in the story, are the last set. She is dead set on making the best out of her situation by being one who desires to honour her new family. She’s strong, smart enough to know when to shut her mouth, never tries to provoke others when bad situations arise, and she knows how to absorb hits. She has an excellent measure of judgement for her situation, and she remains respectful no matter what is thrown at her.
Like I said, Er is a terrible husband. Rivers’s choice depiction of him was perfect. He is a character who made me shiver instantly.
“You’ve heard things about me, I’ll bet.” He brushed his fingers against her cheek. She tried not to flinch. “Have your brothers carried stories home?”
…
“Believe the rumours, every one of them!”
The bible doesn’t even say what Er did. Just that he was wicked enough that God dealt with him. Rivers blended a perfect combination of traits to make him the most detestable person ever. I promise.
Then there is Judah.
We meet Judah in the middle of a life heavy laden with the guilt and shame of his decision.
Rivers actually primes the story by beginning with Genesis 37:1, when Joseph has his dream and hasn’t even been sold yet.
So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is there if we kill our brother and conceal his blood? “Come and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers listened.
-Genesis 37:26-27 NKJV
Judah is the one who suggests they sell Joseph. As a young Christian, I once thought that was a lifesaving act. Without looking at the people of the bible as people, I’d forgotten that selling one’s own brother is still treacherous and evil. Rivers drives that point home well in Unveiled.
I didn’t think one could come up with a character based on so little, but the details of his circumstances are well displayed throughout the story to come up with a believable and personal-feeling Judah.
He isn’t some beast, but he’s also not a man whose remorse moves him to great change. Judah actively lives in sin and tragedy by his passive behaviour.
When we look at the quality of his life since then, we can see just how far he has veered from God. He married a foreign wife, his sons are evil, and if we follow the story well, we see other extremes. He isn’t living in obedience at all.
The atmosphere of his household is familiar for any of us who have grown up in less than pleasant environments. The tiptoeing around an emotional minefield, the yelling, the fights… Francine Rivers really captured that tension. And she places Judah in the middle of it. When you meet his character, you’ll understand it immediately.
I’m amazed at how well the dual POV worked in this case. It was necessary to deliver the message and tell this story without any gaps. If it were just Tamar, I feel like I would’ve missed the whole point.
When you reach the end, it all comes together as to why the story had to be told in this way.
Tamar and Judah’s story draws attention to the full circle of what transformative moments can look like in our lives.
Because Judah is the same man who went from selling a brother to being the one who intercedes on his behalf in Genesis 44:18-34.
“Now therefore, please let your servant remain instead of the lad as a slave to my lord, and let the lad go up with his brothers.”
Genesis 44:33 NKJV
Judah first had to become a man who would exchange his life for a brother. To become that man, he needed everything before it. Especially this realisation that he was an unjust man where Tamar was concerned.
After reading this story, I understood that with greater depth.
Francine Rivers takes the culture, the circumstances, the past of the characters, and biblical truth to bring us into a fictional Tamar’s world where, for the first time, I could empathise and actually see how much injustice she suffered, how at risk she was, and how God protected her.
I walked away with more knowledge for sure, but not everything was answered.
Don’t you love it when biblical fiction encourages you to get in your bible, though?
The book itself also has a bible study upon completion to do just that. Which I love.
I will also leave this sweet lesson right here from a dear friend (shout out to Catherine 🥰) who really blessed me by sharing her knowledge on the topic. It brought everything into perspective for me. Even without reading the book, I suggest that you give this lesson a listen:
Tim Keller’s Teaching on Tamar: https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/tamar/
I fully recommend this book. I had an insightful read with it, and it really opened my eyes to how God uses everything in our lives for our good.
Content Note: This is Tamar’s story, so there are particular elements of her story involving sexual content that you may be wondering about.
Nothing graphic is expressed in this book. Sexual scenes are fade to black or skipped entirely, but their consequences are not. Sexual activity is implied rather than described, I should say.
I do not advise this book as suitable for very young readers. But it is clean to that standard.
August 15, 2025
My first foray into Biblical fiction (my mum never let me read any, thinking it was sacrilege) and I didn't hate it. I really love Tamar's story in Genesis and it was interesting to 'fill in the blanks' of the bare bones of the Bible narrative to consider what motivated her outrageous act. It was also helpful to consider how the nations around the Hebrews at that time would've worshipped their gods, and why YAHWEH would have stood out as a unique and strange God to their ears. The book also highlighted that in bearing a son, Tamar would be delivered which was a great allusion to what Jesus (who came from Tamar's line) would eventually do. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Am I now going to make a beeline for Biblical fiction? No. Have I changed my mind about Biblical fiction? I think I never made up my mind in the first place, and am still undecided. Although someone from church gave me a book of 5 of these Biblical fiction stories so there will be more Biblical fiction read before the year's up.
November 18, 2025
I'm gonna have to go read this story in the Bible again. This was great!
January 18, 2013
"Tamar. Her name meant date palm. It was a name given to one who would become beautiful and graceful. A date palm survives the desert and bears sweet, nourishing fruit, and the girl came from a fertile family. A date palm sways in the desert winds without breaking or being uprooted, and this girl had to face Ers quick, irascible temper. A date palm could survive a hostile environment, and Judah knew Bathshua would see this girl as her rival. Judah knew his wife would pit herself against this young bride because Bathshua was vain and jealous of her sons affections".
May 21, 2017
Tamar isn't exactly a beloved Bible character, but this novel makes for a good historical read. Still, the ending was too pat, and the study notes in the back matter were dull.
May 24, 2023
This is my first read of Francine Rivers - I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
August 23, 2025
This series of novels, of which this is the first of five, form a larger book called ‘Lineage of Grace’, where Rivers creates fictional autobiographical accounts of the five women mentioned in the bible as part of Jesus’ genealogy. Of course material like this needs to be handled with care, and many liberties are taken to fill in the gaps that the original biblical material leaves for us to guess about.
What Rivers is exceptionally good at is immersing the reader into the world of these Middle Eastern women who lived many centuries ago. Particularly in the case of Tamar, her actions as described in Genesis are extremely confusing for us as contemporary readers. Yet this story gives us an understanding of the worldview she probably grew up with, and how her choices were influenced by the synchronous belief system of the Canaanites mixed in with what she knew of the Hebrew God.
This retelling has given me fresh respect for the character of Tamar, and a better understanding of the importance of Judah’s place in the lineage of the evergrowing Israelite nation. Any book which increases our understanding of the bible and wonder of God is an excellent use of the author’s skill and insight, and I would highly recommend this series of books to everyone.
What Rivers is exceptionally good at is immersing the reader into the world of these Middle Eastern women who lived many centuries ago. Particularly in the case of Tamar, her actions as described in Genesis are extremely confusing for us as contemporary readers. Yet this story gives us an understanding of the worldview she probably grew up with, and how her choices were influenced by the synchronous belief system of the Canaanites mixed in with what she knew of the Hebrew God.
This retelling has given me fresh respect for the character of Tamar, and a better understanding of the importance of Judah’s place in the lineage of the evergrowing Israelite nation. Any book which increases our understanding of the bible and wonder of God is an excellent use of the author’s skill and insight, and I would highly recommend this series of books to everyone.
February 1, 2024
I am in a Bible Study that has been going through the book of Genesis for over a year now! We had gotten to the chapter about Judah and Tamar, and our leader recommended this book as a fictional retelling of Tamar's story. Since it was a quick read (only 4 hours on audio) I decided to have a quick listen! Tamar is one of the few women named in Jesus' lineage, and that is something to take note of! It was an enjoyable story and a glimpse into what life may have been like during that time. She has written stories about the other women in Jesus' lineage as well, so I may have to look into them as well!
#2024Read #CurlyBookReview #AudiobookReading
#2024Read #CurlyBookReview #AudiobookReading
October 18, 2022
This makes my Bible come alive. I have never studied Tamar before and wow! She is one Godly, strong woman.
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July 10, 2024😭😭😭😭
September 16, 2024
Wat bijzonder om een korte novelle te lezen over Tamar uit de Bijbel. Erg mooi en indrukwekkend geschreven. Ik kijk er naar uit om ook de novelles te gaan lezen over 4 andere bijzondere vrouwen uit de Bijbel!
3 sterren ⭐️
3 sterren ⭐️
February 10, 2021
I love reading stories about people mentioned in the Bible through the eyes of an author such as Francine Rivers. She does a wonderful job of opening our minds to the lives of those people.
August 8, 2024
Fun easy read, brings the Bible to life.
June 1, 2025
Love this interpretation. 4.5!
January 30, 2026
I can't believe I never got around to reading this set by Francine Rivers - it's been around a long time!! 5 novellas each about a women in the lineage of Jesus. Tamar is the first book. Married to the son of Judah(one of the sons of Jacob, one of the 12 tribes of Israel)
While we only get such a small glimpse into these women in the Bible - I always love reading their interpretation, an expanded version by these beloved authors as they do such a good job of bringing to life the story - adding in the emotions and could have been dialogue!!
While we only get such a small glimpse into these women in the Bible - I always love reading their interpretation, an expanded version by these beloved authors as they do such a good job of bringing to life the story - adding in the emotions and could have been dialogue!!
July 13, 2024
Just good 🤷🏽♀️ I like seeing biblical stories come to life through books like this. A quick little afternoon read!
July 19, 2022
This book was a huge eye opener of a Bible story that is overlooked in the genealogy of Jesus. The story is based on the story in the Bible about Judah and Tamar. I am glad I read the book and glad for the discussion questions at the back of the book. Very thought provoking book and questions that make the story relevant to every person no matter the stage of life.
October 17, 2020
Unveiled is an inspiring fictional story based on a woman who is in Christ's lineage. The title and blurb on the book might discourage readers from picking it up, but I think that it is inspiring and would be encouraging even to people who don't enjoy Christian books. I won't to into the Biblical aspects of the story, but it gave me insight to some things I hadn't considered prior to reading it.
Historical fiction is one of my very favorite genres, and this one is such a genre. I am Christian and yet I either had forgotten who Tamar is or I never heard or read of her before. My hope would be that others would read this book from a historical fiction perspective and glean what they can from it.
Historical fiction is one of my very favorite genres, and this one is such a genre. I am Christian and yet I either had forgotten who Tamar is or I never heard or read of her before. My hope would be that others would read this book from a historical fiction perspective and glean what they can from it.
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