Ruth and Boaz: Strangers in the Land

by Terri L. Fivash

Ruth and Boaz is much more than just a simple love story.  The narrative tells the tale of two people in Judah, Ruth the Moabitess, an exceptionally talented singer and composer with a very special harp, and Boaz, the descendent of a Jericho prostitute who has lost everyone he loves. Both are chosen by Yahweh to step outside the boundaries of the usual and the expected and dare to trust in a God who always thinks outside the box. The way is hard, but the harvest for both is more than they could have imagined.

Genres: Biblical Fiction, Christian, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Historical Romance

317 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

About the author

I have never lived more than 30 miles from Lake Michigan. I was born on the east side, grew up on the west side, and now live on the east side again. However, I rarely have time to go there! I attended Andrews University, graduating with a Master's Degree in History in 1986. I am a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honors society for History; and a charter member of the Andrews University chapter of Phi Kappa Phi, the national interdisciplinary honors society. I began writing for publication in 2000 after seeing the need for books about biblical characters which were not only biblically accurate, but historically and culturally accurate as well. My husband and I have been married for over 30 years and have two children. We have always lived in the same house!

Reviews

[Kelsey Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the way the author wove the ancient Near Eastern mindset into the story so seamlessly. Though I couldn't quite I buy into the fictional Ruth's ancestry (I kind of wish it wasn't included), the rest of the novel gave me insights into the real story of Ruth and adds to my enjoyment of the book in the Bible.

[Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so glad I finally read this book! After becoming a widow in the San Bernardino terrorist attack I became very interested in the Book of Ruth. I learned about this author from a friend and of course I needed to read this book first! It's absolutely wonderful. It gives a bigger picture of the history of Naomi and Ruth before they travelled back to Bethlehem. It really fleshed out the family tree and how things worked back then. A great read!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first three-fourths of the book is an interesting and insightful look at what life could have been like for the characters involved in that time period. But when Ruth and Boaz meet, character development and insight pause for sensual desire. The characters practice self-control by “ignoring the invisible current that seemed to draw us together” and give each other the opportunity to choose to be together, but there’s enough “pulsing” to be an awkward read.

[Krystal Gittens · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's amazing how Terri Fivash, through deep research, has expanded a four-chapter book in the Bible and make it into an epic historical novel.
She fleshes out the characters and examines the issue they would have possibly faced as outsiders or the descendants of outsiders. But the development of relationships, Ruth's relationship with Yahweh, her relationship with Naomi, and ultimately her love story with Boaz is what makes this a great read.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all-time favorite books! I've read it so many times, and I never get tired of reading it. I absolutely love how the author weaves historical facts and understanding of the original language of the text into the biblical story to create a fuller (although fictionalized, in places) picture of events. Having the added history and understanding of the culture makes what can feel like a two-dimensional story real to me, and brings it to life.

[Richard Koker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best biblical historical fiction book I’ve ever read. Terri has done amazing research and I love the way that she weaves the truth and what we don’t know so well together the whole story and the details seem like it really happened like that. Amazing! Thanks Terri for writing such a wonderful book!

[Deborah Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terri Fivash has done it again!

I loved her story, Joseph and now with Ruth and Boaz I again spent sleepless nights reading because I simply could not stop!
Terri has a gift of brining the Bible and the people held within its pages alive!
Thank you for another God filled, must read story. My new favorite.

[Roxy Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love both boas and Ruth in this book. Great story, good world building and plot building. I have re read this several times.

[Elizabeth Amean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth's YAHWEH

Well told Biblical Story, creating a desire to know my God the way Ruth Moabitess found HIM. Thank you Terri

[M K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A favorite of mine...

I'm not sure how many times I have read this book now, but I continue to pull it out every couple of years for a reread. It fills me with joy and contentment.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

good story of the life of Ruth. An easy story to follow and gain a picture of life and times of biblical times. The story and characters are also further expounded on the author's new releases: a 6-book series on David, titled "Dahveed". Good read. :)

[Sandy]

I have read every book you have written. I have never loved any book as much as I have all of yours. They are so real and historical correct. Once you begin you are hooked. I am very impatiently waiting for Dahveed 4 to appear.

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book, I could hardly put it down. It really deserves a higher rating, but since that isn't possible, I can only say to give it a chance. I will be reading the rest of her books as soon as I can get my hands on them.

[Mae_chann · Rating 4 out of 5]

there are many things i forgot about since i read this for the first time. i enjoyed reading this book alot, but i think it could have been better without the lilith dreams. an excellent book from my favorite author.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

While chronologically speaking, this story falls before David, I read this one after I read Dahveed: Yahweh's Chosen. In some ways, it made more sense in that order. I enjoyed this book tremendously.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT book

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great; could be better organized but follows the Bible considerably well.

[Stephanie Frey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story! Terri Fivash is an amazing author! All of her writings bring the Bible characters to life and show God's infinite love and care for us.

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing Terri Fivash book. (I know this one came out before Joseph and Dahveed, but I read them first.) I love any Fivash story, she has a very unique way of bringing stories to life.

[Morgan Metcalf]

Great book that keeps you riveted to the pages. Quite thick, but well worth the time.

[Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner by Terri Fivash, Boaz and Ruth are portrayed in the standard damsel in distress and knight in shining armor, I literally couldn't put it down.

[Sheena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth's story is one of my favorite Bible stories, and reading this book of Terri's, with so much detail has made it all the more dear.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as good as Joseph but still a very enjoyable read