Rachel's Daughters: The Other Side of Christmas

Rachel, and husband, Jacob, a shepherd to whom the angels proclaimed the birth of Messiah, become friends with Mary and Joseph while the holy family stays in Bethlehem. However, when Rachel's firstborn son is killed in the Slaughter of the Innocents, she bitterly rejects God.

Rachel tries to forget her grief in work. Jacob, seeing his wife unable to bear life where her son was killed, moves to Arimathea where he works as head shepherd for a wealthy landholder. In Arimathea Rachel bears another son, Benjamin, and a daughter, Rebecca. She begins selling baskets and rugs in a neighboring city and trains other women to help her.

Rachel's children, Benjamin and Rebecca become fast friends with Nathan and Elisheba, children of Joseph of Arimathea. Rebecca marries Nathan and moves into the home of her in-laws. The week after Benjamin's wedding, Jacob is killed while protecting the flocks. Rachel still struggles with bitterness, but reasons that at least Jacob's death was the result of his work and not meaningless.

Benjamin marries a local girl, but loses her in childbirth. Like his father before him, he accepts from Joseph a position in another district. Rachel agrees to go with him to keep his home and help in his work as overseer of Joseph's holdings in Galilee. Once again Rachel sets up her business of weaving.

One of her servants tells her that Mary is now living in Nazareth. It has been more than thirty years since Rachel has seen the woman who was her dear friend. She visits her and they talk of Jesus who has just begun his ministry. While with Mary, Rachel is able to complete the reconciliation with God toward which she has struggled for thirty years.

Benjamin is betrothed to a young woman in Galilee. Before the marriage can take place, however, a poisonous snake bites Benjamin. His mother does all she can for him, then gives him into God's care and is able to say "Thy will be done." Benjamin dies and Rachel is left once more with grief.

But this is Nain, and on the way to the cemetery they meet...

Review by Joe Ellis, author of the Christian suspense novel, "The Healing Place."


An exellent Christian historical novel   April 17, 2001
Joe C. Ellis (Martins Ferry, OH United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

"Rachel's Daughters" is a powerful and important work of Christian historical fiction. The story begins in Bethlehem at the time of the census ordered by Caesar and unfolds over the next 32 years. The reader is drawn into the life of Rachel, her family and friends. A young, pregnant, Jewish woman , Rachel anticipates a full life with her husband Jacob. Walking home one day she meets a young couple, Joseph and Mary, on their way into Bethlehem. This encounter begins the intertwining of biblical and fictional characters and events that form the fabric of the tragedies and joys of Rachel's life. With incredible expertise in the cultural and historical details of the times, the author, Donna Swanson, not only tells an intriguing story, but also enlightens the reader with the intelligent and accurate geographic, social and religious renderings of her characters' lives. From Bethlehem to Arimathea to Galilee we journey with Rachel and experience what life was really like for her people. But her journey also moves us to another level-we sense the spiritual crisis in her soul as she struggles to reconcile the losses and sufferings of life with faith in a good and sovereign God. Through the discovery of the Christ child by the shepherds, the atrocity of Herod's slaughter of the innocents, a new start with family ties to Joseph of Arimathea, a re-acquaintance with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and an unforgettable conclusion, the reader will enjoy every step of this journey. Make sure you bring tissues for tears, a receptive mind for learning and an open heart for the joy this book will bring you. Review by Joe Ellis, teacher, lay pastor and author of the Christian suspense novel, "The Healing Place"