Shadow Among Sheaves is author Naomi Stephens’ debut Christian fiction novel. It is a 19th century retelling of the biblical love story of Ruth and Boaz focusing on the characters of Rena Hawley, who was a young widowed Indian woman, and Lord Barric, a wealthy British aristocrat. After an unsuccessful rebellion to try to gain their independence from British control and the loss of many innocent British lives, the British feelings toward people from India were often those of disgust and contempt. After the death of her British officer husband, Rena and her widowed mother-in-law make their way from India to England, where the Hawley family is from. When they arrived in England, they are treated poorly because of Rena’s background. A second cousin of Rena’s late husband, Lord Barric, eventually provides assistance to them when no one else will. Could there be a chance for love for Rena and Lord Barric despite their different backgrounds and the negative feelings toward people from India during that time?

I really enjoyed this novel and the biblical retelling of Ruth and Boaz. Naomi Stephens created compelling characters and an interesting storyline. She depicted the poor treatment that the Indians faced in Britain in an honest and straightforward manner, including the derogatory way many of the British people spoke to Rena and the living conditions Rena and her mother-in-law were forced to endure. Because of where she was from and the color of her skin, Rena was made to feel like an “untouchable.” This was a wonderful debut novel and a very well written story. I look forward to reading more books from this author in the future.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from
NetGalley and Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

I had never heard of Naomi Stephens before, but I liked the book description and wanted to read it. I was interested in the concept of comparing the Biblical Ruth and Boaz story to an Indian woman leaving her family and everything familiar to live in England. Now don't misunderstand, it is very loosely based on Ruth. But the similarities are present. I was pleasantly surprised that the plot line flowed nicely.

I liked the characters, settings, and attention to detail; descriptions of clothes, hair, weather, etc. Overall, it is a very good book that I would recommend to anyone who likes Regency fiction.

SHADOW AMONG SHEAVES by NAOMI STEPHENS is a touching love story which takes place in Victorian England and follows closely the biblical story of Ruth and Boaz.
It is a cleverly written book and the characters are well portrayed. The author has obviously researched the history of England and India at the time.
Subjects such as racial discrimination, class distinction and pride play a part in the story.
I particularly like the way Rena, the young Hindu widow, is drawn to the one true God, largely due to the parson's kindness and his messages that really speak to her in her time of need.
It is also the story of the love and devotion of a daughter in law towards her mother in law. We see how Rena is prepared to do almost anything to make sure that Nell will never again be starving or sleeping in a gutter.
It is altogether a lovely book and one I can highly recommend.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing Inc. the opinions in this review are completely my own.

This is a very well written book and the author paints such vivid pictures with her words. This is a very moving story about a daughter-in-law who gives up everything to stay with her mother-in-law. This book has action, drama, suspense and romance. This is a book you will remember long after you are though reading it. I highly recommend this book. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion of this wonderful book.