I am of a divided mind as I write this review about this book.  I want to be fair to the author, because there are several things that I liked about this book.  But there’s also some things that bother me, and I want to be fair to whoever reads this review.  I’m going to begin by addressing the things that I liked.

I think that Naomi Stephens writes in a flowing, elegant style.  Her descriptions of the settings in this book were vivid.  Her incorporation of her research into this time period in the story was great.  Her writing style drove me to finish this book.  I did get invested in Rena’s story.  I hurt for both she and her mother-in-law and the poverty and extreme prejudice they experienced. The author did a wonderful job in presenting Rena as a complex, caring, strong young woman.  There’s some strong writing in this book and I loved that part of it. I will read another of this author’s books.

However, here’s the part I struggled with.  This book was loosely based on the story of Ruth in the Bible.  I didn’t mind that it did not follow the story exactly.  I felt that the author’s portrayal of the relationship between Rena and her mother-in-law was compelling and tender.  In my opinion, I felt that she missed the relationship between Lord Barric and and Rena.  This could have been so much more than it was.  It focused more on the sensual side of the relationship to the point that I thought it almost, but not quite, took it out of the Christian fiction category.  Their relationship had the potential to be a real, true love based on mutual respect and trust.  I would like to have seen more emphasis on tenderness, kindness, and true redemption rather than desire.  Please understand:  There’s nothing inappropriate in this book.  I was disappointed in the portrayal of the relationship between Barric and Rena.

I’m giving this book four stars because I still feel that the author’s writing style deserves it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.

Shadow among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens is a beautifully written story based on the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz. A debut novel done well with believable characters and situations. The story takes place during the revolts that took place in India and there is much prejudice and mistrust against Rena because she is of Indian decent. When both her husband and her father-in-law die, she follows her mother-in-law to England hoping they will be taken in by family. Rena sacrifices much for love, her reputation and her own family. When Rena is caught gleaning in Lord Barric's fields and he discovers who she is he allows her to continue against much concern. 

Rena come across many unscrupulous and prideful people who make her life very challenging. Can she find protection and romance. I really enjoyed this book and hope Ms. Stephens decides to continue this as a series, maybe a book about Charlie or William. 

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley and all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Shadow Among Sheaves. The re-setting of the story of Boaz and Ruth into England with an Indian widow was thought provoking. The characters were well developed and the writing was vivid. Over all I found the story engaging and would recommend it.

I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

***My review will be live at my blog link (below) on March 11th.

I never know what to expect when I start reading a book from a new author. Thankfully, this book met every expectation for a deep, challenging, beautiful read. The characters, the story and the history are woven together perfectly with enduring romance and faith. I look forward to more books from Naomi Stephens!

Shadow among Sheaves
by Naomi Stephens
Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Shiloh Run Press

Christian , Romance

Pub Date 01 Apr 2019


I am reviewing a copy of Shadow Among Sheaves through Shiloh Run Press and Netgalley:


The Great Rebellion of 1857 was remarkably bloody.  At the time of the rebellion the imperial influence Britain had on India led to brutal clashes on each side.  No one could understand why Reena, an Indian Woman would mary a British officer.  They could not understand her decision to follow her Mother in Law to England after her husbands tragic death.


Once Reena and her Mother in Law show up in Abbotsville.  Lord Baric does what he can to help him against his better judgement.


I give Shadow Among Sheaves five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Shadow among Sheaves
By: Naomi Stephens
The Great Rebellion of 1857 has brought discord between the British and the people of India. Despite the tensions, Rena an Indian woman and Edric a British soldier falls in love. An accident occurs leaving Rena and her mother in law widowed. Rena doesn’t feel welcome going to her parent’s home but instead decides to follow her mother in law back to England. England does not welcome Rena. Edric’s second cousin Lord Barric takes pity on Rena and her mother in law and choices to aid them. Lord Barric and Rena face the backlash of this decision together and find their hearts pulling them towards something more.
This play off of Ruth and Boaz was an endearing read. Perhaps though because I am familiar with Ruth and Boaz’s life, I was a bit bored. There were obvious differences, however, I knew what was coming so there was not much to look forward to. It was a well-written book and the author did a wonderful job pulling you into the story. 
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I share here. https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

Amazing story taken right out of the bible.  The author transposed the story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz into 1850's England.  The characters were well developed, a young widow from India with her English gentry, also widowed mother-in-law.  A titled Earl who only sees the problems that this relationship could cause within his community.  Cultural prejudices, pagan idols,  greedy, jealous people This makes for a delicious story of redemption, of saving grace.  Loved it!

Shadow among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens is a debut novel that I really enjoyed. I am always happy to find a new author especially in the Historical fiction category. This book is a compelling read based on the Biblical story of Ruth and Boaz. That alone was the draw for me. The story is beautifully written, and the plot was like eating assorted chocolates. I never knew what I was biting into, but my palate exploded with enjoyment. It is truly refreshing to read a book when you have no idea which way the story is winding. Although the story resembled the Biblical story of Ruth in faith and message it was unique with a cast of interesting well-developed characters. A favorite quote: “We are so much more than our reputation,” she finally managed to reply, her face warming. “Stories cheat; truth is found only in friendship.” 
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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.