Closely following the course of the Biblical text, the early part of the narrative creatively expands and explains the story of creation, the Fall and then Adam and Eve's early years outside of Eden.
At the start there is a great description of the creation process and of Eden, as designed by God, as well as a good description of the intimacy of relationship that they had with God. It means that after the Fall, the loss of relationship and closeness to God is so profound. Adam and Eve need to learn how to live without that intimacy, still knowing and loving God, but from a different perspective. It lays the foundations for how we now can relate to God.
Reading it you gain a much deeper understanding of the fall and the implications it had for Adam and Eve over their very long lives, and hence for us. It really helps to understand the extent of what was lost.
There are reminders throughout the narrative that there was a sub-plot going on. Lucifer had fallen too, he was jealous and deceitful, and there were spiritual battles going on throughout the world. These spiritual battles were influencing human behaviours.
As the story develops it carries some ideas and themes that some may find more contentious, mostly because the Biblical narrative is so brief, so a lot has to be imagined. But this is the nature of the biblical fiction genre. It is handled with sensitivity and wisdom and it will certainly lead the reader to think about what may have happened to Cain and his family, and subsequent generations. The story shows the contrast between those who continued to follow God, albeit in a fallen world, and those who follow a path with no God.
Whereas other biblical fiction novels often stop mid-way through Genesis 4, this one continues through Genesis 5. It is quite interesting to bring to life the generations after Adam and Eve, to highlight the impact of sin entering the world, with just a few notable God-fearing exceptions. It shows the need eventually for intervention, when Noah steps into the frame a little later on.
This book does what biblical fiction should do - to make the reader think. In this case to think what those early years may have been like, and what Adam and Eve and their descendants may have had to face. The raging spiritual battles as the earth suffered the effects of sin taking over.
Eve is certainly depicted as a character who loved God. She disobeyed Him, but never lost her love for Him even when she felt distant. Sentiments many of us can associate with.

Eve is known as the woman who ate the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, with Adam plunging the world into sin. But there was far more to her life than just that one choice. What was it like to be one of only two humans in a perfect world, free of sin? And what about the hundreds of years that followed them being cast out of the garden, separated from the God whom they had once walked with in the cool of the day?

While I didn't enjoy this as much as most of the author's books I've read, it was still an interesting and thought-provoking story. However, it should be noted that the things that put me off probably won't bother most readers. In one way I found this quite an eye-opening book, because I'd never really thought deeply about how badly orthodox views of the trinity, the devil and heaven-going confuse the simple story of creation and the fall. But since one of my benchmarks for Biblical fiction is that it must match the Bible, or at least not contradict it, this put me off. Doctrinal issues aside, this was well written and I loved some parts, but it did feel a little shallow and spotty at times - probably hard to avoid when endeavouring to cover hundreds of years of life! I did appreciate the way that the author wove in quotes and ideas from throughout the Bible (even if I didn't always feel they quite fitted). Recommended - but read beside the Bible to make sure you're fact-checking.

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

I have loved Jill Eileen Smith’s books that bring admirable women from the Bible to life. I was excited to have the opportunity to read her newest release, Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story. I now have a new favorite book I have read of hers. I was instantly interested in seeing her vision of what Eve was like in those times. I loved the vivid details that made me feel as though I was part of Eve’s story. I thought it was great!

I am giving Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers and fans of Biblical Fiction. I am looking forward to see who else Jill Eileen Smith will publish a book on from the Bible.

I received a paperback copy of Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story from the author, but was not required to write a review nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Jill Eileen Smith is one of my favorite biblical fiction authors. I enjoy her ability to make the Bible come alive, her attention to historical detail, and meticulous research. When I saw she was tackling Eve and the Garden of Eden, I was intrigued to see how she would approach the story. In Daughter of Eden, we follow Eve from the Garden of Eden through to her death. The stories of Cain, Able, and Enoch are included as well.

The story was thought provoking and gave me a new appreciation for what it must have been like to go from a perfect world to a fallen one. I never thought about how it would be to have wild animals change from friends to foes. I also appreciated her interpretation of how Adam and Eve dealt with Able’s death. It must have been heartbreaking to have your first son murder your other son and then turn away from all you hold dear. I also found the encounters with the Nephilim and watchers both frightening and interesting.

While I have some theological differences with the story, the essence of how difficult it must have been for Adam and Eve was portrayed in a realistic, thoughtful way. The sorrow at being separated from God’s presence was devastating and this theme was constant throughout the book. It was also fascinating to read about all they had to learn to survive. The way the author depicted Lucifer and his followers stalking Adam and Eve and their children added a suspenseful element to the story.

To be completely honest, I had mixed emotions with how Adam and Eve were characterized. Though the Fall was extremely heartbreaking for Adam, I don’t know that he held such a grudge against Eve. His attitude throughout the book was a bit off putting. Eve was often painted as quite subservient. I would have liked to have seen more of the courageous woman she must have been. Their relationship seemed quite stagnant. I missed the romance and relationship growth this author does so well. My favorite character was Enoch and I enjoyed it whenever he was on the page.

It’s definitely an interesting, thought provoking story and I appreciate all the work that went into it. Those who enjoy biblical and historical fiction might like this book. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 3 1/2 stars raised to 4.

Jill Eileen Smith has tackled a really difficult part of the Old Testament spanning from Genesis 1 through beginning of Genesis 6. This account starting from creation and ending with Methuselah told in multiple points of view is a fascinating look at the beginning of our faith. Eve is the major contributor to the plot and her guilt, shame, and desire for love and acceptance after the fall are so palpable. Adam, in his anger and frustration at the burden of caring for his family, is relatable. Their marriage shifts and matures during their long years on earth together and it's a very real picture of how God shapes and molds each man and woman individually and as a couple through the years. Other human voices build the plot and we get to meet Cain and his wife Hasia, Abel, Seth, and Enoch. We also hear Archangel Michael and Lucifer's thoughts, which makes for a richer experience as events on earth unfold. This is the most ambitious and creative Biblical fiction the author has penned to date and it made me re-read these Genesis chapters with a new appreciation.

I had hoped for a longer author's note with explanations of her research and reasons for how she addressed the vague areas. Perhaps the author will have a blog post or a newsletter after the book's release to satisfy my curiosity. I received the book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.

Genesis in the Bible doesn’t give an extended account of Adam and Eve after they were removed from Eden by God for disobedience. This author creatively writes an account of what could have happened and it was things I had never thought of. How did they begin again with nothing? How were they able to take care of themselves with little to no knowledge of how to survive? Finding shelter, food to eat, and how to construct containers and tools to work by were just some of the things they struggled with. Living into their 900s and seeing many generations being born and growing into adults was interesting. Many of the human race began to turn away from God. Satan’s demon angels disguising themselves, began mating with human female virgins. Evil personified! God’s heart grieved but He knew ahead what was going to happen and had a plan. It was eye-opening how the author developed Eve over time. How she missed Eden and grieved over her sin, even though she knew God forgave her.
The progression of the human race and the many different names for the characters by the author was fascinating. The book was based on the Bible but the author had to use creative license to fill in the blanks on the things unknown. It gave me lots of things to ponder on and appreciate about our earliest ancestors.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.

I loved this biblical fiction that brings Adam and Eve to life. I love how this story tells what happened in Eden and what happens after Eden. I found it so interesting to see one way of seeing how one area of the world was populated. I cried for Adam and Eve when they thought they lost Gods love. I love how this story was told. I received a copy of the book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

With each word, Ms. Smith paints a beautiful and painful picture of what life might have been like the moment Eve opened her eyes; as well as the pain from the separation from God. In a lot of ways, biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres because it forces me to go back to the Bible.

Both the beauty of not only the garden but the beginning of life along with the pain of separation is palpable on the page. I could feel the pain and frustration Eve had as she began to realize what her disobedience cost her. Especially when it came to her children. She wasn't prepared for how one action would cause a landslide of behaviors and emotions not only within her and Adam but their children as well. She waits for the one who will redeem them hoping that with each birth they will be the redeemer.

As a reader, I so wanted to scream "It won't happen in your lifetime but He will come and redeem us all!"

To my knowledge, I have read every one of Ms. Smith's biblical novels and Bathsheba has held my favorite spot but after reading Daughter of Eden it is clearly my absolute favorite!

Bottom Line: This is an absolutely beautiful story that will make you think, search, and meditate on God's gift of salvation. You must read this!



Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have read a great many Biblical fiction books, including most of Jill Eileen Smith’s works, but this was the first time I have read a novel focusing on Eve. I have loved everything I have read by Smith, and Daughter of Eden was certainly no exception!

From the start, this book drew me in and easily held my interest to the very last page. Smith used her amazing talent for painting multi-dimensional, relatable characters. As always, she adhered closely to Biblical truths while adding plausible fictional elements. Her gift for detail once again made me feel as if I had stepped back in time and was observing the events firsthand.

Lucifer’s rebellion and, in turn, his enticement of Eve and Adam and their fall to sin; the intense pain of disappointing God and being banished from Eden; the heartbreaking story of Cain and Abel – all were recounted by Smith in a way that brought tears to my eyes while making me ponder anew the circumstances, as well as the ways I have also fallen short. This thought-provoking story also served as a vivid reminder of Our Creator’s unfathomable, boundless love for His children and how blessed I am to be a recipient of His amazing grace.

In summary, Daughter of Eden is a beautifully written book, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher and NetGalley. A positive review was not required. All opinions I have expressed are entirely my own.

Created to be the perfect partner for her husband, Eve’s life in the garden was idyllic . . . until her choices allowed sin to enter the world and change everything. Daughter of Eden by Jill Eileen Smith explores all the what-ifs of the first man and woman. Faithful to the scriptural record, Smith fictionalizes the account to perhaps ask more questions than she seeks to answer. I loved how she portrayed Adam and Eve in all their innocence — an innocent and pure, and yet intimate relationship between each other and the special bond they had with their Creator — before all was shattered. The book explores what might have taken place following their expulsion from Eden — the need to find shelter and food, the need to make useful items for their household, and the beginnings of a family. One thing this novel stresses is that though estranged from God by their sin, He never truly leaves them alone. They are His despite their disobedience, pride, and willfulness. A good reminder for modern day readers too. Regret over her decision to disobey God stalks Eve, especially when her children repeat her mistakes in a variety of ways. Adam and Eve lived a long time, so the story doesn’t end with the birth of Seth, but with the ways the world was shaped by their descendants. Cities are built, traditions are established, and sin lives on. But hope is never too far away, as Eve looked for the one who would redeem her mistakes. This work of Biblical fiction made me think, made me consult scripture, and made me examine the consequences of my own actions.

With what must have been an enormous undertaking, Smith brings forth a very plausible storyline that’s a pleasure to read, not a dry philosophical tome. I very much liked Daughter of Eden. As a leader of a combo Bible study/Book Club, I would not hesitate to use this novel as a companion to a study of Genesis. If you are a fan of Biblical fiction too, give this one a look.

Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

Daughter of Eden by Jill Eileen Smith is her newest released book based on the beginning of the book of Genesis.

This encompassed way more years than I thought this story would entail. It follows Eve throughout her entire life beginning when God created the heavens and the earth and follows their story of eating the fruit and being sent out of Eden.

Even though the first half of the story was a little slow for me, I found myself really enjoying the second part of the book a lot. This book had me going into my Bible as Jill reminds the audience of the lesser known stories in the Bible as well as Adam and Eve. The story also follows many of Adam and Eve's children as well and what they went through. I think my favorite part was Enoch's story.

*thank you to Jill Eileen Smith, Baker Publishing and #netgalley for a copy of this book to read and honestly give my thoughts.

I have no doubt that Biblical fiction is a difficult genre to write, forgetting the “now,” and focusing only on the “then.” Even harder, I would assume, is writing a story on someone we know so little about: Adam and Eve. But that is exactly what Jill Eileen Smith set out to do with her novel, Daughter of Eden. A book that focuses on the people rather than a quick story of creation, deception, rebellion, and ultimately, exile. Smith dared to imagine what these first humans thought, what they felt, and what they did while they were in the most beautiful, most safe place ever created. A couple who walked daily with God.

And she didn’t stop with the garden. She continued their story after the exile. How did they live? They had nothing, and from that had to make shelter, tools, even dishes and beds. She explored personal relationships, first with Adam and Eve, and then with each child they bore (or, at least, a handful of them). In the Bible, we’re told three names. Cain, Able, Seth. And then the adage, “…and had other sons and daughters.” We know the genealogy of one son out of many, and yet, Smith created the characters to help move the story along and allow the messages within to gain a foothold.

I loved the way that Eve’s concerns for her relationship with Adam, and her concern for her children echoed so many of our concerns today. For one, she wanted her children to follow God, to devote their lives to Him. But no matter how much we teach them about the Way, the ultimate decision is in their hands, and like Cain, some stray and never return. Some may stray and return, and still others stay the course, making simple mistakes here and there.

And speaking of mistakes, there were times when Eve would question the “what ifs.” What if she stayed away from the tree? What if she quelled her desire and listened to God’s instructions? How many times do we do this ourselves, even questioning what would happen if they had never eaten the fruit?

As a whole, I enjoyed reading this story and going a little deeper into who Adam and Eve could have been. There were times I did have to question if this or that really would have happened, but that’s difficult to answer. I had the same questions in the spiritual realm, as well, wondering if, perhaps, the conversations Eve had with her family were a little too New Testament. However, we have no idea what God told them back then. Perhaps they knew more than we think, and the messages over the many, many years were lost until they returned with Jesus. Or perhaps it was Smith’s way of bringing in the Savior to remind the reader what God has done for us.

In the end, the author showed us that Adam and Eve were people just like us, with their own struggles, trying to figure out their new life and living it the best they could. Would I recommend this book? Absolutely. I would even suggest reading it with someone else and dissecting the deeper meanings that come with it.

This book blew me away in the first chapter.

I’ve never read Jill Eileen Smith before. This is her latest book (out now, go grab it!) and you bet I will be reading her backlist.

Biblical fiction is a genre that I hesitate to dive into because the scriptures are sacred to me and I think there is a fine line between taking creative liberties to imagine what it may have been like for our ancestors in the day to day and making a mockery of a holy testament.

This author did a beautiful job telling a story and staying as close to scripture as possible.

Daughter of Eden is the story of Adam and Eve and the very real spiritual war raging for the destruction of humankind. The imagery of Eden is beautiful and powerful and perfectly illustrates what was lost because of sin. The book takes information from Genesis to Enoch and Revelation and weaves a story that is surprisingly accurate with just a few details that stood out as inconsistent with scripture.

Having read Michael D. Heiser’s books on what the Bible says about the spiritual realm and the significance of Mt. Hermon, I think my experience with this novel was even better because certain things stood out that I think I would have missed had I not studied Genesis 6 in depth. There are many layers to “the fall” that are explored in this novel and I appreciated the author went there even though some readers are probably going to scratch their heads if Genesis 6 isn’t something they’ve studied very much.

As a side note, I highly recommend Heiser’s books: The Unseen Realm; Angels; Demons; Reversing Hermon.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and the thought provoking story that made me consider what it was really like for those first several generations after Adam and Eve.

4.25/5 ⭐️ - I really liked it.

Thank you to @netgalley and @revellfiction for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Daughter of Eden by Jill Eileen Smith brings a fresh perspective and fictionalized look into the well-known Bible account of Adam and Eve. I have not read many works in the Biblical fiction genre; however, I have enjoyed Ms. Smith's well-crafted and though-provoking writings before in her book around the life of Joseph in The Prince and the Prodigal. Daughter of Eden was well written, had excellent and deep Biblical characters, as well as included a wealth and depth of scripture. I enjoyed this book for several reasons, including the richness and descriptiveness that Ms. Smith writes with along with the intriguing and well-developed plot. Daughter of Eden makes the reader truly think about what it would have been like to actually have been the first humans on earth. What would it have been like to see God and to speak with Him? What would it have been like to live without death, fear, sadness, pain, sickness? There are so many thought-provoking situations and questions that this book by Ms. Smith brought to the reader's mind. I was impressed by the way Ms. Smith gave the readers insights into what life could have been like in the very beginning of all time by giving an almost first-person account from the eyes of Eve. Read Daughter of Eden to discover this rarely explored time in history for yourself!

Although I did appreciate this book, I had some misgivings as related to the characterizing, describing, and speaking of God, angels, and demons in this book. One caution I would give to the reader is a reminder that this work is a work of fiction. I think that it becomes easy for a reader, including myself, to read this book and then read the Bible and read the fictionalized thoughts into the Bible account. I know that I may sound hypersensitive to this issue or topic, but I believe that it is important to show the Almighty and Sovereign God the highest measure of obedience, reverence, and honor. I also believe that we should be very careful what words and characteristics we ascribe to God that are outside of God's Word, the Bible. That being said, I do believe that Ms. Smith wrote this book very carefully. I could easily see the depth of scripture references that she brought into each situation and the overarching plot. Overall, Daughter of Eden brings a rare glimpse into a well-known, but often overlooked historic time. Pick up Daughter of Eden to see the world from Eve's eyes!

Disclaimer: Revell graciously provided me with a copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and part of an unbiased review.

The beginning of this book was all fairytales and rainbows and butterflies and everything is amazing and “my husbands amazing” “my wife is a blessing” etc. As the book goes along Adam and Eve have more human emotions and interactions, but honestly, it was just a bunch of popping out babies and their stories, and I didn’t get more than halfway through the book. I normally love her stories, but this one just did not grab my attention

This is a lovely biblical fiction giving us a possible glimpse into the life of Adam and Eve both in the Garden of Eden and then out in the world. If we read the story of creation in the Bible, we also read how, through the enticement of Lucifer, both Adam and Eve died to an innocence they could not define, nor would they ever experience it again.

Sin always follows when we think what we want to do is best and leave God out of our plans.

Banned from the Garden, there was so much to learn. We know that God will not abandon us and I can only believe He did not abandon them either. Unfortunately as we also know, that while sin had entered the world without any fanfare, its insidious work will continue until the Redeemer comes. What a joy and privilege it must have been to walk and talk with God, like we spend time with a friend.

An early copy of this book was received through Baker Publishing Group, Revell and NetGalley. These thoughts are my own and were in no way solicited.

This is a review for Jill Eileen Smith's book "Daughter of Eden" that will be released on Feb. 14th, and its a fitting date to release it, because it tells the greatest love story ever told between our Creator and His creation. Guys I hope you will read this review and my book because few books have ever touched me like this one! I have a new favorite book that I will be reading over and over. Its based on the story in Genesis 1-5, and the author has weaved this familiar story with her amazing storytelling talents, and created, in my opinion, a masterpiece!

It begins in with the Creator of the universe who has just created the world by speaking all things into existence, and who molds His beloved son Adam out of dirt, and makes the perfect partner for him by taking one of his ribs out, and forming the mother of all, the creature called woman. Adam can't begin to fathom how the Ancient of Days, holy is He, could love him so much by walking and talking with him daily, and also blessing him with a mate that truly was a part of him. This mate of Adam's is also made in the Creator's image as he is, and the Creator has provided a beautiful garden for them to live, and where their every need, especially being with Him, is met!!

Eve feels equally blessed to be the partner of Adam, as her heart is filled with nothing but love for Him, and they love spending their days caring for the animals and tending to the garden. She plays with the animals as they are not afraid of her, and she and Adam love to swim together, laugh together, and even tending to the garden doesn't seem like work, but her true joy is found when Adonai Elohim comes walking in the garden in the cool of the day, walking in the beautiful form He changes into to spend time with them, and Eve falls at his feet and kisses them. Then she and Adam just sit with Him, listen to Him, and hang on His every word, especially Eve! She loves Adam very much, but that love for him flows out of the greater love she feels for her beloved Creator.

The Creator has given them the run of the garden, but gives them one command to not eat the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, a fruit tree in the middle of the garden, but thanks to the serpent, Eve is convinced that the Creator is holding out on her, so she eats the fruit, and gives some to Adam. Immediately, their eyes are opened, and they realize they are naked, and unfamiliar and unwelcome feelings bombard their minds, and new feelings of shame and fear flood in. They had never experienced anything like it, and then everything they ever knew has to change, meaning their carefree life in the garden walking with their Creator came to an end due to their disobedience.

The rest of the story is Adam & Eve surviving outside of the garden. They feel forsaken, but even though sin had now entered creation and their hearts, Adonai Elohim does not leave these humans to fend for themselves completely. You must read the story to find out how they do survive, and survive they do, otherwise we wouldn't be here!

So there are few books that leave me completely speechless, nor have I loved as much as I loved this book!!!!. When I read the description of creation in this story, and life with our Creator, it made me yearn even more for Him! The author took the truth of creation story from the Bible, and stitched it together with her gift of storytelling, and out came one of the most beautiful tapestries I have ever read!! I was so touched by every part of this story that it gave me an even deeper hunger and thirst for the Lord! It gave me a glance of what it might have been like for Adam & Eve before and after the fall, and thru it, I saw God's love, mercy, and especially grace. I saw a loving Creator who so loved His creation that He wanted the very best for them, and even after they disobeyed His one command, He could've kicked them out, and let them fend for themselves, but He didn't! Our loving Creator promised Adam & Eve a Redeemer who would one day restore the relationship with Him, and would restore the Eden blessing, reversing the curse! What hope in the midst of complete sorrow!!

This book has become my all-time favorite, and I rate it 5 out if 5 stars! I am sure I will be rereading it over and over! As I read the end, tears were streaming down my eyes, and I just sat there speechless! It was that good! I highly recommend this book, and it really really touched my heart, and drew me closer to my Creator, and I'm so grateful the Redeemer has come, and restored us to relationship with Him, and one day soon, that Redeemer will restore Eden. I can't wait!!!! My recommendation is to read this story!!!

Beautiful biblical based historical fiction!!! I absolutely adored this book with its imagery, descriptions, and lyrical writing style. I was captivated by the moment it began!

Biblical Fiction Author Jill Eileen Smith has penned a wonderful story of the first woman to ever live, Eve. Eve faces love and fellowship with her Creator, loss, then the promise of redemption. It is easy to be upset with Eve, she had so much, but in this narrative the reader gets a unique glimpse of how leaving the perfect Garden of Eden may have really affected Eve, Adam, and their family. I love Biblical Fiction; it puts flesh on true Biblical characters as well as giving a different perspective of the era. I am confident you will enjoy the author’s unique approach of what could have happened in the beginning of God’s perfect world.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and author. The opinions are my own.

The Daughter of Eden
Jill Eileen Smith is a great writer and is so good at pulling the reader into the book on the first few pages. This book is no exception.

What a great book to write about Adam and Eve. You get to see the fall of Adam and Eve in the garden by no other than Satan. You get to see their thoughts and feelings of abandonment from their Lord. They had everything and after their sin entered the world they had nothing. At this time, they had to depend on themselves to work through the unknown.

The Daughter of Eden is a wonderful page-turner with character's that became real. The story is about family and how to pass down knowledge of the past to overcome the future. You see Satan and his followers try to take over every followers of God!

I highly recommend this book to everyone who likes a Historical Christian Fiction.

I rate this a 5 out of a 5

I received this book from the author and publisher for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.