Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope

I think this is a book everyone will enjoy. you will learn about Adam and how they sinned against God, You will read about Noah and the Ark, The story takes place in Egypt and you will hear about Nile. You will read about an arranged marriage . This is a very good book one I found very hard to put down. I could not wait to read what was going to happen next

The cover art captured my attention...but this story captured my heart.  I loved the writing...the characters...the story...and the message.  Thank you for sharing it w/ me...so that I can spread the word to others.

A moving book. I was gripped from the first page with the fear of a mother and love as a woman. This book took me through the trials and turmoil of the time of Moses and the strength God can give a woman. This was a fantastic first book in what I hope is a series.

WOW! WOW! WOW! Trixie Susan is a debut author to Biblical fiction, you'll want to keep an eye on this author! 

Slender Reeds captured my heart from the first page to the very end. If you're the emotional type, you better have tissues handy!

Jochebeds story almost resembles my story in so many ways, especially to the point of where I lost my daughter, it is very painful! This entire story is woven so well that you'll be captured by the scene, you'll feel like you're there experiencing the hardships, the beatings, the heat, the danger. The wives and mother's languishing over losing their sons because of a cruel pharaoh. When I finished this story I didn't want it to end but all stories have to end. 

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Shiloh Run Press for my honest and unbiased opinion of this book.

Slender Reeds is a take on a Biblical story that most all know. We have all read and seen stories about Moses and the exodus from Egypt, but never have we really been exposed to the story before his birth.

Texie Susan Gregory takes on this challenge. She proposes a "what-if" scenario into the life of the Hebrews held captive in Egypt. Seen from the eyes of not just Jochebed, Moses' mother, but also her friends, Ramses, and others.

We see, as if floating above watching a movie or play unfolding before us, the madness of Ramses, the heartache of Jochebed and Shiphrah, and the anguish of the Hebrews.

Told with such exquisite detail I could see the love, hope, and faith that God works in the darkness. I felt the horror at the little lives lost in such hatred. I understood in further detail the madness of Ramses and his rule.

With historical accuracy, Slender Reeds brings to life a new outlook on an old, old story that was a promise 400 years in the making.

Once I finished this book, I wanted more.  So many nuances, so many reeds, so many stories told within these pages that it created a wonderful work of art to be savored and read time and time again.

Texie Susan Gregory resurrected the writing styles of the classical masters and breathed new life into how stories should be told. A highly recommended read for anyone.

Wow! I'm typically leary of Biblical fiction and initially resisted reading this novel. What amazed me the most about this book is the story is captivating from the start. I know that's probably the desire of most authors, but Texie nailed it. I've read other Biblical fiction novels that leave me wading through a boring story where I find myself saying, "that didn't (couldn't) happen". In Slender Reeds I was glued to the story not wanting it to end. I felt the stress of the ladies working hard to fill their quota. I could relate to Lili and Jochebed in their mothering struggles and heartache. While trying not to give away the story, I'll just say Texie did a wonderful job showing the true grief of losing a child. At one point I found myself agreeing with a character saying, "that's exactly how it felt." Another thing I loved about this story was putting a face, even a fictional one, on Moses' mother. She's more than just a mom floating her child down the river. She's a mom who made an enormous sacrifice. 

This is a wonderfully written Biblical fiction story that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction, has lost a baby, struggled to get pregnant, given a baby up for adoption, or you want someone to put a little bit more humanity in the story of Moses.

“While it is yet dark, God is at work” is the central theme of this biblical story brought to life. But can Jochebed trust God when her world is struck with tragedy and fear?

I’ve not thought about the life of Moses’ mother or the time she lived in. Of course, I’ve read the account in scripture, but this tells it so vividly it’s almost like being a part of it! While scripture doesn’t go into a lot of detail about Jochebed, the author takes fictional liberty to breathe life into her growing up years, leading up to when she hid the young Moses in a basket among the reeds. From that first bloom of womanhood to wife & mother years later, the reader can well imagine all the human emotions, actions and life she would go through. I could feel the fear each time she had to meet her quota of baskets and mats and wondering if it will be enough for the Egyptian overseer to avoid another beating. Of her own mother, Elisheba, weaving in the truths of God as she weaves her many baskets. And even of Shiphrah, the half-Egyptian midwife, who was commanded by Pharaoh to kill the males born to the Hebrew women. Her fear and trepidation so real each time she refused to obey & how she felt she never fit in. Lastly, Lili her cousin and closer than a friend, of how she struggled with bitterness later in life of all that she went through.  This story is a complete picture of what life could have been if we lived it ourselves. A time of turmoil, fear, and faith in a God who has a plan when there seems like there is none. Even in the darkest hour, when it seems there is no hope….God is at work! 

A fantastic Biblical fiction story told by a masterful author who, like Jochebed & Elisheba, weaves God’s truth in our modern-day lives to bring us hope! 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing. A favorable review was not required and all views are strictly my own*

I have always loved the story of Moses, so when I saw The Slender Reeds by Texie Susan Gregory I couldn't wait to read it. This book is the story of Jochebed, Hebrew mother of Moses. Gregory has crafted a wonderful tale of what life was like as a Hebrew slave to Rameses. I enjoyed the contentious friendship between Jochebed, her friend Lili and the half-breed midwife Shiphrah. My only issue with the book was the ending, it cries for a sequel, but there is no mention anywhere of book two.
         The characters were well developed and I truly cared what happened to each of the girls. I could feel the heartbreak and terror when Ramses' soldiers rode through the village murdering all of the infant boys. Gregory uses descriptive language that draws one into the story. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Gregory.
        I was given this book by NetGalley.com, but all thoughts are mine.

About the author: Born and bred in beautiful North Carolina, I grew up hearing the Bible stories and wishing I knew more about each person's life. What happened before? What happened next? Unable to find these stories, I began to write my own books and dream of writing professionally.

True story: As a 6th grader, I turned in a book report on my own book - written under a nom de plume!

I hold a BS in Early Childhood Education, an MA in School Counseling and an MA in Religious Education. I've worked in theatre, as a hospital chaplain intern and as a teacher in both public and private schools. 
As a pastor's wife, I've served as a lay counselor, written/directed dramas for worship services and co-taught marriage seminars.
My most challenging and rewarding life work has been (is) mothering our two children.

Please visit me at www.texiesusangregory.com or Facebook Texie Susan Gregory

Free preview: https://www.amazon.com/Slender-Reeds-Jochebeds-Hope-PREVIEW-ebook/dp/B01ICIT782/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1477622603&sr=8-2&keywords=texie+susan+gregory

Slender Reeds is a remarkable debut novel by Texie Susan Gregory. Biblical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read and this book did not disappoint. The story of Moses and the bulrushes is a familiar story to many but what about his mother, Jochebed? Gregory writes a tale that is rich in Hebrew and Egyptian history--a history fraught with 400 years of slavery, sorrow, and uncertainty. She quickly draws the reader into the everyday activities of Jochebed and two of her friends whose lives have intertwined since childhood. Their relationships seeming to weave in and out of being close and trusting friends only to later be strained by prejudices and hurts. Would this three-stranded plait unravel and be isolated by discontent, self-absorption, and grief? Vivid emotions are portrayed as Pharoah's evil plan to get rid of the Hebrews comes to fruition...men led away from the community to labor elsewhere, women left to tend to the fields and families alone, and ultimately, male infants murdered. Is the foundation of faith in God's promises Jochebed's mother has laid strong enough to sustain Jochebed as she struggles to save her son's life? Will she find the peace her mama knew? Will she be able to trust God without knowing all the answers? Slender Reeds is a heartrending story of a people enslaved and downtrodden--did the Lord even know they were alive? It is a story of one mother's sacrificial love despite her doubts and fears of her life unraveling before her. Slender Reeds is a captivating glimpse into a much loved Biblical drama.
I received a copy of the book from Barbour Publishing. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own.

This is the story of Jochebed, mother of three formidable leaders: Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. I enjoyed this Historical, Biblical fiction story. The author gives us a story of what the daily life of Jochebed and her family could have been like. So descriptive, the lessons in faith, love and hope made this a pleasure to read and made this story come to life. I enjoyed this book and if you like Biblical fiction, I think you will too.

When I saw this cover I knew I would be in LOVE and I was right! This book was amazing! If you love biblical fiction you will want to pick up this book.  I will be adding this book to my home library.

About the Book:
Trapped beneath 400 years of Egypt’s injustices, the Hebrew people await deliverance from generations of Egyptian slavery.  But while it is still dark, God is at work.  Young Jochebed is unaware the Master Weaver is preparing her to mother three formidable leaders: Miriam, Aaron and Moses.  Shiphrah, the half-Egyptian midwife tasked to kill Hebrew mail newborns, remembers childhood stories of a merciful God and cannot resist His call on her life.  
Two women, each following the dangerous path God has set before them—this is their story.  

My Thoughts:
WOW! Truly one of the best Biblical fiction books I have read in a long time.  The cover definitely captured my attention, but Jochebed’s story captured my heart.  I couldn’t put the book down until I had finished the last page and then I sat and cried.  The story of Moses has always touched my heart but never did I fully realize the full implication of what it must have been like for his mother until reading this story.  It is filled with the trials faced by years of Egyptian bondage, but also how their faith in God prevailed and a great leader for Christ was saved by the Pharaoh’s own daughter.  We truly serve a wonderful God.  He has the perfect plan for everything if we are willing to step out on faith and trust.  What an amazing story.  All I can say is have the tissues ready.  A definite must read!

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this eBook by the publisher, Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Shiloh Run Press through Net Galley, blogger review program, for an honest review.   I was not required to write a favorable review nor was I compensated for my review. The opinions in this review are my own.

This is a fantastic story of Moses's Mother and her People.  It told about Jochebed and about how her people were slaves and how they had to kill their children and she saved hers.  It also goes into a lot of detail and I do mean a lot about the pagan gods - that is the one thing I think that the author did not need to go into so much detail about - you kind of get off track and a little lost in the weeds about - but the rest of the story is amazing - it rips your heart out - as a mother - it just totally rips your heart out.  Can you imagine having a baby and someone coming to your house and saying ok - the President has made an amendment you are to kill your child today by law.   I would be like - over my dead body - and I know that  would be that - over my dead body - I guess it would be just that - over my dead body...anyway - this is one great story of strength and courage and love.  You are brought into Jochebed''s life and you are allowed to glimpse into it for a short period of time and you are Blessed to have been there and you are honored to have been able to do just that.

I've always enjoyed historical novels set in Bible times, but at the same time I have a hard time knowing which ones are worth taking time to read and which are rubbish. I wanted to read Slender Reeds when I saw it, but was a bit wary at the same time. A lot of times, a book with that type of topic can have off-color things in it. I was pleased with this one, though. It was quite clean. I'm not sure about the historical accuracy; after watching the documentary Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus I question several items in Slender Reeds. It's very hard to know exactly what the truth was, though, about that era, so I'll give Ms. Gregory the benefit of the doubt.
Slender Reeds begins when Jochebed is just becoming a woman, and therefore just ready to be married. She lives alone with her mother, under the shadow of her father's death many years before. Many people believe he betrayed his people, and because of that they look down on Jochebed and her mother as well. However, Amram would like to marry her, so she agrees to it. Can she learn to love him? Will she be able to present him with sons?
Jochebed also has a few close friends who have struggles of their own. Infertility, rejection by their people, and the death of newborn babies cause such a strain between the friends that they wonder if they can ever repair the breach. And then, Pharoah issues the most horrible edict of all. Can any of the young women hold on to their faith in God through this terribly time of trial?
As a mother, I found Jochebed's emotions when Pharoah ordered the death of all the male babies to hit very close to home. The author did a superb job of portraying how the mothers would have felt. The suffering of the children of Israel in Egypt is shown quite vividly, as well as their faith—or lack thereof—in God. If you enjoy novels based on Biblical characters, Slender Reeds is a good one.
I received a free ecopy of this book from NetGalley and chose to write a review.

I find myself pondering exactly how to rate this book.  It's good let me say that right off the bat.  It's not one bit hard to be pulled into it and "feel" the emotions of their times.   But it's also Intense, really intense.  It might not be something that everyone wants to read but the women in the story really stand out.  And not just through just Jochebed, and Shiphrah but through their on and off friend, Lili and Jochebed's mother Elisheba.  Elisheba was like a mother to many and put so much of her love of God into others and put so much of God into everything she did.  She wove the stories of God into the baskets that she made and as she taught others they learned of God this way also.    One of the favorite things that she spoke often to Jochebed and others was, " But while it is still dark, God is at work."   This is so hard for Jochebed to accept when she suffers so much loss, death and darkness.  This is one of the things that might made it hard for some readers, because there was a lot of suffering shown in the book.  Since the book was so well written, I just feel like it deserves 4 STARS on Amazon.  There were other secondary people who were so well added to the story and some have connections that don't see until nearing towards the end of the book.  The story was like a well woven basket.

Easy read with likable characters. The author has a way with words that really transported me into the story

If you have ever wondered about biblical fiction, or been intimidated to try a biblical retelling, this is a book I would recommend starting with. Written in a highly approachable manner, covering the eight years of Jochebed's life prior to (and a little past, in the epilogue) placing her infant son in a basket and setting him in the Nile to be found by the Egyptian princess who would name him Moses. 

Mixed in with the two storylines, those of Jochebed and the half-Egyptian midwife Shiphrah, are glimpses into the royal court and the mind of Pharaoh Ramses. While interesting, I found myself starting to skim through much of them unless the scene included his wife or daughter. The Egyptian scenes otherwise had a same-ness to them, and while the descriptions were well done, they lacked the warmth of the scenes in the Hebrew village.

Romance is not an emphasis in this book, and though I would have liked a more present and involved Amram, the story does not suffer from the lack of it. In fact, this was one of the points that didn't ring true to the historical and cultural setting when one of Jochebed's young friends is portrayed as the pretty girl that all of the boys are after. The arranged marriage of a barely acquainted Jochebed and the older, widowed Amram felt much more authentic.

While this is a story of faith that one expects from such retellings, and the book's description, it is also the story of girlhood friendships and a study in motherly love and sacrifice. And that motherly love is both received and experienced in different times and ways to each of the childhood friends. 

As a debut novel, taking on the story of Moses' mother or any biblical retelling seems to me a bit of a gamble, but here it has paid off. I look forward to seeing more from Texie Susan Gregory.

This review refers to an ebook read courtesy of the publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

What happens when Texie Susan Gregor takes the familiar Bible character of Moses, & focuses a story before his birth? You get "Slender Reeds: Jochebed's Hope", published by Shiloh Run Press, of Barbour Publishing, Inc. on 11/1/2016. This great story centers around two women:  Jochebed (Moses Mother) & Shiphrah the midwife.  God was working out His plan to deliver the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery, even when it didn't appear that way.
     I really enjoyed how Ms. Gregory wove the people & their characters into a compelling & inspiring story of Faith. I was quickly drawn into the story, eagerly turning to the next page. I was disappointed when it ended, because I really wanted it to continue. I Highly Recommend this Great book.
     I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley, & have voluntarily chosen to review it.

Slender Reeds: Jochebed’s Hope, a debut novel by Texie Susan Gregory, is a powerful, fictional account about the mother of Moses. With wonderfully detailed descriptions of  people, events, and settings, Texie skillfully  led me into a life  unlike ours today. The story begins  the year before Jochebed’s marriage. Her insecurities are so finely  detailed that I couldn’t help but empathize with this young  woman who would be facing the prospect of an arranged marriage with someone she did not know. The book flows seamlessly through her life until the birth of her third child, Moses and ends on the day she has to relinquish her three-year-old son. 

 I loved how the author built much of the book around how Jochebed’s mother instilled such a strong belief in God in her daughter teaching her to trust that God can work things out to your good--even things that seem to be especially difficult.  Throughout the book, that teaching was something she held on to and left me with the feeling it was the one thing we can all hold onto in this life. 

This new author is definitely one who will be making a name for herself. I highly recommend this well written book.

When I first picked this up, I expected it to be like most Biblical Fiction. That is, a main character's romantic story woven into a Biblical narrative. Slender Reeds is nothing like that.

In ways, this is good. It is far more realistic to the cultural setting and time period, where survival outweighs romance. The slavery of the Hebrews is also more realistic, with the characters' daily lives filled with pain and drudgery as they seek out a glimmer of God's hope. Hope is slender as a reed in this story, with arranged marriages, barrenness, and ever breaking friendships. This is not the story for someone looking for a light-hearted read.

On the other hand, Jochebed's lack of a romance leaves Pharaoh (you know, murderer of Hebrew children) with a far better love story. Amram is virtually ignored in this story of Moses' humble origins, which disappointed me as I would have loved to see how all of this affected him. Instead, friendship was the main relational conflict of the novel, one which unfortunately seemed to repeat the same pattern.

Gregory's depiction of Hebrew slavery is likely a very honest one. While the full extent of their suffering is not detailed in the Bible, it is none the less known that the people suffered greatly. However, there were things I think could have been written better and I wish Amram had played a larger role. I would keep that in mind when deciding whether or not to read this.

I have provided an honest review after I received an ecopy of this book through Netgalley.

She picked up the basket she had been weaving and began to work. Mama's hands were never still. "Only the weaver knows what the basket will become. It is after it's finished that others see the beauty and purpose. When you began to weave your first basket, you told me the spokes were ugly-that you didn't want them to be in your basket, remember? You were afraid the spokes would ruin it. Now you know that without the spokes, the basket cannot take shape. The part that at first seems the ugliest is really the strength. The reeds you choose and the work you do before it looks like a basket determines how it will be used." 

What kind of faith does it take for a mother to send her infant son down the Nile with danger lurking everywhere? The danger of croc's, snakes and the Egyptians themselves. Jochebed, the mother of Moses had that kind of faith. This historical account gives the reader context of what life was like for the Jewish families under bondage and the superstitions of the Pharaoh of Egypt. 

It brings in a character Shiprah that is parallel to Jochebed. Shiprah is a wet nurse that is part Jewish and Egyptian. Her life is tied to Jochebed's family that brings a connection on how the Lord works good things for those that love Him. Each of these women suffer insecurities that help them deepen their faith in who God is and their purpose for His will.

There are lessons for us to learn from the faith of Jochebed and how those lessons connect us to the love of the father. Where we can learn to trust without knowing all the answers. When we question is God really at work in the darkness.

A Special Thank You to Barbour Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

I've always enjoyed Biblical stories but this one has become a favorite. Reading this book it really touched me and I couldn't stop reading. The Characters lives were so real. You felt their heartache and issues every step of the way. I recommend this book to everyone. This is a quick read that will keep you entertained through each page.

I got this e-book free from NetGalley for my honest opinion and review.
I love "Bible Themed Novels", but they are a hard genre to be accurate in writing! So if they are good and right they are GREAT! But if they stray from the Bible... they can turn awful very fast!
This one, while being very much an imaginary novel, since it is about a time that there are only a very few verses about, and has a while list of characters that aren't even in the Bible.
While many books have been written about Moses and Aaron and even their sister Mariam. This book is about their Mother! Starting when she is 12! A fascinating read and look at how it "could have happened". Given the customs, the Pharoh and Queen, the historical things we now know about that time and place added to the Bible account makes for a very interesting... What if.

*Side Note... While tastefully written, the author ties the two midwives, that are mentioned in Exodus, into the storyline (very beautifully I might add) which makes sense for the story, but in doing so there is child birth, loss of babies, monthly cycles... All dealt with very well but honestly. So you might wish to preview depending on the age/development of your pre-teen/teen.

I enjoyed this book. Simply put, Biblical fiction is my favorite read besides the Amish.
This author has done an excellent job of bringing these characters to life. And I didn't know that Jocabed was Moses' mother. I don't think the Bible ever said her name. How wonderful to finally know her name!
I love the story of Moses and how he led his ppl out of Egypt with the Lord's help.
I also enjoyed Ramses who was Moses' brother and I did learn a little more about him
This author has a great storytelling voice and I will be looking for more from her.
The cover of this book is what drew me to read it. I wanted to find out more about Jocabed and the author has delivered my expectations!
I strongly recommend this book and you won't regret it.
My thanks to Netgalley for am early read and NO compensations were received. All opinions are my own.