Michal's Window (A Novel: King David's First Wife) [Kindle Edition]

Rachelle Ayala (Author)

Book Description

Not your Grandma's Bible Story...

It's not easy being a woman, least of all princess of Israel. Married as a prize, abandoned as a wife, Michal fights to claim her rightful spot next to King David, the man she loves with all her heart. 

Separated by war, concubines, and kingdom politics, Michal embarks on a journey of adventure and heartache where she is befriended by a goddess-worshipping priestess and tempted by a Philistine prince.

From reading scrolls high atop the palace walls to seduction with a henna-painted body, Michal is not your ordinary Bible heroine. Join her in Michal's Window and let her delight you with her courage, devotion, and outrageous passion in her relentless drive to win back her husband. 

Content advisory: sexual situations, blood and violence

Editorial Reviews

Review

El Velo se ha Caido - Mario Gomez "I climbed through Michal's Window with skeptical anticipation. How compatible would romance be with something as controversial as biblical truth? And, how would Rachelle Ayala manage to draw forth plot twists and intrigue from a tale as well worn as time itself? But as I began turning the pages, Ayala's brilliant prose breathed life into one of history's most misunderstood protagonists, captivating my attention for the duration."

Backstabber Book Blog - Sudeshna Thakurta "There hasn't been a single night I didn't go to bed without thinking of Michal, and her plights. When she craved for David, I hoped he'd come back to her. When she saw how power and time changed David, I felt sad for her. It was only Michal who was on my mind. It makes you sink into the world of the characters and makes you think over and over again, replaying each event in your head. I sympathized and empathized with Michal."

Araceli of My Book and My Coffee "A very long, interesting, colorful, and worthy read. This book is far from the ordinary - it's an imaginative journey with Michal and David. This book made me smile, blush, cry, and many more. This will be a great TV series. While discovering Michal and David's love story, I can't help but think of Ross and Rachel from F.R.I.E.N.D.S."

★★★★★ 5-Stars by Kristie I. for Readers Favorite  "In the past few years I have become a fan of Biblical fiction and Ayala's novel does not disappoint! This story is well-written as it is filled with vivid details, well-developed characters ... creating a complete picture of life as lived in Biblical times."

From the Author

Michal is one of those fascinating women in history who had the guts to stand up to the establishment and the courage to take her punishment. I knew there was more to her story than the surface presentation in the Bible. If God was so adamant about men remaining with the wife of their youth (Proverbs 5:18-19) and not mistreating their covenant wife (Malachi 2:14), then why did it seem as if David got away with his burgeoning harem?

Michal was shortchanged in most history books, novels and Bible commentaries, so I wrote my own version of her story to vindicate this heroic woman, too strong for her time.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 818 KB
• Print Length: 460 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1475081480
• Publisher: Amiga Books (February 24, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007CVT9F2
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #58,848 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #8 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Biblical
  • #9 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Literature & Fiction > Biblical Fiction

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to put down May 19, 2012

By Vandernise1

Format:Kindle Edition

I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to
review it. I'll admit I wasn't completely sold on reading biblical fiction, especially since I'm not very well versed on biblical history to begin with. However, this epic love story was very gripping. I liked that the author listed an appendix of characters at the end so that we could see who was taken from the Bible and who was created in the author's imagination. The book, at times, is very graphic, but in my opinion it only adds to the realism of how cruel life could have been at the time, living under a king whose realm is constantly at war. It was so entertaining as written that I found myself wishing the real Bible was so enthralling. Maybe if it was this interesting I'd be more likely to read it! I like that the author portrayed the characters' faith so well without pushing faith onto the reader. We are left to come up with our own interpretation of their faith. Had I known absolutely nothing about the Bible or Judaism, I would still have loved this book. Don't let an absence of Biblical knowledge keep you from this epic journey. Do keep a box of tissues next to you as you read, particularly as you get to the end of this powerful love story.

49 of 52 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very entertaining! February 29, 2012

By Brittney

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Rachelle Ayala's Michal's Window is a wonderful mix of biblical fact and imagination. It is easy to cheer for the tenacious Michal as she fights for the man she loves. Michal's longing for David and her undying love, even in the face of adversity, pulls at your heart as you live her life through her eyes.

Not being a person who is 100% up to date on bible stories, Michal's Window slipped me into the fantasy of 1000 B.C. Israel. Ayala does a wonderful job at mixing fact with fiction, and the story gripped me from beginning to end. The familiar story of David and Goliath is fascinating to watch play out per Ayala's interpretation. The seduction of Bathsheba is reenacted in an intriguing and intimate manner.

Although the LORD does play a large part in the book for David, I never felt preached at. Instead, I was wrapped up in the characters and their problems as if I were there, walking in their sandals.

Ayala has wonderfully portrayed both the time and the people. I would definitely recommend this book to any lovers of romance or historical fiction. A very entertaining ride!

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most riveting tales of a biblical character brought to the forefront February 26, 2012

By Hammy

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Michal's Window tells an AMAZING story of the life of King David's first wife, Michal. Never has a story drew me in and took me to the past, but in a present kind of way, as this one has. We get to walk, run, fear, and most importantly, love as Michal does. From the moment she meets David, a poor shepherd boy and harpist (musician), come to calm a raging King Saul, Michal's father, who's been plagued by demon spirits, to the exciting moments when David and Michal fall in love and marry. The times of trouble start as a jealous King Saul seeks to put David to death. The heart-wrenching story of the newlyweds separated when Michal helps David escape her father's wrath, knowing she herself could be put to death by such an act. From this point on, the story only deepens and takes us through the painstaking quest with Michal, to find her beloved David, to a much later reunion, when David becomes king and follows through with an earlier promise to send for Michal to live in his kingdom.

From a long awaited moment, through times of desperation, and the yearning to be with the one you love, Michal's trials are just beginning. A reunion met with additional wives, and a harem, only pepper Michal's heart with bitterness, jealousy and the need to feel wanted. Her love for King David never ceases, but when she feels she is no longer the one and only, set aside, competing with not one woman, but many, her desires and weakness of flesh, bring her to do things unspeakable in that era, B.C.E.

We get to see and feel so many things in this novel. Not only do we eat, breath, and live as Michal did, but we get to see some of young David to the rise of his kingdom, and his own heart. We meet new characters along with some originals, which only add to the brilliance of this story. I can't say enough about this novel! Other than, it will be an all-time favorite. A classic tale told like no other. And yes, there are novel's about Michal, but nothing that speaks to our hearts as this one does. So come along and journey through the most fascinating and incredible story you'll never forget! A novel you'll read over and over again. Michal's Window will always hold a special place in my heart and one that I will never forget. Thank you, to the author, Rachelle Ayala, for writing such an incredible and inspiring story! And for the beautiful way you brought closure in the end.

.*°*"~~"*°*. ABSOLUTELY LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT .*°*"~~"*°*.

More About the Author

Rachelle Ayala is the author of dramatic fiction crossing genres and boundaries featuring strong but flawed characters. She writes emotionally challenging stories and is not afraid of controversial topics. However, she is an optimist and laces her stories with romance and hope.

Rachelle is currently working on a romantic suspense that touches on disability. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.

Visit her at: http://www.rachelleayala.com or follow @AyalaRachelle on Twitter.