Compensating for her husband’s gambling losses was becoming more difficult each week. No matter how carefully Rahab budgeted, or how much fabric she made and sold, she couldn’t make a dent in his ever-growing debt. To make it worse, she was lonely. If only she had a baby to love while Gamal was out gambling. But the moon god, worshipped by most of Jericho’s residents, had not answered her prayers for such a miracle. When Gamal’s debts get him sold into slavery, he does not go down alone. Dabir, counselor to the prince, forces Rahab to pay back the debt as well…as a prostitute. It is a sentence that will take her to the depths of despair. But there in the darkness, Rahab will come to know the one true God and will take a heroic risk that will change the course of her life.

THE CRIMSON CORD, like all of Jill Eileen Smith’s biblical novels, brings to life the men and women of the Bible with powerful emotion, drama, imagery and storytelling.

"Jill Eileen Smith brings this heroic prostitute to life in a powerful story of betrayal, captivity, despair, hope and atonement. As always, she uses in-depth research and excellent storytelling to captivate her readers with a fresh look at a key player in God’s amazing plan."

Having no choice, Rahab begins her new life: first as Dabir’s imprisoned mistress, then as his high-priced prostitute. Rahab’s exquisite beauty makes her a favorite among the men of Jericho. Dabir rakes in the profits, as Rahab plunges deeper into misery, wondering if she’ll ever be free. With the help of her faithful guard, she escapes to a desert cave, only to be recaptured by Dabir’s soldiers. Beaten for her attempted escape, Rahab continues her wretched existence. From her customers and guard, Rahab hears rumblings of Israel’s conquests, complete with tales of cities being annihilated by the wandering desert soldiers and incredible miracles performed by their God. Jericho’s residents are on edge, knowing that the Israeli Army draws near. Little do they know that two of Israel’s spies have already passed through Jericho’s gate and are seeking shelter in the home of the city’s favorite prostitute.

Salmon is no stranger to war. He’s grown up in the desert, led first by Moses, then by Joshua as they crossed into the Promised Land, following God’s battle instructions in order to claim their land. But when he and his friend are sent to spy on Jericho, he has no idea the mission will rock his world. The spy operation leads them to Rahab --- a prostitute so beautiful that she takes up permanent residence in Salmon’s mind, as well as his heart.

With little more than a seed of faith beginning to blossom in her soul, and a burning passion to be free, Rahab helps the spies escape in exchange for protection for herself and her family. To assure her protection, the spies tell her to hang a crimson cord from her window, so the Israeli soldiers know not to enter her home. Weeks later, the walls of Jericho come crashing down. A bloody battle ensues, in which all those living within Jericho’s walls are slain. True to their word, the Israelis don’t touch Rahab and her family.

Thus begins a new life for Rahab, full of fresh challenges as she tries to acclimate to the Israeli way of life, trusting in their God, and wondering if someone like Salmon could ever see beyond her sordid past.     

THE CRIMSON CORD: RAHAB’S STORY is the first book in the Daughters of the Promised Land series. Jill Eileen Smith brings this heroic prostitute to life in a powerful story of betrayal, captivity, despair, hope and atonement. As always, she uses in-depth research and excellent storytelling to captivate her readers with a fresh look at a key player in God’s amazing plan. I will be anxiously anticipating the next novel in what is sure to be another great series by a gifted author.