No Woman So Fair    by Gilbert Morris Order:  USA  Can Bethany, 2003 (2003) Paperback Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Anise Hollingshead No Woman So Fair is the second in the Lions of Judah series by Gilbert Morris, a former pastor and a professor of English. This series explores fictionalized tales of famous people in Old Testament times. The story begins with Sarai still living at home, waiting for Mr. Right. While waiting, she uses her considerable free time (her family is rich) to torment erstwhile suitors, her sister and her brother. Sarai is extremely good-looking, and doesn't hesitate to use her beauty, coupled with a high intelligence, to stir up all kinds of trouble at home. Fortunately, before she's murdered by her long-suffering sister, Abram comes along and it's a match made in heaven. The bulk of the story concerns Sarai and Abram's relationship with each other and with God. It develops over the years spent traveling through the lands promised to Abram by God. Important events from the Bible are used as the basis for the tale, but as there's really not much information about Sarai other than that she was very beautiful and also headstrong, much of this novel is fiction. As No Woman So Fair is not meant to be a completely accurate account of Sarai (which would make a very short novel), certain liberties are expected to be taken, especially with this type of romantic story. However, I did find some things just unbelievable, as in Sarai's continued flouting of her brother's rule at home, and the fact that she and her sister's suitor were allowed to go outside alone! While the fact that this family was portrayed as very rich does allow for some laxness in traditional values, I can't believe that unattached women would be permitted that much freedom, no matter how enlightened their family. Sarai's kowtowing to Hagar while Hagar was pregnant also caused me to lift my eyebrows, as I just don't think any pregnant woman would have been accorded that much pampering, let alone a servant - no matter that she was carrying the future heir. Aside from these slight quibbles, I found the story well-written and fairly enjoyable, with well-developed characters and interesting dialogue. Readers of Christian fiction, particularly those who enjoy romance, will have fun with this novel. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Historical books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews