Jochebed's entire life has been a faith journey as she seeks her mother's God. The daughter of a Hebrew slave and master basket weaver, Jochebed knows the stories of her ancestors but wonders if the Lord cares how they suffer under the hand of Pharaoh Ramses...and if the promised deliverance will ever really come.

Anyone who has read the book of Exodus in the Old Testament, or has watched the movie the 10 Commandments knows the story of Moses and the deliverance of the Hebrews out of Egypt. What author Texie Susan Gregory has done in her book Slender Reeds, is take us into the lives of his mother, grandmother, and the midwife who the Pharaoh Ramses has commanded to kill all the newborn male children. These women are tough and complex.
From the opening chapter I realized that the author was a masterful storyteller—her words revealed the intricacy of her research, and her word pictures showing the history and places drew me into the people’s lives. She contrasts the grittiness of the plight of the Hebrew slaves against the opulence of Ramses and Nefertari in their palace. Then she shows us the goodness of God’s promises and the determined faith of His followers; up against the darkness and silence of Egyptian gods and priests who grasped at straws to keep their positions in the court. Excellent read for lovers of historical fiction and Biblical history, and a captivating emotionally moving story for all other readers. 5 stars ( )

I really enjoyed reading about Jochebed's story. I have never seen a book that tells how Moses mother grew up. This was well written and it made me laugh and cry. People of that time period really had a hard time. I really liked Jochebed and Shiphrah. They each had many trials to work through in their lives. I received a copy of this book from Barbour for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

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. ( )

Title: Slender Reeds (Jochebed’s Hope)
Author: Texie Susan Gregory
Pages: 320
Year: 2016
Publisher: Shiloh
My rating is 5 stars.
Jochebed lived during the time of the Hebrews’ captivity in Egypt under Pharaoh Ramses reign. Married to Amram she gave him three children: Miriam, Aaron and Moses as recorded in the Old Testament. Read the actual account in the Bible in the book of Exodus, beginning in chapter 2 to learn the true historical account.
What I found fascinating about this fictional novel was life viewed through Jochebed’s eyes. While this is not a retelling of her life’s story, it is really intriguing to go back in time and consider how Jochebed may have felt, what she may have experienced and lived. Much of what is presented I thought quite plausible as life was a day at a time existence and their lives were owned by a ruthless Pharaoh.
As I read, my heart was tugged as to what Jochebed may have felt, especially in the way God led her to let go of Moses in the hopes that he would live after Pharaoh had decreed death to male babies born to the Hebrews. The mother/daughter bond is so touching and how the mother passed on their history as she wove baskets was a stroke of genius on the author’s part.
I also found it gripping how the author had Jochebed struggling with faith, life, and marriage while raising a family during extreme times. Life was precarious and never guaranteed as it always depended on the decree of the ruler and living so close to the Nile. I wonder if all the Hebrews did hang their baby baskets from a rafter in order to protect them from scorpions and snakes that would enter homes at various times. Either way, I couldn’t put the novel down; I was pulled in from start to finish. The friendships presented, the fragility of childbirth, the clashing at times between the women all were woven so well as to be lifelike.
The ending is really touching and it shows how God can redeem relationships as He redeems hearts! I cannot wait to see what comes next from the pen of this author! Read Slender Reeds and share the tale with other friends!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )