Zahava D Englard

THE GILBOA IRIS is a passionate story - emotion emanates from every page. It is a story of romance, intrigue, suspense, love, happiness, tragedy and abject despair.
The descriptions of the kibbutz and kibbutz life, the Gilboa Mountains and other locations in Israel are a special part of this book. The characters of Dara Harrow and Roni Ben-Ari, indeed all the characters of this book, were beautifully developed and detailed.
About halfway through the book, it hit me - I knew what the outcome of the book was going to be. I cried. I didn’t know if I could continue. I did continue reading and I am glad that I did, as THE GILBOA IRIS is very special and has left a lasting impression on me.
The conversation at the end of the book on the Mount of Olives was very poignant. The questioning of hope and optimism is a universal concern.
An interesting aside (for me) was the mention of Mossad knowledge of the planning of the 9/11 attacks. The U.S. didn’t acknowledge or give credence to these warnings. I could never take this as fact, but it is interesting and painful to think about.
I sincerely hope Zahava Englard gives the public more of her writing.… (más)

I highly recommend this unforgettable book, a powerhouse novel, well-written and I guarantee it will hold your attention until the very last sentence! I totally enjoyed this book by author Zahava England. A young American woman is caught between loyalty to her parents and to the Israeli man she has fallen in love with while working on a kibbutz in Israel. She is an American due to attend her first year of college in the fall and does not want to return to the USA. He is a man devoted to the causes of Israel and does not want her to suffer the lonely life of a wife of an Israeli spy. I won't reveal more about the plot because the beauty of this book is that it has so many twists and turns and the author has succeeded in weaving a tale of intrigue, suspense, passion and romance.

What is really astonishing is that the book reveals characters that have a sensitivity to the politics surrounding them, yet this is not a political tale. It is rather a story of how one copes with tragedy, with intense love and with survival when a threatening enemy lives nearby. The characters are passionate about their country Israel, they are committed to defending it and are willing to pay any price to ensure that the Jewish people remain there.

This talented author helps us understands the fear lurking in the hearts of those who are surrounded by Arab enemies. Also, she skillfully reminds us of the threat of global terrorism and how it can effect anyone living anywhere. One can only admire individuals who are willing to make personal sacrifices to protect the ones they love and to honor their ideals and values. This book is a treasure and hopefully many readers will find it and enjoy it the way I did.… (más)

Riveting breathless action a rousing story of romance!... The Gilboa Iris weaves together the timeless love story of Dara and Roni, a feisty American student and a brilliant Israeli commando, against the backdrop of global terror involving the infiltration of the US s defense stratum and a double homicide on American soil. Zahava D. Englard merges wit, history, adventure and the triumph of the human spirit into a sensational read! --Grace Bennett-Inside Chappaqua Magazine

It was tough to tear my eyes away from The Gilboa Iris…. While the main character is not family(!) I did relate to her story and its incorporation of the very real tensions, terrorism fears and other issues that so many of us in the Western world must deal with today. A fast-paced, exciting read that has you praying for a happy ending. --Eve Harow - Israel National Radio Show host

Hard to believe The Gilboa Iris is Zahava Englard s first novel it sizzles, oozing passion of all kinds. Great plot, fascinating characters and, best of all, it s brimming with local lore. Don t miss this one! --Yocheved Miriam Russo Freelance journalist, Israel

This moving story of love, death, rebirth and survival…a great read. --Ruthie Blum; American-Israeli author and social critic… (más)