An interesting look at the possible affair between Solomon (of the Bible) and the last Queen of Sheba - and what happens to their son. Well written and easy to read, with likable characters. The historical note was helpful in figuring out what was history and what was speculation, but it could have gone into a little more detail. A more extensive bibliography would have been nice, too. ( )

This is almost like two stories in one book. The first half is about the Queen of Sheba. The second half is more about her son and what happens to him. I enjoyed this story. I received this book from the Book Club Network for a fair and honest opinion. ( )

Title: The Last Queen of Sheba
Author: Jill Hudson
Pages: 320
Year: 2014
Publisher: Lion
The tale of Sheba and her queens is told from the sole point of view of Tamrin the Merchant. Tamrin’s character sheds light on the inner workings of government in Sheba and Jerusalem. The Last Queen of Sheba is a work of fiction as there aren’t many Biblical or extraneous writings giving knowledge of those who ruled in a place so unlike any I studied.
At the end of book, the author shares where readers can learn about the past and other sources used in preparation for writing. The list of sources though could be better expounded upon including any websites available for readers desiring more historical information. The tale itself is enthralling even though there are a few cuss words used in the book. There are those instances of cussing that I wonder if so far back mankind spoke such words or if there were other ways of expressing disgust.
I really enjoyed seeing the positive and negative of Solomon written in the book to show all the more the glory of God and our need of Him. It was heartbreaking to see the disaster that pantheism and idolatry befell Israel after Solomon’s reign. The length and hardship of traveling back in those times is breathtaking as well as the danger caravans faced due to wild beasts or bandits.
Before readers enter the world of fiction it might be best to read the author’s notes in the back along with the Bible references in order to distinguish fact from fiction. Shining brightest in the novel is the sovereignty of God along with His desire to make Himself to known to all who seek Him with all their hearts.
My rating is 4 stars.
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.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/. Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457 ( )

This is a retelling of the Biblical story of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. In this version, the queen visits Solomon as the Bible relates; here the two fall deeply in love. One assumes that the Song of Solomon is the king's love poetry written to this queen during this time. Due to their royal obligations and constraints, however, it is a passion that is hopeless and is consummated only once before the two go their separate ways. The Biblical story of Solomon relates how he fell into folly into his later years, taking hundreds of wives and allowing his wives' gods to be worshiped and that is the way the story unfolds here, too. The Queen of Sheba, returns to her homeland where the virginity of the queen is paramount and a subsequent child must be carefully concealed until the time is ripe.

The world is well enough realized; the matriarchal rule of Sheba is an interesting concept. But somehow the story itself is quite slow and it took me dozens of times of putting it down to read something else before picking it back up again and finishing it. The story lacks tension and in those parts where tension builds, the tension is dissolved quite peacefully and trickles quietly away. Great events seldom happen without great upheavals – in this book, however that is precisely what happens. Three stars – I didn't actively dislike the book; it was more that there was nothing to capture me and make me anxious to continue. ( )

Critics or purists who prefer Bible stories to be free of fictionalization may not care for the concept of this book since its premise is based on just a few lines of scripture in the Old Testament--the meeting of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, David's son. Yet, I found the book incredibly insightful and supportive of Biblical precepts. The book is professionally detailed: a book that speculates how "it could have happened." Special kudos goes out to Jill Francis Hudson for this epic tale of two young rulers. The Last Queen of Sheba is one of the greats.

As far as I can discern, there are four basic divisions in the story line:

1) Events leading up to choosing Makeda as Queen of Sheba. Once she was chosen, there was a certain amount of political turmoil she had to overcome. Then some troubling events led to Makeda's decision to visit King Solomon of Israel.

2) The Queen of Sheba's actual visit with Solomon.

3) The Queen's return to Sheba and her rule of her country from her family palace in Yeha, Ethiopia.

4) The Consequences of Sheba's visit. Some loose ends are resolved, while we read about the downfall of Solomon.

The story is told in the first person by Tamrin, the Merchant. The wealthy merchant has traveled extensively and amassed for himself riches and an an enterprising business with contacts all over Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia and even Israel and its neighbors. In fact, his most recent visit with Solomon garnered him a commission from the King for materials needed to embellish the Temple he was building for God. In addition to conducting business with Solomon, Tamrin treasured the philosophical discussions with the wise and humble man. The young king wanted his friend to know his God, Adonai, as well. Their talks gave Tamrin much to think about on his long journeys through the deserts.

This book is much more than just a political commentary of a remote queen. Through the author's skillful writing and storytelling ability, people jump off the pages and become real. The conflicts grip us and become personal to us. When Queen Makeda returned from Israel, she turned her country on its head. She introduced many reforms that turned an oppressed people into prosperous citizens. She brought from Israel principles from the law of Moses that turned her country from "an uneasy, unstable agglomeration of disparate tribes whose only reason for suppressing their mutual hatred was the fact that they hated non-Shebans more," to a country that worshiped and honored God (Adonai).

Twenty years after Makeda was chose Queen of Sheba, Tamrin the Merchant had to return to Jerusalem with a representative of Sheba's royal council. In contrast to Sheba's now orderly, happy and prosperous state, what greeted his eyes shocked and distressed him. Israel decline was evident everywhere he looked. Even more shocking was King Solomon himself. He appeared haggard and even older than the merchant. The reason for such a decline was even more shocking. That is something you'll discover when you read this book. Tamrin was not even as welcome as before, until Solomon met the Sheban emissary. Eventually they returned to Sheba with sad news for Queen Makeda, but with something important for the people and for God's temple in Yeha.

What I like best about this book is the meticulous detail the author uses to make the settings and circumstances interesting and relevant for the reader. By researching the Kebra Nagast, the national Ethiopian epic, Islamic and Jewish legends and literature and archaeological information, Ms. Hudson was able to move way beyond common knowledge to treat her readers to so much intricate detail. While I felt the beginning of the tale was a little slow moving, once the events ramped up, so did the intensity and suspense. The remainder of the story was terse; I had a hard time finding a place to stop reading when I needed to. The beginning set-up is filled with necessary background information, making the faster moving accounts flow more naturally and easier to comprehend. This is definitely one of my favorite biblically-based historical fiction books of all time. I will be looking for this author's other works as soon as I can. I highly recommend this book for high school, college age and older readers. As for younger readers than I just mentioned, the subject material may be a bit more mature than they can handle. If I were to rate the book, it would be given a PG-13 rating for some adult topics.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from The Book Club Network on behalf of the author and Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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.” ( )