This novel follows a Jewish family from the time of the Maccabees to the first crusades through their tradition of naming a daughter Rachel. The characterizations of the Rachels make them different enough to stand out from one another, but too flat to be engaging. The way the Rachels have few flaws and all important men fall for them grows quite boring. No information is given about the author's research into various historical periods. While certainly not an erotic novel, the sex and rape scenes will put off readers attracted to it thinking it is a Christian historical novel (though it is not marketed as such, the mistake could be made.) While an intriguing idea with much potential, this book cannot be recommended because of it multiple failures. ( )

This book was published after the Lives of Rachel by the same author, but the story (or rather stories) are set in the times before it. The book still focuses on a number of Jewish Rachels who are involved in some remarkable episodes, mostly in adversity. The stories go back to pre-AD times, in a Jerusalem rebuilt after the exile. However, it's a less enjoyable book to read than it's predecessor. ( )

May yet go back and finish it.