Review Rewind – Desired: The Untold Story of Samson and Delilah

I’ve slowly been adding some of my older book reviews to this website so I can keep everything in one place. 😉 This is an oldie but a goodie!

About the book

Meet the legendary Samson as you’ve never known him before … through the eyes of the three women who loved him.

Before Samson was an Old Testament legend, he was a prodigal son, an inexperienced suitor, a vengeful husband, and a lost soul driven by his own weakness. This is his story as told by three strong women who loved him—the nagging, manipulative mother who pushed him toward greatness, the hapless Philistine bride whose betrayal propelled him into notoriety, and the emotionally damaged seductress—the famous Delilah—who engineered his downfall and propelled him to his destiny. Desired celebrates the God of Israel’s to work powerfully in the midst of hopes, fears, desires, and sorrows.

My Thoughts:

Ginger Garrett is a masterful storyteller.  Through vivid descriptions and accurate research, she sweeps the reader away on a trip to the ancient city of Timnah during Philistine rule.  The wine is plenty, the idol worship is rampant, yet love is still sought in this heathen land.  It is here that the Hebrew, Samson, meets his Philistine wife, Amara, and where she becomes the first woman to betray him. 

But she will not be the only women to claim such a title.  Delilah, who most have always associated with a seductive nature, begs and pleads for Samson to share his secret with her.  Through several tests, we know that he does indeed share this well-kept secret, and it leads to his demise.

For those readers familiar with this tale from Judges, do not be convinced yet that you know the whole story of Samson.  Garrett has a few surprises up her sleeve.  This dramatic Biblical story will have you burning the midnight oil, and will also have you reaching for your Bible to compare both stories when you are finished. 

5 Stars