Daughter of Eden: Eve's Story


 
 
 
 
 
 Endorsements
 
 Praise for The Prince and the Prodigal
 
 “This is a story of forgiveness, grace, and redemption, and Smith tells it in a creative and believable way, which is a hallmark of her writing. The details she adds generate deep emotion and lead to a satisfying ending.”
 
 Booklist
 
 Praise for Miriam’s Song
 
 “An inspiring and uplifting read about hope, faith, and perseverance. . . . To be captivated by such a compelling story, so much so I did not want to put it down, attests to the writer’s storytelling ability.”
 
 Interviews & Reviews
 
 “I really loved the story and the writing style of Jill Eileen Smith. She is a master storyteller of Bible stories and really keeps the reader captivated.”
 
 Life Is Story
 
 “Miriam’s Song by Jill Eileen Smith is a beautifully written biblical story. . . . I was hooked. Jill Eileen Smith’s writing is superb.”
 
 Urban Lit Magazine
 
 “A novel based on detailed and meticulous research combined with a keen eye for historical detail.”
 
 Midwest Book Reviews
 
 Praise for Star of Persia
 
 “Real people with real flaws and palpable emotions play at your heartstrings in this unforgettable telling of the Bible’s greatest Jewish heroine. Jill Eileen Smith’s conversational style makes Esther’s story relatable, its complex history understandable, and its details fascinating. A must-read for every biblical fiction fan.”
 
 Mesu Andrews, Christy Award–winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter
 
 “In Star of Persia, Jill Eileen Smith breathes new life into the tale of Queen Esther, and those whose lives entwined with hers, by weaving together richly crafted descriptions, well-researched historical detail, and her usual flair for retelling biblical stories with a fresh perspective.”
 
 Connilyn Cossette, ECPA bestselling author of the Out from Egypt and Cities of Refuge series
 
 “This beautifully written novel creates a deep context for the biblical story of the Jewish orphan Hadassah. . . . Smith’s latest will be of great interest to fans of historical fiction, especially those interested in biblical times, as well as readers who enjoy new perspectives on women figures from the past.”
 
 Booklist
 
 
 
 
 Half Title Page
 
 
 
 
 Books by Jill Eileen Smith
 
 THE WIVES OF KING DAVID
 
 Michal
 
 Abigail
 
 Bathsheba
 
 WIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS
 
 Sarai
 
 Rebekah
 
 Rachel
 
 DAUGHTERS OF THE PROMISED LAND
 
 The Crimson Cord
 
 The Prophetess
 
 Redeeming Grace
 
 A Passionate Hope
 
 The Heart of a King
 
 Star of Persia
 
 Miriam’s Song
 
 The Prince and the Prodigal
 
 Daughter of Eden
 
 When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams
 
 She Walked Before Us
 
 
 
 
 Title Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Copyright Page
 
 © 2023 by Jill Eileen Smith
 
 Published by Revell
 
 a division of Baker Publishing Group
 
 PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
 
 www.revellbooks.com
 
 Ebook edition created 2023
 
 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—for example, electronic, photocopy, recording—without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
 
 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
 
 ISBN 978-1-4934-3966-9
 
 Most Scripture used in this book, whether quoted or paraphrased by the characters, is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2016
 
 Some Scripture used in this book, whether quoted or paraphrased by the characters, is from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
 
 This is a work of historical reconstruction; the appearances of certain historical figures are therefore inevitable. All other characters, however, are products of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is coincidental.
 
 Published in association with Books & Such Literary Management, www.booksand such.com.
 
 Baker Publishing Group publications use paper produced from sustainable forestry practices and post-consumer waste whenever possible.
 
 
 
 
 Dedication
 
 In loving memory of my mom, Shirley R. Smith, who left this earth two days before I completed the final draft of this book. My mom gave me a love for books and was my greatest cheerleader. She read every book until this one, which her earthly eyes will never see. But just knowing she is with Jesus is all that matters to me. She loved her family well.June 27, 1923–March 7, 2022
 
 Also in loving memory of my brother, Dennis, who read all of my books and who, like Eve, left this earth realizing afresh how much God loved him.November 8, 1943–July 10, 2021
 
 And to those who wonder what God’s creation of the world might have looked like . . 
 
 
 Epigraph
 
 The heavens praise your wonders, LORD,
 
 your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
 
 For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD?
 
 Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?
 
 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
 
 he 
 The Unseen Realm
 
 
 
 The first time he opened his eyes, light, brilliant and pure, moved in colored ribbons about him. Sounds like thunder and whispers joined in melodic tones. Scents came from the surrounding colorful foliage, and he could taste the breeze swirling in the air. He blinked and stood, taking in the garden,