Title: A Notable Woman
Author: Don Anderson
Publisher: Covenant Books
ISBN: 979-8893095555
Pages: 194
Genre: Religious Fiction
Reviewer: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
A Notable Woman by author Don Anderson is a deeply inspiring book that revolves around a character whose calm presence just instantly makes you feel stronger. It’s a retelling of the Biblical story about the Shunammite woman, who the author brings to life through Marta, a sixteen-year-old with sharp gray eyes and a seriously fierce spirit. Her dad marries her off to this rich, awful and bitter older man named Saana to settle his debts. To Marta, this feels like a death sentence. But readers will love watching how she grows from this terrified girl into this strong, respected woman who builds a family with her servants and holds onto her hope, no matter how difficult her circumstances become. Her journey crosses paths with a young prince and here, made me stop a few times just to guess what would happen next.
There’s this one part that really stuck with me: her conversation with the prince. I liked that he isn’t shown as some perfect, untouchable royal but as a lonely young man who just wanted a normal life. He asks Marta questions like, “What is your house like? Do you see your father a lot?” and you can just feel his hunger for real connection. He admits he has no real friends, and honestly, I found his character so relatable.
The whole book reads like a quiet prayer journal. It’s deeply reflective and full of little unforgettable, emotional moments. I found myself really feeling for Marta. You feel her disgust at her husband’s touch, you cheer when she outsmarts him, and your heart absolutely breaks for her when she goes through her biggest loss. I wasn’t expecting to get so emotional, especially since I’ve read the original story in the Bible before. This version just hits differently.
The writing is simple but beautiful in a really straightforward way, and I think readers will really connect with the big themes like resilience, fighting injustice, and how powerful quiet kindness can be. It’s not a flashy book, but rather one that makes you think. My biggest takeaway was that some people are notable not because of what they achieve, but because of who they choose to be even after life has been super unfair.
If you’re looking for a book that reminds you of the quiet power we all carry inside, you’ve got to pick this one up. A Notable Woman is more than a novel, it’s a testimony to the impact of living for Christ and a reminder that every believer can shine as a light in the world. Trust me, A Notable Woman by Don Anderson is the kind of story that doesn’t just end on the last page but one that stays with you, leaving you a little stronger and a lot more hopeful than before.
