Rightfully Mine

Their forty-year trek through the wilderness over, the ancient Hebrew people stand poised to begin building the nation of Israel. In order to facilitate this unprecedented historical step, Moses must divvy up the new land among the Israeli people. The only catch: the established customs of the time require that land is apportioned only to men. As death quickly nears Zelophehad, this proviso could soon lead to the demise of his family line - since all five of his children are daughters. Not if Rizpah has anything to say about, though. The second oldest of Zelophehad's children, Rizpah embodies every trait that is readily praised in her male counterparts - only, as a woman, she is often chastised for displaying similar behavior. Refusing to be ignored, Rizpah soon petitions Moses directly on behalf of her sisters and her entire family. The challenge that lies ahead of her won't be easy, but Rizpah has everything it will take to see the fight through to the very end... With vivid characters and a tight storyline, Rightfully Mine takes the reader on an imaginative journey back to a momentous time in the history of the world. Author Aggie Villanueva's rich tale is rife with compelling action and insightful detail - almost as if she lived in the midst of the very time and place the she describes. In addition, an intriguing subplot of forbidden romance further bolsters the tale and provides an added element of cultural context that will surely increase its appeal in the eyes of the reader. Impressively crafted, Rightfully Mine is a welcome read for those seeking to escape to a historical time long since passed - but never to be forgotten. Chelsea Perry Apex Reviews

There is an era in Israeli history where anticipation is a palpable hum, where the bedouin lifestyle gives way to the birth of a nation, where men gear up for war: The era between their forty-year wandering and their victory over Canaan. This is the era, the setting, the people into which Aggie masterfully breathes life. The novel opens with the impending death of Zelophehad, father of five daughters and no sons. The personality of Rizpah, his second born, is displayed fully within the first few pages-her loyalty, strength and impetuosity which everyone admires in her, and she herself despises for the weight of the punishment so often meted for her actions. But when Moses divides the new land among the men of Israel, it is Rizpah who has the courage to fight for her family of sisters. Rizpah appeals to Moses, the God-chosen leader of all the descendants of Jacob, for a place her family can call their own. Seamlessly woven into the plot is a love story of Rhett-Scarlett-Ashley proportions. Hanniel, Rizpah's cousin, spends his life in love with her, but she loves the famed Caleb-or is it hero worship, or the desires of a young, foolish heart carried into adulthood? Her dream of becoming Caleb's wife is at one point granted, then ripped from her grasp in an example of sacrificial obedience to God. Hanniel's dream of becoming her husband is rebuked as she holds tight to her adolescent love for a man she could never have. Along with the rich plot and subplot of the novel, Aggie exhibits a talent for placing the reader in the heart of the bedouin camps, in the very tents and activities of the characters she brings to life, with the economy of words that is the hallmark of a masterful writer. Her characters are full-bodied; her action scenes are tense and exciting; her love scenes are both pure and seductive. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to step away from the ordinary.

Rightfully Mine: God's Equal Rights Amendments: Author: Aggie Villanueva Women's rights and equal rights for everyone has been an issue and fight since time began. Throughout the ages women have been viewed as a homemaker, cook, mother and caretaker of the man and the home. Women's opinions were not valued or even sought after. Freedom of speech is for everyone and not just the few. Ideals, thoughts and viewpoints and discussions become more interesting and pertinent when everyone is included. But, not in Biblical times. Not by the men of the nation of Israel. Women did not have the right to choose their husbands or where they lived. Women were not allowed to own land or property or be part of the law making process of their tribes. So, whom does God's Equal Rights Amendments include? I would think everyone. When faced with adversity and dissension the women of Israel often looked to the men for solutions and answers. Each family had a man that was their leader and would deal with any important issues that came up. Outspoken, tenacious and fighting for the rights of women Ritzpah should have been born in the 20th century. During Biblical times women were not allowed to speak up for themselves nor were they allowed to own land. But, when the head of the family Zelophehad nears death and has no sons to in order to get part of the land Moses is dividing among the men of Israel, it is Ritzpah who speaks out and fights for what is rightfully hers and her families, the land that is owed to her father. Asking why her father's name should be stricken from that of Israel, she stands up for her family and for all women in order to get a piece of the land that they can call their own. What about EQUAL RIGHTS? When Rizpah faces Moses and explains why she feels that her family should be included in receiving their inheritance, many of the men sneer at her including the one who is proposing that she marry him and let him take care of her and her invalid sister. But, she declines and speaks up in front of the council and the result will surprise the reader and make you proud of her. Knowing that the only reason he wants to marry her is for her land and not her. Women have been fighting for equality since the beginning of time. Whether it is Susan B. Anthony fighting for women's right to vote or equal rights in the workplace or being allowed to speak up for yourself against the ideas and thoughts of men, women have been and still are in many countries not allowed to show a dissenting opinion against men. Women in Iran, Afghanistan and many other countries today would love to have someone like Ritzpah have the courage and foresight and wisdom to stand up to a council of men and be heard. Ritzpah has been in love with Caleb, now 79 years old since she can remember. Hanniel, her cousin has been smitten with her and has repeatedly asked for her hand in marriage only to be declined by her. Caleb, although he cares for her does not feel that he would be rig

Rizpah (referred in Numbers 27 as Noah) is the second eldest daughter of Zelophehad. Upon her father's death due to the plague, Rizpah fears she and her sisters will lose everything because only sons can inherit land, not daughters. Rizpah insists she must fight for what is "rightfully hers", believing there must be a way to petition Moses to allow them their inheritance. And Rizpah has more troubles. Hanniel has asked numerous times for her hand in marriage. But Rizpah is dead set on marrying Caleb... or no one. Even Mahlah, her eldest sister who is crippled, finds love and marries. So why is the God, Elohim, keeping her from marrying Caleb? Set in biblical times, Rightfully Mine is a beautifully written and well told story of the Israelites struggle to reach the Promised Land, their gift from Elohim for conquering the Canaan. The author, Aggie Villanueva, weaves a superb blend of biblical history entwined with romance. One of my favorite movies of all time is The Ten Commandments. Rightfully Mine is now one of my favorite books.