I have finally finished Mark Halter's Canaan trilogy. He is a phenomenal writer. I actually felt like I was in the stories. The books are Sarah (book one), Zipporah (book 2) and Lilah (book 3).

The stories let you observe the bible from the women's perspective. What was it like for them? What role did they play in the building of a civilization?

If you enjoyed the "Red Tent" you may enjoy these books.

Eve, did you know that Mary of Nazareth was just released? I'm looking forward to reading that one.

I enjoyed this series too, and I really didn't expect to want to read Biblical fiction. I was afraid that it would be preachy, but it wasn't at all. They were great stories and I really enjoyed reading fiction based on the Biblical stories I learned as a child.

These are good too:

The Song of Hannah by Ruth Etzioni-Halevy (I have her book The Garden of Ruth here to read.)

Two Women of Galilee by Mary Rourke

Has anyone read The Gospel of Corax by Paul Park? I saw it here and thought it sounded good so, of course, I had to request a copy. 

Oh, I almost forgot Mary by Margaret George. I loved it!

Does anyone else have any other suggestions?

The Gilded Chamber by Rebecca Kohn - a really enjoyable read about Queen Esther.   She also wrote Seven Days to the Sea - which is the story of hte Exodus from the women in Moses' life; sister Miriam and wife Tzipporah.  (Personally, I didn't like it as much, but then Esther's tale is one I love.)

One of my bookish pals highly recommends India Eghill's Queenmaker, but I've not read it yet. 

I wasn't that fond of Queenmaker, but Wisdom's Daughter by India Edghill, her Queen of Sheba book, is magnificent.

Shomeret

A friend recommended Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther by Ginger Garrett. I've not read it, it is on my Wish List.

I read Orson Scott Card's Sarah, but found it lacking especially at the end, it was fabulously detailed and then, thud at the end.

i am on the last book, Lilah and agree that these books are well written and i also have felt so 'included' in the stories. 

Reading biblical fiction was not really on my list of things to read but I started Sarah and could not put it down.  quite trippy ending but over all a great read.  Also enjoyed Zipporah, another well written book and believeable.

Lilah so far is interesting and I am hoping for a great middle and ending!