Rachelle Ayala was a software engineer until she discovered storytelling works better in fiction than real code. She has over thirty years of writing experience and has always lived in a multi-cultural environment. The tapestry of characters in her books reflect that diversity.

Rachelle lives in California with her husband. She has three children and has taught violin and made mountain dulcimers.

Reviewed by Kristie I. for Readers' Favorite

"Michal's Window" a Biblical historical novel written by Rachelle Ayala, which will transport you back in time and immerse you in the lives of the characters. The reader is first introduced to Michal when she is fourteen years old and David is hired to play his harp for her father, King Saul. Although Michal is young, she falls in love with David, and there began the love between them and also the trials. David is a mere shepherd boy and is warned that he has nothing to offer the princess. Although he has been told he will be King later on, no one else knows this. Michel is the first woman to win David's heart and she desires to be the only one; however, as years go by, David becomes King and Michal becomes one of his many wives. The story is told from Michal's perspective, and the reader gains a new perspective on this story from the Bible and the relationships and factors that play a role in these characters' lives.

In the past few years I have become a fan of Biblical fiction and Ayala's novel does not disappoint! This story is well-written as it is filled with vivid details, well-developed characters who experience a range of emotions and embody many historical details of the time. The love that Michal feels for David is so real and I found myself empathizing with her when she had to be separated from David due to her father's jealousy and when he took other wives as well. Michal came alive on the pages of this book, as did all of the characters, and the events from the Bible have been utilized and expanded for filling in gaps and creating a complete picture of life as lived in Biblical times.