Master storyteller Walter Wangerin Jr. offers the retelling of a familiar biblical story — complete with some modern applications — in "Naomi and Her Daughters" (Zondervan, hardcover, 228 pages, $24.99).

For the novel, Wangerin borrows from the books of Judges and Ruth, touching on themes including love, faith, grief and community, all set against the backdrop of war and political instability.

In the book, the widow Naomi grieves the deaths of her two adult sons after the shocking murder of a beloved adopted daughter, while pondering her responsibilities toward her Moabite daughters-in-law.

When her daughter-in-law Ruth begs to return to Israel with Naomi, events are set in motion that will change the course of history. Naomi's decisions ultimately result in the founding of the family lineage of Jesus Christ.