If you’ve been reading here for any length of time, you’ll know that I love to read. I also love to write book reviews so I can share the good stuff I get to read.
About a year ago, I introduced you to an author and one of her books, entitled Love’s Sacred Song. Mesu Andrews has since written two more books, and I’ve been just as excited about each of those.
Before I tell you about her newest novel, let me tell you about something fun:
We are having a scavenger hunt! Wanna play? Read the rules and then jump right in!
Somewhere in my review below, there is a single word that is in BOLD AND ALL CAPITALS. Write it down. Then, go to the other stops to find more hidden words. Once you have all the words, unscramble them to find a verse from the Scriptures. You can enter it into the Rafflecopter on any of the stops to have a chance to win a great prize from Mesu herself!
About the Book
Title: In the Shadow of
Jezebel
Author: Mesu Andrews
Publication Date: March 4, 2014
Publisher: Revell
Print Length: 417 pages
Summary (Amazon):
Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?
With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings Old Testament passages to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.
Purchase
My Review of this Book
Biblical fiction really is one of my absolute favorite genres, and books like this one are the reason why!
Before I read the book, I read through the sections of Scripture which contain the stories found in In the Shadow of Jezebel. I wanted to re-familiarize myself with that time period of Israel’s history. And let me tell you, it gets rather convoluted and bloody.
What Mesu does is take this complex part of Biblical history and make it and its characters “come alive.” What she does is truly SUCCEED at getting readers to consider the humanity and struggles of the people involved in these major events.
It is not that Biblical events need embellishing, but there is something about the “what ifs” of conversations, characters, and circumstances that makes Biblical fiction so enjoyable. When excellent storytelling is then combined with excellent Biblical research and scholarship–as it is in In the Shadow of Jezebel–the result is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
As with Mesu’s other books, I highly recommend this one for anyone who likes Biblical fiction!
The Buzz – Praise for Mesu Andrews’ Biblical Fiction
“Mesu Andrews has pieced together Scripture’s truths with historical supposition through her masterful, research-based writing and captured the spiritual climate of those ancient days.”–CBA Retailers+Resources on Love in a Broken Vessel
“Andrews weaves a beautiful tale and takes readers to an ancient Jerusalem rich with history and customs and a culture that struggles to follow the one true God.”–RT Book Reviews, 4½ stars, on Love’s Sacred Song
About The Author
Mesu Andrews is the award-winning
author of Love Amid the Ashes, Love’s Sacred Song, and
Love in a Broken Vessel. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book
Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and
intense study of Scripture, bringing the biblical world vividly alive
for her readers. She lives in Washington.
Mesu’s Website * Facebook * Twitter *
Goodreads
Stops on the Scavenger Hunt
I agree with you! I love how Biblical fiction really brings the characters to life for me! Thanks so much for being a stop in the scavenger hunt! (You worked in your code word amazingly well!) 🙂
Tina
I agree, Lisa. For me it’s the “What ifs” and the “Whys” that bring a story to life. Great review.