Mesu Andrews
Historical Romance
Back of the book:
IN A KINGDOM CONTROLLED BY CRUEL AND MANIPULATIVE WOMEN, ONE PRINCESS WILL DISCOVER THE POWER OF TRUTH AND LOVE.
Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. 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 far beyond the realm of earthly governments.
Forcend to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba 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 the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.
Read An Excerpt! |
My thoughts:
Reading the Old Testament history books can be intimidating. The names are hard to pronounce and the chronological story weaves through several different books and can be difficult to follow. Mesu Andrews has taken those challenges in stride and brought to us a book that breathes life into those obscure characters on the page.
I really enjoy Biblical fiction when it remains accurate to the original account. In The Shadow Of Jezebel is spot on when it comes to accuracy. Each chapter of the book begins with a Scriptural reference to where that portion of the story is told. It was great to be able to follow along in my Bible as I read the fictional account.
Beyond all of the accuracy, it is a wonderful story. I know we always say we couldn't put it down . . . but truly I couldn't. I'm pretty well versed on these stories and so I knew the framework, but being able to see their day-to-day encounters was enthralling.
The story is very character driven. Jezebel has such amazing power over people, even when she isn't the one in the seat of power. She has raised up a daughter, Athaliah, that follows in her footsteps and continues her reign of deadly deception. But as widespread as their terror is, there is an even more powerful overriding theme and that is love.
There are several examples of the love of a man for a woman. There are even some very beautiful and uplifting stories of love between friends. But the love story that pervades everything is the one of Yahweh for His people. Because of this Old Testament account we are privileged to see how His plan for His people unfolds and uses every aspect of the good and the bad to bring about His will and destiny for those who call upon His name.
Jehosheba is the main character of this story and through her journey from the temple of Baal to the temple of Yahweh we get to see just how completely our God can take a life that was destined to be destructive and turn it around to one that brings life to those around her. This is definitely a book that should be on your to read list. It will leave you with a deeper understanding of that period in history where evil women tried to control everyone, but Yahweh had long ago made a promise to David's descendants . . . and He kept it!
Mesu Andrews and Revell Books have put together some great Bible Study questions and Reading Group Guide questions for your group. Just click on those links and download them for your enjoyment.
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Photo Credit: © Nic White Photography |
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