Yep, it happened — Monday night I hit (and passed!) 900 followers on here and 700 likes on my Facebook page! Thank you to each and every one who follows me on any or all of my social media pages. I know I haven’t been constant on all of them in the past, but my New Year’s resolution was to get more engaged with you all on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! 🙂
So let’s get into today’s review now! 🙂
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.
About 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.
Forced 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.
My Review…
I’ve read all but one of the books Mesu Andrew’s has published so far and with each one I’ve closed the book feeling so impressed with her work. She has such a beautiful way of presenting a character’s story and I love how they always point towards and end with showing the power and mercy of Yahweh. And In the Shadow of Jezebel
is no different!
It didn’t take me long to get wrapped up in the dangers and intrigue of Jehosheba’s world — or better known as ‘Sheba’. I can’t imagine growing up the way she did — the only ‘motherly influence’ she ever knew was someone who used her cruelty and power as a tool to control her. Mesu did a wonderful job of showing how deeply Athaliah had affected and controlled Sheba — and the long, painful journey Yahweh and Jehoiada walked through with her to undo the evil vines and thorns that were growing on her spirit and threatening to choke out her life.
Sheba was a very complex, deep character. Because of her past, she had so many facets to her, you discovered them along with Jehoiada after the two are wed. I thought it was neat that Jehoiada wasn’t the ‘perfect suitor’ — he was much older than Sheba, was a long-time bachelor with many old habits, and had a couple of shortcomings he had to deal with. It made these two characters very life-like and three dimensional. They didn’t have a perfect marriage — in fact, it was pretty rocky for a while. But as the reader, you got to watch them grow, learn how to live with an imperfect person, and mature in their marriage. I thought it was beautiful.
One thing I really appreciate about Mesu and her writing is that her books to not focus so much on the physical intimacy side of a relationship, as many Christian writers do today. There were several times in the book where the story could have progressed and given you a glimpse “into the bedroom”, so to speak, but Mesu kept it very appropriate and didn’t delve into any of that. Not that there wasn’t any tenderness between Jehoiada and Sheba in the story — oh no, there was lots of that! But it was shown and reflected in words and acts of love towards each other, not in marital intimacy. And I really appreciated that, making this a book I would recommend for girls of all ages!
If you haven’t read any of Mesu Andrew’s books, I highly encourage you to give them a try. Especially if you like Biblical fiction. I highly recommend In the Shadow of Jezebel
! It won’t take you many pages until you are caught up in the palace intrigue and the stress and terror that soon becomes a part of Sheba’s life….until she marries a humble priest named Jehoiada and learns of the great Yahweh. 🙂
I reviewed this book for Revell. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.
Mesu Andrews says
Hi Katie!
How fun to "see" you again! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review IN THE SHADOW OF JEZEBEL! I loved the insights you brought out. As usual, a very perceptive spin on the book. You're a doll! Blessings on your continued ministry to your readers, gal!
Katie McCurdy says
Mesu – Thank you for stopping by! It's always so special when an author takes the time to visit my little blog! 😀
I loved In the Shadow of Jezebel! Your writing is stellar and your stories are amazing. Glad you enjyoed my review, and I hope it helps give potential readers another view of how amazing your book is!
Mesu Andrews says
Oh, bless your sweet heart! I still remember your review of LOVE AMID THE ASHES. I think you were one of the first folks that reviewed my debut novel, and you were soooooo encouraging. You're a doll. 😉
Katie McCurdy says
Mesu – Aww, thank you for telling me that. I'm so glad 😀
Kate S (4readin) says
This sounds like a good book! In fact, I followed your link to find out more on Amazon! Thanks for the review.
Katie McCurdy says
Kate – I HIGHLY recommend this author to you, Kate! Seriously, each book I've read by her grabs my attention from the start and takes you on an adventure — and one that actually happened, too! 🙂 You won't be disappointed.
Bethany says
I've heard a lot of good things about this author-I'll have to check this novel out! Thanks for your review! It's always nice hearing what other like minded book lovers think about books before reading them yourself. 😉 Have a great day!
Bethany
Katie McCurdy says
Bethany – Everything you've heard about her is true, then. 🙂 She's a phenomenal author and definitely worth looking into. Any of her novels will captivate you and leave you in awe of God's awesomeness 🙂