Thursday, April 12, 2018

Isaiah's Daughter : a Novel of Prophets and Kings

GIVEAWAY
ANDREWS, MESU
ISAIAH'S DAUGHTER : A NOVEL OF PROPHETS AND KINGS

Whips cracked. Soldiers shouted. My feet blistered in a sunbaked wilderness. We kept walking. Walking. Walking...

The Hebrews are a divided nation. Israel in the north -- ten tribes strong -- has bowed to pagan worship. In Judah's two tribes, an evil king mocks King David's legacy while a remnant of Yahweh's faithful cling desperately to their one true God.

Caught in the middle of the warring is an orphaned girl named Ishma -- meaning 'desolation.' Her short life already mirrors the name.

Yet Yahweh's plan for her has only just begun.

Ishma enters the prophet Isaiah's home as a household servant, but her quick mind and lively spirit gain the friendship of Prince Hezekiah. When Isaiah sees their relationship mature, he adopts Ishma, giving her a royal pedigree and a new name. Ishma becomes Hephzibah -- 'delight of the Lord' -- and the desolate captive becomes Judah's queen.

But loving Hezekiah will require more of Hephzibah than she ever imagined. From Ahaz's terrifying reign to the Assyrian threat and Isaiah's own perplexing prophecies -- Zibah remains trapped by fear, facing an uncertain future. Will palace life lead to freedom from her past? Or can she trust everything to the only One who gives life and delivers both a captive heart and a desperate nation?

My Review:

In her Author's Notes, Mesu Andrews writes, "Because God's Holy Scriptures are His living Word, they have been fulfilled in many ways in many generations and will be fulfilled in ways yet to come." (p 384) That really struck me as profound. Especially when I think about the Old Testament because I've always struggled with...well, that eye for an eye mentality that was prevalent at that time. I'm guilty of dismissing it in favour of the the New Testament. But Andrews and other biblical fiction authors are bringing this part of my Christian history to life in a meaningful way.

Isiah's Daughter is a complex story that highlights the best -- and worst -- in God's chosen people. It's devastating and beautiful; heartbreaking and hopeful. A dramatic saga that's hard to read in places because Andrews doesn't shy away from the less savory aspects of  a brutal regime. Vivid imagery and deep characterization bring Isiah and his household to life. This author is a gifted storyteller with a reverent imagination that fictionalizes bible stories while staying true to the words of the prophets. A definite must read for biblical fiction fans or a great introduction to readers new to this genre.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like a chance to win a copy of Isaiah's Daughter, leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you add an email to your comment, remember to use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in order to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email, please add the title to the subject line so it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday April 15 2018. Offer open to International Readers. Good luck.

22 comments:

  1. Mesu Andrews' books are always SOOO good! (My sister's a HUGE fan!)

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    1. I bet a book doesn't just get once in your household of readers! Good luck, Elly.

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  2. I don't think I have read any of this author's books. I'd love to remedy this. :) Thanks for the chance.
    mbaaij at hetnet dot nl

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    1. This is only my second book by Mesu Andrews. She has such a gift for storytelling. Really spellbinding. Good luck, Marian.

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  3. I am intrigued by this story and would certainly love to read it. Aren't we blessed to have God's written word? mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. And doubly blessed to have authors who bring that written word to life in a memorable way. Good luck, Melanie.

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  4. oh this is on my to buy list. I have not red anything from this author yet. and this story is compelling. I would so love to read it.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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    1. It's really amazing how she brings it all to life. Good luck, Lori.

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  5. I'm rather new to Biblical fiction but I've really loved the books I have read. Would love to read Isaiah's Daughter! Thanks for your review!
    pwestfall7 at hotmail dot com

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    1. I'm slowly getting into this genre too. Good luck, Pam.

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  6. This is a wonderful book. I’m growing to love Biblical Fiction more and more.

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    1. I used to say I'd never read Biblical Fiction and then I read one...and another...and now I've read 8! Which isn't a lot, but it is a start. :-)

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  7. I'm not entering this one, because I want every person who really wants to read it to have a chance. What I wanted to say to you, Kav, is Biblical fiction is a hard genre for me to get excited about. I have a few and Mesu Andrews is where I started (Miriam.) Your reviews give me some of the best insight into a genre that I sometimes struggle with. That you are a converted non-reader of BF, I read your reviews with earnest and optimism that I too can be converted to a full-fledged BF reader and not a once-in-a-great-while reader.

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    1. Honestly, I don't think it will ever be my favourite genre but I'm more open to it now for sure. Just found out I'll be getting Connilyn Cossette's latest to review in a month or so and I'm excited about that. Baby steps, I guess. :-)

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    2. For me, it's the liberties a fictional story might take that worries me. My biggest fear is replacing truth with something I read in fiction and being oblivious to it.

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    3. I can see that and, honestly, I prefer biblical fiction that doesn't feature an actual historical person as the main character for that very reason.

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  8. How did I miss this review? Guess my nose was stuck in a good book (Pelican Point by Irene Hannon).
    Have not tried Mesu's books yet, but I do have Miriam on my shelf. So you know at one point in time it will get read...just when is the question ;-) If she's half as good as Jill Eileen Smith, I'll love it!

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. You are taunting me with Pelican Point, Trixi!!! lol I can well understand how the rest of the world could fade away when that is the book your nose is buried in! Good luck!

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  9. Also not entering Thanks for sharing this book with others

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    1. I like to spread the book love in all it's glorious diversity. :-)

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  10. Thanks for the giveaway!

    ladysnowangelphotos(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. You're welcome LadySnowAngel. Good luck!

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