Isaiah's Daughter : a Novel of Prophets and Kings

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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.

The Pharaoh's Daughter

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ANDREWS, MESU
THE PHAROH'S DAUGHTER

Anippe has grown up in the shadows of Egypt's good god Pharaoh, aware that Anubis, god of the afterlife, may take her or her siblings at any moment. She watched him snatch her another and infant brother during childbirth, a moment that awakened in her a terrible dread of ever bearing a child. Now she is to become the bride of Sebak, the kind but quick tempered captain of Pharaoh Tut's army. In order to provide Sebak the heir he deserves and yet protect herself from the underworld gods. Anippe must launch a series of deceptions, even involving the Hebrew midwives -- women ordered by Tut to drown the sons of their own people in the Nile.

When she finds a baby floating in a basket on the great river, Anippe believes Egypt's gods have answered her pleas, entrenching her more deeply in deception and placing her and her son, Mehy, whom handmaiden Miriam calls Moses, in mortal danger.

As bloodshed and savage politics shift the balance of power in Egypt, the gods reveal their fickle natures and Anippe wonders if her son, a boy of Hebrew blood, could one day become king. Or does the god of her Hebrew servants, the one they call El Shaddai, have a different plan for them all?

My Review:

Ancient Egypt comes to life in this stunning fictional account of the well-loved bible story about Moses in the bulrushes. Telling the tale from the perspective of Pharaoh's daughter is sheer genius -- an angle I haven't seen before or even thought much about. Andrews embellishes the tale with fascinating details about the ancient life and customs of the Egyptians. That alone is worth the read. But then, when the power of El Shaddai is revealed -- well it transforms a story of great loss into one of hope.

Complexities in relationships drive the plot as Egyptians and Hebrews are confronted with political intrigue, treachery and unspeakable danger. This isn't an easy read in places. The Egyptians were a brutal people and the author doesn't shy away from their atrocities as they hunger for power and revenge. As a woman, Anippe is a pawn for political gain. It's no wonder she's consumed with a relentless fear and uncertainty. Watching her grow into a woman God can use to save His people makes for an inspiring read.

GIVEAWAY OPPORTUNITY:

If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of  The Pharaoh's Daughter please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoreadATyahooDOTca. If you post a comment and add your email address, please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . in the address to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so that it's easy for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday July 9 2016. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!