Book Recommendation - Brave

 


One of the genres in fiction that I love is Biblical fiction as it gives me more Bible context and has me reading scripture with a greater understanding. Though Biblical fiction is never in lieu of the Bible itself (and should be read as intended - a fictional account of actual events), it helps me to better understand the context and culture of the scriptures. Mesu Andrews is one of the authors that I love to read who does Biblical fiction oh so well. Her upcoming series is about the wives of King David and she's writing on the lesser-known wives. Book 1 is Brave - the story of Ahinoam. In scripture, Ahinoam is only mentioned in passing. She was listed as a sideline to his marriage to Abigail (He had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel) and by the child she bore David in Hebron - Amnon, his first born. In Brave, we not only read about Ahinoam (her part is mostly fictionalized since there is not much out there about her), but also learn more about David. And his time in the wilderness when he's fleeing from Saul. Here's a bit about the book:

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a fierce and unconventional Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her dagger-wielding father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab, only to encounter hardship and betrayal. Amid the unforgiving Judean wilderness, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister, Zeruiah. Through her Kenite metalworking heritage, Ahinoam gains respect among David's army, and the soldiers' wives offer friendship. However, scarred by painful past relationships, Ahinoam isolates to avoid new friendships and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to love Israel's next king?Bestselling author Mesu Andrews presents a gripping biblical-era series, weaving a narrative of resilience and the transformative power of faith.

With themes of forgiveness and worship, this book also explores the themes of the Psalms that David wrote during this time and speculates on how Ahinoam's faith may have bolstered his own and prompted some of these songs.


This book was an excellent work of fiction that had me opening my Bible to see how the stories were spelled out in scripture and giving me a clearer look at the time in Biblical history. It's one I recommend to fans of Biblical fiction. This book releases October 1, ,2024. For more information, check out the following links:

Mesu Andrews' website: https://mesuandrews.com/

Mesu Andrews' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MesuAndrews

My full 4.5 star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6343612407

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