Book Recommendation - Noble

 

Mesu Andrews has become one of my go-to authors for good Biblical Historical fiction. I love this genre because it takes me out of my 21st century western world lens and brings the time and place, culture and context of the Bible to life in a more real way. The good ones have me pulling my Bible and comparing and seeing passages with a new light. This one can be classified that way. I've always wondered about the mother of Absalom - the young man who vindicates his sister by killing his brother and tries to usurp the throne of his father David, who is still heralded as the greatest king of Israel. This story heralds Maakah's entrance into the life of David before he is made king (though they are not wed until after he is made king). I'd love to see the author's speculation on the childhood of Absalom - I'd love to see a spinoff series that shows the children born in Hebron after this series on the wives (hint, hint!)

Here's a bit about the book:

Princess Maakah of Geshur is duty-bound to create a political alliance for her father through marriage. The cancelation by King Saul of her betrothal to his fourth-born son compels Maakah's father to send her to the rebel David ben Jesse, a shepherd-warrior anointed years earlier as Israel's future king, to propose a marriage between them. Taken aback by stories of David's ferocity and lowly birth, Maakah considers the match a degrading fate but obeys her father's wishes out of duty as her nation's only heir.

To her relief, David rejects the offer of marriage, but circumstances make it impossible for Maakah to return home, and she must stay with David's people until it is safe for her to travel again. Facing prejudice and suspicion from the Israelites, Maakah navigates the delicate balance between her noble heritage and her growing respect for David's faith and leadership. In a land torn by war and divided loyalties, she must choose where her allegiance lies: with her Geshurite people, or with an extraordinary destiny alongside David that beckons her from within.

This gripping second installment of Mesu Andrews' Old Testament biblical series of ancient Israel and King David's brides will appeal to fans of The Chosen, Francine Rivers, Connilyn Cossette, Jill Eileen Smith, and Tessa Afshar.

This book releases August 19, 2025 wherever books are sold. Be sure to check it out! And for a free prequel novella, be sure to sign up for Andrews' newsletter at her website (web address below). For additional information, check out the following links:

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

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

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7590789827