Brave: The Story Of Ahinoam By Mesu Andrews

Brave: The Story of Ahinoam

by Mesu Andrews

Publisher: Bethany House

Series: King David's Brides

ISBN: 9780764242618

I'm a huge fan of historical fiction set in Biblical times! I've enjoyed Mesu's stories in the past and when I saw the cover and heard about the series, I was intrigued. As part of Mesu's launch team, I was sent her book for review.

Summary:

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional 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 and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain 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 trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

My Review:

I had a feeling going into Brave: The Story Of Ahinoam that it might be more difficult to read than I anticipated. Until the end, I would say it wasn't difficult at all.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Ahinoam (Nomy) and David as fictional characters. I think it's important that while in the Bible they truly were living, breathing people, this story is fictional, but with Biblical events and people.

Nomy wasn't a woman to be trifled with. She could hold her own and she proved it time and time again throughout the story. She was strong, yet also struggled in finding her place, especially as a woman. The author portrays her as a type of fighter, but David's men had a hard time accepting any woman in their midst, but Nomy wasn't your typical woman. The women a part of David's tribe weren't very accepting of her, but Zerry, David's sister was such a balm.

David... I really enjoyed the author's portrayal of him. Just thinking of everything he constantly had to deal with. The familial relations especially had me frustrated. It certainly makes me want to go back and read Scripture to see if I see those same "feelings" from those around him. One of the elements I loved was "watching" David create his psalms. In this way, it really brought them to life for me. The way David had to live as a chosen kind of Israel while yet running for his life must've been overwhelming, and it showed on the pages of this story.

Their constant running from Saul or from those who were trying to kill them was exhausting to read. I couldn't imagine having to have lived through it for years. Hopeful that Saul would stop his pursuit, yet knowing that was never going to happen. The author really brought all of their travel, escapes, and hiding in caves to life for me.

I also really appreciated many of the secondary characters the author wrote about. The story was so much more than just about David and his wives. It brought to life those who were traveling with the future king. How they might've felt about his choices, and even their own choices. It was easy to like the men who stuck close and defended David. It was also easy to dislike those who treated David poorly. In some ways it gave me more compassion for him.

Because of the Biblical account, we know David had multiple wives, as did many men and kings in those times. I don't know believe that there is any Scripture that points to it being God's will for any reason. I think this part of the story will get the most discussion. Many people who read this part of the story will struggle with it because we're created to be married to one person. I absolutely understood Nomy's hurt & rejection even though David tried to reassure her of his love. But, it's in Scripture and we know that there was generational consequences with his multiple wives and their children.

I'm definitely interested in reading the next book in the series. I'm honestly more interested in seeing how the people continue to try to live in these trying conditions than to read more about David's wives, but it'll certainly be an interesting part of it.

About the Author:

Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling author of biblical novels and devotional studies, whose deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the Bible alive for readers. Her heritage as a "spiritual mutt" has given her a strong yearning to both understand and communicate biblical truths in powerful stories that touch the heart, challenge the mind, and transform lives. Mesu lives in Indiana with her husband, Roy, where she stays connected with her readers through newsy emails, blog posts, and social media. Visit her at MesuAndrews.com.