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 Thoughts:
History is what history is, even the parts that we may find distasteful. King David was a man chosen, protected, and loved by God. He was in no way perfect, but he was part of God's plan. This story and actually the series deals with his wives. The parts the Bible does not expressly tell us, the author uses her imagination. This story is Ahinoam's story. From what I understand, she is David's second wife after Michal his first whom he had to leave due to Saul trying to kill him. This takes us through Ahinoam's story and up until David marries Abigail, one of the more famous wives.
Knowing how this story goes, especially the romance, I was pulled into the story anyway with all of the characters' struggles as David lives as a hunted fugitive. The family dynamics that were positive and the family discord we get hints of in the scriptures. Even knowing the story, I was pulled in and riveted to the pages of author Andrew's storytelling.
I am invested in this series, and I look forward to the next books that gives us glimpses, even though somewhat fictional, into David's lesser-known wives. The culture, the terrain, the war and strife all set up showing what it might have been like to be on the run from the corrupt king, knowing you were God's anointed and that someday He would place you on the throne as He promised. However, it was a long road for David, and we get to see glimpses of that journey through the eyes of the women who were closest to him. Keep your Bible handy, I recommend referring to it often.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
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.
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