Brave: the Story of Ahinoam (King David's Brides,#1) by Mesu Andrews

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.

MY THOUGHTS.....

I always appreciate an author who makes me eager to know more about the topic they're writing about, and I love it when it's based on a well-known story in the Holy Bible, but being introduced to a lesser-known story is especially rewarding. This is what Mesu Andrews does in "Brave: The Story of Ahinoam"! She uses two verses in 2 Samuel 3: 2-3 as the foundation for a captivating story about Ahinoam and Abigail, the first two wives of King David, but his first wife, Ahinoam, is the primary focus. From these few verses, she's created a story that kept me turning the pages, searching the scripture, and pondering "what-if?" I was captivated by this young woman who loved her husband wholeheartedly but realized that she would never be able to lay claim to all of his. She was dedicated, brave, and strong, and in most cases would have been enough for any man, but sadly, she would be the first of David's six wives. Appalling in today's society but acceptable because we know that it was all a part of God's Plan!

There are several authors that I trust and respect in the biblical fiction genre and Andrews is one of them! What did I especially enjoy about Ahinoam? Each chapter begins with Bible scripture, there's more scripture scattered throughout the book, and the story is told through both David's and Ahinoam's viewpoints. True historical and biblical facts are deftly woven with fiction, and I found myself checking my Bible often as I continued to read! Brave is a fascinating story that's made me want to learn more about King David's Brides. I just wonder if any of them will be as brave or appealing as Ahinoam?

If you enjoy fiction that's engaging, enlightening, and entertaining, grab a copy of Brave! I highly recommend this book to all who enjoy historical biblical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mesu Andrews is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah's Daughter and her deep understanding of, and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy. She stays connected with readers through newsie emails, fun blog posts, and frequent short stories. 

For more information, visit her Website      Facebook     Twitter   Instagram

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A Hope Unburied (Treasures of the Earth, #3) by Kimberley Woodhouse

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the bustling world of paleontology in 1916, Eliza Mills defies societal expectations to pursue her passion. Having published her early groundbreaking papers anonymously, she has finally earned her place at the Carnegie Museum and seizes the opportunity to work at Dinosaur National Monument with a renowned paleontologist. But things in Jensen, Utah, aren't what they appear. When Eliza gets the chance to dig up bones at a ranch with a dark history, it sparks a chain of events that will rock the very fabric of her carefully constructed world. 

Devin Schmitt, Eliza's closest friend since childhood, harbors unspoken feelings for her but knows he will never be able to win her heart. Just as he vows to give her up for good, Eliza begs him to visit her in Utah for another grand adventure. He reluctantly agrees, and within a few days of his arrival, he and Eliza find themselves entangled in a web of danger where the stakes are much higher than they ever anticipated. In a race against time, Devin and Eliza must hold on to God as their hope as they navigate a treacherous terrain of betrayal to unbury the truth and save Eliza from those who wish to see her fail.

Bestselling author Kimberley Woodhouse sweeps you away on a breathtaking journey through the perilous landscapes of the Bone Wars era, where love and ambition collide.

MY THOUGHTS.....

Treasures of the Earth has been a wonderful series! I've loved the different women paleontologists who wouldn't take no for an answer, along with the people who've supported them, but the two main characters in this book are special indeed! There may be a happy ending in A Hope Unburied, but it wasn't going to be easy! Oh, Devin Schmidt always knew that he loved Eliza Mills, but he'd promised her grandfather that he wouldn't pursue a relationship with her. He was truly a man of his word, but even an honorable man has his limits and that is when this story became so poignant!

I loved Eliza and Devin! She was determined to fulfill her dreams but paleontology in 1916 was truly a cutthroat occupation, and women paleontologists were unacceptable! Deception, danger, and even death were some of the plot twists in A Hope Unburied but there was also extreme devotion and powerful faith. And, oh my, the sweet romance shouldn't be ignored. I was captivated by Eliza and Devin!

I've said this before but author Kimberley Woodhouse excels in combining facts and fiction! A Hope Unburied is historical fiction and it's apparent that she was deeply involved in her research for this book and series. I learned so much about Earl Douglass, the Bone Wars, and the Dinosaur National Monument, and I enjoyed that Andrew Carnegie was a key character in Devin's efforts to help Eliza! This story was the perfect conclusion to the Treasures of the Earth series, and I recommend it to all who enjoy historical Christian romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than twenty-five books who loves the JOY of story. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past, and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate. She's spoken to more than 2 million people at more than 2,500 venues and has taught the craft of writing around the country. Married to the love of her life for thirty-plus years, she makes her home in the Poconos. 

You can connect with Kimberley at her Website     Facebook     Instagram    Twitter

TREASURES OF THE EARTH

The Secrets Beneath

Set in Stone

A Hope Unburied

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