In the Shadow of Jezebel: A Novel

This was an interesting story about the palace intrigues and betrayals during the time of Jezebel. I can't imagine how horrible it would have been to not know who to trust and to constantly be on your guard. I felt sorry for Jehosheba as she felt torn between years of worshiping Baal and learning more of Yahweh, but also not wanting to anger her adoptive mother, the daughter of Jezebel, because of who she would hurt. I liked that we see Jehosheba grow as she learns to trust and love, not only her husband and Yahweh, but also two women she befriends. I really liked that each chapter had a Bible verse about what was going on in the story, so you could compare the true story with the fictionalized account. It was fascinating to see the role she played in Israel's history. I did find the story stressful because of the court politics and Jehosheba's wildly varying emotions, but it was interesting to learn more about this time period. I have read two other of Mesu's books and I didn't like this one quite as well as those, but she is a talented writer. If you like historical, especially Biblical fiction, you should check her out.

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

If you have been following this blog for a while, you know that I have a soft spot for Biblical based fiction, and that even if it's not the best book I've read, I will still give it a decent rating if it is accurate. It's been a while since I read this portion of the Bible, so there were some parts of this novel that I'm kind of iffy about as far as how biblically accurate it is, but I do know that the main plot was true. I enjoyed this book for the most part, but there were a few things about it that I wasn't thrilled about. For one thing, the emphasis put on Baal. The author made sure to let the reader know that it was a bunch of phooey, but it's such a touchy subject, and a lot of research would have to go into writing a novel about the ancient pagan culture in order for things to be portrayed in the correct way. Just by reading the book, I'm not sure that the author did enough research to make the story authentic. I did, however, like how the author incorporated a great deal of the one true God. If I were to write a book based off of an Old Testament event, I probably wouldn't have chosen this one, but I think that Mesu did a pretty good job with the story that she chose. If you like most biblical fiction then you will more than likely enjoy this one as well. The characters were amazing. I LOVED Jehoiada. He was sweet and caring toward his emotionally abused wife. He was so patient with her and he took all of her little "moments" in stride. He had a little bit of a temper, but that just made me love him more. It made him seem human, considering the fact that he had few other flaws. I also enjoyed watching Sheba grow in her faith and as a person. Marrying the high priest did her a world of good. I would recommend this book to biblical fiction fans that are 15 and older.

~The Literary Maidens

Note: I was provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion by Revell Buzz. I was not further compensated to review this product and all thoughts expressed above are completely my own and unbiased.

I love biblical fiction, and I love Mesu Andrews. This wasn't the easiest story to deal with, and I thought this was one of her best. Very heartbreaking at some points, but hopeful.

Well done, Mesu! When I started this book, I had never heard of Jehosheba, but I knew of Jezebel and her evil ways. This book brought the Old Testament alive with imperfect people and a perfect God. Times have changed, but the themes of this book: deception, manipulation, fear, truth, love, and hope are still very much the same. Though I may not face all the dangers Jehosheba and Jehoiada did, I could relate to a lot of their struggles with faith, trust, and anger. God is a big, just, merciful, loving God that follows through on His word. "In the Shadow of Jezebel" is smart, strong, so-good-I-can't-put-it-down, splendidly written, and should be a hit!

About the Book:
Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. But when a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah predicts doom for the royal household, Jehosheba realizes that the dark arts she practices reach beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel’s strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh’s high priest and enters the unfamiliar world of Yahweh’s temple. Can her new husband show her the truth and love she craves? And can Jehosheba overcome her fear and save the family–and the nation–she loves?

About the Author:
Mesu Andrews is the award-winning author of Love Amid the Ashes, Love's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture, bringing the biblical world vividly alive for her readers. She lives in Washington. Learn more at [...]
My Review:
Jehosheba's life has consisted of her helping take care of the queen, the queen who's mother is Jezebel. She knows that Jezebel was widely known for the many bad things she did and Jehosheba hopes that doesn't bring a curse down on herself. Jehosheba does everything she is required, she knows that she will be rewarded in the end. She expects one day she will be able to live on her own, married and happy, but as of right now she has to do what she was told to do even if she is a princess. She knows that Athaliah's family is known for the many bad things they have done. Jehosheba soon is married off to a high priest, it finally seems her life has taken a turn for the good.

It starts to show that the nation is in need of saving from the rule of this bad queen, and Jehosheba seems to be the only one possibly able to save it. But she doesn't have the courage to stand up for what she believes, even if it's the right thing to do. Jehosheba must call upon God for the strength she so desperately needs.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.

What I love about Mesu's books is that every time I read one, it makes me want to go to the Bible to read the story and surrounding passages myself. In the Shadow of Jezebel is no exception. Mesu has a gift for taking "complex" things in the Old Testament and making it clear and easier to understand. Love Princess Jehosheba's journey to discovering God's love and forgiveness was riveting. Highly recommend!

Mesu Andrews has taken a story of laws, rules and punishment made it enthralling. From the very beginning, you're dropped into a world of intrigue and romance set in the opulent kingdoms of Judah and Israel. This book contains high drama, true romance and intense suspense.

If I had to pick one area where Andrews excels, I don't think I could. Her storyworld is real, her characters are compelling and her message of hope hits right to the heart of your soul time after time. Loved this book.

Mesu Andrews has done it again with "In the Shadow of Jezebel", a very captivating, well researched story of a very popular, not well liked, biblical character and those directly impacted by her. Even though much of the plot was foretold in the bible, this book brings it all to life with great characters, suspense, interesting details of the life of a High Priest, the everyday struggles of dealing with a past and letting it go to God, family love in midst of turmoil and evil plots, and most importantly finding hope through it all. This book, along with other Andrews stories, has made me delve deeper into the Old Testament to look for the many jewels that can be found there. It is a must read!

Another I cannot put this book down by Mesu Andrews.

Great book and author!