Review & Giveaway: Isaiah*s Daughter by Mesu Andrews, Prophets & Kings Book 1
Title: Isaiah's Daughter
Series: Prophets & Kings, Book 1
Author: Mesu Andrews
Publisher: Waterbrook & Multnomah Fiction
Release Date: January 16, 2018
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction / Biblical Fiction
Links*: Amazon l Goodreads l Book Depository l CBD l Itunes
Gifted Bible teacher and award-winning author Mesu Andrews reaches into the pages of Biblical prophecy and Hebrew tradition to unearth a rags-to-royalty story of the devastated orphan, Ishma—meaning “desolation”—in Isaiah’s Daughter (Jan. 16, 2018, WaterBrook).
At just 5 years old, Ishma’s life crumbles around her when Israelite soldiers violently kill her family and take her into captivity. Upon her release, the royal prophet Isaiah welcomes her into his home where she meets Prince Hezekiah (Hezi)—a boy who has also experienced great tragedy. Ishma and Hezi bond in their suffering, and as they grow in age, so does their love for each other. Aware of their developing relationship, Isaiah adopts Ishma as his daughter and presents her with a new name that will qualify her to marry royalty—Hephzibah (Zibah), meaning “delight of the Lord.” Hezi and Zibah marry, but after difficult times of barrenness, Assyrian aggression, disease and challenging prophecies from Isaiah, Zibah remains trapped by fear. Can she entrust everything to the only One who gives life and delivers both a captive heart and a desperate nation?
At just 5 years old, Ishma’s life crumbles around her when Israelite soldiers violently kill her family and take her into captivity. Upon her release, the royal prophet Isaiah welcomes her into his home where she meets Prince Hezekiah (Hezi)—a boy who has also experienced great tragedy. Ishma and Hezi bond in their suffering, and as they grow in age, so does their love for each other. Aware of their developing relationship, Isaiah adopts Ishma as his daughter and presents her with a new name that will qualify her to marry royalty—Hephzibah (Zibah), meaning “delight of the Lord.” Hezi and Zibah marry, but after difficult times of barrenness, Assyrian aggression, disease and challenging prophecies from Isaiah, Zibah remains trapped by fear. Can she entrust everything to the only One who gives life and delivers both a captive heart and a desperate nation?
MY THOUGHTS
It's been awhile since I started a book, and was immediately rippled with heartache and hope. Isaiah's Daughter, the first book in the Prophets & Kings series by Mesu Andrews opens with such an image, that I can't help but continue on. In that glimpse of a first chapter, I can tell you, it not only propelled me forward into the story, but prepared my heart and mind for one tumultuous ride.
Biblical fiction have always been one of those genres that I've always been leery of. Not because I don't think it's fascinating or good, it's because I've not read one that I've been able to walk away like any other type of fiction I read. True to its genre, Isaiah's Daughter combined Biblical truths, setting and add in a fictional element. That's not to say there's no purpose because it's made up. In fact, the very best biblical fictional will bring the stories of the Bible to life and allow modern day readers to grasp the idea that the Bible is not so "ancient" and "hard to understand" anymore. The Bible is relevant, and Mesu Andrews gave this believer one heavy heart in its message and in comprehension of the times of the "prophets and the kings." With all said, I like the fact that there's a bit about what is fiction and what is from the Bible in the beginning and the author's notes.
Isaiah's Daughter is very much about Ishma, as it is about Hezekiah. Their first meeting have been the most memorable for me, and my favorite. Both children, both witnessed a traumatic event and as they relied on each other, we see through the years, their minds, their emotions and their development. How they overcame the fear and learned to trust in Yahweh with their lives and their country, was powerful to say the least. Romance may not be at the forefront, but no one can deny the romance in this novel.
With the tension of royal uncertainties to the cruelty of aggression and the sacrifice of life, Isaiah's Daughter also is balanced with the love of family, the joy of friendship and the message of God's eternal promise. My very first Mesu Andrews' novels, but definitely won't be my last. Even days afterwards, I am inclined to go back on several passages or reach into my Bible and read - of God's deliverance, as well as His promise. Yes, Isaiah's Daughter is good. Be prepared to be wowed, but take heart, it needs to be savored, and pondered over.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
Please note, if planning to share quoted quotes (quote graphics OK), please verify with release copy, since it was taken from an uncorrected proof copy (ARC). Thank you.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mesu Andrews’ deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for her readers. She and her husband, Roy, live in a log cabin snuggled into the beautiful Appalachian Mountains with their dog, Zeke. The Andrews’ have two married daughters and a small tribe of grandkids. Mesu loves movies, football, waterfalls, and travel.
GIVEAWAY
The publisher, Waterbrook & Multnomah had graciously offer one reader on Just Commonly a copy of Isaiah's Daughter. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. US mailing addresses only. Thank you.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Join the rest of the tour for more fun with reviews, interviews and giveaways!
1/16 – Seriously Write l Lighthouse Academy
1/17 – Jill Eileen Smith
1/18 – Kristie Moments
1/19 – Coffee Cups & Camisoles l Montana Made
1/20 – Fiction Aficionado
1/21 – Angie Arndt l Christian Chicks Thoughts
1/22 – Carole Towriss l Backing Books
1/23 – God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae
1/24 – Faithfully Bookish l Mommynificent
1/25 – Just Commonly l Bibliophile Reviews
1/26 – Reading is my Superpower l The Mary Reader
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O, that would be good! And Tessa Afshar's Land of Silence is about the woman with the blood. It's fabulous!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThank you Teresa! Mesu was new to me too, though I've met her in 2016's CFRR. She is just the kindest of ladies. And I've been wanting to read her books! And boy, now I want more!
ReplyDeleteSuch great options!
ReplyDeleteWow! You are right! There are so many seemingly 'inconsequential'figures in the Bible, but we all know, not one word in the Bible was inconsequential! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSo true! I'm sooo loving these ideas!
ReplyDeleteO yes! The Bible have so many interesting characters and I'm sure tons of inspiration for backstories!
ReplyDeleteSo true! So many parables will make a great series!
ReplyDeleteVivian, I think you'll end this one too!
ReplyDeleteLol! I'd say so!
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra! Sorry for the delay in posting your comment! It was in the spam folder! I think a Job story would be very interesting!
ReplyDeleteO, the prophetesswould be a good one!
ReplyDeleteO, Christine, this is very good!
ReplyDeleteI love Jill Eileen Smith's Redeeming Grace is a good Ruth story!
ReplyDelete