Another Winner from Mesu Andrews: In the Shadow of Jezebel (My Review)

In the Shadow of Jezebel
by Mesu Andrews
Copyright 2014
Revell Publishers
ISBN: 9780800721701

The Story:
In a kingdom controlled by cruel and manipulative women, one princess will discover the power of truth and love. 

Trained as a priestess in the temple of Baal, Princess Jehosheba strives to please the demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of Jezebel. 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 far beyond the realm of earthly governments.

Forced to marry Yahweh's high priest in order to further Athaliah and Jezebel's power plays, Jehosheba 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?

With deft skill, Mesu Andrews brings the Old Testament to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.


My Thoughts:
Confession: I don't read biblical fiction -- unless it's penned by Mesu Andrews. She has a way of putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard and crafting some of the most complex and yet altogether interesting and captivating stories you will read. Even if you don't normally enjoy biblical fiction, her stories are completely captivating and her latest book, In the Shadow of Jezebel, just proves why she's at the top of the genre. As per usual with this author's books, I basically requested this one to review without even reading the back cover blurb. When it comes to Mesu, you just know, you know? ;-)


I have to be completely honest and say that this one didn't quite grab my attention as quickly as Love's Sacred Song or Love in a Broken Vessel. It started out slowly with Jehosheba and Jehoiada meeting only after 1/4 of the story passed. From the title I thought that Jezebel would play a prominent part in this story, but she was mentioned only a few times in passing. I think since the characters are a little less familiar than those of her previous novels, this story did have more of a "fresh" feel. I did love that this book had a more understated look at life, love, and faith in the ancient times. It really makes you think how difficult life was when growing up surrounded by those whose only worries involved making plays for power no matter who got in the way, including one's own flesh and blood! It was very interesting to take a peek into what life may have been like for a young princess, in such tumultuous times and under the power of such wicked rulers, who came to learn of true love from God and her new husband.

In the Shadow of Jezebel has earned its spot on my keeper shelf and has just affirmed that Mesu Andrews will keep her spot as one of my go to authors when I want to read an excellent story. If you've never read a book by this author, I hope you will consider this or any of her previous novels and enjoy them just as much as I have! Happy Reading!

Read my other reviews and posts featuring Mesu HERE!

To learn more about Mesu and her books, visit her website:
http://www.mesuandrews.com/

*I receive complimentary books for review from the publisher. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I express are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.*

~ My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars ~

Happy Reading!