Black 'n' Gold Girl's Book Spot

The Story: Can vengeance give way to forgiveness when one woman's destiny becomes entangled with the very enemies she sought to destroy?  Motherless and raised alongside her brothers, Alanah, a Canaanite, is no stranger to fighting. When her father and brothers are killed in battle with the Hebrews, she disguises herself and sneaks onto the battlefield to avenge her family. The one thing she never counted on was surviving. Tobiah, a Hebrew warrior, has spent his share of time on the battlefield and is shocked to find an unconscious woman among the casualties. Compelled to bring her to a healer back at the Hebrew camp, he's unprepared for the consequences of what he intended as an act of compassion. In order to survive, Alanah must unite with her enemy. But will a terrible revelation drive her toward an even greater danger? Paperback:  9780764218224 | $15.99 | May 2017 | Bethany House Publishers My Thoughts: Biblical fiction at it's finest, on par with...

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 l...

Love in a Broken Vessel by Mesu Andrews Copyright 2013 Revell Publishers ISBN: 9780800721695 About the book:  An epic journey of intimacy, rejection, betrayal . . . and hope. God gives Hosea a difficult command-marry a prostitute in order to show God’s people the nature and depth of His love for Israel. When Hosea goes to Israel to proclaim the Lord’s message, the woman God directs him to marry turns out to be his childhood friend Gomer. He finds her broken and abused, unwilling to trust Hosea or his God. But when marrying Hosea becomes her only means of escape, Gomer does what she’s good at-she survives. Can Hosea’s love for God and God’s love for Israel restore Gomer’s broken spirit? With her powerful combination of in-depth research and masterful storytelling, Mesu Andrews brings to life one of the most complex and fascinating stories of love and forgiveness in the face of utter betrayal. My Thoughts: My original  Goodreads review of, "Excellent, excellent...