Brave - (King David's Brides) by Mesu Andrews

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.

A compelling and intriguing look at David's life while on the run from Saul, and that of the first wife he took in Hebron. A compelling and intriguing look at a time in David's life not often focused on in fiction, I liked how the author imagined that time on the run from Saul, and the possible reasoning behind him taking multiple wives, as well as the cultural landscape. Ahinoam is strong and stubborn, raised by a father abandoned by his wife she learned to wield the weapons of her father's trade. She is a young woman finding her path, she struggles with doubts and questions of worthiness in the face of her marriage to David and his taking on a another wife. The author did a great job navigating the difficult subject of David's multiple marriages, and while it was a little odd in my contemporary frame of mind of a Christian marriage, it did happen and he did have multiple wives, and there were consequences later on. I liked seeing David as a young man fighting for his throne, and becoming a revered leader among his men and his people. I also enjoyed his deep friendship with Jonathan. Overall, and excellent read full of intensity, faith, suspense, as well as parts that challenged me. The author did an amazing job, pulling from the text to create a compelling portrayal of Ahinoam and David during that time. A compelling read from beginning to end! I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book really brought David’s flight from Saul’s presence and sojourn in the wilderness to life for me. As my Bible reading has been in the books of Samuel during the time of reading this, I have been able to follow along and feel really immersed in all of the happenings, as well as verify the biblical accuracy adhered to in this novel. Ahinoam, as well as many of the other characters in the book, had very challenging lives and certainly did have to maintain a high level of bravery and fortitude to survive and follow where God led, as the title implies. I really appreciated the Author’s Note at the end, explaining some of the creative choices she made and where several ideas originated, so definitely be sure to check that portion out once you’ve finished reading! I received this book from the publisher through a review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Wow! Mesu Andrew’s delivers another impactful and inspiring Biblical Fiction story! Brave is the story of Ahinoam -a fierce and passionate Kenite woman- who was King David’s second wife (after Michal) and her story of courage, resilience, love and growth in faith. I have to admit I was intrigued about this series. The fact that King David, the beloved by Yahweh, had multiple wives, had always piqued my curiosity. So when Ms. Andrews announced her upcoming series with this theme, I knew I wanted to read it. And I was not disappointed! What a magnificent story telling! It made me see the historical facts, not from my contemporary point of view, but from the customs and way of thinking of that particular era in ancient Israel. It helped me understand things with a fresh and open take of what happened so long ago, realizing that we are still the same: putting our interests before God’s, lacking faith in the fulfillment of His promises. I know part of the book is according to the Bible, but the other part -what the Bible doesn’t say, the details-, the fictional part, the secondary characters, the complex plot, everything, it’s so well done that it blends perfectly with the Bible’s narration. I loved getting to know King David more personally, his own point of view. I think he was very well depicted: a true leader, with a heart attuned to God, a humble man, a courageous warrior. Yet, we also see his fears, his weaknesses, and at the same time his love of God and determination to walk in His presence and be guided by his Holy Will. He felt realistic, human, relatable. And I deeply admired Ahinoam’s personality and character and faith growth: her fierceness, her strength, yet her vulnerability and a big loving heart. Loved her relationship with her abba. The way she opens up to the arrival of David’s third wife Abigail, even though she struggles with it, but her loyalty to Yahweh and her desire to believe in His promises was admirable. This part of David before being King, running away from Saul, has been less explored than his long years as a King, and I liked getting to know better that part of the Scripture. The way David can love each wife as unique was admirable, and the way the author handled this issue was admirable. There were some great secondary characters that made the story richer. My favorite was Zeruia, David’s sister. Ahinoam finds in her a kindred spirit to help her see things from a different perspective. There’s a faith inspired message of what true love really means, being presented especially by David’s deep love of God, and Ahinoa’s way of loving and supporting David even when things are not what she expected. She’s loyal to the core. All in all, a wonderful telling of David’s errant life in the wilderness and the way he approaches the possibility of being Israel’s king. A very engaging and relatable read that transported me to that era with her vivid descriptions of the landscape and customs. You can see it’s so well and deeply researched! The cover is stunning too! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a positive review. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Mesu Andrews has been one of my all-time favorite authors since I discovered her books more than a decade ago. Reading Brave, the first installment in her new series on King David’s wives, underscores the many reasons why that is the case! This beautifully written Biblical fiction novel pulled me into the story from the start, and I had a hard time putting it down. Reading it was truly like stepping back into Bible times. Although Scripture itself tells very little about Ahinoam, the second wife of the man who would become King David, Andrews pairs what is known about the customs and culture of the day with her imagination to create a plausible story. In doing so, she has brought David, Ahinoam, and those around them to life once again in a way that is relatable to modern-day readers. As in all her books, Andrews’ depth of research is readily evident throughout Brave, as is her knack for fleshing out her characters and depicting them as real, flawed people. I truly admired Ahinoam’s spunkiness and loyalty, as well as David’s incredible devotion to God and his desire to honor and serve Him. I highly recommend Brave to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction or stories about Bible times. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions I have expressed are my own.

Wow! Mesu Andrews takes Biblical fiction to the next level! This book is amazing! As soon as I read the first line, I knew this would be an exciting journey! David is a complicated person/character. He is passionate about his love for God. He's a strong leader, brave and steadfast. He also makes mistakes; which reminds the reader of his human nature. Ahinoam and Zeruiah are my absolute favorites! They are strong, physically, and mentally. They love fiercely. They believe in Yahweh and that David is the chosen king. There are several parts of the book that really intrigue me. First, David's relationship with his father. It seems as if there is little affection and respect between them. Second is David deciding he needs more than one wife. This is explained in the note to the reader. Third is how Ahinoam reminds David several times of his need to spend quality quiet time with Yahweh. All of us need a friend like this! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book grabbed me from the first page and held me captive the entire time