1. In the Shadow of Jezebel, A Novel
    Mesu Andrews
    Revell / 2014 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$17.99 Retail Price$20.00 Save 10% ($2.01)
    4.7 out of 5 stars for In the Shadow of Jezebel, A Novel. View reviews of this product. 36 Reviews
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    Stock No: WW721701
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  1. Bethyhope96
    Virginia
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    An intricate look into the history of Judah
    April 8, 2014
    Bethyhope96
    Virginia
    Age: 18-24
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This was the first book I read by Mesu Andrews, and I'm telling you, the title alone was intriguing! If you know anything about the Jezebel written about in the Bible, you know she wasn't good news. I actually hadn't planned to request another book to review, but when I saw this one I couldn't resist. I love Biblical fiction, and this time period of the Bible especially intrigues me.

    So let's start with the characters. Jehosheba is our protagonist. She is the daughter of King Johoram of Israel, and the step daughter of his wife, Athaliah, as she was born to one of his other wives. She was adopted by Athaliah because of her lack of daughters. Jehosheba is an interesting character. At the start we are tempted to dislike her because of her unkind treatment of her maids, but as we read we learn of Sheba's fears and insecurities and discover that there is more to her than a shallow princess who worships a false god. I think the author did a fantastic job in starting and finishing Jehosheba's character arc. There's also Jehoiada the High Priest, an "angry old goat" according to many in the book. It was neat to see the story from his perspective as well, and God's plan for him revealed. Each member of the supporting cast was well-written, and held something deeper. For a while, I was even wishing for Sheba's half-brother, Ahaziah, to find the truth... even though I already knew the ending to that thanks to the word of God. Yes, I enjoyed all of the characters, but want to give special mention to the author's portrayal of Jezebel and her daughter, Athaliah. They were portrayed in such a creepy, different way. It was well done, and made me afraid to meet up with them anywhere. The downright evil seen in their souls was chilling.

    Now the plot. It was very interesting. It covered a pretty big stretch of time... but all added to the story. It was eerie learning about all the practices of worshiping the god Baal, and goddess Astarte, and uplifting to hear about worship in the temple of Yaweh. It's not often that an author can transport you back to the times of high priests, and the ark, so flawlessly, but Mrs. Andrews made me feel like it was all real. Even though I may have read the Biblical account of this many times, it is so interesting to see it written out as a story. I even enjoyed reading about Israel, in all of its depravity, and all the court intrigue kept me reading late.

    I really liked this book. It was thorough, and you could tell the author did her research. I enjoyed each small thing that was included, like the special attention to description of the High Priest's garments, etc. This book was happy, but also sad, in a way, because it reveals the depravities of a land that forsakes God, almost in the same way our country seems to want to head. At any rate, I appreciated the author's attention to detail, and her attempt to keep it Biblically accurate. I loved this story, and I recommend this for readers 15 and up.

    ~ a rambling author
  2. Bitsymc
    Red Lion, PA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Biblical Fiction at its Best!
    October 8, 2014
    Bitsymc
    Red Lion, PA
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    In the Shadow of Jezebel is another well-written, well-researched book by Mesu Andrews. If you appreciate Biblical fiction you will be intrigued by this book. Each chapter begins with a scripture reference relating to that chapter. Reading scripture along with the book will keep you thinking.hmmmmm, what if? Jezebel was an evil queen and her vile influence to those around her was evident throughout the book. Prevalent over the evil is Gods love and power. Experience the Biblical story of Jezebel in a unique way and be taken back to a culture that exhibits the depravity of Gods creation. Mesu includes a character list at the beginning to introduce the reader to characters both real and fictional. Jezebel thinks shes powerful and in control. She discovers just how powerful Yahweh is and who really is in control! Youll want to put this book on your to-be-read list. I enjoyed it very much.
  3. Brenda
    WV
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Great story
    March 31, 2014
    Brenda
    WV
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    In The Shadow of Jezebel there were several characters that really touched me but I think the one that really stood out had to be Jehosheba also known as Sheba. She grew up in conditions that were less than ideal, with a mother figure that was anything but kind. Sheba was such a complex character and we learn this right along with her husband Jehoida. Speaking of him, he really wasn't the typical suitor, he was older than Sheba, and was a bit set in his ways. I really enjoyed watching their story unfold. I found the worship of Baal to be quite fascinating, because I have been reading quite a bit about it lately in my Bible studies. As I read this story it was obvious that Mesu Andrews certainly did plenty of research, and the way that she opens each chapter with scripture verse really makes it easy to turn to the Bible and read the "true" story.

    I have become a huge fan of Biblical fiction because the characters really come to life. Sure it's fiction but it certainly makes me understand better not only the time period, but also the author also allows me to better understand what the characters might have been feeling, but the best thing about this genre is that it always makes me go back and read the original story in the Bible and normally has me paying attention to the finer details. Mesu Andrews unique telling brings the Bible to life, providing rich historical fiction that weaves together fact and fiction to make for a compelling story.

    A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
  4. IVLeague
    Cabot, AR
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Top Pick for Christian Readers & Book Clubs
    February 28, 2014
    IVLeague
    Cabot, AR
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Christian author Mesu Andrews displays her literary prowess in her fourth historical fiction work "In the Shadow of Jezebel." This intriguing novel never slows but continues to draw the reader in through it's entirety. Prepare to be transported back in time through vivid descriptions of Temple architecture, palace decor, city landscapes, and Old Testament feasts. The well researched details are truly insightful and enrich the storyline without becoming arduous. I was captivated by the characters - chilled by the calculating and evil persona of Jezebel and Athaliah, distressed by the brokenness of Jehosheba, and warmed by the passion and devotion of Jehoiada. These characters are relatable because they struggle with the common problems of fear, insecurity, anger, and budding faith. Readers are reminded of how God pursues our hearts, that He is always in control, and always faithful to fulfill His promises. Mesu has done a remarkable job of glorifying God through a fictional retelling of the story.

    Note: Available on the authors website is a bible study to accompany the book. Though not necessary, I felt it enriched the reading experience. By starting with scripture you are able to discern the parts of the story that are factual from those that are created. Also available is a discussion guide. I personally will be recommending this book to our Women's Ministry book club.
  5. DebCov
    Shreveport, LA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Wonderful real people that provide hope!
    February 28, 2014
    DebCov
    Shreveport, LA
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Wonderful and very real! Yes, a story filled with real people from the Old Testament honestly become like people that you know. Mesu Andrews brings a story filled with evil full circle to a story of hope!

    I absolutely loved how Mesu took the woman found in 2 Kings 11 that saved the future king and helped all of us relate to her courage, her vulnerability, her poor self-image all changing by her relationship building with God! Real, true feelings of anger, unworthiness, and questions of how and why at the same time all of it turning into the very real need all of us have for hope.

    A story that many will relate to with our present day situations that surround us of uneasiness with our world. Yet we know just like these people knew that God indeed has a plan!

    Purchase it today. You will not put it down until you finish!

    Loved it!!!!
Displaying items 1-5 of 36
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