JustRead Tours: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews (Book Review & Giveaway)

Brave JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam

Series: King David's Brides #1

Author: Mesu Andrews

Publisher: Bethany House Publishers

Release Date: October 1, 2024

Genre: Biblical Fiction

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.
Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

Review:

I will say, Mesu Andrews is one of my favorite authors. I look forward to each of her stories. When the opportunity to review her newest release came up, I jumped at the chance to join this tour.

Let me start out by saying, Mesu Andrews is an author who does a lot of research and it shows in her stories. Yes, this book is a fictional account, but the details of her characters, settings, and way of living is truly set to that time period. Ancient ways of living is not like how we live today. Lots of things change over time and these ways of living did happen and I enjoy that Mesu Andrews doesn't back away from this or hide it.

Ahinoam, is a girl who comes from a unique family. Her mom ran off when she was a young child and raised by her dad, a skilled metal worker, whose specialty is knifes. Ahinoam has been raised to not only to know how to make weapons, but to use them. She is unique to David, but after their initial meeting, David sees her as someone to help his his sister and mom. With this close family connections while on the run, we get to dive further into these characters lives and with the hardships thrown at them through the pursuit of King Saul and family drama.

We know about David's life through Biblical accounts, but to dive into this fictional account really brings him to life in a way that makes him feel more real. We know David was a man after God's own heart, but he was flawed. The betrayal of his first wife, Saul's daughter. Abigail, his third wife, and his last wife Bathsheba are all known and we know more about them, but what about his other wives that have only been given a small segment or footnote. What happened to them? Where did they come from? Did they love each other? How did they feel to be apart of a family where they shared a man? It's a lot of questions that have gone through my mind and Mesu Andrews did a fantastic job of diving into these questions and answering them with a possibility.

I enjoyed this story. There is a lot of emotion interwoven through out this book and it kept me needing to know how this was going to work out. I'm so happy that this is book one, I need more of this unique family and how it all plays out into to God's plan.

This was a fantastic read!

I also listened to this story as an audiobook and the narrator shared this story beautifully, bringing forth the emotion and depth of characters.

Also Available:

About the Author:

Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling author of biblical novels and devotional studies, whose deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the Bible alive for readers. Her heritage as a "spiritual mutt" has given her a strong yearning to both understand and communicate biblical truths in powerful stories that touch the heart, challenge the mind, and transform lives. Mesu lives in Indiana with her husband, Roy, where she stays connected with her readers through newsy emails, blog posts, and social media.

Connect with Mesu by visiting mesuandrews.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Giveaway:

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of Brave: The Story of Ahinoam and a $15 Amazon gift card!

Brave JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight October 9, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on October 16, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!