posts in Biblical Time

Daughter of Cana by Angela Hunt

April 8, 2026









Review: Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu Andrews (AudioBook) JustRead Publicity Tour

March 4, 2021


Title: Love Among the Ashes
Author: Mesu Andrews
Narrator: Lisa Larsen
Length: 13 hrs & 57 mins
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Series: Treasures of His Love, Bk 1
Publication Date: November 2019

About the Book:
Drawing together the account of Job with those of Esau's tribe and Jacob's daughter Dinah, Love Amid the Ashes breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.


Readers often think of Job sitting on the ash heap, his life in shambles. But how did he get there? What was Job's life like before tragedy struck? What did he think as his world came crashing down around him? And what was life like after God restored his wealth, health, and family?


Through painstaking research and a writer's creative mind, Mesu Andrews weaves an emotional and stirring account of this well-known story told through the eyes of the women who loved him. Drawing together the account of Job with those of Esau's tribe and Jacob's daughter Dinah, Love Amid the Ashes breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.
My Thoughts:
I'm back once again raving about the fabulousness of Mesu Andrews' books. This time it is her debut novel that was published in audio form. Love Amid the Ashes was such a unique story for me when I first read it. It made me think about how the stories in the Bible are presented and made me want to do some further research on me own. I never would have through Job was at the time of Jacob and his 12 sons. Love Amid the Ashes really made me think. It was such a fantastic read! You can read my full review on it here.

I had an opportunity to read this book in another medium, audiobook, and I was super excited to have that chance. Lisa Larsen in the narrator again, and her voice really adds another level to the story. When you read, you have your own internal monologue going. If you're like me, you think, how do they sound? What tone would they have? Audiobooks, you really don't have to think about that when you have a narrator that can deliver the story in a way that allows you to escape into the book and not think of anything else. Lisa's voice has a smooth and flowy quality that really sets the story. 

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book and diving into Dinah and Job's story again. Audiobooks have away of bringing little details to attention I can sometimes miss while reading, whether getting distracted, or  engrossed in the story, the little things fall to the side. Audio, I'm able to really enjoy every aspect of the story. 

5 out of 5

About the Author:
Mesu Andrews
 is the award-winning author of Love Amid the AshesLove's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture, bringing the biblical world vividly alive for her readers. She lives in North Carolina. Learn more at www.mesuandrews.com.




Thank you to JustReads Tours, I received a copy of this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. 





Review: In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews (Audiobook Review) JustRead Blog Tour

March 3, 2021


Title: In the Shadow of Jezebel
Author: Mesu Andrews
Narrated by: Lisa Larsen
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 15 hrs & 33 mins
Series: Treasures of His Love, Bk 4
Release Date: January 28th, 2020

About the Book: 
Princess Jehosheba wants nothing more than to please the harsh and demanding Queen Athaliah, daughter of the notorious Queen Jezebel. Her work as a priestess in the temple of Baal seems to do the trick. 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 beyond the realm of earthly governments. To further Athaliah and Jezebel's strategies, she is forced to marry Yahweh's high priest and 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 Old Testament passages to life, revealing a fascinating story of the power of unconditional love.

My Thoughts:
I have been a fan of Mesu Andrews writing for many years! I have actually read In the Shadow of Jezebel when it first came out in paperback. You can read my original review on the story here. It was such a captivating story, so when the opportunity to be able to enjoy the story in another medium came up, I pounced!

It has been about 6-7 years since I originally read this story, so not all the elements were fresh in my mind, hearing In the Shadow of Jezebel through new ears was phenomenal.When I first read it it was a nail bitter and it had me wanting things to resolve, but the suspense kept going. Hearing it this time around, oh my goodness, Lisa Larsen was able to add a new depth to this book that just kept me listening. Lisa's skills in conveying a story is so well done. Her voice is steady, smooth, and calming. Her voice paired so well with Mesu Andrews writing. Each have a talent to capture you in a book. As you listen, you do forget that you are listening to an audiobook. You are fully immersed in the story. 

If you are wanting to try Biblical fiction, or even try an audio, this is definitely one I would recommend jumping into. I've been listening to audiobooks for a couple of years now, and this one of my most favorites I have to say. 

5 out of 5


About the Author:
Mesu Andrews
 is the award-winning author of Love Amid the AshesLove's Sacred Song, and Love in a Broken Vessel. Winner of the 2012 ECPA Christian Book Award for New Author, she has devoted herself to passionate and intense study of Scripture, bringing the biblical world vividly alive for her readers. She lives in North Carolina. Learn more at www.mesuandrews.com.






Thank you to JustReads Tours, I received a copy of this audiobook for free in exchange for an honest review. 


Review: Like Flames In the Night by Connilyn Cossette

March 31, 2020

Title: Like Flames In the Night
Author: Connilyn Cossette
Series: City of Refuge, 4
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780764234330
Publication Date: March 3rd, 2020

About the Book:
Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached--strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?
My Thoughts:
Oh my goodness.We have reached the end of this wonderful series! I'm so happy with how this story unfolded and progressed through these books, but I'm also so sad that it has ended! This series has just been one I could let myself sink into and disappear into this time with these people and just get lost for a little while. It was a fabulous journey!

Now I've mourned over the end and gushed over this series, let me tell you why this last book was a cherry on the top this marvelous series!

Connilyn Cossette has a wonderful talent for writing about very strong women characters, but also very strong men characters. Her cast is one of balance and allows their strengths and weakness of each to be shown and highlighted.

In Like Flames in the Night, we follow Tirzah, we have been introduced to her in previous stories. She comes from a very strong and prominent family. She is brought to attention of this story in a very powerful way, with her lack of fear and determination to protect who she is with, but with faith in the protection she knows she is surrounded in. The opening of this book really did set up this story beautifully and it showcased in this book, how God is there to use both men and women to bring in glory and promises.

This story is one that touches on many things. It isn't just about bravery and spies and adventures, it deals with heartache, love, and healing. There are some tough issues Tirzah and Liyam deal with in this story, and the way it unfolded was fantastic and gripping.

Though this is the end of the series, the way that this story wraps up and brings joy to this family, that was originally punished in the first book, is a beautiful conclusion. This book has allowed this story to come full circle and shine a light and it shows, that once was thought as something bad, can in fact lead to an even better path then you could imagine.

I had a hard time putting this book down.  The writing was phenomenal. The setting and the people made you feel apart. This is a series I can go back and re-read over and over again.

I was able to download this story and listen to some of it on Audible....and goodness, the narrator, Rachel Botchen is the voice of this series. The audio of this book is one that can transport you.

This was a fabulous read all around!

5 out of 5

About the Author:
Connilyn Cossette (www.connilyncossette.com) is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books whole, or avoiding housework, she can be found digging into the rich ancient world of the Bible to discover gems of grace that point to Jesus and weaving them into an immersive fiction experience. Although she and her husband have lived all over the country in their twenty-plus years of marriage, they currently call a little town south of Dallas, Texas, their home.





Thank you to the author, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.


Until the Mountains Fall by Connilyn Cossette (Audio Book Review)

February 3, 2020

Title: Until the Mountains Fall
Author: Connlyn Cossette
Series: Cities of Refuge, Bk 3
Publisher: Bethany House
Narrator: Rachel Botchen
Narration Time: 11hrs & 32mins
Publication Date: July 2nd, 2019

About the Book:
Recently widowed, Rivkah refuses to submit to the Torah law compelling her to marry her husband's brother and instead flees Kedesh, hoping to use her talents as a scribe to support herself. Without the protection of her father, Kedesh's head priest, and the safety of the city of refuge, Rivkah soon discovers that the cost of recklessness is her own freedom.

Malakhi has secretly loved Rivkah for years, but he never imagined his older brother's death would mean wedding her. After her disappearance, he throws himself into the ongoing fight against the Canaanites instead of dwelling on all he has lost. But with war looming over Israel, Rivkah's father comes to Malakhi with an impossible request.

As the enemies that Rivkah and Malakhi face from within and without Israel grow more threatening each day, is it too late for the restoration their wounded souls seek?
My Thoughts:
I have loved this series. I love how these books have built off of each other and have introduced us to characters that were only in the background at first and have brought them forward and have given them such depth.

Rivkah and Malakhi's story was one that was intense, but not in a bad way mind you! They each had their own growing to do in their own way. The choices that they made, or had made for them, shaped who they become through this story. It is an interesting progression to watch. The story unfolds in a way I didn't see coming in some, and ways I was hoping for in others.

Rivkah is a girl, thinking her life is set before her, but that isn't the case when her young husband dies. The choices that were made for her, in accordance to the law, were not what she wanted. Her decisions led her down a path that was hard. Her story is heartbreaking and hope-filled in many other ways. There were times that I wanted to shake her and ask, what the heck were you thinking?!

Malakhi, goodness, he is one we really see go through changes. He is one you can't help but root for, but also mourn with. He has a passion that is deep. He has his own personal demons to fight, and trying to prove his worth, or so he thinks.

These two characters are ones that I was amazed at the transformation of who they were through out.This was a story I had a hard time stopping.

I read this book through Audible, hello mutitasking! I honestly would have been useless if I had sat down with the book, till I was done reading it. Rachel Botchen has become a favorite narrator, her voice is one that is lyrical to listen to and it helps you get caught up in the story more. 

I'm so very happy that there is still one more book in this series, it releases soon! Book 4, Like Flames in the Night will releases in March 2020. I honestly can't wait to see how this series wraps up.

The detail and history of these Cities of Refuge was so new to me when I first dove in this series, but the information gleaned from this and the research it has lead me to do, I'm forever grateful for. This is some fantastic Old Testament history.

5 out of 5


Review: The End of the Magi by Patrick W. Carr (Prism Book Tour & Giveaway)

November 27, 2019

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The End of the Magi
By Patrick W. Carr
Christian Historical Fiction
Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & ebook
384 Pages
November 5th 2019
by Bethany House Publishers

Centuries before the magi arrived in Bethlehem,a prophecy sets a young magus on his path . . .

Following his vision of the coming Messiah, the prophet Daniel calls forth a select group of men who will count down the calendar until the arrival of Israel's promised king. Centuries later, as the day draws near, Myrad, a young magi acolyte, flees for his life when his adoptive father and others are slain by a ruthless Parthian queen.

Equipped with very little, in haste Myrad escapes the city and, searching for a way to hide from the soldiers scouring the trade routes, tries to join the caravan of the merchant Walagash. The merchant senses that Myrad is keeping secrets, but when the young man proves himself a valuable asset, an epic journey filled with peril, near captures, and dangerous battles begins.

With every day that passes, the calendar creeps closer to the coming Messiah. And over everything shines the dream of a star that Myrad can't forget, and the promise that the world will never be the same.
Review
Where do I begin with this story?!

I have been looking forward to this book for several months. I love a good Biblical fiction story. Especially one that brings light to an area of the Bible I'm not familiar with, or one I haven't studied much.

The End of the Magi is one of those types of books. I knew of the prophesies of Daniel, but following along to how they were kept and followed by a select few, who were waiting and counting down the days was so intriguing. Right when I thought the story was going to go one way, it went another. Myrad's story is one that kept me guessing, wanting to know where it was going, and at times, wonder, why?

There is so much that happened leading up to the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, so many that were waiting, but the ideas of what all happened to lead the ones who were supposed to be there, really is interesting.

Patrick Carr is a new to me author, I'm sad I haven't read his works before. His attention to detail of this time, of the customs of the people, and his more masculine writing style, really enhanced this story to more then I could imagine. Myrad's journey is a hard one, not just physically, but emotionally, it was a time of growing in many ways and a time of learning a lot of hard lessons. Myrad is a flawed man, but what this story was leading to was just phenomenal!

The story doesn't end where you think it will either, this story takes you to the right end. I kept thinking, one we reach a point, that will be it, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The secondary characters to Myrad all played well of each other. Walagosh is on character I could read about more. His back story, and the life he chose was interesting and vibrant with detail. The characters that traveled in his group really brought so much to the story. And they were the people that Myrad really needed.

This book to me is on that is a great read for this time of year. It is a story that can be a new Christmas tradition, I think.

5 out of 5


Praise for the Book

"Carr retells the story of the Magi in this bustling biblical adventure . . . . Myrad's divine vision of the star and his arduous trek battling his own physical problems to pay homage to the Messiah capture the majesty of biblical narratives and will appeal to Christians well versed in scripture."--Publishers Weekly

"Patrick Carr brings us a captivating tale in The End of the Magi. Based on the Holy Bible, he weaves a fictional tale of the adventures of a group of magi from the east looking for the Messiah. Myrad is a strong main character even though he doesn't see himself as strong. He has great character traits and these help him find triumph over tragedy. . . . The End of the Magi is a great holiday read and gives us much to think about in our journey to know God better."--Fresh Fiction

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Patrick W. Carr is the author of the acclaimed fantasy series The Staff and the Sword. A Cast of Stones won the 2014 Carol Award for Speculative Fiction and the 2014 Clive Staples Award. A Cast of Stones and The Hero's Lot were both finalists for 2014 Christy Awards. He teaches high school math and makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, with his incredible wife, Mary, and their four sons.








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Tour Giveaway


- One winner will receive a print copy of The End of the Magi and a $20 B&N gift card
- Four winners will each receive a print copy of The End of the Magi
- US only
- Ends November 29, 2019

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Thank you to Prism Book Tours and Bethany House Fiction, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.


Review: King's Shadow: A Novel of King Herod's Court

October 3, 2019

Title: King's Shadow: A Novel of King Herod's Court
Author: Angela Hunt
Series: The Silent Years
Publisher: Bethany House
Pages: 384
ISBN: 978-0-7642-3336-4
Publication Date: August 6th, 2019

About the Book:
Their Lives Couldn't Be More Different,but Their Goal Is the Same: Survive King Herod's Rule.

Two women occupy a place in Herod's court. The first, Salome, is the king's only sister, a resentful woman who has been told she's from an inferior race, a people whom God will never accept or approve of.

The second woman, Zara, is a lowly handmaid who serves Salome, but where Salome spies conspiracies and treachery, Zara sees hurting people in need of understanding and compassion.

Powerful and powerless, Idumean and Jew, selfish and selfless--both women struggle to reach their goals and survive each day within Herod the Great's tumultuous court, where no one is trustworthy and no one is safe.
My Thoughts:
When I hear the name Herod, I always think about the Christmas story. Herod met with the Magi and wanted the info they had to give to find the new baby king. Then the aftermath of that, that made Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus to flee to Egypt. We know this story, but, what led to it. What happened with Herod in those years of silence before Jesus made it into the world?

King's Shadow is such an amazing story. We follow this story through two different views. Salome, the sister of King Herod. What a view into the court she had. The family dynamic that was in place and the intrigue that went on in the palace walls. Not only that, but the aging and the mental break down of Herod.

Zara was a girl who had survived an attack in Jerusalem, but lost her father and her mother was severely hurt. She had a natural talent that brought her into the palace life, but as a handmaid, she is brought into the palace life of the servants. The area where all information is filtered together.

The story of Salome and Zara is one that caught me up. I couldn't put this story down! The settings were rich and vivid. This story kept moving and turning and twisting. This story also helped tie together the known histories of Egypt and Rome. Seeing it all come together with that of the time of silence, it was interesting to see how they all worked together and how they were all tied together.

Antony, Cleopatra, & Augustus Ceaser were apart of this story. They all had connections with Herod. I loved seeing time lines all come together. Angela Hunt's research in the time really shows. This book had me looking up information.

With such a deep and reach history as a background, characters could be washed out, but that wasn't the case. Each character was unique, whether they were historically based or fictional. They popped. Zara was a girl who was a innocent. Her views were that of one how hadn't been corrupted and stayed true to her Torah teaching. Salome was a woman who was Herod's sister and raised to know how to get what she wants. It didn't matter how it happened, but she was going to get.

I really enjoyed reading from Salome's point of view.

This was a fabulous story!

5 out of 5

About the Author:
The author of more than 100 published books and with more than 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs.
She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.





Thank you to the publisher, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.


Review: Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

March 28, 2019

Title: Of Fire and Lions
Author: Mesu Andrews
Publisher: Waterbrook Press
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780735291867
Publication Date: March 5th, 2019

About the Book: 
The Old Testament book of Daniel comes to life in this novel for readers of Lynn Austin's Chronicles of the Kings series or Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series.

Survival. A Hebrew girl first tasted it when she escaped death nearly seventy years ago as the Babylonians ransacked Jerusalem and took their finest as captives. She thought she'd perfected in the many years amongst the Magoi and the idol worshippers, pretending with all the others in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. Now, as Daniel's wife and a septuagenarian matriarch, Belili thinks she's safe and she can live out her days in Babylon without fear--until the night Daniel is escorted to Belshazzar's palace to interpret mysterious handwriting on a wall. The Persian Army invades, and Bellili's tightly-wound secrets unfurl with the arrival of the conquering army. What will the reign of Darius mean for Daniel, a man who prays to Yahweh alone?

Ultimately, Yahweh's sovereign hand guides Jerusalem's captives, and the frightened Hebrew girl is transformed into a confident woman, who realizes her need of the God who conquers both fire and lions.
My Thoughts:
Oh, my goodness.
Where do I begin with this book!

Of Fire and Lions covers a large area of time, but it is done so smoothly, the book flows and moves quickly, that it felt like it flew by. I wish I had more! I know it was 400 pages, but it didn't feel long enough.

Mesu Andrews is one of my all time favorite Biblical fiction authors. She is able to take such well known stories of the Bible and bring them to life with her characters woven in seamlessly to the story, without taking away from the the actual Biblical story and message.

Daniel. He is such a pivotal man of the Old Testament. He was thrown in to the lions, he was friends with Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the furnace, and he had so many visions, could explain dreams, and read the writing on the wall. There is so much that went on during his life. He was the first generation in Babylon. He experienced so much in his life.

All of these things mentioned above, Mesu was able to leap off of the pages. Daniel, is a man of God. he had a strong faith. He served faithfully. Belili was a young girl when Jerusalem was sacked.She also witnessed some miracles. However, her life was hard. She experienced so many losses and emotional hurts. She had to survive.

This story was fabulous in so many ways, but it was also touching. Everyone has a past, whether good or bad. Some memories and hurts linger. This story touches on it and it weaves a wonderful story of forgiveness, not from others exactly, although it is touched on, but of forgiveness with yourself and with God and changing how you see yourself.

The was such a vivid story.

I also downloaded this story as an audiobook. The narrator told the story well. Her voice was relaxing to listen to, I have to admit. It was a story that just carried me away.

This was a great story and I can't wait to see what story she will share with us next!

5 out of 5

About the Author:
MESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter and numerous other novels, including The Pharaoh's Daughter, Miriam, Of Fire and Lions and Love Amid the Ashes. Her deep understanding of and love for God's Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Mesu lives in North Carolina with her husband, Roy, and enjoys spending time with her growing tribe of grandchildren






Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah Launch Team, I received a copy of this book for free, in exchange for and honest review. 


By the Waters of Babylon by Mesu Andrews

September 27, 2018

Title: By the Waters of Babylon
Author: Mesu Andrews
Publisher: McPherson Publishing
Pages: 200
ISBN: 9781732443617
Publication Date: August 1st, 2018

About the Book:
When Babylon destroys Jerusalem, as Yahweh warned through his prophets, the captives' bitterness and grief pours out in the Captives' Psalm


"[By the rivers of Babylon] we sat as exiles, mourning our captivity, and wept with great love for Zion. Our music and mirth were no longer heard, only sadness. We hung up our harps on the willow trees." (Psalm 137:1-2, The Passion Translation)

A young Israelite woman is among them, captured by a mercenary Scythian prince. Driven toward Babylon by both hatred and hope, she endures captivity to reunite with her husband.
But will he be there when she reaches Babylon? Will the prince risk the Scythian throne--and his life--to believe in the Hebrew God? Can they both find what they seek when they meet the prophet Ezekial. . . by the rivers of Babylon?
My Thoughts:
I have loved Mesu Andrews' books for years! She is an author I anxiously await  any new book from and I re-read all of her books. I've gotten my hooked on her books as well. It was safe to say, I was quite excited when I heard that she was coming out with her first ever novella! I love a well paced shorter story.

Mesu's books are always full of well researched details and Biblical truths with her fictional characters woven into the story. She has a way of crafting a story and making you want to go and research and read what is written about in the Bible. By the Waters of Babylon is no different.

The setting of By the Water's of Babylon starts of in Jerusalem, during the siege of of Nebuchadnezzar. He proclaims he is the king of the world and he is being used by God to serve justice on his fallen people. It is a hard time. Bad things happen. So much so, the ones holding the siege are shocked at the depravity has gone on in the walls. Mesu is able to tell this story, in a truthful and descriptive way, but not grotesque.

We see the fall of Jerusalem, the destruction of the temple. We follow the captives as they are hauled off before the king and the higher officials are issued their justice from Nebuchadnezzar. We follow the captives as they are taken to the cities where the Jewish settles have been started in 3 provinces. And in the process, we are introduced to Meshack, Shadrack, and Abendego.  We hear of their story and the awe it brings to the people.

I loved reading about them in this story and the life that comes from everything they had dealt with.

The story was a novella, but it still held the depth and emotional connection as a a full length novel.

The audio for this book was performed very well. I will admit it took a little getting used to a guy narrating the story, but it didn't take long at all. With the story being half told through a man's eyes it really gave it more depth hearing it.

If you are a fan of Biblical fiction this story is very much for you!

5 out of 5

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