If you’ve read any of Mesu Andrews books then you know her gift for making Biblical stories and times come alive through in depth character development and thorough research on the life and times. If you haven’t read any of Andrews books I highly recommend them. As a Biblical Fiction author, she rates up there with Francine Rivers and that’s about as high of a compliment as I can pay.

Miriam is book 2 in the Treasures of the Nile series. The story follows Moses’ sister and prophetess of Israel, Miriam. I hadn’t thought much about Miriam’s role in this part of the Old Testament narrative. I had only ever really thought of her as Moses’ big sister who looked out for him as a baby. I love how Andrews brings to life this feisty, faithful silver haired woman. Miriam is a role model and a reminder that our kingdom purpose doesn’t expire when we retire.

The depiction of the plagues was on point as well. It’s crazy how you can read a story your whole life and never really understand the depth of it. Andrews’ description of the plagues is so intense and you really see how the affected the people, both Israelite and Egyptian. This depiction makes Pharaoh’s deception and hard heart all that much more apprehensible and the miracle of the Exodus that much more miraculous.

If you enjoy Biblical Fiction, the works of Mesu Andrews are a must read and Miriam is among her best.

I received this book from the author for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.
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I chose Miriam by Mesu Andrews as a complimentary resource for my Bible study group, Faith And Fiction. A fictionalized account of a particular Bible story or figure is a great way to see the cultural context and to foster a more in-depth reading of scripture. My group looked at all three accounts of Miriam in the Bible — her childhood encounter with Pharaoh’s daughter, her song of deliverance following the crossing of the Red Sea, and her grumbling against Moses’ leadership. The novel Miriam covers less than Biblical narrative — the time of Moses’ return to Egypt following 40 years of self-imposed exile, the plagues imposed by God on the Egyptians, and the deliverance of the Hebrew nation from the Egyptians. It was an interesting what-if that made our group think about what life was really like for the enslaved Hebrews and the impact the plagues had on their lives. Also included in the book are the interactions between Miriam, Aaron, and Moses. Andrews sets the stage of Miriam’s jealousy documented in the book of Numbers. There are also a number of characters, some mentioned in scripture and others purely fictional, that add color and depth to the narrative. While the book is not my favorite from Andrews, it does have wonderful spiritual messages which resonated with me — the urgency of telling people about God, the need to trust even when we don’t understand, and the powerful work of God through His people and nature.

I had a slow start with Miriam, but as the story unfolded (especially during the plagues) I became much more engaged. It definitely is an intriguing look at a well-known Bible story that will make you look at scripture a little closer.

Recommended for fans of Biblical fiction.

Audience: adults. ( )

Isaiah's Daughter introduced me this year to the fabulous author Mesu Andrews, and I was excited when I saw one of her other books on NetGalley. This book follows Miriam's story from physical slavery in Egypt, through the ten plagues, and forward to the future Promised Land. But Miram's story isn't just that of slavery to King Ramesses, but also that of doubts and the bondage in her own heart. As prophetess of the Lord, Miriam relies completely on the Lord for her skills in healing and in singing and prophesying. But soon she must come to know the Lord by faith and not just by hearing.

I loved how Eleazar and Taliah grew together in their relationship. Abba's kind and gentle counsel was so refreshing and it was always there when Miriam needed it. The plagues were all well done, and I didn't think that the "extras" in them distracted from Scripture at all, rather they gave life and meaning to the separation between Jew and Gentile, while also demonstrating that believing Gentiles were covered under the same blood of the Lamb. Andrews details the theological struggles of the Jews well. While we don't know for certain if Jews wondered if someone went to heaven if they weren't circumcised, but yet believed in Yahweh, the questions would have arisen because people doubt and wonder and wander. And our hearts today are no different from the hearts that clung to promises not knowing whether they would see their fulfillment. Andrews also deals with unanswered questions providing hope even when the unknown was before them.

The terror of the Passover was real, I believe, especially for all who were first born. And yet the obedience of the faithful provided relief and security amid the questions and chaos. While I don't know if Eleazar actually worked in the palace as a bodyguard, I loved his placement as a character. It gave him unique opportunities to fulfill little details in Scripture when we aren't told exactly how things happened.

Miriam's story, as well as the story of the Jews as they leave the bondage of Egypt is a true one, and one that Andrews did well in retelling. I love the fictional aspect of it, but even more, I believe good historical (Biblical) fiction makes you truly fall in love with the God of the Hebrews, who is also the God of the Gentiles and the nations. Join Miriam as she journeys out of Egypt to freedom, and come along side of her as she travels the road of faith, all the while healing hearts and relieving the pain of those around her.

*I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review. ( )

Initially, I was disappointed with the characters, especially Miriam - who seems very focused on herself and her relationship with El Shaddai - but then I realized that Andrews is actually doing a brilliant job of portraying Miriam like the Miriam in the Bible. From the little we read about Miriam in the Bible, she had her own self-interest at heart as well (which is why she was struck with leprosy). Instead of creating likable characters, Andrews presents them realistically - whether we like them or not.

Andrews included a Bible verse to introduce each chapter, which I really appreciated. Unfortunately, Andrews quickly lost my attention. It was a struggle to read about a character that didn't seem to grow very much. Miriam was self-absorbed throughout the book, concerned with the loss of El Shaddai's presence - and everything else was an afterthought.

"Can you imagine losing your ability to see colors or taste the sweetness of honey? That's a shadowy glimpse at the loss I feel at El Shaddai's silence." -pg 72

In the very last pages, Miriam finally learns that there are other ways to sense El Shaddai - Yahweh - but by that time I was so thoroughly annoyed with her that it didn't matter too much.

Miriam was more on the historical side than the fiction side, which is probably why I didn't like it more. If you are really into history, you would probably enjoy it much more than I did.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Miriam, who was called a prophetess, a seer, she was a midwife and messenger. She had been serving El Shaddai all her life for eighty-six years. Her brother, Moses returns to Egypt with a message for his people from El Shaddai, who now has a new name, Yahweh. He declares that they are to be delivered. He explains that it will not happen overnight, but there will be plagues to show Pharoah his power and to prove that he is the one true GOD. Miriam and her family have impossible choices to make. To stay in bondage or chose freedom at what cost? If they survive the plagues would they survive Pharoah's fury. How to escape from Egypt? Where would they go? How and what would they eat? Travel with Miriam and her family on this awesome journey. You feel as if you were there. This is my second book by Mesu Andrews and I was not disappointed. I look forward to her next book.

I received a complimentary copy from Blogging For Books for this review. ( )