In the Shadow of Jezebel: A Novel

As I frequently tell my fifth- and sixth- grade "church kids," there are some real barn-burner stories buried in those Old Testament books--you've just got to do a little digging. Mesu Andrews dug well and added plausible, well-researched details to one of my favorites. Queen Athaliah (Jezebel Junior) was a bad'un!

At first, I had trouble straightening up the reins, as the author uses multiple diminutives for the major players. But once I figured out who was whom, it was a great ride!

Confession: I have never loved reading the Old Testament. History is not my thing and it's always kind of seemed like a dry old history book.

I love reading people's stories though.

In The Shadow of Jezebel brings life to an Old Testament story I'd breezed over. Mesu Andrews has a gift for story telling that accentuates what is already there by engaging the imagination. She paints beautiful, detailed pictures of Biblical lives and times that make me want to dig into the Old Testament Scriptures and remind me of the beauty and wonder that is within.

I am always impressed by the extensive research Mesu obviously does for each book. I've read all of her books voraciously cover to cover. In the Shadow of Jezebel is no different. I couldn't show more wait to get my hands on it and once I did I could not put it down.

We all need to be reminded how much God loves us and how He gently pursues us. We need to remember the strength we have in and through Him to be people of destiny, to change the landscape of the world we live in. We need to remember that our past doesn't define us, God's grace does. show less

Audiobook Review

This Biblical fiction story, focusing on the life of Sheba, is a beautiful display of God’s love and redemption.

Sheba (Jehosheba) is an interesting character with so much depth. Her internal scars have shaped her and my heart went out to her. Jehoiada is also a flawed character who is unpretentious and easy to connect with. His love was palpable and stirring. And Athaliah is an unforgettable character as well. She is a harsh and corrupt queen, adding layers of disruption and uncertainty to the story.

In the Shadow of Jezebel gives me a better understanding of the Old Testament customs and trials and encourages and inspires me. The amount of research and care put into this story is evident, and so appreciated.

Audio show more Narration: Lisa Larson’s voice is crisp and pleasant, and I wasn’t distracted by the fluctuating tones used for varying characters.

Audio Production Quality: The production quality oof this audiobook is clear with no distracting noises.

Overall Opinion: In the Shadow of Jezebel is a fitting title, sharing an emotional and consequential story during Old Testament times. I appreciate the strong themes and historical significance this audio version shares. As with all of Ms. Andrews’ stories, I enjoyed it immensely.

Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ. show less

A very well-researched and interesting read. I felt as if I were doing a Bible study about people who were actually flesh and blood and not just names in a history book. The characters were well-drawn and believable (even the fictional ones) and you were actually in the story itself and watching it unfold. Enjoyable, entertaining, and inspirational.

Mesu Andrews is one of the top authors writing Biblical fiction today. With impeccable research, she places readers in the place and time of her stories. In the Shadow of Jezebel is no exception with descriptions of feasts, palace life, the Temple, and the cities.

But what this book is really about is Sheba (Jehosheba), the granddaughter of Jezebel. Sheba’s future is decided for her by the women in her family, but God’s plan is bigger. As Sheba’s husband (Yahweh’s high priest) teaches her about the only true God, she learns of the love of a jealous God and will fight to protect those she loves at all costs.

In the Shadow of Jezebel is a reminder that manipulation and cruelty in politics aren’t something new. But through it all, show more God’s hand is on His chosen people, that his promises remain as true today as they did in Old Testament times.

With Narrator Lisa Larsen reads the audiobook with a steady and relatable voice to pull listeners into a story of intrigue, danger, love, and faith.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. show less

I love Biblical fiction.......I love the feel of comfort and warmth you get as the author creates a novel of Biblical times making it come alive. The books just suck me in and keep me hooked. It's a wonderful feeling really, and Mesu Andrews is on of the most talented Biblical fiction authors. Truly. She is amazing and her stories are an escape for me into a world where I can breath easy.

Jehosheba, or Sheba as many may know her, is an amazing character! I loved how she was created, and I felt as if I was reading her story straight from the Bible. Ms. Andrews truly created her story in such a life like manner! I love it.

Watching as Sheba was married off and came to love her husband, watching as he taught her about the love of God, show more become so captivating to me, that I stayed awake until 3 in the morning turning the pages. It's just incredible how Ms. Andrews creates a passionate, emotionally moving story.

I definitely recommend this book with the highest of 4.5 stars. While it's the fourth in Ms. Andrews' Treasures Of His Love series, it's most definitely easily read as a stand alone. If you've never before read a Biblical story by Ms. Andrews, then wait no more. Grab a copy of this amazing story now!

**Disclaimer: This book has been provided to Reviews By Molly free of charge by Revell in exchange for an honest review of this title. No money has been exchanged for this review. This review reflects the opinion of the individual reviewer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any other RBM reviewer or this blog's owner, editor or administrator. show less

Raised to fulfill her future roles as high priestess to Baal Melkart and a queen of destiny, Princess Jehosheba learned early to use manipulation, cruelty and fear to gain power and impress Queen Athalia, her father's wife. An invitation from Jezebel, the Queen Mother of Israel, and a letter from the dead prophet, Elijah, begin a whirlwind of events as Jehosheba learns deep family secrets and reluctantly marries Yahweh's high priest. As Jehosheba learns more of Yahweh, she loses faith in Baal Melkart. Under a death sentence should she fail to carry out the plans of the queens of destiny, will Jehosheba overcome her fear and fully trust Yahweh for life, love and a safe future?

I was very impressed by In the Shadow of Jezebel, the first show more book I've read by Mesu Andrews. From the beginning, the story had my attention and, in spite of one scene that I think had a lapse in tone, my interest in the characters and their stories, never waned. One thing I particularly enjoyed was the story's setting. I haven't read a lot of fictional stories set in this period and the use of unfamiliar words such as “Ima” and “Gevirah” intrigued me. Andrews expertly weaved Biblical events with fictional elements. This book actually made me want to go back and read the correlating Biblical accounts. I can not say enough good things about this book and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." show less