A compelling and intriguing look at David's life while on the run from Saul, and that of the first wife he took in Hebron.

A compelling and intriguing look at a time in David's life not often focused on in fiction, I liked how the author imagined that time on the run from Saul, and the possible reasoning behind him taking multiple wives, as well as the cultural landscape. Ahinoam is strong and stubborn, raised by a father abandoned by his wife she learned to wield the weapons of her father's trade. She is a young woman finding her path, she struggles with doubts and questions of worthiness in the face of her marriage to David and his taking on a another wife.

The author did a great job navigating the difficult subject of David's multiple marriages, and while it was a little odd in my contemporary frame of mind of a Christian marriage, it did happen and he did have multiple wives, and there were consequences later on.

I liked seeing David as a young man fighting for his throne, and becoming a revered leader among his men and his people. I also enjoyed his deep friendship with Jonathan.

Overall, and excellent read full of intensity, faith, suspense, as well as parts that challenged me. The author did an amazing job, pulling from the text to create a compelling portrayal of Ahinoam and David during that time. A compelling read from beginning to end!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

In the ancient biblical world of King Saul and young David, Mesu Andrews begins a new series with a surprising protagonist. Raised by a single father, Ahinoam refuses to be defined by traditional female norms. She is determined to follow in her father’s footsteps and becomes a top-notch metal worker and a crack shot with her daggers. When Ahinoam’s aging father, worried about her future, insists that she spends time with a trusted older woman, dagger-wielding Ahinoam isn’t having any of the old woman’s boring lessons on lentil-grinding, wool weaving, or husband capturing!

But the father and daughter’s metal-working skills are highly prized by Israel’s enemies, and an attack forces them to flee. They join renegade David and his band of misfits, then the real trouble begins.

I enjoyed how Andrews told this story in two points of view. I enjoyed reading from Ahinoam’s and David’s perspectives. Dual POVs allowed insights into what has been a troubling question for me, perhaps you as well: how could David marry multiple wives, which God said a king should not do, and still be a man after God’s own heart? As Ahinoam becomes drawn to the young king-to-be, she struggles with this question. She also fear for David’s safety as Saul’s pursuit becomes more intense.

Interestingly, Mesu Andrews drew upon several Bible passages indicating that David’s family did not wholly support him during his darkest hours. Themes of bravery vs. cowardice, betrayal and loyalty are emotional undercurrents to the story.

I loved this quote, when at one point, David begs his brother, “Please, Eliab, endure what’s hard to avoid what is truly dangerous.” Good life advice for anyone.

Those who enjoy intriguing historical fiction backed by scripture, history, and the landscape of the times will love BRAVE and other titles by Mesu Andrews.

I have read this book in both print and audio versions and highly recommend both. The audio version is done in multiple voices for a more immersive experience.

This is a wonderful fictionalization of the biblical story of David 's early days when he was hiding from Saul. It describes the beautiful love story of his second wife, Ahinoam. She was raised by her father, a blacksmith and maker of knives and weapons. She was an experienced crafter as well and an expert at knife throwing. She and her father were forced to leave Jezreel and joined David's army. The book describes the hardships and difficulty of keeping his people on the run from Saul's army. It illuminates the betrayal and hard feelings of his own family. The budding love between
Ahinoam and David and the fierce , protective spirit between them.
The author did an excellent job of building believable characters. I found myself going to the Bible and reading the passages that correspond to the story.
The book was an enjoyable read. The book was well researched. I found myself going to the Bible and reading the passages that correspond to the story.

" ...to live as a royal wife, you must be brave enough to forgive a thousand times......and must fight the most formidable enemy of all-the other women who will bear David's children."

Wow! I've always wondered what life within the royal harem of King David was like. And how a man after "God's own heart" would disobey the command of being a husband to one wife. Of course, culturally, it was widely acceptable.

This first book in Ms. Andrews' series Kind David's Brides addresses these from both a biblically true perspective, and penned through the lens of creative fiction. I love the fact that each chapter has a Bible verse header detailing the historically true details that are the foundation of each chapter. She is known for her three-edged approach to Biblical fiction. Keeping true to the Bible, historical research and creative fiction.

BRAVE tells the story of Ahinoam and Abigail. This is a story set against the atmospheric backdrop of David's years in the wilderness. Ms. Andrews explores the hardships endured by his family and soldiers who believed he was the true anointed king. It also explores the myriad relationships David held. That of son, brother, uncle and finally husband.

There is not much said about Ahinoam in the Bible, but the fictional character is a young woman, full of courage and integrity. Her ability to love David is only overshadowed by her love and loyalty to Yahweh.

The story covers several years, and we see both David and Ahinoam being challenged and shaped in the wilderness. "The barrenness strengthens and shapes us into what the Lord wants us to become." This theme is woven throughout the story. Timely in that it is applicable today as we all face moments of feeling lost and alone, facing our own wilderness.

David is challenged over and over by his own impatience and frustration, allowing anger to guide him. His journey of faith is mapped for us in the book of Psalms.

David's second wife arrives in the last part of the book. Understanding the cultural and practical reasons for taking another wife does not negate the heartbreak his first wife must feel. My heart broke for her, feeling anger towards David for inflicting emotional pain that would be hard to overcome. Another sign of Ms. Andrews prowess, I felt as if Ahinoam was an intimate friend for whom I wanted to stand up and defend.

Looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I am eager to see how Ms. Andrews explores the ability of a husband to make each wife feel loved.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

BRAVE: THE STORY OF AHINOAM is the first novel in The King David’s Brides series by MESU ANDREWS. In it the author tells us Biblical truth with just enough fiction to enhance the story. I cannot recommend Brave strongly enough for the relatable characters, well researched Biblical facts and strong redemptive message.
Ahinoam and her father Toren, Kenites from Jezreel, had to escape their home when they were attacked by the Amelekites. Having learnt the art of sword and dagger making, and throwing from her father, Ahinoam is a force to be reckoned with…….
It is the time of Saul’s disobedience and David ben Jesse, having been anointed as king by Samuel the prophet, is fleeing for his life with his loyal followers when Toren and Ahinoam find him and join his company. Ahinoam uses her incredible knife throwing skill to save David’s life…….
Ahinoam is very strong and brave and follows Yahweh even when the things He asks her to do are hard. Especially when David takes Abigail as his second wife.
I particularly like the author’s use of scripture throughout the book and the way David sings his psalms to Yahweh.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling things for you.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

I was quickly immersed in this story and it's characters! The author shared how she uses "the foundational truth of scripture, historical research, and creative fiction to build a story...."

I loved the view into David's personal life. For example, he has struggles with his parents, yet chooses to be respectful. Music is so peaceful and calming to him, and his lyre is his most prized possession. Mesu Andrews has incorporated the Psalms into the story, with David actually singing them! It was so beautiful!

Here I am focusing on David, when this story is about Ahinoam, his wife. Her background story is explained well, and I enjoyed seeing her grow and mature. There was definitely some heartbreak, but her strength shows through.

Brave is the first in a new series by Mesu Andrews about King David's wives. I look forward to reading these!

I have so many emotions swirling inside me right now because of this book.

First of all, this is spectacularly written. I literally had to FORCE myself to put it down. What? Feed the kids. Ugh. Fine. No! Pick green beans??? Groan. Ack! Can the beans??? SERIOUSLY??? I had to force myself every time. It is so beautifully written. And it absolutely brought the Passover and the sacrifice of the lamb to life for me.

Having said that, while I know that people lived differently back then, and I try not to put contemporary glasses on when I read any kind of historical fiction, I just can't accept the idea that it was God's will for David to have more than one wife. Deuteronomy says "[a king] shall not acquire many wives for himself..."

The feelings that Ahinoam evoked...my heart absolutely broke for her when David took Abigail to wife (I've already informed my husband that if he were to ever try that, he'd be sorry!). I wept with her when different events occurred (no spoilers!). My heart ached for her precarious position as someone who really didn't fit in anywhere.

If you want your beliefs to be tried, if you want your emotions to be stirred, if you want a book that you just can't put down, then you want Brave by Mesu Andrews.

~I was given a complimentary copy of this book. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.~

This was a very good book. It took a bit of time to read through, not a breezy or easy going read. It’s very well written. I loved the historical accuracy. It was nice to see things from David’s life through the eyes of one of his wives, as well as his own viewpoint.

Mesu Andrews has been one of my all-time favorite authors since I discovered her books more than a decade ago. Reading Brave, the first installment in her new series on King David’s wives, underscores the many reasons why that is the case!
This beautifully written Biblical fiction novel pulled me into the story from the start, and I had a hard time putting it down. Reading it was truly like stepping back into Bible times. Although Scripture itself tells very little about Ahinoam, the second wife of the man who would become King David, Andrews pairs what is known about the customs and culture of the day with her imagination to create a plausible story. In doing so, she has brought David, Ahinoam, and those around them to life once again in a way that is relatable to modern-day readers.
As in all her books, Andrews’ depth of research is readily evident throughout Brave, as is her knack for fleshing out her characters and depicting them as real, flawed people. I truly admired Ahinoam’s spunkiness and loyalty, as well as David’s incredible devotion to God and his desire to honor and serve Him.
I highly recommend Brave to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction or stories about Bible times. I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher but was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions I have expressed are my own.

Mesu Andrews quickly became a favourite author with her ability to take me back to Biblical times and make the characters come alive (again) with the way she tells their stories.

This was the same for Brave – I learned about a character I just previously glanced over in my bible reading, got to know and love this character. I also learned about King David in a way I never thought about before – how it could possibly have been for him to be betrayed by his first wife, being on the run from King Saul, trying to stay alive, while still trusting and believing in God’s promises, while everyone around him wanted him to doubt and take matters in his own hands.

I loved this story and the rawness of falling in love with a future King, loving him and accepting that he will take other wives as well. Ahinoam was a fierce warrior and the perfect help to David in his time on the run.

The writing and story telling was brilliantly done and it was not easy putting this book down for other life tasks as the author took me along with Ahinoam, experiencing all her fears and desires.

I am looking forward to getting to know more of King David’s not well-known wives.

This is my first book by this author. I recently read a couple Biblical fictions during the early years of Saul’s reign, so I’m excited to start this one about David. I anticipated it being more on the fictional side since we have so little information on Ahinoam in Scripture, however, I was impressed at how much it went by the Bible passages and had a great deal of focus on those events. I love how Andrews includes Bible passages throughout the reading.

I’ve never considered Andrews’ perspective on Michal. I definitely want to return to my Bible to reread her passages with these ideas in mind.

I just finished rereading Psalms and it was great to see so many incorporated into this book. This was a great Biblical fiction novel. The sequence of events and places is so much more real to me now than when just reading them on a page one after the other.

This romance, if you know the story of how things progress, was great but also very painful. The knowledge of David’s history and wives puts a sobering air to things. I think Andrews came up with a very well done portrayal of things.

I’m very much looking forward to continuing this series.

I received an ARC of this book via Just Read Tours and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I enjoyed this novel so very much! Biblical fiction is my very favorite genre.
I finished it in the wee hours of the morning because I couldn't put David's story down.
Wow!
I love Andrews' stories and this one was no exception. She's awesome at what she does.
Biblical fiction has always been my favorite and she's my go to along Jill Eileen Smith.
This is a story full of action. Lots of twists and turns that I didn't see coming.
I feel that this is the prefect story in getting to know his wives and David personally.
King Saul is just awful in this story. I hated how evil his temper and jealousy was at times. But it does show
that he's imperfect just like the rest of us.
This story offers the most important message in my opinion Love, loyalty, and courage no matter how hard life gets. Ahinoam is my favorite character for these reasons alone.
Ahinoam is one brave lady. To me, she's earned the title. I especially loved how she made up her own mind and stuck to it.
I loved to imagine being there and getting to meet these people in person . That's why I love to read these books.
5 stars from me for a well written and researched story. I highly recommend.

“I will capture your heart, Ahinoam bat Toren, no matter how hard you run.”

Brave: The Story of Ahinoam, by the Biblical fiction queen Mesu Andrews, is a remarkable novel that sews together Scripture and “what might have been.” The narrator alternates between Ahinoam and David, enough so I believe both men and women could enjoy this saga of David and his rag-tag band of malcontents in the desert. Much strategy, some conflicts in the camp and without, action aplenty, and a good look at the land of Israel all make this a compelling read. Can Ahinoam, an outsider, join the ranks, and more importantly, declare allegiance to the king-to-be’s heart?

Much research of the land, the times, and the customs of the various cultures is very evident, enriching the perilous journey as David flees from Saul. We see not only Ahinoam’s romance,but a loyal, steadfast group of followers who are threatened by thirst, hunger, and poverty as they protect the man they believe is God’s anointed. Andrews offers plausible ideas for David’s rejection within his own family. Psalms are woven into the story as well as other Scriptures that tell of David’s time running from Saul.

I both loved and wanted to cry when David and his family killed the sheep for Psssover in the desert. They had kept this perfect lamb in the “home” for four days, until it was like a pet. Then, it was time to sacrifice it, a true heart sacrifice as everyone now loved the lamb giving its life for them.

The hardest part of the story for me, was the acceptance of multiple wives. Whether it is the culture, or whether it seems like it is not in God’s perfect will for there to be more than two people in a marriage, Ahinoam is warned by different people before she makes her decision. “Let no man—or woman—ever question your position or God’s love for you. You have the courage of a warrior. But to live as a royal wife, you must be brave enough to forgive a thousand times simply because your husband wills it. You must have the mettle to let a gentle reply deflect criticism. And, to maintain a peaceful royal house and your self-respect, you must fight the most formidable enemy of all—the other women who will bear David’s children.”
Ahinoam is certainly going to need to realize David’s humanity will fail at some point. Every married person needs to remember this: “So, remember the only One who never leaves you, never betrays, never abandons, never dies.”

Which leads me to mention that Abigail appears in the story, bringing hope, turmoil, and help. I was disappointed that we don’t see much of Abigail and her story seems so truncated. But Andrews offers a prequel “Abigail” found by subscribing to her newsletter. I was much happier after reading that.

Still, I have to think that a family with multiple wives will have a few more problems to come. I’m sure we will see more of this possible conflict of the hearts in the following books, including the next book about Maakah.

I received a copy of the book from Just Reads and Netgalley. I also purchased my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“Do you trust God’s anointed leader with the authority to make decisions that differ from your own will and judgment?”

“rebuilding the relationship meant she took on the far more difficult task of choosing to resist bitterness whenever memories rekindled the hurt.”

“I will sometimes lead my people into hard places but never into known danger. Yahweh does the same…
The barrenness strengthens and shapes us into what the Lord wants us to become.”

“Sometimes we need to worship God even more than God needs our worship.”

I just finished it and I really enjoyed it. I love the way she intermingles the facts within the story. She makes you feel like you are there with them. I can't wait for book 2 in the series. If you haven't read any of her books you are missing out. The book is available for preorder now.
#bravenovel #amreading

Brave is the first book in talented author Mesu Andrews’ King David’s Wives series.
This book is Biblical Fiction at its finest. I was totally captivated throughout the entire story and gleaned a better understanding of David, Ahinoam, and Abigail as well as the time they lived.

Author Andrews has a brilliant mind and produced a plausible fictional tale for King David and his second wife, Ahinoam. Scripture barely mentions her, leaving much to the imagination. It is obvious that much research and thought went into the writing of this phenomenal novel and the development of characters. King David was such an interesting person. The author has given him depth, emotion, and strength. Her ideas on his family relationships, physical appearance, and Walk with God is very reasonable. In fact, it is very different from most that I have read.

I learned a lot just by reading this enlightening book. It sent me to my Bible to compare what scripture said. The information in Brave was aligned with verses in the Bible. I love it when a fiction book teaches me things, also. This one brought ancient Israel to life as I was on the run from Saul with King David and his men.

The ending came quickly for me. I was ready to continue the story for many more chapters! It was hard to say good-bye to my book friends. The author’s notes at the end hold important information and should not be skipped. There are discussion questions for personal or group study after the notes.

I highly recommend this remarkable novel. It has made an impact on my impression of King David. When I read the Psalms now, they seem to make more sense to me. This would be a beautiful choice for a reading group. There are so many topics to discuss. I was deeply moved and loved this book. It will make a welcome gift for your reader friends.

This gets a 5 star rating from me. Yes, it is that excellent! An advanced reader copy was provided, but these are my honest words.

Favorite Quotes:

“You know us before birth, Lord!”

“The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1”

“The love of a husband and wife, whether it produces a child or not, is unlike any other.”

I have never been disappointed with a Mesu Andrews novel, so when I saw the change to read an ARC of a new book of hers, I jumped at it.
This is Biblical fiction based on the story of King David and his time in the wilderness and his marriages to his first 2 wives, Ahinoam and then later Abigail. Andrews is very careful with her research to stay true to the Biblical facts. She also handled the challenges of writing about polygamy in a sensitive and careful manner. Although I do not agree with polygamy, I understand it happened in that time period more than not and we do have to wrestle with that culture when reading about it.
Andrews is an excellent writer and this story quickly grabs and keeps your attention.
Thank you to Mesu Andrews and to Baker Book House for my ARC. This review is my own.

I knew this book would be amazing; It's Mesu Andrews, so I just come to expect greatness now. This book exceeded my expectations.

I absolutely adored Ahinoam and her strength. She was one of my favorite literary heroines of all time. I learned a lot from her and how she handled all that life threw her way.

I loved how Mesu Andrews wrote David's character. He felt more real and relatable through the lens of Andrews's imagination. I loved seeing his absolute love for God. It was inspiring, helping me to do the same.

I copied so many quotes for myself to use when I'm feeling anxious or defeated. I see the Psalms more deeply now, I can see more of the suffering and searching behind them, making them more relatable and easier for me to use when I am feeling the same way.

As always, I felt that Mesu Andrews put a lot of time and research into creating this story. When I compare the story to Biblical truth, her story is very plausible and fits the Biblical narrative very well. Of course, this story is fiction, so she filled in missing places with her imagination, but nothing was removed that was in the Bible.

"I received this book from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own."

4.5 stars for this biblical fiction about King David's 2nd wife (after Michal), Ahinoam. She has only passing mentions in Scripture, which made a novel about what she may have been like absolutely fascinating. Looking at the time in David's life when he was on the run from Saul was also interesting. There were a few references that I hadn't picked up on in scripture previously and that is what I love about biblical fiction. I appreciate the author's note in the back that speaks to what was directly derived from scripture and which elements came from her imagination, but this was a great look at the life of Israel's most famous king before he was king and the woman who stole his heart in the wilderness while he was on the run. I enjoyed the conjecture on the reasons why he made some of the choices he made, his familial relationships, and the relationships he had with his men and how the 30 mighty men came about. It was also interesting to see from Ahinoam's perspective the arrival of Abigail, the 3rd wife. I saw some foreshadowing in to some of David's future wives as well. I look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series! Special thanks to the author and publisher for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Wow! Mesu Andrews takes Biblical fiction to the next level! This book is amazing! As soon as I read the first line, I knew this would be an exciting journey!

David is a complicated person/character. He is passionate about his love for God. He's a strong leader, brave and steadfast. He also makes mistakes; which reminds the reader of his human nature. Ahinoam and Zeruiah are my absolute favorites! They are strong, physically, and mentally. They love fiercely. They believe in Yahweh and that David is the chosen king.

There are several parts of the book that really intrigue me. First, David's relationship with his father. It seems as if there is little affection and respect between them. Second is David deciding he needs more than one wife. This is explained in the note to the reader. Third is how Ahinoam reminds David several times of his need to spend quality quiet time with Yahweh. All of us need a friend like this!

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to Mesu Andrews, NetGalley, and Bethany House for this #gifted book!*
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Title: Brave
Author: Mesu Andrews
Genre: Biblical Fiction
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Synopsis: “She looked up, her voluminous eyes meeting mine. ‘People have changed my plan, too, King David. So, I trust only my abba and Yahweh. Not you.’” Ahinoam bat Toren was raised by a single father after being abandoned by her mother. As Kenites, her father was a skilled metalsmith and warrior and he trained his daughter to be the same. Ahinoam’s skills as a tracker and with a dagger are unmatched. When circumstances cause Ahinoam and Toren to flee their home, they find themselves members of David’s traveling camp. David is intrigued by this woman, and for the first time, Ahinoam notices a different feeling toward this man. As David and his army of misfits flee King Saul, Ahinoam must decide if she’s brave enough to face both the dangerous road ahead and the possibility of her future as the wife of Israel’s King.

Analysis: Mesu Andrews brings the pages of Scripture to life with this unique look into ancient Israel. I really enjoyed the setting and seeing what it was like for the people in David’s army as they traveled from place to place. I learned so much about David and his family line! I also enjoyed reading about the different nations and the way they interacted with the nation of Israel. Ahinoam’s character has such a unique story. One major topic in the book is polygamy. David had several wives, and Ahinoam wrestles with that. I don’t know that I agreed with the way this version of David approached having multiple wives, but I think this book would make for a great discussion of this topic! If you’re looking for new perspective and insight into the early life of King David, this is a great place to start!

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

*I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions ťexpressed in this review are my own.