In the Shadow of Jezebel (Treasures of His Love Book #4) by Mesu Andrews Series: Treasure of His Love #4
Published by Revell on March 4, 2014
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Historical, Fiction / Christian / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Historical / General
Pages: 416
Format: Audiobook
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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.
I’ve been Janabel much longer than Mesu Andrews has been publishing Biblical fiction. A decades old running joke between Kristin and I about being a Jezebel hussy over a story that wasn’t even real but developed over time. Janabel. It’s literally my name in her phone. I can’t see, read, or hear about Jezebel without thinking of that age old story. When I started this series I knew this book was going to bring those memories forward and while they are happy memories the real story of Jezebel is not happy or silly but angry and dark. The other thing I didn’t pay attention to until almost the end was reading a series called The Treasures of His Love during February where everyone is running around all about love. Except, of course, my ancient black heart 😀 The love is much needed in this series, this book, because there’s so much darkness.
This should not be new information to anyone but I struggled with the cast of characters. When I can barely remember my own name to keep up with so many is always a struggle for me until I get deeper into the story. Couple that with how similar some of the names are I was on the struggle bus, possibly driving it honestly. Then going between name and nickname – which we all do all the time – put extra strain on my failing brain. But here’s the deal, I knew who was important and why. It’s not like I’ve not studied these people before. It’s not like I didn’t know the story or how it would end. But I NEEDED the story. The fleshing out of who they could have been and how they could have acted and interacted. People change through their life and experiences and Mesu taking on this story from history really showed that. I think Sheba characterized that most of all. From a potential Baal Priestess to the wife of the High Priest of Yahweh’s temple. From a princess to a wife. From a life of abuse and uncertainty to a life of uncertainty to a much older man. From not wanting to change from the plan to embracing her husband and his faith. Sheba changed so much.
Yes the book is dark. Very dark. This time in history is ever so dark. The duplicity, the sheer terror or murder to eliminate political and religious rivals. Eliminating whole families to ensure your own path forward. But through it all Sheba and Jehoiada figure out, sometimes rocky, their path forward. He never intended to become the High Priest of the Temple. She never intended to be anything but what she was. Wise without lies. That thread throughout the book really hit home. Not just for how they chose to move forward as Jezebel’s reign threaded with Sheba’s mothers attempt to control her own kingdom but with their marriage as well. How can you protect yourself, your family, and your faith without deceit to ensure that necessary secrets are kept. Wise without lies. Honestly, as much as I loved the first books in this series I enjoyed this one the most. Bringing true history to life in a time period that, at least myself, don’t dig in and study. I mean law and war and murder and chaos doesn’t necessarily appeal or connect for me. I know it’s important but I didn’t connect to it. Mesu took that mantle for me and for that I am grateful because now I want to go back and study again. What did she learn that made this book so engaging? What can I learn to better myself? Wise without lies.
About Mesu Andrews
MESU ANDREWS is a Christy Award-winning, best-selling 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 deep 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 newsie emails, blog posts, and the social media we all love to hate. For more information, visit MesuAndrews.com.
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