Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews (Book Review)

Welcome to my stop on the Takeover + Review Blitz for Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! Please enjoy my thoughts below and let me know yours.

About the Book

Title: Brave: The Story of Ahinoam
Series: King David’s Brides #1
Author: Mesu Andrews
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release Date: October 1, 2024
Genre: Biblical Fiction

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam–a dagger-wielding Kenite woman–flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul’s treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam’s conviction that David’s anointing makes him Yahweh’s chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah’s unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David’s sister and gains respect among David’s army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam’s heart grapples for footing, King Saul’s army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel’s next king?

My Thoughts

Have Faith When the Anointing Feels Like a Curse

I really enjoyed reading, Brave: The Story of Ahinoam, the first book in the King David’s Brides series. It’s a great opener! I found myself highlighting about 30% of the book. There are touching moments that make you go, “Awwww,” as well as fearful moments where you can feel the fear and angst of the characters. There are also “ah-ha” moments when the characters receive a response from Yahweh that changes their thought patterns and, in turn, yours.

It did take me a while to get used to seeing “Abba” applied to earthly men instead of God, probably because my father was physically present but mentally absent. When he was around, he was often in a psychotic state from staying up all hours gambling. However, when I put that aside, it made sense because God desires to know us intimately since He is the first Father we had. He is our Protector, our Nurturer, our Savior, and so much more. He is “the example” for earthly fathers.

There was so much I loved about this book I know that I will not capture all of it, but here’s my shot. Growing up in a mostly female household, I experienced my mother’s spousal abuse and her ability to trust God for finances after my dad gambled his paycheck away. She raised seven children practically on her own. I am not a feminist, however, I am the result of a woman of strong faith. That being said, Ahinoam’s description, of a dagger-wielding Kenite woman was my draw to request this book. (And she named her first two daggers Adam and Eve! Oh, the nuances in this book.)

What made this book so rich for me was that some years ago our leadership team at my church studied Training for Reigning by Rick Goodwin. That book utilizes the four main places that David fled as tools for learning and growth in leadership. Rick Goodwin emphasized the growth at the end of his sojourn at each place. Mesu Andrews fleshes that out with her wonderful understanding of the spiritual and natural lessons to be learned.

There is so much character growth as we see that hardships and desperate situations train David to become the king God anointed him to be. This enabled his band of unruly soldiers, his family, Ahinoam, and Toren to grow. I am fangirling over here, but I love how Mesu incorporates the poetry and meaningfulness of Psalms and scriptures into the flow of the story.

Let’s stop here.” I tapped my camel’s shoulder to dismount. Joab didn’t need coaxing. He was off his camel and snoring before I laid my head on a smooth stone. I, on the other hand, could only doze. I counted stars and thought of all I should have said to my wife, my sister, and my troops before rushing away to negotiate peace with Saul after ignoring the true Peace-Giver for months. “Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me in Your wrath. Have mercy on me. I’m so weary. Save me because of Your unfailing love, Lord. I’m worn out from groaning.” Calm settled over me, as it had when we’d praised Yahweh with Gad and the prophets. “Lord, You have heard my cry for mercy; You have heard my prayer.”

 

Mesu Andrews. Brave (Kindle Locations 3818-3823). Kindle Edition.

I love seeing David’s and Ahinoam’s thoughts which enrich the slow-burn attraction, and mental and spiritual growth. I love how faith is such a part of their everyday lives. It is a great example for us today. I love that the book ultimately leads the reader back to the bible to check the nuances. The skill to casually throw in Abigail and Nabal and mirror the event between David, Nabal, and Abigail is a sign of superb writing. (Abigail is a favorite female character of mine).

David’s name means love and this book shines a light on his relationship with Yahweh. We see love demonstrated in his choice to forgive his family. Love introduces forgiveness, self-confidence, and intimacy. In his thoughts, we see the man who slayed ten thousands seeing beauty where others don’t, appreciating Ahinoam’s skills even though they are not considered womanly. Love truly overcomes all! We see a man who desires to be loved, just as we do.

Through numerous mentions we see David’s obedience contrasted with Saul’s disobedience. The message is clear: disobedience comes back to bite you in the buttocks. Obedience, though fraught with trials, blesses you and others.

If you enjoyed reading Sisters of Corinth by Angela Hunt, you will love Brave: The Story of Ahinoam by Mesu Andrews. I have discovered a new author to admire.

I thank Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy I received. It was truly an honor to participate in reviewing a book that shows the heart of Yahweh and what faith looks like amid betrayal, chaos, danger, and insecurity. These are my thoughts. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

I leave you with this excerpt:

“We’re not going to Nob,” David began. “I will sometimes lead my people into hard places but never into known danger. Yahweh does the same.” He pointed in various directions as he rehearsed our journey. “Behind us, the Moabite mountains; below us, the Dead Sea; and beyond it, the Judean wilderness. Yahweh will lead us into the desert— a hard place— because it’s safer than dangerous cities on fertile plains.”

 

Mesu Andrews. Brave (Kindle Locations 1407-1410). Kindle Edition.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Baker Publishing Group | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop (contains affiliate links)

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About the Author