King David’s Brides: Book 1
Publication Date: October 1, 2024
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?
Well before Bathsheba came Ahinoam, the first of David’s wives listed in the Old Testament. Her story takes shape in Brave, the first installment of the King David’s Brides series.
Author Mesu Andrews uses Scripture, historical research, and creative fiction to build Ahinoam’s story. Although Ahinoam is only mentioned six times in the Bible, the author has crafted a tome of 375 pages providing insight into her relationship with David.
One of the intriguing elements is adding a fictional Kenite heritage to the main character, giving her a talent for metalworking. On the run from Amalekites, she and her father seek the renegade, David ben Jesse.
The author brings the danger of King Saul’s accusations of treason to the forefront as David and his loyal followers experience years of hardship. However, Ahinoam is convinced that Yahweh has anointed the former shepherd to be Israel’s next king.
Brave transports readers into a captivating tale of a woman who learns how to navigate pain and hardship by relying on God.
Mesu Andrews is a Christy Award-winning, bestselling 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 strong 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 newsy emails, blog posts, and social media.
