Mesu Andrews's Blog

ECPA NAMES FINALISTS FOR THE CHRISTY AWARD® IN NINE CATEGORIES35 Christian fiction titles announced as top contenders for the year’s best novelsWinners to be revealed during online Gala on November 7 ECPA Press Release: September 22, 2025 – Chandler, Ariz.

On Friday, ECPA announced 35 finalists for The Christy Award program in an online webcast hosted by Christy Hall of Fame author Chris Fabry and ECPA president Jeff Crosby. The Christy Award exists to celebrate excellence in the art of Christian fiction and to honor the power of faith in story.

Three finalists were named in nine fiction categories, with eight resulting ties.

Winners In Each Category

Winners will be announced during The Christy Award Gala, an online webcast taking place Friday, November 7 at 7 p.m. Central, where the Book of the Year and the Amplify Award will also be revealed. Hosted by award-winning novelist and radio host Chris Fabry, the Gala will feature keynotes from Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson, Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books at Pepperdine University, and T.I. Lowe, award-winning novelist and Christy Book of the Year 2024 author.

The event will also include appearances by award-winning novelists Jaime Jo Wright, Johanna Rojas Vann, Lori Z. Scott, Katie Powner, Jamie Ogle, Rachelle Nelson, Vanessa Miller, Gabrielle Meyer, Crystal Caudill, and Amanda Barratt.

Register for the Gala at TheChristyAward.com.

THE 2025 FINALISTS BY CATEGORY:

(The red text below denotes biblical or early church fiction up for this year’s awards)

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE – tie

A Run at Love, Toni Shiloh
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764241512

The Nature of Love, Toni Shiloh
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764241529

The Roads We Follow, Nicole Deese
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764241192

Who Touches the Mountains, Deborah Raney
Raney Day Press, 9798301184345

 

FIRST NOVEL

Darkfell, Amanda Wright
Quill & Flame Publishing House, 9781964726052

Until Our Time Comes, Nicole M. Miller
Revell/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780800744700

The Yellow Badge, Addison Crissone
Addison Crissone, 9798991435901

 

GENERAL FICTION – tie

Between the Sound and Sea, Amanda Cox
Revell/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780800742744

Bitter and Sweet, Rhonda McKnight
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 9780840706577

Lowcountry Lost, T.I. Lowe
Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496465658

The Way Back, Heidi Chiavaroli
Hope Creek Publishers, 9781957663074 

 

HISTORICAL

All We Thought We Knew, Michelle Shocklee
Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496484178

Born of Gilded Mountains, Amanda Dykes
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764239519

The Queen’s Cook, Tessa Afshar
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764243691

 

HISTORICAL ROMANCE – tie

As Sure as the Sea, Jamie Ogle
Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496479723

The Elusive Truth of Lily Temple, Joanna Davidson Politano
Revell/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780800742973

The Seaside Homecoming, Julie Klassen
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764241017

Walking on Hidden Wings, Rachel Scott McDaniel
Kregel Publications, 9780825448133

 

MYSTERY/SUSPENSE/THRILLER – tie

The Crown Conspiracy, Connie Mann
Tyndale House Publishers, 9781496487391

Night Falls on Predicament Avenue, Jaime Jo Wright
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764241451

Serial Burn, Lynette Eason
Revell/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780800741211

Shattered Sanctuary, Nancy Mehl
Bethany House/ Baker Publishing Group, 9780764243363

Terminal Danger, Jerusha Agen
SDG Words, 9781956683363

 

SHORT FORM – tie

A Daffodil in the Dress, Susie Finkbeiner
(within Something Borrowed), Kregel Publications, 9780825448423

A Heart in Disguise, Rachel Scott McDaniel
(within Something Borrowed), Kregel Publications, 9780825448423

A Letter to Eli, Allison Pittman
(within Something Borrowed), Kregel Publications, 9780825448423

Forgiving the Cowboy, Tabitha Bouldin
Love Inspired, 9781335937049

 

SPECULATIVE – tie

A Slice of Sky, Nancy Moser
Mustard Seed Press, 9781961907683

Darkfell, Amanda Wright
Quill & Flame Publishing House, 9781964726052

Memoria, J. J. Fischer
Enclave, a division of Oasis Family Media, 9798886051667

Protector, Megan Schaulis
WhiteCrown, an imprint of WhiteFire Publishing, 9798887090481

 

YOUNG ADULT – tie

Ben Washington is the Newbie on the Block, Jasmine Mullen
Moody Publishers, 9780802432803

The Chaos Grid, Lyndsey Lewellen
Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media, 9798886051063

Echo Nova, Clint Hall
Enclave Escape, a division of Oasis Family Media, 9798886051704

Jake Rogers’ Planet, Philip Wilder
Great Commission Alliance, ‎9798986429342

View the full list of finalists and cover images at:
ChristyAwards.com/finalists-winners.html

Registration is open for the free Winners Gala on November 7 at TheChristyAward.com.

There are two in-person watch parties scheduled in St. Louis (JustRead Rendevous) and Grand Rapids (Baker Book House) with information detailed on The Christy Award registration page.

The Christy Award Art of Writing program and Gala will return to in-person events next fall in the Nashville area.  Sign up for updates at TheChristyAward.com.

ABOUT ECPA AND THE CHRISTY AWARD®

The Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) is an international non-profit trade organization made up of member companies involved in the publishing and distribution of Christian content worldwide. Since 1974, ECPA has strengthened Christian publishing by building networking, information, and advocacy opportunities for members to more effectively deliver transformational content. Learn more at ECPA.org.

The Christy Award® has honored and promoted excellence in Christian fiction since 1999. Named after Christy by Catherine Marshall—which has sold over 10 million copies since its 1967 release—this prestigious program became part of ECPA in 2017 to further elevate the role of fiction in Christian publishing.  TheChristyAward.com  FB: ChristyAward  X: @ChristyAward   IG: @thechristyaward

The Christy Award is widely supported and promoted through a broad network of retailers and industry partners, including:  Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com, The Parable Group, Baker Book House, Logos, Mardel, More to Life, JustRead Rendezvous, JustRead Tours, Family Fiction, Crazy4Fiction, Christian Editors Association, Chris Fabry Live, Reading Is My Superpower, Write to Publish, Life Is Story, West Coast Christian Writers, Blue Ridge Writers Conference, Publishing in Color, Christian Retailers Association, NetGalley, and Christianity Today.

Have you ever felt nostalgic and looked through your high school yearbook? I recently salvaged a few old photos, and the memories came rushing back with them. Who was I in 2nd grade? Different from who I was in 8th grade! Who was I as a graduating senior? My inner transformation was more drastic than the outer transformation you see in these pictures.

God formed my identity through every stage, forever present even when I refused Him. I was still me, but very different than me now. Jesus used every experience, success, and failure to guide me into the future He had prepared for me. And I continue to be transformed. We’re all shaped by the decisions we make, our relationships, and by how hard we follow the God who knows us better than we know ourselves.

King David’s Transformation

David ben Jesse, the hidden shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:10-11), differed from the man-child shepherd who killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17:15). Warrior David became as skilled as any of King Saul’s soldiers (1 Samuel 18:5), and fugitive David learned hard lessons about who he could trust (Psalm 31). Inexperienced King David, who ruled in Hebron for seven years (2 Samuel 2:4), was quite different than the King David who ruled in Jerusalem for thirty-three years (2 Samuel 5).

In my King David’s Bride series, based on 2 Samuel 3:2-5, we explore who David was:

in his fugitive years, running from Saul’s assassins (1 Samuel 19:11).his year and four months in Philistine territory under King Achish’s protection (1 Samuel 27:1-7).the first two years of David’s reign in Hebron (1 Samuel 2:10; 4:1-12).

Like all humans, David grew into who he needed to become to fulfill God’s plan for him and Israel.

A Day in the Life of King David–Philistine Territory

David fled Israel with his army and all their families to escape Saul’s relentless pursuit. Why would he choose Philistia as a refuge? Honestly, this is one of several strange decisions David made while running from Saul. Less than a decade ago, David had escaped Saul’s assassins by running to Gath and King Achish–Goliath’s hometown. It was a very bad idea (1 Samuel 21:10-15).

The servants of Achish said to him, “Isn’t this David, the king of the land? Isn’t he the one they sing about in their dances:  ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands’?” David took these words to heart and was very much afraid of Achish king of Gath. 1 Samuel 21:11-12

When the Bible is silent about why David chose Gath again for refuge, I use well-researched fiction to account for David’s motivation. David’s second attempt to find refuge in Gath was met with King Achish’s favor.

So on that day Achish gave him Ziklag, and it has belonged to the kings of Judah ever since. David lived in Philistine territory a year and four months. 1 Samuel 27:6–7

What happened to turn Achish’s heart toward David–Israel’s great warrior? What happened to make David believe his second attempt to hide in Gath would turn out differently from his first? The answer: I don’t know why David went, but we do know what David’s life was like when he and the people who followed him lived among the Philistines.

How Did David Win King Achish’s Favor?

David won the Philistine king’s favor through brutality and deception.

Now David and his men went up and raided the Geshurites, the Girzites and the Amalekites…Whenever David attacked an area, he did not leave a man or woman alive, but took sheep and cattle, donkeys and camels, and clothes. Then he returned to Achish. When Achish asked, “Where did you go raiding today?” David would say, “Against the Negev of Judah” or “Against the Negev of Jerahmeel” or “Against the Negev of the Kenites.” He did not leave a man or woman alive to be brought to Gath, for he thought, “They might inform on us and say, ‘This is what David did.’ ” And such was his practice as long as he lived in Philistine territory. Achish trusted David and said to himself, “He has become so obnoxious to his people, the Israelites, that he will be my servant for life.” 1 Samuel 27:8-12 (emphasis added)

David’s transformation from fugitive to bandit surely changed him as well as his men. Is it any wonder that when they returned to Ziklag and discovered their families kidnapped by the Amalekites, his men nearly stoned him (2 Samuel 30:1-6)?

Who Was David ben Jesse in Maakah’s Eyes?

Did you notice the three nations David and his men raided? Princess Maakah was the daughter of King Talmai of Geshur. Some commentaries say that Maakah was captured as a war bride in one of David’s raids. But how could that be? 1 Samuel 27:6 clearly states that David killed every living thing when he attacked enemy villages.

How could Geshurite Princess Maakah ever marry the cruel bandit, David ben Jesse? How could young King David marry an idol-worshipping Geshurite? That, my friends, is the inner conflict of both David and Maakah in Noble: The Story of Maakah.

Do You Want More Insights Into NOBLE?

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The King David’s Brides series is available wherever books are sold.

Book #2 in the King David’s Brides series, Noble: The Story of Maakah, launches TODAY!
(Book #1, Brave: The Story of Ahinoam, also available (released October 2024)

There’s a strange tension in releasing a new book. On one hand, it’s a joy and an honor to share the fruit of long labor. On the other hand, it’s an act of surrender—letting go of something deeply personal and offering it up to be used by the Lord however He sees fit.

With Noble, that feeling has grown even deeper. Maakah’s story—though fictionalized—comes from a real place in Scripture and in my heart. She was a woman caught between kingdoms, between expectations and convictions, between duty and desire. Her journey reminded me so often of the psalms of David—songs of wrestling, of trust, of longing, of worship.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7

Something Different on Release Day:

As your Noble preorder delivers to your mailbox, tablets, and phones–or if you’ve already purchased it today, I’d love to invite you into a guided prayer. Just a simple invitation to join me—wherever you are—as we ask the Lord to do what only He can do through Princess Maakah’s story.

Turning Written Words Into Prayer & Worship:

As you read the Scriptures and prayers below, simply speak them to El-Shama–the God who hears.

#1 – Pray for the readers who feel unseen.

“You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance.” Psalm 32:7

Maakah lived much of her life in the shadows of others’ expectations. I believe there are readers who will see their own stories in hers. Pray they will sense the nearness of the God who sees and delivers.

#2 – Pray for those struggling to trust God’s timing.

“I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1

Whether it’s unanswered prayers, delayed dreams, or a heart that feels forgotten, I pray this book speaks into the quiet spaces where hope feels hard.

#3 – Pray for the team spreading this story all over the internet.

“May the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!” Psalm 90:17

From influencers to launch team members, so many hands have joined to help share Noble. Please pray for encouragement, protection, and fruitfulness as they speak words of life into their communities.

#4 – Pray for me.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10

I want to stay grounded, grateful, and obedient. Pray that my heart would stay soft to God’s voice and that my words—written and spoken—would always reflect His grace and truth.

#5 – Pray for the book.

“He sends out his word, and it melts them; he makes his wind blow and the waters flow.” Psalm 147:18

Books go places we never could. Into hospital rooms. Quiet corners. Airports. Lonely nights. Pray that Noble would land in the hands of those who need it most—and that its words would stir hearts toward the Word.

I’m So Grateful

Thank you for being part of this launch—through prayer, support, and faithful encouragement. More than anything, I pray that Noble: The Story of Maakah draws each reader closer to the God who surrounds us with steadfast love.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

CLICK HERE to learn more about Noble on my website:

Listen to a sample reading of the audiobook.Read the Sneak Peek first chapter.Discover the companion Noble Bible study on YouVersion entitled, Is God Enough? Encouragement from David’s Psalms. (Download the Bible app here)!

Where Can You Purchase Noble?

NOBLE: The Story of Maakah is available TODAY wherever books are sold. If you don’t see it on the shelf of your favorite bookstore or library, simply ask an employee to order it!

Because I’m an Amazon advertising affiliate, I earn a small commission when you make purchases using these Amazon links. 

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If this post intrigued you, it might do the same for your reader friends. Please consider sharing the blog link. Simply copy the URL from your browser’s search window (at the top) and paste it into your, social media posts, newsletters, or share it in an email to your reader friends.

P.S. word of mouth is still the best marketing tool! 😉

Today, MOST OF ALL, thank you for your support in prayer! May the Lord spread Maakah’s story to every heart that needs it.

With my August 19th release of Noble: The Story of Maakah comes a whole lot of extra tasks. I’d planned to skip blog posts until the launch craziness declined. But God nudged me (hard) to share a personal miracle–and how it’s affected my life.

You’ll get another blog in August, and I’ll take a break in September-October to focus on writing Loyal: The Story of Haggith. (See more about this decision at the end of this post.)

Journey Toward The Miracle:

I’ve had daily migraines since 2005, which came as an add-on to several other chronic health issues. (CLICK HERE to see more of my chronic illness journey.) Are you prepared to read about a miracle?

As of mid-January, 2025, my migraines were GONE! Evidently, that particular infirmity had served its purpose for my life, and my Lord, Jesus Christ, said, “Now’s the time to move past it.”

He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

7 Months of Healing?

Why haven’t I updated my “Battle With Chronic Illness” webpage? Because I was afraid the miracle wouldn’t last. Afraid the migraines would return if I shared the healing publicly. 🙁

My lack of faith has given me new insight into Jesus’s story about the ten lepers.

Louis Surugue, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons 

When [Jesus] saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. Luke 17:14–15 (emphasis added)

Did you catch the part about how their healing happened? “As they went, they were cleansed.” If all were cleansed, why did only one return to praise his Healer?

My New Understanding

I’d always thought the lepers were ungrateful, but after my own healing, “as I went for seven months,” I now wonder if they were afraid to make their healing a public praise session. If they had obeyed Jesus and shown themselves to the priests, wouldn’t they be proclaiming Jesus’s miracle to the Jewish leaders who hated the not-as-they-imagined Messiah?

I believe fear may have been the stronger motivator because fear kept me from proclaiming the miracle of healed migraines from January until now–seven months. My fear of God reneging on His miracle sapped my faith in the Healer.

Praise the Lord for His patience and grace…

Proof Of His Miracle

When we moved from North Carolina to Indiana, we had a very tough time finding doctors to prescribe all the necessary medication to treat that daily pain. Finally, the Lord led us to both a general practitioner (GP) and a neurologist who truly believed I experienced daily migraines.

My new neurologist asked me to stop a couple of meds that could have been causing the headaches. I explained what had happened in previous attempts to stop the pain meds:

“My life was reduced to a fetal position in a dark room.”

She heard me (miracle #1) and promised she’d do it slowly and provide other types of pain plans with fewer side effects. When I told her about my busy fall (2024)–book release, reader retreats, and book deadlines–she agreed to wait until January to begin the weaning off process.

Proof That Jesus. Is. My. Healer.

Like the ten lepers, my miracle happened, “as I went.”

In September, my wonderful GP ordered physical therapy (PT) for my neck and right shoulder (symptoms of neck pain and rotator cuff injury).I was one of the first patients my therapist treated after graduating from Trine University. He had Spirit-guided hands (and at-home exercises) that lessened the pain in prescribed areas–but my migraines also began to subside.By the time my PT ended in December, I’d carefully and completely weaned myself off the meds I was scheduled to begin cutting down in January.My neurologist was STUNNED when I saw her in January–aka recognizing the miracle without acknowledging it aloud. 😉She next wanted to wean me off the only migraine med I still took–a migraine preventative that I took morning and night.In three months, I was able to wean off the preventive with NO RETURN of migraines.In May, my neck and shoulder pain returned–but not the migraines!I Now Believe In Miracles

If you had asked me, before this 7-month journey, if I believed that God could do miracles, I would have answered with a resounding, “YES!” But this 7-month journey has proven that my fear outweighed my belief.

Now, because I’ve personally experienced God’s power and faithfulness despite my fear, I’m building a new life of watching for more miracles.

What does “watching for more miracles” look like in my post-migraine world?I don’t run for a migraine rescue pill (maxalt, imitrex, etc.) at the first sign of a headache.I use the least amount of over-the-counter (OTC) migraine meds possible to dull any headache.I’m willing to try other forms of muscle therapy to lessen fibromyalgia pain.What About You?

Do you believe God still works miracles? Like, really believe it–enough to watch for His miracles in YOUR life, too? I’m not suggesting you find a “faith healer” to prove your trust in Jesus because I don’t believe WE DECIDE when God should do a miracle.

At ten years old, I was desperately afraid of the dentist and believed God should supernaturally heal my toothache before my scheduled dentist appointment! He didn’t supernaturally heal my tooth. Instead, Jesus used a dentist’s gentle hands to show me His Presence. Unfortunately, I was too disappointed that God didn’t answer the way I wanted, so I completely turned away from Him during my teenage years. I looked for healing in Jack Daniels and for Southern Comfort from Jim Beam.

My dashed hopes blinded me to God’s perfecting work…

Have You Been Disappointed That God Answers In His Perfect Way?

Even when God answers with a “no” or “wait,” can you believe He’s still working for your GOOD? Even though I’m 60+ years old, I still need this reminder:

King David’s Brides Series Displays God’s Glory And Goodness

In the August 19th release of Noble: The Story of Maakah (Book #2 in the King David’s Brides series), God unleashes His glory through His good plan for David and his third Hebron wife, Princess Maakah (see 2 Sam. 3:2-5).

When disaster, trauma, and deception become barriers to David’s and Maakah’s faith, God shines His glory on them by extending grace and forgiveness for all their misguided human decisions. Yahweh’s glory shines through their journey toward marriage and reveals His good plan for them. CLICK HERE to read more about Noble on my website.

Reminder, Next Blog Post In October!

Since there are only a certain number of hours each day, I’m realizing I can’t do everything on my “to do” list without wrecking my health or disregarding my family’s needs. Perhaps that realization is another miracle from the Lord! 😆

On August 25th, you’ll receive another blog, but I’m taking a break from blogging in September and October.

My newsletters, however, will still come on the 2nd Monday of each month with personal pics, prayer requests, and behind-the-scenes content on my writing life. If you haven’t yet subscribed, just !

If you’d still like to hear more about please consider subscribing to my monthly update CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE.

See y’all in August!

I value privacy. My hubby, Roy, and I are introverts. Spending time alone or with each other refreshes us, body, soul, and spirit. My mama (age 95) is also an introvert. A while ago, she fell several times within a week. With her permission and agreement within the family, we installed video cameras that allowed us to see and hear her. We can also speak to her through their built-in microphones as needed. Why am I telling you this? Because Psalm 139 is God’s notification that He’s got better equipment than video cameras to know everything about everyone–including you!

Deciding Where To Place The Cameras

Our goal is always to ensure our aging parents maintain their dignity as long as possible. So, we decided not to put a camera in her bathroom or dressing area. We restricted our knowledge to maintain her dignity. At some point, that may have to change, but for now it’s working.

Nervous About God’s Access?

God has unrestricted access to EVERYTHING about us, and David somehow knew that. No one knows for sure in which season of his life he penned this beautiful psalm, but it’s one of my favorites. Let’s look at David’s insights about how well God knows and understands you, me, and every human being:

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6 (emphasis added)

In these opening verses, I’ve used bold italics for God’s actions and underlined His access to our earthly life. Here’s a chart if you like visuals:

How Do You Feel About God’s Access Now?

Psalm 139:1-6 describes how our good, good Father knows us so completely while we live on earth. Does this truth from Scripture bring on a sense of conviction or comfort?

Comfort:

It may be comforting if you feel alone or abandoned, and these verses reassure you that He always “gets” you.It may be comforting if you’ve felt as if God has forgotten you because David is clearly confident that Yahweh is a permanent fixture in His kids’ lives.

Conviction:

You may feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction if you like to be in control because we don’t get to decide which areas of life God searches and knows.You may feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction if you’re hiding something–from the people in your life or thought you could hide something from your Heavenly Father.Do You Sometimes Wish You Could Hide From God?

William Taverner, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Adam and Eve tried hiding after they sinned. Didn’t work.

Jonah tried sailing away from God when he didn’t want to speak a message of repentance to the Assyrian king–because Jonah didn’t want them to repent. Look what happened to Jonah–he became fish vomit and still had to obey God. 😯

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. Psalm 139:7-12

Even David tried to hide when he had sinned by sleeping with Bathsheba, while she was still married to Uriah. Read Psalm 51 for a glimpse of the conviction David felt after he’d slept with Bathsheba and arranged for his general, Joab (who was also his nephew), to position Uriah at the front line of battle–so he would die. It was murder by enemy troops, and I’ll bet David wished he could have found somewhere to hide such horrendous sins from the God he loved.

There is simply no place on or above or below this earth where we can hide from the Creator of all things.

God Knows Things We Don’t Know About Ourselves

My mama praises Jesus every chance she gets, and she covers her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids…and, yes, even great-great grands with faithful prayer! And her “mom skills?” Off the charts!

Have you ever called your mom and, after she hears your first few sentences, she interrupts and says, “Okay, tell me what’s wrong.” I used to get so annoyed with her because she just knew. I couldn’t hide anything from her.

When I had my first baby, I had no idea what her cries meant. I didn’t even know she had different cries–until my mom taught me to discern. What is it with moms and their magic wands?

Now, I’m the mom who can tell by the sound of my daughters’ voices or mannerisms that something’s not quite right in their world. Now, I’m Grammy, who recognized the babies had different cries and knew what each one needed.

My girls were quick learners and have far surpassed me in mothering my eight grandkids in a world that I have no clue how to navigate. Our grands range from (almost) twenty-one to (almost) seven-year-old twins, and I find great comfort that my good, good Father knit them together in their mama’s womb.

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you. Psalm 139:13-18 (emphasis added)

Are You a Little Freaked Out?

I’m all good with God creating my inmost being and knitting me together in my mom’s womb. But I have no idea what David means when he says:

“I was woven together in the depths of the earth“?“Your eyes saw my unformed body“?“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be“?

I’m not sure even David realized what it meant. He did, however, know that what he was saying was coming straight from Yahweh. “How vast is the sum of [Your thoughts]!” he said, and then used the phrase God used in His promise to Abraham. “If I were to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand.” Can you hear his delight?

How did he respond?

“I praise You!” And then included a list of these things no one can explain or fathom.“How precious to me are your thoughts.” David is writing down God’s thoughts. How awesome is that?“When I awake, I am still with you.”

I had to chuckle at the last line of v.18. David isn’t so amazed that God’s still with him but rather that he (David) is still “with God.” All the previous night’s revelations weren’t a dream! He didn’t imagine God–and neither do I.

Do you believe God–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–is real? Regardless of belief or doubt, He remains close whether we’re awake or asleep.

Mind Battles and God’s Help

So, it seems David has awakened to a new day. He’s basking in last night’s praise session. God’s presence and knowing are real. But so are the struggles David will face today.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty! They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name. Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you? I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. Psalm 139:19-22

It’s like a broken record, isn’t it? David’s always got an enemy chasing him and always praying for God to annihilate them. Is it right or wrong for David to pray this way–to FEEL this way?

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24

I dunno what’s right or wrong for David to pray. Evidently, neither did David. Sometimes, I don’t know what I should pray in a situation that seems impossible to rise above. Jesus introduced a New Covenant, one purchased with His blood so we could receive His grace when we stand before the one, true God. And Jesus explicitly commanded all His disciples, in the 1st century A.D. and beyond, to spread the Good News of grace and to pray FOR our enemies.

Maybe Psalm 139:23-24 is the prayer we should be praying every day to combat the hatred, contentiousness, and foulness of the world in which we live. The first step to helping others change is to change myself. How do I change? What do I change? Those are questions we must ask the One who knows us better than we know ourselves.

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Tweet-Ables:Psalm 139:1-6 describes how our good, good Father knows us so completely while we live on earth. Is this comforting to you or convicting?Did Davids sin against Bathsheba and Uriah mean David stopped loving Yahweh? Answer in light of your own sins. When YOU are in a sin cycle that has taken you farther than you intended to go, do YOU stop loving God? Or is your sin a wall you have built to hide behind? Let Psalm 139:7-12 reassure you that there is no place you can go to hide from Gods love for you. The first step to helping others change is to change myself. How do I change? What do I change? Those are questions we must ask the One who knows us better than we know ourselves.

Isn’t it rewarding when our children or grandchildren begin to read their Bibles and get it? They look into our eyes, silently asking, “Do you approve?” In my experience, such approval-seeking happens while they’re nine or younger. (See girl in blue shirt.)

When my kids and grandkids get older, they still ask questions, but oftentimes with a sly smile and ready to debate. (See boy with arms folded. :lol:)

Or am I the only one with kids and grands who like a good argument?

Some of these debaters grow up to be readers.Some of these readers become book reviewers.Some reviewers approve of my novels, and some . . . send me emails.I LOVE Those Emails!

I scan my inbox regularly. When I see something from a faithful reader, I open it first! Some are very encouraging, while others voice their concern. I’ve had a few express disappointment because, in their opinions, Brave portrays Yahweh as approving of David’s sin. Here’s the Law in question–within its context.

The king, moreover, must not acquire great numbers of horses for himself or make the people return to Egypt to get more of them, for the Lord has told you, “You are not to go back that way again.” He must not take many wives, or his heart will be led astray. He must not accumulate large amounts of silver and gold. When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the Levitical priests. Deuteronomy 17:16–18 (emphasis added)

Philip De Vere, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

These Laws of God were first spoken to Moses on Mt. Sinai after Yahweh rescued the Israelites from Egypt (see Exodus and Leviticus). The Book of Numbers is divided between pre-wandering and resumes the narrative when Israel is ready to enter Canaan. Deuteronomy is called “the second law” because Moses recites the rules God gave him to the new generation of Israelites. This Law comes after forty years of wandering and before Israel enters the Promised Land.

When we read Deuteronomy 17:16-18 in context, the stuff about never returning to Egypt makes sense. The laws about a king, however, seemed useless when Israel heard them at that moment. They were twelve divided tribes and had no king! Yet Yahweh knew the days would come when Saul, David, Solomon, and all the kings of Israel (and also the nation of Judah, which came later) would need laws for their rulers.

My Zealous Readers

My zealous readers hold as much regard for God’s Word as I do. So, when a reader sends me a fiery email about contradicting Scripture, how do I react? I THANK them, then do more research and check my heart! I’m grateful when someone emails me personally since my practice is NEVER to address a bad review on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub, or any public review site. I appreciate a reader’s willingness to ask questions, whether looking for approval or a debate. What they’ll receive from me is a heartfelt explanation.

Bottom line: I would never intentionally contradict Scripture.

The Truth, Facts, and Fiction of BraveA Few Bible Truths About Brave:

The following points are a few foundational Bible Truths on which I built my first book in a fictional series about David, his wives, and soon-to-come sons:

Truth: the names of David’s first six sons are attributed to six different wives in 2 Sam. 3:2-5.Truth: I found three things about Ahinoam in Scripture:She was the mother of David’s firstborn, Amnon (2 Sam. 3:2).She’s labeled “Ahinoam of Jezreel” when spoken of in Scripture.We know Ahinoam was David’s wife before he married Abigail from 1 Sam. 25:43, “David had also married Ahinoam of Jezreel.” Past tense.Truth: Much of Abigail’s story is recorded in 1 Samuel 25, but there’s nothing in Scripture that tells us about her and Ahinoam’s relationship.Some Historical Info About Brave:Speaking of Jezreel…When I saw that location, my brain automatically went to the Jezreel Valley, which is very close to Saul’s capital (and home) in Gibeah. But after more research in Joshua and Bible atlases, I believe Ahinoam was from a small village in Judah’s hill country. It makes more sense that David would marry a woman from Judah than a woman from Saul’s territory.Fact: David’s wife, Ahinoam, couldn’t have been the same woman as Saul’s wife, Ahinoam (though some experts said she was). While researching the characters and their ages, Saul’s wife would likely have been in her late 60’s or 70’s to have a son as old as Jonathan. No new babies for Saul’s old queen and David in Hebron!Common sense says Ahinoam must have been brave and capable of keeping up with David’s army while they hid from Saul in the Wilderness. So, I made her a Kenite. Jael was Kenite and brave! She killed a Canaanite general with a tent peg (Judges 4:17-21). Kenites were metalworkers with a long history (proven in Scripture) of favor with Israel. The full counsel of Scripture helped me create a sassy, opinionated, dagger-wielding heroine!Some Creative Fiction In Brave:Could my heroine’s backstory be believable as a five-year-old girl abandoned by her mother in 1000 BC Israel and raised by a single father? Maybe. Perhaps modern readers would identify with the circumstance if other characters acknowledged the oddity.Zeruiah and her sons–though mentioned in the Bible–have only a few hints about their personalities and nothing specific about their wives or kids. I took Scripture’s “hints” and built these characters by using their WHOLE lives and choices as depicted in Scripture to create these first years as David’s fictional captains. Their roles in David’s army were described later in the biblical record, but we don’t know when they were assigned. I do this with MOST of my characters. The Bible reveals who God is. Biblical fiction paints the landscape and teaches ancient cultures so readers will return to Scripture and read the Bible with fresh understanding.David and his wives BELIEVE God approves of their multi-wife marriages. Totally fiction. Please keep reading!So, Does Brave Contradict Deuteronomy 17:17

Yes…and No. In the first NOVEL (fiction) of my four-book series, David and his two wives–Ahinoam and Abigail–believe Yahweh approves of their marriages. Let’s look at those three highlighted words:

The Fiction Contradicts

Remember my adorable grandchild who, age eight and younger, brought me things they were pretty sure I’d approve of? Then, as they grew older, they showed me things they were pretty sure I wouldn’t approve of. Have you ever had someone come to you with a question? The answer is clearly laid out in Scripture, but they’ve justified their disobedience. Now, they want you to approve it.

Brave is fiction, but fiction imitates life. None of us knows why David broke the Law of Moses. Maybe if he’d obeyed Deuteronomy 17:18–written a copy of the whole Law and carried it around while running from Saul in the wilderness–he wouldn’t have married multiple wives. Doubtful. But did he somehow know the Laws of God? Perhaps while living in Saul’s home as a glorified shepherd boy, he did have access to the scrolls. Maybe he did read the sacred scrolls. Perhaps Prince Jonathan taught him. We simply don’t know, and that’s how I wrote Brave. David, Ahinoam, and Abigail know a little about the Law but know more about the God who guides them.

Characters’ Belief  Contradicts

All three main characters receive personal and repeated guidance from Yahweh. They are true believers. Seekers of the one, true God. Why wouldn’t they trust the approval they felt from Him when they prayed about the marriages? (See my website for more information about Brave.)

I’ll answer with another question: Have you ever been absolutely sure of God’s will for you? Then, that possibility falls through. Another opportunity comes along. You take it. Then, you realize–the second option is better than the first.

Hold that thought and keep reading!

Biblical Truth Stands Firm In the Series 

In Noble: The Story of Maakah, you’ll see the first seeds of doubt dawning in David, Ahinoam, and Abigail, wondering if God really approved their marriages or if they misunderstood His will for them. The scenario of justifying our own desires with God’s supposed approval is one of the overarching themes in the King David’s Brides series.

All four books tell ONE STORY. Of course, each book is written as a stand-alone. However, each book in the series reveals a fuller understanding of David’s faith journey. Perhaps equally important, each installment provides a glimpse into the six women who became the (wobbly) foundation of King David’s household. Later, in 2 Samuel, we see their adult children do some terrible things. I believe it’s important to know about the mothers who bore them to better understand who David’s sons became.

Sin Always Carries Consequences

When God created Adam in the perfect Garden, He gave Adam one restriction with one consequence.

And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Genesis 2:16–17

In Genesis 3, that ol’ serpent came along and tempted Eve to become “like God.” He also called God a liar. “You won’t surely die,” he said. So, Eve took a bite of the forbidden fruit and gave a nibble to Adam.

Did they die? Not right away.

So it was with David and his six wives. The consequences of breaking the Law in Deuteronomy 17:17 didn’t shake their household until their children were older. The consequences of our sins don’t always hit immediately. Sometimes, they’re years or even decades after we’ve disobeyed Yahweh’s commands.

We Don’t Live Under the Law

If you believe Jesus’s death and resurrection paid for your sins, you don’t live under the burden of the Law. When we believe that Jesus lived a perfect life yet shed His blood to redeem us from the debt sin places on us, you and I can enter God’s presence as children of the Creator.

But because we live on this planet, where the “prince of the air” reigns (our own version of that garden serpent), consequences of sin–yours and mine–still affect our world. Consequences can be a direct result of personal disobedience. Or, because God is a good Father, He sometimes disciplines those He loves (Prov. 3:12). Some consequences–cancer, people dying young, losing a job, betrayals, and divorce–simply fall on us because of the sin-sick world in which we live.

God Is Bigger

The bottom line: God is bigger than my writing or publishing. If you don’t approve of my explanation above, I hope you can give me grace. Maybe pray for the Lord to show me, as I’ve written about David and his wives realizing their errors throughout this series. Lord, reveal to me Your Truth, and show me any selfish justifications I’ve allowed to deceive my heart.

I pray the same for anyone reading this post. If the Lord is knocking on your heart about a decision you’ve made or are about to make, stop. Search God’s Word and your heart. Seek the counsel of a godly friend. Pray and fast for God’s clear answer.

May the Truth of God settle into your heart with the peace of His Spirit who dwells in those who trust in Jesus as Savior. Selah.

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Tweet-a-bles:I LOVE reading emails from readers. Some are encouraging. Some…not so much. Want to hear how I deal with the not-so-encouraging ones?Want to know what’s TRUTH, FACT, and FICTION in my October 2024 release, #BRAVEnovel?If you need to make a big decision, stop! Search the Bible and your heart. Seek counsel from a godly friend. Pray for a clear answer from God.

Life is a funny thing, and just because you’ve never met someone in person doesn’t mean you don’t know them. Such is my friendship with Carol Ashby. Our friendship began with the shared grief of a mutual friend’s sudden death.

Carol and I shared the shock and prayed for each other as the wound of our friend’s passing slowly healed. As life continued, our prayers for each other did, too. The grieving ebbed, giving way to more chatty emails about life events. Though I’m sad our friend left us, I’m grateful for the life of friendship she gave Carol and me. We’ve become go-to prayer partners on writing, family, and life in general. And her meticulous-scientist brain is very helpful to my chaotic creative thoughts!

Book Description:

River of Life: a Roman-era adventure with dangerous choices, unlikely friendships, world views in conflict, and a love story you won’t forget.

When the future you dreamed of looks impossible, maybe God has a better one planned.

Driven from home because of her Christian faith, Neferu lands a position tutoring Jason, her childhood friend’s young son. Jason’s father despises him and banishes both the boy and Neferu to his ancestral estate, where Jason becomes the target of a family member who wants Jason’s inheritance for her own boys. How can a mere servant thwart her mistress before her young charge is killed? Knowing what she does, is her life at risk as well?

When Lusario’s new master, Caelus Martinus, decided they would train together to work as architects, Lusario’s once-bleak future seemed bright. But if they don’t get a commission within a month to design a building, both will lose the future they long for.

During their trip up the Nile to compete for a building contract, disaster strikes, forcing Neferu to rescue Lusario and Caelus from certain death. As the threat to Neferu and Jason grows, both men would do anything to protect her and the boy. Might death await them all if they fail?

River of Life is another exciting addition to the stand-alone Light in the Empire series of Early Church Biblical fiction novels. The story is complete in itself, but if you’re curious about how the men’s friendship started three years earlier, you’ll enjoy Carol Ashby’s novella, Crushed Hopes and Hopeful Beginnings.

My Review:

 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 4 Smiles

Carol Ashby’s newest addition to the Roman-era series, Light in the Empire, is a beautiful testament to her research skills. Setting River of Life in first-century Egypt adds a whole new depth of fascinating detail to Ashby’s storytelling. Characters are well-developed, including the spoiled and entitled Roman boys and their wicked mother. The main characters are real and believable, the wild land of Egypt is also a character to be reckoned with, and the ancient culture in which those characters grapple with real life is expertly woven into their story without feeling like a college class.

As always, Carol Ashby includes the Gospel message in a very clear and believable way. River of Life is full of adventure, history, the reality of danger for Christ-followers in the first-century early church, plus a developing sweet romance. If you enjoyed Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series or the Roman-era Biblical fiction of Tessa Afshar (those marked “New Testament),” you’ll enjoy River of Life and every book in the Light in the Empire series.

More About the Author:

I mentioned in the intro that Carol was a scientist and brings that scientific brain into her writing. However, her novels never sound like a textbook! Though she, like me, has a passion to teach, her novels are all about telling a story. Carol’s website is where you’ll find the fascinating information (and downloads) for homeschool teachers and students. CLICK HERE to find her website’s home page. You’ll find a “tip of the iceberg” there but at least get an idea of where to begin searching for what will serve you best.

CLICK HERE to discover more details about ALL of Carol’s early-church biblical fiction. CLICK HERE to learn more about her newest release, River of Life.

About Those Links…

Because I’m an Amazon advertising affiliate, I earn a small commission when you make purchases using Amazon links from this site. I appreciate your support!

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This question is for my women readers: When you were a little girl, did you ever want to become a princess? Now for men readers: Did you ever want to be the dashing prince who fought with a sword to save the princess held captive in the tower?

You need not answer in the comments. Simply imagine how different your life is in 2025 than a princess’s in 1010 B.C. Then think how different that same princess’s life would be from the women in David’s camp.

The Bible doesn’t tell us the details about day-to-day survival, food prep, and hygiene for David, his wives, and his army. Nor does it include how different (or similar) the kings and other royalty/nobility lived from the common farmers or the poor.

So, when I begin research on a particular character who’s mentioned once or perhaps twice in God’s eternal record, I start with what it DOES say. Then I use other Scripture and a little common sense to build a plausible story around them.

Maakah In the Bible

Maakah is a rather popular name in the Bible and is used thirty times with various spellings: Maakah, Maacah, Maacath, and Maachach. In God’s Word, Maakah identifies people’s names and various locations in the Old Testament, depending on which Bible translation you choose. The woman in my August 2025 release, Noble: The Story of Maakah, is only mentioned twice in Scripture, both times defined as the “mother of Absalom” (2 Sam. 3:3; 1 Chron. 3:2). Just to make things a little more confusing, Absalom named his daughter, Maakah (2 Chron.11:20-21). Sheesh!

So, here are a few things we know of Maakah, King David’s Bride, from Scripture:

Maakah and Saul’s daughter, Michal, were David’s only royal wives (1 Samuel 15-18:18).Maakah was the daughter of King Talmai of Geshur, making her the only gentile (non-Israelite) who the Bible specifically states that David married (2 Samuel 3:3).Maakah’s son, Absalom, grew into a prince who tried to steal David’s throne. When Absalom’s coup failed, he escaped to his grandfather, Talmai, in Geshur for protection (2 Samuel 13:37).

These are the Truths of Scripture that we KNOW.

How Can Scripture Inspire Educated Common Sense?

Research into Jewish history, archaeology, and academic texts is valuable. I use the knowledge gained through those sources as blocks to build on the foundation of Scripture. I then use common sense to imagine how historical information can mold with the Truths in Scripture.

After all that synthesizing, I make educated fictional conclusions about who Maakah MIGHT HAVE been. In my August 2025 release, Noble: The Story of Maakah, y’all will meet the young princess. (CLICK HERE to check Baker Book House’s price.) Here’s the fictional character summary of where Maakah starts in the book:

She’s the sole heir of Geshur, and her only political value comes with a shrewd marriage. Unfortunately, she’s past her prime at twenty years old and has experienced two failed betrothals. Her parents have arranged a third betrothal, this one to the renegade warlord, David ben Jesse. “He’s not even royalty,” she protests but discovers that he’s more noble than any king.

The part that’s bolded and underlined is the transformation of her (fictional) character’s journey. Isn’t that why we read a book? To see the main character’s journey?

Common Sense Practice

Let’s do a little common sense practice on a part of Maakah’s life that’s not explored in NOBLE. If you have already read beyond the story of David’s reign in 2 Samuel 3, you may know that Maakah’s son, Absalom, tries to steal the throne from his father. (Boooo! 👿 ) How does that part of Scripture inform my fiction about Maakah’s life when she first interacts with David? How do her parents influence her as a young princess before and after she meets David?

Though it isn’t always true, children often grow up like their parents raised them. Was Absalom’s arrogance due to his mother’s princess days in Geshur? Was Absalom raised differently among King David’s sons even though he was the third-born? According to the Bible, after his coup failed Absalom fled.

Absalom fled and went to Talmai son of Ammihud, the king of Geshur. But King David mourned many days for his son. After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he stayed there three years. 2 Sam. 13:37–38

Why did Absalom choose Geshur? I find no definitive answer in Scripture and none in my historical search. My fictional guess is based on other Scripture (the Bible says Absalom killed his first-born brother to avenge his sister’s rape; 2 Sam. 13). I believe Absalom KNEW he’d be welcomed into his grandpa’s palace. How would he know that? Maybe Princess Maakah kept in touch with her parents all the years she was married to David.

One More Thing About The Princess

We know David was “ruddy and handsome,” and I get the impression from other Scriptures that he really liked pretty women (to his detriment). No doubt, Princess Maakah was also lovely. I describe her in the book as having long, dark, ringlets of hair that grew quickly and needed to be cut often because of its weight. Why? Because of this Scripture describing Absalom:

In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him. Whenever he cut the hair of his head—he used to cut his hair once a year because it became too heavy for him—he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels by the royal standard. 2 Samuel 14:25–26

In the coming months, I’ll share lots more about Noble: The Story of Maakah – Bk #2 in the KDB series. The first book, Brave: The Story of Ahinoam is available now and tells about the first two of King David’s Brides mentioned in 2 Samuel 3:1-2.

Keep In Touch!

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Tweet-a-blesWhat do we know about Princess Maakah, Davids only Gentile wife revealed in Scripture? #NOBLENovel #KingDavidsBridesAfter synthesizing biblical Truth and historical facts, lets practice some educated common sense about who Maakah might have been. #NOBLENovel #KingDavidsBridesHear more about NOBLE (King David Brides Bk #2) with monthly updates: exclusive insights, cover reveals, giveaways, and more! https://mesuandrews.com/#newsletter

I spent the majority of January’s blog post, distinguishing what was Truth, Fact, and Fiction in my award-winning debut novel, Love Amid the Ashes (LATA). I offered insights about the Truth, Fact, and Fiction in Love’s Sacred Song (LSS) in February’s newsletter. So, in today’s blog post, I’ll share fun tidbits about the story of the prophet Hosea and his marriage to Gomer–a prostitute–in Love In a Broken Vessel (LBV).

My March 3rd newsletter will include Truth, Fact, and Fiction from In the Shadow of Jezebel (ITSOJ). Click on any of the titles above to see each book’s individual page on my website where you’ll find study questions, sneak peeks, and other free stuff.

Here are a few insights about the Treasures of His Love series as a whole:Each book was written as a stand-alone novel so they can be read in any order.If you’d like to read the Treasures of His Love series in chronological biblical order (Because I’m an Amazon advertising affiliate, a small commission is earned when purchases are made using Amazon links below): Love Amid the Ashes – The Story of Job & Dinah (Job & Genesis 34, 36) Love’s Sacred Song – Solomon and his first true love (1 Kings & Song of Songs)In the Shadow of Jezebel – Queen Athaliah, High Priest Jehoiada, Jehosheba (2 Kings 11 & 2 Chronicles 22)Love In a Broken Vessel – Hosea & Gomer (Hosea & 2 Kings 15ff)Though these books don’t meet the literary criterion for love stories, every book includes romance. And, as the series title indicates, LOVE is the essence of every plot. Yes, you’ll see the journey of a man and woman’s earthly struggle to overcome obstacles and see their love triumph. Even more importantly, however, the Treasures of His Love series shows God’s unconditional love through every Old Testament Truth, historical Fact, and creative piece of Fiction.If you’d like to read the first two posts:

CLICK HERE to read Truth, Fact, & Fiction in Treasures of His Love – Part 1 (Love Amid the Ashes (LATA).

CLICK HERE to read Truth, Fact, & Fiction in Treasures of His Love – Part 2 (Love’s Sacred Song (LSS).

Book #3, Love In a Broken Vessel (LBV)Truth

The Bible tells us exactly the kings’ reigns during which Hosea prophesied.

The word of the Lord that came to Hosea son of Beeri during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and during the reign of Jeroboam son of Jehoash king of Israel. Hosea 1:1 (emphasis added)

Unfortunately, the timeframes of all five of those kings are difficult to pinpoint with 100% accuracy. That means we must rely on historical and scholarly opinions that I loosely label as “facts” (below).

Hosea married a prostitute named, Gomer.

Gomer’s unfaithfulness in their marriage was the way Hosea was to show Yahweh’s emotional devastation when Israel chose other gods instead of His love for them.

When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.” Hosea 1:2

I was on my face, grieving for Hosea–and sometimes for Gomer–so many times while writing this book.

Fact

Gerda Arendt, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Birth control may have been as common in the ancient world as it is today.

I learned waaaaay more than I wanted to know about ancient contraceptives, miscarriages, and abortions while researching this book.

According to an article I discovered on JSTOR, “Ever Since Eve…Birth Control in the Ancient World,” giant fennel was the best but most expensive herb to prevent or terminate a pregnancy.

Wild Carrot (or more commonly known as “Queen Anne’s Lace,” (pictured) was the most affordable herb–thus, most used to both prevent and terminate pregnancy. They used the wild seeds in drinking water beforehand or chewing the dry seeds immediately after.

Other plants used as contraceptives/abortives: pennyroyal, artemisia, myrrh, rue, willow, and date palm. (Archeology – March/April 1994 by John M. Riddle, J. Worth Estes, and Josiah C. Russel; pp.29-35)

Kings, Prophets, and a Divided Israel–Whew!

As I mentioned in the Truth section above, the Hosea testifies to his prophetic ministry during the reign of several kings. Unfortunately, research and scholars vary widely on the timeline of each king’s reign and give only a few mentions of which prophets were active during a particular king’s rule.

With so many differing expert opinions, I needed to stick with one source (NIV Study Bible) and ignore the rest. Otherwise, I’d still be researching this book! I always gain new insights for the story when I do timelines. With this one, I realized Jonah would have still been alive when Hosea and Gomer were children! CLICK HERE to see my Chart of prophets and kings.

Gotta Love Those Figs!

I also loved researching fig growing (CLICK HERE to see a shortened version of that research). There were so many spiritually applicable concepts with fig-growing truths. Here’s one of the many videos I’ve appreciated. See if any spiritual truths jump out at you!

Once again, I was able to use those truths in my 2024 release: Bk #1 of King David’s Brides, Brave: The Story of Ahinoam.

Fiction

Like Love’s Sacred Song, Love In a Broken Vessel doesn’t have a lot of historical or biblical narrative to gather a chronological story. I needed to use clues from the prophetic text and poetry to glean ideas with which to write a fictional account about how Hosea and Gomer’s MIGHT HAVE marriage progressed with each year and with each child named in the beginning of the book.

So [Hosea] married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. Hosea 1:3 (emphasis added)

It seems clear that the first child was Hosea’s, but what about the other two?

Gomer conceived again and gave birth to a daughter. Then the Lord said to Hosea, “Call her Lo-Ruhamah (which means “not loved”), for I will no longer show love to Israel, that I should at all forgive them”…After she had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, Gomer had another son. Then the Lord said, “Call him Lo-Ammi (which means “not my people”), for you are not my people, and I am not your God.” Hosea 1:6, 8 (emphasis added)

Gomer “conceived again,” but it doesn’t say Hosea had anything to do with it. If she was unfaithful (as Scripture says she was in her illustrated by Israel’s adultery), Hosea and Gomer likely didn’t know whose child she was. The third child–a son–seems to definitely not be Hosea’s child, from the name God gave Hosea: not my people. It’s unbearably sad that a little boy would be marked by such a label, isn’t it? But read the end of the book–either one, Love In a Broken Vessel or the Book of Hosea. There’s always redemption when Yahweh guides the pen!

3/10/25 Newsletter: Book #4, In the Shadow of Jezebel (ITSOJ)

If you’d like to know what’s Truth, Fact, and Fiction in the final novel of the Treasures of His Love series, I hope you’ll subscribe to my monthly updates and become one of my cherished Newsies! CLICK HERE for a peek at my January Newsie update (usually shared EXCLUSIVELY with my Newsie friends).

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Please leave a comment below if you have questions–or email me directly at mesu@mesuandrews.com. Happy reading!

Many of you already know that my writing career didn’t begin with fiction. I started writing Bible studies and devotionals, but–like many other non-fiction hopefuls–no traditional publisher would contract them. Why? Because I didn’t have what the industry calls a “platform.” I wasn’t a recognized expert who could sell lots of “expert-opinion” books. I really only wanted to sell one book–a Bible study on Song of Songs. The Bible study was based on an allegory (story) that I believe the LORD showed me in the poetic masterpiece of Solomon’s Song of Songs. No one wanted a Bible study based on fiction. So why not teach biblical truth through a full-length novel?

Didn’t Jesus do that with His parables?

I started digging into stacks and stacks of research books at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) in the early 2000’s. To write fiction about God’s Truth, I needed to understand what scholars taught about the Bible. To write believable fiction, I needed solid, historical facts about biblical culture, archaeology, and rabbinic tradition. While my husband pursued his PhD in education, I visited the TEDS library.

My husband’s gift of access to the library became a second gift from the One who had proven His love through Solomon’s best Song. Through the years, the LORD had opened doors to other university and scholar-level libraries (check for “community access” to university libraries in your area). On this research journey, I’ve learned from trial and error, patient research librarians, and through hours/days/weeks/years of God-driven fascination.

How Did Treasures of His Love Get Published?

In 2008, I attended my first fiction intensive course at Mt. Hermon Writer’s Conference. Gayle Roper was my teacher and will forever be revered as my publishing mama. She saw the ugliest of my first efforts at fiction and lovingly covered that first draft with red ink AND encouragement.

At the same conference, a very brave editor from Revell (A Division of Baker Publishing Group) was looking for biblical fiction. No other trad house was publishing “bibfic” at the time. Guess how many wannabe authors brought a bibfic proposal to that conference. One–me. TRUTH. She looked at her only option and said, “You’ve definitely got some craft issues, but I think you can tell a story.” JESUS alone provided a publishing open door for me. I still couldn’t write a Facebook post without Him!

Gayle helped me clean up some craft issues, and Revell offered me a two-book contract. Why two books? We’ve established it wasn’t my stellar writing. Remember that brave editor? Vicki–who had a PhD in theology (thank You, Jesus!)–said Revell needed to wait to release my Song of Songs novel until 2012. So, they wanted me to write a second novel to release first–in 2011–and they allowed me to choose Job and Dinah as the topic. The rest, as they say, is history. 😉

How Did the Series Get Its Name?

Fact: The Treasures of His Love series wasn’t a series until Christianbook.com put all four books on sale in a bundle! They coined the name, “Treasures of His Love,” and my publisher loved it! You know the first two novels in the series as Love Amid the Ashes (LATA) and Love’s Sacred Song (LSS). The third novel, Love in a Broken Vessel (LBV), came in 2013, and the fourth and final, In the Shadow of Jezebel (ITSOJ), launched in 2014.

Why Is ITSOJ’s Cover So Different?

Fact: I shared in a social media post about our cover process on LATA (see FB post HERE and IG post HERE). After mediocre retailer feedback on the first cover, Revell totally changed the cover to the stunning bi-panel for my award-winning debut novel. However, by the third bi-panel cover in the series, I think the design team got tired of the same ol’ thing.

For a new look on book #4 they chose a beautiful young woman with Yahweh’s Temple as background. Though understated and simple, the ITSOJ cover has a special place in my heart. Why? Because the model’s father emailed me personally to thank me for choosing his daughter for my cover! How fun is that? I explained that I had nothing to do with choosing the model, but he was still very excited. I hope they read the book! 😉

What’s Truth, Fact, & Fiction in LATA?Truth:

Love Amid the Ashes will always be special as my debut novel but also because it helped me work through the emotions of my own chronic illness journey. As I researched the names of Job’s friends–Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad–I found Eliphaz mentioned in Genesis as Esau’s firstborn son. Some scholars believe the ancient variations of Zophar (Zepho – Gen. 36:11, 15) and Job (Jobab – Gen. 36:33-34) also gave biblical proof that they, too, were Esau’s descendants.

These are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz, the son of Esau’s wife Adah, and Reuel, the son of Esau’s wife Basemath. The sons of Eliphaz: Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam and Kenaz…The sons of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. These were grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath…When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah succeeded him as king. Genesis 36:10–11, 13; 33 (emphasis added)

Fact:

Since the Book of Job was contemporary with the time of the Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), it was likely written during the same period as the Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy). Some thought Moses might also have written the book of Job. We can’t consider it biblical Truth but it’s as close to agreeing on historical “fact” as scholars get.

I took many historical insights for the story of LATA out of The Testament of Job (ToJob). The ToJob is a Jewish historical writing thought to have been penned between the 1st-century BC and AD. It’s included in the Pseudepigrapha, which is a compilation of Jewish historical writings. Both texts have been debated for centuries about their authenticity, which is why they’re relegated to history and not included in Scripture.

While doing research on a Book of the Bible dating back to the 19th-20th century BC, it’s very difficult to find definitive facts on record. Most historical data at that time was maintained through the oral tradition, including word-for-word details passed down through song. If you want to know how accurate they might have been, ask your grandmother to sing, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” or “Happy Birthday.” Songs are easily memorized and last for generations!

However, the ToJob was very helpful to find clues to help me understand what Job’s culture, household, and surrounding political environment might have been like. Though I looked only to Job’s Book in the Bible for Truth, I found the one thing I MOST wanted to discover in ToJob. The name of Job’s wife–Sitis! According to history, she was an Ishmaelite and might have been related to Bildad–Job’s third friend.

If you’d like to delve deeper, CLICK HERE to read The Testament of Job for yourself!

Fiction:

The hoopoe bird was, of course, a fictional element added during my final critique session with my two writing partners. They wanted to see a symbol in the story and helped me create deeper meaning with that cute little hoopoe bird. I’m so grateful for their insight.

Nogalah, though completely fictional, became my favorite character. She started as only Dinah’s maid but sort of stole the show with her naivety and simple faith. Aban was similar, beginning as the villain’s henchman but wiggling his way into my heart as the story progressed.

The Truth Through Story:

Before Job’s testing began:

He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. Job 1:2–3 (emphasis added)

After Job was tested and healed, God returned to him in double portion all that had been taken from him:

The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. And he also had seven sons and three daughters. Job 42:12–13 (emphasis added)

The Bible doesn’t tell us if his original wife gave him ten more children. Some scholars believe Job married a second wife. Just as all his livestock was doubled after Job passed the test, so were his children. He only needed ten MORE children since the first ten were awaiting him at Abraham’s side. Wouldn’t the same reasoning make sense for a wife. The first wife likely wouldn’t bear children into old age. Why wouldn’t the LORD bless him with a second wife who gave him those ten additional children that Job enjoyed for the next 140 years God gave him?

Want To Read More Truth, Fact, & Fiction?

This post is already quite long, so I’ll finish the Truth, Fact, & Fiction about the other three Treasures of His Love series in my February 10th newsletter update. CLICK HERE if you’d like to receive the Truth, Fact, and Fiction, about Love’s Sacred Song, Love in a Broken Vessel, and In The Shadow of Jezebel directly in your inbox. When you subscribe, you’ll also receive a free novella, and you can unsubscribe any time. Becoming one of my “newsies” ensures you’ll get all the updates on current writing projects, exclusive giveaways, and more insights into my personal and writing adventures. Blessings on your week!

Tweet-Ables:Did you know when I started writing, I only planned to write ONE BOOK in my whole life?Did you know that Job may have been Esaus great-grandson? Find out more in todays post!Look for MORE Truth, Fact, & Fiction about my Treasures of His Love series in my February 10th Newsie update. Subscribe today and get a free novella!

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