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The Edge of Promise: Short Story Collection
Though known mostly for her full-length biblical novels, Mesu Andrews also enjoys writing biblical short stories. The Edge of Promise is a compilation of three shorter tales dealing with the period of time after Israel’s Exodus from Egypt and before their occupation of the Promised Land. Though this is sometimes referred to as the “wilderness wanderings,” Mesu puts her creative mind to “wondering” what life might have been like for ordinary people who lived in the shadows of the extraordinary biblical characters—Aaron, Moses, and Rahab.
Aaron’s Wife has been angry and afraid for as long as she can remember. Why did God have to choose her men to serve as His priests? Is it possible for her to intervene on their behalf and perhaps keep them safe? If she were to register her complaint to God directly (is that even possible?) would He hear her? Elisheba is teetering on the edge of faith.
Life for The Shepherd Boy is just plain unfair. Why won’t his family consider him a man instead of a boy? What difference does his age make when compared with his ability? And how could a mere boy feel such passion when he’s near his childhood shepherdess friend? Lemuel is perched on the edge of manhood and love.
Rahab’s Sister has always been a victim of circumstance. Why does she have to live in the obscurity of her “famous” older sister? What is it about the men of Jericho and the gods they serve that leaves them all so bleak? Is it possible to live differently, like the strange people encircling her city? Gera is hovering on the edge of hope.
Aaron’s Wife has been angry and afraid for as long as she can remember. Why did God have to choose her men to serve as His priests? Is it possible for her to intervene on their behalf and perhaps keep them safe? If she were to register her complaint to God directly (is that even possible?) would He hear her? Elisheba is teetering on the edge of faith.
Life for The Shepherd Boy is just plain unfair. Why won’t his family consider him a man instead of a boy? What difference does his age make when compared with his ability? And how could a mere boy feel such passion when he’s near his childhood shepherdess friend? Lemuel is perched on the edge of manhood and love.
Rahab’s Sister has always been a victim of circumstance. Why does she have to live in the obscurity of her “famous” older sister? What is it about the men of Jericho and the gods they serve that leaves them all so bleak? Is it possible to live differently, like the strange people encircling her city? Gera is hovering on the edge of hope.
132 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2023
70 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Mesu Andrews
36 books1,890 followersMESU ANDREWS is the Christy Award-winning author of Isaiah’s Daughter whose deep understanding of and love for God’s Word brings the biblical world alive for readers. Andrews lives in North Carolina with her husband Roy. She stays connected with readers through newsie emails, fun blog posts, and frequent short stories. For more information, visitMesuAndrews.com.
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
Her first novel, Love Amid the Ashes (Revell, 2011, the story of Job) won the 2012 ECPA Book of the Year for a Debut Author. Love’s Sacred Song (Revell, 2012) relates the poetic Song of Solomon in story form, and Love in a Broken Vessel(Revell, 2013) sets the story of Hosea and Gomer in biblical Israel. In the Shadow of Jezebel (Revell, 2014) displays God's sovereignty over Jezebel's daughter, Queen Athaliah. The Pharaoh's Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2015), unveils Moses' early years, and Miriam (2016) introduces Yahweh's prophetess during the ten plagues and the Exodus. Isaiah’s Daughter (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2018) introduces readers to the prophet Isaiah's captivating daughter, and its sequel, Isaiah's Legacy (Waterbrook/Multnomah, 2020) , provides the redemptive end to her life and her son Manasseh's reign. To follow Yahweh's progression toward the Messiah, By the Waters of Babylon (August 2018) continues the story of the prophets and kings through the exile, and Of Fire and Lions (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2019) tells Daniel's compelling story. And The Reluctant Rival: Leah's Story tells of Leah, Jacob's neglected wife, and how God used her to change the course of history. And when Joseph's brothers sell him into a life of slavery in Egypt, Jacob's favorite son encounters one of the Bible's most infamous bad girls in, Potiphar's Wife (Waterbrook/Multnomah 2022).
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 8, 2024
I really enjoyed these stories! I have a soft spot for the little-mentioned people in the Bible, so seeing some of them fleshed out was great. A couple of content things in the Rahab story knocked it down a star, but I still really enjoyed this collection!
September 28, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed these short stories set during the time the Israelites wandered in the wilderness. Mesu Andrews research and her creative fictional stories spin the what-ifs, filling in the Biblical accounts with what might have happened. Whether it is with Aaron's wife, a young shepherd boy or a member of Rahab's family. Even though these are short stories, there is character growth as each faces an important event and discovers truths on their own personal faith journey, trusting in God and looking ahead to the fulfillment of His promises.
I have found Mesu Andrews to be a wonderful author of Biblical fiction, one who does not change the truths of the Bible but uses her imagination to allow readers to be encouraged to take a closer look at these stories in the Bible and find a truth that is relevant today as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I have found Mesu Andrews to be a wonderful author of Biblical fiction, one who does not change the truths of the Bible but uses her imagination to allow readers to be encouraged to take a closer look at these stories in the Bible and find a truth that is relevant today as well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 5, 2023
I have read many books by Mesu Andrews and believe she is one of the most gifted Biblical Fiction writers on the market today. That being said, after reading her latest release, “The Edge of Promise,” I can assure you she is just as talented in writing short stories as she is in full length novels!
“The Edge of Promise” offers readers a collection of three stories set in the Old Testament; one about Aaron’s wife, one about a shepherd during the time of Israel’s Exodus wanderings and one about Rahab’s sister. What I loved about these stories was the setting. The first two were during that in between time after Israel’s Exodus and before they came into Canaan. I have often wondered what days and years were like out there in the desert, watching manna fall and erecting a tabernacle. The story about Aaron’s wife and the shepherd lends some imagination in that area…and I loved it!
I was also impressed by the theme’s woven into these stories that were just a few chapters long. In the first short story, Aaron’s wife was pictured as struggling with the weight of being the spouse to someone in leadership. Wow. Though it is easy to talk about your pastor’s wife needing support today, I had never thought of how those same struggles would have been felt by those in Bible times as well. Whether this was actually Aaron’s wife's true disposition or not, it was a great little story reminding us of the struggle that can come with when family is called by God to the ministry and how surrender to the Lord is the only path to peace.
The second story, “The Shepherd Boy,” was at times humorous to me but also intriguing. I loved how Andrews incorporated Moses and the daughters of Zelophehad into the story. And Rahab’s sister…oh! I have seen Rahab’s story spun a thousand different ways but the viewpoint from her sister was a delightful twist on a familiar story.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this collection! Short and sweet, but also challenging and filled with truth. And…altogether just over 100 pages, it’s a really good read for if you’re stuck in a reading rut. :-)
“The Edge of Promise” offers readers a collection of three stories set in the Old Testament; one about Aaron’s wife, one about a shepherd during the time of Israel’s Exodus wanderings and one about Rahab’s sister. What I loved about these stories was the setting. The first two were during that in between time after Israel’s Exodus and before they came into Canaan. I have often wondered what days and years were like out there in the desert, watching manna fall and erecting a tabernacle. The story about Aaron’s wife and the shepherd lends some imagination in that area…and I loved it!
I was also impressed by the theme’s woven into these stories that were just a few chapters long. In the first short story, Aaron’s wife was pictured as struggling with the weight of being the spouse to someone in leadership. Wow. Though it is easy to talk about your pastor’s wife needing support today, I had never thought of how those same struggles would have been felt by those in Bible times as well. Whether this was actually Aaron’s wife's true disposition or not, it was a great little story reminding us of the struggle that can come with when family is called by God to the ministry and how surrender to the Lord is the only path to peace.
The second story, “The Shepherd Boy,” was at times humorous to me but also intriguing. I loved how Andrews incorporated Moses and the daughters of Zelophehad into the story. And Rahab’s sister…oh! I have seen Rahab’s story spun a thousand different ways but the viewpoint from her sister was a delightful twist on a familiar story.
In conclusion, I would highly recommend this collection! Short and sweet, but also challenging and filled with truth. And…altogether just over 100 pages, it’s a really good read for if you’re stuck in a reading rut. :-)
November 5, 2023
I loved these stories
I love historical, biblical fiction. It allows me to better imagine the actual people in the Bible as real people. It is so easy to just read through their stories as if they are simply stories void of living, breathing, emotional people. These were children, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, cousins, neighbors, and friends.
I loved their fictional lives because they reveal possibilities I never imagined.
I love historical, biblical fiction. It allows me to better imagine the actual people in the Bible as real people. It is so easy to just read through their stories as if they are simply stories void of living, breathing, emotional people. These were children, sisters, brothers, mothers, fathers, cousins, neighbors, and friends.
I loved their fictional lives because they reveal possibilities I never imagined.
October 17, 2023
Research makes the stories
I so appreciate the research Mesu puts into her writing. I always like to envision the Bible and while her stories are fictional they are based on the research. My favorite of the three was Rahab's sister.
I so appreciate the research Mesu puts into her writing. I always like to envision the Bible and while her stories are fictional they are based on the research. My favorite of the three was Rahab's sister.
October 10, 2023
Great read and true to the Bible.
October 10, 2023
These are enjoyable short stories where history and fiction meet. This brings out the humanity of people who sometimes are just names.
October 11, 2023
This is one of my favorite collections of short stories by Mesu Andrews. It features the story of Aaron’s wife, Elisheba, a shepherd boy who accompanies Moses up the mountain to die, and Rehab’s younger sister. All the stories offer a unique perspective on these pivotal events in Biblical history. What did Aaron’s wife feel when her husband was chosen to be high priest? What did she experience when her sons were killed? What were Moses’ last moments like? What did Rahab’s family think of their rescue? The story I adore the most is that of Elisheba. I still want it to become a full length novel. These stories are an absolute delight.
October 4, 2023
Mesu Andrews has once again given us a glimpse into life in ancient Israel with this collection of three short stories. Her stories are always full of Biblical truth, interesting characters, and a journey of faith as her characters learn about the love and faithfulness of God.
Who was Elisheba and why was she cranky? She was the wife of Aaron and bore him four sons. Even though she is only mentioned one time in the Bible, Ms. Andrews has given her life and a story. It very much touches on the heart and protectiveness of a mother.
Lemuel is one of Ms. Andrews’ fictional characters in this collection. He is a shepherd boy and meets Moses while grazing his sheep. The story follows Lemuel and his family as the Israelites come near to the end of their 40-year journey in the wilderness. Wonderful story.
How would it have been to be a sister of Rahab who was a prostitute and a betrayer of her people who was rescued by Hebrews? Gera is a fascinating character and I am so glad Ms. Andrews gave her life and a story.
Who was Elisheba and why was she cranky? She was the wife of Aaron and bore him four sons. Even though she is only mentioned one time in the Bible, Ms. Andrews has given her life and a story. It very much touches on the heart and protectiveness of a mother.
Lemuel is one of Ms. Andrews’ fictional characters in this collection. He is a shepherd boy and meets Moses while grazing his sheep. The story follows Lemuel and his family as the Israelites come near to the end of their 40-year journey in the wilderness. Wonderful story.
How would it have been to be a sister of Rahab who was a prostitute and a betrayer of her people who was rescued by Hebrews? Gera is a fascinating character and I am so glad Ms. Andrews gave her life and a story.
January 19, 2024
Having written many nonfiction self-published books, at the tail end of last year I decided to try two new things, writing a novel and seeking a publisher. I completed the novel, a work of biblical fiction, and sent it out to a publisher I met at a writer's conference. Sadly my book was declined, but something great happened. The editor gave me some helpful feedback and recommended a few authors I should read, to get a better grasp on the genre. One of those was Mesu Andrews.
When I saw she had a collection of short stories available, I decided this was a good place to dive in to her work, and it was. This book holds three short stories based around the Israelites taking the promised land. Reading these stories was like being an eye witness to the true stories of the Bible through the eyes of Ms. Andrews' characters. The stories are warm and human, true to the Word, and the fictional elements succeed at helping one understand what it may have been like to live in these events. The book is thoroughly enjoyable and I highly recommend it.
When I saw she had a collection of short stories available, I decided this was a good place to dive in to her work, and it was. This book holds three short stories based around the Israelites taking the promised land. Reading these stories was like being an eye witness to the true stories of the Bible through the eyes of Ms. Andrews' characters. The stories are warm and human, true to the Word, and the fictional elements succeed at helping one understand what it may have been like to live in these events. The book is thoroughly enjoyable and I highly recommend it.
July 23, 2025
I am always blessed when I read Mesu’s books. Her short stories reminded of how in every story of the Bible the Lord reveals Himself to be the great I am.
With Aaron’s wife we saw the struggle of trusting God thru fear. Of having to come to the understanding that His ways are better than ours, always!
In the shepherd boy we are reminded of the power of obedience. Being obedient to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, to our creator. To understand that His calling over our lives will always be greater than the plans we create for ourselves.
Rahab’s sister had a choice to make. Does she follow Yahweh and have eternal life with Him. Or does she continue to live the only life she has known of sin.
Throughout every story one thing is clear the greatest decision we could ever make is to surrender our lives to Christ. Live in obedience to His word and His way!
Praise the Lord always!
5⭐️
With Aaron’s wife we saw the struggle of trusting God thru fear. Of having to come to the understanding that His ways are better than ours, always!
In the shepherd boy we are reminded of the power of obedience. Being obedient to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings, to our creator. To understand that His calling over our lives will always be greater than the plans we create for ourselves.
Rahab’s sister had a choice to make. Does she follow Yahweh and have eternal life with Him. Or does she continue to live the only life she has known of sin.
Throughout every story one thing is clear the greatest decision we could ever make is to surrender our lives to Christ. Live in obedience to His word and His way!
Praise the Lord always!
5⭐️
January 23, 2024
I read Edge of Promise during the same week I read Exodus, and Mesu Andrews’s short stories brought the scenes to life! Great story-telling and plausible characters. I never would have put Aaron, the death of Moses, and Rahab together in my mind, but these stories all took place in the same part of Israel’s history. The author met her goal: crafting everyday characters who draw closer to God through life’s circumstances. Recommended reading!
November 10, 2023
I love reading anything Mesu write's. She helps us see ourselves in the person she is writing about. I hope she continues with these short stories. They are great when you do not have time for a long book.
November 25, 2023
I love the insights I get from reading her stories. They are a fresh look at Bible people and situations that help us rethink what we know, while they stay true to scripture. I enjoy her books and stories.
October 25, 2023
Good collection of three short stories based upon Biblical passages.
December 6, 2023
I love the, “behind the scenes,” look at the Bible.
July 13, 2024
I didn’t want the stories to end!
I love these little faith storing stories. They bring new life to the Old Testament and cause my faith to grow.
I love these little faith storing stories. They bring new life to the Old Testament and cause my faith to grow.
October 15, 2025
Such beautiful short stories!
Thank you Mesu for another great book. So hard to put down I am just sorry that there are no more of your books like this to read.
Thank you Mesu for another great book. So hard to put down I am just sorry that there are no more of your books like this to read.
November 7, 2023
Author Mesu Andrews’ attention to detail, meticulous research combined with her knowledge of the Bible make these three short stories come to life. Three stories showcase three extraordinary Biblical characters, Aaron, Moses, and Rahab. A great read!
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