In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews

There were several times in the book where the story could have progressed and given you a glimpse “into the bedroom”, so to speak, but Mesu kept it very appropriate and didn’t delve into any of that. One thing I really appreciate about Mesu and her writing is that her books to not focus so much on the physical intimacy side of a relationship, as many Christian writers do today. But as the reader, you got to watch them grow, learn how to live with an imperfect person, and mature in their marriage. They didn’t have a perfect marriage - in fact, it was pretty rocky for a while. It made these two characters very life-like and three dimensional. I thought it was neat that Jehoiada wasn’t the ‘perfect suitor’ - he was much older than Sheba, was a long-time bachelor with many old habits, and had a couple of shortcomings he had to deal with. Because of her past, she had so many facets to her, you discovered them along with Jehoiada after the two are wed.

Sheba was a very complex, deep character. Mesu did a wonderful job of showing how deeply Athaliah had affected and controlled Sheba - and the long, painful journey Yahweh and Jehoiada walked through with her to undo the evil vines and thorns that were growing on her spirit and threatening to choke out her life. I can’t imagine growing up the way she did - the only ‘motherly influence’ she ever knew was someone who used her cruelty and power as a tool to control her. It didn’t take me long to get wrapped up in the dangers and intrigue of Jehosheba’s world - or better known as ‘Sheba’. She has such a beautiful way of presenting a character’s story and I love how they always point towards and end with showing the power and mercy of Yahweh. I’ve read all but one of the books Mesu Andrew’s has published so far and with each one I’ve closed the book feeling so impressed with her work.

In the Shadow of Jezebel by Mesu Andrews