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Isaiah's Daughter: A Novel of Prophets and Kings by Mesu Andrews - What an honor it's been for me to be able to read this advanced copy of Mesu Andrews' latest novel, which releases on January 16th! I've read previous novels by Andrews, and love how she brings the lesser known characters of the Scriptures to life in dramatic but realistic ways. In Isaiah's Daughter, we get to know another woman of the Bible who is mentioned only briefly - as the mother of King Hezekiah's successor. In her author's note, Andrews says she became interested in Hephzibah because of the meaning of her name (which is "God's delight is in her") and because she was the wife of Judah's most righteous king but the mother of Judah's most wicked king.
by Mesu Andrews - What an honor it's been for me to be able to read this advanced copy of Mesu Andrews' latest novel, which releases on January 16th! I've read previous novels by Andrews, and love how she brings the lesser known characters of the Scriptures to life in dramatic but realistic ways. In Isaiah's Daughter, we get to know another woman of the Bible who is mentioned only briefly - as the mother of King Hezekiah's successor. In her author's note, Andrews says she became interested in Hephzibah because of the meaning of her name (which is "God's delight is in her") and because she was the wife of Judah's most righteous king but the mother of Judah's most wicked king.
The fictional story surrounding this obscure woman is that she was orphaned as a little girl when the Assyrians attached Israel and was eventually taken in by the prophet Isaiah and his wife. Her trauma had rendered her mute, but as she and King Ahaz's son Hezekiah became friends, Hephzibah was able to speak again and she helped Hezekiah overcome the trauma of his brother's death as a sacrifice to Molech. The friendship turned into love, and Isaiah adopted Hephzibah as his daughter so that she would have the standing to be married to Hezekiah. Their love must overcome many more odds before they can even be married, and they face great challenges afterwards as well. Hezekiah is determined to turn the nation back to worshiping the one true God after the idolatry of his father, and later on he is faced with difficult decisions such as whether to continue to pay tribute to the Assyrians. Hephzibah is often frightened and confused, and sometimes disagrees with her husband, but overall she proves herself a wise counselor and a faithful wife.
Although a sweeping romantic historical novel with a beautiful love story, this story also has much to teach us. The over-arching theme is to trust God and his Word, to stand firm and steadfast in believing that God is in control and that he is good, even when the world around us is chaos and confusion. All of the major characters - even the great prophet Isaiah himself! - must struggle with humility and trust at some point in the story.
From the publisher:
In this epic Biblical narrative, ideal for fans of The Bible miniseries, a young woman taken into the prophet Isaiah's household rises to capture the heart of the future king.
Isaiah adopts Ishma, giving her a new name -- Zibah, delight of the Lord -- thereby ensuring her royal pedigree. Ishma came to the prophet's home, devastated after watching her family destroyed and living as a captive. But as the years pass, Zibah's lively spirit wins Prince Hezekiah's favor, a boy determined to rebuild the kingdom his father has nearly destroyed. But loving this man will awake in her all the fears and pain of her past and she must turn to the only One who can give life, calm her fears, and deliver a nation.
Isaiah's Daughter is scheduled to be released on January 16th, but can be pre-ordered at Amazon.
I received this book from Mesu Andrews and Waterbrook Press, a division of Penguin Random House, in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book from Mesu Andrews and Waterbrook Press, a division of Penguin Random House, in exchange for an honest review.
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