Brave

The Story of Ahinoam (King David’s Brides, Book 1)

By: Mesu Andrews

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

"The Old Testament stories of David come to vibrant life in Brave. . . . Wonderful!" -Angela Hunt, Christy Award-winning author of The Emissaries

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam—a dagger-wielding Kenite woman—flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

©2024 Mesu Andrews (P)2024 Tantor

the consistent faithfulness of God!

I enjoyed the entire book. If gave a different view, though fiction it gives insight in the lives and battles that wage in us even today.

The characters

The narrators voice is terrible and hard to distinguish when switching from a woman’s voice to a man’s

thank you God for this wonderful book

this book should have been made a movie love the outline love the rider how she put everything together thank you to the speaker thank you very much beautiful God bless this book I pray that they can make it a movie,

Plot

Book was lovely. I love the story of David wives and this telling is perfect

A new perspective on David’s 1st wife

I always appreciate historical fiction that gives me enough historical evidence to support consideration of a whole new perspective on a Biblical character

Story of relationships under God

Only with the guidance of God can some relationships heal or even be- beautify written.

Accurate representation

Mesu Andrews is an anointed writer. She moves us into our Holy Bible with awe and grace.

Loved the heroine!

Mesu always writes deep believable characters and Nomi is no exception! She is warrior, yet 100% relatable with her insecurities and faith struggles. I love also how the story of her relationship with king David brought out so clearly the challenges of living on the run from king Saul. The side characters were also interesting… the story moved along- always referencing parts we know from the scripture… David cutting off a corner of Saul’s robe… his baggage with Michal and more. I look forward to the rest of the series.

Ahinoam

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to a story about Ahinoam, David’s second wife. I cannot imagine how difficult life would have been like for her living as a fugitive with David and his men and then he married again several times. I would have enjoyed it more if the story was condensed a little.

Not for Audible, Buy on Kindle

Don't recommend this book as an Audible download. The voice of the narrator gets too close to the mic and becomes very, sharply loud. [Volume down] Narrator changes character to a male figure and moves back from mic. [Volume up] Made it, barely, to chapter 2 before shutting it off as I couldn't manage during rush hour.

I listen to Audible with my long commutes and could not with this book. Never experienced that before.

I love Mesu Andrews. Sure would have loved professional sound mixing and better narration.