As I frequently tell my fifth- and sixth- grade "church kids," there are some real barn-burner stories buried in those Old Testament books--you've just got to do a little digging. Mesu Andrews dug well and added plausible, well-researched details to one of my favorites. Queen Athaliah (Jezebel Junior) was a bad'un!

At first, I had trouble straightening up the reins, as the author uses multiple diminutives for the major players. But once I figured out who was whom, it was a great ride!

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Confession: I have never loved reading the Old Testament. History is not my thing and it's always kind of seemed like a dry old history book.

I love reading people's stories though.

In The Shadow of Jezebel brings life to an Old Testament story I'd breezed over. Mesu Andrews has a gift for story telling that accentuates what is already there by engaging the imagination. She paints beautiful, detailed pictures of Biblical lives and times that make me want to dig into the Old Testament Scriptures and remind me of the beauty and wonder that is within.

I am always impressed by the extensive research Mesu obviously does for each book. I've read all of her books voraciously cover to cover. In the Shadow of Jezebel is no different. I couldn't wait to get my hands on it and once I did I could not put it down.

We all need to be reminded how much God loves us and how He gently pursues us. We need to remember the strength we have in and through Him to be people of destiny, to change the landscape of the world we live in. We need to remember that our past doesn't define us, God's grace does. ( )

Audiobook Review

This Biblical fiction story, focusing on the life of Sheba, is a beautiful display of God’s love and redemption.

Sheba (Jehosheba) is an interesting character with so much depth. Her internal scars have shaped her and my heart went out to her. Jehoiada is also a flawed character who is unpretentious and easy to connect with. His love was palpable and stirring. And Athaliah is an unforgettable character as well. She is a harsh and corrupt queen, adding layers of disruption and uncertainty to the story.

In the Shadow of Jezebel gives me a better understanding of the Old Testament customs and trials and encourages and inspires me. The amount of research and care put into this story is evident, and so appreciated.

Audio Narration: Lisa Larson’s voice is crisp and pleasant, and I wasn’t distracted by the fluctuating tones used for varying characters.

Audio Production Quality: The production quality oof this audiobook is clear with no distracting noises.

Overall Opinion: In the Shadow of Jezebel is a fitting title, sharing an emotional and consequential story during Old Testament times. I appreciate the strong themes and historical significance this audio version shares. As with all of Ms. Andrews’ stories, I enjoyed it immensely.

Dɪsᴄʟᴏsᴜʀᴇ: I ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄᴏᴍᴘʟɪᴍᴇɴᴛᴀʀʏ ᴄᴏᴘʏ ᴏғ ᴛʜɪs ʙᴏᴏᴋ. Mʏ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ᴡᴀs ɴᴏᴛ ɪɴғʟᴜᴇɴᴄᴇᴅ. ( )

Mesu Andrews is one of the top authors writing Biblical fiction today. With impeccable research, she places readers in the place and time of her stories. In the Shadow of Jezebel is no exception with descriptions of feasts, palace life, the Temple, and the cities.

But what this book is really about is Sheba (Jehosheba), the granddaughter of Jezebel. Sheba’s future is decided for her by the women in her family, but God’s plan is bigger. As Sheba’s husband (Yahweh’s high priest) teaches her about the only true God, she learns of the love of a jealous God and will fight to protect those she loves at all costs.

In the Shadow of Jezebel is a reminder that manipulation and cruelty in politics aren’t something new. But through it all, God’s hand is on His chosen people, that his promises remain as true today as they did in Old Testament times.

With Narrator Lisa Larsen reads the audiobook with a steady and relatable voice to pull listeners into a story of intrigue, danger, love, and faith.

Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own. ( )